by Sarah | Aug 11, 2010 | All About Me, Crap, Random
Since it’s been three weeks (how did THAT happen?)…I wanted to come back with a powerful post. Since some items are a powder-keg around here, I decided to change my tactic to light-hearted (sort of) randomness…because I love me some randomness. Are you ready for this? I have so much random items I may have to split it into multiple random-gasms. Yup, I went there…
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~First and foremost I MUST blog this. It should have been blogged last week. I don’t know how days pass so quick anymore. I joined a group of awesomeness that is writing a story-blog. Each person takes a chapter and the story evolves in a fun and random fashion (yup, love me some random). So, please visit us over at …And What Happens Then… I’ll be the last person to post in this first story, but come on over and enjoy those before me! (P.S. Full credit for the idea and getting us all moving goes to the awesome Tara!)
~Last week I pulled a classic klutz move. In trying to be helpful I fell into our crawlspace entrance hole. I damaged myself. It didn’t feel good. So I spent a weekend pissing and moaning. Yup, I did. Got over it and am almost all better. Still have a lingering bruise on my knee, but seeing how it started, it’s not a surprise.
~ I was doing really well on an exercise kick, but then I got a cold and then fell into the hole…so it sort of went by the way-side. Going to try to get back on that this week. Kick start my 200 sit-ups challenge and work w/ my Wii Fit. I didn’t sign up for my yoga class again this time around. Money was tight and the deadline has passed. Plan on putting some aside for the next go-round. I really enjoyed that. Maybe I should start walking. I’d bike, but I don’t have one. I’d like one (I know, this is where hubby tells me again to use his…)
~ Two of my three kids started school yesterday. Brandon is now a 7th grader w/ AP Math & English, a full period for Band, and did I mention SEVENTH grade? How is that possible? Boy do I feel old. Riley started kindergarten. That’s all I’ll say about that (one of the hot-button issues around here). Instead, I’ll show these pics of her first day.
~ I’ve already started Christmas shopping. Almost makes me sick. But, considering the past several years we try to get it all at once and then we have no money…I figure a little here, a little there in the next few months will make it less painful in the end. I hope.
~ I’ve been continuing to write. On that note, my husband has started as well. He’s good. I’m jealous. Not that I’m horrible, but he’s GOOD. *sigh*
~ We gave Brandon our old desktop. He’s already lost use of it (less than a week in). Instead of coming to us to say there was an issue he randomly hit keys, then unplugged it and decided hitting F11 (restore) was a GREAT idea. So everything got wiped off the computer…AGAIN. So, until I actually get around to sitting down and fixing it/restoring lost programs, he’s w/o a computer. Then new ground rules will be set.
~Bored yet? Yeah, I know…sorry.
~I’ve been knitting. A lot. I go through phases…this one has hit again. Not complaining, just always catches me off-guard.
~ We got Netflix again. Between having it on the Wii, the DVD player, and our computers…we may never get cable again. All cable packages suck anyway and every show I want to see can be found online in some way anyway. Why pay so much?
~ I’m so into doing my girls hair now that I can. I’m dreaming of the day it is thicker (They both have very thin hair thanks to their past/current growth issues), but we’re getting by pretty well even as it is. It’s so much fun 😀
Okay. I will stop boring you for now. I have to check out my assignment lists for MamaKat’s again. If I remember my email I don’t remember anything that REALLY caught my fancy this week. I may have to pull out one of her past ones…maybe I’ll make a bucket list this week. I’ve always wanted to do that anyway.
So how have you all been? You look fabulous. Although some of you look a little groggy still…were you partying too hard at BlogHer again? Tsk tsk…aw hell, I would’ve done the same. You still look fabulous!
by Sarah | Jul 16, 2010 | All About Home, All About Kennedy, All About Me, Crap, Cystic Fibrosis, Photography, Random
Ever had one of those days? How about one of those weeks? Months? Years?
