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Saturday, December 31, 2005
Reflections...
It's funny how on this day every year we all take a moment to look back on everything that has taken place over the past year. Most of us look back with a few regrets, a few happy memories, a few disappointments, and then we look forward with new hopes for the coming year. All of us make resolutions and most of us never stick to even one of them and then we kick ourselves in the ass at the end of the year. I am no exception to this. Last year I had some high hopes for myself...some of which I made happen and then some of which I never thought about again. Hubby and I are getting along better than we have in years...who would have know that birth control pills can take the oomph out of a relationship. Baby girl has had her ups and downs and she's finishing out her year kind of down, trying to figure out where she fits in. Finances are at a lull. We are keeping our heads above water but just barely. I have made some very happy memories. I have enjoyed some family outings and made some lasting friendships that I never expected. I even resolved some bad issues with my sister so now at least we are speaking to each other after three years of not speaking at all. For the most part the family stayed healthy. Mom is still sick but improving every day. And I am a bit concerned about another family member that seems a little messed up at the moment. But other than that we have all held it together pretty well. I did lose someone very close to me this year...a man who was like my other Dad. It is a great loss and I will miss him immensely for years ot come. We also had some new life come into ours this past year...Welcome Neally! She is about seven months old now and what a beautiful child.
This brings me to the coming year and what I expect out of it. I have the same old, same old resolutions...
To eat healthier
To lose some weight
To exercise more
To get a handle on finances
To better myself as a person any way I can
...and as most of us will, those resolutions will be broken or forgotten by February.
Some things that I do hope for in the coming year...
More togetherness with family members
More self confidence in myself
For everyone to stay healthy
To find a way to improve my family's outlook on life
And to just find time to have some good old fashioned fun!
So, even though this is a short post, this is what is on my mind this December 31st, 2005. I am looking forward, maybe just a little bit hesitantly, to the year 2006. I am hoping for the best and expecting the same ups and downs as with every year. My fingers are crossed for a Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Venting, Reflection, and My Apology!
Ok, I'm here to post but before I get to what I really want to write about I have to vent...on a couple of issues.
The first issue is about some lameass little prick over at Scotty's, one of his commenters that has absolutely no fucking brain! How dare this twirp call Scotty's faithful followers and true friends Ugly Duckling Women! Obviously he is a sexually oppressed gay idiot! Or maybe a sexually oppressed straight white idiot, I don't know! He has nothing better to do than whack his own weenie and since it's too small to find he finds some sort of sick pleasure bashing all of Scotty's gurls. I feel for you Scotty my friend that you have to subject yourself to this sort of asswipe! That's all I'll say on that issue since I'm really in the mood to let people have it! And I don't mean in a nice way!
Issue number two is a family issue I am having and I have to bring you up to speed with a little bit of family history...
My sister got pregnant with her first child when she was 17, had the child at 18. She tried like hell to be a good mom and for the most part she was...UNTIL the child became a teenager with a bad attitude. She ran away form home at 16, to initially live with some boy, but when the boy dumped her and she refused to go home to her mothers, she was allowed in to my parents home. They felt they couldn't refuse her because she was thier grandchild and they didn't want to watch her get herself into trouble. Everything was fine for a while, other than a very pissed off sister that just wanted her child home but didn't know how to go about making that happen. Anyway, that child is now 23 with more of a bad attitude than I've ever seen. She disrespects everyone and uses everyone and feels we all owe her something. Nobody ever stands up to this girl because we are all trying to keep the peace in a very dysfunctional family. She fucks up and there is always one or more of us there to bail her out. She owes money up the ying yang and dodges creditors left and right. She has absolutely no idea how to keep a clean place and walks around with her nose stuck up in the air like she is more important than GOD. She is on a self destructive path and anyone that she meets along her way gets destroyed also. Yes I'm talking aobut my NIECE here. And I'm ashamed to say that I don't know how to love this girl anymore. Well, to bring you to the real eason for my venting...about a year ago, I brought a kitten home with me. We had just lost a cat not too long before that and I wanted it as a replacement. When I brought it in Baby Girl burst into tears and cried for hours because she felt we were "forgetting" our beloved Jazzy. She couldn't handle the thought of another cat to love and to make matters worse, Iggy, my daughters cat immediately started attacking this poor little kitten. The lady I got it from told me to bring it back to her if there were any problems and this was what I intended. UNTIL, my niece came in just before I was about to leave. She loved the kitten right away as did her Rotweiller which was very odd. The two animals bonded and I agreed to let my niece take the cat. On conditions though. She was to never abuse or neglect the cat and she was to get it fixed asap. I even gave her a ton of money for whatever needed to be done at the vets and I bought her all the stuff she'd need for it...litter box,food, toys...the works! She promised to care for the cat and hesitantly I let it go with her.
