Kass took this picture yesterday of Happy. Now you can see why he so depicts his name, can't you?
Find yourself... keeping it real.
May 29, 2009
My Right Hand Ring
Well I confess, I have had in the back of my mind that I wanted to someday own a "right hand ring." You single ladies know what I am talking about. Now that I don't have my wedding set to adorn my hand... I normally don't wear rings. Occasionally I will wear one of my Gramma's rings that I have, but not very often. Of course, I can't even begin to afford a "true" right hand ring on my budget and with my priorities in place. And I definitely don't want to fall victim to thinking that I need something that superficial so badly. Seriously!
But, I still thought... some day... I will purchase my very own "right hand ring."
Saturday Mr. M. and I went to the rock and mineral show at one of our local civic centers. He loves stuff like that and for my perusal....they had jewelry. So the garnet stone caught my eye and I browsed at each vendor... and came upon this:
It's a red garnet (reddish burgundy) set in sterling silver and with the vendor's 50% off that day it was only $20! So even on my shoestring budget, I took the plunge and bought it. ('Major' investment...I know... but what can I say... I do try to stick my budget.) It may not be diamonds... and I would never be able to afford a "true" right hand ring... but I am already enjoying it so this one is going to do me just fine.
What little thing have you done to treat yourself lately?
Find yourself... keeping it real.
May 28, 2009
Along Came a Spider
I was so grateful last night. We were trying to get the remainder of our "preparation items" we took with us on the zoo trip... unpacked and put away. I had dry clothes in a tote bag (in case we had a downpour) and so I asked Kass to take those out and separate them and place them into our rooms.
When I went to bed last night... there were my clothes she had placed on my bed and I picked them up to put them away.... and low and behold a black spider crawled out from between them! I didn't freak - but didn't want it to end up in my bed covers... so I grabbed something and took care of him. I know - I should have saved him: calmly coaxing him back out a window or a doorway so he could get back to his natural habitat... and live... just far away from my natural habitat. But THAT didn't happen. No, he died, and I tossed him... no longer any good to the environment and all the good things spiders do... I guess.
But in my defense... I am getting over a bad dermatitis reaction to some sumac I cleared out of the yard two weeks ago, not realizing it was poisonous and have been taking Prednisone to clear it up for over a week. So I didn't want a spider bite which has in the past caused an infectious reaction to which I have had to take an antibiotic. And the doctor told me then... stay away from spiders. Good advice doc. However, that also means my reaction to them is not that environmentally sound... since I killed it.
But I was grateful - that I saw it. Grateful he didn't just crawl out before I walked in there and get under my pillow or something where he could bite me in the night. And because I was alone at the moment... I didn't scream out like someone could take care of it for me... I just "took care of it" for myself. That is one thing I notice... that now when something goes bump in the night... I am the one that has to just get up and go investigate... and when I see a spider... I can't scream "like a girl" and wait for someone to kill it. Nope, this single mom... has to just "take care of it."
What have you taken care of lately... because it's what we moms do?
Hopefully you won't hold this against me. There are plenty of other things you can get up in arms about... with me.... but don't make it the spiders!
Oh and please don't forget to stop by my recent post on Freebies and leave a comment for the random drawing to receive the box of goodies! I will be pulling a name in about a week. Thanks to all who have stopped by so far.
Find yourself... keeping it real.
May 27, 2009
Freebies
GIVEAWAY
1. I will randomly pick from anyone who comments on this post and send them a lovely box of goodies. Included will be a box of tea samples and a dating game (conversation starters) both compliments of www.SingleEdition.com. (And if you haven't checked out their website lately, you might run on over there and do so... but quickly get back over here and comment.) Oh, and I will also throw in one of my Burt's Bees gift sets.
Don't forget to comment - and leave an email address or link to your site so I can contact the winner!
FREEBIES
2. Other free things I have been wanting to share:
- Get some free mp3 downloads - from Amazon.com... no kidding check out this link on Amazon!
- Create your own mosaic of your fav digital photos... (I got this one from www.modernsinglemomma.com.) Here is the link for the mosaic maker on flickr - but you can use any photo sites... because you plug in the URL address for the photos they import... its so easy!
