I'm so excited! I found a neat website called K5 Learning that has all sorts of cool things for the boys to work on over the summer so they don't get behind. They are offering a free 6 week trial to bloggers, check it out!
From their website:
"K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program. - See more at: http://www.k5learning.com/review-k5#sthash.Tj4jjaeo.dpuf"
Once I search around a little bit and have the boys test it out I will post a review. This is PERfect timing, I always worry about them forgetting everything they learned over the summer. It would be even better if they had an Android or iPhone app to go along with it, and they may, I haven't looked yet. Wish us luck!!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Live For Today
So I've been thinking lately about where I'm at and what I'm doing in life. Obviously, I'm in Japan, but it's more than that. Physically, I'm in Japan, but my head and heart have been in the US. Which I think is probably silly, because no matter what, we are only in Japan for a finite amount of time. I had been feeling really homesick, and kind of bitter about the military, darn them, they took me out of the country I know and love, and away from my family. Wahh wahh wahh, etc. But then I had a realization-I need to just stop and enjoy where I'm at. Yes, this is not my home country, yes, a lot of things are different, yes, Japanese people are......really nice, but almost....not sincere? I guess living in the southern US for the past ten years has kind of spoiled me! I've grown accustomed to people bending over backwards to be nice and accepting. People waved me on at a 4 way stop, people held doors, people waved it off when my kids acted badly, people always made excuses for me if I was not in the mood to do something, and so on. It's nice, but does it make me grow? Does it help me? No!
Now I'm not saying I don't love those people and their friendly, well meaning ways. I have made so many dear friends, and am thankful they were put in my life. But I do think that a little of this Japanese culture has been good for me and my family. My kids see Japanese kids walk around with no supervision (seriously, like, 4 and 5 year old kids walk/ride their bikes to stores that are waaaay farther than I would let my almost-7 and almost-9 year old go!), and they wonder why. It's hard to explain the cultural differences sometimes-apparently child pedophiles and kidnappings are unheard of here? And their road systems are so organized, people DO NOT jaywalk, EVER. They stop when the little red guy at the crosswalk light is red, and they go when he's green. It's that simple. So it makes sense for them, but not for my children, no way, no how. I guess part of me feels like I have not taught my children well enough for them to be able to do that. I feel like that about a lot of things. I guess I just need to realize that's part of life. And live with it.
Now I'm not saying I don't love those people and their friendly, well meaning ways. I have made so many dear friends, and am thankful they were put in my life. But I do think that a little of this Japanese culture has been good for me and my family. My kids see Japanese kids walk around with no supervision (seriously, like, 4 and 5 year old kids walk/ride their bikes to stores that are waaaay farther than I would let my almost-7 and almost-9 year old go!), and they wonder why. It's hard to explain the cultural differences sometimes-apparently child pedophiles and kidnappings are unheard of here? And their road systems are so organized, people DO NOT jaywalk, EVER. They stop when the little red guy at the crosswalk light is red, and they go when he's green. It's that simple. So it makes sense for them, but not for my children, no way, no how. I guess part of me feels like I have not taught my children well enough for them to be able to do that. I feel like that about a lot of things. I guess I just need to realize that's part of life. And live with it.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Successful Children
So I was thinking today about what defines a "successful" child in a parents eyes. I thought about certain people, and how their parents might feel about them, but I'm not going to name any names or give anything away because I don't want to be hurtful, only thought provoking.
Would you think success is defined by your child being a rich investment broker with 2 houses and a boat and 5 jet skis, even if they had to sacrifice their own family? Would you think your child is successful if they lived in a run down trailer with no electric or plumbing, but they loved their spouse and children more than anything in the world? What about if they were gay/lesbian? Would there be any way for you to see them as successful if you disagreed with the way they live their life?
I'm not sure how I would feel about that. I love my boys unconditionally. There is nothing they could do to make me not love them. They test my patience, try my parenting skills, and drive me nuts, but without a doubt, they are priceless and my love for them will never ever ever stop. I have high hopes for them, but lately I'm realizing that's MY hopes-theirs might be different! Seems kind of like a DUH moment, but I never thought about it before.
My kids are growing up into their own unique selves, and it doesn't always fit into my cookie cutter view of what I want them to be. They do things different than I would-but it's ok! Frustrating to sit back and watch, but....ok.
This is one part of parenting I never considered-the part where you let go and sit back and watch what they will do. I was so in the mindset of "protect them from this", "don't let them do that", "they need help with that, I can just tell", almost to the point where it was holding them back. I have Adam to thank for opening my eyes to the fact that I can't do everything for them forever. I have to let them figure stuff out. It's still a struggle, sometimes I control myself, sometimes I fail. But I realize that if my kids aren't doing and growing, they're faltering and shrinking, and no parent wants that.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Japan!
