Some of you may or may not know that I now volunteer every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. I go to the Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club. It's a place that works with mentally and physically handicapped kids. So much fun! The kids are hilarious and their enthusiasm is infectious.
While I have fun grooming the horses and lead the horses during the lessons, it is so rewarding to me to think that I have a small hand in helping these kids get stronger.
So this past week, I was grooming like normal. The mare (female horse) I was working on was quite tempermental, which I'd like to say was a rare occurrence, but it's not. She only let me clean two of her feet. And as I was trying to go for another one, she moved suddenly and decided that m foot was the best place for her to step.
I didn't cry out, well, not aloud. Internally I was screaming bloody murder. But the main gal of the operation was in the middle of a lesson, and I had just started and couldn't very well say that I'd just gotten hurt. So what did I do?
Yup. I kept going.
I don't know why I must always force myself to push on when I'm injured. It's like I have to prove that I'm tough or something.
But continue I did. I even ran with the horses in the next couple of lessons. And when I went home, the three middle toes on my right foot were swollen and red. With a popped blister on one, and broken skin on all three at the cuticle.
Today, five days later, they still hurt and are even more colorful! But I'm still going back Wouldn't give up working with those kids and the horses for anything!
And this week we are going on a "field trip" to the fire station. Should be fun!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gratitude-Chicken Soup for the Soul Style
When Sarah posted up about gratitude, I started thinking about moments in my life that I'm grateful for. Two instances came to mind immediately.
I lived in Utah for 11 months. I had never lived so far away from anything comfortable and familiar before. I was lucky to have my best friend Samantha just down the road.
I didn't tell Sam my financial woes. I kept them to myself. I had run out of money and didn't have food. Just like Old Mother Hubbard, my cupboards were bare. Right around Christmas, Sam and her husband Nathan sent me a Christmas card. Inside was a gift card to WalMart. Their intention was for me to use the gift card to purchase a sofa or futon so that I would have something to sit on in my little apartment.
Sam had no way of knowing my situation. But she was certainly listening to the spirit when she sent me that card. You see, the WalMart by my place was a Super WalMart and was open 24hrs and had a grocery center in it. I was able to use that card for the next two months to buy groceries. I am forever grateful to Sam and Nathan for that gift.
~~~~~
The other time that I can recall was last year. Earl and I hadn't been married 6 months yet and I got hurt at work. I was on light duty, earning half of my normal paycheck. We knew that we had to still pay our tithing even though money was scarce. And so we did. And we were about $700 short for rent and utilities. Earl went to our bishop (I had to work that night). And when the meeting was through, Earl had a check in hand for the full amount of our rent and utilities. Not a week later the brakes went out on the truck and they were grinding hard. Because the Lord had taken care of the rent, we were able to keep our truck safe. We never would have been able to afford everything without help.
Sometimes we forget that we do have people looking out for us. Sometimes we don't want to remember that there is help. But help comes when we least expect it.
I lived in Utah for 11 months. I had never lived so far away from anything comfortable and familiar before. I was lucky to have my best friend Samantha just down the road.
I didn't tell Sam my financial woes. I kept them to myself. I had run out of money and didn't have food. Just like Old Mother Hubbard, my cupboards were bare. Right around Christmas, Sam and her husband Nathan sent me a Christmas card. Inside was a gift card to WalMart. Their intention was for me to use the gift card to purchase a sofa or futon so that I would have something to sit on in my little apartment.
Sam had no way of knowing my situation. But she was certainly listening to the spirit when she sent me that card. You see, the WalMart by my place was a Super WalMart and was open 24hrs and had a grocery center in it. I was able to use that card for the next two months to buy groceries. I am forever grateful to Sam and Nathan for that gift.
~~~~~
The other time that I can recall was last year. Earl and I hadn't been married 6 months yet and I got hurt at work. I was on light duty, earning half of my normal paycheck. We knew that we had to still pay our tithing even though money was scarce. And so we did. And we were about $700 short for rent and utilities. Earl went to our bishop (I had to work that night). And when the meeting was through, Earl had a check in hand for the full amount of our rent and utilities. Not a week later the brakes went out on the truck and they were grinding hard. Because the Lord had taken care of the rent, we were able to keep our truck safe. We never would have been able to afford everything without help.
Sometimes we forget that we do have people looking out for us. Sometimes we don't want to remember that there is help. But help comes when we least expect it.
A Time for Everything, Even Venting
There is a picture I have hung up in my living room. It is a picture of Christ with his arms outstretched, surrounded by a host of angels. At the bottom is a quote that says, "I never said it would be easy. I only said it would be worth it."
There are many times a day that I question that. This mortality is most certainly NOT easy. Anyone who says differently is selling something. I wonder at times if things will ever get better. Not necessarily easier. Well, yes, easier. Not because my trials go away and I float through life. No. I am just looking for a pair of strong hands and a strong back that will help me carry this burden.
I have noticed lately that I am starting to become a bitter person. I don't like that I'm bitter. I'm trying to change my attitude. I was working in the library at church a few weeks ago (my oh-so-wonderful calling) and I started reading a book. I don't remember the name of it, I only remember that it was written by President Hinckley's daughter. She spoke of opening her heart to allow Christ's love in. Not by doing anything drastic or terribly hard. Just by doing little things.
Part of my job requires that I more or less harden my heart to the situations that I deal with. This keeps me from becoming very sentimental or emotional. Sometimes this is a blessing. But after reading this book, I decided that I was going to try to not be so cold and removed. Wouldn't you know it, but the very next day at work we ran a call for a full arrest on a nine month old baby. The parents had dropped of the child with a sitter. Baby went down for a nap and 3-4 hours later when the sitter looked in on the baby, the baby wasn't breathing.
When this call came out, one of the first things I did was say a prayer for this little infant. No one ever wants to see a child hurt. I prayed for the parents that they would be comforted. And I started to cry. I cry at everything now. It's really starting to become ridiculous! How am I to open my heart if I can't by stable enough to do my job?
How do I handle this life? Earl has been out of work most of the time we've been married. I work 36 hrs a week. I know it doesn't sound like much. But those 12hr days I work drain everything from me. I come home and I am bitter. I am jealous. I want to stay home all day. I want him to work. I have prayed for him to find a job. I don't care if it's making burritos at Taco Bell. I just feel the weight on my shoulders of being the only provider for our family. And I'm not strong enough to bear it alone. I'm not sure if it sounds like I'm whining or not. Probably does. I just needed to vent. It's very frustrating to not see any change. Sometimes it feels like I am alone.
I know that I'm not alone.
But sometimes I forget.
In the meantime I am applying for part time work on my days off. Otherwise Christmas will come and go without gifts, and we will go without comforts. Not necessarily a bad thing. Wish us luck!
There are many times a day that I question that. This mortality is most certainly NOT easy. Anyone who says differently is selling something. I wonder at times if things will ever get better. Not necessarily easier. Well, yes, easier. Not because my trials go away and I float through life. No. I am just looking for a pair of strong hands and a strong back that will help me carry this burden.
I have noticed lately that I am starting to become a bitter person. I don't like that I'm bitter. I'm trying to change my attitude. I was working in the library at church a few weeks ago (my oh-so-wonderful calling) and I started reading a book. I don't remember the name of it, I only remember that it was written by President Hinckley's daughter. She spoke of opening her heart to allow Christ's love in. Not by doing anything drastic or terribly hard. Just by doing little things.
Part of my job requires that I more or less harden my heart to the situations that I deal with. This keeps me from becoming very sentimental or emotional. Sometimes this is a blessing. But after reading this book, I decided that I was going to try to not be so cold and removed. Wouldn't you know it, but the very next day at work we ran a call for a full arrest on a nine month old baby. The parents had dropped of the child with a sitter. Baby went down for a nap and 3-4 hours later when the sitter looked in on the baby, the baby wasn't breathing.
