So I'm slowly getting better...still coughing but better than I was. And I'm feeling a weird nesting need (no I'm not pregnant) I want to clean my house...declutter...and start planning our meals. For people who know me well (I'm an ENFP) you know this is out of character for me. But we cleaned our house before his parents came and it was nice. I want to have people over more often and I want my house clean when I do. And I got my vacuum back so it is all serviced and ready to go.
I have a hard time getting dressed in the morning because my clothes are not all neat and tidily put away. I want to get them all clean and put away...not just folded in the basket. I do better with an organized closet. Proof I am my mother's daughter.
And I have a lot of good recipes and a ton of cookbooks...and a husband willing to cook dinner if the ingredients and the recipe are there. So I've decided I want to start planning our meals for the week.
We'll see how it all goes.
Weekend menu:
Friday night: Date night - dinner out
Saturday night: Airman Amy's Chicken (a spicy oriental chicken) - Food Network recipe
Sunday night: Stuffed Potatoes (family recipe)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
I spent my weekend in bed...
I have a crud...the doctor this morning called it an upper respiratory infection. I'm going on antibiotics. But right now I feel like crud. I'm sneezy, congested, coughing, and ucky all in one. My dear husband is a sweetheart and has been taking care of me but I'm worried he's going to get it.
I'm at work today....
I want to be home asleep on my couch.
I'm at work today....
I want to be home asleep on my couch.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
If you don't have something nice to say....
don't say anything at all.
I think every child has heard this from their mothers at one time or another. I know I heard it from my Mom, my Granny, my teachers, etc.
This past Saturday my hubby and our friends S, J, T, A, and M all went to a local dance club (country bar, hey we're in the south this is what we have to work with) well it is ameat meet market for local singles. We only went because we didn't want our friend S to get stuck. Well S, J, and I are all fairly good sized girls...size 18 and above but we are ok with it because we are working on it. Apparently the young guys in the place feel it is ok to give commentary about whatever they want.
We were trying to move through the crowd when a young guy made the comment "make room for the big girls" that only my hubby heard. He said he almost decked the guy. I told him the guy wouldn't have been worth decking. I just would have looked at him and said "yeah we have to get the small di*&ed guys out of the way." I know two wrongs don't make a right but really what gives him the right to make comments like that.
Then later a group of guys made a comment about my friend S that they were surprised she could move so well for her size. I'm sorry when did it become acceptable to make commentary like that. How totally narrow minded really.
We have decide to bypass that place from now on. We are past the single drama and frankly that isn't a good place to meet "the rest of your life" man...it is more the place to meet "the rest of tonight man." Now that isn't to say that there aren't nice guys there. There are but obviously some idiots too.
I think every child has heard this from their mothers at one time or another. I know I heard it from my Mom, my Granny, my teachers, etc.
This past Saturday my hubby and our friends S, J, T, A, and M all went to a local dance club (country bar, hey we're in the south this is what we have to work with) well it is a
We were trying to move through the crowd when a young guy made the comment "make room for the big girls" that only my hubby heard. He said he almost decked the guy. I told him the guy wouldn't have been worth decking. I just would have looked at him and said "yeah we have to get the small di*&ed guys out of the way." I know two wrongs don't make a right but really what gives him the right to make comments like that.
Then later a group of guys made a comment about my friend S that they were surprised she could move so well for her size. I'm sorry when did it become acceptable to make commentary like that. How totally narrow minded really.
We have decide to bypass that place from now on. We are past the single drama and frankly that isn't a good place to meet "the rest of your life" man...it is more the place to meet "the rest of tonight man." Now that isn't to say that there aren't nice guys there. There are but obviously some idiots too.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Longing to Belong...
aka...the need for family
I have been reading a lot of Cesar Millan's books in an effort to better understand my dogs and possibly get them to behave a bit better. (the reality is it is me who needs to behave a bit better) And one of the things that keeps striking me is the fact that dog's are pack animals and need to be part of a pack. They don't like to be solo and in the wild they wouldn't be solo.
The reality is that as humans we really aren't so different. We want to belong to something. You see it all the time in teenagers they cling to different groups even if they aren't good because at least they are accepted. But you also see it in adults. Each of us has a family of origin...we were born or adopted into a family that raised us. Some families are good, some families are not so good, and some families are just bad but they all have one thing in common they are our families. We didn't choose them...they didn't necessarily choose us but we are what we have.
I am blessed I was born into a loving family with two mostly normal parents and an older brother. I love them and would not be the woman I am today without their love and support. Now don't get me wrong we have had our rough spots but ultimately I was lucky to have a wonderful and healthy family life growing up. But I know others were not.
