I'm trying a new recipe tomorrow. It has mangoes and something called jicama. Have you ever heard of that? If you've ever watched the Food Network, you've probably seen someone use it at one time or another. I remember seeing it used on Chopped. This is the first recipe I've seen and attempted to make that has jicama. I'm looking forward to tasting the salsa after discovering last weekend that mangoes actually tasted good. It's amazing the foods that actually taste good, even though you've convinced yourself you hate them, solely based on never having tasted them! So I found out that I kinda like mangoes. I don't think I would just buy one and eat it, just because I was craving it...but I've found a new fruit I like! I think I hate guava....and that is because I think I've actually tried that. Maybe. I can't remember. I'm skeptical of jicama, again having never tasted it. I just assume I hate it. Plus it's a root. Who eats roots??? Though ginger is technically a root too isn't it? And people eat that.
I'm like that with pretty much every vegetable too, as far as living under the assumption that I hate it if I've never tried it. I tolerate green beans, frozen/fresh peas (i.e. NOT COOKED), corn (which really isn't a vegetable even though it's classified as one). I'll eat carrots and broccoli raw. I think I tried asparagus once. I don't think I hated it, but the texture bothered me. Are potatoes vegetables? I'll eat those. I tolerate green peppers chopped up very small in my salad or pizza. Let's see...I think that's it. Oh, I do like spaghetti squash too. That one was a pleasant surprise.
I've been on the new muscle relaxer for almost two weeks now. Overall it has really improved my sleep. I think last night I actually slept from 11:30pm to 5am without waking up. At least, I do not remember waking up and rolling over or anything! This is HUGE for me! It is very rare for me to sleep more than one to two hours at a time, so I'd say this is improvement! My head and neck are hurting pretty bad tonight, but I think it's just because I have myself stressed out over an open house I am having tomorrow, combined with the fact that my house is filthy. All the time. Speaking of that...
You know those people who say "Oh my house is ALWAYS dirty!" and you go in and at best you can see a little dust here and there? Where they have kids AND the floor is spotless, no stains from kool-aid or chocolate, gum or vomit? Every where you look it's clean? And it's like that EVERY time you go over there? Yeah...that is NOT my house. When I say my house is messy...my house is MESSY. ALL THE TIME. It only gets cleaned when we have people over. Which of course makes me want to have people over every day, just to keep up with it...but who wants to always be cleaning? Not me! And if you get to know us well enough, it gets to the point where I don't even care anymore. What is so frustrating is that within 12 hours the house will be trashed again. And I am NEVER home. How does this happen? It doesn't even make sense. How can 6 people who occupy a home but are never there manage to make it so messy? It will forever remain a mystery.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Slacker
I know I haven't written much lately. I've been working a lot and with the crazy weather changes, started to get a sore throat Sunday night. I tolerated it until yesterday. I was feeling pretty miserable yesterday, and Kaleb had been complaining of a sore throat, then he developed a bad cough and so I carted him and myself off to the Walgreens Take Care Clinic last night. I fully expected one or both of us to have strep. Both of us seem to get it every other year, if not every year. Unfortunately me for (because I can't have meds to knock it out quickly), I did not have strep. Kaleb did. So at least he will start feeling better soon and stop coughing. I mean, not that coughing annoys me or anything. It's one of my favorite sounds in the world!
I am hoping to find some time to sit down and write this weekend. We'll see. There isn't anything much going on presently, and I don't have anything clever or witty dancing around in my mind.
Oh, I will say that if you haven't heard of Adele, check her out. She's my newest favorite musician. Here is her latest video.
I am hoping to find some time to sit down and write this weekend. We'll see. There isn't anything much going on presently, and I don't have anything clever or witty dancing around in my mind.
Oh, I will say that if you haven't heard of Adele, check her out. She's my newest favorite musician. Here is her latest video.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The shoe's on the other foot
Kris FINALLY got a taste of his own medicine! Victory is mine!!!
Actually, I do feel a little bad, only because I know what it's like to lay awake for HOURS, unable to fall asleep because #1. You have trouble sleeping and #2. The person next to you is snoring.
This new muscle relaxer the doctor put me on is VERY effective. I stopped taking the unisom and reduced the amount of Xanax that I am taking at night. And within an hour of taking the muscle relaxer, two Xanax, and one 3mg melatonin, I'm sleepy. In an hour and a half, I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. It's WONDERFUL!
I have been getting a solid 3-4 hours of sleep at night! After at least 6 years of not sleeping. It's not the 6 (yet?) that the doctor thinks I should be getting but it's an improvement. So I'll sleep for 3-4 hours without waking up or moving, then I'll wake up and fall back to sleep 2-3 times before finding myself fully alert between 4:50am and 6:15am. I've been to work early and driving separate has been a HUGE stress reliever for me, even if Kris and I are driving to the same place every day.
But anyway...the reason "I win" is that last night Kris laid in bed next to me tossing and turning for several hours while I slept soundly, snoring away. He finally got out of bed and went down to the basement to sleep. While I do feel a little bad for him, I am quite satisfied that he finally understands a little bit of what I have gone through over the years. Not that the staying awake/snoring is his fault...but it definitely doesn't help a person who already having trouble falling asleep.
Actually, I do feel a little bad, only because I know what it's like to lay awake for HOURS, unable to fall asleep because #1. You have trouble sleeping and #2. The person next to you is snoring.
This new muscle relaxer the doctor put me on is VERY effective. I stopped taking the unisom and reduced the amount of Xanax that I am taking at night. And within an hour of taking the muscle relaxer, two Xanax, and one 3mg melatonin, I'm sleepy. In an hour and a half, I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. It's WONDERFUL!
I have been getting a solid 3-4 hours of sleep at night! After at least 6 years of not sleeping. It's not the 6 (yet?) that the doctor thinks I should be getting but it's an improvement. So I'll sleep for 3-4 hours without waking up or moving, then I'll wake up and fall back to sleep 2-3 times before finding myself fully alert between 4:50am and 6:15am. I've been to work early and driving separate has been a HUGE stress reliever for me, even if Kris and I are driving to the same place every day.
But anyway...the reason "I win" is that last night Kris laid in bed next to me tossing and turning for several hours while I slept soundly, snoring away. He finally got out of bed and went down to the basement to sleep. While I do feel a little bad for him, I am quite satisfied that he finally understands a little bit of what I have gone through over the years. Not that the staying awake/snoring is his fault...but it definitely doesn't help a person who already having trouble falling asleep.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Blogger App for Android
I tried using the Blogger app for Android. The first time I tried using it, it just wouldn't work--it kept "force closing" on me. Today when I tried using it, it actually let me type a post. Then when I went to publish it, it failed. Very annoying. I will have to give it more time I think, while they work out all the kinks. Oh...AND is doesn't sync up with my actual blog. What good is a blogger app that doesn't sync up with your actual blog? I don't want to create a new blog just for my phone.
And while I'm complaining about Android apps, Hey EA...when are you going to release Scrabble for the Android? I'm tired of waiting...quit just putting everything on the iPhone! Some people do not tolerable Apple products. Get with the program. Android IS the future!
Tonight is Chinese and movie night with the kids. I'm not thrilled with the movie choice: Shrek Forever After, or whatever it's called. Not nearly as good as The Private Eyes that we watched last weekend. But I think I'll survive. I have some computer projects I can work on while we watch. If the movie is good, I don't usually get on the computer. But I'm not sure I'll survive an hour and 23 minutes of Shrek with nothing to distract me. Kris, I assume will be busy playing solitaire on his phone. It must be some awesome game of solitaire. I came into our room this morning and he jerked and moved his phone, like he was trying to hide it or something. And I'm like "Um...what are you doing?" He shows me his phone. He was playing solitaire! It was kinda funny...and weird. He has become a little obsessed. I'm pretty sure he is sitting next to me right now playing solitaire.
So my 9 year old son told me he didn't want to play basketball next year. This is his first year playing, and he seems to enjoy it. He's gotten a couple of steals and is getting better each game. At first he told me the practices were too hard. Then he told me that he just wanted a "normal" year. Huh? He told me he wanted a year where he could just do his homework and not have anything else to worry about. WHAT? HE'S NINE!!! I finally got to the bottom of it. He feels the anxiety of always being on the go and I asked him if he would want to play if I started picking them up from school earlier. He said yes. So...I think he will keep playing. Which will make dad very happy!
And while I'm complaining about Android apps, Hey EA...when are you going to release Scrabble for the Android? I'm tired of waiting...quit just putting everything on the iPhone! Some people do not tolerable Apple products. Get with the program. Android IS the future!