When this call came out, one of the first things I did was say a prayer for this little infant. No one ever wants to see a child hurt. I prayed for the parents that they would be comforted. And I started to cry. I cry at everything now. It's really starting to become ridiculous! How am I to open my heart if I can't by stable enough to do my job?
How do I handle this life? Earl has been out of work most of the time we've been married. I work 36 hrs a week. I know it doesn't sound like much. But those 12hr days I work drain everything from me. I come home and I am bitter. I am jealous. I want to stay home all day. I want him to work. I have prayed for him to find a job. I don't care if it's making burritos at Taco Bell. I just feel the weight on my shoulders of being the only provider for our family. And I'm not strong enough to bear it alone. I'm not sure if it sounds like I'm whining or not. Probably does. I just needed to vent. It's very frustrating to not see any change. Sometimes it feels like I am alone.
I know that I'm not alone.
But sometimes I forget.
In the meantime I am applying for part time work on my days off. Otherwise Christmas will come and go without gifts, and we will go without comforts. Not necessarily a bad thing. Wish us luck!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Catch Up!
Wow, what have I been doing lately? Apparently not blogging!
I'd like to say that a lot has happened since my last post. But lying is breaking a commandment, so I won't. Earl and I just keep on trucking. I guess we've turned into an old married couple now. We had some totally awesome rain the last couple of days. Unheard of for this time of year. But I enjoyed it anyway.
There was a "death" in the family last week. While I was at work, there was a power surge at the house and our microwave died. It was a microwave that my parents gave us when we moved out of our little apartment. Must have been over 15 years old. I'm not sure how long microwaves last, but this was an old one. So now we are pricing microwaves as well as dishwashers because our landlord has agreed to put in a new one since the one currently installed has got to be from 1970. We also broke down today and got a swiffer wetjet. very convenient since we only have wood and vinyl flooring. Should work well!
The other remotely exciting thing is that I am starting to go jogging. Hopefully one day I can actually run again! I am so out of shape it isn't funny! But my sister-in-law has graciously agreed to go with me. Hopefully my hip/leg won't act up too bad and I'll do decently. Perhaps I should have an ambulance on stand-by...
I'd like to say that a lot has happened since my last post. But lying is breaking a commandment, so I won't. Earl and I just keep on trucking. I guess we've turned into an old married couple now. We had some totally awesome rain the last couple of days. Unheard of for this time of year. But I enjoyed it anyway.
There was a "death" in the family last week. While I was at work, there was a power surge at the house and our microwave died. It was a microwave that my parents gave us when we moved out of our little apartment. Must have been over 15 years old. I'm not sure how long microwaves last, but this was an old one. So now we are pricing microwaves as well as dishwashers because our landlord has agreed to put in a new one since the one currently installed has got to be from 1970. We also broke down today and got a swiffer wetjet. very convenient since we only have wood and vinyl flooring. Should work well!
The other remotely exciting thing is that I am starting to go jogging. Hopefully one day I can actually run again! I am so out of shape it isn't funny! But my sister-in-law has graciously agreed to go with me. Hopefully my hip/leg won't act up too bad and I'll do decently. Perhaps I should have an ambulance on stand-by...
Friday, July 2, 2010
My Mountains
The Lord gives us trials. I seem to get a bunch of little ones.
Yesterday, after finishing a session at the temple, I was folding my things when I noticed something shiny on the counter. My heart jumped into my throat and my stomach fell to the floor.
~~Flashback~~
I had been at work about two months ago when a diamond fell out of my wedding band. This was shortly before Earl and I were to be sealed. Sent it in, got it back about a week before the sealing date. My ring was back for 24 hours and another diamond had fallen out. So we sent it back again at no cost to us. I got my ring back this past Tuesday.
~~Flash forward to Thursday~~
I looked down at m ring and sure enough, that tiny little shiny thing was a diamond from my band. I muttered under my breath (which is not something you normally do at the temple, for obvious reasons) something like,, "Oh my gosh, you've GOT to be kidding me!"
I was trying to hold back the tears. A kind temple worker (I haven't encountered any temple worker who isn't kind) was walking past me and stopped to ask if I was okay.
Normally when I am upset and on the verge of tears, it is best not to talk to me because I can hold back the tears and get on with my day. I couldn't yesterday. I started bawling, right there in the dressing room for a material object.
I finally collected myself, got changed, and went out to meet Earl. I had him hold out his hand and I put the tiny little diamond and my ring in his hand. I tried not to cry again as we drove home.
I couldn't call the company to tell them the situation because I would have said very mean things to them and would've wound up in tears again. So I let Earl know my demands so he could talk to them. We got things straightened out. I am getting a new band, free of cost. They are paying for shipping to and from my house. They are overnighting the completed ring back to me. But in the meantime, I will be without my beloved wedding ring for another two weeks at the least.
Earl took me to Olive Garden last night for comfort food. I was comforted a lot!
So while I am dealing with this emotional stress, I'm also dealing with some physical pain. I've been dealing with hip and leg and lower back pain for the past year and a half. It's been off and on and I would go weeks at a time without feeling any pain. Well, last Memorial Day, the pain was so intense I couldn't take it anymore. So I went to the doctor, got some prescriptions for the pain, and started physical therapy.
So far, I'm not going up and down in huge spikes and drops. I've evened out, but now it's a constant pain. My whole right leg, from my hip to my toes is constantly hurting. This makes it very difficult to sleep. I can't lay on my right side for obvious reasons. Laying on my left side is starting to put too much strain on the hip so that hurts. And laying on my back is horribly uncomfortable since I am a stomach/side sleeper. Hence, I did not get a lot of sleep last night.
I don't know why Heavenly Father has given me these trials. With the ring situation, it is probably to learn to better control my emotions. I have a quick temper and a sharp tongue. By Earl doing the talking yesterday, I pretty much avoided controlling my emotions, but I did not scream at a total stranger for something that was out of his control. I am learning to trust healthcare professionals. I guess I have always trusted them, it's the insurance beauracracies I don't trust. It's hard to go to the doctor when you know it's going to cost an arm and a leg for a procedure that may or may not bring you answers.
So that's what I'm dealing with. This may seem trivial to others, but for me, these are mountains that I must climb over. To dig a tunnel through the mountain would be cheating and I would learn nothing from it. All I know is that Heavenly Father knows me and what I can handle. I guess that means I can handle this trial. I just don't know when I will conquer it.
Yesterday, after finishing a session at the temple, I was folding my things when I noticed something shiny on the counter. My heart jumped into my throat and my stomach fell to the floor.
~~Flashback~~
I had been at work about two months ago when a diamond fell out of my wedding band. This was shortly before Earl and I were to be sealed. Sent it in, got it back about a week before the sealing date. My ring was back for 24 hours and another diamond had fallen out. So we sent it back again at no cost to us. I got my ring back this past Tuesday.
~~Flash forward to Thursday~~
I looked down at m ring and sure enough, that tiny little shiny thing was a diamond from my band. I muttered under my breath (which is not something you normally do at the temple, for obvious reasons) something like,, "Oh my gosh, you've GOT to be kidding me!"
I was trying to hold back the tears. A kind temple worker (I haven't encountered any temple worker who isn't kind) was walking past me and stopped to ask if I was okay.
Normally when I am upset and on the verge of tears, it is best not to talk to me because I can hold back the tears and get on with my day. I couldn't yesterday. I started bawling, right there in the dressing room for a material object.
I finally collected myself, got changed, and went out to meet Earl. I had him hold out his hand and I put the tiny little diamond and my ring in his hand. I tried not to cry again as we drove home.