So our family has started a new adventure in Misawa, Japan! We are currently living on Misawa Air Base, in Misawa Japan. Japan is a beautiful country with lots of things to see and do. I will try to keep this blog updated with our fun travels and pictures. Here are a few to start with:
Steak flavored Doritos? They have some of the weirdest flavors and combinations of flavors I have ever seen before! Someone mentioned they had seen Pepsi flavored Cheetos the other day....not so sure about that one :/
The Japanese are kind of obsessed with Kit Kats, so far I have seen strawberry, green tea, and we are currently looking for the rumored pumpkin flavored ones! I love pumpkin flavored anything. Adam has taken a liking to the many cream filled pastries they have here, I haven't taken any pictures yet though. They are quite delicious! 
This is the building you will see directly out the front gate, we haven't been to it yet, but it looks interesting. During the day the street in front of it is one way, but after 10 pm it turns into a two way street for some reason. Not quite sure why though. 
Some random road signs, it's a little disconcerting to not be able to read what they say, but common sense tells you what most of them are. Adam and I both took a short course to obtain our Japanese drivers license, cars drive on the left side of the road here, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car-crazy! On base, you can go LEFT on red. Adam has done most of the driving, he's pretty much a pro at it, just like everything else ;) I have driven a few times, and it's not as horrible and scary as I thought it would be. You have to be much more aware of your position on the road, I've almost hit the curb a time or two. Off base driving is different than on base, the streets are narrow and tiny, everyone's cars are much smaller, and the signs are different too.
Well, that's all I've got got now, just little snippets of our everyday lives, I've been keeping a written journal also, and this weekend the kids will start theirs. Hopefully this weekend we will do some more off base exploring, maybe some apple picking, or something else fun. I will update next week.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Faith
I was thinking on my way home from work tonight about the amount of faith we put in people. Sometimes it's blind faith, sometimes absolute faith, conditional faith, but we have a lot of faith nonetheless. Then when those people let us down or don't do what we expect, we are disappointed. Why is that?
I mean really, one person is just that-ONE person.
I was listening to a news story on NPR about how an advisor to the president was stepping down on my drive home. They mentioned how they were surprised he was stepping down, because he had only been in his position for a year. Then they mentioned that he had not seemed ho really "fit in" and that parts of his job had been delegated to someone else. Why are they surprised he is stepping down? They took away part of his responsibilities and gave them to someone else who "fit in" better!
I mean really, what did they expect?! Duh.......
Well, here is a photo I recently took of Anthony in a tree at Herman Park. I messed around with an app called Snapseed. I think it turned out cool.
I've got lots more on my mind right now, but I've also got to go to sleep. Blech, priorities......
I mean really, one person is just that-ONE person.
I was listening to a news story on NPR about how an advisor to the president was stepping down on my drive home. They mentioned how they were surprised he was stepping down, because he had only been in his position for a year. Then they mentioned that he had not seemed ho really "fit in" and that parts of his job had been delegated to someone else. Why are they surprised he is stepping down? They took away part of his responsibilities and gave them to someone else who "fit in" better!
I mean really, what did they expect?! Duh.......
Well, here is a photo I recently took of Anthony in a tree at Herman Park. I messed around with an app called Snapseed. I think it turned out cool.
I've got lots more on my mind right now, but I've also got to go to sleep. Blech, priorities......
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Need To Blog....
OK, so sometimes I just have this NEED to blog. Luckily for me, today was a day when I felt this need, AND I was in the reach of a computer. My friend and I did ALL of our visiting teaching this week! It feels good to have it all accomplished and to know that our sisters are well taken care of. Visiting with one sister today made me realize that I'm still interested in getting my degree in nutrition! I'm going to look at my options. I wish so much that I had been smart and gotten all of my education out of the way early, so now I could be working. BUT, I had to be difficult and different, so, I'm paying for it now. But I appreciate education so much more now than I did when I was younger. So I guess it all evens out.....
And guess what I got in the mail today....dun dun dun....
woo hoo! A Sam's Club gift card for the promotion that they are putting on with General Mills and MyBlogSpark! Yay! I'm excited. I love the color pink to begin with, so October, I am in HEAVEN with pink this pink that for breast cancer month! Did I mention I LOVE pink? Why yes, I think I may have. So this month, even my food is going to be dressed up in pink to support breast cancer research and survivors! Has anyone ever dealt with this issue before? I, luckily, have not had to. I do remember being very young and my mom having a "scare", but it turned out to be nothing bad. thank goodness for that. Hopefully I will never have breast cancer or my friends or family will also never be affected with it, but according to the most recent statistics,
1 in every 8 women
will be affected at some point in their lives. How scary is that! good thing that General Mills, Sam's Club, and MyBlogSpark have partnered together to support research, and also care for those who can't afford it.
