3/22/13

In exactly one month from yesterday, Bella will be THREE! Oh my! It's been an exciting three years with our little stinker. We all love her very much. I've been incredibly busy with work all week and I started the week out under the weather for two days so maybe that's why the week seems longer than usual. I didn't quite have my usual energy. I'm enjoying a quiet house this morning and spending it cleaning, listening to Pandora, and then tanning, nails and work for a few and then DATE NIGHT!

3/15/13

I'm incredibly tired today. My morning started at 6. I had a meeting in North Kingstown, I dropped off paperwork in Jamestown, and I came home, ate some breakfast and worked out. I could literally just go to bed right now. That is how tired I feel. Unfortunately my day isn't quite over. My husband and I will probably go out to dinner tonight and I really want to go to the movies but I don't know if I will be able to make it. I have a new opportunity at work and I'm pretty excited about the change. Excited about the extra money too! Zach is loving his new job. My husband and I can't believe how much money he's making. And he's only 18! We are always amazed at how things seem to fall into his lap. I have middle aged friends not even making that much. I suggest it's because positivity attracts positivity. He's a hard worker, good looking and always has a firm handshake and big smile on his face. I really think he would make a fine politician. Amazon Kindle asked a question on their facebook today...Which three authors would you most like to have dinner with? My answer came easily to me, but I could also list a hundred other authors I'd love to dine with. Judy Blume, Stephen King, and Diana Gabaldon would be my top three, and then another dinner with perhaps JK Rowling, John Irving and Wally Lamb. Fun to think about. L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Laura Inglalls Wilder, Charles Dickens, and Edgar Allen Poe would be on my dead authors list. I can't fail to name Barbara Kingsolver. She would probably need a dinner all to herself because I would need to discuss her every novel. You'll have noticed I've left out George R.R. Martin because even though I'm a huge fan, I feel like he's probably a bit too odd and the dinner would likely be served with a huge side of awkward moments. Time's a wasting. I need to go tanning and get on with the rest of my day.

3/13/13

I have a ton of pics to load...maybe I will get to that tomorrow. What do we think of today's gorgeous weather on the East Coast??? Hello SPRING! I've been sneezing for two days straight so methinks it is arriving on all fronts. I've been incredibly busy with work, with Bella and with life in general. I did manage a nice brisk walk after work this afternoon to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Quite rejuvenating. Tonight I'm going to watch Life of Pi and relax in as many ways possible.

At Build A Bear

3/7/13

The wind is crazy right now! This is the fifth windstorm we've had since fall, including Sandy. Come Monday, we're looking at spring temps all week long. Actually Saturday's not looking bad in the 50s. I love light sweater weather! My tan is coming along nicely. That's my favorite summer accessory! I really try to keep it at a healthy level and I've given tanning a lot of thought. I'm forty. I look way younger. I inherited some excellent genes. To the people who obey EVERY health commandment...news flash...you are going to die anyway! So I refuse to be miserable and not enjoy a night out drinking too much, a day in the sun, a donut, a day in bed with no cardio, etc occasionally. I have faith that when it is my time, little intervention will keep me here. I honestly believe STRESS is the MOST damaging to your health and longevity of all indulgences. And stress is an indulgence because ultimately you decide what you let bother you. Obviously, too much of anything can hurt or kill you. Sooooo, moderation in all things. Which means I will not play Candy Crush for the rest of this day. It currently is my favorite way to wait in line or for the tea kettle to boil, but not exactly the answer you want to have when someone asks what you did today. I also enjoy watching Facebook meltdowns. I have several "friends" who take turns flipping out and all I can say is WOW. I'm hesitant to delete because like I said, it's highly entertaining. Then again, I can't stand people who are like Facebook isn't a forum for personal rants, blah, blah, blah...excuse me? I will say whatever the F-$& I want thank you very much. I'd have a very small friends list if I deleted all annoying people and that would mean my family would have to be deleted. I also can't stand the daily posts from people that read: time for housecleaning my friends list, I guess. How old are you? I love Facebook because I'm incredibly close to my large, albeit annoying family, and we're all spread out these days and I love talking to them every day, and sharing pics and jokes and memories. I have been considering deleting a few friends who do nothing but post porn pics or overly political or religious pics or pics of animal/people abuse because it's like, really? Who has time to look at this stuff all day and then decide it's a good idea to post it? Others work and may be checking their page on a lunch break and that shit pops up, or my granddaughter might be playing on my iPhone and looking at pictures of her cousins. You used to be able to filter posts from individuals and click the Show only Status Updates from said individual but I only seem to be able to hide posts now...why do I have to see it first??? Oh well...on to happier subjects...Zach has a new job! He's excited and we're pretty happy for him. The girls are looking at new apartments and should be on their own by April 1st. I will still have Bella a couple nights/days per week but it'll be nice to have some quiet time!