Now a year later the situation is this...Niece has been evicted from two apartments for either not paying rent or letting the animals piss all over the place. When she was at her last apartment, which is about 45 minutes from here, she met a guy that lived an hour in the opposite direction. She imediately started "living" or should I say "staying overnight" with this guy. This was about six months ago...Four of those months she left the cat all alone in the apartment she was renting going over to feed it about two times a week and NEVER staying with it for more than five minutes unless her and the guy were fighting. The cat was left to fend for itself. About two months ago she got evicted from that apartment...and came to live here in town. She is now renting a small house that is a dump and brought the cat with her. Now the cat lives in this small house all by itself and she still only goes up to feed it every few days. It has no litter in it's catbox, only wads of toilet paperbecause my niece is too lazy to go get it real litter. And still it's ALL ALONE! The once loving and friendly kitten is now a year old cat that is scred to death of anything that moves and lives in the closet of that house because it's too afraid to come out. So, this brings you up to speed...and this also brings me to the problem. A few days ago my mother and I, who are avid animal lovers, found out that niece is going to New York for New Years and is leaving the cat and her Rottie alone in that little house with food out on the floor. My mother got very upset over this. We had a conversation about how someone should really have a voice for the animals and call the autorities. We also talked about how this would really cause havoc in the family and decided against it. The same day I had to go to my sister's house and we talked about that same conversation I had had with my mother. I also told my sister that I really wanted to take the cat, if Niece would give it up. Niece refuses to give it up. Anyway... I no longer left my sisters house when she called niece right up and told her of the conversation we had had. Niece got angry (only because she knows she's in the wrong) and instead of calling me to ream me out, she called my mother, who is still sick and can't deal with any stress. To make a very long story (sorry) a little shorter, mom basically was told to fuck off and stay out of nieces life and was very hurt by my nieces words. Mom told me tonight that niece is no longer welcome in her home. This pissed me off to the point of calling nieces cell phone and reaming her right back. It's all a big mess and I feel partially responsible since it all started with a conversation I had that I just happened to mention to my sister. BIG MISTAKE THAT WON'T BE REPEATED!!! Mom is hurt and I'm ready to slap my niece. So there, I'm done venting now. And it actually helped a little! Thanks to all of you if you actually got through that...
Ok, now for what I really want to write about. My full intention was to blog about "Reflections From and Past Year". This is a time of year when people make resolutions and reflect on things that either went wrong or right over the last year. My life has had some major highs and major lows over the last year and those resolutions I had made last year are only a memory. Never stuck to one of them! I have some resolutions for this year, some that I really want to stick to. I think what I am going to do is post about it tomorrow. My mind is so bogged with anger I can't even begin to sort out what I want to say. So, my good blogger buddies, please bare with me and allow my mind to settle a bit. Tomorrow I will blog about what I REALLY want to write about and I can only hope it will be entertaining for you all. Blessings to all and Love too!
Monday, December 26, 2005
One More Christmas Past! (or is that Passed?)
So I survived Christmas! YAY FOR ME! And I can see you all did also. My Holiday started out with an ear infection two days before the actual holiday. Other than a low grade fever and half of my head feeling like it got kicked in I didn't feel taht badly. Antibiotics were prescribed and all is "better". At least my head doesn't feel like I've been bashed anymore. The drugs made me feel very depressed about an hour or so after taking them so I spent Friday afternoon in tears for more than two hours...everything felt like impending doom to me. So, tomorrow is my last day of meds and every day I've had that same feeling, always aobut an hour after taking the antibiotic so I know it has to be some weird reaction to it.
Christmas Eve was at my mothers house, as usual. Same people from year to year and same type of food. It was fine though. Everyone socialized and Tim and I had some friends we don't see that often stop by and we had a nice visit. Tim worked second shift so that meant him leaving at noon both days and not getting home until 10:30 at night. So, he missed the Christmas Eve festivities (except for our old friends taht came back to see him at about 11:00 p.m.) and I missed him.
Christmas morning started at 6:30. It was a little early but with hubby leaving at noon we wanted to get in as much time together as possible. First was the opening of gifts! 
Baby Girl with her new Skis!
 Me hating the impending mess I know I'm going to spend half the day cleaning up! But I AM smiling just the same!
Hubby Loving his new Computer Hunting games! Well, at least I know where he'll be for at least three hours a day!
 Ignatious Thistlewhite enjoying his new Homegrown Catnip toy! He still has that glare in his eyes and it's now the day AFTER!!! Where can I get my hands on that kind of Happy Pill?
