40 days doesn't seem like a very long time. There are plenty of things that can go without
my attention for 40 days. Weeding, ironing, cleaning the carpets, washing the windows,
even dusting....wouldn't miss doing any of those things. The thing is, giving up those chores
(as if I do them anyway) isn't a sacrifice. I had to think of something that would be difficult to stick with, and that would also honor my family and God by giving it up. Hmmm....what should it be?? Can't give up sweets....tried the Atkins diet years ago, and I had severe sugar withdrawal
headaches. May-jah headaches, which put me in the kind of mood that wouldn't honor anyone.
Besides, my sweet tea is a family favorite....it would be sorely missed.
After much contemplating...they choice was made. Let me tell ya...it'a biggie for me.
No computer until my children are in bed. Notta. I can waste time like no one when it comes to
getting online. Checking email, seeing what's going on in the world on CNN, gossip
websites, other blogs, recipes, garden websites...before I know it...2-3 hours have passed.
Which wouldn't seem so bad if my house were clean, laundry folded, dinner made, etc.
I can do this! I honestly don't miss the computer when we travel, or even when we are busy
as a family, so how bad can it be. Well....here I am, one day in....and it is BAD! What was I thinking?? This thing is like a magnet...a seductress...beckoning me to come closer....after all....
no one will know....the kids are at school....the hubby at work. A little alteration to the plan
wouldn't hurt...just two (or three) 5 minute check-ins during the day. When the kids get home, no more until they are tucked in. Much more reasonable, right? I have to believe God is merciful...He has certainly shown that over my lifetime. This was part of my 5 minutes...time
is up. Just 39 days to go....be strong!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Annual visit
After going for the annual well woman check, the mammogram was scheduled. I was quite
nervous, as there was a lump present. That big question "What if?" loomed in my mind for the two weeks of waiting. The nerves didn't really hit until the evening prior to the appointment.
Wondering if my life would be different at the end of the following day. The Dr. had even provided a list of local surgeons she recommended, in case a biopsy or more was necessary.
I arrived a bit early for the paperwork, and waited for my name to come up. After 40 minutes,
it was my turn.
Sigh...here goes. I thought I knew what to expect, as I had been down this road before.
The nurse was friendly, good thing, considering she manhandles and manipulates the
"girls" into submission. Oh, I almost forgot, the cute little nipple stickers that go on first. Like little unattractive pasties...what, no tassels? Down came the glass plate....down, down, down.
For Pete's sake, how low can this thing go? Holding my breath, and wincing in discomfort, I hesitantly took a look at what the shape of "things" were. OMG!! The only way to describe what I saw, well...picture this....a rolled out slab of silly putty. I thought, "Good gosh, will it ever regain it's shape again?!". Thankfully, somehow it did...they both did.
Best of all, the Dr. compared films, and the lump is simply a rogue lymphnode.
nervous, as there was a lump present. That big question "What if?" loomed in my mind for the two weeks of waiting. The nerves didn't really hit until the evening prior to the appointment.
Wondering if my life would be different at the end of the following day. The Dr. had even provided a list of local surgeons she recommended, in case a biopsy or more was necessary.
I arrived a bit early for the paperwork, and waited for my name to come up. After 40 minutes,
it was my turn.
Sigh...here goes. I thought I knew what to expect, as I had been down this road before.
The nurse was friendly, good thing, considering she manhandles and manipulates the
"girls" into submission. Oh, I almost forgot, the cute little nipple stickers that go on first. Like little unattractive pasties...what, no tassels? Down came the glass plate....down, down, down.
For Pete's sake, how low can this thing go? Holding my breath, and wincing in discomfort, I hesitantly took a look at what the shape of "things" were. OMG!! The only way to describe what I saw, well...picture this....a rolled out slab of silly putty. I thought, "Good gosh, will it ever regain it's shape again?!". Thankfully, somehow it did...they both did.
Best of all, the Dr. compared films, and the lump is simply a rogue lymphnode.
Monday, February 16, 2009
young 'uns
One of my favorite things is going to see scary movies. Not gory, mind you, but suspenseful...sitting on the edge of your seat kinda movies, with at least one big surprise
that brings out a good scream. Two of my friends are my scary movie buddies, one is a
bit of a lightweight. She tends to jump and flinch quite a bit...but won't admit it (that's right,
I've got your number M!). While my other friend (who when we first met, I was sure she
could easily, and would have enjoyed, kicking my fanny) can handle watching real screamer kind of movies alone. It is a skill I have yet to master. She can be a tough cookie....but now I know what a softie she is. We now laugh about me being slightly fearful of her...as she has heard the same story from others! Funny the perceptions we women form of one another. How wrong
first impressions can be.
