Class Reunion.
I cannot decide if I am going to my class reunion this year. This year is 20 years from my high school graduation. I am probably 85% sure I am not going. I see a lot of the people I graduated with at church, the schools and Walmart.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Just because...
Just because I made my son do his homework last night, he is going to run away. Nevermind the fact that he had almost 3 hours to finish before I even walked in the door.
Just because I made my daughter fold and put the laundry that she was supposed to do, say about 3 hours earlier, she is "ticked off!"
I wonder if they realize how much I love them and how proud I am of them?
Just because I made my son do his homework last night, he is going to run away. Nevermind the fact that he had almost 3 hours to finish before I even walked in the door.
Just because I made my daughter fold and put the laundry that she was supposed to do, say about 3 hours earlier, she is "ticked off!"
I wonder if they realize how much I love them and how proud I am of them?
Nails. I have nails.
I had a manicure on Saturday. I have nails now. Not quite used to them. Don't know if I will keep them.
I am pretty much a low maintenance gal. I've always kept my nails cut short. Polished (I love nail polish), but short.
Now I am learning how to type, open mail, cans, and no telling what else with these nails. They are average length - but it still feels weird.
But it was cool to have it done - 15-20 minutes of pampering. Hmm...May be worth it after all.
I had a manicure on Saturday. I have nails now. Not quite used to them. Don't know if I will keep them.
I am pretty much a low maintenance gal. I've always kept my nails cut short. Polished (I love nail polish), but short.
Now I am learning how to type, open mail, cans, and no telling what else with these nails. They are average length - but it still feels weird.
But it was cool to have it done - 15-20 minutes of pampering. Hmm...May be worth it after all.
What I learned from a beauty pageant.....
(My daughter entered her first beauty pageant this past week...it has been fun...busy...nerve racking....but definitely fun. For whatever reason this drew us closer together - I guess it was all the time we spent in the weeks up to the pageant)
Okay...now, back to "What I learned from a beauty pageant."
1) They don't make 14-15 year old girls like they used to! These girls could have been on the cover of Sports Illustrated Bathing Suit Issue. Good grief. Enough said.
2) Pedicures are necessary- I mean everyone looks at the toes.
3) Always have an extra pair of shoes with you.
4) Maybe even have a "back-up" dress - just in case. One contestant had to buy another dress hours before the pageant because her dress was ruined at the dry cleaners. Or take care of that detail about a week ahead of time.
5) Have your nails done the day before if at all possible!
6) Keep your hair as close to your natural style - you will feel more comfortable and most importantly more confident.
7) Make sure younger siblings know it is not good sportsmanship to yell out at the other contestants when his sister does not place. Said sister was fine - ready to enter next year.
8) Remember to have fun, fun!
(My daughter entered her first beauty pageant this past week...it has been fun...busy...nerve racking....but definitely fun. For whatever reason this drew us closer together - I guess it was all the time we spent in the weeks up to the pageant)
Okay...now, back to "What I learned from a beauty pageant."
1) They don't make 14-15 year old girls like they used to! These girls could have been on the cover of Sports Illustrated Bathing Suit Issue. Good grief. Enough said.
2) Pedicures are necessary- I mean everyone looks at the toes.
3) Always have an extra pair of shoes with you.
4) Maybe even have a "back-up" dress - just in case. One contestant had to buy another dress hours before the pageant because her dress was ruined at the dry cleaners. Or take care of that detail about a week ahead of time.
5) Have your nails done the day before if at all possible!
6) Keep your hair as close to your natural style - you will feel more comfortable and most importantly more confident.
7) Make sure younger siblings know it is not good sportsmanship to yell out at the other contestants when his sister does not place. Said sister was fine - ready to enter next year.
8) Remember to have fun, fun!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Just smack on the blue eye shadow, the lipstick and give them a hug.
(just make sure your roots aren't showing!)
Yep that is how most women in the South handle the women they don't like or how they handle people who have hurt them. And I am guilty of it.
The theory behind this is all of us face people who have hurt us, embarrassed us, or just plain ticked us off. What better way than being nice to them, even if it is fake?
(Missouri Becky-your hat to your EX is a good example)
But Southern women do it best. Weddings, for example. Your son or daughter is getting married, you have an ex, he is with HER, the woman who is now stuck with him, because your glue was tired of holding on. You put on a killer dress, do your hair and makeup, and when you see her, you hug her and tell her she is looking good. (You must hold the bile back in your throat) Now she has to wonder, if you really meant to be nice or were you trying to "show-up" her in front of everyone. But needless to say, you have made the impression. (I don't speak from experience, but I am going on what friends have gone through)
The HEEYYYYY,(said in the best Southern Drawl-all my friends know I have one. And Missouri Becky has heard it) how are you? Followed by conversation, then a quick hug. This happens when you run into someone you are not expecting to see (say at TCBY when you are purchasing your weekly escape Chocolate Shake). The water is under the bridge, but still you just don't want to chit chat. And to be honest, though the water is under the bridge, down the river, and out into the sea, you just don't want to be friends, forgiveness and moving on is one thing, but you (okay me) just can't do the friendship thing. But hey, kids are involved, so please be cordial and respectful.
Oh, and where does the blue eyeshadow and lipstick fit in? Please, true southern women have at least one on all the time. Just like most of us are blonds (natural or loreal-we're blond!)
(just make sure your roots aren't showing!)
Yep that is how most women in the South handle the women they don't like or how they handle people who have hurt them. And I am guilty of it.
The theory behind this is all of us face people who have hurt us, embarrassed us, or just plain ticked us off. What better way than being nice to them, even if it is fake?