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Guess what else, though. Someone very lucky who reads my blog will also win a $25 gift card to Sam's Club, so you can buy your own pink boxes and drool over them! You lucky ducks! All you have to do is:
1) go to https://www.facebook.com/samsclub Sam's Club's Facebook page and "like" them, then come back to me and leave a comment telling me you liked them,
then,
2) go to http://www.facebook.com/pinktogether?sk=wall Pink Together's Facebook page and do the same thing! Just leave me a comment when both of those are done. Then you are entered! Yay for easy! I will draw a winner on October 1st (to celebrate the start of pink month!). So you have until the end of this month to enter. Good luck!
And if you have any stories you'd like to share, feel free :)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday's are great!
Well, I haven't posted a new blog in a long time. I get all these ideas all swirled up in my head that I want to blog about, but I usually forget them five minutes later! Anyone else have that problem?
Time for another school year to start! The boys are in kindergarten and second grade, and they both enjoy their teachers and their classmates. They have a new principal at their school this year, which is exciting. New principals usually bring big changes, which their school is in need of.
I had been planning on taking a Nurse Aid I course at the local community college, but missed a deadline for paperwork (grr, still mad about that one!), so I'm taking it as a sign God wants me to do something else right now, and trying to figure out what that something is. I will defintiely start working SOMEwhere, even if it's just part-time.
Ironic, I was just typing about jobs, and as I was typing a second ago I got a call from "American Income Life Insurance" company, wanting me to go interview in Raleigh on Monday. I said yes, but after reading all sorts of negative reviews online, I will be calling back and cancelling. Plus I can't drive to Raleigh every day! Crazy people.....
I've decided that I LOVE Pandora radio. I listen to the Mercy River channel and the Boyce Avenue channel the most. I love Mercy River! They are LDS musicians and their songs are so pretty. I put it on Pandora and the whole house just seems much more peaceful. until hubby comes home and says "turn off the music!!!". Grrr. Buzzkill....lol. The only thing I don't like is the fact that some old neighbors of ours in Mississippi used to have a dog named Pandora, and when I think of the word pandora, all I can hear is the woman next door yelling "Pandora!" in a heavy Russian-type accent. SOOO annoying. But I can get over it. It adds such a pleasant soundtrack to my days. And it actually makes me want to clean, which is AH-mazing. Anything that makes me want to clean is AH-mazing, lol!
Hubby's mom just sent me a crazy video on Facebook that I will share here:
Scary huh! This is from all the horrible flooding. That waterfall would normally be a serene, gentle trickling waterfall, I think. Yikes.
Well, I've got to get on with my chores, cleaning house and other horrible things :-/
Blech. Have fun everyone!
P.S.-Let me know if you can't see the video, I don't know if it will show it to everyone since it's from Facebook.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Updates...
Wow! Has it really been almost three months since I've posted?! I guess life got in the way like it always does! Since I've last posted....
- I graduated and recieved my certificate in phlebotomy (blood drawing) -yay me!
- LKS graduated from her program and recieved her degree - yay LKS!
- We've had 4 visits from family
- My house got really messy (okay, it's always been messy, lol)
Lots more has happened, but I can't think of it all right now. The kids and I just returned from a LONG, fun, LONG, exciting, did I mention LONG, weekend in Pennsylvania at Blue Knob State Park on Monday. Me and my kids; Leah, Gene and Sarah; Matthew, Taya, and their kids; Dad and Kay; Gramma Baldwin; and Mom and Tim all went camping together. Yup, two sets of divorced and remarried parents who hadn't seen eachother in oh.....eight years or so, and my Dad and Kay, and Gramma, had NEVER met Tim. Considering that fact (yikes!), it was a really fun time and I'm so glad we went. The kids all got a chance to hang out together, and mommy had a chance to relax and not worry about both boys 24-7. Yes, there were many awkward moments, but isn't life all about those awkward moments?
No?? Oh.
Oh, well....lol!
So now that I have mountains and MOUNTAINS (there literally is a mountain of clothes right now in my laundry room!) of laundry to do, what did I decide to do instead? fart around on the computer, yeah! That's a good idea. Maybe not. I hear the laundry calling my name. I think it's actually starting to creep out of the laundry room, slowly so I won't notice of course, and wind itself around my legs. Ok, laundry, OK! I'm COMING! Sheesh, that laundry is impatient. Alright, blogging can wait, back to real life.
