child had meltdown...

Ran out of milk yesterday (Christmas Eve).
Today We have been home.
Still out of milk.
Have been snoozing.
Woke up after 3 hours, only to be blindsided by "why aren't you buying milk?"
Aarrgghh. F* it! I grabbed my purse, no phone, to get milk.
Child had meltdown.
Can't put it into writing because it is just too unbelievable to explain!
Anyway, child had meltdown, I bought milk, everyone is leaving me alone, and I am having a beer!
Serious, is this what I have to deal with? Maybe I WILL go to work tomorrow!

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My life... in a nutshell

My son's school had a shooting threat after the incident in Connecticut. I am a strong mom and feel the school is safe, but I couldn't help but wonder, in the back of my mind, why?

I did keep him home today, between the cold, the snow storm, and the nagging in the back of my head, just to feel safe with myself.

We got hit with a heavy winter storm yesterday and we are digging out. It isn't as bad as it could be, but it's still s surprise when you have even a few inches of wet, water-logged snow, to shovel before it freezes into glaciers.

But Monday is Christmas Eve, Tuesday is Christmas, and between the weather and work, my shopping has not gotten done... and right now, I really don't care... I don't really exchange gifts... they are just for my mom and son... and close friends... I think they will understand... but then again...

Anyway, I just wanted to drop everyone a quick note and let you know I am still here and all is well. Been busy with life, but haven't we all?

Until later... have a great day...

A brief post - a dilemma

I have a dilemma... maybe nothing major but something on my mind.
I work in a department is 97% guys. Not a problem.
There is one guy though, who is really giving me a "dilemma".
It might not be anything, but... every morning and evening, all the guys say Hi and Goodbye, I hang with them at break, everything is good. I am a fellow employee.
But then there is the one... he won't say Hi to me... even when I say Hi to him by name. He won't acknowledge me. It drives me crazy... I am wondering if it's his own "personality defect" or he is just that way. He will talk to everyone around me, but me... nope... not even a "hi".
WTF? I don't understand?
This has been in the back of my mind for over a week and I really need to let it go, but I'm curious what his issue is?
Anyone else have this situation? Any advice?

The holidays ... And the ability to give back ... Give it some thought

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving... And it wasn't THAT bad.

Friday was long.... Did my trip to the gym... No black Friday shopping... And then worked 2nd job... For 7 hours... Man, my dogs were barking!!!!!! My son and my mom finished the lights outside (started on Thursday).

Got some sleep, didn't have to get up this morning... Woo hoo!

My mom put the window lights up today and my son put up the tree. I am so not into the holidays... Especially today already.

I went grocery shopping and went to CostCo. Got an awesome free cookbook. Awesome! Recipes look totally awesome... And easy. Cool.

I then spent money on the gifts for the families we are hosting at work, for the holidays.

When planning your way through the holidays, please think about those who are not as fortunate as we are. Even a small gesture is well received. For the food pantry, $30 can buy baby food, cereal, peanut butter, veggies, and even canned items for meals.

At church, we have a hat and mitten tree. Don't have to spend a fortune... Just grab one thing on your way through the store.

This Christmas holiday has brought me the ability to provide (or at least help) others. It makes the holidays a little more special and not so commercial.

Thanksgiving break

My son is home and so am I. Today we have our family meal with my brother. My mom and son put up some of the Christmas decorations (bah humbug).

Tomorrow I have off too, but I will be at my part-time 2nd job. Not bad. I don't do black Friday shopping.... Worked retail 4 years..., no way do i shop that day. People can be idiots all year long, but they take it up a notch or two on Black Friday!

The last two days, all my son rambles on about is video games. I try to listen, but the voice in my head screams "I DON'T CARE!"

Oh well, it's another day....

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my followers!
May you have a safe, happy, and enjoyable holiday!

Sides of me no one knows... or would expect

I am a mom
I am divorced
I believe in God
I am active in my church
I work full-time
I work part-time
I also have a home-based business
I listen to country
I listen to Compton Gangsta rap
I have tattoos
I go to the gym
I can lift serious weight
I threw shotput and discus
I can change a tire on a car
I can fix a muffler
I enjoy watching motorcycle chopper shows
I know who Orange Country Choppers are
I know who Jesse James is
I am not a fan of Brad Pitt
Or Justin Beiber
I watch Toddlers and Tieras... for the hell of it
I watch Bridezillas... because it is just wacked!
Honey Boo Boo is a brat!
I love Guy Fieri
Mark Hammon in hot!!!!!
I still wear a bikini
I love wearing short skirts
I love shoes
I love purses
I watch bullriding
Southern guys are HOT
Cowboys are HOT
Love guys in tight jeans
I have a black belt in the martial arts
I still have all my internal organs
I hate change
I am going back to college
I drive stick-shift cars
I can roller skate
For a start..........