J was blessed to have been adopted by a wonderful family who gave him a similar upbringing to mine. And he is also blessed to have a relationship with his two biological siblings as well. He floored me when he said he had 6 sisters and a brother. I have a brother. You could see the intimidation factor.
We recently had a second wedding for my family and our friends here. His parents were able to join us and it was wonderful. It made us very aware of the family connections that we have and hold dear.
But we have also realized that some people are not as fortunate as we are and their families are not as wonderful. Sometimes the best thing they can say about their childhood is that it over. And because of this they are looking for a place to belong. The beauty of connection is that our family of origin is not our only family.
J and I are a family as a couple with four-legged children. Our family has brought both of us a calm because it is ours and only ours. But we also belong to other families...our church family, our family of friends, our work families, the Harley family, the pitbull owner family, and many more. Sometimes the place you belong is the place you create with friends, co-workers, people of fellow interest, etc and not so much the family you grew up with. Over time you realize that you are who you are thanks to family, friends, enemies, and experiences. All of them important and all of them different.
Where do you find your belonging spot?
I have been reading a lot of Cesar Millan's books in an effort to better understand my dogs and possibly get them to behave a bit better. (the reality is it is me who needs to behave a bit better) And one of the things that keeps striking me is the fact that dog's are pack animals and need to be part of a pack. They don't like to be solo and in the wild they wouldn't be solo.
The reality is that as humans we really aren't so different. We want to belong to something. You see it all the time in teenagers they cling to different groups even if they aren't good because at least they are accepted. But you also see it in adults. Each of us has a family of origin...we were born or adopted into a family that raised us. Some families are good, some families are not so good, and some families are just bad but they all have one thing in common they are our families. We didn't choose them...they didn't necessarily choose us but we are what we have.
I am blessed I was born into a loving family with two mostly normal parents and an older brother. I love them and would not be the woman I am today without their love and support. Now don't get me wrong we have had our rough spots but ultimately I was lucky to have a wonderful and healthy family life growing up. But I know others were not.
J was blessed to have been adopted by a wonderful family who gave him a similar upbringing to mine. And he is also blessed to have a relationship with his two biological siblings as well. He floored me when he said he had 6 sisters and a brother. I have a brother. You could see the intimidation factor.
We recently had a second wedding for my family and our friends here. His parents were able to join us and it was wonderful. It made us very aware of the family connections that we have and hold dear.
But we have also realized that some people are not as fortunate as we are and their families are not as wonderful. Sometimes the best thing they can say about their childhood is that it over. And because of this they are looking for a place to belong. The beauty of connection is that our family of origin is not our only family.
J and I are a family as a couple with four-legged children. Our family has brought both of us a calm because it is ours and only ours. But we also belong to other families...our church family, our family of friends, our work families, the Harley family, the pitbull owner family, and many more. Sometimes the place you belong is the place you create with friends, co-workers, people of fellow interest, etc and not so much the family you grew up with. Over time you realize that you are who you are thanks to family, friends, enemies, and experiences. All of them important and all of them different.
Where do you find your belonging spot?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Shopping
I love shopping for clothes, purses, home goods, fun shoes, and even hardware. But I hate shopping for bras...it started probably in 4th grade when I got my first one that was scratchy and uncomfortable. Since then I've never liked bra shopping. I admit part of it is a modesty that I have...and part of it is that when you are a 40DD bra choices are not too pleantiful.
I will admit it has gotten better even VS has some bras for us bigger girls. But the clerks at least at the one near me seem to be a bit judgemental. Now in the past I've had some very good experiences with Victoria's Secret and service but lately it has been a bit iffy.
I love a place across the water called the Full Cup. They have amazing service and they are patient with the fact that not every bra fits everyone. They have a great selection too. But you pay for it.
I know...I know I'm being picky...I want good service, pretty bras, and not have to pay half my salary in the process. Greedy I know. But a girl can dream.
I am in desperate need of a new bra or three but I've been putting it off until I get through the wedding on Sunday. And because I hate it. But I'm trying to look on the bright side...VS is having a sale. Good deals abound.
I will admit it has gotten better even VS has some bras for us bigger girls. But the clerks at least at the one near me seem to be a bit judgemental. Now in the past I've had some very good experiences with Victoria's Secret and service but lately it has been a bit iffy.
I love a place across the water called the Full Cup. They have amazing service and they are patient with the fact that not every bra fits everyone. They have a great selection too. But you pay for it.
I know...I know I'm being picky...I want good service, pretty bras, and not have to pay half my salary in the process. Greedy I know. But a girl can dream.