Everyone had a nice time opening thier gifts and the mess wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Hubby helped a lot before leaving for work. Later in the day I had some family, Mom and Dad, Sister and her family, and Aunt and Uncle come for a candlelit dinner. Turkey Breast and Honey Glazed Ham with all the fixings and Eclair Squares and Cocnut Cheesecake for dessert. After all becoming very stuffed we sat around relaxing from the days events and socialized. People left at about 8:00 p.m. and after baby Girl and I layed on the couch watching a movie. The mess of the house would wait. This brings us to today...the day AFTER! Started with cheering practice for a couple hours this morning that went fine...although only 7 of my girls showed up. I have made a mental note to speak with them about commitment! After that I headed home to straighten up the house. The tree went out and the living room was moved around and now all is back to organized, well somewhat! I still have to vac and mop and do a shitload of laundry but as Scarlet said "Tomorrow is another day!"  This is Baby with that Day After Look! She has a terrible cold and is very wore out from all the activity. I see another evening laying around watching tv ahead and that doesn't hurt my feelings at all. She'll kill me for posting this pic. She wasn't too thrilled when I took it! If you've been surfing blogs you may have read about some unusual gifts. Over at Mels you will find her Hubby's favorite gift of a blow up wife, for those nights when Mel has a headache! Over at Sheri's you will find her most special gift from the dog.  This is my contribution to MOST UNUSUAL GIFTS! It is very ZEN. A gift from my sister, I'm not really sure what it's supposed to be. You fill the basin with water and a pump feeds the water up through tubing and out the fish's mouth and from the center of the flat ivy leaves. The water cascades down and makes the waterwheels spin and the water from the fish makes the marble ball spin at the bottom. It is all copper and it is very "pretty". She had it imported from India (from some granite company she does business with for her own business of "momuments" for the cemetaries) so I should be thrilled that she went through such thought and trouble to get me something nice. I just don't know! It's DIFFERENT! I usually like different things but this is just too "UNUSUAL"! I'd like to hear about all the unusual things that came out of your Christmases so please post about them for me. I AM SO GLAD IT'S ALL OVER!!! I've had a smile on my face the entire day! YAY FOR ME! Now life can start getting back to normal! HOPEFULLY!
Friday, December 23, 2005
The Tables Have Turned, Once Again! ARGH!!
Ok, my last post was a happy one...now I'm back to being miserable. I'm trying not to be but at this point I just can't help it. I am hating the holiday this year like I have no other. I want it all to be OVER NOW!!!
The shopping has left be broke beyond words and I am so sick of the Go Go Go that always seems to fill my days. I long for quiet days and evenings in front of a good movie curled, cuddled with hubby on the couch. I long for walks in the evenings with baby girl, just talking aobut "things". Nope, we haven't been getting that here.
This is how the holiday will go around here. First, Hubby is working second shift and that means he leaves at noon and doesn't get home until 10:30 at night. He will leave tomorrow just as Mom and I are beginning to cook for her party tomorrow night. It will be the same old food with the same old people and I will be having just a grande ole' time. NOT! People will mingle in and out for the better part of the day, until they all decide they've had enough and they will leave about a half hour before Hubby gets home. That means he will miss ALL the festivities. The night will end with baby Girl heading to bed and we will scurry around puttine presents under the tree and filling her stocking. Then Christmas morning will come and it will all be over before we can even blink (I have mixed feelings about this). We will rise at about 6:00, if we are lucky, and all will shower and eat breakfast, which will consist of oatmeal or cereal...No fancy schmancy food here (have tried that before and we just aren't big eaters in the mornings). After that we will share gifts with Baby and then start picking up the mess. By the time I'm putting the turkey in the oven for Christmas Dinner, Hubby will be heading out the door to go back to the mill. It SUCKS! It's day's like this that I want him to be home! People will arrive at my house, not many, mom and dad, an aunt and uncle and very doubtfully my sister and her family. Whoever comes will have a beautiful meal with nice table sttings and candles lit. I always make it way too beautiful for these people to appreciate. I will work my ass off and although everyone will be full, and satisfied, it will seem like a whole lot of work for not much at the end.
I am trying to keep a positive outlook...for Baby Girls sake. And I will be happy and merry and go around with bells on. I will be faking it big time!
Oh, and to close this out I'll let you all in on a little secret...I have to do all this with what I think is an ear infection...woke up this morning and my left ear is killing me. No fever but feel like shit anyway! And I'd be willing to bet money that the Doctor won't be in today...and I am NOT going to the hospital and pay an outrageous bill just for an ear infection...I will suffer through and be miserable! With that I'll say to you all MERRY CHRISTMAS! and I really mean that, even though I'm not being very festive. Love to you all!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown papper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and snitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye-lashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad...
This is my favorite Christmas Time song. I know it's not the traditional Ho Ho Ho Here Comes Santa music but the lyrics in this song are so true...for me anyway. My blog is titled "The Simple Things" for a reason...I am not a material person...the simply things in life make me the most happy.