Note to self...

If you have cravings that might not be "normal," you can store them in your house, in plain sight... and not worry about then going anywhere... unless the fridge is empty and the world is ending.

In my house... it's red wine, greek yogurt, dill pickle potato chips, feta cheese, and habenaro jack cheese.

You can tell when someone has been in the chips because they look normal, but with the first bite... you will hear them screech!!!! Too funny.

Just random

Today is Tuesday, the weather is turning colder. It did try to snow last night and the temps did drop. I still had my bedroom window open and my fan on... and a cat curled up under the covers.

I wish I could get to the next stage in my life, but I am struggling. I want to find happiness and find that place that makes me smile.

Sometimes I wonder who I am or where I am going. Do I even know? Is there a clear road?

Or am I on my own to wander and make the decision as I go?

**DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING? REALLY?**

the duty of grocery shopping

I go grocery shopping, I have my routine, I do things a certain way, I go at a certain pace, and let me tell you.... After taking my son along today, my routine does not include a 2nd person!!!! On my heels. Bitching because I'm walking too fast, or because I keep stopping. Yep, grocery shopping is a one-person job.. mine... Just me.... It's been a long time since he has gone shopping with me... And after today... It was be another long time until it happens again!!!!!!

 

online match sites

If anyone needs to research tacky pickup lines, just visit an online dating site.

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Little things that drive me nuts!!!

If you are gonna chew gum... I do not want to hear it! Keep your mouth shut!

If you are gonna eat hard candy... I do not want to hear it! Keep your mouth shut!

If you are gonna hum... do it quietly because the tone drives me crazy.

If you are gonna do anything that annoys you... don't... it annoys me just as much!
 

Be Enough Me: Secretly Loving the Scars

Be Enough Me: Secretly Loving the Scars

I have scars... some are hidden, some are obvious... some are just barely there... and some are cut so deep they are constant reminders.

I'm sure we all have them. Some of us hide them better than others. Some of us can't get past the pain. Some of us even have learned to put them in the past.

Every day of my life... I look in the mirror and see the scars that have been left behind.


 

tired of being sad

I see so much around me and I am so tired of being sad. It seems like there is so happiness around me... I feel lost and alone. I'm so tired of feeling like this.

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Confrontation on eating

My son is my life. I love him to death, the only problem is that he has gained weight. I am afraid, that due to our family history, his weight might not go away as easy as it came.

When I try to talk to him about eating habits, he gets really frustrated and confrontational, almost like I am attacking him. I am trying to talk to him from a mom's point of view and the view of someone who has battled food.

He gets defensive and doesn't want to hear it, but he does.

I watch him, he is self-conscious, but also is just his quiet self. I don't want him to suffer like I did and I am completely at a loss on how to talk to him. I want him to be healthy and happy. I don't want him to go through what I have suffered with.

How do I confront him and talk to him without him getting so upset with me? I want him to understand that I am trying to help him.

Any suggestions for a mom in a corner... mentally...

Writing and notes

How do you keep track of random blog post ideas when you are in the middle of a full day of busy and something randomly pops in your head?

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Falling off the nut truck

An 80+ mom of 3 tends to find that her 40+ year old daughter might have inevitably fallen off the nut truck, from a rather high point when...

at 5:30am, in the kitchen, with all the lights on, said daughter is making a sandwich for lunch... and singing the Oscar Meyer Bologna theme song...

I guess she is just lucky I couldn't remember the words to the Oscar Meyer Weiner song......


 

anxiety

My birthday is coming up which then leads into the holiday season.
Every year, the holidays take me down. I don't seem to enjoy them. They seem to depress me. I can't find happiness. Holidays make me sad. I feel bad for my son because I get lost during these days. I get sad and grow distant. I don't look forward to them because my mood has shattered this way at least the past 5 years or so. Not sure what triggered it, but it happens! Last year we went out for my birthday and did special things, but it wasn't a big deal. I don't want people to fuss over me. It's not me.
Does anyone else suffer this way? Does anyone else feel like this?

cooking

If your child decides they want to go culinary, make sure you have a big kitchen and a dishwasher!

Just saying....

stress and distress

Part of me felt bad because I just dropped the class I was currently in, due to stress and anxiety.

But as I think about it, it is my body's way of putting it's foot down.

I have been taking classes for almost 11 straight months, 5 weeks each, back to back. I have also had my son gone a week, my mom with a stroke, my own self changing jobs, my mom having surgery, and more.

I think God is telling me to stop a moment....

Need to Admit it to myself

I have had so many things going on lately, that I just don't know which way my world is spinning.

I finally had to suck it up and tell my teacher that I cannot honestly apply myself to the class I am currently taking. I have been so out of it and now the anxiety I feel by being behind is killing me.