(Missouri Becky-your hat to your EX is a good example)
But Southern women do it best. Weddings, for example. Your son or daughter is getting married, you have an ex, he is with HER, the woman who is now stuck with him, because your glue was tired of holding on. You put on a killer dress, do your hair and makeup, and when you see her, you hug her and tell her she is looking good. (You must hold the bile back in your throat) Now she has to wonder, if you really meant to be nice or were you trying to "show-up" her in front of everyone. But needless to say, you have made the impression. (I don't speak from experience, but I am going on what friends have gone through)
The HEEYYYYY,(said in the best Southern Drawl-all my friends know I have one. And Missouri Becky has heard it) how are you? Followed by conversation, then a quick hug. This happens when you run into someone you are not expecting to see (say at TCBY when you are purchasing your weekly escape Chocolate Shake). The water is under the bridge, but still you just don't want to chit chat. And to be honest, though the water is under the bridge, down the river, and out into the sea, you just don't want to be friends, forgiveness and moving on is one thing, but you (okay me) just can't do the friendship thing. But hey, kids are involved, so please be cordial and respectful.
Oh, and where does the blue eyeshadow and lipstick fit in? Please, true southern women have at least one on all the time. Just like most of us are blonds (natural or loreal-we're blond!)
Race for the Double A's
Batteries are not safe in this house.
My kids fight over Double A batteries, so much so, that I think the Triple A's, The C's & D's feel neglected and rejected.
They will get into some knock down - drag out fights for Duracell and Energizer.
No camera, game boy and CD player is safe. You leave them in plain sight, the batteries disappear so fast it is enough to make a car thief jealous.
Side note: The only batteries that seem to be safe at the moment are those powering remote controls. Of course! Who wants to reach out with you arm and change the channel?
Batteries are not safe in this house.
My kids fight over Double A batteries, so much so, that I think the Triple A's, The C's & D's feel neglected and rejected.
They will get into some knock down - drag out fights for Duracell and Energizer.
No camera, game boy and CD player is safe. You leave them in plain sight, the batteries disappear so fast it is enough to make a car thief jealous.
Side note: The only batteries that seem to be safe at the moment are those powering remote controls. Of course! Who wants to reach out with you arm and change the channel?
Pencil? Who Needs a Pencil?
I can send to school with my son 5 new pencils, he will lose every one of them, end up borrowing one, and I have to replace it.
He said to me last night -"Mom, really, who needs pencils anyway?" Need I say more?
And my daughter has to be the only 8th grader in her school who never has homework.
And it makes perfect sense to me why one page of his spelling homework is in the dining room, the other in the bedroom, and his math sheet on the floor in the kitchen. Well to be honest, it doesn't make sense to me, but it does to him. The kitchen is where he puts the homework he needs help with, the dining room is where he puts completed homework, and the homework in the bedroom just did not make it to the dining room. Of course, now I understand!
And yep, you guessed it, in all three rooms, there was a pencil.
I can send to school with my son 5 new pencils, he will lose every one of them, end up borrowing one, and I have to replace it.
He said to me last night -"Mom, really, who needs pencils anyway?" Need I say more?
And my daughter has to be the only 8th grader in her school who never has homework.
And it makes perfect sense to me why one page of his spelling homework is in the dining room, the other in the bedroom, and his math sheet on the floor in the kitchen. Well to be honest, it doesn't make sense to me, but it does to him. The kitchen is where he puts the homework he needs help with, the dining room is where he puts completed homework, and the homework in the bedroom just did not make it to the dining room. Of course, now I understand!
And yep, you guessed it, in all three rooms, there was a pencil.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Help....my mom is dating!
(Before I begin this writing, a note to my dear friend at church - I am not making light of your feelings-but it gave me an idea-along with some things my kids have been talking about)
As I have mentioned before, I am a single mom. Dating is not something I have dived into.
My kids are funny about it. My daughter has a very short list of two guys she wouldn't mind me dating. My son said I don't need to date, don't need to remarry, he says when he becomes a police officer after he finishes in the army, he is going to buy me a house next to his, pay me $20 a week to baby-sit his kids and buy me a Nissan Altima (my dream car...one day!). So there, my kids have me taken care of...sort of.
My father passed away almost 5 years ago - my mother never even thought about dating again. (But trust me when I say, my sisters and I wish she would!) I have no doubt that if it had been the opposite - my dad would have dated. Probably remarried. (and I am sure I would not have liked it one bit)
I have a friend who lost her father almost a year & 1/2 ago - her mother is dating again. She is not ready for this. Doesn't want to talk about it with her mom. I understand. I really do.
In our parent's mind we will always be that 10-year old needing a band aid. In our mind our parents never have sex (except for....count the number of children), and they never date anyone but the other parent. Well things happen, life happens.
If we as adults have a hard time accepting the fact that our parents date, how do we expect our children to accept it without having issues? How are we supposed to handle this without hurting our children and possibly losing out on relationships?
Just food for thought.
But the way I see it...one day I may be making $20 dollars a week, driving a Nissan Altima, and babysitting my grandchildren.
(Before I begin this writing, a note to my dear friend at church - I am not making light of your feelings-but it gave me an idea-along with some things my kids have been talking about)
As I have mentioned before, I am a single mom. Dating is not something I have dived into.
My kids are funny about it. My daughter has a very short list of two guys she wouldn't mind me dating. My son said I don't need to date, don't need to remarry, he says when he becomes a police officer after he finishes in the army, he is going to buy me a house next to his, pay me $20 a week to baby-sit his kids and buy me a Nissan Altima (my dream car...one day!). So there, my kids have me taken care of...sort of.
My father passed away almost 5 years ago - my mother never even thought about dating again. (But trust me when I say, my sisters and I wish she would!) I have no doubt that if it had been the opposite - my dad would have dated. Probably remarried. (and I am sure I would not have liked it one bit)
I have a friend who lost her father almost a year & 1/2 ago - her mother is dating again. She is not ready for this. Doesn't want to talk about it with her mom. I understand. I really do.
