Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
2/15/12
I'm so unbelievably exhausted. I'm also so glad I took Friday off!!! Couldn't decide tonight between a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, so I'm drinking both! Hopefully they cancel each other out! I have to pick up more yarn this weekend. My lap afghan is coming along excellently! I'm also sure I will finish TGWKTHN this weekend and then I will buy some more books for my Kindle with the Amazon gift card I got for Valentine's. It is going to be in the 50s for the next 5 days or so. Exactly two weeks till March!
Monday, February 13, 2012
2/13/12
The eve of my favorite holiday, except for the Fourth of July! I have to buy some Valentine's today. Right now I'm watching Bambi with Bella. We've had a very early morning!!! I got one workout in and I'm thinking about getting my other one in while I still have the energy to do it. I already did my ab workout. The problem is I stayed up watching the Grammy's and then The Walking Dead and have been awake since 4:20 am, so I give myself till around 3 or 4 before I crash, earlier if I can't keep busy.
Now I have to figure out what Bella and I are going to wear today. It is already almost 10. We have to leave here at 2 so that gives me time to get another workout in, pick up a little and make us some lunch and get ready.
Now I have to figure out what Bella and I are going to wear today. It is already almost 10. We have to leave here at 2 so that gives me time to get another workout in, pick up a little and make us some lunch and get ready.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
2/12/12
It will be a busy Monday thru Wednesday. Funny how quick it comes around. I had a nice weekend with my husband. Got some shopping in and had Chinese Friday night. Tonight I'm watching the Grammy's. Losing Whitney Houston has just been such a downer this weekend. I guess I had her classified in the "managing the cocaine addiction" category.
I've started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest...the last book in the trilogy. I will be sad to see it end. The second book was phenomenal. It is unfortunate they made the first book into the movie. This was definitely a Dan Brown's The Davinci Code case in which the second book was made into the movie first.
I've started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest...the last book in the trilogy. I will be sad to see it end. The second book was phenomenal. It is unfortunate they made the first book into the movie. This was definitely a Dan Brown's The Davinci Code case in which the second book was made into the movie first.
Friday, February 10, 2012
2/10/12
I think I *may* buy some new bras this weekend. Don't know if I will feel like it or not but I do need some as I only have two that really like. I didn't workout at all yesterday, but I got a lot of other things accomplished. My body was still hurting as of this morning and that was after one circuit of Tabata and an additional 30 minutes of cardio on Wednesday. Today I did the 4 minutes with the hope that I will get in another circuit tonight or 30 minutes of cardio. I wanted to do two circuits in a row but I felt like I was getting very lightheaded. I literally feel like I have done a complete hour long cardio workout after the four minutes except I am even more out of breath after the Tabata than the hour long workout. The scale is going down, so I'm satisfied.
I won't be home till 9 tonight, but the weekend off is nice and then I have 3 day weekends the next two weeks in a row and another one on March 9. I have over 120 hours of ETO and I really need a break and I think the next two weekends will do it. Eddie Money is in Atlanic City I think next weekend. Tickets are like $10. I haven't talked myself out of it yet! Hahaha.
I won't be home till 9 tonight, but the weekend off is nice and then I have 3 day weekends the next two weeks in a row and another one on March 9. I have over 120 hours of ETO and I really need a break and I think the next two weekends will do it. Eddie Money is in Atlanic City I think next weekend. Tickets are like $10. I haven't talked myself out of it yet! Hahaha.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
2/9/12
I slept pretty well last night. Up at 9 this morning. I have to be in Jamestown for 2 so if I want to workout and tan and shower, I'm going to have to get on the ball. It is going to be in the fifties today and tomorrow. Loving this weather! February is flying by. I'm going to say 4 weeks till an actual real beach day. For me, that is at least 70, no breeze, just warm sun and hot sand. Anything warmer than that and it's hard to just lay in the sun without being able to get in the water to cool down and that part of a beach day is still 3 months away.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
2/8/12
What a long long long day!!! So glad it is over!
So this 4 Minute workout has led me to Tabata, which has had me reading reviews and about actual results, which is what I'm interested in, and this all led me to an informative site...Tabata protocol or something. I read up on the history, invented/discovered by a guy with the last name of Tabata, who was training Japanese speed skaters. It essentially is interval training, however the entire circuit is 4 minutes long. Basically you can do any cardio exercise at your maximum output for 20 seconds, rest 10, at it again for 20, etc till the 4 minutes are up. It was also suggested to do it before your regular cardio because of the after burn effect and it will make whatever you do after that more effective but you don't have to do an additional workout after the 4 minutes. You can also use this method with resistance training. Same 20 secs on, 10 off. Tonight I used the recumbent bike and completed the circuit and did an additional 30 minutes of cardio. I will leave it up to you to do your own Internet search on the scientific theory behind it...it does seem valid.
Of course you can follow along with my results here. I've done it now three days in a row. I may end up just doing the Tabata every other day and continue with my other cardio, which I feel offers more benefits than just fat loss and increased metabolism...it's cheap therapy, as this is where, when and how I do my best thinking, increases my seratonin better than any SSRI, and is just all around fun. Tabata is not exactly fun but you do feel like SOMETHING is happening.
In other news, there's a good chance we WON'T be paying $4000 into the government for income taxes this year. I have little sympathy for any of my family and friends crying poverty right now. Last March/April this middle class family had to come up with $4000 for taxes and another $4700 for a major car repair, PLUS several hundred dollars in car rentals, and still had to manage paying $800-ish in car payments, full coverage insurance on three vehicles, $1500 for housing, food for the family, cell phone/Internet bills, not to mention gas and other incidentals. And we survived without asking for help from anyone other than maybe God. Okay, most definitely God. It still infuriates me when I think of the amount of money that had to be spent in those 4 weeks, because I promise you, I would much rather spend $4000 ON MY OWN FAMILY than having to dish it out. Okay so done with that conversation. This is a new year and my husband and I have taken the necessary precautions and will thoroughly enjoy spoiling our own family.
So this 4 Minute workout has led me to Tabata, which has had me reading reviews and about actual results, which is what I'm interested in, and this all led me to an informative site...Tabata protocol or something. I read up on the history, invented/discovered by a guy with the last name of Tabata, who was training Japanese speed skaters. It essentially is interval training, however the entire circuit is 4 minutes long. Basically you can do any cardio exercise at your maximum output for 20 seconds, rest 10, at it again for 20, etc till the 4 minutes are up. It was also suggested to do it before your regular cardio because of the after burn effect and it will make whatever you do after that more effective but you don't have to do an additional workout after the 4 minutes. You can also use this method with resistance training. Same 20 secs on, 10 off. Tonight I used the recumbent bike and completed the circuit and did an additional 30 minutes of cardio. I will leave it up to you to do your own Internet search on the scientific theory behind it...it does seem valid.
Of course you can follow along with my results here. I've done it now three days in a row. I may end up just doing the Tabata every other day and continue with my other cardio, which I feel offers more benefits than just fat loss and increased metabolism...it's cheap therapy, as this is where, when and how I do my best thinking, increases my seratonin better than any SSRI, and is just all around fun. Tabata is not exactly fun but you do feel like SOMETHING is happening.
In other news, there's a good chance we WON'T be paying $4000 into the government for income taxes this year. I have little sympathy for any of my family and friends crying poverty right now. Last March/April this middle class family had to come up with $4000 for taxes and another $4700 for a major car repair, PLUS several hundred dollars in car rentals, and still had to manage paying $800-ish in car payments, full coverage insurance on three vehicles, $1500 for housing, food for the family, cell phone/Internet bills, not to mention gas and other incidentals. And we survived without asking for help from anyone other than maybe God. Okay, most definitely God. It still infuriates me when I think of the amount of money that had to be spent in those 4 weeks, because I promise you, I would much rather spend $4000 ON MY OWN FAMILY than having to dish it out. Okay so done with that conversation. This is a new year and my husband and I have taken the necessary precautions and will thoroughly enjoy spoiling our own family.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
I accomplished quite a bit today! Two hours of cardio, the 4 minute workout, vacuumed the couches and all the tile as pesky dirt can hide in the grout lines if all you ever do is sweep and all I ever do is sweep. White cupboards were bleached clean. Dishes washed, dried and put away. Trash dealt with. Thursday will probably be the day I scrub the oven and the fridge. Bella and I also read a lot of books, watched some movies, worked on our alphabet (she loves the letter Z), sang a lot of songs and danced around.
I had a nice conversation with Zach and signed some papers for more vaccinations...my feathers get ruffled when laws are passed forcing certain vaccinations, but instead of a battle, I'm letting him get the meningitis vaccination because it is a deadly disease and if that is one less thing I need to worry about then ok. Plus, like I told him, if he does join the Air Force or Air National Guard, then he'll need a bazillion shots before he can leave the country anyway. So crazy to think he's 18 on May 12th. Whatever he does, Bella will be sure to miss her Uncle Dada.
I had a nice conversation with Zach and signed some papers for more vaccinations...my feathers get ruffled when laws are passed forcing certain vaccinations, but instead of a battle, I'm letting him get the meningitis vaccination because it is a deadly disease and if that is one less thing I need to worry about then ok. Plus, like I told him, if he does join the Air Force or Air National Guard, then he'll need a bazillion shots before he can leave the country anyway. So crazy to think he's 18 on May 12th. Whatever he does, Bella will be sure to miss her Uncle Dada.
2/7/12
I got my first hour of cardio in. Yesterday I tried the 4 minute workout. Not sure if I'm buying into it although I do feel there are some truths behind the science of it...my biggest disbelief is that you actually burn MORE calories in four minutes than an hour long run. There are more positive reviews on the net than not, so I am giving it the good old, old school try. I mean really, what can an additional 4 minute workout hurt on top of my 2 hours of cardio. The workout is comprised of 20 seconds of squat thrusts, high knees, mountain climbers, and jumping jacks, with ten seconds of rest in between exercises. Basically it is said that if you feel as if you want to puke after completion, you've done it correctly. I DID feel as if I injured something, but no puking feeling. Supposedly, it increases metabolism for the next 36 hours as well. Like I said, it's only 4 additional minutes. At my age, heart health is on my radar, so I will continue with my 1-2 hours of cardio per day. I really don't want to have to deal with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or disgusting clogged arteries, not to mention just getting plain old fat!