I couldn't call the company to tell them the situation because I would have said very mean things to them and would've wound up in tears again. So I let Earl know my demands so he could talk to them. We got things straightened out. I am getting a new band, free of cost. They are paying for shipping to and from my house. They are overnighting the completed ring back to me. But in the meantime, I will be without my beloved wedding ring for another two weeks at the least.
Earl took me to Olive Garden last night for comfort food. I was comforted a lot!
So while I am dealing with this emotional stress, I'm also dealing with some physical pain. I've been dealing with hip and leg and lower back pain for the past year and a half. It's been off and on and I would go weeks at a time without feeling any pain. Well, last Memorial Day, the pain was so intense I couldn't take it anymore. So I went to the doctor, got some prescriptions for the pain, and started physical therapy.
So far, I'm not going up and down in huge spikes and drops. I've evened out, but now it's a constant pain. My whole right leg, from my hip to my toes is constantly hurting. This makes it very difficult to sleep. I can't lay on my right side for obvious reasons. Laying on my left side is starting to put too much strain on the hip so that hurts. And laying on my back is horribly uncomfortable since I am a stomach/side sleeper. Hence, I did not get a lot of sleep last night.
I don't know why Heavenly Father has given me these trials. With the ring situation, it is probably to learn to better control my emotions. I have a quick temper and a sharp tongue. By Earl doing the talking yesterday, I pretty much avoided controlling my emotions, but I did not scream at a total stranger for something that was out of his control. I am learning to trust healthcare professionals. I guess I have always trusted them, it's the insurance beauracracies I don't trust. It's hard to go to the doctor when you know it's going to cost an arm and a leg for a procedure that may or may not bring you answers.
So that's what I'm dealing with. This may seem trivial to others, but for me, these are mountains that I must climb over. To dig a tunnel through the mountain would be cheating and I would learn nothing from it. All I know is that Heavenly Father knows me and what I can handle. I guess that means I can handle this trial. I just don't know when I will conquer it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Patience Is A Virtue That I Don't Have
This past Sunday, we had our High Council speaker. And the theme for the meeting was patience.
NOT my favorite topic. (Hence the title of this post)
When I was little and Mom would bake cookies, I could never wait for the cookies to finish baking. I always had to have some of the dough. Mom always chided me that I would get sick, but I didn't, so I kept eating the dough.
The same thing is evident in today's society. We don't wait for letters in the mail anymore. Everything is electronic. Probably 90% of the general population have cell phones, maybe more. We can send text messages to people. Messages that mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. Sure, this makes planning the weekends activities a whole heap easier, but what do we learn?
Instant Gratification.
Two innocent words that when placed in a specific order have a terrible meaning. That's what we are fighting these days. We live in a world of convenience for everything. Fast food, e-mail, Skype, text messages, frozen meals. I'm not saying that all of these things are bad. But I sure forgot about patience real quick!
I guess I'm writing this because I am not a patient person. I'm waiting for dinner to cook right now and it's killing me. I even made it from scratch! But hopefully it will turn out okay and I will learn that it's okay that I've been working on dinner for the past hour and a half and the food will be devoured in a matter of minutes.
I'm trying to remind myself daily that the Lord has things in store for me that I'm not ready for yet. I don't do well with the unknown. I don't like surprises. I like to have a plan, an order for things. Does this mean everything in my life is orderly and the dishes are always done and the laundry is always put away and my bed is always made? Absolutely not!
But when Earl and I were to be married, we waited "patiently" for the letter from Salt Lake to come giving us permission to be sealed (Earl was previously married). When we got the letter saying that we were to wait, I just about died. This was not according to my plan! Didn't Heavenly Father know that wasn't what I wanted? It may not have been what I wanted, but it was what we needed. Earl and I grew so close our first year of marriage. And it was a wonderful, hard year. But oh so worth it!
Earl and I are now sealed for time and all eternity. That was the best day of my life! Sometimes I feel as though I have a checklist of sorts for my life.
~find a guy-check
~get married-check
~get sealed-check
~start a family-______
That's where I'm at now. I want so badly to be a mom. I want to have a family. But Earl and I aren't in a place to have one right now. And that makes me sad. I don't feel that it's anyone's fault, we just aren't there yet. That's where the patience part comes into play. My thoughts and feelings are on a different wavelength from that of our Heavenly Father. I'm waiting not so patiently for Him to give the go-ahead in our aspirations of a family. So I wait, day in and day out.
What are your thoughts on patience? How do I learn this virtue?
And now I wait patiently for your feedback!
NOT my favorite topic. (Hence the title of this post)
When I was little and Mom would bake cookies, I could never wait for the cookies to finish baking. I always had to have some of the dough. Mom always chided me that I would get sick, but I didn't, so I kept eating the dough.
The same thing is evident in today's society. We don't wait for letters in the mail anymore. Everything is electronic. Probably 90% of the general population have cell phones, maybe more. We can send text messages to people. Messages that mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. Sure, this makes planning the weekends activities a whole heap easier, but what do we learn?
Instant Gratification.
Two innocent words that when placed in a specific order have a terrible meaning. That's what we are fighting these days. We live in a world of convenience for everything. Fast food, e-mail, Skype, text messages, frozen meals. I'm not saying that all of these things are bad. But I sure forgot about patience real quick!
I guess I'm writing this because I am not a patient person. I'm waiting for dinner to cook right now and it's killing me. I even made it from scratch! But hopefully it will turn out okay and I will learn that it's okay that I've been working on dinner for the past hour and a half and the food will be devoured in a matter of minutes.
I'm trying to remind myself daily that the Lord has things in store for me that I'm not ready for yet. I don't do well with the unknown. I don't like surprises. I like to have a plan, an order for things. Does this mean everything in my life is orderly and the dishes are always done and the laundry is always put away and my bed is always made? Absolutely not!
But when Earl and I were to be married, we waited "patiently" for the letter from Salt Lake to come giving us permission to be sealed (Earl was previously married). When we got the letter saying that we were to wait, I just about died. This was not according to my plan! Didn't Heavenly Father know that wasn't what I wanted? It may not have been what I wanted, but it was what we needed. Earl and I grew so close our first year of marriage. And it was a wonderful, hard year. But oh so worth it!
Earl and I are now sealed for time and all eternity. That was the best day of my life! Sometimes I feel as though I have a checklist of sorts for my life.
~find a guy-check
~get married-check
~get sealed-check
~start a family-______
That's where I'm at now. I want so badly to be a mom. I want to have a family. But Earl and I aren't in a place to have one right now. And that makes me sad. I don't feel that it's anyone's fault, we just aren't there yet. That's where the patience part comes into play. My thoughts and feelings are on a different wavelength from that of our Heavenly Father. I'm waiting not so patiently for Him to give the go-ahead in our aspirations of a family. So I wait, day in and day out.
What are your thoughts on patience? How do I learn this virtue?
And now I wait patiently for your feedback!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Deja Vu?
It happened AGAIN.
I had my ring back for all of about 24 hours and another diamond fell out. Not a fan. So now I'm getting sealed with an incomplete ring. Am I being a little dramatic? Maybe. But it means a lot to me. I even paid extra for shipping so I would get it back the FIRST time in time for the sealing.
The company is paying for shipping and for the repair. But I'll be without my ring for at least 3 weeks this time.
I'm very sad....
I had my ring back for all of about 24 hours and another diamond fell out. Not a fan. So now I'm getting sealed with an incomplete ring. Am I being a little dramatic? Maybe. But it means a lot to me. I even paid extra for shipping so I would get it back the FIRST time in time for the sealing.
The company is paying for shipping and for the repair. But I'll be without my ring for at least 3 weeks this time.
I'm very sad....