So, as the song is titled...These are a few of MY favorite things...(thanks to you Scotty, for the idea for this post!)
A few years ago I recieved a very special gift form a very special cousin of mine. She was a graphic design major at RIT and she had something in her art portfolio that is very close to my heart. One of her assignments for her portfolio was to do a graphite sketch from a photograph. One of the pictures that she did she gave to me when she moved after college to live in California. This is what it is...
This is a picture of my Baby Girl! The digital doesn't do it justice but you all get the idea. It is framed on an antique silver frame and hangs on my living room wall. You can even see the perfect lines in the palm of my daughter's hand. She had only gotten her two front teeth at this point and my cousin even gives you a glimpse of them in the drawing. She did a remarkable job and captured the true image of my baby. I will cherish this for all of my life...Thank you Michelle!
When I was little, The Peanuts (Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Schroder...) was a very popular comic strip. It was, and still is, my favorite of all time! One birthday, my parents gave me a Stuffed Snoopy. He had RED ears and was stuffed with sawdust. Where they got him I have no idea. I slept with him every night, and he lay in the exact same spot in my bed every night, until I moved out and started living with my husband. Over the years he got quite damaged and dirty. Being stuffed with sawdust, I have no idea how to clean him. He is still just the cutest in my eyes...here he is... 
He used to be bright white but living in a house with two parents that smoked made him so he isn't white at all anymore. Any ideas on how to clean him without ruining him would be greatly appreciated! One of my other favorite things is every year at this time Hubby, Baby Girl and I take time to go for an evening walk to look at all the holiday displays around town. We bundle in our coziest winter attire and head out. The best of these walks is when there is a light glistening snow falling.  It makes the lights seems so much more festive. When we return home we make hot cocoa and pop in a classic Christmas show and cuddle under blankets. It's one Chrsitmas tradition I hope we never outgrow. Animals hold a special place in my heart...not only the domestic ones but even the wild ones. Birds in my feeders, seeing a moose on our evening rides in the summer, the sparkling eyes of the deer we feed in the winter. Here are three more...
 I know you've seen these guys before, but theya re very dear to my heart. Almost like my own kids. All you animal lovers out there can relate to what I'm saying. The first two are very old, going on 20. They still have all the spunk of a little kitten and they give me unconditional love every day of my life. The third is Baby Girls baby boy. He is a royal pain in the you know what but still gives us kisses and greets us at the door when we've been away. I will never be without animals in my house. Cats are my favorite but dogs are pretty high up there on my list too.
There are so many more favorite things I could tell you about...The obvious ones are Family, new-found friendships, The smile on my daughters face, cuddling with my husband...So many more...Hope You All Have A Wonderful Holiday, And Take The Time To Stop And Remember The Simple Things! Kisses and God Bless...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
The MEME for Scotty and Mel!
Ok Scotty, you tagged me! I WILL answer the questions but I won't play the tag game on this one. (will explain why later) Hope you like my answers!
What were you doing 10 years ago? Let's see...Ten years ago I had a three year old daughter that took up most of my daytime hours. I was a stay at home mom (and still am, sort of) and I enjoyed every day playing with baby and getting together with other mom's like me. Hubby and I were separated just before I got pregnant and ten years ago we were still working on getting our shit together in our relationship. Ten years ago I had a pretty boring life, some owuld say that anyway, and today isn't all that different for me. I'm still a stay at home mom that just happens to have a couple of side jobs cleaning offices on weekends and coaching baby girls cheerleading squad.
What were you doing 1 year ago? One year ago I spent most of my time taking care of my ailing parents. Dad had just recovered from heart surgery and mom had many health issues that she is still dealing with to this day. I live right beside my parents so it was up to me (since sister of mine is a bitch and has NOTHING to do with helping my parents at all) to take care of them. I was also in the middle of big family holiday drama that left us all walking on eggshells with each other. (No different than this year! Glad it's almost over!)
Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Popcorn
2. Chocolate
3. Pepperoni, right out of the package
4. Oreo Double Stuff Cookies
5. Toast and Peanut Butter
Five songs to which you know all the lyrics: I can name probably 100 or more that Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac have done that I know every word to. Same as Heart. And who doesn't know every word to Paradise By The Dashboard Light By Meatloaf? I can even do the sports commentary perfectly and on beat! I am a fanatic when it comes to music, Music is my life! I know the lyrics to Many Many Many Many songs. Go to your favorite Music downloading site and find "Otto Titsling" by Bette Midler (Soundtrack from "Beaches") and listen to the words. It's a riot and will make you all smile! Baby Girl and I can sing it together perfectly! YAY! I liked this question...makes me feel very smart!