Now, the last scary movie we went to see was "The Uninvited". Big mistake going to see
it on a Friday night, much less Friday the 13th. Every pre-teen and teenager from surrounding towns was in attendance. Apparently due to the movie "Friday the 13th" being sold out. While I do not take issue with loud social visiting during the previews, once the lights are dimmed and the movie begins...zip up. Ya know what I'm sayin'?? We all remember the class
clown...that irritating little dingbat that searched for acceptance by throwing about what they
thought were clever quips. Seemingly, the whole audience was full of them. I suppose the
darkness brings out the brave inner cretin, but let me "speak" for all the other quiet, respectful
movie watchers. We don't want to hear your half-witted, vacuous, lowbrow narration! huff huff huff huff huff huff huff huff...exhale....sigh.
In spite of all the interruptions, we still had a great time, and look forward to the next
fright night....just not on a Friday.
that brings out a good scream. Two of my friends are my scary movie buddies, one is a
bit of a lightweight. She tends to jump and flinch quite a bit...but won't admit it (that's right,
I've got your number M!). While my other friend (who when we first met, I was sure she
could easily, and would have enjoyed, kicking my fanny) can handle watching real screamer kind of movies alone. It is a skill I have yet to master. She can be a tough cookie....but now I know what a softie she is. We now laugh about me being slightly fearful of her...as she has heard the same story from others! Funny the perceptions we women form of one another. How wrong
first impressions can be.
Now, the last scary movie we went to see was "The Uninvited". Big mistake going to see
it on a Friday night, much less Friday the 13th. Every pre-teen and teenager from surrounding towns was in attendance. Apparently due to the movie "Friday the 13th" being sold out. While I do not take issue with loud social visiting during the previews, once the lights are dimmed and the movie begins...zip up. Ya know what I'm sayin'?? We all remember the class
clown...that irritating little dingbat that searched for acceptance by throwing about what they
thought were clever quips. Seemingly, the whole audience was full of them. I suppose the
darkness brings out the brave inner cretin, but let me "speak" for all the other quiet, respectful
movie watchers. We don't want to hear your half-witted, vacuous, lowbrow narration! huff huff huff huff huff huff huff huff...exhale....sigh.
In spite of all the interruptions, we still had a great time, and look forward to the next
fright night....just not on a Friday.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Weekend warrior
What a productive weekend! A sweet Valentine's day with the family, completed that
lingering project (hallelujah), cleaned and organized 2 of the children's closets, moved furniture
from one room to another, planted the window boxes (gor-jus!), went on a bike ride, helped with homework, ordered pizza, and just sat my tired self down. Sigh....I feel guuud. It was another
beautiful day...one of those days when I even feel like hugging the UPS man. Let me tell ya,
if you saw him...you would too! Ummm ummm...whatta man. I do luv men....ahem...
especially my husband. I do, however, have a great appreciation (from afar of course) for
God's grand creations. Russell Crowe (um, golly), George Clooney (oh mercy), Brian Dennehy
(strange, I know...but that big 'ol bear of a man...raarrrr), oh! and Wolverine (a.k.a Hugh Jackman), so angry and fierce.....I could tame him mate! Phew, lost my train of thought.
Point being...this has been one of those weekends that I just feel so blessed to be in the place
that I am. Off to look at those clean closets...again.
lingering project (hallelujah), cleaned and organized 2 of the children's closets, moved furniture
from one room to another, planted the window boxes (gor-jus!), went on a bike ride, helped with homework, ordered pizza, and just sat my tired self down. Sigh....I feel guuud. It was another
beautiful day...one of those days when I even feel like hugging the UPS man. Let me tell ya,
if you saw him...you would too! Ummm ummm...whatta man. I do luv men....ahem...
especially my husband. I do, however, have a great appreciation (from afar of course) for
God's grand creations. Russell Crowe (um, golly), George Clooney (oh mercy), Brian Dennehy
(strange, I know...but that big 'ol bear of a man...raarrrr), oh! and Wolverine (a.k.a Hugh Jackman), so angry and fierce.....I could tame him mate! Phew, lost my train of thought.
Point being...this has been one of those weekends that I just feel so blessed to be in the place
that I am. Off to look at those clean closets...again.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Robins are coming, the Robins are coming!!
This was my day to complete a project...a project that has been waiting in the wings for quite
a while. I cleared my calendar (except for meeting a friend for another mocha...which I might add...had skim milk, which made the addition of the whipped cream seem acceptable), and had every intention of making it a working day. But, ya know....things happen. It was a glorious day!
Clear and crisp. After making a few Valentines day purchases....the garden centers beckoned.
After convincing myself it would be a waste of a beautiful day, a sin....really, to be inside working, and that an all-nighter would make more sense (yeah I know....whatever), I had to go.
Fellow gardeners understand....right? There is a kinship among those of us that love to get dirty
(watch it now....we are talking about gardening) Upon crossing the nursery
threshold, behold....you are instantly in the company of friends. We share tips, talk about which flowers to avoid planting in our climate, which ones flourish, suggest the best nurseries to find heirloom flowers and roses....and why on earth the garden centers continue to order plants that tend to perish easily in our heat. Sound dull?? Well, I just love it!