I’m in the middle of one of those weeks. Coming about 4 weeks after one of those months…which is turning this into one of those years.
Let’s focus on this week.
My birthday is coming up (this Sunday). For the past several years my bday has not been anything spectacular, and in some cases it’s flat out stunk. Not sure why, I just haven’t had the birthday Gods on my side or something. This year is proving to be no exception.
In one week we’ve had a trifecta of appliance crap, been overcharged by WalMart Eye Center, and lost the ability to finish my deck for my bday (all I wanted for it), oh and the plants I purchased for it are pretty much dead (my fault, I shouldn’t have bought them until it was done.).
First, over the weekend the fridge died. Freezer worked fine, fridge wouldn’t cool. Appliance repair guy came on Wed. Assured me w/ the statement, “It’s a $45 part.” Then proceeded to charge me an hours labor for a 30 minute job (that’s $60, mind you), AND $40 to defrost my fridge with what sounded suspiciously like a hair dryer.
Thursday morning I went to give my two little stinky angels a bath. Oldest was washing dishes. All of a sudden, there was no hot water. Well, crap.
I pull open the utility closet and the pilot’s out on the water heater. At least, I think that’s the problem. If it wasn’t, it sure became the problem when I turned the whole thing off. Archie came home and re-lit the thing and we have hot water again. We just aren’t sure how or why the pilot went out and hope it’s not going to crap out again all too soon.
Not four hours later I stepped outside and the Air Conditioner sounded really loud. Thinking it was odd I walked on over to find the fan not spinning.
GREAT.
On our side for that one is our neighbor is an AC guy and he came over to take a look.
But seriously?
Why does Murphy hate my birthday so much? Or, for that matter, me? I didn’t do anything to him.
Well, he can go to Hell. I’m taking my birthday OFF. I’m not going near an appliance, a vehicle, my computer, nothing that can break. I’m staying in bed and pretending it doesn’t exist. I’m really tired of this crap storm.
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P.S. For those who haven’t seen me on twitter or FB, here’s the Angel update –
SHE’S HOME!! No hospital stay for us! Just as suspected, we are now officially, 100% w/o a doubt a CF family. You do not get psuedomnas if you don’t have CF. The culture results will NOT send us into the hospital, but if they are positive we will be starting a lifetime regimen of one month on/one month off on the TOBI (inhaled antibiotic through nebulizer – very expensive stuff)…but we won’t know that for a week. I’ll keep you posted!
P.P.S. I’ve been trying to get back into 365 by getting a week in advance done. I’m afraid I missed yesterday w/ all the stuff going on…so it’ll be another week or two before I get those started again – but I will be participating in Weekly Winners again this week. Have a few pictures to put in once they’re edited. I have a trial version of a new photo manager/editor that I LOVE and plan to buy once we have the money. I’ll tell you about it later.
P.P.P.S. I actually have a bit to post about…but have been trying to skip days until I got more to write. I may just blow off that idea and do a random post of stuff. Who knows….
by Sarah | Jul 1, 2010 | All About Family, All About Me, Crap, Random
This used to be my escape. My me time was being on the computer so much that I wore down the keys.
I’m a homebody.
A computer/internet addict.
I’m well aware of my problem, and even though the first step to recovery may be admitting you have a problem…it didn’t help me.
Once everyone is in bed, this is still my escape. I come here every night in the quiet of my house. I write into the wee hours of the morning. Not blog posts, obviously since I’ve been so lax around here. I write stories. Dream of publication. All while ignoring my blog. I’ve sort of tied my avoidance of posting into the appearance of my parents on facebook, and everyone and my brother knowing my blog exists. A very public form of stage fright, if you will. I’m trying to get over it. I miss my blog. I hope to be back here more often. That’s why I prettied the place up (loving my new layout 😀 ).
My husband doesn’t like my computer, or my internet. For many years it’s been the cause of issues. Because my BFF is online. Because I spend so many hours on it. Because I don’t make my escape to the ‘real world’. The relationships I formed with other bloggers or non-bloggers online did not count as socialization. He doesn’t get the camaraderie. He might not ever understand. But that’s another post entirely.