I am in desperate need of a new bra or three but I've been putting it off until I get through the wedding on Sunday. And because I hate it. But I'm trying to look on the bright side...VS is having a sale. Good deals abound.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
And in 2010....
In the past I've always been a resolution girl....
Some of my past resolutions:
(in no particular order)
Some of my past resolutions:
(in no particular order)
- lose weight
- lose a husband
- gain a boyfriend
- get closer to God
- get healthier
- get closer to friends
- lose weight
- get a different job
- graduate from college
- go back to school
- Be closer to God by participating at church and reading the Bible
- Be healthier by going to the Y more regularly and planning our meals to be healthier
- Be a better housekeeper by doing little things sooner rather than waiting for the big mess
- Be a better wife by listening more and talking less
- Be a better pet mommy by giving them more boundaries and more of my direct time
- Be a business starter by making jewelry and purses to sell
- Be a better friend by initiating contact and not waiting...the phone amazingly works both ways
- I'm sure there's more but this will keep my busy...lol
2009 in Review
In many ways 2009 was a good year...in some ways I still hope for more in 2010.
January: J and I rang in the New Year with some dear friends...it was a good night and we had a great time! We looked forward to a good year. And he said that 2009 had started so much better than 2007 for him and 2008 brought great things.
February: February was a month of ups and downs...it brought our 1 year anniversary...Valentine's Day...his sister's engagement all in a week's time. The anniversary was good...Valentine's Day celebrations could have been better. But we made a decision...we would celebrate our anniversary or Valentine's Day not both.
March: March brought the St. Patrick's Day dance at the Knights of Columbus. That was great fun!! J had stopped smoking for six months and March brought his downfall and he started smoking again.So we are working on that. March brought Eva's (fur baby) 1st birthday and a new addition of Ares (fur baby). Both are a joy to have.
April: Easter comes every year and when you work in a church you have to plan your life around it. J was a bit disgruntled that I had to be at work all morning on Easter. We got up to go to our church's Sunrise service and he decided that he would go to all of the services at work with me. He figured if he grumbled about not spending time with me he could come to work with me and be with me. It was very sweet. April also brought Eva's puppy training. She did well because we had worked with her.
May: His family was having their annual reunion in Indiana at a campground in August but plans begin earlier. They wanted us to come...14 hours drive...and money concerned us but we said we would try. May also starts the family celebration weeks. My Dad's birthday and Mother's Day back to back. May also brought Membership Classes at the church we attend. We decided if we were going to join we'd go through the steps needed.
June: June brought Father's Day and the beginning of the true summer weather. We volunteered through J's work to help with the Relay for Life. It was fun and enjoyable and amazing food. I went to talk to a Financial Counselor to get my finances in order. It sort of helped. Mom also came up with the idea that J and I get married at the family reunion in Indiana so his family could see it happen. We thought she was crazy...
July: July took me to court for a speeding ticket. Because of my good driving record I was able to go to Defensive Driving Class and keep my record clean. It also brought VBS at work...in Greece. (well a very well decorated Fellowship Hall made it feel like Greece) And it also brought a knee injury thanks to Ares (fur baby) a fifty pound pitbull running into my knee. Yeah it hurt. But he felt bad about it and gave me lots of kisses. J also asked my Dad for my hand. Old fashioned I know but I liked it, it was sweet.
August: We joined our church the first Sunday in August. My knee after some therapy healed. And I had both of my Fantasy Football drafts. The end of August brought my time off to go to the C family reunion. But I ended up working part of my vacation.
September: We departed Virginia Wednesday night and arrived in Indiana Thursday afternoon. We met with a retired UM pastor and got our marriage license. We went to the camp ground and got settled in our cabin. Then Friday night we revealed to the whole family that we were getting married on Saturday. Everyone was thrilled and September 5th we became Mr. & Mrs. Work wise in September we had our big first annual Carnival. It was a huge success and very not stressful!
October: J decided that his 30 something body was still up for playing soccer with the youngins. He held his own but the late nights got to him and he decided he'd bow out in favor of spending time with family. I took a study at work about Praying in Color it was awesome and hoped to use it in my daily devotionals. We also started our "premarital counseling" with our pastor. We passed with flying colors. We also had our engagement photos taken with our photographer. They were fun and turned out well. For Halloween we went to our church for Trunk or Treat. I think it would be something good for my work to look into too.
