Tuesday

SO, here I am!

Yesterday, they closed our Campus down. I didn't post very much, because I had a lot going on. When I thought I might as well go in to work, I arrived to the entrance of the campus, and Eveline called me to tell me that the whole campus was closing in 15 minutes! Well, I circled the campus, and hopped back on the highway. The rest of the day, I watched news about the VTech Stuff, and went shopping for goodies for my kids, and my hubby. I bought everyone presents, except me. :) It was lots of fun. And, everyone was happy.

The floods here are terrible. We had detours this morning, because the Delaware river crested above flood levels again. Very sad. I am so glad that we don't live near the river anymore. However, I feel horrible for the people that can't get out. They can't sell, or afford to move. It's just terrible. :(

Today is Tuesday. I'm happy to be here, at work. I'm happy to be alive. I'm grateful for my life. I'm blessed in so many ways. No, it's not sunny out. Nope... it's not warm, either. BUT, I'm here. I'm alive. I'm healthy. And, I'm loved by some pretty amazing people. Yeah. It's good to be alive. :)

I had a very late night (last night). I was out until almost 10 p.m. Zzzzzzzzzzz..... I know I'm getting older when I say that, and feel so sleepy.

More later. :)

*Waves to the world, with a smile.

Quote of the day... One to think about.

“Remember that I’m Human. Before you judge me or decide how you’ll deal with me, walk awhile in my shoes. If you do, I think you’ll find with more understanding we can meet in the middle and walk the rest of the way together.”



Feet - mine. From my trip to Alabama.

Virginia Tech Shooting...

This is terribly sad news.....

What a senseless act. What is happening to people in this world? It's so scary, and so sad. My prayers go out to those who have lost their lives, as well as their Family and Friends.

It's times like this that people should hug their loved ones so tight. And, make peace with things that are so unimportant, when you look at the big scheme of things.


And, for those who have chidren in school... you should say your prayers each day, that they remain safe, while they are not in our own, personal care.

This is fun!!!!

My son taught me this. He was so excited that I hadn't heard of it before!!!! Try it!! It will make you smile. :)

Wicked Nor'Easter Monday ~ Ice Storm, flooding, wow!

Well, my intentions were good......

Here I sit in my Living Room - writing my Monday Morning blog. I was getting ready for work this morning, when the phone rang. Mom and Dad wanted me to know that they had been flooded out. Black rock Road was closed. :( They were so upset. Then, I got the kids ready, and we attempted to leave for school & work. Nope, not happening. We went outside, and discovered that we were in the middle of an Ice Storm. What the heck? (lol). So, I piled them in the van anyway, and my cell rang. It was Fred, telling me that I am not to be driving in this weather. SO, I make the appropriate calls, and we unload from the van! What a morning. So, here I am. And, it's a good thing. There are accidents all over the place, and the news has mentioned that there are more than 20,0000 residents in our county without power. The Rivers & Creeks are flooding (again), and everything is just a huge mess!!! SO, long story short.... there's nothing so important going on that I should risk the safety of my children, or me.

Wow.... lol. My life cracks me up!

So, last night. Yesterday.... the weekend in a whole. GOOD. Nice.... Happy. Pleasant. One day at a time. Indeed.

I have a feeling that I'll be blogging a lot today... if I'm going to be inside all day, I might blog and blog and blog. Maybe not. We'll see!!!!!

Sunday - Rainy Sunday...

Good Morning world! It's raining again! I am so glad that we took advantage of the nice, sunny day, yesterday!

I was up SUPER early this morning. As soon as I woke up, hubby brought the computer to me so I could see the new PostSecret's for the week. WOW.... this time, I could only relate to 1 of them. :)

Today looks like a lazy day! Cold, rainy, windy...... but, it's okay. We could use a day inside. If I didn't need to get to the store, I'd would shower & get right back into my comfy's, and call for a COMFY day!! We used to have Lot's of those on Sundays. :) The kids loved it.

Gotta run for now. Catch up with some posting later!!

Yes, This is why I love a GOOD Saturday!

What a nice day!!!! Busy, but nice. This morning, the kids went with Mom and Dad to Philadelphia to see the Philadelphia Orchestra perform at the Kimmell Center. Family day, with music from Walt Disney's "Fantasia". They had a nice time!!!! While they were gone, Fred and I made the best of our time together, alone. We really needed it, since things fell apart for awhile. And, so...... we headed to Rice's Flea Market. Since we weren't the "early birds", we found ourselves hurrying through, as the vendors began packing up. It was fun anyway. We had a nice talk on the ride there, which made the fact that we were late, much less important. :)
We didn't buy anything until we were about to leave. Seems I just can't say no to old men trying to sell out their stock of Bagels. They were so cute. And so, We bought bagels. They were happy, and so were we. :) Nice really goes a long way with me :).