- Free books emailed a chapter at a time on www.dailylit.com. This is the coolest site and many books are available for free, from classics, to novels, to how-to-books... Get your next summer read coming to your inbox and don't pay for it!
- Free PDF downloads of books... from http://books.google.com/. Even if you would never invest in a kindle, you might want to download a book in it's entirety to read it on-screen or print it out ... and many are available for free. I just searched "Little Women" by Louisa M. Alcott and it is available - FULL VIEW, which means the book in its entirety is available for download.... search for your favorite.
- Free Stock Photography... I found this one on www.Lifehacker.com
- Got a rainy day? Here is another freebie...55 Ways to Have Fun with Google. Download this free PDF from this link.
That's all for now... I have to get some other things done. But I hope you enjoy checking out these free items... they won't cost you a dime!
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Technorati Tags: free stuff
May 26, 2009
Day at the Zoo
Just a few pictures from our Memorial Day at the zoo in North Carolina. In attendance: Mr. M. and his two sons; my sister, Mary, her husband, Keith, their three girls, and his mom; me and my two kiddos. Quite the gang... but we had a good time and gave the animals something to stare at.
Several of the kids in our gang... playing on the viewer at the giraffes area.
I just thought this was a cool pic... with the sky and the rocks and the water...
Here Kass is hatching...
Do they have a cage big enough for these monkeys!?
He is just a big kid at heart.... Jas... as we all rode the merry-go-round.
The End.....
Photo Credits... all mine.
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Finding Something Close to Utopia
Utopia
Have you ever heard about a community that sounds too good to be true? You know, where they say you can live with a feeling of complete security, a sense of belonging, and a sense of community. A place where there is plenty of entertainment right there inside your neighborhood, a pool and a game room included. I heard something like that advertised on the radio one time and thought - I want to live there - only to find out they were advertising retirement communities! Oh great, I'm too young!
But it does make you think - those who are wanting retirement residences have it made...
It's tough considering "new living situations" for your parents. I know when my mom became ill I had this conversation way too many times with my sister and my brother. So it's tough to even broach the subject at times. But finding the right type of retirement home has been made a little easier at least for places in Canada with the website, www.senioropolis.com. Now if you are interested in the various provinces there, like Ontario, BC, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, that would be the website to checkout.
Talking about retirement living isn't easy, but if you can find some nice options that sound - too good to be true... even for us young people, it makes it much easier.
Because of my sister's diligence and sacrifice, she chose to take care of my mom till the end. But not everyone is able to make that commitment for so many reasons. I know I couldn't have taken on that responsibility had my sister chosen not to. It just wasn't possible with my current situation at that time. So for people like me, I know there are ways to find retirement communities and retirement residences through websites like www.senioropolis.com or through your local social services representatives.
May 22, 2009
Found: The Connection Between Man and Beast
All I know is my dogs both love them and will do anything to get one. So that proves a connection or "link" between man and beast, right?
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Photo Credit: Hand Model, Kris.
May 20, 2009
The Ending and the Beginning
At Kass' end of year ceremony Monday night, they initiated me as the new leader and I was given my "girl scout leader badge". It was an honor and it was a great night. They had me to participate in the girls ceremony for the ones that bridged up to Cadettes. I hesitated while reading one of the parts... because I started second-guessing myself, not about the pronunciation (although I am sure that is how it appeared); but no, it wasn't that. Mid-stream while I am still reading, I started thinking "Am I reading the same part the girl before me read?" Thinking I had lost my place, I started trying to scan the page (again while I am still reading) to make sure I am in the right place.... hesitate on the word, find I am indeed in the right spot... and continue on. Ok if I can barely manage to "read" my parts in a ceremony, how is this leadership thing even going to work? Oh well... this should be interesting.
Here Kass got her "string of badges" she had earned this past year...
And now she awaits her new leader/mom to "iron" them onto her sash.... eventually. I plan to tell her I definitely will get them on before next year's ceremony!