Tonight is Chinese and movie night with the kids. I'm not thrilled with the movie choice: Shrek Forever After, or whatever it's called. Not nearly as good as The Private Eyes that we watched last weekend. But I think I'll survive. I have some computer projects I can work on while we watch. If the movie is good, I don't usually get on the computer. But I'm not sure I'll survive an hour and 23 minutes of Shrek with nothing to distract me. Kris, I assume will be busy playing solitaire on his phone. It must be some awesome game of solitaire. I came into our room this morning and he jerked and moved his phone, like he was trying to hide it or something. And I'm like "Um...what are you doing?" He shows me his phone. He was playing solitaire! It was kinda funny...and weird. He has become a little obsessed. I'm pretty sure he is sitting next to me right now playing solitaire.
So my 9 year old son told me he didn't want to play basketball next year. This is his first year playing, and he seems to enjoy it. He's gotten a couple of steals and is getting better each game. At first he told me the practices were too hard. Then he told me that he just wanted a "normal" year. Huh? He told me he wanted a year where he could just do his homework and not have anything else to worry about. WHAT? HE'S NINE!!! I finally got to the bottom of it. He feels the anxiety of always being on the go and I asked him if he would want to play if I started picking them up from school earlier. He said yes. So...I think he will keep playing. Which will make dad very happy!
Friday, February 18, 2011
6am
6am is E.A.R.L.Y. Anyone who gets up even earlier, I applaud you. And I also shake my head and think "What is wrong with you???" I got up at 5:50am this morning. I'm attributing it to the fact that I took the muscle relaxer instead of Unisom last night. I didn't sleep for six hours like the doctor wanted me to. Not solid anyway. But I did fall asleep around 11pm and don't remember waking up until 2:30am. I went back to sleep until 3:30am. Then I woke up around 5:50, ALERT. Enough so that I could force myself to get out of bed and get myself ready for work. And I got to work before 7:30!
Speaking of work...I'm ready to quit my job. Now...if we could just come up with a way to make up my income...without me having to do anything. Dreams come true sometimes, right? I want to do what I want to do. Yes, I want to be selfish. But it is selfish on behalf of the children too. I want to give them their mom back. I want to give Kris his wife back. I want to find ME again. I'm tired of feeling lost and stressed. I am WAY too stressed out. I need to relax and I think it will require me doing something I want to do. Something like being a stay at home mom...that can be there for the kids. One that can go to culinary school, without having to figure out how to squeeze it in. One that can develop my own small business that I am passionate about. Kris gave me hope the other day. If Kris' business keeps growing, and does so at an alarming rate (PLEASE GOD!) we will be in a position where I can quit my job. But I realize it is still at least 1-5 years away. Hopefully closer to the 1 year mark, but I am not going to live with unrealistic expectations. I've been feeling this way for a while...wanting to do something that I want to do. But I thought it would have to wait until the kids are all grown. Kris doesn't think so though...and he thinks it will happen sooner than later. I'll keep you posted.
Speaking of work...I'm ready to quit my job. Now...if we could just come up with a way to make up my income...without me having to do anything. Dreams come true sometimes, right? I want to do what I want to do. Yes, I want to be selfish. But it is selfish on behalf of the children too. I want to give them their mom back. I want to give Kris his wife back. I want to find ME again. I'm tired of feeling lost and stressed. I am WAY too stressed out. I need to relax and I think it will require me doing something I want to do. Something like being a stay at home mom...that can be there for the kids. One that can go to culinary school, without having to figure out how to squeeze it in. One that can develop my own small business that I am passionate about. Kris gave me hope the other day. If Kris' business keeps growing, and does so at an alarming rate (PLEASE GOD!) we will be in a position where I can quit my job. But I realize it is still at least 1-5 years away. Hopefully closer to the 1 year mark, but I am not going to live with unrealistic expectations. I've been feeling this way for a while...wanting to do something that I want to do. But I thought it would have to wait until the kids are all grown. Kris doesn't think so though...and he thinks it will happen sooner than later. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I'm sorry. I'm laughing so hard right now, thinking about this week's writing prompts for the Writer's Workshop.
1. A vacation to remember.
2. Finding the balance. How do you manage? (We'll get to that!)
3. Husbands. A post that hopefully will not get you in trouble.
4. A memorable date.
5. How's that New Year's Resolution treating you?
What got me laughing was the thought about writing about how I manage a busy life with four small children, a husband, a mortgage, a full-time job, after-school activities, homework, food, etc...And I thought I was going to write about that.
And then I started thinking about our 10th anniversary trip to FL which was the best vacation I've ever had. But there was just too much to encompass. If you're interested (it won't hurt my feelings if you're not), here's my two favorites from that trip in 2009:
Oh the Romance
I Can't Stop Laughing
Husbands...a post that hopefully will not get me in trouble? There are so many things I could say, most of which would probably get me in trouble, should my husband ever catch up on my blog. All I can think about when I think about this is how men in general look naked. It's gross. In that "one" area. Unless he's raring to go...please cover up. Thank you.
I didn't make any New Year's Resolutions. I probably should have...but that would have just given me one more thing to feel guilty about not accomplishing, so it is just as well (for my stress level) that I don't.
So that leaves us with a memorable date.
I think my most memorable date was the night Kris proposed. I'll try to keep it brief...because I may fall asleep soon. I knew the weekend before he had asked my dad if he could marry me. This was back in '98, which has absolutely no bearing on this story whatsoever! So Kris told me we were going to go out and I should dress nicely. I was immediately suspicious and thinking "Could this be the night? Could he be planning to propose?"
He took me to the restaurant we had our first date at. He took me downtown for a carriage ride, which wasn't the most pleasant experience I've ever had. The horse lost his shoe and WE had to get down and get it! Moving on...
We walked around downtown St. Louis, just enjoying the view. Well, the view we could see of the Arch, not the bright and shiny lights of the casinos!
He acted so nonchalant. Like it was just any ordinary date. We were doing all these romantic things...and he was NOT proposing. I was starting to question myself and whether or not I had misunderstood what that date was all about..
And then we left downtown. We began driving back towards the college we attended at the time. It was early in my understanding of how St. Louis roads worked. I was 100% convinced that Kris was taking us back to the college. And I was PISSED. I was livid. I sat there quietly, fuming. Not understanding why he would "act" like he was going to propose and then NOT propose. I was turned around when we got on Interstate 170. We weren't going to the college after all. We were going back to Kris' mom's house. I figured we were just going to play a computer game together before heading back to the college.
We walked in and I immediately noticed flowers on the table. And I thought, "How odd. Who got your mom flowers?" I walked into the dining room and saw that there was a note with the flowers. It was from Kris and I don't really remember what it said now--I have it saved somewhere. It said something to the effect of not being able to wait to start our life together. So I stood there reading it, still confused about how the evening had turned out. I really thought Kris was in the other room. But he was standing behind me the whole time! Well, actually, when I turned around, he was down on one knee, holding up a ring.
We still laugh about how angry I was that night, thinking he wasn't going to propose after all! That is definitely my most memorable date!
1. A vacation to remember.
2. Finding the balance. How do you manage? (We'll get to that!)
3. Husbands. A post that hopefully will not get you in trouble.
4. A memorable date.
5. How's that New Year's Resolution treating you?
What got me laughing was the thought about writing about how I manage a busy life with four small children, a husband, a mortgage, a full-time job, after-school activities, homework, food, etc...And I thought I was going to write about that.
And then I started thinking about our 10th anniversary trip to FL which was the best vacation I've ever had. But there was just too much to encompass. If you're interested (it won't hurt my feelings if you're not), here's my two favorites from that trip in 2009:
Oh the Romance
I Can't Stop Laughing
Husbands...a post that hopefully will not get me in trouble? There are so many things I could say, most of which would probably get me in trouble, should my husband ever catch up on my blog. All I can think about when I think about this is how men in general look naked. It's gross. In that "one" area. Unless he's raring to go...please cover up. Thank you.
I didn't make any New Year's Resolutions. I probably should have...but that would have just given me one more thing to feel guilty about not accomplishing, so it is just as well (for my stress level) that I don't.
So that leaves us with a memorable date.
I think my most memorable date was the night Kris proposed. I'll try to keep it brief...because I may fall asleep soon. I knew the weekend before he had asked my dad if he could marry me. This was back in '98, which has absolutely no bearing on this story whatsoever! So Kris told me we were going to go out and I should dress nicely. I was immediately suspicious and thinking "Could this be the night? Could he be planning to propose?"