Bella's watching Rio for the 100th time. At least it isn't Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which I can now fully recite. I'm going to straighten up things around here and get another workout in. It is so nice out today. Yesterday was 52 but quite breezy, so I will probably open some windows for a bit and let some fresh air in and stale winter air out. Tomorrow will be a bit busy. I'm home at 7am, gonna cram in a workout, get ready so I can drop Kayla and Bella off at Cindy's at 10:30, staff meeting for me 11-1, back to Gansett to tan, pick up David at 2, run our errands and pick Bella up at Cindy's on our way back home. Not as busy as Monday was, but hectic nonetheless...
Bella's watching Rio for the 100th time. At least it isn't Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which I can now fully recite. I'm going to straighten up things around here and get another workout in. It is so nice out today. Yesterday was 52 but quite breezy, so I will probably open some windows for a bit and let some fresh air in and stale winter air out. Tomorrow will be a bit busy. I'm home at 7am, gonna cram in a workout, get ready so I can drop Kayla and Bella off at Cindy's at 10:30, staff meeting for me 11-1, back to Gansett to tan, pick up David at 2, run our errands and pick Bella up at Cindy's on our way back home. Not as busy as Monday was, but hectic nonetheless...
Monday, February 06, 2012
Bella looks awfully cute today. She is sooooo tired! I'm guessing she wasn't prepared for such an early morning this morning!! She's getting ready for her nap and I'm going to try very hard to NOT take a nap myself.
I switched my Scentsy wax in the warmer today. I had cranberry mango in there. Smelled good, just not very strong. Right now, I have Mediterranean Spa in there. Not liking it so much. Smells a bit old lady-ish. I liked Echo, but SO strong. I was getting headaches from it. The Scentsy scents I like, I really like. I'm a loyal Yankee candle fan and the majority of their candles, whether I like a scent or not, are strong enough to scent up a very large area. With Scentsy, I find some scents are too strong, while others don't even register. But like I said, the scents that are neither too strong or too mild and that appeal to me, I really like. I also LOVE the $5 price tag on the wax. Definitely better than the hefty price tag on the Yankee candles, which is why I take advantage of their buy 2, get 2 free sales, or their buy 2, get one free if I'm running low. They also usually offer free shipping on orders $50 or more. A positive for Scentsy is the fact I can leave the burners on all day or all night. Light bulbs are a buck. I could never leave a candle burning.
I have to bleach down the counters and wash the floor. Anything to keep me awake. Definitely going to bed early tonight!!
I switched my Scentsy wax in the warmer today. I had cranberry mango in there. Smelled good, just not very strong. Right now, I have Mediterranean Spa in there. Not liking it so much. Smells a bit old lady-ish. I liked Echo, but SO strong. I was getting headaches from it. The Scentsy scents I like, I really like. I'm a loyal Yankee candle fan and the majority of their candles, whether I like a scent or not, are strong enough to scent up a very large area. With Scentsy, I find some scents are too strong, while others don't even register. But like I said, the scents that are neither too strong or too mild and that appeal to me, I really like. I also LOVE the $5 price tag on the wax. Definitely better than the hefty price tag on the Yankee candles, which is why I take advantage of their buy 2, get 2 free sales, or their buy 2, get one free if I'm running low. They also usually offer free shipping on orders $50 or more. A positive for Scentsy is the fact I can leave the burners on all day or all night. Light bulbs are a buck. I could never leave a candle burning.
I have to bleach down the counters and wash the floor. Anything to keep me awake. Definitely going to bed early tonight!!
2/6/12
I can't believe it is Monday already! Bella had super fun at work this morning. Glad it went so smoothly. I'm running on 4 1/2 hours of sleep. The floors have been swept and the dishes done. Trash/wine bottles taken care of AND took the dog out. I could bitch about the disaster like Renee on Mob Wives but I will hold off. However things will be changing soon. If Zach is unavailable Sierra and the trash will NOT wait for him, because quite frankly, I seem to be able to clean up a lot of messes that I don't create or that I'm not responsible for and I expect that everyone will help ME out when Zach is unavailable. It will not "teach" him a lesson, but it WILL piss me off if something like a tower of trash is left for me. If it needs to be done, do it. Another change will be quite simple, after a person had cooked something, all dishes will be rinsed immediately. I'm done dealing with dried disgusting food caked onto dishes and pans. One more rule, I refuse to be scrubbing counters forever. If you dribble or spill, I expect the mess to be wiped immediately. Same goes for the floors. This isn't directed at any one person. I do appreciate when help is given. I do not feel like I should have to hear "but it's not my chore" from adults.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Texting
She loves playing with our old cell phones. She already knows how to turn on my iPhone and my iPad. Such a tech savvy baby!
Saturday, February 04, 2012
2/4/12
Once I'm up, I feel about as good as I'm going to and as the day wears on, I either have a coughing fit or I get all stuffed up, headachy and feverish, or all of the above. The first night I took Nyquil, second night nothing, last night Nyquil. Seriously make up my mind. Bella still has the snotty nose but she's in good spirits. Good spirits for an almost two year old that is.
The next 9 Mondays are going to be busy for Bella and me. I'm looking forward to them because I like a change once in awhile and they free up my weekends; however, once beach season is official, I do not want to be working Monday days...I leave the weekends at the beach to the tourists and enjoy my weekdays there...still quite a few tourists on vacation but not nearly as many as the weekend brings. It truly is amazing at how our peaceful little town transforms during summer. Such is life on the ocean I suppose. Have to take the good with the bad. But man, the bad is BAD! Summer traffic from Hell. Imagine about 500,000+ people converging in your town every weekend. 5 of the state's State beaches are in our town, not including Town beach, which is supposed to be local only, and our various private beaches, one of which is the one I frequent when not at Scarborough beach. Crazy town. But the beaches and parking are roomy and once you get there, they are well worth the visit.
As you can tell, I'm super excited for that first beach day. I have to think of something exciting to do with my husband today. First, I'm going to attempt to workout, then shower, then who knows. I've lost more weight this week than past weeks, and I've only been able to do an hour of cardio per day. Doesn't make much sense but as long as the scale keeps going down, I'm happy. Maybe it's because I'm drinking 4-5 12 ounce cups of green tea per day with this cold and drinking at least two cups of grapefruit juice?? Both are known to increase metabolism significantly. Well, the day is wasting.
The next 9 Mondays are going to be busy for Bella and me. I'm looking forward to them because I like a change once in awhile and they free up my weekends; however, once beach season is official, I do not want to be working Monday days...I leave the weekends at the beach to the tourists and enjoy my weekdays there...still quite a few tourists on vacation but not nearly as many as the weekend brings. It truly is amazing at how our peaceful little town transforms during summer. Such is life on the ocean I suppose. Have to take the good with the bad. But man, the bad is BAD! Summer traffic from Hell. Imagine about 500,000+ people converging in your town every weekend. 5 of the state's State beaches are in our town, not including Town beach, which is supposed to be local only, and our various private beaches, one of which is the one I frequent when not at Scarborough beach. Crazy town. But the beaches and parking are roomy and once you get there, they are well worth the visit.
As you can tell, I'm super excited for that first beach day. I have to think of something exciting to do with my husband today. First, I'm going to attempt to workout, then shower, then who knows. I've lost more weight this week than past weeks, and I've only been able to do an hour of cardio per day. Doesn't make much sense but as long as the scale keeps going down, I'm happy. Maybe it's because I'm drinking 4-5 12 ounce cups of green tea per day with this cold and drinking at least two cups of grapefruit juice?? Both are known to increase metabolism significantly. Well, the day is wasting.
Friday, February 03, 2012
2/3/12
I'm well into The Girl Who Played with Fire. Really liking it! So glad I decided to read the series! Mitch finished The Hunger Games last night. Such a wonderful book. So last night, I watched Shark Night. What a stupid movie!
I definitely have some chest congestion this morning. It certainly isn't the worst cold I've ever had, but it certainly is an annoyance with my workout schedule. I've only done one hour of cardio everyday instead of the two or two and a half I do. Bella has the runny nose and the sneezing but she's in good spirits and is sleeping well. I'm so grateful she's such a healthy kid and not sickly in the least. This is her first cold and she's a champ. We will all be back to good next week, I'm sure.
I have some pics to post taken over January and maybe I will get around to posting them tonight. I'm going to workout, take a shower, tan, eat and go to work. I have the weekend off now for the next 9 weeks!!!
I definitely have some chest congestion this morning. It certainly isn't the worst cold I've ever had, but it certainly is an annoyance with my workout schedule. I've only done one hour of cardio everyday instead of the two or two and a half I do. Bella has the runny nose and the sneezing but she's in good spirits and is sleeping well. I'm so grateful she's such a healthy kid and not sickly in the least. This is her first cold and she's a champ. We will all be back to good next week, I'm sure.
I have some pics to post taken over January and maybe I will get around to posting them tonight. I'm going to workout, take a shower, tan, eat and go to work. I have the weekend off now for the next 9 weeks!!!
Thursday, February 02, 2012
2/2/12
Happy Groundhog Day!! In Maine (or down South) Groundhog day doesn't have the meaning it does for the lower New England and middle atlanic states...6 weeks left...in Maine it's more like 12 and down south, they already had their "winter". It was 63 here yesterday! And sunny!
So my little something started to get a little worse as the day wore on. I took my honey, drank my green tea but decided to take the nyquil at 9 to ensure a solid night's sleep with no runny/stuffy nose. Worked like a charm! Slept in till 8:30. I have a little chest congestion this morning but I'm feeling better than last night!
I have to get some paperwork done and work out, go tanning and then go to work for a couple of hours. Almost like a day off since I don't have to watch Bella today, although she and her mother will probably go to work with me this afternoon.
So my little something started to get a little worse as the day wore on. I took my honey, drank my green tea but decided to take the nyquil at 9 to ensure a solid night's sleep with no runny/stuffy nose. Worked like a charm! Slept in till 8:30. I have a little chest congestion this morning but I'm feeling better than last night!
I have to get some paperwork done and work out, go tanning and then go to work for a couple of hours. Almost like a day off since I don't have to watch Bella today, although she and her mother will probably go to work with me this afternoon.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Blech!