No fun. But here's some fun pictures! And oh yeah, I turned 29 again-hah!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Just To Warn You.....
....this will be a VERY WHINY post. I have had a crappy day, and I am going to whine about it. For those who dont care/don't want to hear about it, stop now!
Ok, now that that's out of the way, let's go. Bring on the whine.
Ok so I had clinicals at the certain local hospital this morning, and a certain person there made me feel certainly very mad.
Ok I'm going to stop right now and just say What The Hell. They are having some sort of hiring day here at the lovely neighborhood McDonalds. So you can imagine the kinds of people who are here. Or maybe you can't.....let me tell you....there are 3 "ladies" sitting in the booth in front of me, one of them eating French fries and telling their little 2 year old to "shut the f*** up".
Across the aisle from them is a guy who is wearing a red t shirt that looks like my youngest took a pair of scissors to it, and is obviously high on SOMEthing.
The poor old people who are always sitting drinking their coffee look appalled at all that is going on. I just have to laugh and shake my head. And NOW it's time to leave, I've had just about all I can take, and the oldest's bus should be at the babysitters by now.
Ok, now that that's out of the way, let's go. Bring on the whine.
Ok so I had clinicals at the certain local hospital this morning, and a certain person there made me feel certainly very mad.
Ok I'm going to stop right now and just say What The Hell. They are having some sort of hiring day here at the lovely neighborhood McDonalds. So you can imagine the kinds of people who are here. Or maybe you can't.....let me tell you....there are 3 "ladies" sitting in the booth in front of me, one of them eating French fries and telling their little 2 year old to "shut the f*** up".
Across the aisle from them is a guy who is wearing a red t shirt that looks like my youngest took a pair of scissors to it, and is obviously high on SOMEthing.
The poor old people who are always sitting drinking their coffee look appalled at all that is going on. I just have to laugh and shake my head. And NOW it's time to leave, I've had just about all I can take, and the oldest's bus should be at the babysitters by now.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Reflecting.....
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/?pid=3xoYP_53X3dom11kqRn_gfAfIjHtxTUh
What a sad time for the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), of Fort Campbell, Ky. They have lost six soldiers in the last week.
http://www.defense.gov/releases/
I am praying for all the families involved, and all the families who still have loved ones in that area. What a scary thing to know that your soldier is in that type of area. I'm so glad my hubby is not there right now.
On another note, I read something recently that made me stop and think. It was something on Facebook (I believe) that someone had posted about how they had been complaining about the fact that their husband was gone all the time (I think they were in the Army). Then after she had put her kids to bed one night, she sat down, looked around at her house, and saw what she REALLY had.
Yes, her husband was gone a lot. Yes, it was extremely hard most of the time. But she had wonderful (free!) medical care for her and for her children. She had the promise of her husband's job being secure, a safe comfortable place to live, and she had the incredible support system of other wives whose husbands were also deployed. There are tons of single mothers who have the same challenges that military wives do, but they don't have that great support system. It's still hard hearing your children say "I miss daddy...." and see the tears welling up in their eyes. But I know her husband, as well as mine, does what they do so their family is secure.
Now I will be the FIRST to admit that I have not always looked very positively on the military way of life. Even now, it depends on the day. And I still have those days, like all military spouses do, when I think, "Why am I even doing this? Why am I putting my family through this? Look at what it's doing to my children, my marriage, my sanity, my LIFE."
But gradually, over the last month or so, I've tried, REALLY tried, to compare my life right now to what it could be. And you know what? I've got it pretty good. Thanks, honey :) I love you!
What a sad time for the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), of Fort Campbell, Ky. They have lost six soldiers in the last week.
http://www.defense.gov/releases/
I am praying for all the families involved, and all the families who still have loved ones in that area. What a scary thing to know that your soldier is in that type of area. I'm so glad my hubby is not there right now.
(image taken from Google)
On another note, I read something recently that made me stop and think. It was something on Facebook (I believe) that someone had posted about how they had been complaining about the fact that their husband was gone all the time (I think they were in the Army). Then after she had put her kids to bed one night, she sat down, looked around at her house, and saw what she REALLY had.
Yes, her husband was gone a lot. Yes, it was extremely hard most of the time. But she had wonderful (free!) medical care for her and for her children. She had the promise of her husband's job being secure, a safe comfortable place to live, and she had the incredible support system of other wives whose husbands were also deployed. There are tons of single mothers who have the same challenges that military wives do, but they don't have that great support system. It's still hard hearing your children say "I miss daddy...." and see the tears welling up in their eyes. But I know her husband, as well as mine, does what they do so their family is secure.