I understand that I will need to pay to retake this class, but the anxiety will push me further down the road of sickness if I don't face the reality. Honest, I didn't want to do it, but I had to make that decision.

I hate having to make these decisions, but this one was for my own sanity.


 

I know... but why?

I love my son but he use habits that drive me nuts.
1. He follows me into the basement, to talk.
2. He cannot use a glass more than once, so every glass is in the dirty dishes.
3. He tells me the same things over and over.
4. If he ends a statement with "ok?" I have to say "ok" because "yes" is not the correct response.
5. He will not leave the house without washing his hair.
And I'm sure there are more.......

help!!!

Both my 15 year old son and myself struggle with weight. Help!!!!!
Any suggestions? Anyone?

 

my son... my shadow... my chattered

I love my child, but he does not understand the theory of "personal space".
He follows me around the house, he chatters (almost nonstop at times), he talks to himself, he narrates, to me, everything he does, etc.
He is very sweet, caring, and kind~hearted, but there are moments when I just want a personal bubble with a one mile radius!
I love him... Just asking for a silent personal bubble of even an hour!

breakfast

Scrambled eggs
Quinoa
Chopped broccoli
Chicken breast
Sliced grape tomato
Feta cheese...
YUMMY!!!!!!!!

living up to commitments

It people are going to commit to something, why can't they follow through? And then, try to find a replacement two days before, when the schedule has been out for 2 months!!!! Drives me nuts!!!!! Aarrgghh!

Just.Be.Enough

I am a mom, I am a woman, I am a daughter, I am a friend, I am an employee, I am a business woman, I am a sister, and I am me.

That pretty much sums it up.

I am a single mom who loves my teenage son. He makes me think and keeps me in check. He challenges my sanity and pushes my patience, but I love him. He is my best friend, but can be my worst enemy some days.

I am a woman who loves to dress up, yet I love sweats and t-shirts. I want to find happiness, but it is not at the top of my list. I have trusted and been hurt. I have loved and lost. I want to be loved for who I am and what I can do, but that will come when the time is right.

I am a daughter. My dad passed away almost 20 years ago and I still miss him every day. I was his only child, the baby of the family, and the only girl. I was definitely daddy's girl. I knew mom would say No, so I always asked dad. My mom has two other children, my brothers, who are considerably older than me. I have also lost one of those brothers, roughly 3 years ago, to a sudden downturn in his health, and he left our lives in ten days. My brothers have families, so I was the only one home with mom and dad. To this day, we live with my mom and I help her. She is getting up in years and not always in the best health. I try to take care of her and look after her. My brother, on the other hand, can't seem to find time to check in, even since he lives less than fifteen minutes away. Anyways... that's another story.

I am a friend. I have a few really good friends who I am really close to, but I also have other friends that I keep in touch with. I don't have friends that I necessarily go out with, but I do have a couple I hang with, just having girls days and relaxing.

I am an employee. I work full-time and give my all during my day. I have made the commitment to work hard and do what I need to do. I enjoy working. I also work part-time, at a local wine bar. I love the people and learning new things. It's the fun in my chores.

I am a business woman. I recently started as a consultant for Tastefully Simple. The people are great and I get to get out. I love the food and the products, and I hope to some day be able to take my son to Disney, just the two of us... a REAL vacation. (what a concept).

I am a sister. As I mentioned earlier, I have two older brothers and have always been the baby of the family. They used to accept me because I was there, but since I have grown up, worked, gotten married, had a child, lived through divorce, been laid off, and all the other hiccup in my life, they seem to finally see me like a person, another individual who is strong and can stand tall. I have a best friend that I have known for over 35 years and we have always been apart. She is like my sister and I love her to death. 

I am me. I am who I am, not what others want me to be. I don't dress in the latest fashions or go out to the fanciest restaurants. I don't go out all the time and I don't sit on the phone with friends. I work hard, I go to school, I raise my son, I take care of my mom, I work hard, I commit to church, I do what I can, and try not to let anyone down. I am me... for me...


 

Others? And Us?

Do you think that in order to be happy we must ignore others? Is it even possible to do this? Is the goal to only let others and their opinions affect us so much? Have you ever made a hard but worth-it personal or professional decision?

I have found that when we ignore others, it does not make us any better than the next person. We can't ignore people just because we want to be someone better. Ignorance does not make us better, it makes us ignorant.  We need to find happiness, but we need to find it within ourselves. We cannot ignore those people who do not fit into our routine. We need to know where they fit in and continue to include them. Ignoring people is the way we act when we are in elementary school, not when we are adults. In school, we can burn bridges and give the silent treatment, but in the real world we need all the friends we can get, they may turn out to be enemies, they may turn out to be allies, they may turn out to be coworkers, or even our bosses. We can never predict where the roads we chose will lead, but we need to think about how we treat others before acting prematurely. It is difficult to see eye-to-eye with someone when their opinion or objective is different from ours. We each need to keep our eyes and mind open, to understand and learn.