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Ring
This is not about that movie. It's about something much smaller and much bigger at the same time.
You see about two weeks ago I was at work for a night shift. I walked back from the bathroom and played with my wedding ring as I do on a regular basis. I just like the feel of it! When I looked down at it, my heart froze and my stomach dropped.
A diamond was missing.
I immediately found a flashlight and started looking over the floor around my terminal and on the path to the bathroom. I even shined the flashlight down the sink.
Nothing.
The little diamond was gone.
I was so sad. And I still had ten hours to go in my shift! What a long night it was going to be.
The very next day I sent my ring to the manufacturer for repair. I was so sad to not have my ring anymore. That ring had become a part of me. It was a symbol of love. There's so much significance in that ring. The love Earl and I have for each other, the hard times we've been through, and the life that is still ahead of us.
It's not that I wear my ring to show off. I wear it because it does let other people know that I am a married woman. Not that I'm afraid of random people talking to me. I just prefer to show people that I am very happy with my husband.
These past two weeks when I was without my ring, I felt incomplete. I'm not a big jewelry person. I think that less is more. So my regular jewelry includes my ring and my watch. To not have 50% of my regular accessories was weird. I didn't like it. Not one bit!
My wedding ring has become a part of me. It is an extension of me. I have to wear it. I love wearing it. And in these part weeks, I wore a substitute ring. Not the same at all. It felt different, not the same size or weight. There was an impostor on my finger! I was very anxious to get my ring back.
And it came! Yesterday! I was actually sitting on my deck reading, watching the cars go by, waiting for the UPS truck to show up. I even postponed grocery shopping until my ring arrived! And when the UPS guy FINALLY came, I ripped open the box like I was 6 years old on Christmas morning!
Oh it feels so good on my finger! I feel whole again! I feel complete! And I'm not having anxieties anymore. I was actually very worried that I would not have it back by the 5th, when Earl and I are sealed, not that we need rings for our sealing, I just wanted to feel complete!
So does anyone else feel like me? Do you have the same apprehensions about being without your wedding ring? And I know it's different when you're pregnant and your fingers swell so much you can't wear your ring. But you still have it in your possession. Mine was in another state! 1500 miles away! Maybe I'm just weird, but it feels good to have it back...!
You see about two weeks ago I was at work for a night shift. I walked back from the bathroom and played with my wedding ring as I do on a regular basis. I just like the feel of it! When I looked down at it, my heart froze and my stomach dropped.
A diamond was missing.
I immediately found a flashlight and started looking over the floor around my terminal and on the path to the bathroom. I even shined the flashlight down the sink.
Nothing.
The little diamond was gone.
I was so sad. And I still had ten hours to go in my shift! What a long night it was going to be.
The very next day I sent my ring to the manufacturer for repair. I was so sad to not have my ring anymore. That ring had become a part of me. It was a symbol of love. There's so much significance in that ring. The love Earl and I have for each other, the hard times we've been through, and the life that is still ahead of us.
It's not that I wear my ring to show off. I wear it because it does let other people know that I am a married woman. Not that I'm afraid of random people talking to me. I just prefer to show people that I am very happy with my husband.
These past two weeks when I was without my ring, I felt incomplete. I'm not a big jewelry person. I think that less is more. So my regular jewelry includes my ring and my watch. To not have 50% of my regular accessories was weird. I didn't like it. Not one bit!
My wedding ring has become a part of me. It is an extension of me. I have to wear it. I love wearing it. And in these part weeks, I wore a substitute ring. Not the same at all. It felt different, not the same size or weight. There was an impostor on my finger! I was very anxious to get my ring back.
And it came! Yesterday! I was actually sitting on my deck reading, watching the cars go by, waiting for the UPS truck to show up. I even postponed grocery shopping until my ring arrived! And when the UPS guy FINALLY came, I ripped open the box like I was 6 years old on Christmas morning!
Oh it feels so good on my finger! I feel whole again! I feel complete! And I'm not having anxieties anymore. I was actually very worried that I would not have it back by the 5th, when Earl and I are sealed, not that we need rings for our sealing, I just wanted to feel complete!
So does anyone else feel like me? Do you have the same apprehensions about being without your wedding ring? And I know it's different when you're pregnant and your fingers swell so much you can't wear your ring. But you still have it in your possession. Mine was in another state! 1500 miles away! Maybe I'm just weird, but it feels good to have it back...!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Playing Catch Up
It has finally happened. I have time and energy to post something new!
Oh this last month and a half has been killer on me. Actually longer than that. Okay, let's back up to about May 1st. Earl and I got the go ahead to start working on fixing up our new home. We were able to get a great deal on a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom home on Balboa Island to rent for at least a year. And part of that deal was to provide the labor to update/upgrade the property. So the first step was to pull up the carpet in the living room. Oh man! The previous tenant was a smoker and had a dog. So needless to say, but I'm going to anyway, the carpet was stinky!!!
So the carpet was out, next was the paint! We picked out a really pretty brown. It's soft, almost the color of chocolate cake batter before it's baked. And that's what it looked like in the paint can too! Then the bedroom had to be painted. Same soft brown. Then it was the kitchen's turn. Earl painted that a dark cranberry color-very pretty and dramatic. Next was the bathroom in a bold almost periwinkle color, but with more blue in it. And all the trim is done in a bright frost white for a strong contrast.
The paint looks great. So then the next step was to put in the new hardwood floors. Living room was done first, then the bedroom. Then we pulled up the vinyl in the bathroom to find lots of water and termite damage. Oh yeah, there was termite damage in the living room. Earl's dad was able to repair the damage in both locations so that we could continue with the renovations. We even have cedar flooring in the closet too. That was Earl's doing. I'll admit, it's a nice smell. It was very strong at first and I had issues with it, but I've gotten used to it.
So while all this was going on, we still needed to pack up our apartment, and I was still working. So I haven't had much time for anything! But we finally got everything packed, the boxes moved and unpacked, and I have a moment to myself tonight to write.
We have been in our new place for three weeks now. It looks and feels like a home and that is what I love most. I have pictures on the walls, the bookcase filled with my beloved books, and a bed I can crawl into when I want to hide from the world.
Earl and I also received a letter from the First Presidency granting us the sealing clearance we've been waiting for. We have set the date for June 5th for us to be sealed for time and eternity. We've been waiting for a long time for this and are so excited that we get to do this.
And wouldn't you know that the day after I called the temple to schedule the sealing, I was at work and a diamond fell out of my wedding ring! So it is currently at the jewelers being repaired. And I'm really hoping to get it back by the 5th. Not that we need rings, the ceremony is so much more than a ring. I just don't like being without it!
So that is pretty much what I've been doing the last 2 months. And I even bought some flowers for my deck. Some red and yellow snapdragons and some other flower that looks similar to a daisy, but I can't remember what it's called.
Now I just need motivation to go fold laundry!
Oh this last month and a half has been killer on me. Actually longer than that. Okay, let's back up to about May 1st. Earl and I got the go ahead to start working on fixing up our new home. We were able to get a great deal on a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom home on Balboa Island to rent for at least a year. And part of that deal was to provide the labor to update/upgrade the property. So the first step was to pull up the carpet in the living room. Oh man! The previous tenant was a smoker and had a dog. So needless to say, but I'm going to anyway, the carpet was stinky!!!
So the carpet was out, next was the paint! We picked out a really pretty brown. It's soft, almost the color of chocolate cake batter before it's baked. And that's what it looked like in the paint can too! Then the bedroom had to be painted. Same soft brown. Then it was the kitchen's turn. Earl painted that a dark cranberry color-very pretty and dramatic. Next was the bathroom in a bold almost periwinkle color, but with more blue in it. And all the trim is done in a bright frost white for a strong contrast.