When we arrived home, it seemed like our date was soon to be over. We ran out for lunch, and I had a Salad. Gold star for the girl on a mission!

After lunch, we had Mom and Dad stuff to do. Picking up, dropping off... and before we know it - we have one extra child in our group. lol We always entertain extra kids on the weekends that the kids are home. :) This time, it was one of the usual kiddies.... Lindsey!

Off to the Car Dealership. I mention the thought of a new car, Fred's in the Consumer Reports book, checking it out. So, we go over to Reedman's. I test drive this car I've had my eye on.... I LOVE IT! We'll see. I think we're both at the point in our lives where we don't want to make a quick decision. SO, we'll talk about it, and figure out what we want to do.

And then.... we drop the girls off. Going to spend the night at Lindsey's house. Now, it's down to me, Fred and Brandon. Hmmmmmmmmmm..... off to Blockbuster!!! Rent a movie, get some snacks (no bad snacks for me), and off to the Clubhouse to watch it on the movie screen!!!! :) Bad movie, nice time.

Now, time to settle down for the night. Heck, it's after Midnight!!!!! zzzzzzzzzzz

Nice day. Really felt like things were falling back into place.

Cool.

Yeah, Today was all good. :)

Remember this song?

I woke up this morning, and when I looked out the window...... this song was playing in my head. And so, I share it with you!!!! May today bring you nothing but sunshine!!!!!

I Can See Clearly Now

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day

Happy Saturday!!!!

Well, yesterday I could have been described as the month of March.... I went into the day like a lion, and went out like a lamb! I started my day in a bad sort of way. I had troubles a miles high, and conflict with the people I love. Then, during the course of the day, I decided that I was going to be okay. AND, the people that love me, and care for me, well... they'll be there. And the one's that don't - well, they'll just "go away".

So, last night - I had a GREAT time with my kiddie loves. The 3 of us went to the Mall. It was so much fun. They love going out with me. They think I'm a pretty cool Mom. We laugh a lot, and talk about stuff. And, I listen to everything they want to tell me. It was nice..... just nice :)

Then, when we got back, I joined the small going away party for Marie and Brian. It was cool. Fred and I connected. We have had the most difficult time. It's been tough. But, last night was good. We played "Family Feud" with Jim and Dennis, and then he and I played "Scrabble". We both felt drained from all the conflict, and fighting. And, I think we both knew, it was time to start over. With a clean slate.

TODAY: CLEAN SLATE.

Anything for a smile

****** LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN ******

The EASY part is done!~

Had my first "Weigh In" today.

My goal for week 1 = 3 pounds. Let the challenge begin!!!!!!

Ready, set, go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK!!!!!

Acceptance and surrender
Move us forward on this Journey. Force does not work.
Acceptance and surrender
Two concepts that hurt the most before we do them.

Today I am grateful...

For eyes to see miracles
For ears to hear angels
For hands to create beauty
For feet to carry me along rocky roads
For emotions to feel the human experience
For a mind willing to expand
For a voice to sing God’s praises
For a nose to capture scents
For a soul that will never know death
For a heart that’s breakable and has enough space to soar with love

If the only prayer you said in your life was "thank you," that would suffice. --Meister Eckhart

It's Raining, it's pouring.... Let's Celebrate Anyway!

It's Friday. Friday is my favorite day of the "work week". However, I've been miserable. And, I've been spewing misery.... and THAT IS NOT ME! Even when I feel down, or might be struggling with life, in general... I try to keep on track. Keeps me sane! And, when someone feels happy, with any luck, it spreads.... to others that may not be quite as happy.

So, It's Friday. Break out the Balloons. Celebrate life. Live a little. Smile, don't frown..... Be lifted up, not down.


And for those I may have brought down with me, I do apologize. I'm straightening up in my chair, and putting on my happy face!

Friday The 13th.

Seems to fit in with the theme of my life right now.

Sorry. Late, sleepless night. Unless I have something positive to post, I may be pretty quiet today, here.... on my blog.

Thursday Night....

Tonight was tough. Silent ride home from our first visit to our Therapist....

Communication - not working......

I'm sitting on the bed, writing this, while he's gone off to the shop, or something. I really don't know. He just left. Not easy, not fun. This is how it is for us tonight. This is how it's been, for far too long. I usually follow him. I can't do it anymore. I mean it. I have to stop. And, if something doesn't change, who really knows where this life will lead us.

I don't want to post sad, painful things on this site. But, right now, I cannot do anything else.