My most recent decision to move on in my life was a difficult one because the people I worked with became like family to me, as I spent more time with them than with my own family. This pulled me in so many directions. I felt like I was letting down those I worked with, but leaving and starting over, but I also felt like they let me down by not valuing what I could do. I learned, through heartache and tears, that they will appreciate me for who I am and will accept me for what I am able to do, and will understand why I made the decision I did. If they don't, then it is their loss. I gave my all and kept chugging along, but this was a challenge for me, both physically and mentally.

I can't ignore people because they come back around somewhere else in my life and I need to know that we can still work together. Ignorance IS NOT bliss.


 

I love my son...

I love my son to death but when him and I don't see eye to eye, we have serious issues. Him and I are too much alike and being stubborn appears to be a family trait... Just ask my mom.
There actually comes a point in the "discussion" when I have to walk away.
Does anyone else suffer from bouts of bullheaded confrontations?

sick and hoarse

Have you noticed..

The more hoarse or more congested a child is...

Is directly proportional to

The amount the child talks...

The more funny-sounding, the more chatter...

Anyone else experience this?

Going insane

My email service is temporarily locked and I am going crazy. I can't access my email, I have no clue what is happening. Customer support on their end totally sucks. I have called them at least 4 times, all with different answers.

This f'ing sucks and I am sooooo not happy!!!!!

 

I just SOO do not fit in!

I am sitting here, just listening. I truly do not fit in!

I am kind of a hermit... well... yea... kinda.

I don't go out much, as I have little or no money for entertainment. My money goes to my son and my bills.

I don't seem to be as up on the social scene as all the others at work, but it guess it's because I have different priorities.

Sometimes having different priorities make us the odd man out, but I have a great son who I love. I trust him and he hasn't betrayed me. I have a few good friends, whom I love dearly, with all my heart. I don't have a boyfriend because the right one hasn't come around... and I am really not in a hurry right now.. I have a job, I work more than one job, I go to school.

Yes, I guess you can say that my priorities are different from those who travel (and have the money to do so) or those who go on dates, but I am happy with my decisions, although slightly frustrated some days.

I don't understand why everyone feels they need to try smoking pot either? That's another thing. I don't have any desire, never have tried it, or wanted to. When I say I don't believe in it, they look at me like I am lying. Yeah, okay, whatever... guess it's because I was raised in a household of a different generation. This is another issue that seems off.

Why can't people appreciate my own decisions?

Why do I have to be and act like everyone else?

If they don't like me now, they sure as hell won't like me then!

I guess, in a nutshell... I just don't fit in... and from my gut feelings... I probably never will!

 

Taking Risks in Writing

Tell us, what sorts of risks are you afraid of taking in your writing? How can we help you move past those fears?

I have to admit that I probably take more risks in my writing than I do in my daily life.

My writing is an outlet. A way to express who I am and what I am about.

I am a mom, a sister, a daughter, a college student, an employee, a friend, but the one thing I tend to forget is that I am also a woman. (That is so weird to say... I am more of a tomboy, so I don't ever refer to myself as a woman... or beautiful... or pretty... or sexy...)

When you grow and live like a tomboy, that seems to be your mindset from day to day.

I love to dress up and be lady-like, but I will knock you to the floor if you get in my space!

Anyway... back to the topic at hand.

I do enjoy writing and, when I write, I can be who I want to be and do what I want to do, but... there is a catch... as there always is... I don't let others read my writing. Others do not know that I write... or even what I write. It's like that is a personal side of me, where I am vulnerable.

My biggest fear is letting others read my writing. Will they think I'm strange? Will they look at me different? Will my writing freak them out?

Unless I open that door and let them read that chapter, I guess I will never know for sure...

 

HELP! My cape is stuck in the door!!!!

Super Mom? Maybe...

Leap tall buildings? I can try...

Fly at the speed of light? Only if my child is in trouble...

Super strength? When I need to defend...

The last two weeks have tried every super power I may (or may not) have...

My son went on his first mission trip and I went through child-withdrawl. The cat did not like him being gone, so I had to contend with his cranky, mouthiness while his "brother" was gone... to Chicago... in 100+ temps. My mom suffered a small stroke the end of that week, but being bull-headed, I couldn't budge her. My son got home Friday... mom went to the hospital Saturday (finally) after I had to resort to being "not so nice"... Sunday, I had to work at church and then we had to serve meals to those less fortunate... plus I still had my full-time job, my son at home, my mom in the hospital, and school work to do... not to mention sleeping and eating... (oh wait... sleep and food are optional... right?)