In an effort to get along better with my husband (and rest my eyes and carpal-tunnel’d wrists), and to ‘get a life’ – whatever that means, I have started to venture out of the house.
I’d joined a playgroup when the girls were young – but always balked at taking out two young’uns together w/ diaper bags and such…it was always SUCH a hassle. Well, guess what. They are now 95% potty trained – diaper bags are no more! (We only wear diapers at night) So I don’t go to every playdate, but we get out.
I’ve been stepping away from the computer to hang out with the neighbors. My neighborhood is one I’ve raved about before here, on FB and twitter. It’s great for the kids, and it’s great for adults. I’ve made good friends with my neighbor across the way, and that works for me. Sometimes I spend the whole night away from the computer just chatting with the neighbors.
But I’ve also started to have ME time. Not w/ the kids, not w/ Archie. Just me.
I’ve reconnected with an old friend from high school and once a month we get together to eat, drink, and be drinky…er, merry. It’s been great to find out that even after losing touch a few years ago we still get along good and can talk for hours. One of these months I’ll be abandoning my family for a whole night to stay at her place.
My neighbor that I connected with and I started going to Zumba together (and are now talking about going to a wine tasting together – much yummier than Zumba). It about killed me, but it was fun. It was a six week session and I vowed to not re-sign up for it again. I had a few issues with it (false advertising for one)…and it just wasn’t my favorite. So now, I no longer go to class with her because she signed up for boot camp and I said “Um…NO.” I picked two classes…sooo…
First is Yoga.
I’ve been wanting to take a yoga class for a while. I’ve done a little in my house when we had FitTV, but I’ve wanted to do a full class session.
So on Tuesdays, for an hour and a half I’m in my Yoga class. I had my first session on Tuesday and loved it.
My body is sore, but it was great. The four week session is far too short, and I’m already planning on signing up for the next session once it’s posted.
Then I signed up for Body Sculpt.
I haven’t had my first class yet, and I’m a little scared. They’re calling for 5lb weights, which I have but never used.
I’m looking forward to it. Getting back in shape is something I’ve wanted to do. I’ve bought DVD’s like crazy – but making myself do them doens’t work. With these classes, I pay for them, I’m far more likely to do them.
So for me, I’m still using my computer – but I’m trying to not be so dependent/addicted – but I’m also trying to step out. To get away and back into real life. My girls are older, it’s getting easier – it’s getting harder.
I’m taking time for me. Time away from the stresses of family. Time away from the stress of being attached to the computer. My blogging has suffered, my writing has slowed…but I think in the end it’s better for me. My blogging and writing will improve because of it. Being a shut in doesn’t give you much fodder, after all. Life experience does that 🙂
(I make this post as I plan to sit in front of the computer and pre-write nearly 5 blog posts.)
by Sarah | Jun 10, 2010 | All About Me, Crap
It’s that time of year. Pollen counts are high, people are sniffling and moaning about hayfever and “allergies”. Today everyone has allergies (it seems like). Benadryl is over the counter, and there are more allergy meds than you can shake a stick at.
Some days I just look at everyone and laugh. I think, “If you only knew.”
From birth until the age of three I was, by all accounts, a holy terror. I never stopped screaming (although this is disputed by slides of me actually smiling – so it did happen). Nothing made me happy.
When I was three years old somehow my mother found what could label the cause of my problem.
I had allergies.
Oh, but this is more than the common problem of today. I was allergic to some very basic foods that are in EVERYTHING you eat (practically).
1. The protein in dairy. This meant no milk, no ice cream, no cheese, no butter. Nothing related to dairy products at all.