There's no fluffy, soft picture to paint tonight.



We're swimming against the tide. It's exhausting.

And off we go!

So, me and the bats.... We're headed off to "University Day" over at Daly's. The trolley will be picking us up at noon. (lol)

I must watch out for my little bats.... make sure they don't trip. climbing up into this thing. Ahhhhhhhhhhh... I have my camera! I'll get a few shots. Post them tonight. They have no idea that I have this Blog site. So, I can post their faces all over... lol - I must entertain myself. Helps me get through the day.

I'll post later. Filling this Blog Spot up!!!!!

If I get it all out, I feel better.

Thursday.

Tonight is HUGE. After being together with my hubby for 8 years, we're stepping forward & seeing a therapist. Her name is Nora. It's scary. It's exciting. It's huge. Two weeks ago, we had a huge blow out. Afterwards, it was important to us both, that we agreed to seek help from an outside source. We made the appointment, and since then, it's been quiet..... and peaceful at home. It's a big step. Opening up.
Funny... Fred and I are so intense. When we connect, we're the most affectionate couple in the world. There's never a moment that we're not holding each other, or touching each other... in some way. BUT, when we have conflict, it's intense - but to the other extreme. It's difficult, and we can't seem to find common ground. We both feel the way we feel, and find it hard to understand the other's point of view. Anyway, the bottom line is - we are seeing someone tonight. AND, I look forward to it very much.

Also, we are together all the time. It's great. If I could choose only one person to spend all of my free time with, it would be him. However, since we spent so many years isolating ourselves from the outside world, we've come to this place in our life where we wish we had more friends. Seems all the friends I have had, are like a snowstorm. They come into my life, bright and pure, and settle in for awhile. Then, as time passes, they begin to fade. And, like snow... one day comes, the sun rises, and they're gone. *Shrugs. SO, maybe we need to join a group, get out there, open our circle up a little more....
We talk about it. He has some great stories. I've heard them all (or at least most of them). I still think they're fun to listen to. I have stories too. He's heard mine 1,000 times. He's very sweet. I can tell him the same thing over and over again - and he listens, like he's never heard it before. BUT, it would be nice to share with other's. Does that make sense? See... look at me know. I can't slow down. Maybe it's the 6 cups of coffee... maybe I have too much to say... in general... who knows.

This is my blog. This is my one place. This is me. My life.

This pretty much explains my day today

CUTE

Preparing for my Big Weight Loss Challenge, beginning this Friday at Noon! I'm pretty excited about it. I'm going to be 100% on it, from Friday the 13th, until July 21st. 14 weeks to a better, more curvy, more fit, sexy BODY!
I will be posting my weight loss EVERY Friday!!!!! I can't wait!!!! And, as soon as I've lost 10 pounds, I'm posting a picture. Sexy, fun, don't know.... just some picture showing my success!

Camping - In Tents

Okay, I'm in!

So, camping isn't meant to be done in cabins, or Yurts... or campers, or trailers. Camping is pitching a tent.... dealing with the discomfort of the ground, or.. trying to sleep on an air mattress.. hoping the air doesn't find it's way out. It's about cooking over a fire, or something like that. Telling ghost stories at night, and holding on to the one's you love, if you get scared. It's about getting back to the basics... or, for the kids, learning what "the basics" are. Using public restrooms, public showers (ohhh... could be exciting) lol.... It's about exploring.... nature.

Baby, I'm in. Bring it on! :)

Just tell me this.... Can I bring my favorite, soft comfy's, and blanket? :)

Let's try it. I haven't camped since I was a little girl. I'm in!!!!! I'm ready!!!!

Wednesday

Wednesday.....

Last night I didn't post. Not sure where the time went, but.. I guess I just wasn't in the mood. Had gone out with the family, for dinner. We also went to see Donna and Michelle, to see how they were doing. Michelle is really doing well. I'm very proud of her. When I first met her, I had no idea what she was like, sober. Now, she's full of positive life. It's nice to see. And, I believe that Steve has helped her a lot in so many ways. He's a good, Christian guy. AND, although he's not the best with words (lol)... he means well. I think he's a good friend for her. A real positive influence in her life. YEAH for Michelle. :) You go, girl.

Went home, relaxed. That's about it.

Today, a mystery.....

Oh, and this hump day picture is for my boy, who simply Loves Camels. :)

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.--

My Happy Place...

I'm taking a minute to write a little. I need a break, and this seems to be a good outlet for me. I need a place, where I can just be me. This is it. I can say what I feel, and for some odd reason, once I get it out, even by typing it... I feel a little better. :)

Today has been a little hectic. I have spent some time (this morning) feeling sorry for myself. Then, after I went to see Brooke, my spirits were lifted, and I felt better. Now, I am just relaxing for a minute....