So, this past Friday, we all came back together. My son is home (and he has FINALLY unpacked the duffle bag from his trip... although I took the damp, stanky stuff out as soon as he walked in the door). My mom is home... now placed happily on her couch, with the old lady kitty, and her tv remote. I am getting caught up with school, but I can't get my cape unstuck!

HELP! My cape is STILL stuck in the door!!!!!

 

Monday Listicles 7/16/12

10 THANKS

1. Thanks to my followers, without whom my blogs would not be possible.

2. Thanks to my BFF who thinks that I am truly NOT crazy, but I wonder her stability too...

3. Thanks to my son, who makes me constantly wonder what he is truly thinking and how his mind works.

4. Thanks to my cats, for making me stop and relax, even if it means laying across me, in front of my ipad or between me and the tv.

5. Thanks to my mom who, as she is getting older, makes me appreciate who I am.

6. Thanks to those in my church, who pray for me and keep me grounded when things get rough.

7. Thanks to those at work, who I am able to confide in and know what I am truly capable of.

8. Thanks to my good friends who appreciate me, no matter what.

9. Thanks to my ex, who makes me understand what I DON'T want in a relationship!

10. Thanks to my family, who makes me realize that I am not a created nut-case... it is truly inherited!

Feeling Beachie 07/13/12

  

This week’s statements:

1. My day always starts by _feeding the cats and the fish_
2. I prefer _cold pizza_ to _normal breakfast_
3. I never thought I’d _get married_ until I _actually did_
4.  I wish I could _just get away from the world_ for _even one day_.

It is FINALLY Friday...

Well, it has definitely been a long week.

My son left on Sunday for a Mission Trip with 14 other kids... and three adults... in 3 cars.... driving 2.5 hours... in 90-degree weather.

From what I am hearing... the kids are kinda cranky because the heat is hot and there is no breeze.

He comes home tonight and I am happy. I have totally missed him.

This week has gone so slow.

Mentally I am burnt out... physically... I am too....

TGIF!! 

Sunday evening.... quiet house

Okay, I got my son off on the mission trip.

One mom who was there was great... She explained that its okay to feel the separation anxiety. I miss him... And he has only been gone less than 6 hrs since the caravan of 3 cars pulled from the church parking lot.

I watched him and the 14 other kids head south. I got in the car and came home. Yes, I shed tears...

I got home and went to the gym... Which was also odd, since we always went together. I pounded it for an hour and then came home and took a nap. I feel like I'm missing my best friend.

My mom is 80... And doesn't always think about what she says. Tonight it was a comment about it being the same as always because he is always in his room... And then the comment about the refrigerator door staying closed... And then about him possibly losing weight.

I walked away. This talk is not unusual, but it flashed me back to my youth when she did the same to me, but I will protect my child.

Anyway, I have his stuffed animal on my bed so he is in my dreams tonight.

It's going to be a long 5 more days.

Good night my friends....

Today... it might be tough

Today is a new day. It's been a long week and there is so much things happening. But those things are not what is going to make today tough...

My son will be 15 this summer. We have been a two-person family since his dad walked out of his life approximately 8 years ago, so we have each other and that is how it's been all these years.

Anyway... this afternoon he leaves for a church mission trip. The kids leave today and won't be home until next weekend. I am excited... he is excited, but what has been in my mind... was said out loud by him...

Last night at dinner, he looked up at me and said "this will be the longest we have been apart". He did have those same thoughts. Until today, we have never been apart more than 1 or 2 nights. This is going to be so much more. I know he will be in safe hands and he will be having a good time... it's just that initial shock of having my buddy and companion gone for a whole week.

I am prepared (kinda), but I am still a mom.

 

The big dog... err... cat... if our house

Let me start by telling you that the Big Dog position of our house is held by a 5-pound cat.

Yes, believe it or not... she is the Queen and truly has the "power".

My mom is out of town, so I am home from work, on a "mini vacation". We have our little 5-lb "old lady" who is truly large (not physically in any way!) and in charge! When my mom (aka Grandma) is home, that cat has her wrapped around her furry little paws and know which buttons to push. She can "demand" to eat at 3am... and my mom feeds her. Yes, absurd, but honest truth. Talk about spoiled! She gets up on my mom's dresser and starts banging things against the large mirror in the back, or... she gets on the desk and starts pushing things onto the floor. She is a little minion, but she is cute... yeah... right... but probably not so much at 3am!

Okay, anyway, the story is... when my mom is home, the two of them spend the day laying on the couch, watching tv, napping, and then the "old lady" feels the need to eat every few hours, but she still keeps her girlish figure... She believes she should have food at 3am, then she hits me up at 5am (so we have to keep an "honesty pad" on the counter so I know if she has eaten or not because she tends to bend the truth). Her and my mom eat lunch and then she gets dinner at 4pm, along with a snack at 9pm. (And yes, she still remains a 5-lb cat!)