The paint looks great. So then the next step was to put in the new hardwood floors. Living room was done first, then the bedroom. Then we pulled up the vinyl in the bathroom to find lots of water and termite damage. Oh yeah, there was termite damage in the living room. Earl's dad was able to repair the damage in both locations so that we could continue with the renovations. We even have cedar flooring in the closet too. That was Earl's doing. I'll admit, it's a nice smell. It was very strong at first and I had issues with it, but I've gotten used to it.
So while all this was going on, we still needed to pack up our apartment, and I was still working. So I haven't had much time for anything! But we finally got everything packed, the boxes moved and unpacked, and I have a moment to myself tonight to write.
We have been in our new place for three weeks now. It looks and feels like a home and that is what I love most. I have pictures on the walls, the bookcase filled with my beloved books, and a bed I can crawl into when I want to hide from the world.
Earl and I also received a letter from the First Presidency granting us the sealing clearance we've been waiting for. We have set the date for June 5th for us to be sealed for time and eternity. We've been waiting for a long time for this and are so excited that we get to do this.
And wouldn't you know that the day after I called the temple to schedule the sealing, I was at work and a diamond fell out of my wedding ring! So it is currently at the jewelers being repaired. And I'm really hoping to get it back by the 5th. Not that we need rings, the ceremony is so much more than a ring. I just don't like being without it!
So that is pretty much what I've been doing the last 2 months. And I even bought some flowers for my deck. Some red and yellow snapdragons and some other flower that looks similar to a daisy, but I can't remember what it's called.
Now I just need motivation to go fold laundry!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NEWS!!!
WE'RE GETTING SEALED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
more to come soon...!
more to come soon...!
Monday, March 22, 2010
WANTED: Decapitation!
Well, the whole no soda/caffeine thing didn't really work.
No, that's not true. It may have worked. But Friday night at around 930 my head started to hurt. I wasn't about to take an excedrin (which has caffeine) right before bed and then have trouble sleeping. So I had a little snack before bed and went to sleep.
Woke up at about 215am to use the restroom and my head was still pounding. Then my alarm went off at 530 and my day began.
And there was no relief in sight. You see, it was swallows weekend in San Juan Capistrano. It's the time of year that those birds come back to the area. And they have a parade. And people get drunk. And then they fight. And let's just say that alcohol is not a good additive to a population of over 75,000 in one city for one day.
So we were busy. I wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep. Oh how I wanted sleep! But by about 430pm, I had had some food, and two wonderful prescription pills in my system and was feeling almost human again.
I really wish that I didn't get migraines. They are horrible and debilitating. And I just plain don't like them! Then again, I can't think of anyone who does...
So that was my weekend...How was yours?
(Okay, I don't REALLY want to cut off my head, but sometimes it's the only way I think the pain would go away.)
No, that's not true. It may have worked. But Friday night at around 930 my head started to hurt. I wasn't about to take an excedrin (which has caffeine) right before bed and then have trouble sleeping. So I had a little snack before bed and went to sleep.
Woke up at about 215am to use the restroom and my head was still pounding. Then my alarm went off at 530 and my day began.
And there was no relief in sight. You see, it was swallows weekend in San Juan Capistrano. It's the time of year that those birds come back to the area. And they have a parade. And people get drunk. And then they fight. And let's just say that alcohol is not a good additive to a population of over 75,000 in one city for one day.
So we were busy. I wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep. Oh how I wanted sleep! But by about 430pm, I had had some food, and two wonderful prescription pills in my system and was feeling almost human again.
I really wish that I didn't get migraines. They are horrible and debilitating. And I just plain don't like them! Then again, I can't think of anyone who does...
So that was my weekend...How was yours?
(Okay, I don't REALLY want to cut off my head, but sometimes it's the only way I think the pain would go away.)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Confession
I caved. I was bad. I didn't keep my word.
I had a Coke.
Please don't be mad at me. I have a good reason! This whole daylight savings thing has messed up my schedule! And I spent the night on Sunday at my in-law's with the dogs. I laid (not slept) on the couch. The dogs walked on me. Then the one dog started whining at around 4am. My alarm went off at 530. Work started at 7. And went til 7.
I had a coke with breakfast. Please say it's okay! Please don't tell me I'm going to hell for drinking a coke.......
I will do whatever I need to to repent of this. Do I need to call my bishop? Man, I hope not, since Earl and I sent in all the paperwork for our sealing. It would just devastate me to be denied that all because of one little coke!
Oh yeah, did I mention that? Earl and I met with our Stake President to finalize our paperwork and it has been sent off to Salt Lake for review!! I'll keep you guys posted on that!
I had a Coke.
Please don't be mad at me. I have a good reason! This whole daylight savings thing has messed up my schedule! And I spent the night on Sunday at my in-law's with the dogs. I laid (not slept) on the couch. The dogs walked on me. Then the one dog started whining at around 4am. My alarm went off at 530. Work started at 7. And went til 7.
I had a coke with breakfast. Please say it's okay! Please don't tell me I'm going to hell for drinking a coke.......
I will do whatever I need to to repent of this. Do I need to call my bishop? Man, I hope not, since Earl and I sent in all the paperwork for our sealing. It would just devastate me to be denied that all because of one little coke!
Oh yeah, did I mention that? Earl and I met with our Stake President to finalize our paperwork and it has been sent off to Salt Lake for review!! I'll keep you guys posted on that!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Yay For Me!
So I didn't really think that I would go this far, but I have almost completely cut soda from my diet. It all started as me trying to not drink caffeinated soda like Coke, Dr. Pepper, and my favorite, Mt. Dew Code Red.
You see, I get headaches. Bad ones. And my body is very sensitive to caffeine. So when I drink a coke every day with lunch and then suddenly don't have one, my head starts to pound. And the only way to please the Headache God is to give an offering of caffeine, either through a soda or my favorite, Excedrin (which has caffeine in it as well).
So for the past 2 weeks I have been substituting water or juice or milk for the soda. I'm doing good so far. I've had just two sodas, and I didn't even drink the whole thing. I can't say that my headaches have gone away, I don't think they ever will. But if this helps, then it is a lifestyle/diet change for life!!
You see, I get headaches. Bad ones. And my body is very sensitive to caffeine. So when I drink a coke every day with lunch and then suddenly don't have one, my head starts to pound. And the only way to please the Headache God is to give an offering of caffeine, either through a soda or my favorite, Excedrin (which has caffeine in it as well).
So for the past 2 weeks I have been substituting water or juice or milk for the soda. I'm doing good so far. I've had just two sodas, and I didn't even drink the whole thing. I can't say that my headaches have gone away, I don't think they ever will. But if this helps, then it is a lifestyle/diet change for life!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
One More Thing...
Okay, I know I said I was done! I forgot to say that I finally got the matching band to my engagement ring! Earl and I couldn't afford the nice rings we wanted when we got married. But we have been blessed to be able to get them now. Earl's is a tungsten carbide with a black carbon fiber inlay. Yay for rings that will last forever!!
You can see Earl's here and mine here.
Love them!!!
You can see Earl's here and mine here.
Love them!!!
I've Been Bad...
Alright, I know! It's been almost a month since I last posted anything! I'm bad! Please keep the pitchforks and torches to a minimum!
It's hard to say whether anything has happened in the last month or not. Probably the biggest thing is that Earl and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Yay! We were very fortunate to get time off from work for that weekend (our anniversary was on a Saturday). We were even more fortunate to borrow one of Earl's coworker's cabin up in Big Bear.