I have a touch of something. My throat has been scratchy since yesterday. I have a very slight runny nose. It was stuffy when I woke up this morning. I did not sleep well last night so that didn't help. I did workout this morning and that did help, as did tanning. I could go either way right now. I think I will get some honey and cough drops and continue drinking my green tea. I will probably take my vitamin c today too. If I sleep well tonight, maybe I can kick this thing before it turns into something I don't want!!
February!!!
Two weeks till Valentine's!!!
Got my first workout done. Hopefully I will get my second in before 1pm. I need to tan before picking up David, too. It's going to be 60ish today!!! But rainy I guess.
Finished GWTDT. Great story. Started The Girl Who Played with Fire last night. I'm expecting to be done with the complete trilogy by next week. Then I think onto A Thousand Splendid Suns as I've had it for awhile. I'd also like to finally read The Life of Pi which I just haven't gotten around to yet. Next up on the Kindle will be Stephen King's 11/22/63. That all should keep me busy this spring.
Got my first workout done. Hopefully I will get my second in before 1pm. I need to tan before picking up David, too. It's going to be 60ish today!!! But rainy I guess.
Finished GWTDT. Great story. Started The Girl Who Played with Fire last night. I'm expecting to be done with the complete trilogy by next week. Then I think onto A Thousand Splendid Suns as I've had it for awhile. I'd also like to finally read The Life of Pi which I just haven't gotten around to yet. Next up on the Kindle will be Stephen King's 11/22/63. That all should keep me busy this spring.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Idiots!
Absolutely can NOT believe there is still hype around the pit bull breed! I love my dog MORE THAN most people! She has been absolutely hands down the most loyal friend I've ever had. I am much more likely to be the one to punch people in their fucking mouths than my dog is to attack anyone. I've come to a place in my life where I'm well educated enough that I have no desire to use my college degree to talk to idoiots. I will punch you out instead.
1/31/12
Another 50 degree day...tomorrow is supposed to be warmer!! What a fabulous winter!
Yesterday I drank 2 1/2 liters of water. Roughly 48oz. I was half a liter short of my goal. But I did get 2 cups of green tea in me, a cup of coffee and a little Malbec so I'm far from dehydrated.
Another terribly unmotivated morning. I have got to clean, workout, watch Bella, and cook dinner. Hopefully I can tan when Zach gets home.
Yesterday I drank 2 1/2 liters of water. Roughly 48oz. I was half a liter short of my goal. But I did get 2 cups of green tea in me, a cup of coffee and a little Malbec so I'm far from dehydrated.
Another terribly unmotivated morning. I have got to clean, workout, watch Bella, and cook dinner. Hopefully I can tan when Zach gets home.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Success!!!
So I have had 2 recipes for healthy snack ideas for awhile and finally tried them today with great success. First was a pumpkin smoothie. I used my Bullet so I just eyeballed the amount of pumpkin in the bottom f the cup. It was probably 2/3 C of canned pumpkin. I added skim milk, some vanilla, pumpkin pie seasoning, a teeny bit of sugar or sweetener, unless you're not dieting, a few ice cubes. Blended in my bullet. Yumm-o!!! Second recipe was from a frugal site. Not really a recipe but it is carcinogen free so bonus! It is simply microwaved popcorn using brown paper lunch sacks. I put 1/2 C kernels in the bag, folded it twice at the top and put it in the microwave. Mine took about 4 mins. Added my salt and Parmesan cheese and there you go. Healthy healthy healthy. Store bought microwave popcorn is one of the worst things you can eat. It sure tastes good but has no redeeming health value.
Lunch Time
I'm feeling more energized. I attempted an hour on the bike this morning but with Bella I managed maybe 45 solid minutes, so I put in my 4 mile Leslie Sansone DVD and logged another hour. This way, I can do the bike for another hour tonight. I usually do the 2 mile jog DVD to mix things up or I will do my bootcamp DVD, but I'm glad I went with the 4 miler today. I also did an excellent ab workout today. I'm on my first two cups of 4 of green tea, which supposedly boosts metabolism by 20%. I'm also well into my first of 2 liters of water. According to experts, one can lose 5 or more pounds of water weight (depending on how much you carry) by simply increasing your intake to 60oz per day for 7 days. I'm hoping to get a bigger house soon so we can keep our exercise equipment and DVDs all in the same area that isn't the living room. I'd also love to get my hands on a rower and Nordic trac x-country skier. My late grandfather always kept it set up on the porch and did an hour per day on the skier. I'm not sure where it is...my grandmother surely doesn't use it but I'm sure one of my aunts probably took it. AND I'd love to get a Bow Flex for when we have space, as I'm no fan of free weights.
1/30/12
I had so much energy yesterday...this morning not so much! I slept well but had to get up early as I'm watching Bella this morning. She moved from her bed into mine and we were cuddling for a bit, watching a movie. Now, we've moved it to the couch. Zach was gracious enough to get the coffee brewing before he left for school.
Yesterday was a nice sunny day. Hayley and I took Bella for a walk on the beach. It sounds really windy out there today. Mitch cooked dinner and we enjoyed a yummy glass of Malbec. I read for a lot of the afternoon. TGWTDT has gotten even more exciting and enjoyable. I'm loving it now. Can't wait to read the next two!
Zach went to Foxboro to the Patriots Superbowl send off! He had a great time. I'm glad we live in an area where he can do these types of fun things with his friends. I know Bella and I are looking forward to that first warm day when we can spend it at the zoo without freezing. The zoo's open year round but I'm thinking a warm spring day will be fine for us. I love zoos, namely the National Zoo, but our zoo is very nice too, just not free and I'm hoping Bella will love them as much as me. I'm also looking forward to Block Island.
Blah, it's only 8:17. This is going to be a long day!
Yesterday was a nice sunny day. Hayley and I took Bella for a walk on the beach. It sounds really windy out there today. Mitch cooked dinner and we enjoyed a yummy glass of Malbec. I read for a lot of the afternoon. TGWTDT has gotten even more exciting and enjoyable. I'm loving it now. Can't wait to read the next two!
Zach went to Foxboro to the Patriots Superbowl send off! He had a great time. I'm glad we live in an area where he can do these types of fun things with his friends. I know Bella and I are looking forward to that first warm day when we can spend it at the zoo without freezing. The zoo's open year round but I'm thinking a warm spring day will be fine for us. I love zoos, namely the National Zoo, but our zoo is very nice too, just not free and I'm hoping Bella will love them as much as me. I'm also looking forward to Block Island.
Blah, it's only 8:17. This is going to be a long day!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
1/28/12
Feeling cranky today. It takes me a bit to feel like myself on any morning, as I have no morning personality to speak of, and on Saturday mornings, there are usually a lot more people around, so my personal routine gets thrown off, and I have people asking what's wrong, blah blah blah. Once I get up, clean the house, have my coffee, work out, and as long as people haven't already pissed me off, I will be fine.
I'm well into Dragon Tattoo...it has suddenly gotten pretty awesome. Glad I listened to my friends and stuck with it. I should be done with it by tonight or tomorrow. Luckily, I have book 2 and 3 already here waiting, as I bought them for Mitch and he's already read them.
I suppose it's time to get up, workout and give Bella Boo some kisses. She's been patiently knocking on my door every few minutes.
I'm well into Dragon Tattoo...it has suddenly gotten pretty awesome. Glad I listened to my friends and stuck with it. I should be done with it by tonight or tomorrow. Luckily, I have book 2 and 3 already here waiting, as I bought them for Mitch and he's already read them.
I suppose it's time to get up, workout and give Bella Boo some kisses. She's been patiently knocking on my door every few minutes.
Friday, January 27, 2012
It's Friday!!
I can't believe Friday is here already! I finally finished Out of Oz!! It took how long to get through the first half??? I finished the second half in two days! Such a good book! Now, like always with Gregory Maguire books, I want more of the story. I have been reinspired by friends to continue reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo...they said it improves greatly once you get past the trial part...I have to agree! It's already picking up with the introduction of Salander. I have so many actual book books to read and two lined up on my Kindle that I'm excited to start.
I gave myself permission to take today off from tanning and working out, but I ended up doing both anyway! Glad I did because I feel even more energized than if I had just taken the day off. It is almost 60 today and a little rainy. Not as heavy as I anticipated. Feels like spring out there!
I really hope my husband and I can do something this weekend. A movie or dinner or something.
The best news? I have a new muffler!!! And a new gas cap! If I clean it out, it'll be just like new! I had to drive the Tahoe yesterday while mine was getting work done, and the whole time I just kept missing my mine. Since I will be in it till at least this fall, and since I practically live in it, I'm glad it is something I enjoy. I really like the BMW X-5s for my next ride, but I saw a really nice Lexus car for a really really good price, so that got me thinking that maybe I would consider a car, as opposed to an SUV. We will still have the Tahoe if I need the space or the third row. The X-5 wouldn't have a third row anyway. Anyway...still a few months away and I'm in no rush as long as I don't have any significant car trouble. FYI, I'm so not interested in driving a "green" car.
I gave myself permission to take today off from tanning and working out, but I ended up doing both anyway! Glad I did because I feel even more energized than if I had just taken the day off. It is almost 60 today and a little rainy. Not as heavy as I anticipated. Feels like spring out there!
I really hope my husband and I can do something this weekend. A movie or dinner or something.
The best news? I have a new muffler!!! And a new gas cap! If I clean it out, it'll be just like new! I had to drive the Tahoe yesterday while mine was getting work done, and the whole time I just kept missing my mine. Since I will be in it till at least this fall, and since I practically live in it, I'm glad it is something I enjoy. I really like the BMW X-5s for my next ride, but I saw a really nice Lexus car for a really really good price, so that got me thinking that maybe I would consider a car, as opposed to an SUV. We will still have the Tahoe if I need the space or the third row. The X-5 wouldn't have a third row anyway. Anyway...still a few months away and I'm in no rush as long as I don't have any significant car trouble. FYI, I'm so not interested in driving a "green" car.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Can We Say Exhausted??
But it's a happy kind of exhaustion. The kind that will have me falling asleep quickly and deeply and I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Today has turned out pretty well even though it was my busy day. Bella was perfect today! Perfect yesterday with her hour long noon nap and an easy bedtime at 8 pm. Kayla said she slept till 8 this morning. She took her nap at one today but it wasn't a full hour, so hopefully another easy 8 pm bedtime tonight for the both of us!