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Technorati Tags: Girl Scouts
May 18, 2009
Secrets... about me (you might not want to know)
I have a few secrets... all of which I can't share, but a few I will... if you promise not to use these things against me... and don't tell my boss!
1. I use my boss's private bathroom (but only when he is out of town). It's just too conveniently close by my office not to... (Remember the movie "The Ringer" that guy got fired for doing such a thing. So don't tell!)
2. I like my nails cut short... weirdly. I do love girly things but with my active lifestyle, it's just easier to cut my nails short and keep them easy to maintain.
3. I'm addicted to Burt's Bees lip balm. And I'm not getting paid a dime to say that. Recently when I found gift sets of them on sale.. I bought like five... hey, I could give some as gifts.
4. My top fav movies at the moment are: Action/Suspense, Speed; Comedy, The Ringer; and Romance, Love Comes Softly
5. My fav makeup is bare essentials. (Do you really think they would pay me to say that?)
6. My fav television (the little I get to watch) are TLC's What Not To Wear and Jon and Kate; Discovery's Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe; and anything on HGTV.
7. I couldn't gain 10 pounds if I tried. I know I have friends that hate me because of this... but it is genetics.
8. I absolutely love tote bags... I would almost say it's a weakness, I have to resist not purchasing one if I see one I like. And I have plenty on hand for throwing stuff in to lug around... which I do daily!
9. Mr. M. and I have used the 'L' word more than once since two months ago (after dating for a month and a half).
10. Fav author is Donald Miller, fav musical artist is Michael Buble, and fav color is blue or purple, (depending on when you ask me).
11. I am planning to someday get my PMP Certification but I do love my current job... and I'm not just saying that!
12. I have an obsession with hair (mine especially) and have since I was a young girl.
P.S. Mr. M. just shared with me after reading part of this list that my nails aren't that short. (Meaning they are not as short as his, I guess) but you be the judge.
Find yourself... keeping it real.
May 15, 2009
Saturday Catch Up...
Remember the Party Pooper blog? Well I haven't shared my events from last weekend, including that party we were planning and a wedding shower Kass and I attended at 1:00 PM that same day before going back to have the party for my niece at my house.
Ok this above is the centerpiece on our table at the shower... and the whole theme (beach theme) was decorated so well. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It's my best friend's (TB) - son that is getting married. I am so proud of him... not because he is about to get married but because he is such a great guy and she is a very lucky lucky girl. His fiance is actually my kiddos' cousin on my X's side of the family.... which made going to the shower (and later in July going to the wedding) a little on the weird side... but we were fine and it really did go well. I am not sure if any of her family even spoke to my daughter... but that's ok. I get it.
Now Kass of course wanted to use my camera at both the shower and at the party... so I will show you a couple of her shots... but the one at top was mine.... and here is another of mine of her in the Infinity with me... one day last weekend.
She had gotten her decorations you see here at school for being in the top scores on their S.O.L.'s last year at her school. I know she is going to be a heart-breaker some day... huh.?
...and now the party..... from Kass' perspective. (Oh, further note, there were no real poop games; my sis had nothing to worry about!):
This is the card Kass made for Emily just before the party began to go with our gift. Here Emily is "reading" it.
Find yourself...keeping it real.
May 13, 2009
Love = Not keeping Score
Sleepless Nights
Lately I have had some sleepless nights.... and you know me, I love my sleep. But as my new relationship continues there have been things that I started thinking about "more" than I should. No he is not cheating on me, nor am I being wooed by someone else; I just started "thinking" about everything too much. We are pretty similar in the way we handle our personal finances, for the most part at least. But sometimes - little things that he would do that I didn't agree with... played on my mind and was in danger of becoming an issue... for me.
After analyzing this and finally just sitting down and discussing it with Mr. M., I realized: in the grand scheme of things I was making a mountain out of a molehill and... attempting to keep score.
Keeping Score
Sad that I have to admit I was trying to keep score; but looking back that is what I was doing. And that's not love. Keeping score and making sure you are getting just as much as you are giving in a relationship.... is not love... it's a business transaction.