In our parent's mind we will always be that 10-year old needing a band aid. In our mind our parents never have sex (except for....count the number of children), and they never date anyone but the other parent. Well things happen, life happens.
If we as adults have a hard time accepting the fact that our parents date, how do we expect our children to accept it without having issues? How are we supposed to handle this without hurting our children and possibly losing out on relationships?
Just food for thought.
But the way I see it...one day I may be making $20 dollars a week, driving a Nissan Altima, and babysitting my grandchildren.
Monday, February 19, 2007
TONIGHT
Tonight I am lonely. I don't want to be single tonight.
I wonder why God has me in this place. I know He loves me and has not forgotten me-but tonight I hurt.
I just want a strong pair of arms and strong shoulders to hold me tonight and let me know it will be okay.
Am I meant to be single for the rest of my life? Does God have a man for me? Am I to wait until my kids are grown? Is this man a new person I've yet to meet? Or an old friend? Do I see him at the store? Church? Work? Library? The doctor's office? The park? Soccer field? Movie?
Will I be too cynical to ever marry? Too set in my ways marry?
Is God preparing me right now? Am I any closer than I was last week? Yesterday?
But tonight I am lonely, and I hurt.
HOW TO HANDLE THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BEING AN EX-WIFE AND HAVING AN EX-HUSBAND
1.) YOU CANNOT CONTROL WHAT GOES ON THEIR HOUSE - ALL YOU CAN DO IS BE THE BEST MOM YOU CAN BE.
2.) OKAY, THIS A FUNNY ONE, BUT REMEMBER THE COMMERCIAL FOR DEODORANT, "NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT?" WELL, NEVER LET THEM KNOW YOU LITERALLY THROW UP AFTER THEY DELIVER NEWS THAT WILL CAUSE SET BACKS ON ALL SORTS OF LEVELS.
3.) ANOTHER FUNNY ONE, NEVER LET THEM KNOW HOW MANY TIMES YOU WILL CHECK THE MAIL WHEN YOU ARE WAITING ON CHILD SUPPORT-BECAUSE YOU HAVE LIKE $2.00 IN THE BANK.
4.) UNLESS THE WOMAN HE IS WITH IS THE ONE HE LEFT YOU FOR (CHANCES ARE SHE'S NOT) - YOUR BEEF IS NOT WITH HER - IT IS WITH HIM. DON'T TAKE THE ANGER OUT ON HER. WHY FEED THE FIRE?
5.) REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU AND YOUR EX FEEL ABOUT EACH OTHER - YOUR KIDS NEED TO SPEND TIME WITH THE OTHER. IT IS IMPORTANT. AND UNLESS HE IS A CRIMINAL OR PREDATOR AND THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE-MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS SEE THE OTHER PARENT. EVEN IF CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS ARE BEHIND - DON'T KEEP THE KIDS AND THE OTHER PARENT APART. YOU DON'T WANT THEM TO FEEL ABANDONED OR FORGOTTEN.
6.) ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO WRITE,SEND CARDS, EMAIL AND CALL. KEEP THE OTHER INFORMED.
I say all this, because maybe I am talking to myself, and I am struggling with some major issues right now and they hurt like heck. I am worried and trying so hard not to stress.
and for the last tip..
7.) PRAY FOR YOUR EX- PRAY FOR ALL INVOLVED. IT WILL HELP YOU. PRAY FOR GOD TO GUIDE YOU.
and again I think I am talking to myself - I don't think I have any more tears.
PART OF A CIRCLE
I just can't win in this house. My mother and I, along with my two kids live together. Trust me there are times when I am about to go insane.
This may be one of those nights...but I have discovered.....
Earphones....more specifically my daughter's ear phones. I am sure I am using the same ear phones to tune out the complaining and nagging (my mother)that my daughter uses to tune out complaining and nagging.(me)
Hmm...
Am I part of a huge circle or what?
I just can't win in this house. My mother and I, along with my two kids live together. Trust me there are times when I am about to go insane.
This may be one of those nights...but I have discovered.....
Earphones....more specifically my daughter's ear phones. I am sure I am using the same ear phones to tune out the complaining and nagging (my mother)that my daughter uses to tune out complaining and nagging.(me)
Hmm...
Am I part of a huge circle or what?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
I often joke about needing a real vacation. One where you go and just don't' worry about anything. Where you know when you come home, you will still have money left over to pay bills and buy groceries. One where the phone doesn't ring every 5 minutes, a vacation where you are not pulled into 100 different directions.
This single mom does not see a vacation in her near future. But let me share my fantasy vacation(s).
My first vacation would be to take my kids somewhere...Universal Studios or even Disney (off season of course) for a few days. I would just like to be able to do this for my kids. I don't wont to worry about $ on this vacation either. (So obviously this is a dream)
And now my dream vacation.
No phones, computers, televisions, etc. And no kids for a few days. A radio would be fine. A stack of books. A claw foot tub, tons of candles, and rest. Oh, during the day I am sure I would do the tourist thing....maybe. I am thinking all of this would be in some mountain cabin, where there is a wrap around porch, surrounded by flowers-the scents blending together-sweet enough to be a perfume, and no one in sight. Of course this dream vacation of mine could change slightly if I were married. Maybe that is part of my dream vacation, being with someone who loves me.
Or maybe I could stay in a Bed and Breakfast. I have never stayed in one that would be cool.
I am not too sure about a cruise - I've heard too many things about them. However, if one came my way, I wouldn't turn it down.
I would like to visit New York-see a couple of Broadway shows and soak up the atmosphere. Do you think the folks in New York would know I was from Tennessee? (I am saying that because I have been told I have a real southern accent! Ha!)