I got two hours of cardio in and went tanning so I'm feeling good about that. The dishes are done. The house is in ok condition. Not in the mood to pick up Bella's books and toys just yet, as she will surely take them all out again shortly after I do. I just want to sit here and enjoy my tea and wait for my husband to decide on dinner.
I got two hours of cardio in and went tanning so I'm feeling good about that. The dishes are done. The house is in ok condition. Not in the mood to pick up Bella's books and toys just yet, as she will surely take them all out again shortly after I do. I just want to sit here and enjoy my tea and wait for my husband to decide on dinner.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Think Spring
It'll be a very warm week for Winter here. I may get out for a walk with Bella today.
I had the worst stomachache last night. So bad it woke me up and kept me up. It finally went away. It was stomach pains really, nothing that puking or anything would have helped. If it had been localized a little lower, I would have been convinced it was appendicitis. It really felt like contractions. Oh well, I feel good as new today.
Officially one week left of this blah month. I so dislike January. February gets broken up with Valentine's and even in this leap year, it'll still be a short month, which brings us to MARCH! And then we can let spring begin!! So excited for that first incredibly warm day in which I can spend it laying in the sun.
I had the worst stomachache last night. So bad it woke me up and kept me up. It finally went away. It was stomach pains really, nothing that puking or anything would have helped. If it had been localized a little lower, I would have been convinced it was appendicitis. It really felt like contractions. Oh well, I feel good as new today.
Officially one week left of this blah month. I so dislike January. February gets broken up with Valentine's and even in this leap year, it'll still be a short month, which brings us to MARCH! And then we can let spring begin!! So excited for that first incredibly warm day in which I can spend it laying in the sun.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Cleanse Fail
So we made a pact to end the cleanse. I have lost weight on it though, so I may incorporate some of the tricks but I'm not not eating what I want again. I may use this after a holiday or vacation in which I may over do it, but like my husband pointed out, when have we ever over done it? Eating anyway? Never. Glad one of us thinks. During the middle of the cleanse AND a storm no less, the thinker brings up the question on how low are we on toilet paper. Seriously, these thoughts never entered my mind prior to starting the cleanse.
I took a reluctant nap today. Reluctant because one, I didn't want to, and two because at first I slept for like 10 minutes and was woken up, so I figured I wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep, but I did and I woke up feeling much better than I did after the 10 minute nap!
I made some good headway on my crochet projects last night and this afternoon. I'm over halfway done Return to Oz. That's huge. I got my workout in early before I crapped out on the couch. Mitch went to bring Hayley home, pick up Kayla and is then making pizza for dinner. Zach is at Derrick's watching the Patriots playoff game. Our friend Scott is AT the game!! So right this very second, it is just Sierra, Bella and me here at home, watching round two of Gnomeo and Juliet.
I took a reluctant nap today. Reluctant because one, I didn't want to, and two because at first I slept for like 10 minutes and was woken up, so I figured I wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep, but I did and I woke up feeling much better than I did after the 10 minute nap!
I made some good headway on my crochet projects last night and this afternoon. I'm over halfway done Return to Oz. That's huge. I got my workout in early before I crapped out on the couch. Mitch went to bring Hayley home, pick up Kayla and is then making pizza for dinner. Zach is at Derrick's watching the Patriots playoff game. Our friend Scott is AT the game!! So right this very second, it is just Sierra, Bella and me here at home, watching round two of Gnomeo and Juliet.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
And...
...tomorrow I'm going to do a little experiment. I'm going to just get up and leave. Not bother to tell anyone where I'm going. It must be nice to have this kind of freedom.
It's Snowing!!
It's finally snowing. The good news? It's going to be almost 60 on Monday so this will not stick around. The best kind of snow. Right now, everything looks really pretty.
I'm about to embark on my 2 day cleanse. I mistakenly called it a detox. Then when I went back to find the plan online I couldn't find it because I was typing detox. Finally I googled 2 day cleanse and the Look Better Naked one that I'm doing was easily found. I may make a substitution with the breakfast smoothies. I'm not crazy about milk, and since I have plenty of spinach, I'm thinking I'm just going to make one of my green smoothies and drink that instead.
My abdominal workout was CRAZY yesterday. I'm still feeling it. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow!!
It's already 9:51 and I still haven't done my cardio yet. Feeling a bit lazy his morning.
I'm about to embark on my 2 day cleanse. I mistakenly called it a detox. Then when I went back to find the plan online I couldn't find it because I was typing detox. Finally I googled 2 day cleanse and the Look Better Naked one that I'm doing was easily found. I may make a substitution with the breakfast smoothies. I'm not crazy about milk, and since I have plenty of spinach, I'm thinking I'm just going to make one of my green smoothies and drink that instead.
My abdominal workout was CRAZY yesterday. I'm still feeling it. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow!!
It's already 9:51 and I still haven't done my cardio yet. Feeling a bit lazy his morning.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Kind of...
...a day off. I still have to work at 2 but I will be Bella free! This has been a long week. Tuesday was a perfect day with her. Wednesday, she was sick. Thursday, I was sick. Today, her mother has the day off!
I got my cardio in. I did my abdominal workout. I'm taking it to the next level this week. I'm going to try a 2 day "detox" to rev my metabolism. Not sure if it'll do any good but we will see...so for two days, I can only eat steamed greens (vinegar if I must) such as spinach, and lean meat. Green tea, no sweet tea from McD's. However, I'm not cutting out my AM coffee, simply because I enjoy my AM coffee and that's that. It's only for two days. After the two days, I'm just going to try to increase my veggies and fruits for all my meals. No junk. Just for this week. I will give in to oatmeal or cheerios or Total for breakfasts only because I need that kind of fuel for my two hours of cardio.
I'm enjoying our purchase of the perfect sit-up. It really takes the strain off my neck and I'm having no trouble getting it to click, which means you're in correct form. I'm definitely feeling the workout so my muscles are being used. I've noticed a visible change in just my third time using it.
I got my cardio in. I did my abdominal workout. I'm taking it to the next level this week. I'm going to try a 2 day "detox" to rev my metabolism. Not sure if it'll do any good but we will see...so for two days, I can only eat steamed greens (vinegar if I must) such as spinach, and lean meat. Green tea, no sweet tea from McD's. However, I'm not cutting out my AM coffee, simply because I enjoy my AM coffee and that's that. It's only for two days. After the two days, I'm just going to try to increase my veggies and fruits for all my meals. No junk. Just for this week. I will give in to oatmeal or cheerios or Total for breakfasts only because I need that kind of fuel for my two hours of cardio.
I'm enjoying our purchase of the perfect sit-up. It really takes the strain off my neck and I'm having no trouble getting it to click, which means you're in correct form. I'm definitely feeling the workout so my muscles are being used. I've noticed a visible change in just my third time using it.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
1/19/12
Worst headache ever. So sleepy too. I think it'll be another early night for me.
This has been an incredibly long week. I've worked AND babysat every day this week. Think I'm going to make a little plain pasta and see if it'll help my headache a little.
In other news, some of the cutesy blogs I read have ALL decided to write similar posts about how their lives aren't so perfect...hmmmmm, okay...apparently it's the cool thing to do for today.
Another busy day on the books for me. Woke up, two hours of cardio, showered, tanned, worked WITH Bella in tow. I may or may not clean up around here today. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend!
This has been an incredibly long week. I've worked AND babysat every day this week. Think I'm going to make a little plain pasta and see if it'll help my headache a little.
In other news, some of the cutesy blogs I read have ALL decided to write similar posts about how their lives aren't so perfect...hmmmmm, okay...apparently it's the cool thing to do for today.
Another busy day on the books for me. Woke up, two hours of cardio, showered, tanned, worked WITH Bella in tow. I may or may not clean up around here today. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Holy Teething Terror
Baby girl has had a nightmare of a day with the last of teeth to come through. She's had a time of it with these ones. They look close then disappear. Today the back gums are very swollen. She's on her second dose of motrin. Barely taking the edge off. Plus she hates this medicine. She loves baby Tylenol. Doesn't mind antibiotics but she hates this crap I got her and of course I got two big bottles because it was buy one get one free. I like it only because it lasts 8 hours.
1/18/12
Last night was a restless sleep and this morning was a very early morning. BUT I got my 2 hours of cardio in even with a messed up bike! I got my ab workout in as well! The dishes are done, kitchen floor swept and mopped. Counters wiped down. When Zach gets home, maybe I will get a minute to go tanning. Other than that, Bella and I are just hanging out here today. I can't wait to go to bed tonight!!! So very sleepy and a nap isn't looking like it's in Bella's future today.
To The Person......
...that f*^#s up my recumbent bike and then thinks I over-react...you screw the tightening screw on too tight and I can't adjust it myself, so I feel as if that is most disrespectful to adjust it to your length and then leave it, knowing that I use it daily not to mention the back trouble I've had lately, so if I want to use it, I can't sit in the seat properly...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
1/17/12
I got a lot accomplished today already. So much for a rainy Tuesday. It's been sunny all morning. Certainly not complaining, but certainly makes me wonder exactly what the qualifications are to be a meteorologist.
I've worked out, cleaned up the house a bit. Bella's had breakfast and now lunch. We read five books and she worked out with me. She loves doing squats! We also listened to her Pandora radio station. Lots of Raffi and Jack Johnson. Now we're settling down to watch Gnomeo & Juliet and take a nap. We have to pick up Zach at 3, and hopefully I will get a chance to go tanning. Dinner when my love gets home. A very typical Tuesday.
Now, I'm going to try to read a little and maybe work on my crochet project while she's behaving.
I've worked out, cleaned up the house a bit. Bella's had breakfast and now lunch. We read five books and she worked out with me. She loves doing squats! We also listened to her Pandora radio station. Lots of Raffi and Jack Johnson. Now we're settling down to watch Gnomeo & Juliet and take a nap. We have to pick up Zach at 3, and hopefully I will get a chance to go tanning. Dinner when my love gets home. A very typical Tuesday.
Now, I'm going to try to read a little and maybe work on my crochet project while she's behaving.