He took me to the restaurant we had our first date at. He took me downtown for a carriage ride, which wasn't the most pleasant experience I've ever had. The horse lost his shoe and WE had to get down and get it! Moving on...
We walked around downtown St. Louis, just enjoying the view. Well, the view we could see of the Arch, not the bright and shiny lights of the casinos!
He acted so nonchalant. Like it was just any ordinary date. We were doing all these romantic things...and he was NOT proposing. I was starting to question myself and whether or not I had misunderstood what that date was all about..
And then we left downtown. We began driving back towards the college we attended at the time. It was early in my understanding of how St. Louis roads worked. I was 100% convinced that Kris was taking us back to the college. And I was PISSED. I was livid. I sat there quietly, fuming. Not understanding why he would "act" like he was going to propose and then NOT propose. I was turned around when we got on Interstate 170. We weren't going to the college after all. We were going back to Kris' mom's house. I figured we were just going to play a computer game together before heading back to the college.
We walked in and I immediately noticed flowers on the table. And I thought, "How odd. Who got your mom flowers?" I walked into the dining room and saw that there was a note with the flowers. It was from Kris and I don't really remember what it said now--I have it saved somewhere. It said something to the effect of not being able to wait to start our life together. So I stood there reading it, still confused about how the evening had turned out. I really thought Kris was in the other room. But he was standing behind me the whole time! Well, actually, when I turned around, he was down on one knee, holding up a ring.
We still laugh about how angry I was that night, thinking he wasn't going to propose after all! That is definitely my most memorable date!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
New meds
I finally went to the rheumatologist today.
No real answers except that he seems to concur with my primary doctor that I need to RELAX. And stop blaming myself for every bad thing that has happened in my life, and stop feeling guilty when I have nothing to feel guilty about. He prescribed a muscle relaxer to take before bed in place of my Unisom. He seems to think that a LOT of my issues are due to not sleeping well at night. We will see if it makes any difference. I am skeptical, just because NOTHING has worked. I know that a lot of my pain comes from tension/anxiety, and so the Xanax is helping with that aspect...but I don't want to get to the point where I feel crazy and out of control if I don't take the Xanax, you know?
The doctor said that if I am still having problems even if I am sleeping better at night, he can do cortisone shots in the areas in my neck/shoulders where I am experiencing pain. He does want me to stretch my arms/neck/shoulders, and do yoga. I am hoping that I can be disciplined enough to fit the yoga in. And I'd also like to be a morning person. I wonder if any of those things will happen...
No real answers except that he seems to concur with my primary doctor that I need to RELAX. And stop blaming myself for every bad thing that has happened in my life, and stop feeling guilty when I have nothing to feel guilty about. He prescribed a muscle relaxer to take before bed in place of my Unisom. He seems to think that a LOT of my issues are due to not sleeping well at night. We will see if it makes any difference. I am skeptical, just because NOTHING has worked. I know that a lot of my pain comes from tension/anxiety, and so the Xanax is helping with that aspect...but I don't want to get to the point where I feel crazy and out of control if I don't take the Xanax, you know?
The doctor said that if I am still having problems even if I am sleeping better at night, he can do cortisone shots in the areas in my neck/shoulders where I am experiencing pain. He does want me to stretch my arms/neck/shoulders, and do yoga. I am hoping that I can be disciplined enough to fit the yoga in. And I'd also like to be a morning person. I wonder if any of those things will happen...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
On edge
I am really stressed out tonight. Well...anxious is really a better word. I'm starting to feel a little better, thanks for my friendly Vitamin X. I was really busy at work today, doing a task that is time-consuming, tedious, and on my list of "tasks I'd rather not do". Then I left work later than I wanted to, and went to pick up the kids. They took their own sweet time getting their stuff together. I think it took us 20 minutes to get out to the van. And they were CRAZY!! We came home for dinner before leaving again for Awanas. By the time we got back in the van to head to Awanas, Monster Mama reared her ugly head. Poor kids. I got a little spastic...and there may have been some yelling involved. :-(
I went to community group while the kids were in Awanas and was able to relax a little. It's always good to be around other adults. I needed that. And then I picked the kids up and the anxiety immediately returned. I was so stressed out about doing the bedtime routine. Fortunately, Kris got home in time to finish it. I took some much needed medication and am now chilling with The Bachelor, while Kris works on his ever so illustrious basketball career. On the PS3.
We were talking about whether or not we would watch a show together tonight after I finished The Bachelor and he finished playing basketball. I told him I *might* be able to a 30 minute show before falling asleep but I wasn't sure. And then he told me he would need to watch something to wind down. I was like "Um...you need to wind down after playing a game???" He told me that it is a very intense basketball career and he would need to wind down. So...yeah...I do love that guy. But I think he's taking this NBA 2K11 WAY too seriously!!
I went to community group while the kids were in Awanas and was able to relax a little. It's always good to be around other adults. I needed that. And then I picked the kids up and the anxiety immediately returned. I was so stressed out about doing the bedtime routine. Fortunately, Kris got home in time to finish it. I took some much needed medication and am now chilling with The Bachelor, while Kris works on his ever so illustrious basketball career. On the PS3.
We were talking about whether or not we would watch a show together tonight after I finished The Bachelor and he finished playing basketball. I told him I *might* be able to a 30 minute show before falling asleep but I wasn't sure. And then he told me he would need to watch something to wind down. I was like "Um...you need to wind down after playing a game???" He told me that it is a very intense basketball career and he would need to wind down. So...yeah...I do love that guy. But I think he's taking this NBA 2K11 WAY too seriously!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Dreaded Valentine's Day
I don't actually dread Valentine's Day. But I know that some people do. Most of the time, I look forward to it. It is, after all, the anniversary of when Kris and I began dating.
Today, for reasons I do not quite know fully, I was feeling very gloomy. And sad. And weepy. It was the first day I've had like that since I starting taking my medicine again. But I am thankful that every day isn't like that anymore! As the day went on, my mood improved.
Valentine's Day gets harder and harder to celebrate when you have a kid. And then a second. A third. And a fourth. It is MUCH harder to find a sitter on Valentine's Day. You'd have to essentially pay a nanny for the night, which we can't do.
So Kris and I celebrated our special day yesterday. Kris' mom watched the kids for us and we started off by having lunch at 3 Margaritas. It is our new favorite Mexican place, located in Fenton, MO in a strip mall. The food is excellent and the prices JUST RIGHT. We took our annual Valentine's Day camera photo. What I meant to say was just "picture" but that is what came out and I thought I would let you be amused by it.
Next, we went to one of my favorite places...the casino! I love penny slots. Usually we will go in with just $20 to play on. And sometimes we can last for hours...if we're winning. We haven't had much luck the last few times we've gone. I suppose it was our turn. Because Kris knows I like the casino and it was a special occasion, we got to take in $40 this time. We were down $4 when we happened upon the "lucky" machine. So, the machine said we had $16, when we got a bonus. A really GOOD bonus. This is how it ended up:
So, we immediately cashed out and pocketed $80. That's $40 a piece, you know! I was pretty excited. Then we use the $38 we had left of our $40 and played for a couple more hours. We didn't end up leaving with more than just the $80, but I love nights like that when we actually leave with money. It's not a lot to some people...since people go in with hundreds, even thousands of dollars. But for those of us who go in with smaller amounts and bid 5-25 cents at a time, it's a pretty big deal!
Then we decided we would go see a movie. We looked at the list of movies currently playing and settled on "Just Go With It". I'll tell you what...I have LOVED every single romantic comedy that Adam Sandler has starred in. This one was no exception. It was SO good!! We had a really, really nice day together, without the kids.
We drove the kids to school today, then listened to The Shining on the way to work. It was kinda creepy, because we had been listening apart from one another, until I realized that it scared me too much to listen by myself. I had gotten about an hour ahead of Kris, give or take a few minutes. Today when we were talking about where we left off, it sounded like we were really close to one another. This is where it got REALLY scary. I kid you not...we were in the EXACT same place, down to the SECOND! 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 29 seconds. It was really freaky! Very Stephen King-ish.
We went to lunch together and at the end of the day the flowers Kris ordered that morning finally arrived. I'm not a big "get me flowers all the time" girl...but I do like them once in a while. And I'm sure that Kris loves only having to get them every once in a while! They were beautiful. The card made me laugh though! It said "I love you! Thank you for 12 wonderful years." Here's the funny thing. It's been THIRTEEN years. So I have spent the entire day trying to figure out WHICH year he hated so much! ;-) It's been fun teasing him about it.