I am just so tired lately. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically tired. Drained past the point of exhaustion. I don't even sleep that great.
Vacation - it sounds so good right now.
This single mom does not see a vacation in her near future. But let me share my fantasy vacation(s).
My first vacation would be to take my kids somewhere...Universal Studios or even Disney (off season of course) for a few days. I would just like to be able to do this for my kids. I don't wont to worry about $ on this vacation either. (So obviously this is a dream)
And now my dream vacation.
No phones, computers, televisions, etc. And no kids for a few days. A radio would be fine. A stack of books. A claw foot tub, tons of candles, and rest. Oh, during the day I am sure I would do the tourist thing....maybe. I am thinking all of this would be in some mountain cabin, where there is a wrap around porch, surrounded by flowers-the scents blending together-sweet enough to be a perfume, and no one in sight. Of course this dream vacation of mine could change slightly if I were married. Maybe that is part of my dream vacation, being with someone who loves me.
Or maybe I could stay in a Bed and Breakfast. I have never stayed in one that would be cool.
I am not too sure about a cruise - I've heard too many things about them. However, if one came my way, I wouldn't turn it down.
I would like to visit New York-see a couple of Broadway shows and soak up the atmosphere. Do you think the folks in New York would know I was from Tennessee? (I am saying that because I have been told I have a real southern accent! Ha!)
I am just so tired lately. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically tired. Drained past the point of exhaustion. I don't even sleep that great.
Vacation - it sounds so good right now.
This beauty pageant stuff...
Okay, I am new to this pageant stuff. But it is exhausting. For those of you who don't know, my daughter is competing in a local pageant. Needless to say it has been a learning experience from the minute we started.
She is tanning, thanks to a cousin who owns a tanning salon, at no cost - since she is only tanning for a few weeks. She had her eyebrows waxed. Next week, the day of the pageant, she will have her hair, nails and makeup done. The dresses are altered and ready to go.
But let me tell you something about teenage girls. They are so mean to each other. It is funny how they check each other out and give every girl the once over - some of them are down right snotty. Most of them catty toward each other. (Do women learn this at birth?)
Since I am new to this, I don't know the rules. Am I supposed to be nice to the other mothers, are we supposed to chat? Do I tell the other girls they are pretty? What am I supposed to wear the night of the pageant? Don't even let me tell you how I am obsessing that I am going "dateless/single." That is a whole other issue.
My daughter is practicing her walk, and we are going over different possible interview questions. Today was rehearsal - so they practiced, went over how to stand, walk, talk, etc.
I don't know about all this. But my daughter is having fun and that is what counts.
Okay, I am new to this pageant stuff. But it is exhausting. For those of you who don't know, my daughter is competing in a local pageant. Needless to say it has been a learning experience from the minute we started.
She is tanning, thanks to a cousin who owns a tanning salon, at no cost - since she is only tanning for a few weeks. She had her eyebrows waxed. Next week, the day of the pageant, she will have her hair, nails and makeup done. The dresses are altered and ready to go.
But let me tell you something about teenage girls. They are so mean to each other. It is funny how they check each other out and give every girl the once over - some of them are down right snotty. Most of them catty toward each other. (Do women learn this at birth?)
Since I am new to this, I don't know the rules. Am I supposed to be nice to the other mothers, are we supposed to chat? Do I tell the other girls they are pretty? What am I supposed to wear the night of the pageant? Don't even let me tell you how I am obsessing that I am going "dateless/single." That is a whole other issue.
My daughter is practicing her walk, and we are going over different possible interview questions. Today was rehearsal - so they practiced, went over how to stand, walk, talk, etc.
I don't know about all this. But my daughter is having fun and that is what counts.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Single momhood.
Today it hurts being single. I seem to have so much on my plate and no time.
I am probably going to have to take a part-time job. Doing what I don't know. In the past when it has come up that I may have to take a 2nd or 3rd job - I usually try to take those jobs that involve no emotional attachment. Makes it easier to leave. I try to clean houses - that is always a good way to make extra money - but it takes time to find a house and with my work schedule -hard. We shall see.
I feel so overwhelmed and exhausted right now - I have been on the verge of tears all day - lost it once in my car right at lunch (now I look so pretty-red nose and eyes). I really do need a break - just a small respite. For me to catch my breath.
Today it hurts being single. I seem to have so much on my plate and no time.
I am probably going to have to take a part-time job. Doing what I don't know. In the past when it has come up that I may have to take a 2nd or 3rd job - I usually try to take those jobs that involve no emotional attachment. Makes it easier to leave. I try to clean houses - that is always a good way to make extra money - but it takes time to find a house and with my work schedule -hard. We shall see.
I feel so overwhelmed and exhausted right now - I have been on the verge of tears all day - lost it once in my car right at lunch (now I look so pretty-red nose and eyes). I really do need a break - just a small respite. For me to catch my breath.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
My love affair with hot baths.
This morning a memory from my teen years came to me so vividly. And this is where I believe my love affair with long hot baths began. Not to mention my fascination with boxes, bottles and baskets.
I used to spend the night a lot at my best friend's house (we were friends from 5th grade on up through our adult years). She lived in this old two story house - her room was upstairs-but as big as this house was - they only had one bath. Her mother had a unique and quirky style of decorating/organizing. (To this day I think I "copy" her in the way I do some things). She used baskets for everything. But in their bathroom was this three tier hanging basket that was always full of bath stuff. I loved that basket. Loved sifting through trying to find just the right scent. She had bath sponges and brushes - it was always a treat to take a bath there. And I always felt so pretty after taking a bath - so girlie.
I have mentioned her before, but my Aunt E, also planted seeds of long hot baths, lotions and creams. I was always fascinated by her dresser. She had all these jars - real pretty jars and bottles of different colors, sizes, shapes and scents. I used to love opening each one and just sniffing the sweet scents found in each of them. And she would always let me put a dab behind my ears and on my wrists. And like at my friends house - I felt pretty and girlie.