Monday, January 16, 2012
1/16/12
So I broke two resolutions already...I haven't blogged since Friday AND I did two hours of cardio this morning. Yet somehow I feel good about this! When I do two hours of cardio, I don't have to care what I eat, as I'm not an over-eater anyway. There's some guilt if I only do one hour of cardio and consume say a cupcake...lots of guilt if there's no cardio and a cupcake. So I'm going to go back to listening to my body. Today, I felt like I needed the two hours of cardio. Saturday, I didn't feel the need to do any.
In other news, I learned a new crochet stitch. Out of Oz is finally getting good. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has yet to do so. Next up will be Island of the Lost Girls and The Quickening.
Sleep news: Last night I managed to fall asleep around 9:30 and slept till 7:30. Pretty good for me.
I'm going to try and manage to have a good day, despite it being a Monday.
In other news, I learned a new crochet stitch. Out of Oz is finally getting good. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has yet to do so. Next up will be Island of the Lost Girls and The Quickening.
Sleep news: Last night I managed to fall asleep around 9:30 and slept till 7:30. Pretty good for me.
I'm going to try and manage to have a good day, despite it being a Monday.
Friday, January 13, 2012
1/13/12
Happy Friday the 13th! I slept for 12 hours last night. I fell asleep at 7:30. A movie like dream all night. Blame and thank Stephen King mostly...blame because it was a dome scenario, thank, because I was the only one who knew what to do to survive.
So I've been reading lots of cutesy new blogs about crafting and living green and losing weight. Seriously, there is an entire deranged generation of New Stepford wives out there. Talk about puke. I even briefly thought about retiring this old blog and starting a new cutesy one of my own, but really? Again, Puke! They're all mostly new moms, some have like 4-5 kids, all stay at home and are quite successfully creating crafting businesses. I commend them on that...however, only the cutesy, perfect, happily ever after crap makes it into their blogs.
So instead of creating a pseudo-perfect world, I will continue to blog about the ups and downs of a real life. A life where the house is only reasonably clean one or two days per week, one in which I dress up (jeans these days) only once or twice a week, a life in which I actually have to work AND take care of a family, a life which includes an adorable baby who laughs hysterically when someone gets hurt (we're only a little worried), and a dog who's pretty much perfect but still manages to find time to be annoying. We're a little green. Not green at all when it comes to cleaning my house. I like it CLEAN! Hospital smelling sanitized. Not crunchy hippy version of "clean" ,think unshaved armpit smell and gross feet. Organic foods
when there's a choice. Some products don't always have a good tasting alternative so there. I believe in exercise, relaxation, good alcohol and suntans instead of happy pills. I believe the government is a little too involved with society, preventing a naturally occurring thinning of the herd. Must we save every stupid person from his/herself? Not when that DNA has a chance to mix with my kids. I don't believe in saying the right thing so as to not offend people. I don't have that kind of time.
So I've been reading lots of cutesy new blogs about crafting and living green and losing weight. Seriously, there is an entire deranged generation of New Stepford wives out there. Talk about puke. I even briefly thought about retiring this old blog and starting a new cutesy one of my own, but really? Again, Puke! They're all mostly new moms, some have like 4-5 kids, all stay at home and are quite successfully creating crafting businesses. I commend them on that...however, only the cutesy, perfect, happily ever after crap makes it into their blogs.
So instead of creating a pseudo-perfect world, I will continue to blog about the ups and downs of a real life. A life where the house is only reasonably clean one or two days per week, one in which I dress up (jeans these days) only once or twice a week, a life in which I actually have to work AND take care of a family, a life which includes an adorable baby who laughs hysterically when someone gets hurt (we're only a little worried), and a dog who's pretty much perfect but still manages to find time to be annoying. We're a little green. Not green at all when it comes to cleaning my house. I like it CLEAN! Hospital smelling sanitized. Not crunchy hippy version of "clean" ,think unshaved armpit smell and gross feet. Organic foods
when there's a choice. Some products don't always have a good tasting alternative so there. I believe in exercise, relaxation, good alcohol and suntans instead of happy pills. I believe the government is a little too involved with society, preventing a naturally occurring thinning of the herd. Must we save every stupid person from his/herself? Not when that DNA has a chance to mix with my kids. I don't believe in saying the right thing so as to not offend people. I don't have that kind of time.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Cozy Bed?
The staying in bed all day sounded good in theory but after about an hour of it, I couldn't do it anymore. I hopped in the shower because once Kayla left for work, I wouldn't have a chance for a Bella-free shower till at least Zach gets home. I got the dishes done and living room straightened up. Swept, mopped and SANITIZED the kitchen floor. Looks pretty good. It's pretty windy out right now but I've been periodically opening the windows to let the fresh air in. I think Bella is almost off to dreamland. Taking a little break before I sweep the living room floor. After that, I need to sort and organize the coffee/tea/baking cupboard which also houses Bella's snacks/sippy cups, etc. And she's out like a light. An 11:30 AM nap. Truly a gift!! Maybe I will get to cleaning the fridge when Zach gets home.
1/12/12
I'm really feeling a cozy bed and movie day for Bella and me. Right now we're watching Toy Story 3. 52 degrees today but with wind and rain! Yay for the warm, blah for the rain. At least I don't have to shovel it!
There's stuff I could do today, stuff I might do today, and stuff I will probably do this afternoon. Right now, I just want my coffee and my bed.
Bella had a successful day with the babysitter. She played with a new Rah Rah. Rah Rah is what she calls our dog Sierra. She was very happy to see me when I picked her up at 3:30 though. Good to know I'm not easily replaced. I love being her Nonni.
There's stuff I could do today, stuff I might do today, and stuff I will probably do this afternoon. Right now, I just want my coffee and my bed.
Bella had a successful day with the babysitter. She played with a new Rah Rah. Rah Rah is what she calls our dog Sierra. She was very happy to see me when I picked her up at 3:30 though. Good to know I'm not easily replaced. I love being her Nonni.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
1/11/12
Today is the first day that Bella is being watched by a real babysitter! It makes me sad because I love watching her, but I have a very busy day ahead and it would be all the more complicated if she were to come along.
So as busy as today will surely be, I can remind myself that tomorrow is my day off! I have a lot of projects I want to work on tomorrow. What I need is a work space for me and beat laboratory for my husband. First and foremost, is to go through my closet and look at the clothes that I was going to donate and decide why exactly I was doing that...did it fit wrong, too long, too short, too big, too tight, out of fashion, etc, and just see if a little altering can make me like it again or if it can be made into something for Bella. If not, it's gone.
Ok, have to get this busy day moving.
So as busy as today will surely be, I can remind myself that tomorrow is my day off! I have a lot of projects I want to work on tomorrow. What I need is a work space for me and beat laboratory for my husband. First and foremost, is to go through my closet and look at the clothes that I was going to donate and decide why exactly I was doing that...did it fit wrong, too long, too short, too big, too tight, out of fashion, etc, and just see if a little altering can make me like it again or if it can be made into something for Bella. If not, it's gone.
Ok, have to get this busy day moving.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
1/10/12
What a busy morning. I worked out, went tanning, altered some jeans that I was just going to donate but now, I plan on wearing them a lot more, and Bella and I took Kayla to work. We are now watching Rio and then will be picking up Zach at 3. Tomorrow will actually be my busy day and I have Thursday off.
So my jeans were an old pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans that I've owned since around 2004. Yeah. So anyway, they were in the donate pile but then I found an awesome tutorial on making bootleg/flare leg jeans into skinny jeans and thought I'd give it a try. Success!!! They now fit into all my boots!!!
Now I'm going to watch Rio with Bella and maybe get a chance to read a little.
So my jeans were an old pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans that I've owned since around 2004. Yeah. So anyway, they were in the donate pile but then I found an awesome tutorial on making bootleg/flare leg jeans into skinny jeans and thought I'd give it a try. Success!!! They now fit into all my boots!!!
Now I'm going to watch Rio with Bella and maybe get a chance to read a little.
Monday, January 09, 2012
1/9/12
What a great weekend!!! First, it was a glorious 62 degrees on Saturday! My husband and I headed out, at his urging, with notebooks in hand, to do some creative writing. We ended up at a place we've visited in late summer/early spring before. We visited the family cemetery plot and let some ideas swirl. Later that evening, I talked to my friend Scott, who has lived a good part of his life in RI and his mother and grandmother are from Providence and currently still live in Providence, so they're great sources for local RI folklore. This conversation lead me to Mecry Brown, known as New England's last vampire. She was a nationally known individual in death, and Bram Stoker's character Lucy Westerna is based on her. In the Chestnut Hill cemetery where Mercy now rests, lies a certain Benedict Arnold.
I also work with many individuals that were patients at the now closed Ladd School, and this place is also located in Exeter, RI. This particular wooded area (North Kigstown, Exeter, West Greenwich) is full of supernatural, paranormal, cult and Native American activity. Rhode Island is home to the Narragansetts and full of hallowed ground. So google the Ladd School. Google Mercy Brown. Google the Rathbuns or the Tillinghasts. Google Big Foot in RI. Google a brief history of how RI was settled. Amazing but true history. And we're just beginning to tap into it.
I also work with many individuals that were patients at the now closed Ladd School, and this place is also located in Exeter, RI. This particular wooded area (North Kigstown, Exeter, West Greenwich) is full of supernatural, paranormal, cult and Native American activity. Rhode Island is home to the Narragansetts and full of hallowed ground. So google the Ladd School. Google Mercy Brown. Google the Rathbuns or the Tillinghasts. Google Big Foot in RI. Google a brief history of how RI was settled. Amazing but true history. And we're just beginning to tap into it.
Rhode Island and Massachusetts have such rich, exciting histories, besides the more popular Salem witch trials, Plymouth Rock, Boston tea party stories. This particular cemetery is just off the road where this week's Finding Bigfoot episode was filmed last month. My husband and I found a fire site, what can only be described as a shredded bird, and a recently decomposed deer carcass...RI also has strong satanic cult activity and we think this was some kind of recent ritual site.
Baby headstone
On my next visit, I will be sure to bring proper grave rubbing supplies, as these are so hard to read.