Since we were basically gone ALL day today, we took the kids to Arby's for Valentine's Day dinner, after Kat finished basketball practice at 7pm. We're going to really celebrate with a game night Saturday night after all the basketball games. Plus side? 50% off Valentine's Day merchandise, while it lasts!!
While we were at dinner, Livvy came up to me and I hugged her. Then she pressed her cheek up against mine and I told her I loved when she did that-it's my favorite thing that she and I share. She stayed there and wanted Kris to take a picture, which he did. Then she said "I wanted to do that cause it's Valentine's Day.
Emotional upheaval and all...I suppose overall I had a good Valentine's Day or two. Do you have any good or not-so-good stories to share?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Writer's Workshop
. When I first read the prompts for this week's writer's workshop, I wasn't sure I would be able to pick one to write about. And I keep reading over them and only one thing comes to mind. And maybe it's lame, but I've committed (to myself) to write in the workshop each week. And it isn't as if I am just trying to make up something because I can't think of anything. When I read #4 "Share a photo that captures special Valentine(s)" I knew immediately what I wanted to show you.
I don't think you understand the depth of my love and affection for Red Hots. And not just ANY Red Hots. Not the cheap, imitation cinnamon candies. But the Ferrara Pan Red Hots. What you see above could probably last 5 people a lifetime. There aren't very many Red Hot lovers out there. Those will probably last me about 6 months. Maybe. The one on the left is a 5 lb. bag! The one on the right is a box of 25 small 1 oz. boxes, perfect for "red hotting" on the go! I am SO excited about so many Red Hots!! And best of all, I have some pretty cool friends. TWO different friends bought these for me and had them shipped to my house, and they both arrived last night. It was awesome!
Lazy, Good For Nothing...
I love my husband. I really do. He only annoys me almost everyday occasionally.
He doespretty much everything! very little around the house. I ask him to do EVERYTHING next to nothing.
So when I ask him to take out the trash, am I really asking that much? But he has this thing with taking out the trash. He gets irritated when he has to take the trash out more than once a day. Not because he is lazy. But because he seriously does not believe the trash can should fill up more than ONCE a day. He does not EXPECT me to cook everyday, which makes me love him even more. But he LOVES when I DO cook. So, I expect him to understand that trash will accumulate if I am actually doing stuff in the kitchen. Or when the kids pretend to clean their rooms. Or when Kaleb cleans up the living room. All of those things happened the other day.
And as I was finally getting around to my birthday cheesecake, which sadly meant my birthday had to end, the trash can began to overflow. Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Hey the trash is overflowing.
Kris: I already took out the trash TWICE today!
And then he left. The house. And was gone for hours!
And while he was gone I took the following picture:
When he got home, he sat down beside me and just happened to see that picture. I was on the phone with a friend, when Kris so rudely interrupted my conversation to ask about that picture. I told him it was going on my blog. I HATE when he doesn't take out the trash. But he HATES having to take the trash more than once a day. So we are at this impasse. And do you know what happened that night? He did NOT take out the trash!!
YES, I know that I can take the trash out myself. But it's just one of those jobs that I feel belong to the man. I do most of the cooking, when I am able. I brush the girls' hair. Someone has to. We all know I alwayssometimes offer a little extra on the "holidays"...why can't he take the trash out when it needs to go out, even if he has already taken it out one or two times previously that day???
He does
So when I ask him to take out the trash, am I really asking that much? But he has this thing with taking out the trash. He gets irritated when he has to take the trash out more than once a day. Not because he is lazy. But because he seriously does not believe the trash can should fill up more than ONCE a day. He does not EXPECT me to cook everyday, which makes me love him even more. But he LOVES when I DO cook. So, I expect him to understand that trash will accumulate if I am actually doing stuff in the kitchen. Or when the kids pretend to clean their rooms. Or when Kaleb cleans up the living room. All of those things happened the other day.
And as I was finally getting around to my birthday cheesecake, which sadly meant my birthday had to end, the trash can began to overflow. Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Hey the trash is overflowing.
Kris: I already took out the trash TWICE today!
And then he left. The house. And was gone for hours!
And while he was gone I took the following picture:
When he got home, he sat down beside me and just happened to see that picture. I was on the phone with a friend, when Kris so rudely interrupted my conversation to ask about that picture. I told him it was going on my blog. I HATE when he doesn't take out the trash. But he HATES having to take the trash more than once a day. So we are at this impasse. And do you know what happened that night? He did NOT take out the trash!!
YES, I know that I can take the trash out myself. But it's just one of those jobs that I feel belong to the man. I do most of the cooking, when I am able. I brush the girls' hair. Someone has to. We all know I always
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I love my little artists!
My kids decided to step in and draw pictures regarding the squirrel issue we're having. I love my kids and you can kind of get a glimpse of how they view me and their personalities based on their pictures.
Here is Kaleb's:
Here is Katherine's:
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| Wait...did my 10 year old daughter just say something about "mating"? She may or may not have heard that from me. |
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
More signs!!!
Before I begin...just wanted to remind you guys that I have a page on Facebook! Feel free to "like" the Little Bishop Chronicles there and get updates in your feed when I post, in case you don't follow me in a reader.
And before I get onto signs, Olivia was wearing a shirt for bed tonight that I had never seen. It was a really funny shirt and I have no clue where it came from!! Not only was it odd that she had this mysterious shirt on, it was really funny because I could totally be a vegetarian if still allowed to eat bacon!!
Just in the last 2 weeks, I was sent TWO pictures by people who know I love signs, and found two of my own. These are in order of amusement for me...starting with the least amusing, and working up towards to most amusing!
And before I get onto signs, Olivia was wearing a shirt for bed tonight that I had never seen. It was a really funny shirt and I have no clue where it came from!! Not only was it odd that she had this mysterious shirt on, it was really funny because I could totally be a vegetarian if still allowed to eat bacon!!
Just in the last 2 weeks, I was sent TWO pictures by people who know I love signs, and found two of my own. These are in order of amusement for me...starting with the least amusing, and working up towards to most amusing!
I know that this one is a little difficult to see. We saw this truck the other day driving to work. In case you can't see it, it says "PSYCHIATRY An Industy of Death Exhibit". I just thought it was weird. I posted it on FB and a friend looked it up and said that it is a project from the Church of Scientology, condemning psychiatry basically...
The picture above was taken by my parents in Florida at the resort they are staying at. I'm still not sure why they would choose 29, instead of 30. If you get pulled over would you say "But Officer, I was only going 37." Maybe they were just being clever?
I suppose it depends on WHO takes your order. I don't know if you remember my post where they charged us $2.00 for our food to NOT be spicy, but look at the receipt above...they didn't charge us this time! WHAT?
My sister sent this to me after reading my blog about signs. This is not only amusing but nonsensical! Seriously??? If you're going to fall...are going really going to think "Oh wait, I need to call a nurse first." What happens if you DON'T???? Do you get in trouble with the nurses? Do they make you lay there longer saying "I'm sorry but you know what the sign says. You did not call for a nurse before you fell, so you can lay there a little bit longer and think about what you have done!"?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Mommy can draw???
I know some of you saw my squirrel drawing from the other day, about all the animals that have tried to kick me out of my house...
This got me thinking, I wonder if I can draw any of the other crazy thoughts in my head. So I made the kids give me some paper and a pencil and set to work (it was actually really relaxing), drawing about a scenario that happened recently during church. Actually it has happened more than once. I have this issue, you know, with people touching me. This includes sitting next to me...and sitting too close to me. Two weeks ago, Kris and I were late to church. There was limited seating, so we chose a spot on the right hand side where there were four chairs. Kris went in first, to sit by the people that were in the middle. It stands to reason then that the seat next to me would remain free, as it should! I like my space. I don't like sitting close to people (except for Kris-I'm used to him so he is allowed in my space). It doesn't matter where I am. It could be a movie, at church, even on my own living room couch. I can't stand the light brush of someone up against my arm, or even the thought of it. It's just one of those things that I have trouble coping with.
And wouldn't you know it...someone else came in later than us. TWO people came in later than us. And they sat right next to me. So I sat stiff and tense through the entire service. And worst of all...there was one open seat on Kris' other side! If I had gone in before Kris that day, I would have had one seat between me and the people on the left!!!