2. Corn. Yup, that yummy delicious food was among the list of my enemies. No corn on the cob, no corn on Thanksgiving. Imagine the cereals I was restricted from? Oh, and on that note:
3. Wheat. I barely remember this one so I’m pretty sure it’s the first I outgrew. (I only list it because my mom mentioned it in our last discussion of my little hell)
4. Cats, cat dander, don’t come near me if you have a cat. I sort of outgrew this in highschool, but it came back w/ a vengeance right around the time I got engaged to my husband.
5. On that note, any long haired animal was evil. I still remember in first grade we had a long haired guinea pig that I wasn’t allowed near. I always had to switch chore days w/ my BFF at the time (Hi Wendy!) when I got assigned the guinea pig.
6. Typical hayfever – pollen, dust (this one still majorly is true), mold…you know, the generics.
7. Soap. Bar soap (very much), bubble bath, shaving cream (oy, very much), body wash, deodorant (ugh. Yes, I use it). This one is still (mostly) true. I have to be selective of my liquid soaps and I still cant use shaving cream.
Weekly I went for shots (yes, shots. Most try to treat with oral meds these days) to “Dr. Bob”. My pediatrician and allergist extraordinaire. I couldn’t eat anything hardly, but meat and veggies. It was a good thing I was a freak of nature that loved my vegetables, because I HATED meat. All I could drink was orange juice or Kool-aid, the only cereal I could have was rice crispies or oatmeal.
My cousin (hey cuz!) to this day reminds me of the days I used to eat orange juice on my oatmeal or rice crispies. I think of those days and shudder.
I am addicted to pop nowadays because I still cannot bring myself to enjoy juice of any kind thanks to those influences. Kool-Aid is like a four letter word to me, but I’ll occasionally enjoy a Capri Sun or some pink lemonade – that’s my limit.
I eventually started to outgrow some of the allergies. Corn, thankfully, is something I enjoy frequently these days. Corn on the cob is still a favorite treat. Wheat, I don’t know how long that lasted, but I remember enjoying sandwiches in kindergarten so it can’t have been that long.
Dairy was tricky. I mostly outgrew it, and was drinking milk like a normal person by high school. When I got pregnant with my son, it came roaring back. And can I tell you something? Don’t EVER tell the hospital you have a dairy allergy. Otherwise your menu is seriously compromised. Anyway, with each pregnancy this sucker came roaring back w/ a vengeance and I was limited to no more than one serving of dairy a day (which I often opted for in ice cream). Now between my allergy and my lack of a gall bladder – dairy has once again become a four-letter word to me.
Cats. Oh, how I love cats. I love their purr, how they curl up with you, their grace…hell, I love the musical. Love, love, love cats. I got a cat in high school, Cali. I was not as affected by her dander as most other cats. Then we adopted Jazzy from my brother, and learned that I still had issues, but it was tolerable. We moved and eventually switched cats, and once again proved that I tolerate some cats better than others. Then I went to visit my cuz in NY. She had a huge ball of fur…Seriously, the cat was super-fluffy long hair. By the time I left her house 2 days later I could barely breath (after hogging her inhaler the whole time I was there)…got home and ended up in the hospital. Now, no cat is tolerable once again.
The worst these days is the soap/deodorant issue. Yes, I do use these things, I’m not a horrible pig. But I have to be VERY picky. I cannot use bar soap, of any kind. I don’t know what it is about forming the bar that does it, but I react every time. I have to use certain liquid soaps or shower gels. I CAN’T use shaving cream. I’ve ‘dry shaved’ since I was 11. It sucks. Then there’s deodorant. I have to switch about every six months to a year. I develop an allergy the longer I use a brand. I think I’ve been through almost every brand on the market and it’s time to switch again. Looks like I’m moving to the men’s aisle.
Needless to say, I don’t know how my mom did it. She should have put me in a bubble and fed me a liquid diet and be done with me. I was blessed to not have any kids w/ allergies beyond hayfever. For the almost two years we dealt w/ just a dairy allergy in Riley (who, thankfully has no issues now), I was at my wits end trying to find foods she could eat.