Now I will be the FIRST to admit that I have not always looked very positively on the military way of life. Even now, it depends on the day. And I still have those days, like all military spouses do, when I think, "Why am I even doing this? Why am I putting my family through this? Look at what it's doing to my children, my marriage, my sanity, my LIFE."
But gradually, over the last month or so, I've tried, REALLY tried, to compare my life right now to what it could be. And you know what? I've got it pretty good. Thanks, honey :) I love you!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Just look.....
How many of us have felt what the look on her face is feeling? Hurt, lost, distraught, weak, fearful, pained. Maybe one or two at some point, but all of them put together.....doubtful. When I heard about the earthquake, I have to admit, at first, I didn't really think too much about it. I guess maybe the severity hadn't hit me yet. It was just another one of those things that had happened in another country, yeah, sucks for them, but glad it's not here! Now, and especially after seeing this woman's picture, I am filled with so much emotion for people who have lost everything. I pray that God's plan includes a speedy recovery and some semblance of the people of Japan's lives put back in order.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Re-Usable Lunch Sack!!
Yay! I finally sewed something that doesn't look like it belongs on a spaceship! I have been in the worst sewing funk lately. But this tutorial:
http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2010/08/lunch-sack-tutorial.html
from A Lemon Squeezy Home was so easy to follow, I had this bad boy:
http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2010/08/lunch-sack-tutorial.html
from A Lemon Squeezy Home was so easy to follow, I had this bad boy:
whipped up in no time at all! Well, in about an hour and a half, but, whatever..... I've seen lots of tutorials for this before, but hers was the easiest to follow and she had great pictures. I feel great that I accomplished something today!
Yoplait Winner!
Wow, so I just realized I never posted a winner for the Yoplait giveaway! I have been super busy with school, kids, church callings, and just plain LIFE! Anyway, on to the drawing.....I extended the deadline, there were a couple of people who entered late, and I'm just nice like that :) So, after drawing names out of a bowl, the winner is..........
Robyn!!!!
Yay! I am sending you an email as I type. Congrats!
Thank you to everyone who entered, and hopefully I will be doing more things like this in the future!
Now, on to some more business. I saw this fun 31 day idea, and I'm going to try my hardest to do it. Maybe this will make me start blogging everyday. I doubt it, but.....we'll see! Anyway, here is the list:
day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- five things on your bucket list
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- 5 favorite TV shows
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, anxious or mad
day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song
day 31- the best thing about being you
Ok. Recent pic of me:
Blech. Taken with my iPod. I promise my skin is not jaundiced in real life.
And now, for 15 interesting facts about me:
1) I love to people watch. Who doesn't??
2) I am REE-AA-LL-YY picky about spelling. I mean REALLY. If I mis-spell a word, Ifreek freak out. AHH! Just kidding......sort of.....no, I'm not. I am horrible and judgemental!
3) I love to spray paint stuff. Anything. Everything! I love spray paint!
4) I really would like to sell my art. After I make it, that is!
5) I love to take pictures but I really suck at it. See above picture for proof....
6) I LOVE a challenge. SERiously.love.challenges. I'm not competitive or anything....hahahaha!!!!
7) I have a really loud side that most people get to see. But I also have a very quiet side that not many get to see. Sorry peeps. It only comes out every so often.
8) (OK, this list is not all that interesting, but bear with me, we're halfway done...)
9) I can't wait to start working again! I'm in the phlebotomy program at our local community college (http://www.waynecc.edu/) and I love it. LOVE IT. Did I mention I love it? There's something about hitting the right spot and watching blood come into the tube....I know, I'm sick and twisted, right??!!
10) I lived through Hurricane Katrina. Self explanatory. Any questions, ask.
11) I'm one of the lucky few who, along with having great parents, has an AWESOME mother in law (and father in law, too!). And I'm not just saying that because she reads my blog (Hi Sue!), she really is an amazing person.
12) I love LEGOs
. Yes, I was a tomboy growing up. Anthony and I could build with LEGOs for hours.
13) I love to turn broken stuff into other stuff. I have turned a broken toddler bed I found on the side of the road into a bench for my front porch, a bathroom over the toilet shelf into a bathroom cabinet, and lots of other stuff I can't think of at this very minute. No, I don't have pictures. Yes, I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures.
14) I have a very patient, loving husband. Just look at all this wierd crap I like to do! If he can deal with all that and still love me, he's a keeper :)
15) I hate filling these things out. By the time I'm at the last question, I'm wondering whether or not I should post the darn thing cause I sound like a freak. Not a freek, a freak!
Well, that's it for today, I won't be blogging on Sundays, but I'll (hopefully) be back on Monday with:
5 things on my bucket list.