3/2/13

I'm sitting here wondering why I'm feeling so exhausted and I happened to check the clock and it's almost 5 PM on a busy Saturday. I've been up since 6! I got up and went pee, worked out, enjoyed a cup of coffee and just enjoyed the quiet for a little over an hour because everyone was still asleep. Last night we (I) watched Sinister and last weekend I watched The House on the End of the Street. Both of them are pretty good movies. The Perks of Being a Wallflower was ok. I'm reading Life of Pi FINALLY. It's been on my Books to Read list for several years and I've owned the copy of it for several years, but there just always seemed to be other books or series that would grab my attention. I finally started it because I want to read it before I watch the movie. I've been pinning lots of Home Decor ideas...mostly to narrow down my next color schemes and living room set purchase. We currently own a brown microfiber couch and matching loveseat that are about 5 years old I guess. We bought them when we moved into the house we're in right now. They're comfy but Mitch and I are leaning towards a more quality leather set. I think. I keep pinning the same Pottery Barn couch and I just love it so much. I hate decisions but I'm sure I will be happy with either purchase. We're also investing in some GOOD Calphalon pots and pans...I'm pretty sure I want the stainless steel version...on the Calphalon website, they're normally $800 or more but right now they're $399! Our silverware is in good shape. I will be getting some new drinking glasses too but our barware is in great shape. Then I guess I will need to learn how to cook for just two people! I guess I can cook the same amount and we will just have leftovers to take to work. Of course I will still have Bella a couple days/nights per week but she's not a big eater. Lots of fun stuff to think about the rest of the weekend. It's looking like a fairly easy week next week for me at work, so that is a relief.

2/26/13

Still in this blah land. I want a new hobby. I haven't decided what yet. My second meal with my newest crock pot has been a success. It was kind of a "challenge" as my husband wanted me to only use things we already had in the cupboard/fridge/freezer. Mission accomplished. Chicken breast, potatoes, gravy, broccoli, cauliflower in the crock and stuffing as a side, along with awesome sourdough bread with coffee liqueur glaze...and chocolate cupcakes with coffee liqueur frosting. Tonight I'm making orange glazed chicken to put on cellophane noodles, lo mein, or brown rice. I'm using the cellophane but everyone else can try what they like. I'm thinking it would probably be good atop some Boston head lettuce as well. Easter is coming. I ordered a sweet little pair of Toms for Bella, and Mitch is getting a pair too, his being not sweet at all. Now I'm just waiting for them to get here. I have new pictures to be delivered tomorrow. If you haven't signed up for PhotoAffections.com do so NOW! They have a perfect iPhone app, which links to your photostream, iCloud, Flickr account, etc., etc...best part? The free 85 prints a month that you get. The worst part? When I find a worst part, I will let you know. Shipping for me was $6.99...so cost wise, it is probably the same as going to a CVS or Walmart and load your camera card into a gross, germ laden machine that's been touched by gross people-who-don't-wash-their-hands-after-using-the-bathroom but I chose to avoid those machines, save a little gas, and have them delivered to my door with one or two touches of a button on my iPhone. Now I need to put them in my photo albums. Bella loves to look at pictures. I'm definitely over scrapbooking and "stamping"...no thanks. I want a new hobby, I said. Bella is finally at the age where we can let the good times roll! Discovery museum, the zoo, the ocean, the aquarium in Mystic, Launch trampoline park, the pet store, the toy store, basketball games, hockey games...I think Mitch and I enjoy watching her do new things more than she actually enjoys new things...such is the life of smitten grandparents.

2/25/13

I'm a sucker for the Oscars. I stayed up way too late. I have to go back to work today after vacation last week. Who's idea is it to pick a Sunday night for the Oscars? I think this year was full of good movies, so the competition was stiff. Argo, Lincoln, Les Mis, Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi...and a performance by Barbra Streisand. Going to bed early tonight!

I got a new, bigger Crock Pot this weekend. The one I already have is really too small for a family and I feel it is better for sides or for two or three people at best. I now have the 7 qt version and the chicken enchilada soup that I made came out pretty well. I want to get to know it before I trust setting it in the morning and coming home to it, but I really think this will help on the days I'm working late.

The weather is slowly warming up. It is supposed to be in the 40s and will hit 50 two days this week. I hope the snow is behind us. We turn the clocks ahead on Sunday and Easter is at the end of the month. I can not wait for that first beach day.

2/22/13

It may not look like spring outside but it sure sounded like it with all the birds chirping. I'm making some banana muffins from scratch. I have a couple overripe bananas that I was saving for banana bread but I cant seem to locate my loaf pan, so muffins it is! I also want to check out a knitting store in town going out of business this week. I want to see how good their 1/2 off yarn is. I might get some deals on some good wool. We will see. Other than that, I want to enjoy the weekend with my husband.

Cool

When I downloaded the Blogger app onto my iPhone, it automatically downloaded onto my iPad. Neat-o. And easy peasy. My whining rants are over. God gives us gifts and I really think mine are strength, attitude and tenacity. I don't stay down for long. He's also given me my husband. Neither one of us are perfect but we're perfect together. I don't need to be taken care of but it is nice to have someone who does such a good job of taking care of me.