I admire my mom for the struggle she had
by Sarah | May 9, 2010 | All About Family, All About Me
For my mom…
Who was always there to listen when I was growing up.
Who fixed my costumes for dance, and made us matching Christmas outfits.
Who was there when my oldest was born.
Who taught me the fine art of not freaking out at every fever, scrape or bump.
Who taught me how to be a Mom.
Who was there when my middle one came into the world.
And watched the two oldest when our little Angel joined us.
Thank you, Mom…for everything. I can never thank you enough for being my Mom.
For my children…
Because even on the days when I want to throw in the towel and scream my head off…
YOU are what makes ME a Mom.
Your smiles are my reward.
Your cute giggles a present.
Your intelligence shines in each of you.
Your love in the countless hugs and kisses.
YOU make me love my job – and I know there is no better job out there.
by Sarah | Jan 1, 2010 | All About Me
I got this over at the marvelous Sundry’s blog…and she suggested we do it ourselves, and I was all over that. Plus, it gave me the chance to write yet another post…and since I’m trying to get back on the posting ball, why the heck not? *G* Seriously, it’s fun and you should do it too…she suggests doing it every year and what a GREAT idea! I’m going to try to remember to do just that. How fun! So, without further ado, my answers (Goddess help me in answering them all…song lyrics? That one is going to take some time).
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1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I finally got to meet my wonderful best friend Jess. We’ve been best friends for about six years now and just met last month!
If this is supposed to be something lofty and amazing, um…well…I finished my novel and got it sent out to many agents and publishers. A few nibbles – and one offer to look at it once I’ve made adjustments according to her notes. Yup, gonna try to get that done in the first couple months of 2010!!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I made a bunch of goals last year, but didn’t call them “resolutions” because I don’t like that word. Did I achieve any? Most of them, for a short while, and then it all went to hell. Even this blog went to hell. I think we can call it ‘depression’ because I think I had a bit of it this year (and if Archie or Jess scoff at that comment, I’ll smack you both). It wasn’t that I had a HORRIBLE year, just seemed to be in a fog for most of it. I didn’t even do the Cystic Fibrosis walk (which I ended up fresh out of surgery for – serendipity, I suppose). My attempts to get in shape only lasted weeks – but I did lose 15 pounds and have kept it off.
On a good note, I DID de-clutter my house quite a bit in May. It needs a good once-over again, but I’ve gotten better at cleaning (if not near perfect). I got all my Christmas stuff with two days to relax and do NOTHING prior to. My best friend and I started The Modern Pagan and have watched it grow thanks to wonderful writers & readers – it’s one of my shining joys of the year. I got more books read, and I finished writing mine and put it out there in the scary world. I got ideas for 2 new books on top of that and started writing what I call ‘fluff’ for fun and to keep my writing muscles working.
What about for 2010? I’ll make some. I won’t post them in this message, but after the turn of the year indirectly. Mostly I hope to live better (financially and physically), healthier, more creative, and live life with more joy than I managed this year. I’m taking steps to make that happen and I’ll get more into that later.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one in my fam, but both my Sisters-in-law are pregnant and due in February 😀
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Ha. I barely made it to another state and you think I made it out of the country? Not likely.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Energy and my zest for life. I’d like to have myself back. I’m finding her again slowly, and I hope that in 2010 she comes back with a vengeance.
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Can’t say that any really do. I’m usually really good with dates, too.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The Modern Pagan. It’s just becoming everything we’d hoped it would and more every day. I would say having a healthy Angel all year long, but that’s all her, not my achievement 😀 I’d also like to say finishing my novel – but since it’s facing a quick rewrite I guess it isn’t technically finishing 😉