Sunflowers. The one and only flower that I have ever grown. In fact, I grew a small bundle of them. And, I have the worst luck with gardening.. No green thumb here.
However, when I lived in Missouri, I grew some Sunflowers. Who cares, right? Well, I did. I had so much negativity in my life, that I wanted to take time to create something, plant something, so I could feel good, positive... Sunflowers. I was the talk of the neighborhood. I had people stopping all the time, to tell me how beautiful the flowers were. And, they were. And, I felt so good. Such positive energy.... from silly, big, blooming flowers. Soon after they had completely grown, I learned that I would be moving. I was thrilled, and yet, silly as it sounds, I was going to miss those flowers. My neighbor wanted them. I told him they couldn't be moved, or they would die. He insisted, as I needed to clear the flower beds anyway(according to the rules of the base). He took them, and carefully planted them. During the next few days, I watched them droop. They weren't facing the sun, so they didn't make it. :(

But, here's the thing. I did it. I took seeds, planted them, and watched them grow.
To some, no big deal. To me, Huge deal. And it brought me to a happy place.

We can do anything, if we set our minds to it. I have to remember that. I've been so busy telling myself that I can't do it.... and lost the whole Sunflower concept. I have to reset my mind, and remember, I can do anything, if I really want to. No apologies for rambling. THIS is my blogspot. I can ramble all I want!

Whew! What a Day it's been Already!

I think this is a test.. testing, 123.... testing...

My Night sucked, last night -
My morning Sucked. Fist time I overslept in forever....

Then, I arrive at work safely. THAT was nice.

And then - BOOM! My phone rings. I see that it's Brooke's school. Ut-oh. She, by far - is my Drama Baby. SO, I figure she needs something. (lol) Of course she does! The poor baby has torn her favorite jeans, IN THE CROTCH!!! So, I have to take a VERY early lunch, and travel back to PA to save my munchkin, who sits patiently, waiting for Mommy to save the day. So, I arrive at the School, sign in, and go directly to the Nurses Office. We hurry into the Bathroom, and she begins to cry. I felt it. I wanted to cry with her. She's having a bad day, too. I totally get it. I relate to her so well. SO, I hug her, and make her laugh. I do what I can to turn it around, and I did it. She started by wanting to go home. She was upset and embarrassed that the kids knew she tore her jeans. I told her it would be okay, and I played with her hair, told her she was beautiful, and blew her face dry. We both laughed, right there, in the bathroom. She was good as new. And, it made the whole trip worth it. Little did she know, I needed that hug at least as much as she did. NOW, I feel a lot better. And I think she does, too.

Tuesday Morning

I had a rough night's sleep last night. At 3 a.m. , I was wide awake. Going over my life, in my head. Trying to figure things out, that really don't need to be figured out at 3 a.m. My head was so full of thoughts, and I couldn't make them go away. Apparently, somehow, I feel back to sleep. When my alarm clock went off this morning, I shut it off. Or something.... And, next thing I know, it's 7:00 a.m. One hour later than my usual wake up time. NO coffee in bed... no wake up time with the news... I jumped out of bed & right into the shower... NOT a fun way to start my day. Everything was so rushed. And, of course, Brandon was late because of me being late. Drill Seargent Mommy kicked in, and we all made it on time! *Whew! Of course I had to drive him to school. That, I don't mind :).

I hope today is a good day. It's not been the best morning...... *Sigh

Monday Evening

Brooke is home. I'm glad about that. She's actually right next to me on the couch. She's fallen asleep. It was a very busy weekend for her. When I pulled in the driveway, she came running out of Lisa's house. She was thrilled to see me. I felt the same about seeing her. As always, when I'm apart from the kids for a few days, they always come home looking a little bit older. More grown up, than when they left. I can't believe how quickly they're growing.

When we got in, I made dinner for the kids. I wasn't in the mood to eat. I still felt a little full from lunch. Fred wasn't home. He was in the shop, having a few drinks with his other wife, Jim. :P

I had all these plans to walk, go to the gym, go to Yoga class... but all of the sudden, I felt really sick to my stomach (again). Sometimes I think it's my nerves, sometimes I don't know. I worry a lot about things. Now, I'm just trying to relax. I'm just not feeling so well, physically.

The kids are back to school tomorrow. It seems like they've been off forever.

I'm not so much in the mood to write anymore tonight. It's a blue Monday evening.... I hope to get to bed nice and early. I look forward to a bright, beautiful day, tomorrow.

Good Night.

Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.
Henry David Thoreau