I love long hot soaks - though as a mom - they are a true gift. I took one today before anyone got up - it was nice. Chose just the right scent. And I feel girlie and somewhat pretty.
So my friends take a hot bath today - enjoy being a girl.
This morning a memory from my teen years came to me so vividly. And this is where I believe my love affair with long hot baths began. Not to mention my fascination with boxes, bottles and baskets.
I used to spend the night a lot at my best friend's house (we were friends from 5th grade on up through our adult years). She lived in this old two story house - her room was upstairs-but as big as this house was - they only had one bath. Her mother had a unique and quirky style of decorating/organizing. (To this day I think I "copy" her in the way I do some things). She used baskets for everything. But in their bathroom was this three tier hanging basket that was always full of bath stuff. I loved that basket. Loved sifting through trying to find just the right scent. She had bath sponges and brushes - it was always a treat to take a bath there. And I always felt so pretty after taking a bath - so girlie.
I have mentioned her before, but my Aunt E, also planted seeds of long hot baths, lotions and creams. I was always fascinated by her dresser. She had all these jars - real pretty jars and bottles of different colors, sizes, shapes and scents. I used to love opening each one and just sniffing the sweet scents found in each of them. And she would always let me put a dab behind my ears and on my wrists. And like at my friends house - I felt pretty and girlie.
I love long hot soaks - though as a mom - they are a true gift. I took one today before anyone got up - it was nice. Chose just the right scent. And I feel girlie and somewhat pretty.
So my friends take a hot bath today - enjoy being a girl.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I am sure I said this last month or something similar...
I really don't need my uterus anymore...I have no intention of having any more children. Why suffer every month?
It should be allowed, say once you are 35 years old, and you know you are not going to have any more children, for you to go to your doctor, and tell him. "Excuse me, I know you are really busy helping women have children, giving exams, counseling, returning phone calls, and other emergencies...but we if we could just end my own misery that would be really cool, I am free tomorrow."
Well, it could work. For me anyway.
I really don't need my uterus anymore...I have no intention of having any more children. Why suffer every month?
It should be allowed, say once you are 35 years old, and you know you are not going to have any more children, for you to go to your doctor, and tell him. "Excuse me, I know you are really busy helping women have children, giving exams, counseling, returning phone calls, and other emergencies...but we if we could just end my own misery that would be really cool, I am free tomorrow."
Well, it could work. For me anyway.
Today.
Today I was determined not to throw myself into some type of pity party. Well, I have failed.
And I am sure it is the holiday making me feel this way. I have stayed out of stores and restaurants today-but I am lonely today. This feeling of loneliness started this morning - I so desperately wanted 30 minutes to myself - but once my kids were gone- I wanted them back. At least when I am busy - I don't have time to think.
Appreciate the one who loves you. The one you are with.
Today I was determined not to throw myself into some type of pity party. Well, I have failed.
And I am sure it is the holiday making me feel this way. I have stayed out of stores and restaurants today-but I am lonely today. This feeling of loneliness started this morning - I so desperately wanted 30 minutes to myself - but once my kids were gone- I wanted them back. At least when I am busy - I don't have time to think.
Appreciate the one who loves you. The one you are with.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Hardened by life, softened by love. I just finished watching the last hour of OPEN RANGE. (a terrific movie by the way!) Kevin Costner's character, Charlie, was hardened by the life he led. His choices were not always the best, and toward the end he came to realize his life was empty. But he also realized he had something good in Sue (Annette Benning). He was softened by love. I decided I am somewhat hardened by life, slightly cynical (okay I am majorly cynical), but I am anxiously awaiting to be softened by love. I admit I have been in love - but burned badly. My heart broke to the point I didn't think I would make it through. In love in the recent past - to know that it was not meant to be. I would like to say I am ready for God to bring that person into my life. But am I? Will I be too hardened? Too cynical? Too mistrusting? Too bitter?
Weekend Review. It has been one of those weekends, where you have no free time, but it turns out to be one of the best ever. I worked Friday night at a concessions stand at church. It was fun hanging out with those I love at church. Saturday was a singles get together and I was able to get to know the women in our group even better than I did before. God has really blessed me with this group of friends. I wonder if they know how amazing they are. They are made of some strong stuff, and God has carried them so far. They inspire me.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
If you are having a problem with your Internet service....press 6. These were the instructions I received at work today. Our whole system was down. I called customer service...pressed 6..and then was told to go to their web-site for further information. Need I say more? Good grief. (side note: it ended up being the whole service area and finally we were back up and running!)
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Homework....gotta love it!
I know some of you are teachers. But do you realize how you are torturing some parents with homework?
Last night, my son had 10-12 minutes of homework. He started at 5:30 - finished at 9:00! And of course it is my fault. And it is my fault he cannot spell chocolate. My fault that he can't find his Valentine List for his class.
I know all this will pass - it did with my daughter - but I am ever so tired. We cannot enjoy our evening hours. And of course it is my fault he cannot play video games, army men, and Battleship.
Homework...gotta love it!
I know some of you are teachers. But do you realize how you are torturing some parents with homework?
Last night, my son had 10-12 minutes of homework. He started at 5:30 - finished at 9:00! And of course it is my fault. And it is my fault he cannot spell chocolate. My fault that he can't find his Valentine List for his class.
I know all this will pass - it did with my daughter - but I am ever so tired. We cannot enjoy our evening hours. And of course it is my fault he cannot play video games, army men, and Battleship.
Homework...gotta love it!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
And they wonder why so many people hesitate about Women in leadership, Combat and other roles. So many lives are changed and careers on the line.
It just makes me ill.