1700-late 1800s Cemetery
I love visiting this particular Rathbun family cemetery. I've been doing some genealogical research on the Rathbuns/Tillinghast families. A nearby pond that I visit frequently with a friend is called Tillinghast pond and was owned by this friend's family until the time of his mother's death in this past decade. She willed the over 900 acres for conservation to Arcadia management
The Crypt
This is where Mercy's body was housed till the ground thawed enough for a proper burial. Supposedly, when her coffin was opened, her body had turned over and she was very well preserved (it was a New England winter, so my guess is her body was so well preserved because it was essentially in a freezer). However, her heart had liquid blood in it, which shouldn't have been because of her freezer like environment.
Mercy Brown
The grave of Mercy Lena Brown, the 19 year old who died of tuberculosis, and in death was thought to be a vampire. Her father was persuaded and convinced to open her coffin after her death, remover her heart, burn it and then mix the ash into a drink for her ill brother to drink. He died two months later.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Echo
I have Echo in my Scentsy warmer right now. The house smells like men's cologne. Pretty much yummy.
I'm feeling a ton better since working out and going tanning. I haven't tanned since Thanksgiving and I've missed it. I do enjoy my holiday break from tanning because it can get stressful trying to cram in a trip to the salon when you're working and preparing for the holidays, shopping, etc., but come January, I feel pale and cranky. It is 50 degrees right now and I know that has something to do with my happier mood. No winter and an early spring would be divine right now.
My book is finally getting good. The prologue seemed a bit dry and long but things are shaping up nicely. I really don't want to go to work today. Hopefully it's a painless shift. I'm in 45 minutes early from now on. I will probably put in for some time off soon. Usually a schedule change buys me some time and freshens things up a bit, but I adjusted quickly to this last one, so now it is back to feeling like the same old same old.
I'm feeling a ton better since working out and going tanning. I haven't tanned since Thanksgiving and I've missed it. I do enjoy my holiday break from tanning because it can get stressful trying to cram in a trip to the salon when you're working and preparing for the holidays, shopping, etc., but come January, I feel pale and cranky. It is 50 degrees right now and I know that has something to do with my happier mood. No winter and an early spring would be divine right now.
My book is finally getting good. The prologue seemed a bit dry and long but things are shaping up nicely. I really don't want to go to work today. Hopefully it's a painless shift. I'm in 45 minutes early from now on. I will probably put in for some time off soon. Usually a schedule change buys me some time and freshens things up a bit, but I adjusted quickly to this last one, so now it is back to feeling like the same old same old.
1/6/12
Bella and I had a fun day yesterday till around 6 pm. I got the house picked up, exercised, we played, then she went to work with me, we shopped at Walmart, then home to play and wait for dinner.
Tomorrow Hayley and I are going through my closet in earnest. I'm in the mood to throw everything away. I'm so tired of just spinning in circles. I'm bored to death of people, of this economy, of life...there is absolutely no inspiration to be had...nothing changes, and any attempt to is futile. I have no use for any capable person who can't help himself, and that includes the government. I have no use for people who fear change and that's just about everyone I've ever met. Unfortunately I can't control anyone but myself and that is what my next step is about.
Yeah, that's my mood for today.
Tomorrow Hayley and I are going through my closet in earnest. I'm in the mood to throw everything away. I'm so tired of just spinning in circles. I'm bored to death of people, of this economy, of life...there is absolutely no inspiration to be had...nothing changes, and any attempt to is futile. I have no use for any capable person who can't help himself, and that includes the government. I have no use for people who fear change and that's just about everyone I've ever met. Unfortunately I can't control anyone but myself and that is what my next step is about.
Yeah, that's my mood for today.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
1/4/12
Wow what a horribly bad mood to find myself in yesterday! Feeling much better today! I've been up since 4:40. Got my workout done. Feeling great about that! I have a meeting at 3 until 5. Not crazy about that but they're usually energizing. I'm going to work on the menu for this weekend and next week. It was pretty successful the way I did it last year.
I'm not going to spend any time online today other than now and again in the afternoon and probably once I get Bella asleep for the night. And the times I am on, I'm going to limit myself to 15 minute sessions.
I'm going to get ready for my day, hopefully read a bit, and just try to enjoy the day.
I'm not going to spend any time online today other than now and again in the afternoon and probably once I get Bella asleep for the night. And the times I am on, I'm going to limit myself to 15 minute sessions.
I'm going to get ready for my day, hopefully read a bit, and just try to enjoy the day.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Darkest Days
I hate January.
It is so incredibly difficult to not feel terribly bleak this time of year. The holidays, as stressful as they may or may not have been, are OVER. There is nothing to take your mind off of short daylight hours, cool temps, über dry skin...and just when you get yourself feeling positive again, you look out the window. I just want to curl up and sleep till March. That being said, I still have a very green lawn, and I am truly thankful for a snowless winter.
I need to be crafting and writing and happy but instead I just want to punch the people who are. I'm restless. I want to go for a long leisurely walk in my cut-offs and flip flops.
It is so incredibly difficult to not feel terribly bleak this time of year. The holidays, as stressful as they may or may not have been, are OVER. There is nothing to take your mind off of short daylight hours, cool temps, über dry skin...and just when you get yourself feeling positive again, you look out the window. I just want to curl up and sleep till March. That being said, I still have a very green lawn, and I am truly thankful for a snowless winter.
I need to be crafting and writing and happy but instead I just want to punch the people who are. I'm restless. I want to go for a long leisurely walk in my cut-offs and flip flops.
1/3/12
Woke up earlish this morning. In the 7 o'clock hour. My workout is done. My room is picked up a little. My goal for this week (and the month of January) is to downsize. I tossed three items today. A pair of yoga leggings that I spilled bleach on (boo hoo), a stained up sleep shirt and a pair of Capri sweats with a hole in the crotch area. I could sew it but I'm downsizing. Plus I've owned them for at least 4 years. I've gotten rid of 4 more pairs of shoes, two of which that I wore in weddings and plan on NEVER wearing again. I'm down to 5 pairs of sneakers, 6 pairs of heels, a pair of leather shoes, 4 pairs of boots, my Ugg mules, 9 pairs of flip flops, and assorted slippers. Good start to the month of January. I'm also going to be downsizing cupboards, paperwork, junk drawers. We have chargers from 5 cell phones ago that fit God knows what. Trash. Trash. Trash. Also tossing crap from the bathroom again.
Obviously these things get done several times per year, but we are moving from this house and if I start planning now, it should be relatively painless. One Uhaul that we can drive and tow a vehicle behind, the other car can tow the camper, if we keep it, and I really would like to, and the third car will either be sold outright before we leave or Zach and Hayley can follow with it. The good news is this ranch house is about the size of a UHaul. Selling the camper and third car would give us cash for the move though, so I'm open to that possibility.
This is crazy exciting.
Obviously these things get done several times per year, but we are moving from this house and if I start planning now, it should be relatively painless. One Uhaul that we can drive and tow a vehicle behind, the other car can tow the camper, if we keep it, and I really would like to, and the third car will either be sold outright before we leave or Zach and Hayley can follow with it. The good news is this ranch house is about the size of a UHaul. Selling the camper and third car would give us cash for the move though, so I'm open to that possibility.
This is crazy exciting.
Monday, January 02, 2012
1/2/12
The new year has started off with a bang! Got an oil change for my car. My husband's Tahoe is currently getting the Gilligan's Island version of the oil change!
My working out has been kept to a minimum of one hour of cardio per day. Really trying to stick with that and not go overboard. I'm up to 25 push ups.
The countdown has started till I move to Phoenix. I've given us 7 months. It is 80 there today. I heard a TON of Eagles songs today and I have a peaceful easy feeling about the relocation!
My working out has been kept to a minimum of one hour of cardio per day. Really trying to stick with that and not go overboard. I'm up to 25 push ups.
The countdown has started till I move to Phoenix. I've given us 7 months. It is 80 there today. I heard a TON of Eagles songs today and I have a peaceful easy feeling about the relocation!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
12/30/11
So around 1:30 yesterday, I somehow hurt my back. It was quite bizarre. What an amazing tool the heating pad is! I have too much to do to be slowed down.
55 and sunny today. However, in Phoenix it is 75 today. Yeah, I'm so there in my mind. It never snows but if you want snow, you drive two hours north. 4 hours drive is the GC. Las Vegas and Los Angeles are within driving distance. It is sunny just about 365 days per year. And heat? The hotter the better. I had my AC on this year in RI from May through November and have barely used the heat this winter so my guess is Phoenix will be similar, but with no heat. I guess you've figured out where I'd rather be. 1.5 million people can't be wrong!
I'm going to have to jump in the shower and start getting ready. This may be a long process with my back. Right now it's feeling ok but the stiffness comes back sudden and fierce.
55 and sunny today. However, in Phoenix it is 75 today. Yeah, I'm so there in my mind. It never snows but if you want snow, you drive two hours north. 4 hours drive is the GC. Las Vegas and Los Angeles are within driving distance. It is sunny just about 365 days per year. And heat? The hotter the better. I had my AC on this year in RI from May through November and have barely used the heat this winter so my guess is Phoenix will be similar, but with no heat. I guess you've figured out where I'd rather be. 1.5 million people can't be wrong!
I'm going to have to jump in the shower and start getting ready. This may be a long process with my back. Right now it's feeling ok but the stiffness comes back sudden and fierce.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
New Year
It's that time of year again. I did really well with my workout resolutions. I did well with my blog writing resolutions. Not so well on my other writing ones. So new year, new me...
Continue working out every day.
Blog/write something every day.
Make out with my husband at least once per day.
Reduce/reuse/recycle
Continue working out every day.
Blog/write something every day.
Make out with my husband at least once per day.
Reduce/reuse/recycle
12/28/11
Worst night's sleep EVER. That was last night. Tonight I will be dreaming of...Phoenix! It's like the world has started to suddenly make sense again. My Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Lake Tahoe, colorodo, 4 Corners, Hot Springs dreams aren't unattainable if we move closer to them!! Not to mention a 2500 square foot 4 bedroom home, with in ground pool and a master SUITE...and the job fits my husband like a tight muscle shirt. I love adventures and RI has been conquered. Still open to NYC, DC, Florida, Cali, Texas but the idea of Phoenix makes us happiest.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
12/27/11
Christmas was nice. My husband did a fabulous job with his thoughtfulness! Better than Christmas was spending most of Monday with him. It turned into a perfect day and I love when those sneak up on you. I love feeling "in love" and there are times when you're both running around, picking up or dropping off kids, running errands, cleaning up the same mess for the billionth time, paying the same damn bills that just won't go away, gaining and losing the same 10 pounds over and over, having the same arguments, and when bedtime comes around, the last thing you want to do is waste the precious few moments before sleep on foreplay. So a day in which I can just enjoy kissing my husband and laughing with him and actually TALKiNG is perfect to me.
