Saturday, April 30, 2011
Truth 19
I think religion is interesting. I'd like to learn more about other religions.
I fully admit I am not a very good Catholic. I go to church for weddings and funerals. I'd like to get back to church as an adult and see it from a new perspective.
As a child my brother, sister and myself went to church every Saturday - 4:00 Mass - with my grandmother. As a child I did NOT pay attention. I admit this too.
So I'd like to see it from an adult perspective. I'd like to try different churches too - not just the one I grew up in.
I don't think much of politics. You will never hear me get all up in arms about politics because I really just don't follow. I don't have much to say here.
Photo Challenge - Day 14
Friday, April 29, 2011
Truth 18
Oh this is easy. Hello? My brother AND my sister are both gay. My brother got married on my front porch in Sept 2009. I think that explains my views on gay marriage.
If I were to step on my soapbox here is what I'd have to say.
Who CARES if a man loves a man or a woman loves a woman? Who are we to judge what is right and / or what is wrong?
Here is MY point of view. MINE alone. God made each and every one of us. Well, that means God made some men gay and some women lesbian. As long as you are happy, it doesn't effect me. I don't think we have any right to say you can't marry a man or you can't marry a woman.
Just my opinion.
I know there are plenty of different opinions on this subject. I've seen / heard it all. That is okay too. I can respect that people have their own feelings. They are entitled. Just as I am entitled to mine. There are poeple in our family who don't agree with it and that is okay too. As long as we all have respect for one another, that is all I care about. I would never try to force my opinion on anyone. It's all about respect.
For the record, I'd feel the exact same way if my brother and sister were straight.
Photo Challenge - Day 13
Oh I could never narrow it down to one. No way, no how. My music tastes vary widely. They don't even make sense. I'd never lend anyone my iTouch because they'd think I was a crazy person LOL.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Truth 17
Good question. I will freely admit that I don't read books to learn anything. Yes, shame on me.
I loooove to read. I read many many different types of books and many different authors but I haven't read anything because I want to learn anything. There are lots of things I would like to read. Books that teach about different religions, books that are based on things that have happened in history. But, I have a hard time going out and getting them.
Another admission - I NEVER go to the library. Why?! You get free books! I just never think to. I will go online and buy a book based off of a friends recommendation, I'll buy a book in a store because I like the author, the description or yes, even the cover. I have totally been sucked into a book just because the cover has drawn me in. But I never think to go to the (again,hello, FREE) library. I have taken the kids there. I just never look for myself. I need to get better at this.
So, long post longer. I guess I really don't have an answer for this question.
Photo Challenge - Day 12
Clearly I love my family. But I feel like I should get "more" out there than just that lol. So, I'm going to share what flowers I love.
Tulips! Tulips are my favorite flower. I know a looooot of women love roses. Nope, I love me some tulips. (I do like roses, yellow are my favorite rose but I love tulips even more than roses) We have tulips planted in our front yard. I love that they are one of the first flowers you see in the spring. There are a lot of flowers I associate with springtime, warmer weather, fun at the beach, etc. But tulips are definitely my favorite.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Truths 15 & 16
Ohhh, this is tough. WHY are these so tough?
I might have to really think about this and come back. Nothing really comes to mind.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
I think it's sad that the question asks about "someone" you could definitely live without. One, who would say that about someone that is in their lives and two, WHY would someone be in your life if you could live without them? Why not just move on? I don't know, I guess it's easy for me to say that because I don't have anyone I could live without. The people I have in my life are there for a reason. Because they mean something to me. I want them to be a part of my life. There are lots of cheesy phrases I've seen but most of them ring true. I've chosen people to be in my life for a reason and that is why they are there.
But, actually........now that I really think about it.....I guess it DOES make sense for someone to be in your life that you don't want. A family member......we can't just cut them out because they are family. Nevermind. Ignore my previous rant. Yes, I could just delete but that kind of defeats the purpose of me coming out and being myself in my blogging now doesn't it.