What was she thinking? She wasn't.
This is from Fox News - my favorite news channel and news web-site.
NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak Charged With Attempted Murder
Tuesday , February 06, 2007
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — A NASA astronaut earlier ordered released on bail Tuesday after being slapped with attempted kidnapping charges later was charged with attempted first-degree murder.
A reporter with FOX affiliate WFOL in Orlando, Fla., said a jail spokesman said that Lisa Marie Nowak will now not be released from prison.
Orange County jail spokesman Allen Moore said Orlando police were in the process of adding the more serious charge that Nowak tried to kill Colleen Shipman.
"Even though she satisfied the bail for the other charges, she won't be released from jail," Moore said.
Orange County Judge Mike Murphy had earlier said Nowak could be released on $15,500 bond provided she stay away from the other woman and wear a monitoring device.
Before the attempted murder charges were added, Nowak was charged with attempting to kidnap a romantic rival for a space shuttle pilot's affections, and was told to wear a tracking device and not to contact her alleged victim.
Murphy said Nowak, 43, would be released on $15,500 bond. She said "yes" when Murphy asked her if she understood not to contact the other woman.Nowak stood in a jail uniform, usually with her head facing down during the hearing. She planned to return home to Houston once released.
Nowak is a married mother of three and police believe she was in a love triangle with a fellow astronaut. She faces charges including attempted kidnapping, attempted vehicle burglary with battery, destruction of evidence and battery.
Police said she drove 900 miles, donned a disguise and was armed with a BB gun and pepper spray Monday when she confronted a woman she believed was a competitor for the affections of Navy Cmdr. William Oefelein.
Nowak and Oefelein, 41, were both first-time fliers during separate shuttle missions last year. They trained together but never flew together.
Two other astronauts attended the court hearing. Steve Lindsey, the commander of Nowak's Discovery flight last July, testified that Nowak would obey the conditions of her release.
Chris Ferguson, a pilot on the mission, also attended the hearing. When asked about Nowak's behavior after the hearing, Ferguson responded "perplexed is the word I'm sticking with."
Nowak told police that her relationship with Oefelein was "more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship," according to an arrest affidavit. Police found a love letter to Oefelein in her car.
According to authorities, Nowak believed Shipman was romantically involved with Oefelein. When Nowak found out Shipman was flying to Orlando from Houston, Nowak decided to confront her early Monday, according to the arrest affidavit. Nowak raced from Houston to Orlando wearing diapers in the car so she wouldn't have to stop to go to the bathroom, authorities said. Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry.
Dressed in a wig and a trench coat, she waited for Shipman's plane to land and then boarded the same airport shuttle bus Shipman took to get to her car, police said. Shipman told police she noticed someone following her, hurried inside the car and locked the doors, according to the arrest affidavit.
Nowak rapped on the window, tried to open the car door and asked for a ride. Shipman refused but rolled down the car window a few inches when Nowak started crying. Nowak then sprayed a chemical into Shipman's car, the affidavit said. Shipman drove to the parking lot booth and police were called.
An officer reported following Nowak and watching her throw away a bag containing the wig and BB gun. Police also found a steel mallet, a 4-inch folding knife, rubber tubing, $600 and garbage bags inside a bag Nowak was carrying when she was arrested, authorities said.
Oefelein and Shipman, who the Houston Chronicle said worked at Patrick Air Force Base near the Kennedy Space Center, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
NASA spokesman James Hartsfield in Houston said that, as of Monday, Nowak's status with the astronaut corps remained unchanged. "What will happen beyond that, I will not speculate," he said.Hartsfield said he couldn't recall the last time an astronaut was arrested and said there were no rules against fraternizing among astronauts.
Police said Nowak told them that she only wanted to scare Shipman into talking to her about her relationship with Oefelein and didn't want to harm her physically."If you were just going to talk to someone, I don't know that you would need a wig, a trench coat, an air cartridge BB gun and pepper spray," said Orlando police Sgt. Barbara Jones. "It's just really a very sad case."
According to NASA's official biography, Nowak is a Naval Academy graduate who has a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. She has a teenage son and younger twin girls.
Oefelein has two children and began his aviation career as a teenager flying floatplanes in Alaska, according to a NASA biography. He studied electrical engineering at Oregon State University and later earned a master's degree in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. He has been an astronaut since 1998.
It just makes me ill.
What was she thinking? She wasn't.
This is from Fox News - my favorite news channel and news web-site.
NASA Astronaut Lisa Nowak Charged With Attempted Murder
Tuesday , February 06, 2007
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — A NASA astronaut earlier ordered released on bail Tuesday after being slapped with attempted kidnapping charges later was charged with attempted first-degree murder.
A reporter with FOX affiliate WFOL in Orlando, Fla., said a jail spokesman said that Lisa Marie Nowak will now not be released from prison.
Orange County jail spokesman Allen Moore said Orlando police were in the process of adding the more serious charge that Nowak tried to kill Colleen Shipman.
"Even though she satisfied the bail for the other charges, she won't be released from jail," Moore said.
Orange County Judge Mike Murphy had earlier said Nowak could be released on $15,500 bond provided she stay away from the other woman and wear a monitoring device.
Before the attempted murder charges were added, Nowak was charged with attempting to kidnap a romantic rival for a space shuttle pilot's affections, and was told to wear a tracking device and not to contact her alleged victim.
Murphy said Nowak, 43, would be released on $15,500 bond. She said "yes" when Murphy asked her if she understood not to contact the other woman.Nowak stood in a jail uniform, usually with her head facing down during the hearing. She planned to return home to Houston once released.
Nowak is a married mother of three and police believe she was in a love triangle with a fellow astronaut. She faces charges including attempted kidnapping, attempted vehicle burglary with battery, destruction of evidence and battery.