So this past week, we sat on the other side. There was a row that was almost all the way open. Kris and I stayed towards the left side. There was one open seat, then him, then me, then 4 open seats to my right. I obviously didn't think this one through very well either. Because wouldn't you know it...a family of three came in, and sat on the INSIDE of the pew we were in, the mother choosing to sit right next to me. Thank God for giving men the wisdom to create "greeting times" (WHICH I HATE AND COULD WRITE A WHOLE BLOG POST ABOUT). Kris and I had talked before about a way to fix this problem for me in the future. I could simply get up, go to the bathroom, and then come back. He would scoot in, so it would look like he was just trying to save me the trouble of climbing over him. So at church...I practically ran out of the sanctuary. #1. I could avoid greeting time. #2. I could "fix" the fact that someone was in my personal space. It was all very cleverly orchestrated. I am came back in after everyone had sat down, and then I just sat on the end seat. Now here's the real question. When will I FINALLY learn to just sit on the end of a row to begin with???? Hopefully this coming week!
That being said...that situation is what prompted the following drawing:
Simply Sweet Caramel Cheesecake
I finally made my birthday cheesecake. Which is quite bittersweet. Bitter because it means that my birthday is finally over. Sweet because, well...CHEESECAKE! What I am really excited about is the fact that I sort of made it up. On my own. Sort of. I used what I knew of making graham cracker crusts. I used what I knew of the basics for the cheesecake part. But it was MY brilliant idea, as I strolled down the candy aisle at Sam's, to begin contemplating the possibility of using Milky Way Simply Caramel bars in the cheesecake. Have you had these? It's a Milky Way the way it should be. WITH JUST THE CARAMEL, and no soft nougat or whatever 3 Muskateer-ish element they put in there. I grew up with my grandma making Milky Way Cake, using REAL Milky Way bars. And it is hands down my favorite cake ever!! SO...since I am on a cheesecake kick right now, and I saw the Simply Caramel Milky Ways, I thought "There HAS to be a way to combine these!"
I am NOT an experimenter. I love to cook. BUT I NEED A RECIPE! I get too anxious without one. I am too scared to mess it up. So I stick to a recipe. Because I'm a coward in the kitchen, unless I have clear, SIMPLE instructions. I find it exciting that I made up my own cheesecake.
Crust:
1 1/2 graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar together in a small bowl, using a fork. Yes I know...I said a FORK and not some fancy PC product!! But in this case, a fork is better. Mix in the butter until crumbly. Press into spring form pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Caramel Sauce:
6 Milky Way Simply Caramel bars
4 oz. evaporated milk
Cut bars into small pieces and put in a large bowl microwave safe dish. Add evaporated milk. Melt on high for 45 seconds. Stir, then continue melting in 30 second intervals until smooth. Set aside.
Cheesecake filling:
3 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (though I used half that amount of REAL vanilla-not because I'm cooler than use, just because I love it)
2 eggs
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix until smooth. Do not over-mix.
Pour caramel mixture over the cooled crust. Next pour the cheesecake mixture over the caramel. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or just until set. Cool for one hour and then refrigerate overnight. Slice and enjoy.
***I need to add this disclaimer. While the cheesecake was delicious, I am going to make it again, this time doubling the amount of "filling" I put in between the crust and the cheesecake. It that still isn't sufficient, I am going to melt down the candy bars, thin them out just a little, and add them to the cheesecake mixture. I may even try both. Stay tuned. I will perfect this cheesecake.***
I am NOT an experimenter. I love to cook. BUT I NEED A RECIPE! I get too anxious without one. I am too scared to mess it up. So I stick to a recipe. Because I'm a coward in the kitchen, unless I have clear, SIMPLE instructions. I find it exciting that I made up my own cheesecake.
Crust:
1 1/2 graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar together in a small bowl, using a fork. Yes I know...I said a FORK and not some fancy PC product!! But in this case, a fork is better. Mix in the butter until crumbly. Press into spring form pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Caramel Sauce:
6 Milky Way Simply Caramel bars
4 oz. evaporated milk
Cut bars into small pieces and put in a large bowl microwave safe dish. Add evaporated milk. Melt on high for 45 seconds. Stir, then continue melting in 30 second intervals until smooth. Set aside.
Cheesecake filling:
3 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (though I used half that amount of REAL vanilla-not because I'm cooler than use, just because I love it)
2 eggs
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix until smooth. Do not over-mix.
Pour caramel mixture over the cooled crust. Next pour the cheesecake mixture over the caramel. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or just until set. Cool for one hour and then refrigerate overnight. Slice and enjoy.
***I need to add this disclaimer. While the cheesecake was delicious, I am going to make it again, this time doubling the amount of "filling" I put in between the crust and the cheesecake. It that still isn't sufficient, I am going to melt down the candy bars, thin them out just a little, and add them to the cheesecake mixture. I may even try both. Stay tuned. I will perfect this cheesecake.***
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I'm in shock
I have been back on Wellbutrin for a week and a half. I've been taking Xanax at night to help me sleep, and occasionally I will take one during the day if I am feeling panicky. I think that I was SO "bad" before, I didn't realize how "good" I could feel. It is amazing to me that bringing my anxiety level down significantly has helped me so much physically. I had NO idea the amount of stress I was carrying with me and what it was doing to my body.
Listen to this. Before I started taking the medicine again, I was experiencing severe pain in my neck (ranging between 6-10 on the pain scale) on a DAILY basis, non-stop. Additionally, I had constant pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades that stayed around a level 4-5. I always felt like I needed to pop my back or neck too. I drank a LOT of water, in the hopes that it would help. Drinking little water made the pain worse. Extra water made just a little difference.
I realized something the other day. Until today and yesterday, I haven't felt the need to adjust my back, or stretch my shoulders. The pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades was COMPLETELY gone!! Non-existent! WHAT? Are you kidding me??? Was my stress really impacting me that much physically? The last two days at work this week were extremely stressful. My neck was hurting a little more (maybe only a 3-4) and I could feel slight pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. But it was nowhere NEAR what it had been, and it further supports my belief that the medications really are helping the pain! I still can't believe it. Do you know what I have done over the last 2 1/2 years for my neck pain? Primary doctor, several different rounds of physical therapy, three different chiropractors (one who did acupuncture), neurologist, neurosurgeon, pain management (who talked me out of it because I was so "young") and then an upcoming appointment with a rheumatologist. It has been an extremely frustrating journey.
And, even better, my neck pain has stayed around a 1-2 level for the most part (Thursday/Friday was a little worse). I can get through the day with only occasionally thinking about my neck, and then I think "Huh...it's not really hurting unless I bend it down too far." I mean, I am feeling SO much better. It's like night and day. It's CRAZY. I am just so confounded. Is the Xanax causing me to stay so calm and relaxed that my physical pain has nearly dissipated? Is that even possible? Is it the Xanax, or the Wellbutrin, or a combination of both? And then...will it last? I was ONLY SLIGHTLY tempted to cancel my appointment with the rheumatologist, but I do realize that would be stupid. SO...I am keeping my February 16th appointment. Maybe they can rule a few things out. Especially since the pain was worse Thursday and Friday than it had been.
There are some drawbacks though. I constantly find myself forgetting what I was saying. I mean, it used to happen from time to time, but it seems to be happening on a daily basis, numerous times. Worse than that, I am getting words mixed up. I was telling the kids something yesterday and used the word "house" when I meant to say "head". I typed "snows" instead of "snow days". I'm a grammar freak. I don't make a habit of making mistakes like that. It's happening several times a day. Hopefully it will stabilize...But if it is the side effect of the medications that keep me calm and keep my pain level down, I think it's totally worth it.
And I'm happy. Bubbly even. I'm in a good mood, most of the time. I laugh. A lot. I'm less pessimistic. Overall, I just feel really good and it is something that I haven't felt in...well...years. And I acknowledge and am learning to accept that it is imperative that I stay on the meds, regardless of how much it costs. It feels good to feel good again.
Now, the one thing I haven't tested yet is how long I can stand doing tasks like loading the dishwasher, cooking or laundry. The pain is different when doing those things...my lower back pulls and I literally can't stand up for more than about 10 minutes at a time when I am doing normal, household tasks. I hope to test this out soon enough. And I still have this restlessness in my legs all day long...so I will share all of this with the rheumatologist.
So, there's the scoop. Here's to hoping the medication continues to help and that the rheumatologist can find something, or rule some things out.