So we packed for the weekend, prepared ourselves for a relaxing, snowy weekend away from everything! We drove up on Friday, Feb. 26 and got up there about 2 or so. The sun was shining and there was still a little bit of snow on the ground from the past few storms that blew through. We pulled in to the cutest little cabin ever. It was a one bedroom that was covered in antiques. The fridge was an old Philco with a handle on the outside with the icebox on the inside. The stove was gas, and you had to light it with matches. It was really just the most perfect place to get away to.
So that night the wind started blowing and it was noisy! The bed wasn't the most comfortable and both Earl and I had trouble sleeping. Finally at about 2am after hours of tossing and turning, I said to Earl that I was going to sleep on the couch. You see, not only was the bed uncomfortable, but I have problems with my hips occasionally. If there is no support in the mattress, my hips start to hurt and it makes my legs ache and then I'm just not a happy camper! So I slept on the sofa a little bit better. We got up to a fresh coat of snow over everything! It was so pretty and quiet and picturesque. It was almost like waking up on Christmas morning to see that Santa did not pass over your house.
So we got up, took sponge baths from water heated on the stove in a pot (the water heater was not turned on and we found this out the hard way the night before by taking ice cold showers. And when I say ice cold, I mean it!) and went out to breakfast. We walked up and down the street in The Village and found a nice coat for Earl since he had forgotten to pack a jacket or sweatshirt.
Since lift tickets were too expensive for us, we decided to go tubing. There is a tubing park on the outside of Big Bear and while it was $50 for both of us to go, it was much cheaper than paying $65 a piece for tickets for snowboarding. It was my first time tubing and I had a blast!! It even started to snow again while we were there and that scared off some people. But then the runs got super slushy and we decided that we would have a snowball fight and build a snowman/dinosaur/dragon/thing. I'm really not sure what it was that we built, but we did it together and had fun! Of course once we were done constructing it, we decided to try our skills as linebackers and tackled it!
By this time our coats were soaked and we were cold. So we headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things and headed back to the cabin to get ready for our anniversary dinner. By this time Earl had found the water heater (outside in a shed) and we were able to take hot showers! Oh what a glorious experience!! It's amazing the things we take for granted. Hot showers are definitely a luxury!
I had done a little bit of research on places to eat for our dinner and decided on a place called Jaspar's. Once we went inside, we saw it was a little hole in the wall joint and that suited us just fine. And oh the food!! Absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend going, should you visit Big Bear. And once we finished with dinner we headed over to the Bowling Barn for some good times. Turns out that they do "rock'n'bowl" at 8pm so we really enjoyed it. Earl beat me by 2 pins theh first game and I beat him by 20-30 pins the second game. We headed back to the cabin after that for our cake. We picked up a little mini cake and a "1" candle at the store to celebrate our one year. I know, we're dorks! But we are starting a fun tradition that we will carry on for years to come!
So after our amazing weekend away, we came home and life went on like normal. We met with our Stake President this past Sunday to finalize the paperwork to send in to Salt Lake for approval on our sealing. When friends and family have asked me what was the best thing about being married for a year, I told them that I was excited to be sealed to Earl. He is the best thing to ever happen to me. I love him with all my heart and I'm overjoyed to be with him for eternity.
And so I'm going to stop with the mushy sentiments right there because if I continue I know that I will start to cry and then I will be forced to eat the entire pan of brownies that I baked earlier! Yes Mom, I baked! Don't worry, it was from a box so it doesn't really count!
The other "big news" that I have is that I quit Sport Chalet. I know, I know, you were all expecting me to say that I was pregnant. But that isn't happening for awhile. But that's a topic for another post. Back on subject! Okay, so I had worked for the company for almost 8 years and was almost like amputating an appendage when I quit. No, not really. It was actually very easy to do. It was the right thing to do and I know that now I have time to spend with my husband, my family, and me! I can take relaxing baths, watch a movie, or just veg. I also have time to fold the laundry and do the dishes. Earl has been very good about helping with those things, but now I have whole days off and can really focus on my homelife.
Holy shamoly this post got long! Wow, if you got all the way to here, I applaud you! And on that note, I'm signing off!
It's hard to say whether anything has happened in the last month or not. Probably the biggest thing is that Earl and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Yay! We were very fortunate to get time off from work for that weekend (our anniversary was on a Saturday). We were even more fortunate to borrow one of Earl's coworker's cabin up in Big Bear.
So we packed for the weekend, prepared ourselves for a relaxing, snowy weekend away from everything! We drove up on Friday, Feb. 26 and got up there about 2 or so. The sun was shining and there was still a little bit of snow on the ground from the past few storms that blew through. We pulled in to the cutest little cabin ever. It was a one bedroom that was covered in antiques. The fridge was an old Philco with a handle on the outside with the icebox on the inside. The stove was gas, and you had to light it with matches. It was really just the most perfect place to get away to.
So that night the wind started blowing and it was noisy! The bed wasn't the most comfortable and both Earl and I had trouble sleeping. Finally at about 2am after hours of tossing and turning, I said to Earl that I was going to sleep on the couch. You see, not only was the bed uncomfortable, but I have problems with my hips occasionally. If there is no support in the mattress, my hips start to hurt and it makes my legs ache and then I'm just not a happy camper! So I slept on the sofa a little bit better. We got up to a fresh coat of snow over everything! It was so pretty and quiet and picturesque. It was almost like waking up on Christmas morning to see that Santa did not pass over your house.
So we got up, took sponge baths from water heated on the stove in a pot (the water heater was not turned on and we found this out the hard way the night before by taking ice cold showers. And when I say ice cold, I mean it!) and went out to breakfast. We walked up and down the street in The Village and found a nice coat for Earl since he had forgotten to pack a jacket or sweatshirt.
Since lift tickets were too expensive for us, we decided to go tubing. There is a tubing park on the outside of Big Bear and while it was $50 for both of us to go, it was much cheaper than paying $65 a piece for tickets for snowboarding. It was my first time tubing and I had a blast!! It even started to snow again while we were there and that scared off some people. But then the runs got super slushy and we decided that we would have a snowball fight and build a snowman/dinosaur/dragon/thing. I'm really not sure what it was that we built, but we did it together and had fun! Of course once we were done constructing it, we decided to try our skills as linebackers and tackled it!
By this time our coats were soaked and we were cold. So we headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things and headed back to the cabin to get ready for our anniversary dinner. By this time Earl had found the water heater (outside in a shed) and we were able to take hot showers! Oh what a glorious experience!! It's amazing the things we take for granted. Hot showers are definitely a luxury!
I had done a little bit of research on places to eat for our dinner and decided on a place called Jaspar's. Once we went inside, we saw it was a little hole in the wall joint and that suited us just fine. And oh the food!! Absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend going, should you visit Big Bear. And once we finished with dinner we headed over to the Bowling Barn for some good times. Turns out that they do "rock'n'bowl" at 8pm so we really enjoyed it. Earl beat me by 2 pins theh first game and I beat him by 20-30 pins the second game. We headed back to the cabin after that for our cake. We picked up a little mini cake and a "1" candle at the store to celebrate our one year. I know, we're dorks! But we are starting a fun tradition that we will carry on for years to come!
So after our amazing weekend away, we came home and life went on like normal. We met with our Stake President this past Sunday to finalize the paperwork to send in to Salt Lake for approval on our sealing. When friends and family have asked me what was the best thing about being married for a year, I told them that I was excited to be sealed to Earl. He is the best thing to ever happen to me. I love him with all my heart and I'm overjoyed to be with him for eternity.
And so I'm going to stop with the mushy sentiments right there because if I continue I know that I will start to cry and then I will be forced to eat the entire pan of brownies that I baked earlier! Yes Mom, I baked! Don't worry, it was from a box so it doesn't really count!