9. What was your biggest failure?
I can’t think of any ONE thing that I’d consider a huge failure. Not enough to be notable. I guess letting my year and myself get so BLAH, if that counts. Otherwise, it’s all the times I’ve lost my temper w/ the kids.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yup. Spent several days in the hospital having my gall bladder removed. Not once before have I had issues with it, but it totally crapped out on me in May. Otherwise nothing notable, just a couple colds/fluish days.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmmm. That’s a tough one. My laptop is pretty awesome and purdy and I lubs it…but I think the best purchase this year was the Wii we just got for Christmas. I think it’s going to continue to be awesome (and addictive. Damn Mario Bros.)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Uh. Huh? Definitely not mine. I can’t say that anything sticks out. Maybe Brandon’s continuing academic prowess. I certainly celebrated when he got invited to join the Odyssey of the Mind (Gifted/Talented) program at school.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The media in general. They always make me appalled and depressed.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortagage, cars, bills, and food. There isn’t much left after that.
15. What did you get really excited about?
Uh.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
The first song that popped into my head was a song by the Glee cast: Somebody to Love
Only because I automatically recognize it and 2009 was the year we got Glee 😀
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Sadder. I shouldn’t be, but I’m working on that 🙂
– thinner or fatter? Thinner, but not because of discipline.
– richer or poorer? Neither.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Gotten out of the house w/ the kids for playdates. Done more things for me (I know what this means, if you don’t).
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Losing my temper and yelling.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve and morning were here, then we went to my parents.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Um. No…not in the traditional sense that this means. I’m not single anyway, so…yeah.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
It WAS True Blood until Alan Ball fucked that sucker up. It WAS So You Think You Can Dance during the summer season because it was AWESOME…but then the fall season happened and that sucked donkey balls. Sooo…in the end my favorite TV program would have to be GLEE.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Um…you want me to remember that? Let’s see…the one I wanted to say I actually read in 2008…sooo…going over what I read this year…I guess that would be Hunted by PC and Kristin Cast. I LOVE these books so much better than that other series (which were among the WORST books I read)
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Uh. I’m out of the loop really, I hear things if I happen to be in the car or it’s referred to me. So I’d have to say it was actually a musical “School of Rock” because it’s just a crapload of fun.
26. What did you want and get?
Kennedy healthy for a full year. A laptop. The Modern Pagan started. And meeting Jess.
27. What did you want and not get?
A book contract. I’m hopeful for 2010, though.
Healthier. Boy do I suck there.
Financially smarter – so embarrassed that some of my friends are so financially thrifty and I’m so poor at it.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Have to say it was Star Trek. Yes, Archie, it was. I LOVED Wolverine (Hello, it’s HUGH…beefed up HOT HUGH), but the story lacked…Star Trek was all around awesomeness.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don’t remember. I’m pretty sure we went out for my birthday, but I don’t remember. I’ve slept since then. I turned 33.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A book contract.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Same as always. Jeans and T-shirts.
32. What kept you sane?
Jess. My kids in their shining, bright happy moments. When I was in the hospital most definitely, Archie.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As I have for many years. DROOL.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don’t discuss politics. It all sucks.
35. Who did you miss?
Angela, a wonderful lady in my playgroup that moved so far away to Alabama. My kids adored her and her kids and she is just the bomb. Still get to see her on facebook, which is awesome.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Hm. I can’t pick one, so I won’t say.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Never forget who you are.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
You’re kidding me, right? A song lyric? Not sure I can do that…let me think…
But I’ve been stoned
And I’ve been stung
And I’m still someone
I don’t want to hear about angels in my life
All I want is something real
Something I can feel
I want you so much
And I need to be loved to be healed
Something I can feel
Yeah, depressing lyrics…but like I said…the year was blah and I felt like I was sleeping through most of it. But a new year is here…and how awesome is that?! Time for a more cheerful song to light my way!!
Since it’s been three weeks (how did THAT happen?)…I wanted to come back with a powerful post. Since some items are a powder-keg around here, I decided to change my tactic to light-hearted (sort of) randomness…because I love me some randomness. Are you ready for this? I have so much random items I may have to split it into multiple random-gasms. Yup, I went there…