November: We went to Ocracoke Island, NC. If you ever have a chance you should go. It is the place that time forgot in a good way. You walk everywhere, everyone knows everyone, it is peaceful. We loved it. We also suffered a horrible Nor'Easter. It was as bad as any hurricane I'd been through. We lost the chimney topper to our chimney and some slate. We also lost electricity for five days due to a tree falling on a line.
December: We had a busy December with a Drive-Through Nativity at work. The Pre-K Christmas Celebration at work. My birthday...which included a dinner at Melting Pot. Yummy. A Blue Christmas Service at work. Four Christmas Eve services that needed bulletins. And of course Christmas and New Year's.
whew what a year...but I wouldn't change it for the world....looking to 2010!
January: J and I rang in the New Year with some dear friends...it was a good night and we had a great time! We looked forward to a good year. And he said that 2009 had started so much better than 2007 for him and 2008 brought great things.
February: February was a month of ups and downs...it brought our 1 year anniversary...Valentine's Day...his sister's engagement all in a week's time. The anniversary was good...Valentine's Day celebrations could have been better. But we made a decision...we would celebrate our anniversary or Valentine's Day not both.
March: March brought the St. Patrick's Day dance at the Knights of Columbus. That was great fun!! J had stopped smoking for six months and March brought his downfall and he started smoking again.So we are working on that. March brought Eva's (fur baby) 1st birthday and a new addition of Ares (fur baby). Both are a joy to have.
April: Easter comes every year and when you work in a church you have to plan your life around it. J was a bit disgruntled that I had to be at work all morning on Easter. We got up to go to our church's Sunrise service and he decided that he would go to all of the services at work with me. He figured if he grumbled about not spending time with me he could come to work with me and be with me. It was very sweet. April also brought Eva's puppy training. She did well because we had worked with her.
May: His family was having their annual reunion in Indiana at a campground in August but plans begin earlier. They wanted us to come...14 hours drive...and money concerned us but we said we would try. May also starts the family celebration weeks. My Dad's birthday and Mother's Day back to back. May also brought Membership Classes at the church we attend. We decided if we were going to join we'd go through the steps needed.
June: June brought Father's Day and the beginning of the true summer weather. We volunteered through J's work to help with the Relay for Life. It was fun and enjoyable and amazing food. I went to talk to a Financial Counselor to get my finances in order. It sort of helped. Mom also came up with the idea that J and I get married at the family reunion in Indiana so his family could see it happen. We thought she was crazy...
July: July took me to court for a speeding ticket. Because of my good driving record I was able to go to Defensive Driving Class and keep my record clean. It also brought VBS at work...in Greece. (well a very well decorated Fellowship Hall made it feel like Greece) And it also brought a knee injury thanks to Ares (fur baby) a fifty pound pitbull running into my knee. Yeah it hurt. But he felt bad about it and gave me lots of kisses. J also asked my Dad for my hand. Old fashioned I know but I liked it, it was sweet.
August: We joined our church the first Sunday in August. My knee after some therapy healed. And I had both of my Fantasy Football drafts. The end of August brought my time off to go to the C family reunion. But I ended up working part of my vacation.
September: We departed Virginia Wednesday night and arrived in Indiana Thursday afternoon. We met with a retired UM pastor and got our marriage license. We went to the camp ground and got settled in our cabin. Then Friday night we revealed to the whole family that we were getting married on Saturday. Everyone was thrilled and September 5th we became Mr. & Mrs. Work wise in September we had our big first annual Carnival. It was a huge success and very not stressful!
October: J decided that his 30 something body was still up for playing soccer with the youngins. He held his own but the late nights got to him and he decided he'd bow out in favor of spending time with family. I took a study at work about Praying in Color it was awesome and hoped to use it in my daily devotionals. We also started our "premarital counseling" with our pastor. We passed with flying colors. We also had our engagement photos taken with our photographer. They were fun and turned out well. For Halloween we went to our church for Trunk or Treat. I think it would be something good for my work to look into too.
November: We went to Ocracoke Island, NC. If you ever have a chance you should go. It is the place that time forgot in a good way. You walk everywhere, everyone knows everyone, it is peaceful. We loved it. We also suffered a horrible Nor'Easter. It was as bad as any hurricane I'd been through. We lost the chimney topper to our chimney and some slate. We also lost electricity for five days due to a tree falling on a line.
December: We had a busy December with a Drive-Through Nativity at work. The Pre-K Christmas Celebration at work. My birthday...which included a dinner at Melting Pot. Yummy. A Blue Christmas Service at work. Four Christmas Eve services that needed bulletins. And of course Christmas and New Year's.
whew what a year...but I wouldn't change it for the world....looking to 2010!