We know some big changes are coming in the next 6 months or so and I for one am so excited! I know that no matter where we go, we will succeed because we are together.
We know some big changes are coming in the next 6 months or so and I for one am so excited! I know that no matter where we go, we will succeed because we are together.
Friday, December 23, 2011
12/23/11
Merry eve of Christmas Eve. My shopping is done and my presents are wrapped. Mitch has to wrap the stuff he bought. I got most of the food shopping done. There are a few things that I forgot but that's what tomorrow is for!
I've just been relaxing in my room. Candles burning. Listening to Pandora. NOT listening to Christmas music! Why? Because I've been listening to it since July. The last two weeks before Christmas, I typically fall out of the Christmas spirit because of all the "other" people. Oh well, I'm sure people have their reasons for waiting till the last minute and ruining life for the rest of us. I'm most proud of the fact that my person entered no mall, Walmart or Target at all this season, except for today when I ran into the Wakefield mall for a couple of items. All of my shopping was done online and delivered to my front door. It wasn't my most extravagant spending season but I'm sure my husband appreciates that and while I do feel a teensy bit guilty, we just don't have any extra room in this house and we're moving to a new house in about 6 months.
I am very much looking forward to resuming my normal shopping patterns and buying things as I want them and not for a special occasion. I think this is the longest Bella's gone without getting something new. One of us is always picking her up a little something every week. She's just so dang cute when she walks by something and hugs it! I'm going to try this tactic with Mitch and see if it really works.
I've just been relaxing in my room. Candles burning. Listening to Pandora. NOT listening to Christmas music! Why? Because I've been listening to it since July. The last two weeks before Christmas, I typically fall out of the Christmas spirit because of all the "other" people. Oh well, I'm sure people have their reasons for waiting till the last minute and ruining life for the rest of us. I'm most proud of the fact that my person entered no mall, Walmart or Target at all this season, except for today when I ran into the Wakefield mall for a couple of items. All of my shopping was done online and delivered to my front door. It wasn't my most extravagant spending season but I'm sure my husband appreciates that and while I do feel a teensy bit guilty, we just don't have any extra room in this house and we're moving to a new house in about 6 months.
I am very much looking forward to resuming my normal shopping patterns and buying things as I want them and not for a special occasion. I think this is the longest Bella's gone without getting something new. One of us is always picking her up a little something every week. She's just so dang cute when she walks by something and hugs it! I'm going to try this tactic with Mitch and see if it really works.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
AND...
...it was almost 60 yesterday. Similar weather for today, except bright sunshine instead of rain...this IS December, right?
12/22/11
And the countdown continues. I really hope Mitch's bigger present comes or I'm in a heap of trouble! Tomorrow morning I will be picking up a few last minute items and the food. Christmas Day is looking like a lots of snacks, alcohol and Wii games kind of day! Can not wait!
I worked out yesterday!! Yay! Getting ready to hop on the bike again today. I started feeling poorly around Thanksgiving time and never got back to good. I still wasn't feeling it, but I went a whole year working out every day, sometimes twice a day, and I refuse to let that hard work go to waste. That being said, I haven't been terribly hard on myself for not feeling well and letting the workouts slide. Mostly because I think they were part of the reason I wasn't feeling well. I think I started over doing it, as it was messing with my periods and sleep cycles, and hair/skin. I'm not a big eater anyway, and when you start doing two workouts everyday, it can really take a toll. Not sure I won't get back to that, but this time I will be making sure to be more diligent with my multi and fluid intake.
I still have to paint those dolls and wrap, wrap, wrap.
I'm really looking forward to a year full of positive changes and a skinny and HOT summer, full of sun, sand, ocean, and good books! Have I mentioned how pleased I am that Bella is so good at walking, carrying and lugging? Her skills will be put to the test on our daily beach treks!
So I finished Stephen King's Under the Dome. I enjoyed it. I have had similar thoughts and experiences regarding the plot, and most of the time, find those thoughts so hard to wrap my head around and so overwhelming, that I just give up, much like SK did in writing the novel. He managed to get back to the story, and take it on twists and turns that I wouldn't have managed and there you have it! Looking forward to the inevitable mini-series. Having grown up in Maine, and in the same small town as his wife, Tabitha to be exact, I appreciated the book on that level, as I do most of their books and stories, but I'm sort of curious what it's like to read Stephen King and NOT be from Maine (Old Town/Orono/Bangor).
I'm currently reading Gregory Maguire's Out of Oz. The last book of the Wicked series.
I worked out yesterday!! Yay! Getting ready to hop on the bike again today. I started feeling poorly around Thanksgiving time and never got back to good. I still wasn't feeling it, but I went a whole year working out every day, sometimes twice a day, and I refuse to let that hard work go to waste. That being said, I haven't been terribly hard on myself for not feeling well and letting the workouts slide. Mostly because I think they were part of the reason I wasn't feeling well. I think I started over doing it, as it was messing with my periods and sleep cycles, and hair/skin. I'm not a big eater anyway, and when you start doing two workouts everyday, it can really take a toll. Not sure I won't get back to that, but this time I will be making sure to be more diligent with my multi and fluid intake.
I still have to paint those dolls and wrap, wrap, wrap.
I'm really looking forward to a year full of positive changes and a skinny and HOT summer, full of sun, sand, ocean, and good books! Have I mentioned how pleased I am that Bella is so good at walking, carrying and lugging? Her skills will be put to the test on our daily beach treks!
So I finished Stephen King's Under the Dome. I enjoyed it. I have had similar thoughts and experiences regarding the plot, and most of the time, find those thoughts so hard to wrap my head around and so overwhelming, that I just give up, much like SK did in writing the novel. He managed to get back to the story, and take it on twists and turns that I wouldn't have managed and there you have it! Looking forward to the inevitable mini-series. Having grown up in Maine, and in the same small town as his wife, Tabitha to be exact, I appreciated the book on that level, as I do most of their books and stories, but I'm sort of curious what it's like to read Stephen King and NOT be from Maine (Old Town/Orono/Bangor).
I'm currently reading Gregory Maguire's Out of Oz. The last book of the Wicked series.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
12/20/11
Hoping the rest of the gifts get delivered before Christmas. I have Friday off so I'm hoping to finalize things on this day. We're having Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve night. Ham, mashed potatoes, lots of veggies and Hayley's pumpkin cheesecake. Christmas morning we will have our traditional cinnamon rolls and toasted bagel pieces with assorted cream cheeses and have lots of snack stuff throughout the day. Crackers, cheese, rangoons, chips and dips, guacamole, salsas, corn chips, chex mix, nuts, dried fruit...etc, etc, etc.
Tomorrow Annabella will be 20 months old! Amazing how much she can still grow and change in just one month! She's getting the hang of running and jumping and we're still working on somersaults. Gymnastics was kind of my thing when I was a kid and I'm not so secretly hoping that it will be kind of her thing! She LOVES to sing and dance. She crosses her arms, stamps her little foot and pouts when she's not getting her way. I find it truly hysterical. She's peed on the potty. She holds writing and feeding utensils properly, but is still messy with both.
I'm so excited for her dollhouse to arrive! She has no idea how much fun we're going to have! I loved my dollhouse when I was a kid and I loved playing with my girls with theirs. Zach loved his Fisher Price castle and it is one of a number of toys that I wish I had held onto.
Tomorrow Annabella will be 20 months old! Amazing how much she can still grow and change in just one month! She's getting the hang of running and jumping and we're still working on somersaults. Gymnastics was kind of my thing when I was a kid and I'm not so secretly hoping that it will be kind of her thing! She LOVES to sing and dance. She crosses her arms, stamps her little foot and pouts when she's not getting her way. I find it truly hysterical. She's peed on the potty. She holds writing and feeding utensils properly, but is still messy with both.
I'm so excited for her dollhouse to arrive! She has no idea how much fun we're going to have! I loved my dollhouse when I was a kid and I loved playing with my girls with theirs. Zach loved his Fisher Price castle and it is one of a number of toys that I wish I had held onto.
Friday, December 16, 2011
12/16/11
Today is so much better than yesterday! Hayley helped me with the kitchen disaster. Mitch brought home toilet paper and Kayla brought home coffee last night. And the trash was changed and taken out before I got up this morning. AND??? My shopping is done! I need to pick up assorted coffees, teas, and hot chocolates and some nuts and banana chips and other goodies like that, that everyone loves but that is just a single trip to the grocery store and/or job lots. If Mitch can get Zach's headset and Kayla's tv wall mount, then they're done. Hayley's final gift will be a gift card. KMart was having a super awesome buy one get one 50% sale today on everything! I got some great deals on toys for Bella so now Mitch and I don't have to deal with the Toys r Us crowd this weekend! And her shopping is completed!!! Best of all? Free shipping with delivery by 12/23. All I need to do is wrap and figure out what to do about my husband. He so far has 5 items. He's asked for dress boots? And the perfect sit-up. I don't know where to start with those two. Of course I can find him boots/shoes I like if I want to spend $200 and up, and most of the casual ones that are currently in style from say J.Crew, he really doesn't like.
I have to get ready for work. Blech!!! There's another stupid Christmas party that im going to have to fight with everyone to even get them inside the building. Cesar is supposed to work with me, in which case, this will be smooth sailing. But if for some reason he doesnt, this is going to be a nightmare! Im out of work at 8, dead or alive. But there's some good news. I have next Friday off! And Saturday and Sunday. Now I might take Monday off and then I won't have to be back to work till 9 PM Tuesday night for my overnight.