Ok, new topic...I'm watching American Idol and just now noticing Ryan Seachrest's hair...it's brown and no longer blond. Date night tomorrow. I don't think it'll top last Friday's date night when I got my diamond ring! I think that was the happiest date of my life! Maybe only topped by one time when he surprised me by showing up a day earlier than expected. And my cousin Kristen who is a fantastic masseuse and award winning freelance photographer, has been invited to massage The Who before their show tomorrow. How freaking cool is that?!?! So proud of my little cousin! Moving forward, I'm focusing on the good in my life, and there is so much of it, despite the crappy parts.

Facts

My daughters' friends on Facebook, who find themselves with small children have themselves listed as Proud Stay at Home Mommies. What the HELL is there to be proud of??? Fact...one daughter's friend posted on Facebook just today that she's pregnant again by father number 3. Yeah. I work in the human service field and I help children every day and often times purchase lunch for said children. I help. I help write non-profit grants and I also pay an enormous amount of income tax. Unlike our wealthier friends, this has been difficult at times BUT we do it. So to be told that my father, who up till the time of his stroke was a well paid truck driver can not get Medicaid because he makes too much money on social security makes me sick and angry, while this 24 year old woman can happily make public on Facebook just today that she's adding to the burden of this government. I'm not a Republican. Neither am I a democrat. Spare me the working poor speech. My husband and I EACH work 2 jobs just so we can maybe enjoy our lives because that is how we were raised. Our grandfathers provided their families with a very strong work ethic and would be disappointed if we gave up. We (combined) owe over $100,000 in educational loans. It is what it is. I have really rich friends and I have really poor ones. Neither set has a clue.

Things That Make Me Happy

- my husband
- playing with Bella
- my dog
- reading in libraries
- book shopping
- clothes shopping
- reading at the beach
- laying in the sun
- exercising
- television marathons
- playing games
- doing the cross word
- knitting/crocheting
- picnics
- hiking
- going to concerts

2/21/13

Vacation week is more than half over. It's been full of extreme highs and lows. Highs---my wonderful iPhone 5, a nice visit with my niece Gabby AND my beautiful new diamond solitaire. Yes it's BIG. How big? Full insurance and appraisal big. Lows---my Dad being so sick and basically unable and unwilling to help himself. And the fact that he can't qualify for Medicaid because he makes too much in social security ($800 a month) but yet I have to continually pay large amounts of taxes in for fuckers to keep having more kids so they don't lose their Mainecare and pretend they can't work because they have "anxiety." Get a fucking job. You'd be surprised how little time you have to worry about nonsense. So yeah, I'm in a great mood. And the biggest kicker? Because my husband and I choose to help our daughter and grand-daughter and refuse to let them live in unsafe conditions (low income housing), she doesn't qualify for assistance because my husband and I make too much money. Seriously? A GIANT FUCK you to all drains on society. You are an embarrassment and burden for all middle class Americans. BUT I have a wonderful husband and we are both hard workers and we take care of our own, so ultimately, life is good and will continue to be good. I refuse to let this world's psycho drama bring us down.

Fun Times in Maine

Fun Times in Maine

Reading her new book from my Mom

Bella, my niece Gabby and Brother

Going to the annual Father/Daughter dance

This Morning

Merry Christmas...Happy Valentine's

Blogging on my new iPhone 5 using my new blogger app. It'll be handy when I'm traveling or on the go and want to share something.

2/13/13

Crazy how quickly time can fly right by. In case you haven't heard, we had a little storm this past weekend, going by the name of Nemo, in true blizzard fashion. Yes, here in RI/Mass area, it was indeed a blizzard, not just a snowstorm, as 50-75 mile per hour winds were recorded in our area. We lost power for less than 45 minutes which was amazing because as of yesterday, there were still about 150 customers without. We did lose Internet/cable around here till yesterday, but at least we had coffee and the ability to make it and HEAT of course! Plenty of food and snacks too! Lots of alcohol even. This storm, while a bit inconvenient, will go down in our memory book as a great 4 day weekend that we all spent together. Bella had the flu during this storm. Her first real viral illness. It went exactly by the med book. She acts like she's possessed by Satan when she's that ill, but we love her anyway! She was back to herself yesterday, so thankfully no real complications. The flu makes me nervous with little kids but I'm still a believer that healthy kids become healthy adults by building up natural immunity. The human body is designed to recover on its own, unless the person is NOT healthy, in which case, I am 100% for flu shots. I'm still not buying the chicken pox vaccine. All three of my children had chicken pox. I've had chicken pox. My parents and grand parents had chicken pox. Anyway, prevention is key. Wash wash wash. Eat healthily. Maintain proper hydration. It's truly amazing that some people take better care of their cars than themselves. A car does not run without food (gas) and water (fluids). I will get around to posting some pics one of these days. I've been busy with work. Vacation is coming up on Friday. I desperately need it!