The exquisite colors, the intricacy of the blooms, the hypnotic scents...it is simply delightful.
Well...off to plant my bonny bloomers (hey now...still talking gardening)
a while. I cleared my calendar (except for meeting a friend for another mocha...which I might add...had skim milk, which made the addition of the whipped cream seem acceptable), and had every intention of making it a working day. But, ya know....things happen. It was a glorious day!
Clear and crisp. After making a few Valentines day purchases....the garden centers beckoned.
After convincing myself it would be a waste of a beautiful day, a sin....really, to be inside working, and that an all-nighter would make more sense (yeah I know....whatever), I had to go.
Fellow gardeners understand....right? There is a kinship among those of us that love to get dirty
(watch it now....we are talking about gardening) Upon crossing the nursery
threshold, behold....you are instantly in the company of friends. We share tips, talk about which flowers to avoid planting in our climate, which ones flourish, suggest the best nurseries to find heirloom flowers and roses....and why on earth the garden centers continue to order plants that tend to perish easily in our heat. Sound dull?? Well, I just love it!
The exquisite colors, the intricacy of the blooms, the hypnotic scents...it is simply delightful.
Well...off to plant my bonny bloomers (hey now...still talking gardening)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
If I could just go back......
While waiting in line to check out this afternoon, I couldn't help but take note of a pretty woman in front of me. Tall, thin, and oh-so young. Funny how easy it is to dislike someone that you
don't even know, eh?? I remember young...and firm. The thing is, when I was young and
single, I was terribly insecure. I had a flat stomach, firm thighs, thin arms...and was too
dumb to appreciate it. Now here I am in mid-life (Lawwwwd have mercy), with what I refer to as a "mocha muffin" in my mid-section....due to having at least 3 decadent white chocolate mocha's every week (yum), the thighs have a layer of...well, let's call it textured padding, the arms now have small flags that wave in the wind...and after having children, my belly button
is permanently winking. The thing is, I feel better about myself now than I ever have before.
Not that I wouldn't like the body I had at 25 back....boy would I have fun....wow....let me dwell
on that thought for a few...................................................yowsa............okay, back to reality.
It is nice to have supportive friends, without all the drama and competition that came with young womanhood. I don't mind the few
white hairs that are appearing (except the ones on the chin....eww....I do have a designated "tweezer" friend in case of coma or paralyzation), and I will take the crow's feet...I've earned them. Thankfully, most of my lines are from laughing with my sweet children and good
girlfriends.
don't even know, eh?? I remember young...and firm. The thing is, when I was young and
single, I was terribly insecure. I had a flat stomach, firm thighs, thin arms...and was too
dumb to appreciate it. Now here I am in mid-life (Lawwwwd have mercy), with what I refer to as a "mocha muffin" in my mid-section....due to having at least 3 decadent white chocolate mocha's every week (yum), the thighs have a layer of...well, let's call it textured padding, the arms now have small flags that wave in the wind...and after having children, my belly button
is permanently winking. The thing is, I feel better about myself now than I ever have before.
Not that I wouldn't like the body I had at 25 back....boy would I have fun....wow....let me dwell
on that thought for a few...................................................yowsa............okay, back to reality.
It is nice to have supportive friends, without all the drama and competition that came with young womanhood. I don't mind the few
white hairs that are appearing (except the ones on the chin....eww....I do have a designated "tweezer" friend in case of coma or paralyzation), and I will take the crow's feet...I've earned them. Thankfully, most of my lines are from laughing with my sweet children and good
girlfriends.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
and so it begins....
Well....this is strange...putting my thoughts out there in blogger land. It is easy to send off those emails, make daily phone calls, and talk incessantly to my friends. This is a new adventure.
I am a night owl, even though I would like to be a morning person....having time to myself after
the house is quiet is a lovely thing. I take pride in being from the South. I love being a mom, more than anything. I do miss my children being small...and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Someone is on
a soapbox in this house at least 2-3 times a day, we are talkin' dah-raaaah-maa.
It is noise filled home, but mostly with laughter. I have delightful friends, that
bring great joy to my life. I have a strong faith in God, and love my church.
Be warned, I have a fiesty sense of humor. If there is a typical church lady....it isn't me.
I am a night owl, even though I would like to be a morning person....having time to myself after
the house is quiet is a lovely thing. I take pride in being from the South. I love being a mom, more than anything. I do miss my children being small...and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Someone is on
a soapbox in this house at least 2-3 times a day, we are talkin' dah-raaaah-maa.
It is noise filled home, but mostly with laughter. I have delightful friends, that
bring great joy to my life. I have a strong faith in God, and love my church.
Be warned, I have a fiesty sense of humor. If there is a typical church lady....it isn't me.
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