Now I have until Monday to come up with a bucket list.......google?
What IS a bucket list?
Ohh, ok.....
Robyn!!!!
Yay! I am sending you an email as I type. Congrats!
Thank you to everyone who entered, and hopefully I will be doing more things like this in the future!
Now, on to some more business. I saw this fun 31 day idea, and I'm going to try my hardest to do it. Maybe this will make me start blogging everyday. I doubt it, but.....we'll see! Anyway, here is the list:
day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- five things on your bucket list
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- 5 favorite TV shows
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, anxious or mad
day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song
day 31- the best thing about being you
Ok. Recent pic of me:
And now, for 15 interesting facts about me:
1) I love to people watch. Who doesn't??
2) I am REE-AA-LL-YY picky about spelling. I mean REALLY. If I mis-spell a word, I
3) I love to spray paint stuff. Anything. Everything! I love spray paint!
4) I really would like to sell my art. After I make it, that is!
5) I love to take pictures but I really suck at it. See above picture for proof....
6) I LOVE a challenge. SERiously.love.challenges. I'm not competitive or anything....hahahaha!!!!
7) I have a really loud side that most people get to see. But I also have a very quiet side that not many get to see. Sorry peeps. It only comes out every so often.
8) (OK, this list is not all that interesting, but bear with me, we're halfway done...)
9) I can't wait to start working again! I'm in the phlebotomy program at our local community college (http://www.waynecc.edu/) and I love it. LOVE IT. Did I mention I love it? There's something about hitting the right spot and watching blood come into the tube....I know, I'm sick and twisted, right??!!
10) I lived through Hurricane Katrina. Self explanatory. Any questions, ask.
11) I'm one of the lucky few who, along with having great parents, has an AWESOME mother in law (and father in law, too!). And I'm not just saying that because she reads my blog (Hi Sue!), she really is an amazing person.
12) I love LEGOs
. Yes, I was a tomboy growing up. Anthony and I could build with LEGOs for hours.13) I love to turn broken stuff into other stuff. I have turned a broken toddler bed I found on the side of the road into a bench for my front porch, a bathroom over the toilet shelf into a bathroom cabinet, and lots of other stuff I can't think of at this very minute. No, I don't have pictures. Yes, I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures.
14) I have a very patient, loving husband. Just look at all this wierd crap I like to do! If he can deal with all that and still love me, he's a keeper :)
15) I hate filling these things out. By the time I'm at the last question, I'm wondering whether or not I should post the darn thing cause I sound like a freak. Not a freek, a freak!
Well, that's it for today, I won't be blogging on Sundays, but I'll (hopefully) be back on Monday with:
5 things on my bucket list.
Now I have until Monday to come up with a bucket list.......google?
What IS a bucket list?
Ohh, ok.....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What a week (it's only Tuesday?.....meh....) and a giveaway!
Whew! I can't believe it's only Tuesday. This has been a hectic week already. The boys and I were sick all weekend, and still are a little bit. My clinicals for Phlebotomy start this week. The dog escaped 4,395 times this weekend (really! ok, not really, but man it was a lot!), and I accepted a new calling at church, I'm now the Relief Society secretary! I'm really excited about it. I'm going to miss being in Primary, but I think this will be a good change of pace for now.
As for clinicals, I can't wait to start (for real, lol). Due to my stupidity a minor mishap I went to clinicals a few days early, but realized it after only an hour and went home. I love Phlebotomy and I really hope I get through this program and am able to get a job soon after.
When the kids and I got home today, we found a package on the front porch (yay! I love coming home and finding fun stuff!). MyBlogSpark sent us this awesome kit with a coupon* for any variety of Yoplait Kids yogurt products, a foldable travel cooler (to take your yogurt on-the-go), a cool four-piece ice cream spoon set, a power magnet picture frame with a calendar, trendy alphabet-shaped “Kiddie Bands”, a great big bounce ball and a “My First Scavenger Hunt” card game for some after-snack fun.
(*This coupon offer for a free four pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.)
The boys had a blast playing with all the stuff! They were just begging me last week to buy one of those Galazy Ball thingys! And the Scavenger Huny Game is really fun, too, it uses stuff you have around the house, like socks, crayons, towels, etc. I haven't used my coupon yet, but I know from past experience how yummy Yoplait is! Yogurt is one thing my kids absolutely love, and I feel much better giving them that than a bag of fruit snacks or chips. I think their favorite thing is when we stick popsicle sticks through the foil and then freeze the yogurt and make yummy frozen yogurt treats.
So, Yoplait is offering one of my lovely readers their own prize pack, with everything that I talked about above included.
Here's a pretty picture for you:
Yay!