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Buy a new home for Hubby and I first, Baby Girl second, Parents and Parent's in- law third, then if I was still a millionare I'd buy for the rest of the extended family.
2. Trips Trips Trips! I'd go see every destination I've ever wanted to see. I've never been further south than R.I and that was just for a funeral, and never been north further than Quebec. Would have a difficult time flying so this thing to do would be a difficult one.
3. Would make sure baby girl was financially set for the rest of her life.
4. I'd put millions away for after retirement age.
5.I would adopt at least five or six kids from third world coutries and give them all the love they crave and make sure they live the high life!
Five bad habits:
1. Doubting my self worth and self confidence
2. Not exercising enough
3. Eating junk food.
4. Having a controlling nature
5. Not knowing when to let things just GO
Five things you like doing:
1. Blogging/Chatting
2. Listening to music
3. Having Sex (which is something I haven't enjoyed for almost 20 years! Long story and will explain either in email or a chat with you but probably won't blog about it...Kinda personal)
4. Cooking/Baking/Eating Basically anything to do with good food!
5. Oh, and did I mention Having Sex!
Five things you would never wear again:
1. Stilhettos (sp?)
2. Prarie Skirts (not good on a short person)
3. Plaid Pants
4. Baseball shirts with something dumb ironed onto them! (Can't believe I did that in HIGH SCHOOL! WHAT WAS I THINKING?)
5. Baseball Caps...I look terrible in ANY hat!
Five favorite toys:
1. My Computer
2. My Kayak
3. My vibrator
4. I miss my video games...the real ones in the arcade, not these ones on X-Box and such!
5. And my favorite toy at the moment is hubby's private parts! (as I said, if you want details on this you'll just have to ask)
There's your damned MEME Scotty and Melody! Took me forever but it's done! Hope you enjoyed it!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night!
Ok, so I've done my bitching about the holidays and I have taken some time to refresh and read some random blogs. I noticed that many many people are very stressed about Christmas and just can't seem to find thier Christmas Spirit. I'm here to help!
Me and Mine went for our annual ride around town to look at what people had for light displays tonight. It was very rewarding. We saw some very pretty displays and here are just a few.
  
The first of course is the true reason for this holiday...to celebrate the Birth of The Christ Child. The giving of gifts at Christmas isn't about what you are going to recieve. It is about the offerings that the wise men brought to manger to give to the babe. The second picture is one that reminds us of the magic of today's Christmas...The way the children get excited over the gifts they recieve. Santa's train above is loaded with the goodies of the holiday and we often think of Santa in the wrong way. He isn't a big commercialized symbol of the Holiday. He is as the wise men were...offering gifts to show love to all the children of the world. The last picture is one from town that is the most decorated house here. Every inch of the yard is covered with some sort of Christmas display. To me they go a little overboard here but if this is what makes these people happy then let it be. We all enjoyed our little outing today and I returned home with that warm fuzzy feeling you are SUPPOSED to have this time of year. We fully intended to come home to watch Christmas Shows on the tube...Nestor of course...one of my favorites! We got home a little late and ended up not watching it, but never fear, I have it recorded! YAY! I hope these pictures make you all as happy as they made me. Sorry about the quality of them but there is only so much you can do with a digital camera inside a moving vehicle. I thought the came out ok considering. This finally picture comes with a blessing and a huge MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! NOW, GO GET INTO THE SPIRIT PEEPS! 
Monday, December 12, 2005
Merry Effin' Ho Ho Ho!
 Mel's Monster!
The weekend has come and gone and I'm am feeling not too bad. Did the family Christmas thing with Hubby's family. Mel and her family were wonderful hosts. Hubby spent quality time with his brother and us ladies had some very nice chats. Saturday we started the day early...I think we were just so anxious to get to Hell out of Dodge that we pushed ourselves to leave sooner than planned. Got to Greenville about two hours ahead of schedule. Getting there early gave hubby and babygirl a little time to relax before they headed off to the hockey game. They left around 3 that afternoon and Mel and I hit the booze. It only took us two both 2 drinks before we were tipsy enough to know we had better stop. I had the bright idea of going for a walk and let me tell you, downhill, in high shoes, in your jammies, and being as tipsy as I was wasn't an easy task. And you know, once you go dawnhill walking you then have to turn around and go UPhill to get home. Uphill wasn't as bad since I was not so tipsy on the way back. I had a vision of how that night would go and I certainly didn't plan on returning from that walk and falling asleep watching a movie. I kinda thought an all night party would have fun, with the fellas and kids joining us when they got home. BUT, my vision just didn't happen.