Mom left yesterday and I fed all the cats dinner. I went to bed last night and the old lady was curled in her rocker, snoring like a little freight train (yes, she suffers from sinus issues and experiences allergies, causing hee to snore and whistle!). She stayed there all night, never moved, never got up. This morning, she was still curled up at 7am. I went to the kitchen with the other cats and got their dishes. She didn't come out for breakfast... I literally had to wake her up and carry her out to the kitchen for breakfast... okay... lazy... and spoiled.

She doesn't prowl for food at odd hours when I am home with her... because when Grandma is gone... I (yes ME) am the big dog in the house... but once Grandma gets back... I relinquish that "big dog" title back to my little old lady...

Go figure...

Me... Kreative Blogger Award? Wow. Who Knew

Roe At My Upside Down Life presented me with the Kreativ Blogger Award.

I think she said it well when she said "It took me way too long to get around to doing this, but it's only because I suck at receiving compliments and also because I am somewhat challenged by all the rules that go along with this award". Oh yes, so true... I totally understand, to which I also owe an apology of delay...

I would like to thank Roe for putting me on her "deserving" list. This blog, in my eyes, is still in the "baby stage" - it's not really old, but it does have many followers, for that I am grateful. I put this together as a way of sharing my world and my "mommy experiences" with those who are also in the same boat (and in my case - NOT a minivan! hehe!) 

Now, on to the rules and requirements...

The Rules:
1.  Thank and link back to the awarding blog.
2.  Answer seven questions.
3.  Provide 10 random factoids about yourself.
4.  Hand the award on to 7 deserving others.

Here are seven questions (the same ones Roe answered)...

The Questions:
#1. What is your favorite song? "Blown Away" by Carrie Underwood

#2. What's your favorite desert? If I could have anything... Tiramisu

#3. What do you do when you are upset? I shut down and don't talk to anyone, but not before I let out a growl.

#4. Which is your favorite pet? I love my kitty cats... but dogs are awesome too (but they have to be BIG dogs... not little yippers!)

#5. Which do you prefer, White or Whole Wheat? Whole wheat mostly, but white for smooshed down cheese sandwiches.

#6. What is your your biggest fear? Failure... and speaking in public...

#7. What is your attitude mostly? I try to be positive and pleasant... but there are days.

Ten Random Factoids... all about ME:

#1 - I am divorced and my ex-husband is in jail

#2 - I enjoy drinking wine.

#3 - I am ready to get another tattoo

#4 - I enjoy cooking.

#5 - I have over 30 pairs of shoes

#6 - I love buying purses

#7 - I do not enjoy my job some days.

#8 - I love to swim

#9 - I forgive, but don't always forget.

#10 - Do not mess with my son or my mom, as I get to be a nasty mama if you do!

And now... drum roll please.. 7 deserving bloggers... (no certain order)

#1 - Boca Frau

#2 - Northwest Mommy

#3 - Feeling Beachie

#4 - Michelle Longo

#5 - Lady Goo Goo Ga Ga

#6 - This Belle Rocks

#7 - Ms Composure

Stop by, visit, say hi. and keep blogging!

wordless Wednesday

Lunch... junk food... cravings... and such

Lunchtime rolls around every day... for me... about the same time. By now, you would think that I would know what I will be eating... but... nope!

Today was yet another one of those days... cravings, but uncertainty... knowing what I want, but just can't justify the not-so-nutritional value... hungry, but not sure what for... it's the same cycle 5 of 7 days every week. Today I have a salad... actually two. Yes, healthy and nutritious... and I enjoy them, but I have things to do tonight... if I don't eat now, I might as well face the consequences.  I have to go to a "meeting" after work... after voting... and I am not sure when dinner will fit in... and munchies just doesn't cut it!

I broke down... I went to McDonalds.  My worse-case craving is the Big Mac. I know it's SOOOO bad for me, but if I only have once every month or so, I guess I might survive. This time though, I didn't go through the drive-thru and munch on fries all the way back to work... I went in, ordered my food, and sat down. I ate there. I took my time. I didn't have to eat while I worked. No one bothered me. I ate my sandwich, drank my soda, looked out the window, munched on fries (and by the way, when I ran out of ketchup, I stopped eating my fries!). I normally eat lunch at my desk and end up feeling like a stuffed critter by the time I am done. Today, I didn't feel that way... I guess it does help when you eat lunch AWAY from work.

Now I'm fine for another month or so...

 

Only as Mom-cool as my son thinks I am

I try to be a mom who isn't boring... or an embarrassment to my child, but eventually (I know) the time WILL come. But right now, he still thinks I'm cool and I am fine with that.