Don't you want one????
Just leave a comment here on my blog, or on my facebook page, and if you want, leave me some tips or tricks that you use or have used in the past to get your kids to eat healthier. I will close the giveaway this Friday night, February 18th, and announce the winner Saturday, February 19th. Good luck!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Procrastination....
OK, so I should be working on my English paper that's due in about 2 hours, but I keep seeing all these cool Thanksgiving ideas on everyone's blogs, and I talked to my mommy for about an hour, and I still have a bunch of housework to catch up on.......I am the QUEEN of procrastination. I think I just work really well under pressure.....hahahahaha! Would someone like to come over and write my paper please? It's only one page.......and there are so many more fun things I want to be doing right now......oh, FINE I'll go do it myself.
Party poopers!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Just one of those days......
When you don't wanna wake up
Everything is f*cked
Everybody sucks
You don't really know why
But you wanna justify
Rippin' someone's head off
No human contact
And if you interact
Your life is on contract
Your best bet is to stay away motherf*cker
It's just one of those days!!
Yup. That would be today.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Goodwill scores! And some updates.......
OK, so I had a GREAT day at Goodwill today! I love finding stuff for really reaaallly cheap there! My total was only $11.38, and here's a list of what all I got:
-an oil and vinegar cruet, brand new, marked with a $15.99 price tag from Harry and David, for $1.18 (and woo-hoo, I just noticed the site I took the pic from says $34.95! Double score!)
-two little metal red buckets with a star cutout on them, which are either going to be Christmas decor, or part of my red kitchen, I haven't decided yet....but they were only 50 cents apiece!
-a skein of Coats and Clark blue yarn, 59 cents
-3 glass shades for our pendant lights (that used to be recessed lights, but thanks to Thrifty Decor Chick, no longer are!), marked $6.96 (each!) from Lowes, for 69 cents (each!) Yup, I said 69 cents! Whew!
-a cute pepperment striped candle, along with a cute santa candleholder/cup/kitschy thingy to put it in, the candle was 99 cents, the holder was $1.18.
-a little throw pillow that says "Meet Me Under the Mistletoe" (oooh-la-la!) for $1.29
-a quilted pillow sham with lots of scrappy, fallish colors that I'm going to trun into a wall hanging sort of thing for the front door for $1.29. Don't you just love my literary describing skills?!
So that was the extent of my shopping, I was going to buy a pretty leaf dish that I would use as a butter dish, but I only had eleven dollars cash with me. And my Goodwill only takes cash. Bummer! Next time.....
For those of you who don't know, I also started college classes again last week! I'm really excited! I'm taking a World Religions class and a Developmental Psych class. I love them both, but I have to say, I really love the religion class. It's just so interesting to find out about other religions I normally would not take the time to find out about, the Old and New Testament, and whatever else we're going to learn about. I wonder what my instructor, who is a Southern Baptist preacher, will say when he finds out I'm LDS.....lol! It should be interesting.
My psych class is an online class, which is the first online class I've ever taken. It's taking me a while to get used to working online. I've always thought of the internet as mystical and magical, where everything you do is just made up of numbers and letters (ok, maybe not to the extent that I just made it sound, I don't think it's Fairyland or something), so it's hard to keep up with the class when I don't go to an actual "classroom". Adam bought me a laptop to use, so that has helped a lot. I think he was scared I would infringe on his WOW time (kidding honey.......sort of!)
Both kids started school, Anthony started last week, and Ayden's first day was yesterday. Anthony is in first grade, and Ayden started More at Four, which is NC's free preschool program for 4 year olds THAT I LOVE. Did I mention I LOVE it??? Like love LOVE it???? Yeah. It's great! I got to go to any store I wanted yesterday and today, without thinking about whether or not Goldfish would be allowed there, how long we could be in there before finding a potty, what kinds of things were there that could be broken, or where the exits are in case of tantrums. Loved it! I even got to clean almost the WHOLE HOUSE with NO INTERRUPTIONS. Normally, this would not be something I'd be excited about, but I've been finding myself much more anal about cleaning lately, it helps me stay on track and on schedule with my schoolwork and the kids school schedules.
So, that's life in a nutshell. Big changes! More to come in a few days, hopefully.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Score one for domestic violence, thanks Eminem!