The other "big news" that I have is that I quit Sport Chalet. I know, I know, you were all expecting me to say that I was pregnant. But that isn't happening for awhile. But that's a topic for another post. Back on subject! Okay, so I had worked for the company for almost 8 years and was almost like amputating an appendage when I quit. No, not really. It was actually very easy to do. It was the right thing to do and I know that now I have time to spend with my husband, my family, and me! I can take relaxing baths, watch a movie, or just veg. I also have time to fold the laundry and do the dishes. Earl has been very good about helping with those things, but now I have whole days off and can really focus on my homelife.
Holy shamoly this post got long! Wow, if you got all the way to here, I applaud you! And on that note, I'm signing off!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Random Bits of Recentness
I have been told that I need to post more on here. I must admit, this is coming from my father-in-law who I see on a regular basis, so I feel flattered that someone enjoys reading my blog!
Not much has been going on lately. Just working a whole heap. I guess I could give a public service announcement though. This stems from a 911 call that we were sent to last night. It is important as a parent to make sure you feed your kids a balance diet. It is also important to keep an eye on your kids so they don't do anything stupid or dangerous. And if you choose to not watch your child to protect them from stupid or dangerous things, especially things that have to do with their diet, please do not announce it to the whole world by calling 911. Somebody did this last night because their child decided to pick up a cupcake from the street and eat it. I don't know the age of the child, but if that is what your child is resorting to do, perhaps a little intervention is needed. Perhaps a parental license should be issued when one seeks to have kids. I mean, come on! We all knew of the urban myths of razor blades in our Halloween candy growing up. Not a problem, let Mom double-check the loot and then you're good to go. That was good parenting. But letting your kid eat a CUPCAKE from the street? If you're dumb enough to let this happen, please, please, PLEASE don't announce it to your neighbors by having a fire engine come screaming down your street only to have 4 grown men laugh at your silliness. You'll feel better about yourself in the morning, I promise!
So as I sit here, eating my pudding cup, I am slowly waking from my graveyard shift last night. Not a spectacular night, just another one done. No, you don't need to reread that. I am eating an Oreo flavored pudding cup for breakfast. My second one in fact. Don't judge me! And don't look in my grocery bag at the 2 Hershey's Cookies n Cream bars that I have as well! Hey, they were 2/$1 at Stater Bros! That's a steal! I suppose that since it is now 1215, I need to get in the shower and get going with my day.
So the moral of the story is don't let your kids eat random food from the ground, and always think twice before calling 911. Ask yourself if it's really and emergency: Is there significant blood loss? Are they having chest pain? Are they breathing? If you're calling because you're 95 and haven't pooped in a week, try a laxative, much cheaper than an $800 ambulance ride to the ER.
Thanks kids and let's all enjoy another trip around the sun!
Not much has been going on lately. Just working a whole heap. I guess I could give a public service announcement though. This stems from a 911 call that we were sent to last night. It is important as a parent to make sure you feed your kids a balance diet. It is also important to keep an eye on your kids so they don't do anything stupid or dangerous. And if you choose to not watch your child to protect them from stupid or dangerous things, especially things that have to do with their diet, please do not announce it to the whole world by calling 911. Somebody did this last night because their child decided to pick up a cupcake from the street and eat it. I don't know the age of the child, but if that is what your child is resorting to do, perhaps a little intervention is needed. Perhaps a parental license should be issued when one seeks to have kids. I mean, come on! We all knew of the urban myths of razor blades in our Halloween candy growing up. Not a problem, let Mom double-check the loot and then you're good to go. That was good parenting. But letting your kid eat a CUPCAKE from the street? If you're dumb enough to let this happen, please, please, PLEASE don't announce it to your neighbors by having a fire engine come screaming down your street only to have 4 grown men laugh at your silliness. You'll feel better about yourself in the morning, I promise!
So as I sit here, eating my pudding cup, I am slowly waking from my graveyard shift last night. Not a spectacular night, just another one done. No, you don't need to reread that. I am eating an Oreo flavored pudding cup for breakfast. My second one in fact. Don't judge me! And don't look in my grocery bag at the 2 Hershey's Cookies n Cream bars that I have as well! Hey, they were 2/$1 at Stater Bros! That's a steal! I suppose that since it is now 1215, I need to get in the shower and get going with my day.
So the moral of the story is don't let your kids eat random food from the ground, and always think twice before calling 911. Ask yourself if it's really and emergency: Is there significant blood loss? Are they having chest pain? Are they breathing? If you're calling because you're 95 and haven't pooped in a week, try a laxative, much cheaper than an $800 ambulance ride to the ER.
Thanks kids and let's all enjoy another trip around the sun!
Friday, February 5, 2010
My New 'Do
Well, I did it.
After having long hair for about 95% of my life, I got it cut last night. It's way cute and I will have a picture on here as soon as I can take a good one! The webcam on my laptop isn't the best, so I'll have Earl take one with his phone soon.
Love to all!!
After having long hair for about 95% of my life, I got it cut last night. It's way cute and I will have a picture on here as soon as I can take a good one! The webcam on my laptop isn't the best, so I'll have Earl take one with his phone soon.
Love to all!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Rain, Tornadoes, and Coughs, Oh My!
So here we are in the middle of storm #3. It's raining. There's supposed to be thunderstorms later with the possibility of hail and tornadoes also.
It's 1045 and I'm awake. I say this only because I'm supposed to be asleep right now. You see, I worked the graveyard shift last night and got home at around 0745. So I'm supposed to be asleep. I normally will sleep til noon and then get up and shower and go about my day.
But not today. No, today HAD to be special.
You see, for the past few days I've been fighting a losing battle with my voice. I officially lost that battle on Tuesday, and let's just say that trying to talk on the radio was not fun. I had to repeat myself many times because the crew couldn't hear what I said.
Now my voice is a little stronger, but I have developed a wonderful cough. It's not productive. I get a stupid little tickle in my throat that forces me to either clear my throat or go about hacking for the next few seconds. And if I cough too long or hard then I run the risk of triggering that oh-so-strong gag reflex I have and that just wouldn't be pretty.
So yes, I'm awake, it's raining, I'm cold, I'm coughing, and I'm eating leftover red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for breakfast.
Did I mention that we were under a tornado warning on Tuesday afternoon? I'd expect that from the midwest, not Orange county...Guess I should be ready for anything with 2012 right around the corner-not that the world is going to end in 2012 (I think that's just a big 'ol load of bull-honkey).
Have a fantastic day to those who took the time to read my not-so-interesting blog today!
It's 1045 and I'm awake. I say this only because I'm supposed to be asleep right now. You see, I worked the graveyard shift last night and got home at around 0745. So I'm supposed to be asleep. I normally will sleep til noon and then get up and shower and go about my day.
But not today. No, today HAD to be special.
You see, for the past few days I've been fighting a losing battle with my voice. I officially lost that battle on Tuesday, and let's just say that trying to talk on the radio was not fun. I had to repeat myself many times because the crew couldn't hear what I said.
Now my voice is a little stronger, but I have developed a wonderful cough. It's not productive. I get a stupid little tickle in my throat that forces me to either clear my throat or go about hacking for the next few seconds. And if I cough too long or hard then I run the risk of triggering that oh-so-strong gag reflex I have and that just wouldn't be pretty.
So yes, I'm awake, it's raining, I'm cold, I'm coughing, and I'm eating leftover red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for breakfast.
Did I mention that we were under a tornado warning on Tuesday afternoon? I'd expect that from the midwest, not Orange county...Guess I should be ready for anything with 2012 right around the corner-not that the world is going to end in 2012 (I think that's just a big 'ol load of bull-honkey).
Have a fantastic day to those who took the time to read my not-so-interesting blog today!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Today's Dream
As I sit here pondering life's greatest mysteries, i.e. what should I make for lunch, I decided my blog needed a little sprucing. So I spent the last twenty minutes or so browsing the free layouts available and finally picked one. I may still change it, who knows!