Perhaps working in administration all of my adult life and now having been single for over 5 years, has made me programmed to handle every part of my life as a "transaction" instead of as a loving, giving relationship. This is a relationship that I have said for some time, I was ready for and wanted to try having again. So I need to work on that.
Slow to Speak
How grateful I am that I allowed myself time to let God speak to my heart and do some mental processing to work through my frustrations and my concerns before confronting all of my thoughts with Mr. M. Then when I had worked through it and was ready, I talked with him.... and you would be proud. It was a very calm, considerate, and soft "this is what I am thinking, and where I am concerned..." kind of talk. He sat and listened... and didn't react. Or I should say he didn't "overreact" as I have been so accustomed to in past relationships. He just let me share my heart and then just as softly, just as calmly addressed those concerns. It was more in the short-term than in the long-term; but I commend him for the way this conversation... the first of its type for us... played out.
How Serious?
That night and that conversation was significant to me.... and made me know even more... this is serious... and I enjoy being in a relationship with Mr. M. Time will tell where we are headed. But for now... I am happy taking this journey of dating... with him one day at a time.
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Photo Credit: http://www.electronic-scoreboard.com/images/5214.jpg
May 12, 2009
I Like Jon and Kate
On Thursday night, the star of Jon and Kate Plus 8 told CNN's Larry King: "You have to understand, we are a couple, we are a family who didn't set out to live, you know, the celebrity lifestyle," she said. "We are living our lives like a normal family. Cameras come in and film us. And that, to the world — to the public — makes us celebrities.
"I do not like that word. I am not a celebrity . . . I am a mom and a wife. And I feel that Jon is having difficult times realizing that, you know, you can't go to the grocery store without people whipping out their cellphones, calling everyone they know and taking pictures of you. He is dealing very poorly with it."
This above was a quote I pulled from www.canada.com/Entertainment and their story on Jon and Kate Plus 8 regarding the current alleged suspicion of an affair by Jon.
First of all let me say, I love the show; always have, and will continue to watch this season beginning May 25. I like the wholesome value Jon and Kate bring along with entertainment into my living room on Monday nights. I hate that the suspicions are going crazy in the media... but like Kate has expressed in recent interviews, I too hesitate to believe he is cheating on her. Further, that is what I want to believe, and hope and pray they can work through this and that he can improve his poor management of his life being public as a result of their newfound success with the show, which has made them celebrities of sort.
I am no celebrity, but I do relate to Kate on a minor scale when it comes to her passion for organization in her home, and her approach to loving those kids with every fiber of her being. She can get a little over the top at times, intense in the moment; but don't we all have our moments? Are you more of a June Cleaver or a Kate Gosselin?
There are varying opinions out there. Would you like to share yours... Feel free to comment and leave your thoughts below on the recent "soap opera" Kate has found herself involved in....
Should she continue in the limelight providing interviews following all these accusations about her husband?
Is the media being fair in how they are presenting the information?
Is this just to bring them more ratings and attention because of her recently released book, Eight Little Faces?
What does the popularity of Kate and her temperament as a mom say about today's moms?
Find yourself...keeping it real.
Photo Credit: A file photo of the members of the Gosselin family of the TLC/Discovery Health show, Jon and Kate plus 8: (top row) Kate, Leah, Joel and Jon Gosselin. (bottom row) Hannah, Cara, Aaden, Alexis, Collin and Mady Gosselin. Photograph by: Karen Alquist/TLC
May 11, 2009
Belated Happy Mother's Day
Yesterday was Mother's Day. And no, I didn't forget. But after going to church yesterday morning and having lunch with my family and my sister's family... I went home and did absolutely nothing... except chill on the couch, nap (in and out as the kiddos came in and out) and read. It was a totally relaxing afternoon and evening. So I also didn't get to post a blog for you yesterday....
Z ... Z... Z......
I hope you other moms out there reading my blog... got to do the same thing - relax.
But my Happy Mother's Day wish to all of you moms..... is a day late.
Kass made me a card and gave me some nail polish... we plan to do each other's nails soon....so I can share a pic or two and you can see the color she gave me. Jas of course isn't the card giving kind... but he is a guy... ya know.