Sunday, the big party day for the whole clan, went EXACTLY how I envisioned it to be. I think in a way it disapointed Mel. We had all the food ready way ahead of schedule. By 11:00 a.m. we were all sitting in the living room just waiting for someone to show up early. Nobody showed until ten minutes before the time Mel told them food would be served, exactly the way I told her it would happen. I LOVE IT WHEN I'M RIGHT!! The food got overcooked but at least it was still edible. Within ten minutes of the first guest showing up, the rest of them had arrived also. Dinner was served immediately and we no sooner had the food off the table and the gifts HAD to be done (something else I TOLD her would happen). Within two hours the entire party was over and I have to say I was very disappointed with the day. Mel did her best job of playing hostess but theres only so much you can do when the guests have other ideas. And get this one...Hubby suggested that I do the family Chrsitmas party next year! NOT EVER GONNA HAPPEN!!!
On the way home, we had to stop at the parents house to do gifts with them and that was an unplanned thing also. I hate it when they have us do that...we walk in, gifts are handed out and tore into, then the stuff they give to us is packed quickly into the truck and off to home we go...and I'm not exaggerating when I say it happens just that fast! With it being my husbands parents, I'd rather just wait and have them down for a nice dinner sometime and do the whole gift thing then. At least we can have time to visit and enjoy each others company that way.
One more stop on the way home, at sister in-laws house to pick up something to do with knives that Hubby had to get. The ride home was a long one and once here we then had to unpack from the weekend and I'm ashamed to say that my house is still a mess because I just haven't had time to put everything away. Am I glad the whole thing is over? ABSOLUTELY!!! Merry Fucking Christmas! ( I didn't think it was appropriate to make that last line my title to this post!)
So, today I was riding in the truck, very early this morning I might add, on the way to Farmington to SHOP SHOP SHOP! YUCK! But you know, I felt different! I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. I still am not sure why but I guess all the stress I've been dealing with over the last few weeks was all because of the damned Erickson Christmas. I didn't realize it until today that it had that much of an effect on everything else going on in my life but it does. I totally was looking forward to the weekend, spending it with Mel and her family, but there's just something about get togethers with that side of our family that stresses us both to the max. Now I just have 365 days to prepare myself for the next one. ARGH!! Maybe I'll SKIP the whole thing next year!
To Mel... Thank you for being a great host for our weekend and I totally am sorry that it wasn't all you had hoped it would be. Tim, Kristen and I had a wonderful time with you guys, at least until about 1:00 Sunday and we look forward to getting together with you again very soon.
As for the rest of you bloggers out there, all two others of you that actually read my ramblings, I will end this post now before going on to a new subject. But believe me when I say I have a whole lot more to say so be prepared. Til next time...Luvs to you all!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Finding A Happier Place!
I woke up early today, actually never went back to sleep once Hubby left for work at 4:00 a.m. You would think that being woke up so early would put me in a negative mood but for some reason it didn't. I am happier and more energetic then I have been in weeks. Why would I all of a sudden get like this?? I don't know, let's reassess and see if there are any links...
Mom is feeling tons better. I went with her yesterday to her wound care appointment and Sue (her wound specialist) was amazed at her progression of healing just in the last couple of weeks. Mom went on Cytoxin which is an extremely powerful drug used in cancer treatments. It is also used to heal wounds like she has from her Vasculitis. The past two or three weeks I have seen a major improvement in not only my mothers health but in her attitude towards life. She is still the chronic complainer and can never see the positive side of anything but she is excited for the holiday coming up and she isn't in hardly as much pain now. It does my heart good to see her getting back to her old self.
The new job as cheering coach is going well. It is ALWAYS stressful and everyday there is some new obstacle to overcome but in general I think I am doing a good job for the district and my girls look wonderful. Our first game went great and I hope to accomplish great strides with these young ladies before the end of the season. I may be losing two or three today for different reasons that are out of my control but other than that I wake up every day thinking about what I can teach them that 's new and fun. OMG! I think I might even be a little excited about this little venture of mine. Can you believe it?
Baby Girl is growing up...and after reading a journal she's been keeping at school in writing class, I am resting easier knowing that she really DOES have a handle on her life. I've stressed about her lately because I see her in different moods and she won't talk to me or her daddy about stuff anymore and that had me concerned. Some of the enteries she made in that journal proved to me that I have nothing to fear. She is a normal teenage girl growing into a beautiful young woman and her passions are way more than just "what am I going to get" or "it's all about ME" . She has a true heart and strong convictions and I am proud to say that she is MINE!
Hubby and I are somewhat on the road to recovery. Actually we are more like, lets cross this bridge when we come to it. We still have some major problems to work through but we are both putting it all on hold at least through the holidays. There will be another time and place that will be a more appropriate time and place where we can devote our energy to getting it right once and for all. I watched him last night as he lay sleeping and I tried to picture life without him...Guess what? Can't do it! He is my whole world and without him I'd be nothing. He is a royal pain in the ass and is the core of most of my stress but I do love him and so much want to work out our problems. Wish me luck...I'm going to need it!