But this layout reminds me of denim and the country. Of a place I want to go back to. I would love to live out in the country in a nice country farmhouse with a yard for kids to play in. A swingset and a sandbox. Trees galore for the kids to climb. Space to run around, have a picnic on Saturday afternoons.
So that's what I'm thinking today. Nothing major. Just dreaming...
But this layout reminds me of denim and the country. Of a place I want to go back to. I would love to live out in the country in a nice country farmhouse with a yard for kids to play in. A swingset and a sandbox. Trees galore for the kids to climb. Space to run around, have a picnic on Saturday afternoons.
So that's what I'm thinking today. Nothing major. Just dreaming...
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Holidays
I'm going to preface this by warning that this post is a little long. Might make you cry too. So pull out the Kleenex and settle in!
The holidays are over. The food has been eaten. The wrapping paper has been thrown away. Resolutions have been made (and some already broken).
So now what?
I don't have the answer to that question. Sorry! But I do have the memories of one of the best Christmases I've ever had.
You see, this was the first Christmas I shared with my husband, Earl. I wanted it to be as memorable and fun as possible. So we got our little 3ft pre-lit tree from Target, decorated it with cute little ornaments, and started shopping for family members. Most of the presents were purchased and wrapped and laying under respective trees across Orange County.
Then I got pulled over while on my way to work the Saturday before Christmas. I had a tail light out, which I mentioned in my previous post. But the real kicker about the stop was that my registration was way past due. It was a neccessary thing that needed to be done months ago, but we just didn't have the cash for it.
So then the Monday before Christmas, Earl and I took a trip to our local DMV and stood in line for an hour and a half to get our little ticket to register the truck. When our number was called, the lady ran the numbers and came back with a staggering figure.
$955.00.
Yup, almost a thousand dollars to register the truck. We had the money, barely. I believe we had about twenty bucks left in the checking account after that transaction. But we still don't completely have the truck registered. We have a temporary piece of paper taped to the back window. I have to call the Utah DMV and get an original vehicle history report to turn in. THEN I will get my plates and that oh-so-expensive little colored sticker.
So back to the bank account part. I was not doing well emotionally, as one can imagine. Almost called off work that night because I felt I was on the verge of a complete breakdown. And then Earl called me while I was on my lunch.
A very kind person, dear to our hearts, came in to Earl's shop and gave him some money to put in our account so we would be able to buy groceries. You see, earlier in the day I had been thinking to myself, trying to determine which family member would have to do without a present so that we could eat. What a humbling experience this was. And heartbreaking. I was so excited for Christmas, and had put lots of time and thought into each person's gift. The thought of having to return them so that I could fill my stomach made me feel selfish. And then this angel bestowed a gift upon us.
We continued on our way. We spent very little, just paid the absolutely mandatory bills. We were feeling better. Christmas Eve came and we spent the evening with my family in Fountain Valley. We played our "Left-Right" game, Apples to Apples, and Phase 10. It was a wonderful night full of laughter, happiness, a few tears, some pain, and great food.
Christmas morning dawned a glorious day. We spent the first part of the morning with Earl's family in Newport Beach, opening presents and eating breakfast. I felt so blessed with the gifts I was given. Nothing big or extravagant, but thoughtful, needed items. We then continued on to my folks for round 2 of presents.
By the time we showed up, my sister, younger brother, and father were all asleep in the living room with paper and boxes strewn about. Mom came in from the garage and the three of us gathered around the dining room table to open presents again. Earl and I started with our stocking. While I opened the measuring scoops I needed for the sugar and flour canisters, Earl opened a flashlight for the truck. I then opened a card from my folks and immediately started crying and ran around the table to hug my mom. Without saying anything to my folks about the financial woes from our truck, our prayers had been answered by another set of angels very dear to our hearts.
This year has had its ups and downs. Earl and I have struggled and excelled. I can't think of a better way to end the year than knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and answers our prayers, even in the most unexpected way. I know that my parents, both by blood and by law, love me. I am so thankful for them all. I know that I am so blessed to have them in my life. I have never felt such an overwhelming feeling of love. What an amazing Christmas to experience. Had I known this was what was in store for me, I wouldn't have griped about the DMV costs.
So I know it's a little late, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends and family!
The holidays are over. The food has been eaten. The wrapping paper has been thrown away. Resolutions have been made (and some already broken).
So now what?
I don't have the answer to that question. Sorry! But I do have the memories of one of the best Christmases I've ever had.
You see, this was the first Christmas I shared with my husband, Earl. I wanted it to be as memorable and fun as possible. So we got our little 3ft pre-lit tree from Target, decorated it with cute little ornaments, and started shopping for family members. Most of the presents were purchased and wrapped and laying under respective trees across Orange County.
Then I got pulled over while on my way to work the Saturday before Christmas. I had a tail light out, which I mentioned in my previous post. But the real kicker about the stop was that my registration was way past due. It was a neccessary thing that needed to be done months ago, but we just didn't have the cash for it.
So then the Monday before Christmas, Earl and I took a trip to our local DMV and stood in line for an hour and a half to get our little ticket to register the truck. When our number was called, the lady ran the numbers and came back with a staggering figure.
$955.00.
Yup, almost a thousand dollars to register the truck. We had the money, barely. I believe we had about twenty bucks left in the checking account after that transaction. But we still don't completely have the truck registered. We have a temporary piece of paper taped to the back window. I have to call the Utah DMV and get an original vehicle history report to turn in. THEN I will get my plates and that oh-so-expensive little colored sticker.
So back to the bank account part. I was not doing well emotionally, as one can imagine. Almost called off work that night because I felt I was on the verge of a complete breakdown. And then Earl called me while I was on my lunch.
A very kind person, dear to our hearts, came in to Earl's shop and gave him some money to put in our account so we would be able to buy groceries. You see, earlier in the day I had been thinking to myself, trying to determine which family member would have to do without a present so that we could eat. What a humbling experience this was. And heartbreaking. I was so excited for Christmas, and had put lots of time and thought into each person's gift. The thought of having to return them so that I could fill my stomach made me feel selfish. And then this angel bestowed a gift upon us.
We continued on our way. We spent very little, just paid the absolutely mandatory bills. We were feeling better. Christmas Eve came and we spent the evening with my family in Fountain Valley. We played our "Left-Right" game, Apples to Apples, and Phase 10. It was a wonderful night full of laughter, happiness, a few tears, some pain, and great food.
Christmas morning dawned a glorious day. We spent the first part of the morning with Earl's family in Newport Beach, opening presents and eating breakfast. I felt so blessed with the gifts I was given. Nothing big or extravagant, but thoughtful, needed items. We then continued on to my folks for round 2 of presents.
By the time we showed up, my sister, younger brother, and father were all asleep in the living room with paper and boxes strewn about. Mom came in from the garage and the three of us gathered around the dining room table to open presents again. Earl and I started with our stocking. While I opened the measuring scoops I needed for the sugar and flour canisters, Earl opened a flashlight for the truck. I then opened a card from my folks and immediately started crying and ran around the table to hug my mom. Without saying anything to my folks about the financial woes from our truck, our prayers had been answered by another set of angels very dear to our hearts.
This year has had its ups and downs. Earl and I have struggled and excelled. I can't think of a better way to end the year than knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and answers our prayers, even in the most unexpected way. I know that my parents, both by blood and by law, love me. I am so thankful for them all. I know that I am so blessed to have them in my life. I have never felt such an overwhelming feeling of love. What an amazing Christmas to experience. Had I known this was what was in store for me, I wouldn't have griped about the DMV costs.
So I know it's a little late, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends and family!
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