OK, quick warning here - the following video is graphic and has bad language. Normally I wouldn't post something like it on my blog, but I have a beef with this video, and the song. Having seen my share of domestic disturbances among friends and neighbors, I know enough to realize this video is sending the wrong message, to both young kids just starting out in a relationship, and to those already involved in an abusive relationship. It glorifies the sick kind of excuses and lies that are used to keep the cycle of violence going. Here's some of the words from the song:
"As long as the wrong feels right
It's like I'm in flight
High off of love
Drunk from the hate
It's like I'm huffing paint
And I love it the more I suffer
I suffocate
And right before I'm about to drown
She resuscitates me
She fucking hates me
And I love it"
What kind of screwed up stuff is that? The bad part is, that before I realized what he was saying, I listened to the song all the time, because Rihanna's voice is so pretty. And now my kids know the words to the chorus, and when they hear it on the radio they get mad when I change the channel.
And this:
"Cause when it's going good
It's going great
I'm Superman
With the wind at his back
She's Lois Lane
But when it's bad
It's awful
I feel so ashamed
I snap
Who's that dude
I don't even know his name
I laid hands on her
I'll never stoop so low again
I guess I don't know my own strength"
"I guess I don't know my own strength?" That sounds to me like an excuse to hurt someone, like, oh, whoops, I guess I didn't know I could choke you so hard I'd leave bruises that don't go away for weeks and crush your windpipe so hard you can't ever talk again....my bad....sorry......
Or how about this:
"All I know is
I love you too much
To walk away though
Come inside
Pick up your bags off the sidewalk
Don't you hear sincerity
In my voice when I talk
Told you this is my fault
Look me in the eyeball
Next time I'm pissed
I'll aim my fist
At the dry wall
Next time
There will be no next time
I apologize
Even though I know it's lies
I'm tired of the games
I just want her back
I know I'm a liar
If she ever tries to fucking leave again
I'mma tie her to the bed
And set this house on fire"
Wow. My mental picture when hearing this is NOTHING like the video, so I can just imagine what someone who hears this and gets ideas for their girlfriend's next beating is thinking of.
I just think it's so wrong that popular artists get to say whatever they want in their songs. I know, I know, freedom of speech, whatever. Musicians should be more concerned about the well being of their fans than making a buck.
"As long as the wrong feels right
It's like I'm in flight
High off of love
Drunk from the hate
It's like I'm huffing paint
And I love it the more I suffer
I suffocate
And right before I'm about to drown
She resuscitates me
She fucking hates me
And I love it"
What kind of screwed up stuff is that? The bad part is, that before I realized what he was saying, I listened to the song all the time, because Rihanna's voice is so pretty. And now my kids know the words to the chorus, and when they hear it on the radio they get mad when I change the channel.
And this:
"Cause when it's going good
It's going great
I'm Superman
With the wind at his back
She's Lois Lane
But when it's bad
It's awful
I feel so ashamed
I snap
Who's that dude
I don't even know his name
I laid hands on her
I'll never stoop so low again
I guess I don't know my own strength"
"I guess I don't know my own strength?" That sounds to me like an excuse to hurt someone, like, oh, whoops, I guess I didn't know I could choke you so hard I'd leave bruises that don't go away for weeks and crush your windpipe so hard you can't ever talk again....my bad....sorry......
Or how about this:
"All I know is
I love you too much
To walk away though
Come inside
Pick up your bags off the sidewalk
Don't you hear sincerity
In my voice when I talk
Told you this is my fault
Look me in the eyeball
Next time I'm pissed
I'll aim my fist
At the dry wall
Next time
There will be no next time
I apologize
Even though I know it's lies
I'm tired of the games
I just want her back
I know I'm a liar
If she ever tries to fucking leave again
I'mma tie her to the bed
And set this house on fire"
Wow. My mental picture when hearing this is NOTHING like the video, so I can just imagine what someone who hears this and gets ideas for their girlfriend's next beating is thinking of.
I just think it's so wrong that popular artists get to say whatever they want in their songs. I know, I know, freedom of speech, whatever. Musicians should be more concerned about the well being of their fans than making a buck.
If You Sprinkle When You Tinkle......
I mean really, how hard is it? I guess since I don't have the same anatomy as the rest of my household, I have no way of understanding......whatever! If my kids' aim in the potty was as good as it is when it comes to punching eachother, I wouldn't have the gross job of wiping up floors and seats EVERY day, MULTIPLE times a day!
I need to work on remembering that life could be a whole lot worse. I just reread what I wrote above and realized that I'm really lucky - I was able to HAVE children, they are both healthy, and we have a nice home to live in. I've decided to work on some personal values over the next few weeks, and one of them is remembering how lucky I am to have the life I do.
I will try each week to remember to be thankful for the value I'm working on. Another one I'm working on is self-respect. We'll see how it goes! This week is starting out a little weak, lol. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Why I love The Office
Really? You just CANnot get any funnier if you tried! Well, maybe you could, but why attempt it? Gosh I needed this.....sigh.
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