My son was hanging out with his friends one day and they got into the regular conversation of how old their parents are (surprise!) One of the boys was telling his mom's age. My son added in with my age. His friend then replied that he thought I was in my 30's. That was sweet... But my son had to point out my EXACT age... which is okay... because I don't feel my age... or feel I look my age... or even always act my age.

Anyway... I have driven my sports cars. I do NOT wear polyester. I listen to heavy metal, country, and even rap music. I color my hair. I let my son keep his hair longer. I don't make him clean his plate. I work out at the gym with him. We play laser tag. We go to a local store and paint ceramics. We go out to eat and go for sushi. If he wants something special from the grocery store, I buy it. We put a pool up in our yard in the summer. We drive with the windows down and the bass up. We go for frozen yogurt. I have tattoos and many piercings (even my belly button). I still wear a two-piece swim suit. He enjoys the office supply store like I do. We have done martial arts together. We have done homework together. I still throw him birthday parties with his friends, my friends, and food. We go to video game stores. I know how to play PacMan and can try to play Mario and Sonic. My friends enjoy hanging with my son... and my son enjoys hanging with my friends.

He still seems to think I am (at least) "kinda" cool. I try. As long as he doesn't mind hanging with me, I'm fine with that. I admit... I can be a dork... and I admit... so can he... so we are both good with that.

 

Is My Child a Morning Person??

Mama Kat's Writing Prompt... Is your child a morning person?

Oh yes, most definitely... morning person all the way.

I am bad... if I sleep past 6am, then something is wrong. He is the same. He is up early and ready to go. He even manages to wake and then wake everyone else up, to find out what we want for breakfast. Even when he stays at his friend's house, he is a slumber party's worst nightmare... they stay up till 2 or 3 am and he is still up by 6 (7 at the latest). Everyone else sleeps in... but not him.

His normal time on Saturday is about 6:30 or 7:00 am. He makes coffee and then starts asking what we want for breakfast. He is willing to go all out -pancakes, fried eggs, toast, coffee... you name it, he'll accommodate.

During the week, he gets up with me at 5am and gets his shower and makes breakfast before seeing me off to work.

I am glad he's a morning person, but some days I wish he would just let me NOT be a morning person.

What do you do that drives your mother crazy?

A found a writing prompt that seems to sum it up... although I don't know if I have enough time or space to write down EVERYTHING that drives my mom crazy... I think between my son and my brothers, we have covered all the bases.

In my case, I have learned (as I have been taught), it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission... which is exactly how I have been living my life since I was old enough to get in trouble for not asking permission and then getting in trouble for going against the answer... so I was old enough NOT to ask... it's easier after the fact than to go headfirst against the "no".

I know that when I came home with a tattoo... I thought she was going to go through the roof. And then I got my ears pierced multiple times... and then I got my belly button pierced.

I can honestly tell you that there are times when bucking the system is the way I roll.

I come home with the occasional animals, that were not cleared by the "proper authorities"... such as two kittens instead of "just looking", hermit crabs, fish, little frogs, etc. I never was gutsy enough to try the hamster thing, but I can tell you that would get me in a world of hurt. The fish started out as 1 Betta, in a small tank, in my room... and has now progressed to 2 Bettas, 2 medium tanks, and 1 10-gal tank... all kitchen, on mom's cupboard... well, it's more of a credenza. We have 2 kittens and an older cat (the kittens were brothers... and the last two left... I couldn't separate them...).

As I was growing up, when mom would say no, dad would say yes... I learned that at an early age... and mom figured it wasn't worth arguing about.

I dyed my hair maroon. I let my son keep his longer. I bought him a hair-straightener. My brothers hid a mouse in their closet... when mom told them they couldn't have one... and then it died... mom found it. Mom said we couldn't have pets... my brother bought my dad 2 parakeets. Mom said we couldn't have a dog... dad bought me a puppy. Mom said we weren't getting another dog after the first one died... I took dad to the pound and he signed the papers. Dad said we weren't bringing the stray home... I climbed in the car with him and stayed there... we took him home.

Oh, let's see... and then there is that I buy almost everything is black (but it goes with everything!). I get bored with my purse, so instead of using one of my 50 others, I need to get a new one. Yes, I do need 6 pairs of the same shoes in different colors. Why should I put my shoes away? I'm going to wear them tomorrow.

I'm sure if I took more time, I could think of even more things... but this is just a start for ideas on how to drive your own mom crazy!



 

I've been tagged.. by Jennifer!

I was tagged approximately 4 days ago by Jennifer at Just Another Day.

Here are the rules, the rules, and the rest of the rules...

THE RULES:
# 1 - You must post these rules.
# 2 - You must post 11 things about yourself.
# 3 - You must answer the questions from the tagger AND post 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
# 4 - You must choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.  Let them know they've been tagged! Don't tag back the blog that tagged you. 