Listen to this. Before I started taking the medicine again, I was experiencing severe pain in my neck (ranging between 6-10 on the pain scale) on a DAILY basis, non-stop. Additionally, I had constant pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades that stayed around a level 4-5. I always felt like I needed to pop my back or neck too. I drank a LOT of water, in the hopes that it would help. Drinking little water made the pain worse. Extra water made just a little difference.
I realized something the other day. Until today and yesterday, I haven't felt the need to adjust my back, or stretch my shoulders. The pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades was COMPLETELY gone!! Non-existent! WHAT? Are you kidding me??? Was my stress really impacting me that much physically? The last two days at work this week were extremely stressful. My neck was hurting a little more (maybe only a 3-4) and I could feel slight pain in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. But it was nowhere NEAR what it had been, and it further supports my belief that the medications really are helping the pain! I still can't believe it. Do you know what I have done over the last 2 1/2 years for my neck pain? Primary doctor, several different rounds of physical therapy, three different chiropractors (one who did acupuncture), neurologist, neurosurgeon, pain management (who talked me out of it because I was so "young") and then an upcoming appointment with a rheumatologist. It has been an extremely frustrating journey.
And, even better, my neck pain has stayed around a 1-2 level for the most part (Thursday/Friday was a little worse). I can get through the day with only occasionally thinking about my neck, and then I think "Huh...it's not really hurting unless I bend it down too far." I mean, I am feeling SO much better. It's like night and day. It's CRAZY. I am just so confounded. Is the Xanax causing me to stay so calm and relaxed that my physical pain has nearly dissipated? Is that even possible? Is it the Xanax, or the Wellbutrin, or a combination of both? And then...will it last? I was ONLY SLIGHTLY tempted to cancel my appointment with the rheumatologist, but I do realize that would be stupid. SO...I am keeping my February 16th appointment. Maybe they can rule a few things out. Especially since the pain was worse Thursday and Friday than it had been.
There are some drawbacks though. I constantly find myself forgetting what I was saying. I mean, it used to happen from time to time, but it seems to be happening on a daily basis, numerous times. Worse than that, I am getting words mixed up. I was telling the kids something yesterday and used the word "house" when I meant to say "head". I typed "snows" instead of "snow days". I'm a grammar freak. I don't make a habit of making mistakes like that. It's happening several times a day. Hopefully it will stabilize...But if it is the side effect of the medications that keep me calm and keep my pain level down, I think it's totally worth it.
And I'm happy. Bubbly even. I'm in a good mood, most of the time. I laugh. A lot. I'm less pessimistic. Overall, I just feel really good and it is something that I haven't felt in...well...years. And I acknowledge and am learning to accept that it is imperative that I stay on the meds, regardless of how much it costs. It feels good to feel good again.
Now, the one thing I haven't tested yet is how long I can stand doing tasks like loading the dishwasher, cooking or laundry. The pain is different when doing those things...my lower back pulls and I literally can't stand up for more than about 10 minutes at a time when I am doing normal, household tasks. I hope to test this out soon enough. And I still have this restlessness in my legs all day long...so I will share all of this with the rheumatologist.
So, there's the scoop. Here's to hoping the medication continues to help and that the rheumatologist can find something, or rule some things out.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bracing for the take over...
I have to try to calm myself and put my thoughts in order. Otherwise, utter nonsense may spew forth...though let's be realistic. That will probably happen anyway!
I just got done telling you that because I dreamed about multiple people living in my attic, there HAD to be multiple "things" (or people) truly living in my attic. I WAS RIGHT!
Animal Control came out30 min to an hour late at the exact time they promised!!! And so I TOTALLY WAS wasn't irritated at all. After checking out the house, he came to the door and told us that we had squirrels. The snow cover actually helped him identify the culprits. But, we didn't have just ONE squirrel. The guy that came out told "There's A LOT of activity." He then took Kris out and walked around, showing him everything. He said there were at least 6-8 squirrels, and they are coming in at three different places under the roof. And there is a possible fourth, if we don't intervene.
Kris walked back into the house with an appointment for Monday morning for Animal Control to set traps...
It gets worse. I know you're thinking "What could be worse than having to shell out $1000 that you don't have?" Unfortunately Lucky for you, I am going to tell you.
We've had issues with ants. Everyone does. They come and go...but they mostly just stay. A few years ago, we had crickets downstairs. They only appeared at night. And I would see them, gathering in a circle. I am pretty sure they were trying to start a cult. The mice were the worst by far, which you know I've written about time and time again. We even had a standoff last summer. It was NOT pleasant.
Now we have squirrels to deal with. Well, we're letting Animal Control deal with them.
Has anyone noticed that the animals keep getting larger????
I've made it clear to the world that I do not like animals. Rather, I do not like pets. No. I do not WANT pets. It makes me wonder if there are spies among the animal species, monitoring my blog, reading my posts, and trying desperately to "win me over". What must I do? Must I get a dog? Will that satisfy all of you crazy animals out there? Or do I just wait until I have an invasion of raccoons? And what's next after raccoons? Probably cheetahs. Then buffalo, until I really do have a Wookalar or two trying to run me out of my home..
So, for my own amusement, here is what is in my head about how I feel about all of these stupid animals. Please disregard the poor handwriting. It was never my strong suit. And yes, I did draw that, all by myself. Didn't know I had it in me did you? No? Neither did I! FYI...crickets are REALLY hard to draw!!!
I just got done telling you that because I dreamed about multiple people living in my attic, there HAD to be multiple "things" (or people) truly living in my attic. I WAS RIGHT!
Animal Control came out
Kris walked back into the house with an appointment for Monday morning for Animal Control to set traps...
And...
A bill for $1000!!!!
We've had issues with ants. Everyone does. They come and go...but they mostly just stay. A few years ago, we had crickets downstairs. They only appeared at night. And I would see them, gathering in a circle. I am pretty sure they were trying to start a cult. The mice were the worst by far, which you know I've written about time and time again. We even had a standoff last summer. It was NOT pleasant.
Now we have squirrels to deal with. Well, we're letting Animal Control deal with them.
Has anyone noticed that the animals keep getting larger????
I've made it clear to the world that I do not like animals. Rather, I do not like pets. No. I do not WANT pets. It makes me wonder if there are spies among the animal species, monitoring my blog, reading my posts, and trying desperately to "win me over". What must I do? Must I get a dog? Will that satisfy all of you crazy animals out there? Or do I just wait until I have an invasion of raccoons? And what's next after raccoons? Probably cheetahs. Then buffalo, until I really do have a Wookalar or two trying to run me out of my home..
So, for my own amusement, here is what is in my head about how I feel about all of these stupid animals. Please disregard the poor handwriting. It was never my strong suit. And yes, I did draw that, all by myself. Didn't know I had it in me did you? No? Neither did I! FYI...crickets are REALLY hard to draw!!!
Scared to sleep
So, remember when I wrote about the small child I believe might be living in my attic? And remember the other day when I wrote about the dreams I was having within my dreams? It happened again. It was only the second night I took two Xanax to help me sleep, instead of the three my Dr. suggested. It seems that when I only take two, I have dreams that I remember. When I take three, I sleep better, but don't remember my dreams. So far...
Anyway...I had another dream within a dream. I think I've been doing too much fretting about whatever is living in my attic. I'm so tired of hearing it scratch around up there. I'm scared it's going to scratch its way right down into my house. Someone said that could happen, and so I just assume that WILL happen.
So this dream in particular had a lot to do with what's living in my attic. Because I had a dream that I went to sleep. And while I was asleep, I dreamed that I came home and found this 55-ish year old woman with gray hair, a little heavy-set, standing in my living room. With several of her friends. She introduced herself and told me that all the other people there were her friends and they would be living with us now. I started freaking out and went into my bedroom. Standing there was this short, thin, younger bald man. Scary looking, with tattoos and just a mean look in his eyes. I told him to get out of my house. He stepped towards me like he was going to hurt me and told me to look at the sun room. I looked into the sun room and it had been painted the same red color as my kitchen. It actually looked quite nice. And then I woke up from that dream, in my dream. And before I fully woke up, I had another really strange dream that I told Kris about (around 3:30am) which neither of us can remember.
Bottom line is that we need to get what or WHOEVER it is that is living in my attic out of there. And I should take 3, not 2 Xanax at night. I'd rather NOT remember these strange dreams I am having while I am dreaming. It's really bizarre. I'd rather just have dreams; it's disconcerting to dream about dreaming...
Oh, and I have recently discovered the meaning of my dream about the woman living in my attic. The fact that she had friends there and said they were going to live there must mean that there is more than ONE person living in my attic!! EEK!