Okay, off that tangent. What could I live without? Stress. But who couldn't. Drama. But, thankfully, I don't have too much of that in my life. I am lucky to be able to say that but it's true. Wait. I don't have my OWN drama I should say. My center, my immediate universe (which consists of me, John and the kiddos) is pretty drama free. There is drama from other people that touches my life.....but nothing that directly involves me.
I guess there is nothing special that I could really live without.....I'm pretty sure everyone could, and would like to live without what I mentioned.
Photo Challenge - Day 11
Again with the "H" word. Sheesh. It's such a strong word and one I hate to use. Wait. That doesn't work now does it? There are lots of things I dislike.......but I can't say I HATE anything. Wait. I got something. I think I can safely say I might just hate:
CENTIPEDES. O.M.G. I can't stand these bugs. Just putting that picture on here gives me the **shivers** and makes me want to run. All of those legs, all moving at the same time.....ACK. They FREAK ME OUT. So there, I guess I really do hate something.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
It's My Party
Today I got this one for Ryan:
Many kids coming up on their fifth birthday show a big interest in party planning. (Has your child been counting down for weeks already?) This can be a notable shift from earlier birthdays. Kids this age are famous for strong opinions and big-time sociability, and having been to a party ... or ten ... or 30 ... by now, your birthday kid may be full of ideas. Give him some say, whether you'll be celebrating with just family or a whole passel of friends.
I have to say it's SO TRUE! Ryan is OBSESSED with his birthday. He asks every day if he is five years old yet. I say no, a few weeks. He says tomorrow? No honey, a few weeks. He is just so. damn. excited! He picked out an Ironman II theme. I've sent out the Facebook Invite (yes, this is what I have become, it's just SO much easier to get a response this way!) and I sent out homemade invites to the kids in his class.
May 22nd cannot come fast enough for my almost 5 year old!!
Truth 14
I can't do this one either!
The only hero I have is (was) my Mom.
My Mom never let me down. Not really. Sure, there were times growing up when I was upset, angry, whatever with her. But not because she let me down. Just because I was a kid and she was my Mom so I took things out on her.
Now if I had to write a letter to my Mom explaining why she was my hero - I could rock that challenge.
But my Mom never let me down. She is my hero.
Photo Challenge - Day 10
Monday, April 25, 2011
Taaa-Daaaaa!
I needed a fresh look and she totally hooked me up.
THANKS GIRL!!!!
I just want to say
This 30 day challenge was a great idea.
Coming "out" more in my blogs is a great idea.
Not everyone will get my sense of sarcasm. I get that. It's especially hard to read if you don't know me in real life. But I like that I am being more of my typical self here.
That is all.
Truth 13
Really? I can't think of a single one. I like music. All kinds. But I don't have one group, band, singer that I run to when I am having tough day.
I guess music isn't my "go to" thing.
Fail on this one. Or not fail. Because this is called truths. I am still speaking the truth.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Cluck, Ribbit, Quack, ohhhh BOK.
Stuffing eggs and putting together the baskets last night until 10p or 11p.
I would have LOVED to have put everything out right there and gone to bed. Nope, not so much. Ryan was up/down/up/down. I don't know if it was excitement or what but holy.
So I end up setting my alarm for 5a. Yes, 5a. OY.
I get up when the alarm goes off. Come downstairs to find Ryan sleeping on the chair. ACK!
So I go upstairs, grab the baskets and go through the family room (he is in the living room) to set them out.
Now comes the fun part.
Take all of the stuffed eggs out of the plastic bag they are in because that will make far too much noise and we can't risk waking the lil bugger.
Can you imagine? Yes honey, Mommy just ruined Easter for you at FIVE years old. I'm the flipping bunny.
So I put the eggs into a recyclable bag and I'm tiptoeing all around the downstairs to lay them out for the kids to find. Quietly. Don't want anyone to wake up!
That's done.