11 THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I am seriously bullheaded (just ask my mom).
2. I love my son to death - he is my best friend.
3. I will forgive... but forgetting is a little more difficult for me.
4. I put others first.
5. I trust everyone, until I am proven different.
6. I can be a pack rat.
7. I love to drink wine.
8. I would love to go to an island on vacation.
9. I do occasionally play the lottery.
10. I don't spend a lot of money on myself.
11. I want to find happiness in my life.

JENNIFER's QUESTIONS AND MY ANSWERS:

1. Are you a Walmart shopper? Of course... that's my 3rd home.. behind home and work.
2. Do you speak any languages other than English? I took 2 years of spanish... I can ask for a beer and where is the bathroom. (Those are the important ones right?)
3. What was your favorite job? I love working at the wine bar.
4. Favorite pastime? just chilling with the kitty cats.
5. Black and white or color? Photos... black & white rocks.
6. Small businesses or big box? small businesses are the way.
7. Do you recycle? yes... anything that isn't nailed down!
8. Home phone/cell phone/no phone? home phone for mom... cell phone for me...
9. Were you ever an AOL user?  yes, way back when... in the beginning... in dial-up... prior to "you've got mail"
10. Favorite website? Besides your blog of course! The Tastefully Simple Website... yummy!!!
11. Favorite beverage? I like wine, can do beer, but non-alcoholic - give me Diet Coke.

11 PEOPLE I AM TAGGING:(trust me... these are no certain order... just putting you on "the list")
1. Stasha @ Northwest Mommy
2. Kristin @ Mondays with Mac
3. Kim @ This Belle Rocks
4. Lady Goo Goo Gaga
5. Robbie @ Fractured Family Tales
6. Cyn @ The Chunky Goddess
7. The Bipolar Diva
8. Marti @ Marti's Musings
9. Jenny @ Sippy Cup Chronicles
10. RoryBore @ Time Out For Mom

11. Michelle Longo @ The Journey

MY 11 QUESTIONS TO YOU:

1. Married? Divorced? Single? Widowed? Other?

2. Work at Home? Stay at Home? Work outside the home?

3. Favorite TV Show?

4. Any secret addictions?

5. What's your "craving" food?

6. Burger King or McDonalds?

7. Mexican or Chinese?

8. Favorite "real restaurant" meal?

9. Ice cream, frozen yogurt, or custard?

10. Chocolate or vanilla?

11. If you could do anything, what would it be?

 

Monday Listicles 5/28/12

10 WORDS THAT DESCRIBE OUR HOME

1.  Messy

2. Lived-in

3. Small

4. Dysfunctional

5. Non-traditional 

6. Old

7. Remodeled

8. Casual

9. Homey

10. Pet-friendly

Feeling Beachie Fill-Ins 5/25/12

This week’s statements:

1. After a long day, I like to _curl up with the cat, the remote, and a glass of wine_

2. _Melaleuca sol-u-mel__is my favorite cleaning product

3. I can’t stand to watch _some of the reality shows on tv lately__

4. I want to _sleep thru the night (yeah right)_ when I _go to bed_.

I am a morning person... I'm sorry

Yes, I am a morning person... maybe some times TOO MUCH of a morning person.

I leave the house at least an hour before I have to start work, so I have my own time. I am a morning person, but I also like my "quiet time". I sing in the car, stop and get a soda, go through the car wash, or take the long way to work (mind you, there is only so much you can do in a 15-minute drive).

I work with many who ARE NOT morning people... which explains why I get the early shift... which is fine with me. 

My boss is one of those "not morning people" and he basically has forbid me from coffee and energy drinks at work because he feels that I am already "too full of energy". Okay, fine... I can live with that. (I guess that also keeps me from really getting wound up when someone pisses me off!)  If I'm "un-caffenated", I tend to remain calm, keep quiet, and go about my business, but if I'm on caffeine or energy drinks... and someone rubs the wrong way... watch out... I am ready to go!

The funny thing is... when I am quiet or just keep to myself, suddenly something is wrong. 

Damned if I do, damned if I don't... I'm sure you know that old saying.

I get up and want to get moving right away. My brain doesn't shut off, so my body feels as though I am running non-stop... places to go, things to do, things to start, things to finish, people to help, people to please... yadda yadda yadda.

So, mix my morning personality, with my obsessive-compulsive tendencies, along with my willingness to over-extend myself... and what do you get... ME!

Wordless Wednesday

Better Late than Never...

Back in April, I participated in a blog bash over at Momalog, for their one-year anniversary. They hosted the Alison’s and Ado’s 1st Blogoversary Blog Bash! I posted and linked up my blog post about NOT being a mini-van mom. I was ecstatic to know I won a pair of earrings from Julia Anthony Jewelry. Her jewelry is on Etsy and she is also on Facebook.

See my Isadora Earrings photos below...