OH and I FINALLY called Animal Control and they are coming today at 3pm. For a $50 fee...that will only "diagnose" the problem. But I'm ready to be done!! I'll let you know how it goes, if the snow doesn't keep them away. I heard whatever it was "fall" this morning or something. Thanks to my sister, I now think it must be a Wookalar. See below:
Anyway...I had another dream within a dream. I think I've been doing too much fretting about whatever is living in my attic. I'm so tired of hearing it scratch around up there. I'm scared it's going to scratch its way right down into my house. Someone said that could happen, and so I just assume that WILL happen.
So this dream in particular had a lot to do with what's living in my attic. Because I had a dream that I went to sleep. And while I was asleep, I dreamed that I came home and found this 55-ish year old woman with gray hair, a little heavy-set, standing in my living room. With several of her friends. She introduced herself and told me that all the other people there were her friends and they would be living with us now. I started freaking out and went into my bedroom. Standing there was this short, thin, younger bald man. Scary looking, with tattoos and just a mean look in his eyes. I told him to get out of my house. He stepped towards me like he was going to hurt me and told me to look at the sun room. I looked into the sun room and it had been painted the same red color as my kitchen. It actually looked quite nice. And then I woke up from that dream, in my dream. And before I fully woke up, I had another really strange dream that I told Kris about (around 3:30am) which neither of us can remember.
Bottom line is that we need to get what or WHOEVER it is that is living in my attic out of there. And I should take 3, not 2 Xanax at night. I'd rather NOT remember these strange dreams I am having while I am dreaming. It's really bizarre. I'd rather just have dreams; it's disconcerting to dream about dreaming...
Oh, and I have recently discovered the meaning of my dream about the woman living in my attic. The fact that she had friends there and said they were going to live there must mean that there is more than ONE person living in my attic!! EEK!
OH and I FINALLY called Animal Control and they are coming today at 3pm. For a $50 fee...that will only "diagnose" the problem. But I'm ready to be done!! I'll let you know how it goes, if the snow doesn't keep them away. I heard whatever it was "fall" this morning or something. Thanks to my sister, I now think it must be a Wookalar. See below:
Friday, February 4, 2011
*Warning* ADULT CONTENT
This post isn't going to be risqué or have naughty pictures. It isn't going to be an in depth study of my marital obligations. But I'm going to write today about something that I have wanted to write about for a long time but haven't had the courage. Primarily because I don't want to have people thing "Oh my gosh I can't believe that girl is writing about S.E.X. Now I'm never reading her blog again." Because it's not even an enticing blog post about sex. It's just an observation. So I'm just going to put it out there.
What I want to talk about today is "holiday sex". C'mon...don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I do not believe that my husband and I are the only couple who have "holiday sex". In the beginning, almost 12 years ago, holiday sex was IMPERATIVE. We didn't miss a holiday. It was unheard of. We felt like we had to celebrate every holiday...in that way. Don't get me wrong. We LIKED celebrating the holidays.
And then something changes. As you grow older together, and especially when you bring kids into the mix, it's a little more complicated to have "holiday sex". And for women I think it becomes less important (in general-not just the holidays). Moms especially. We are tired. We've been busy all day, whether it be inside or outside the home. We cook. We clean. We try to keep it all together. And we forget to take care of ourselves. Emotionally and sometimes physically. And so we don't feel sexy. We don't feel beautiful. And we don't always get as excited about the holidays as our male counterparts do.
My husband and I still talk about "holiday sex", even if we happen to miss it. And not to get too personal, but we haven't missed very many holidays! Sometimes we just amusingly try to see if we can overcome the challenge that is fitting that in (no pun intended!) on the holidays. But now I'm at a point in my life, and I do not think I am alone in this, whether there are 2 holidays where the tables are turned.
Men look forward to the holidays...because they know (or at least hope) it's a day they can count on celebrating. Women, on the other hand, have two holidays where we can play the "Please Not Today" card, and get away without too much resentment. Our birthday and Mother's Day. I just find it amusing. It's probably not even worth posting it here.
I guess I am just wondering if "holiday sex" is a part of your relationship...or are me and my husband just really weird? And how many of you out there look forward to Mother's Day or your birthday because you know you can say "You know what I REALLY want for my birthday? To not have to have sex." That way, if we do, it's MY choice. But I don't have to feel guilty if I choose not to!
What I want to talk about today is "holiday sex". C'mon...don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I do not believe that my husband and I are the only couple who have "holiday sex". In the beginning, almost 12 years ago, holiday sex was IMPERATIVE. We didn't miss a holiday. It was unheard of. We felt like we had to celebrate every holiday...in that way. Don't get me wrong. We LIKED celebrating the holidays.
And then something changes. As you grow older together, and especially when you bring kids into the mix, it's a little more complicated to have "holiday sex". And for women I think it becomes less important (in general-not just the holidays). Moms especially. We are tired. We've been busy all day, whether it be inside or outside the home. We cook. We clean. We try to keep it all together. And we forget to take care of ourselves. Emotionally and sometimes physically. And so we don't feel sexy. We don't feel beautiful. And we don't always get as excited about the holidays as our male counterparts do.
My husband and I still talk about "holiday sex", even if we happen to miss it. And not to get too personal, but we haven't missed very many holidays! Sometimes we just amusingly try to see if we can overcome the challenge that is fitting that in (no pun intended!) on the holidays. But now I'm at a point in my life, and I do not think I am alone in this, whether there are 2 holidays where the tables are turned.
Men look forward to the holidays...because they know (or at least hope) it's a day they can count on celebrating. Women, on the other hand, have two holidays where we can play the "Please Not Today" card, and get away without too much resentment. Our birthday and Mother's Day. I just find it amusing. It's probably not even worth posting it here.
I guess I am just wondering if "holiday sex" is a part of your relationship...or are me and my husband just really weird? And how many of you out there look forward to Mother's Day or your birthday because you know you can say "You know what I REALLY want for my birthday? To not have to have sex." That way, if we do, it's MY choice. But I don't have to feel guilty if I choose not to!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Prenuptial Agreements-do you have one?
This week's writing prompts are as follows:
1.) Prenuptial Agreement…Yay or Nay? Explain.
2.) You’re not always right…no you’re not…no you’re not…no you’re not….tell us about a time you were wrong.
3.) Describe the last thing that made you laugh really hard.
4.) A letter to your future teen.
5.) Valentine’s Day is coming…share a favorite Valentine’s tradition.
2.) You’re not always right…no you’re not…no you’re not…no you’re not….tell us about a time you were wrong.
3.) Describe the last thing that made you laugh really hard.
4.) A letter to your future teen.
5.) Valentine’s Day is coming…share a favorite Valentine’s tradition.
I'm looking over the prompts now and the last thing that made me laugh really hard was a clip from an episode of The Colbert Report, that I just wrote about last night. SO...I believe I will choose a different prompt.
I don't have any favorite Valentine's day traditions. I'm always right, so that one is out. That leaves #1 or #4.
I tried to write a letter to my children, and it just wasn't flowing. I think it scares me too much to think about them becoming teenagers and pulling away from me. They won't need me...or at least, they won't think they do. And I don't want to face that day.
So #1 it is. Prenuptial Agreements...Yay or Nay?
NAY.
We have no values anymore. We do not understand what a vow really is. Marriage isn't sacred. Marriage is just something you do because it feels right. Or because everyone expects it. Our culture's display of marriage is skewed.
If you need a prenuptial agreement, you are essentially saying "I know that this won't last, so when we finally call it quits, I want what's rightfully mine." Hollywood is notorious for that. I've never known anyone personally that has had a prenuptial agreement, but I know they exist in abundance. And they actually make me mad.
Because why would you go through the entire marriage process, with the intention of it failing? If we understood what a vow really meant (WHICH IS WHAT YOU EXCHANGE IN A WEDDING CEREMONY!!!), we would understand that you stay together. Through the good and the bad. You find a way to work it out. You don't just give up and run away at the first sign of trouble.
If you feel that you need a prenuptial agreement, because you're not sure if "this thing will last", don't get married. No wonder so many people are afraid of marriage. Because so many fail. But they don't fail because people fight over money. They don't fail because someone is unfaithful. They don't fail because "we just fell out of love".
LOVE IS A CHOICE. Marriages fail because people give up. They quit trying. They quit choosing to love. At the first sign of trouble, they try to get out because they think it is the easy route. But if you talk to anyone who has ever been through a divorce, especially those with children, they will tell you that it isn't easy!