I'm trying to get back into blogging...so much to let out, some good some bad, and blooging really helps. I'm sure you all know that. And my blogger buddies are the best in the world. Sis Mel keeps me grounded every day and Sheri offers great advice and sends humor though her posts. Scotty has lifted my spirits when they were at their lowest, even if he didn't relize he was doing it and I am so grateful for the three of these people! I'm lucky to have them in my life.
The holiday rush is over for me...Now I only need to go to the store when I WANT to go. My shopping is done and it feels great! Now I just have the never ending task of wrapping everything. Yuck! Christmas at Mels this weekend and it should be a blast. After that it's just whatever I decide to do here. Office party at work on the 16th and if I go I'll get extremely drunk as usual. I don't think I'm going this year though...just not up to the hangover the next day...I'm feeling too good lately!
Speaking of feeling good, that's a bit misleading...I am having some health issues but nothing serious, or at least I don't think they are anything too serious. Really should make an appointment with the doctors but just can't seem to find the time. After the holiday for sure though. Eyedoctor will get a call soon and I really want to get rid of these glasses...I hate them. Then the dermatologist so I can find out what this shit on my face is...I know it's not acne and not rosacea...hoping it isn't some form of cancer. All I know is my face is very tender and scaring more and more. I'm not too pleased with that either. So All is not perfect in Julie's world but I'm definitely trying to make it better!
Scotty asked me today for a picture of myself. Since I am now the proud owner of a digital camera I just might try to come up with one. Please don't be frightened away people, I'm not the prettiest person but I am not an old hag either. I promise my darlin' Scotty that you will get a more recent and BETTER picture soon...better than the one I sent you! Maybe Mel and I will work on that this weekend! We'll see.
Guess that's enough about me for one day...I think it's time for another MEME so I'm going exploring to find a good one. Til next time beautiful people!
Monday, December 05, 2005
This One Is For Scotty!
Scotty asked how I got my cookies from the last post to look so grand...well, I decided to share the recipe and decorating hints here so you all can try them. Have a great time with it if you do try them...
First you need the recipe: (I usually double this recipe)
1/3 c. Shortening
1/3 c. Margarine
2 c. Flour
3/4 c. Sugar
1 Egg
1 TBLS. Milk
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Vanilla (the real stuff...not imitation!)
In a bowl with an electric mixer blend butter and shortening until well blended. Add 1/2 of the flour and the remaining ingredients. Beat until well combined scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in the remaining flour. Chill for one or two hours before trying to handle. Roll out on floured surface (if you want sweeter cookies rool out on a surface covered with powdered sugar). THIS PART IS IMPORTANT!! YOU NEED SPECIAL CUTTERS> 
This is what you want...cutters that leave an impression. If you use hollow cutters you won't get the same effect on the cookies.
Bake 375 degrees 7-9 minutes. Do Not Grease the Cookie Sheet!
Decorating the Cookies:
This needs to be done BEFORE baking!
Make an EGG PAINT...
Yolks of about three or four eggs. Beat the yolks slightly in a bowl and then add a small amount of water. I'd say two or three tablespoons but I never measure it. It should thin down to about the consistency of orange juice. Once you've done this seperate the yolk mixture into as many bowls as you want colors. Once seperated, add liquid food coloring to each bowl in the colors that you want. Mix them with seperate forks so colors don't blend. "Paint" your cookies with new clean paint brushes...the kind little kids use for watercolors are the best. 99 cents at Walmart for about 20 of them! Use a different brush for each color! I usually put two or three brushes in each color so everyone can paint without waiting! Once your cookies are painted, be sure to sprinkle on colored or plain white sugar for added sparkle! Bake as directed!
Have fun my blogger pals and Scotty...I WANT PICTURES!!!!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Tis' The Season To Be Jolly...