Police said she drove 900 miles, donned a disguise and was armed with a BB gun and pepper spray Monday when she confronted a woman she believed was a competitor for the affections of Navy Cmdr. William Oefelein.
Nowak and Oefelein, 41, were both first-time fliers during separate shuttle missions last year. They trained together but never flew together.
Two other astronauts attended the court hearing. Steve Lindsey, the commander of Nowak's Discovery flight last July, testified that Nowak would obey the conditions of her release.
Chris Ferguson, a pilot on the mission, also attended the hearing. When asked about Nowak's behavior after the hearing, Ferguson responded "perplexed is the word I'm sticking with."
Nowak told police that her relationship with Oefelein was "more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship," according to an arrest affidavit. Police found a love letter to Oefelein in her car.
According to authorities, Nowak believed Shipman was romantically involved with Oefelein. When Nowak found out Shipman was flying to Orlando from Houston, Nowak decided to confront her early Monday, according to the arrest affidavit. Nowak raced from Houston to Orlando wearing diapers in the car so she wouldn't have to stop to go to the bathroom, authorities said. Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry.
Dressed in a wig and a trench coat, she waited for Shipman's plane to land and then boarded the same airport shuttle bus Shipman took to get to her car, police said. Shipman told police she noticed someone following her, hurried inside the car and locked the doors, according to the arrest affidavit.
Nowak rapped on the window, tried to open the car door and asked for a ride. Shipman refused but rolled down the car window a few inches when Nowak started crying. Nowak then sprayed a chemical into Shipman's car, the affidavit said. Shipman drove to the parking lot booth and police were called.
An officer reported following Nowak and watching her throw away a bag containing the wig and BB gun. Police also found a steel mallet, a 4-inch folding knife, rubber tubing, $600 and garbage bags inside a bag Nowak was carrying when she was arrested, authorities said.
Oefelein and Shipman, who the Houston Chronicle said worked at Patrick Air Force Base near the Kennedy Space Center, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
NASA spokesman James Hartsfield in Houston said that, as of Monday, Nowak's status with the astronaut corps remained unchanged. "What will happen beyond that, I will not speculate," he said.Hartsfield said he couldn't recall the last time an astronaut was arrested and said there were no rules against fraternizing among astronauts.
Police said Nowak told them that she only wanted to scare Shipman into talking to her about her relationship with Oefelein and didn't want to harm her physically."If you were just going to talk to someone, I don't know that you would need a wig, a trench coat, an air cartridge BB gun and pepper spray," said Orlando police Sgt. Barbara Jones. "It's just really a very sad case."
According to NASA's official biography, Nowak is a Naval Academy graduate who has a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. She has a teenage son and younger twin girls.
Oefelein has two children and began his aviation career as a teenager flying floatplanes in Alaska, according to a NASA biography. He studied electrical engineering at Oregon State University and later earned a master's degree in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. He has been an astronaut since 1998.
Observations...
My make-up box. Why is it I had the following in my make-up box this morning? A G.I. Joe,
2 ink pens, a pencil, a CD belonging to my daughter, a crayon, wheels from a Hot Wheel car and
a rock. They weren't in there yesterday. Did I miss something?
The post office. In the post office I frequent, here are my choices for dropping off mail: Out of town, Local, Stamped and Metered. Now what if your mail is metered and out of town? Local and stamped? Stamped and out of town? Local and metered? I don't get it.
10 for $10. I like this kind of sale, but the other day at the store, I guess my cashier was new. The store had several items like this on sale. But being broke, I picked up 10 different items totalling $10. Hey, I had two bags of vegetables, eggs, bread, juice, lunch meat, cheese, and
so on. Threw her for a loop. Or maybe I was wrong. She didn't think I could do that. That I had to buy 10 of each item to receive the sale price. Even her manager could not make her understand. It went right over her head. She didn't even try scanning. Maybe she understands now.
Ketchup. Why is it Ketchup is a food group in my house. But my kids won't eat anything that has tomato sauce on top? (Meatloaf-casseroles, etc) (They'll eat spaghetti - I just can't make them understand)
Yogurt vs Milk. My daughter will eat yogurt but not drink milk. Says she is "allergic" - news to me. Go figure.
Child Support. Why is it in some families it cost $600 a month to raise a child, but $400 to raise two children-and lucky to receive that? Who decides the cost?
Movies. My sister lost a movie she rented. Why did the movie cost the rental store $50 but we can buy at Walmart for $19 or less. I told her just go buy them the movie. Same thing for some library books - I don't understand. (But how do you lose a movie?)
Christians. Why doesn't the press really stress that we had two Christian coaches in the Super Bowl? Two men in leadership positions not ashamed of their faith?
My make-up box. Why is it I had the following in my make-up box this morning? A G.I. Joe,
2 ink pens, a pencil, a CD belonging to my daughter, a crayon, wheels from a Hot Wheel car and
a rock. They weren't in there yesterday. Did I miss something?
The post office. In the post office I frequent, here are my choices for dropping off mail: Out of town, Local, Stamped and Metered. Now what if your mail is metered and out of town? Local and stamped? Stamped and out of town? Local and metered? I don't get it.
10 for $10. I like this kind of sale, but the other day at the store, I guess my cashier was new. The store had several items like this on sale. But being broke, I picked up 10 different items totalling $10. Hey, I had two bags of vegetables, eggs, bread, juice, lunch meat, cheese, and
so on. Threw her for a loop. Or maybe I was wrong. She didn't think I could do that. That I had to buy 10 of each item to receive the sale price. Even her manager could not make her understand. It went right over her head. She didn't even try scanning. Maybe she understands now.
Ketchup. Why is it Ketchup is a food group in my house. But my kids won't eat anything that has tomato sauce on top? (Meatloaf-casseroles, etc) (They'll eat spaghetti - I just can't make them understand)
Yogurt vs Milk. My daughter will eat yogurt but not drink milk. Says she is "allergic" - news to me. Go figure.