I have to get ready for work. Blech!!! There's another stupid Christmas party that im going to have to fight with everyone to even get them inside the building. Cesar is supposed to work with me, in which case, this will be smooth sailing. But if for some reason he doesnt, this is going to be a nightmare! Im out of work at 8, dead or alive. But there's some good news. I have next Friday off! And Saturday and Sunday. Now I might take Monday off and then I won't have to be back to work till 9 PM Tuesday night for my overnight.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
12/15/11
I'm so sick of 3 and 4 G. Give me high speed wifi or give me death. There are days when it can be slower than old school dial- up.
And if one more person texts me while I'm in the middle of doing something I'm going to scream.
I think I'm going to scream anyway. It is so impossible for anyone else in this house to remember dish soap, toilet paper, coffee. I will leave and the dishes can sit there forever. So can the laundry in the bathroom. And the trash in the trash can. Everyone can wrap their own presents and finish their own shopping while they're at it. I'm going to start doing things like everyone else...that is not putting any time, effort, care or thought into anything that does not revolve directly around them.
And if one more person texts me while I'm in the middle of doing something I'm going to scream.
I think I'm going to scream anyway. It is so impossible for anyone else in this house to remember dish soap, toilet paper, coffee. I will leave and the dishes can sit there forever. So can the laundry in the bathroom. And the trash in the trash can. Everyone can wrap their own presents and finish their own shopping while they're at it. I'm going to start doing things like everyone else...that is not putting any time, effort, care or thought into anything that does not revolve directly around them.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
So Tired!
Still up. It's been a long day. I'm currently laying on the couch with Sierra, drinking a cup of tea and doing nothing! Zach is playing with Bella. I should be working on one of my knitting or crochet projects, or sewing Bella's finger puppets, or painting Bella's wooden sorting dolls, but actually cuddling with Sierra is just what we both need. I wish the house would magically clean itself. I wish the presents would get wrapped. I wish Christmas was next month.
Tomorrow it's been two years since my grandfather passed away.
I'm not sure how tomorrow will work out. I have to get ready. Pick up Janice in Jamestown, run errands, pick up Pete, attend Christmas party, bring Janice home and go home myself. Kayla has to work tomorrow. AND it is one of the few times I CAN'T bring Bella. Hayley can get picked up at 3:30ish so she can be with Bella from that point on. So hopefully Mitch can be with Bella from 1 till he gets Hayley. Hayley is also home for the next few weeks so that will be a nice help.
It'll all work out. I really have to get my projects completed. Blah. I need an assistant.
Tomorrow it's been two years since my grandfather passed away.
I'm not sure how tomorrow will work out. I have to get ready. Pick up Janice in Jamestown, run errands, pick up Pete, attend Christmas party, bring Janice home and go home myself. Kayla has to work tomorrow. AND it is one of the few times I CAN'T bring Bella. Hayley can get picked up at 3:30ish so she can be with Bella from that point on. So hopefully Mitch can be with Bella from 1 till he gets Hayley. Hayley is also home for the next few weeks so that will be a nice help.
It'll all work out. I really have to get my projects completed. Blah. I need an assistant.
12/14/11
Almost a week since I last blogged. Time flies during the holidays. Goal for today is to get through the day and go to bed early!!! Finally fell asleep around 12 only to be woken up at 3:30. Haven't been back to sleep yet.
For the most part, shopping is done except for Bella, which I hope Mitch and I can do together this weekend, plus we have to finish up the homemade gifts for her this weekend. We also need to figure out gift cards for the girls, although Kayla needs a tv wall mount and is fine if thats a gift. She would end up using a gift card towards the purchase anyway. I also have to finish up my husband. He is not an easy individual to buy for, despite his arguments toward the contrary. I at least leave very detailed lists and I'm not difficult to buy for if one does not wait till the last second to shop. That just leaves Zach's wireless headset, which I'm hoping Mitch will pick up for him. Believe it or not, this is actually a small Christmas for us. I'm sticking to a 10 gift per person rule. (I'm fine with not getting 10 gifts because my things are usually a bit more pricey, In case my husband is reading this.) I've gotten substantial deals on all items bought. Pretty proud of myself about that! A lot of the gifts we can enjoy together...DVDs and video games...I'm still overly pleased with my Kindle and aside from an accessory or two, I'm all set gadget wise.
This is going to be a yucky busy day, doing things I'd rather not be doing. And with Bella in tow, I might add.
For the most part, shopping is done except for Bella, which I hope Mitch and I can do together this weekend, plus we have to finish up the homemade gifts for her this weekend. We also need to figure out gift cards for the girls, although Kayla needs a tv wall mount and is fine if thats a gift. She would end up using a gift card towards the purchase anyway. I also have to finish up my husband. He is not an easy individual to buy for, despite his arguments toward the contrary. I at least leave very detailed lists and I'm not difficult to buy for if one does not wait till the last second to shop. That just leaves Zach's wireless headset, which I'm hoping Mitch will pick up for him. Believe it or not, this is actually a small Christmas for us. I'm sticking to a 10 gift per person rule. (I'm fine with not getting 10 gifts because my things are usually a bit more pricey, In case my husband is reading this.) I've gotten substantial deals on all items bought. Pretty proud of myself about that! A lot of the gifts we can enjoy together...DVDs and video games...I'm still overly pleased with my Kindle and aside from an accessory or two, I'm all set gadget wise.
This is going to be a yucky busy day, doing things I'd rather not be doing. And with Bella in tow, I might add.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
12/8/11
I don't know about anybody else but I'm just about done with 2011. In approximately 10 weeks I will be enjoying gearing up for SPRING! This is just one of many advantages to living 5 hours south of the place where even Hell freezes over (Maine). Janice and I are hoping to spend a week with her cousin in San Antonio in March or April. And I of course, am hoping for an early and warm spring for some much needed beach days. Bella and I had an unexpected one a few weeks ago and it was gloriously energizing. And promising. Bella's walked since she was 10 months old, but now she WALKS, as in can lug her own crap. Very important to enjoying a day at the beach.
Anyway, back to what a crappy year this was. Started out ok, boring even, then car disaster Spring 2011. Wasn't a money issue. Wasn't an old car issue. Simply was a mechanic can't figure out what's wrong issue. Definitely a brain can not compute moment for me. I can compute "we know what's wrong, you just can't afford it" and I can compute "the car's just too old, there's nothing we can do" but my head just shakes in stunned disbelief to hearing "we've fixed everything on it and still can't figure it out". But you're the experts. As in THE experts. Thank God for google and Al Gore and rental cars.
I need a medication or lots of alcohol or a combination of the two the block out what a disaster June through July 28 (to be exact) turned out to be. August sucked. Except for the Journey concert. That most certainly did not suck. Fall was ok. The air conditioner was on till November. The last two months of the year go by in a flash so even if they are terrible, I will be in a holiday fog and will have convinced myself that it was a good time, just to repeat it next year.
And now my blu ray player isn't working. I get sound but no video. And yes it is hooked up right because the factory home screen comes up, offering pandora, vudu, Netflix options. When I push play, the sound comes on but no video. Effing fabulous! And google hasn't helped. Apparently I'm the only person in the entire world with a broken blu ray player.
Anyway, back to what a crappy year this was. Started out ok, boring even, then car disaster Spring 2011. Wasn't a money issue. Wasn't an old car issue. Simply was a mechanic can't figure out what's wrong issue. Definitely a brain can not compute moment for me. I can compute "we know what's wrong, you just can't afford it" and I can compute "the car's just too old, there's nothing we can do" but my head just shakes in stunned disbelief to hearing "we've fixed everything on it and still can't figure it out". But you're the experts. As in THE experts. Thank God for google and Al Gore and rental cars.
I need a medication or lots of alcohol or a combination of the two the block out what a disaster June through July 28 (to be exact) turned out to be. August sucked. Except for the Journey concert. That most certainly did not suck. Fall was ok. The air conditioner was on till November. The last two months of the year go by in a flash so even if they are terrible, I will be in a holiday fog and will have convinced myself that it was a good time, just to repeat it next year.
And now my blu ray player isn't working. I get sound but no video. And yes it is hooked up right because the factory home screen comes up, offering pandora, vudu, Netflix options. When I push play, the sound comes on but no video. Effing fabulous! And google hasn't helped. Apparently I'm the only person in the entire world with a broken blu ray player.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Blechy
Baby girl is taking her nap. Really needed this rainy boring old Tuesday. I'm dressed, make up on and in real clothes and not my normal lazy Tuesday day off attire. Helped my mood a smidgen. Just a smaidgen.
Zach had his senior football banquet on Sunday night. It was very nice and we all had a really unexpectedly good time. But then a phone call can turn all that around. Seriously. I'm not interested in your "help" with college tuition. How about the $8000 + in back child support you currently owe. Let's start with that. But no, instead let's worry about Christmas and tuition. How can you possibly afford either if you can't make a weekly child support payment??? And now, at my son's request, I have to make a phone call to tell people to back off and let him focus on getting things done so he doesn't have to be the one to hurt feelings. This, I will GLADLY do. He is overwhelmed right now. His parents, that is his mother(ME) and step-father are both college educated. My son desires to play football at the collegiate level. My husband coaches at the collegiate level. We have it under control. As always, this is MY kid. Any communication has only been in his best interest, not because it is deserved and as of May 12, 2012, no further communication will be required.
In other news, my work schedule is being adjusted a bit and my hope is that it leaves for a more energetic me. We shall see.
Zach had his senior football banquet on Sunday night. It was very nice and we all had a really unexpectedly good time. But then a phone call can turn all that around. Seriously. I'm not interested in your "help" with college tuition. How about the $8000 + in back child support you currently owe. Let's start with that. But no, instead let's worry about Christmas and tuition. How can you possibly afford either if you can't make a weekly child support payment??? And now, at my son's request, I have to make a phone call to tell people to back off and let him focus on getting things done so he doesn't have to be the one to hurt feelings. This, I will GLADLY do. He is overwhelmed right now. His parents, that is his mother(ME) and step-father are both college educated. My son desires to play football at the collegiate level. My husband coaches at the collegiate level. We have it under control. As always, this is MY kid. Any communication has only been in his best interest, not because it is deserved and as of May 12, 2012, no further communication will be required.
In other news, my work schedule is being adjusted a bit and my hope is that it leaves for a more energetic me. We shall see.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Going for Walks
Bella loves going for her walks. She rarely uses her stroller because she loves walking and running and exploring.
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