My husband and I will be together until one of us dies-and we all know it will be me, because he promised he wouldn't die. There are days that I feel utterly despondent and like my marriage is barely hanging on by a thread. And when I want to leave, when I want to give up, THAT is when I am reminded that we made a VOW. And before we ever got married, we agreed that divorce would NEVER be in our vocabulary.
And maybe we were naive back then...but I'll tell you what. We've put each other through hell over the last 12 years. I have wanted to leave. I have wanted to run away. I have wanted to just quit. I can guarantee, even if he won't admit it, that Kris has wanted to give up too at times. We have hurt each other. We have inflicted pain. We have had our share of marital problems. But in the back of our minds, we have remembered that promise we made when we were full of young love and hope, and knew nothing of life. Divorce was not going to be an option. And so we HAVE to work it out. When there is tension, there is always hope, because I know that Kris is by my side, no matter what.
But let's get back to the topic at hand, about prenuptial agreements. If more people had more respect for marriage, they wouldn't be necessary. All they are is a way out. An escape clause. A place to run when things get tough. It's all about money and property and getting what one deserves. It's selfish, and love is anything BUT selfish. Save yourselves the trouble. Just divide up the money and property first, and part ways. Before you ever get married.
I know that my view is very one-sided. I know that some people may disagree. But I believe that marriage is sacred and real love is a choice, and selfless. Prenuptial agreements are anything but selfless.
I don't have any favorite Valentine's day traditions. I'm always right, so that one is out. That leaves #1 or #4.
I tried to write a letter to my children, and it just wasn't flowing. I think it scares me too much to think about them becoming teenagers and pulling away from me. They won't need me...or at least, they won't think they do. And I don't want to face that day.
So #1 it is. Prenuptial Agreements...Yay or Nay?
NAY.
We have no values anymore. We do not understand what a vow really is. Marriage isn't sacred. Marriage is just something you do because it feels right. Or because everyone expects it. Our culture's display of marriage is skewed.
If you need a prenuptial agreement, you are essentially saying "I know that this won't last, so when we finally call it quits, I want what's rightfully mine." Hollywood is notorious for that. I've never known anyone personally that has had a prenuptial agreement, but I know they exist in abundance. And they actually make me mad.
Because why would you go through the entire marriage process, with the intention of it failing? If we understood what a vow really meant (WHICH IS WHAT YOU EXCHANGE IN A WEDDING CEREMONY!!!), we would understand that you stay together. Through the good and the bad. You find a way to work it out. You don't just give up and run away at the first sign of trouble.
If you feel that you need a prenuptial agreement, because you're not sure if "this thing will last", don't get married. No wonder so many people are afraid of marriage. Because so many fail. But they don't fail because people fight over money. They don't fail because someone is unfaithful. They don't fail because "we just fell out of love".
LOVE IS A CHOICE. Marriages fail because people give up. They quit trying. They quit choosing to love. At the first sign of trouble, they try to get out because they think it is the easy route. But if you talk to anyone who has ever been through a divorce, especially those with children, they will tell you that it isn't easy!
My husband and I will be together until one of us dies-and we all know it will be me, because he promised he wouldn't die. There are days that I feel utterly despondent and like my marriage is barely hanging on by a thread. And when I want to leave, when I want to give up, THAT is when I am reminded that we made a VOW. And before we ever got married, we agreed that divorce would NEVER be in our vocabulary.
And maybe we were naive back then...but I'll tell you what. We've put each other through hell over the last 12 years. I have wanted to leave. I have wanted to run away. I have wanted to just quit. I can guarantee, even if he won't admit it, that Kris has wanted to give up too at times. We have hurt each other. We have inflicted pain. We have had our share of marital problems. But in the back of our minds, we have remembered that promise we made when we were full of young love and hope, and knew nothing of life. Divorce was not going to be an option. And so we HAVE to work it out. When there is tension, there is always hope, because I know that Kris is by my side, no matter what.
But let's get back to the topic at hand, about prenuptial agreements. If more people had more respect for marriage, they wouldn't be necessary. All they are is a way out. An escape clause. A place to run when things get tough. It's all about money and property and getting what one deserves. It's selfish, and love is anything BUT selfish. Save yourselves the trouble. Just divide up the money and property first, and part ways. Before you ever get married.
I know that my view is very one-sided. I know that some people may disagree. But I believe that marriage is sacred and real love is a choice, and selfless. Prenuptial agreements are anything but selfless.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
One of my favorite days of the year
I'm 29 year old today.
Sure I may look 32.
My birth certificate might say 1979.
But, it's my blog and keeping with true Stephen Colbert form, my GUT tells me I am 29.
Therefore, I am 29.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The Enemy Within - Caboodle Ranch | ||||
| ||||
My day didn't go as planned. With this blizzard-that-wasn't-really-a-blizzard thing we had going on, and the kids going to school for all of 4 hours this week things have been chaotic. I had planned to experiment and make a Milky Way Cheesecake. I have yet to do it.
I went to work. While the kids were off school, I didn't feel like being cooped up all day, so my mother-in-law graciously agreed to watch them. I didn't get the lunch I wanted. We were going to have Pappy's Smokehouse for lunch, but sadly they were closed due to the weather. So we had Subway instead.
I did manage to get a massage though...which I will write about later. Not because anything "awkward" happened...just because I am going to make it a separate post. Because I love MassageLuxe.
We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. I had to sit on a saddle. Because that's what they do. They yell and make you wave a napkin around. I totally didn't want to...but I had 8 pleading eyes and 4 little mouths begging me...so I caved! Kris took a picture but I looked altogether AWFUL! So, no picture proof.
Altogether, I had a good 29th birthday. Thanks to everyone who made it a special day for me...Facebook was insane!!! But since I like being the center of attention, it was pretty much awesome.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE THERE'S SIGNS...
I love signs. Or taking pictures of things that, at first glance, just don't seem quite right. And usually I end up taking the picture because I find myself so amusing that surely others will too, right? RIGHT?!? Let me show you some examples of what I am talking about, saving my favorite for last. If you were following me back before my Google account got hacked, these first few may look familiar. Hang in there until the end though, OK?
#1. If you really want me to feel safe and trust you with my car, please spend a little bit more money on UR sign so that you can fully spell out the words. Maybe add some color. Maybe make it larger than a cardboard box...just some suggestions...
#2. Initially, I have no issue with this sign. It's comforting really.
Until I see what my children will be playing on/in, which happened to be an empty lot with large puddles of mud in it.
#3. How reliable is Kevin really? Anyone willing to call and find out?
#4. A little redundant maybe? In case it's hard to tell, it's the SAME "No Parking" sign every 5 car lengths...at least 10 in a row!!! They REALLY don't want people parking there...
#5. I'll answer the question you are all thinking. No, I did NOT inquire inside! Though I did wonder if I could maybe drop mine off for free...
#6. Not too long ago, we went shopping for some hiking boots for Kris. We went to Bass Pro Shops. Or whatever it's called. If the name is wrong, I don't care enough to look it up and fix it. I never go to that store, but we figured they would have what we needed. I was surprised to find that they made it really easy to shop for shoes. For instance, hiking boots were found in the hiking boots section. Similarly, I discovered that I have been wearing the wrong shoes to work for YEARS. Because they have a "Work Wear" section, and I do not own a single pair of these:
#7. As if there wasn't enough "things I could care less about" to look at in the fishing/hunting store, I was a little taken aback when I saw this next item for sale. At first, I thought "Why would they sell that here of all places???" But then I looked further, perused what was really being sold, and I became excited...ecstatic really. I will let you see the picture first, and then I will share with you a conversation my sister and I had on Facebook. You see, I posted this picture in December on Facebook and and NO ONE (except my MIL) seemed to notice it. Or think it was funny. So...I'd like your thoughts:
My caption for this picture read "FINALLY. A bowl maker I can eat! It's what I've always wanted."
My sister JUST NOW saw the picture and the following is our dialog:
Jenny: How did I not see this before...I literally laughed out loud. The bowl maker is edible...hahaha!
Me: Maybe I should make it my profile pic...no one seemed to notice it and I thought it was incredibly funny!!! I'm gonna put this on my blog."
Jenny: It's awesome! You can make edible bowls and then eat the maker itself. And it's REVERSIBLE! I, too, have been searching for an edible bowl maker, but to find one that's reversible also? All my dreams have finally come true!
Me: I'm going to quote you on that...we should totally make an infomercial together!!! I wonder if we can eat the cookbook too...
I LOVE SIGNS!
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