Child Support. Why is it in some families it cost $600 a month to raise a child, but $400 to raise two children-and lucky to receive that? Who decides the cost?
Movies. My sister lost a movie she rented. Why did the movie cost the rental store $50 but we can buy at Walmart for $19 or less. I told her just go buy them the movie. Same thing for some library books - I don't understand. (But how do you lose a movie?)
Christians. Why doesn't the press really stress that we had two Christian coaches in the Super Bowl? Two men in leadership positions not ashamed of their faith?
Saturday, February 03, 2007
What to do with all the VHS movies?
What am I supposed to do with all of our VHS tapes? We still have a VCR. I have a lot of memories tied up in these rectangular shaped boxes. I mean, I watched Beauty and the Beast with my daughter about 500 times. And now I am supposed to push it aside? What about Bob the Builder? Blues Clues (my son even had a thinking chair) The Breakfast Club? Dirty Dancing? Steel Magnolias? 101 Dalmatians? Barney? (though both my kids deny ever dancing to Hey Mr. Knickerbocker, boppity bop - but I have the video to prove it!)
Something about DVDs - they are nice - and the picture/sound quality is great. But they can be so fragile-so easy to scratch, etc. Remember when you could just toss a VHS tape around and it still play?
I have one of those combination VCR/DVD players and a VCR under my bed. I think I will hold on to everything.
What am I supposed to do with all of our VHS tapes? We still have a VCR. I have a lot of memories tied up in these rectangular shaped boxes. I mean, I watched Beauty and the Beast with my daughter about 500 times. And now I am supposed to push it aside? What about Bob the Builder? Blues Clues (my son even had a thinking chair) The Breakfast Club? Dirty Dancing? Steel Magnolias? 101 Dalmatians? Barney? (though both my kids deny ever dancing to Hey Mr. Knickerbocker, boppity bop - but I have the video to prove it!)
Something about DVDs - they are nice - and the picture/sound quality is great. But they can be so fragile-so easy to scratch, etc. Remember when you could just toss a VHS tape around and it still play?
I have one of those combination VCR/DVD players and a VCR under my bed. I think I will hold on to everything.
Shoe shopping. And don't forget the earrings.
Today we went shopping for shoes for my daughter. These shoes are to be worn with the dress she will be wearing in a local pageant. My goal was not to spend more on the shoes than I did the dress. Success! They are real pretty with two-inch heels. She has to practice walking in them, and remember they are not clogs, slides, or tennis shoes. It is taking some getting used to.
So, let's recap....we have the evening gown, the shoes and the earrings...the long, dangly kind. (We picked them up today) Now we need our intro/casual outfit. She tried on several today - and we will pick one up next pay day. We are also going to get an outfit for dress rehearsal...because I told her...you go in looking ready to win. Presentation and First Impressions are key. This is nerve racking for her. She has never competed before, so she has been practicing walking, answering questions, etc. I know I agreed to this whole pageant thing, but I am still unsure. I just don't know.
We have to sign up for tanning, get nails done, etc. Pageant is the last Saturday of this month. Whew. How do people do this all the time? Geesh!
Side note: My son was with us...let me tell you he was not into it...didn't even want to go into the stores with us. How funny.
Today we went shopping for shoes for my daughter. These shoes are to be worn with the dress she will be wearing in a local pageant. My goal was not to spend more on the shoes than I did the dress. Success! They are real pretty with two-inch heels. She has to practice walking in them, and remember they are not clogs, slides, or tennis shoes. It is taking some getting used to.
So, let's recap....we have the evening gown, the shoes and the earrings...the long, dangly kind. (We picked them up today) Now we need our intro/casual outfit. She tried on several today - and we will pick one up next pay day. We are also going to get an outfit for dress rehearsal...because I told her...you go in looking ready to win. Presentation and First Impressions are key. This is nerve racking for her. She has never competed before, so she has been practicing walking, answering questions, etc. I know I agreed to this whole pageant thing, but I am still unsure. I just don't know.
We have to sign up for tanning, get nails done, etc. Pageant is the last Saturday of this month. Whew. How do people do this all the time? Geesh!
Side note: My son was with us...let me tell you he was not into it...didn't even want to go into the stores with us. How funny.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
MEAN MOM...PART 5,000. Yep, I continue to be a mean mom. Thank you very much. It is a title I cherish. Why am I mean? I made my kids study today. Told them not to take for granted we will be home tomorrow (I think they are hoping-it is snowing). Why am I mean? I had my daughter match up of what seemed 200 pairs of socks today, to match movies to boxes, sort clothes, etc. In the process we found about 20 pony tail bands, (I swear they are like rabbits - they multiply at a rapid rate-then they hide themselves in fear of being worn by women and girls everywhere!), $1.50 in change and about 10 batteries - everyone needs batteries behind their television and in their shoebox, where else would you put them? I am mean and ruined my son's life around 10:00 am today, because I made him take a bath, and egads made him brush his teeth. Trust me guilt I do not feel, though I did laugh at his award winning performance.
Snow day, ice day...well kind of... Living where we live, we just don't see that much snow/winter weather. So we are always kind of excited when we see the chance of the smallest amount. Also living where we live, it is just about guaranteed schools will be closed for the smallest amount of snow/ice. (I am sure my northern friends and Missouri Becky would laugh at us-but hey we take what we can get). So needless to say we were home today - though the roads were clear by 11:30 or so. It was nice. We cleaned. Cleaned dressers and closets out. Underneath beds (all I can say...eeeeeeewwwwwwww), and cleaned carpets. I made some pancakes for breakfast and homemade soup for dinner. It has been a good day. I needed it.
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