It's Christmas Cookie Time! And I just have to say they came out great. We made it a family night this year and it was really fun. Mom and Dad came over and helped us paint our cookies and then we played cards. Here is Baby Girl (not too happy that I'm posting a picture of her) and her Grandfather hard at work. The finished product came out better than expected. And having two extra people here for it made it much easier. It is usually a good three hour project for Baby Girl, her dad and I. This time it took a little over an hour start to finish. And clean up was minimal with everyone pitching in. After we all sampled the cookies, and played a few minutes of UNO, we settled in the living room to watch some family tv. It's times like this that I cherish the most. When I was my daughters age, Dad was usually passed out right after supper and Mom was busy dealing with it all. I remember putting up the Christmas Tree with her. She always tried to make it a memerable event for my sister and I but Dad would usually come in half way through it drunk and obnoxious. The job would get done and I seem to remember it was always done when there was a Christmas show on the television, like Rudolph or something like that. Dad would pass out and snore extremely loud on the couch and Mom would get upset because he couldn't stay sober for a special evening with his kids. My sister was always bossy and I only got to hang a select few ornaments and if I was lucky if I got a handful of tinsel to hang. Although it is a fond memory, I also remember telling myself when I was older that if I had a family it wouldn't be like this. Tonight I think we accomplished that. It was a special evening to remember and one I hope my daughter cherishes when she gets older and has a family of her own. What strikes me funny about the evening is the involvement of my parents. Dad is no longer drinking, (hasn't for about 20 years now) and Mom is discovering that she can have all those memories she was never able to have when my sister and I were young by being involved in things that Hubby and I do with Baby Girl. This was a good night...and I so needed a good one for a change. Maybe it's the magic of the season sneaking through the cracks, I don't know, but whatever it is, I LOVE IT! Hope you all share special memories like this during this holiday season. Luvs to you all!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
A new outlook on things to come!
Ok, the venting that I did in my last post helped...as did the two hour talk I had with hubby dear yesterday. We got a lot of things out in the open and now we just need to work on them. Things don't seem as bleak as they did to me when I wrote my last post. Now on to better things...
I spent the morning helping my mother put up her Christmas Tree. It bothers me a little seeing her health failing to the point where she has to ask for help to do certain things. I put the tree together for her and put the lights on it. She thinks she can handle the rest on her own. I think that's a good thing...I thought about how I'd feel if someone else decorated MY tree. I wouldn't like it much. You know how it is...you like the lights a certain way and the ornaments have to be hung so each little face is looking out not in. This is my tree...
 Notice all the ornaments...it's not a very good picture...It is strung with red wooden beads that resemble cranberries and there are ornaments from every year of my life as well as my baby girls. The reindeer under were made by me...YAY! This is a close up of my favorite ornament...I got it when I was about five years old. 
Notice how the face looks OUT! Every ornament on my tree is that way...can't have those little faces looking away. Anyway, mom's tree is similar...she uses silver garland and colored lights and her ornaments aren't as plentiful. Still she likes it done her way just like we all do. I watched her for a while and then I had to leave because I couldn't handle seeing her have trouble holding the hooks. Her hands have deteriorated tremendously over the last year or so. It will take her most of the day to finish it and I'm sure she'll ask for my help more than once. Having the trees and lights all up is making me get excited for the holiday ahead. Ours starts next weekend when we will be traveling to Greenville for the weekend to celebrate with Hubby's family. And guess what? I actually have the shopping for it done! I know it's early to celebrate Christmas but I guess it is the weekend that works for Brother In-Law and since he and his wifey are putting on the party it should be their choice. We are looking forward to making some very happy memories with them. The boys will take the kids to a hockey game Saturday and sister in-law and I will do some bonding and drinking and eating and cooking and whatever else comes up. I have really needed a get-away and this might be just what the doc ordered! Sunday the rest of the family will come for the family Christmas party and I am just keeping crossed fingers that everything goes off without a hitch. Sister In-law would be happy if everyone just decided to not show up I'm sure..HAHA! Just Kidding Mel! I personally am hoping for nice relaxing party where the family reunites and starts actually ACTING like a family. You know, the kind of family you see on the Cosby Show or the Walton's.  I bet we all have that same dream. Next on my list of to-do's for the holiday season is to FINISH the shopping, shich I plan to do tomorrow with Hubby and then this weekend it's time to make the first batch of Christmas cookies with Baby Girl. Oh, and I probably should wrap those gifts that go to Greenville with me next weekend. I wonder if I could get away with just putting them in Walmart bags and setting them under the tree? Hee Hee! We might give that one some thought! Update on Cheering Job...It's actually going ok. We have our first game Monday and the girls are totally not ready...BUT...I'm going for it anyway. They look awesome in sidelines and if we can't do the halftime routine then we just won't do it. Hubby brought home a magazine article last night about the dangers of Cheerleading as a sport and the article tells how one gilr died because she was a flier and the bases didn't catch her. Makes me a bit nervous, one as a coach responsible for the safety of 13 girls and two as a mom who has a daughter on her squad that is a flier. Yesterday's practice was a bit stressful and about half of the girls just don't keep focused. We plan to make a change about that today. Yes my friends, it's time to be the bitch coach that I know I have in me. I have no choice, it's either that or someone gets hurt. And I refuse to let that happen. So, with that said, it's time to go and change into my gym clothing and head of to this glorious job that I was talked into doing. Til next time blogger Buds...see, I told you I was moving on to happier posts! Luv you all!
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