And since I didn't get all creative and write a poem or a special post for my mom... (that will be coming later, I hope); I wanted to share with you a poem for moms that Donald Miller shared on his recent blog, "The Lanyard" by Billy Collins. Go on over to that link and check it out.
Hope your day was wonderful. Mine sure was.
So now relaxing is over and it's time for me to get back to it!
Find yourself... keeping it real.
May 7, 2009
Instant Messaging for Party Poopers
Occasionally I will instant message my sister (Mary) during the work day. Now you know how I feel about text messaging, but this is about instant messaging... totally different worlds. She is a stay at home mom and frequently will get on the computer during the day, so we communicate more this way while I am at work. I was laughing so hard at work today when we finished this latest i.m. Now I won't bore you with the beginning in which we carried on two different conversations simultaneously (which we do often) where she proceeds to make me think my brother is going to be singing a song at church Sunday and she was actually referring to a party going on at my house Saturday for her daughter...and was being sarcastic about him singing... Anyways that was too complex to even show here and make any sense from it ... but here is where the instant message went downhill....
Mary: sarcasm kat, sarcasm
me: i am so confuseeeeed
crazy
booger
Mary: so how to plan party, most kids older but she should have some game
me: yes
def
hopefully we can play outside
i know - the game of "don't step on the poop!"
great game
losers will be messy though
Mary: since there is actual poop involved lets think of something else
me: I'll work on it
i like that game
i play it often
and Emmy would like it
making poop pies
Mary: hopefully you win most of the time
and you call me a booger
me: or poop goes the weasel
lol
literally
and Jovi can be the weasel
Following this, I was ROFL... but perhaps you just had to be here and perhaps you also just have to know how my sister must have been looking at the computer following my game suggestions....so that made it funnier for me. She didn't even send a reply when I told her I would be posting the instant message conversation on my blog. Nothing, not even a little smiley face. Oh well, Happy Thursday, sis!!! Looking forward to our Party Pooper games....
I kill me.
I seriously do. Well at least "I" enjoy my sense of humor... even if no one else does!
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Technorati Tags: parties,instant messaging
May 6, 2009
An announcement to make...
I have an announcement to make. If you have been following my facebook, this is no news; and if you haven't, why not? My announcement is: I have been requested to serve as a Girl Scout Leader and now am in the process of becoming certified!! I will be a part of the ceremony at Kass' Girl Scout end of the year meeting in two weeks.
See, I knew all of you readers would be excited for me! No it's not a marriage proposal or engagement bliss like that of a few other single mom bloggers here of late... (like mommypie.wordpress or my personal friend, Morgan of Modern Single Momma) but my news is big too, right! Plans are I will be a leader working with Kass' troop starting this summer, because there will be two levels of girls scouts, Juniors and Cadettes and they had a leader to resign. She (the resigning leader) personally recommended me, which I thought was so flattering.
So I'm off on yet another adventure... this and being a Governor's school student's mom in the fall... WHAT AM I THINKING??!!!!
Here is a copy of a letter I have received so far in the process:
Sigh of relief... that background check came back ok. Glad I hadn't forgotten about any felonies or any arrests in my past... I couldn't think of any... but sometimes my memory fails me, you know.
Find yourself... keeping it real.
Technorati Tags: girl scouts
May 5, 2009
Weekend at a GLANCE
I have an announcement to make. But I believe I am getting ahead of myself. I haven't yet shared these wonderful photographs from this past weekend between Mr. M's son's baseball game, a picnic at the park on Friday evening and a trip to Wintergreen where I met more of Mr. M's family.
Instead of me boring you with all the details of the weekend... here are a "few" pictures...
Please comment on the photos... I love the feedback!
Enjoy:
Friday night after our picnic at the park, we went to the star to take photos and then drove around in downtown Roanoke:
Saturday morning it was off to Mr. M's son's baseball game... here is where he made a great hit of the game:
Then we were on our way to Wintergreen Resort way up in the mountains:
Find yourself... keeping it real.
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