Avatar...an experience
So this weekend we went to see Avatar...if you have not seen it you should. And you should see it in 3D IMAX if possible. I called it the Star Wars of this generation and I believe that it will be. It is a new experience unlike anything you have seen before. James Cameron has outdone himself. There is more I want to say about it but that will come at a later point.
Merry Christmas
Sorry I disappeared...I work in a church...last week was as crazy as it can get in a week. So we were blessed with a shorter work week for Christmas...which meant...2 1/2 days at work=good....and 2 1/2 days to get all four Christmas Eve bulletins and a Sunday bulletin created, edited, and run off. It was a lot of work but we got it all done by 2:00 PM on the 23rd.
Then I went to the bank, etc. And then J and I headed to the "outlets" to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Crazy...crazy...crazy...and yet the mood was festive so it wasn't too bad. We picked up some stuff for my Dad, my brother, and J. All and all a good trip.
Christmas Eve we were awakened by Ares at 7:00 in the morning. We live near a Shipyard and they have a 7:00 a.m. whistle to start the morning. Well apparently Ares thinks this is for him. So he wakes up and makes a ton of noise until we come down and let him out. We got up...got dressed and went to run a few errands. We went to the pet store and the grocery store for food for all. Harris Teeter is a fun grocery store except around the holidays and then it is evil. But we got what we needed then we came home for some relaxing before going to meet Mom and Dad for dinner. I didn't relax so much...I made a cheesecake and my spinach-artichoke dip.We were going to go to Schlotsky's but they were closed so we went to Kelly's instead. Then Mom, J, and I went to our church for Christmas Eve service. Mom had never been...and she loved it. Then we took Mom home and went to our friends annual Christmas Eve gathering. It was great!
Christmas morning we slept in a bit...so I was late starting our pull-apart bread breakfast. Which meant in turn we were late getting to Mom and Dad's. Unfortunately I hadn't wrapped any gifts so I also had to do that before leaving. I know I know...Christmas comes every year on the same day and yet it always sneaks up on me. And I had to get a shower...definately needed. We got to Mom and Dad's had breakfast while opening gifts. We got a couple things we needed, a couple we wanted, and a couple surprises. We got the Pictionary Man game...oh my gosh it is so much fun but hard. After opening gifts we watched Star Trek, one of J's gifts while munching on more food. I fell asleep. Running around on little sleep will do that to you...then Mom made Beef Stroganoff....it was yummy! Then we went and drove around looking at lights but it started to rain so we came home and had delish...and I mean delish Chocolate Cheesecake (made by moi). It was so rich you couldn't eat a lot. Then J and I packed up and came home.
It was a good Christmas!!
Then I went to the bank, etc. And then J and I headed to the "outlets" to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Crazy...crazy...crazy...and yet the mood was festive so it wasn't too bad. We picked up some stuff for my Dad, my brother, and J. All and all a good trip.
Christmas Eve we were awakened by Ares at 7:00 in the morning. We live near a Shipyard and they have a 7:00 a.m. whistle to start the morning. Well apparently Ares thinks this is for him. So he wakes up and makes a ton of noise until we come down and let him out. We got up...got dressed and went to run a few errands. We went to the pet store and the grocery store for food for all. Harris Teeter is a fun grocery store except around the holidays and then it is evil. But we got what we needed then we came home for some relaxing before going to meet Mom and Dad for dinner. I didn't relax so much...I made a cheesecake and my spinach-artichoke dip.We were going to go to Schlotsky's but they were closed so we went to Kelly's instead. Then Mom, J, and I went to our church for Christmas Eve service. Mom had never been...and she loved it. Then we took Mom home and went to our friends annual Christmas Eve gathering. It was great!
Christmas morning we slept in a bit...so I was late starting our pull-apart bread breakfast. Which meant in turn we were late getting to Mom and Dad's. Unfortunately I hadn't wrapped any gifts so I also had to do that before leaving. I know I know...Christmas comes every year on the same day and yet it always sneaks up on me. And I had to get a shower...definately needed. We got to Mom and Dad's had breakfast while opening gifts. We got a couple things we needed, a couple we wanted, and a couple surprises. We got the Pictionary Man game...oh my gosh it is so much fun but hard. After opening gifts we watched Star Trek, one of J's gifts while munching on more food. I fell asleep. Running around on little sleep will do that to you...then Mom made Beef Stroganoff....it was yummy! Then we went and drove around looking at lights but it started to rain so we came home and had delish...and I mean delish Chocolate Cheesecake (made by moi). It was so rich you couldn't eat a lot. Then J and I packed up and came home.
It was a good Christmas!!
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