Now I can go back to sleep because hello, it's 5:10a. On Easter Sunday. I'm tired.
Unfortunately I'm not one that can hit the pillow and pass out. So I'm up until 6:15a. That's the last I remember.
Until 7:30a when I heard Erynn's door open.
Lordy it's going to be a looooong day. Happy Easter everyone!
Truths 11 & 12
My eyes.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
My thighs.
Photo Challenge - Day 8
This one is easy for me.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Statements of Truth 9& 10
Maybe I'm blanking but I can't think of anyone.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
No one. There isn't anyone in my life that I don't want to be there.
I guess this was an easy day lol.
Photo Challenge Day 5 and 6
Day 5: a picture of your favorite memory
Oh my. How does one choose just ONE? I don't think I can do that. I really don't think I can. My wedding day was a wonderful day. The birth of each of my children. How does one choose one over another? I can't do it. I honestly don't know that I only have one favorite memory anyway. I will go with this picture. The happiest day of my life at that moment in time. I asked my Mom to walk me down the aisle. I wouldn't have had it any other way. She was SO happy on my wedding day.
Day 7: a picture of your most treasured item
Can my family count? I'm thinking not but they are all that I really need. I don't really have a whole lot of items that I treasure. I guess if I had to go with something materialistic I would go with my wedding rings. They represent love, happiness, partnership, trust, life and so much more. I guess they would be what I treasure for all that the represent.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
**Under Construction**
I'm trying to let more of "me" come out in my blogs. That is my goal. I wanted to spice things up a little bit. So I'm revamping, renaming, reposting, you name it, I'm re-ing it.
New name.
New byline.
New look.........coming soon. I am having a HARD time finding something I like. I'll get there.
Eventually.
Love is.......
Truths 7 & 8
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Easy - my kids. They are my whole world. Now, just to clarify. That's not to say that John doesn't make life worth living for. I just think that things change once you become a Mom or a Dad. It's just understood that the kids are now #1. At least that's how it is in our world. Kids first, then John (or me, depending on who you are talking to) and then everything.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
You know, I'm sure there are people in my life who have fit the bill, but it's not stuff I dwell on. There isn't anything that sticks out sharply in my mind for this one. I wasn't tortured, wasn't kidnapped, wasn't made to do bad things. I had the typical run in with mean girls at school (hi, have you seen my school pictures?! Shocking that I'd have any issues with appearances at ALL. Really.) and the like but it wasn't anything that wasn't part of your typical growing up. So, I have no real answer for this one.
Photo Challenge - Day 4
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Truths 5&6
I don't know if this is pathetic or ridiculous or once but I do still have a tiny bit of hope that I will talk to my father again in my life. I know people don't understand and that is okay. But I am a Mom. I have children. I can't imagine not being a part of their lives. My father lives 2 min (quite literally) from my house. It's not like he is halfway across the world. He is right.there. I see him at the gas station. I see him in his yard. I see him driving down the road. My stomach jumps every time. I am an adult now. I see things differently. I wonder what it would be like to talk with him, to get to know him, as an adult. I don't think I will ever get the chance but the hope is still there. This is why these are called statements of truth. I can and will own up to them.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
This one scares the hell out of me to even type. The only thing that popped right into my mind is I hope to never outlive my children. That is all there is to it. I don't even want to say anything else about it.
Photo Challenge - Day 3
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Truths - Statement 3 & 4
This is a tough one. I can't think of anything I have done that has ever been so horrible that I'm not forgiving myself. Little things that can't be changed now - maybe spending more time with my Mother or doing more for her? Picking up the phone instead of letting it go to voicemail when I didn't feel like talking or was in the middle of something. Taking her to do more things. Not trying to rush her when she was at the grocery store and wanted to go down every.single.aisle even if she didn't need anything in that aisle. In the moment these things are SO annoying and frustrating. I had other things to do as well. But I can tell you there isn't much I wouldn't trade for just one more day. So I guess I need to forgive myself for being a normal daughter because I'm pretty sure we have all done that a time or two.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
This one isn't so tough. I guess it would be my Dad. For walking out on us. For leaving us and not wanting to have anything to do with us. For missing out on his grandchildren's lives. For just being a suck dad altogether. I don't know if I necessarily don't forgive him......but it's something that still weighs on me and it still hurts me every day. Especially when I am with my kids because I just can't imagine NOT being in their lives. There is nothing in this world that could ever make me leave my children or stop loving them. They are my whole life and nothing will ever change that. I don't understand why he didn't feel the same way about us.
Photo Challenge - Day 2
This picture was taken about a year ago. It's myself and Susan. She and Rob came with us down to Florida for Easter last year. Susan and I have known each other for 14 yrs or so. It might be a little longer / shorter. I can't remember. Susan is the type of friend who will be there no matter what. She'd do anything for me, John, Aidan, Ryan or Erynn at the drop of a hat. I love her like a sister. She is someone who will never not be a part of my life.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 1&2
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Well, hate? Nothing. Hate is a VERY strong word and I prefer not to use it. Things that I am not most fond of with myself? Okay, I can do that.
I don't like how sensitive I am.
I don't like that I hide my emotions / feelings from most of the world behind my sarcasm and "wit."
I don't like that I worry too much about what I look like to other people, put too much stock into what "everyone" thinks.
I don't like that I look at myself in the mirror and I rip myself to shreds. I am very harsh on myself.
I don't like that I can lose my patience sometimes and get snappy.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
I love that I am loyal.
I love that I am honest.
I love that I am a good mother.
I love that I am a good wife.
I love that I can almost always say what I'm thinking.
I love that people appreciate this about me!
I love my eyes.
I love the length of my hair.
Two 30 day challenges at once....why not??
30 Statements of Truth:
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.
Day 1
1. This picture is a little more than a month old and I already have changed the way I look.
2. The weekend this picture was taken was the first time I've ever shot a gun.
3. I hate guns and I only shot one to make my hubby be quiet about it already.
4. I have 3 siblings. A sister, a brother and a half sister. We all look alike.
5. My kids are born almost the exact length of time apart as myself and my siblings. The only major difference is Erynn. My kids: Dec 29 - May 26 - Dec 11. Me & my siblings: Dec 31 - May 31 - Jan 3.
6. I hate driving in snowstorms.
7. I don't mind my commute to Boston.
8. I love the beach but I hate going in the ocean. It's too cold.
9. I hate coffee.
10. I would love to not have to work full time anymore. I don't ever want to NOT work. But I'd love to cut back.
11. I wish I could have another baby.
12. Monthly dinners are some of my favorite nights.
13. I married my soulmate and I'm so happy I can say that.
14. I love to bake. I'm branching out into "from scratch" things more and more.
15. I miss my Mom every.single. day. <3
30 Days
The challenge is a 30 day photo challenge. I think I can handle this. The challenge looks like this:
Day 1: a photo of yourself with 15 facts.
Day 2: a photo of you and the person you have been closest with for a while (not spouse or sig o)
Day 3: a picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 4: a picture of your night
Day 5: a picture of your favorite memory
Day 6: a picture of someone you'd love to trade places with for one day
Day 7: a picture of your most treasured item
Day 8: a picture that can always make you laugh
Day 9: a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10: a picture of the person you do the most messed up things with
Day 11: a picture of something you hate
Day 12: a picture of something you love
Day 13: a picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14: a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15: a picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16: a picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17: a picture of something that has had a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18: a picture of a bad habit
Day 19: a picture of you when you were little
Day 20: a picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21: a picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22: a picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23: a picture of your favorite book
Day 24: a picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25: a picture of your day
Day 26: a picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27: a picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28: a picture of something you are afraid of
Day 29: a picture that can always make you smile
Day 30: a picture of someone you miss
So, there it is. Let the games begin.