Its been soo long and i have soo many things I want to blog about.
I'll wrap up the health stuff first. 4.5wks ago, I got a migraine. Today I still have remenants of that migraine. Its debilitating, frustrating and depressing!!! But I am working through it.
I have tried at least 7 prescription drugs, 4-5 natural supplements, tension repatterning, massage, exercise..... I've had one scary adverse reaction to the medications, had an MRI, I've lost 12 pounds (yeah - the silver lining), and shed countless tears.
I don't know why I got the migraine in the first place and I sure as shit don't know why it won't go away.
Here is what I've done. After researching, brain tumors, sinusitis - and trying a neti pot!, Epstein Barr Syndrome, MS... I found a book called, Magnesium: The Migraine Solution. My doctor recommended Magnesium and it did quickly relieve most of the pain (Hallelujah!!) but I had intense pressure still in the base of my neck, across the crown of my head and occasionally in my sinuses. After 2 wks I took a trip to the natural health store near my parents house and loaded up on the supplements the author suggests (magnesium, fish oil, feverfew, CoQ 10, and riboflavin) and drinking 64oz of water a day, I have found relief. The pressure is still there first thing in the morning but once I get the magnesium and feverfew in, it dissapates and I can function almost like a normal person!!
Its not gone, but I am back in the land of the living.
I am not a crunchy granola, tree hugging health nut, but it works.
What I've learned: Take your migraine meds at the first sign of a migraine NOT two days later. Its easier to abort a headache before it gets a hold of you, and play an active role in your own health.
Happy New Year All - Hope its Fabulous!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Aha!
A eureka moment came today in the form of an allergic reaction!
I've been feeling like crap since I got a migraine several weeks ago. Lots of anxiety, pressure in my head, general weakness..... I had just booked appt for an MRI, a consult with a psychologist, an eye exam and had just come home with 4 scripts. I was determined to get to the bottom of this after an anxiety filled sleepless night! I took the anti inflammatory and the anti anxiety/anti depressant As soon as I got home and within 45mins I was racing back to the dr. Office feeling like I was dying. On no nothing that exciting it was just a reaction to the anti-inflammatory! A reaction i'd had to the exact same Meds 7 months earlier that we attributed to anxiety!!!! AHHa I say. AND I think I have the same reaction to my migraine Meds! Just call me Dr. House! Unfortunately this means somehow I need to avoid these drugs in the future. Fine but how will I control my migraines? That my friends is the question for tomorrow's dr. Appt and yet another $15 copayment! My parents are swooping in tomorrow to be my security blanket. Thank God for them!!
Find the silver lining folks (I'm still wearing my skinny jeans!)
I've been feeling like crap since I got a migraine several weeks ago. Lots of anxiety, pressure in my head, general weakness..... I had just booked appt for an MRI, a consult with a psychologist, an eye exam and had just come home with 4 scripts. I was determined to get to the bottom of this after an anxiety filled sleepless night! I took the anti inflammatory and the anti anxiety/anti depressant As soon as I got home and within 45mins I was racing back to the dr. Office feeling like I was dying. On no nothing that exciting it was just a reaction to the anti-inflammatory! A reaction i'd had to the exact same Meds 7 months earlier that we attributed to anxiety!!!! AHHa I say. AND I think I have the same reaction to my migraine Meds! Just call me Dr. House! Unfortunately this means somehow I need to avoid these drugs in the future. Fine but how will I control my migraines? That my friends is the question for tomorrow's dr. Appt and yet another $15 copayment! My parents are swooping in tomorrow to be my security blanket. Thank God for them!!
Find the silver lining folks (I'm still wearing my skinny jeans!)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A quickie
Good Morning Lovlies!
What is it about the holidays that make us soo grumpy?! So many blogs today are of the grumpy variety. I'm not complaining or judging!! Just curious.
I love the holidays I love the crazy and I'm looking forward to going home to visit my family even though it means a 5hr drive through customs, presents not wrapped until we get there (so customs doesn't make us unwrap them), coming home to a tree whose needles are all over the floor due to lack of water, staying in someone else's house for a week.... I LOVE IT!
but this year year I'm having a tough time because I'm still not feeling well. The migraines are gone - THANK GOODNESS for that mercy! but the pressure and mild headache remains, the anxiety comes and goes, and the weakness is still around in the morning. No one knows what causes all these crazy symptoms so I'm off to the eye dr this afternoon - lets cross those babies off my list of causes, I'm hoping to be approved for an MRI soon, and my sweet father, who is not a hippie, has booked me in for a healing hands session. Hey who cares what works I just want to feel strong and healthy again!!
I'm supposed to pay a non-refundable deposit of $75 for a trip to Washington where we may get to meet the President but I'm so worried about being sick and by myself with the kiddos that I can't decide whether to go or not and that is NOT like me. I take them everywhere and anywhere by myself. So my heart goes out to those of you who suffer from anxiety, pain and are not in good health. It is a crazy frustrating situation.
Perspective: my mom's neighbor has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 9-12 months. Even though she feels great right now and had no symptoms. Would you want to know?
So I say, It could always be worse.
Well my lovelies, hang in there, find the silver lining, or baileys or chocolate and have a great one.
What is it about the holidays that make us soo grumpy?! So many blogs today are of the grumpy variety. I'm not complaining or judging!! Just curious.
I love the holidays I love the crazy and I'm looking forward to going home to visit my family even though it means a 5hr drive through customs, presents not wrapped until we get there (so customs doesn't make us unwrap them), coming home to a tree whose needles are all over the floor due to lack of water, staying in someone else's house for a week.... I LOVE IT!
but this year year I'm having a tough time because I'm still not feeling well. The migraines are gone - THANK GOODNESS for that mercy! but the pressure and mild headache remains, the anxiety comes and goes, and the weakness is still around in the morning. No one knows what causes all these crazy symptoms so I'm off to the eye dr this afternoon - lets cross those babies off my list of causes, I'm hoping to be approved for an MRI soon, and my sweet father, who is not a hippie, has booked me in for a healing hands session. Hey who cares what works I just want to feel strong and healthy again!!
I'm supposed to pay a non-refundable deposit of $75 for a trip to Washington where we may get to meet the President but I'm so worried about being sick and by myself with the kiddos that I can't decide whether to go or not and that is NOT like me. I take them everywhere and anywhere by myself. So my heart goes out to those of you who suffer from anxiety, pain and are not in good health. It is a crazy frustrating situation.
Perspective: my mom's neighbor has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 9-12 months. Even though she feels great right now and had no symptoms. Would you want to know?
So I say, It could always be worse.
Well my lovelies, hang in there, find the silver lining, or baileys or chocolate and have a great one.
Friday, December 2, 2011
BYOC
It’s Friday so it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer a few questions in order to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog if you wish and ENJOY!
Let’s do a little themed version of where you live and why!
1. Describe the structure you live in. (apartment, condo, house, mansion, cardboard box?)
I live in an old farmhouse that's been renovated and is very large. We rent, and unfortunately its fallen into a bit of disrepair these past 7 years (!)
2. Describe the city you live in. (population, main attractions)
We live in a town of 20,000 and we have all the ammenities of a big town while still knowing the majority of the people. We have 4 elementary schools, 1 junior high and 1 high school. We have a great town pool, a large movie theatre, restaurants from sushi to european to burger joints but we also have fabulous small family own businesses.
3. Why do you live in the town you live in? (job, to get away from a different town, family, schools?)
We arrived here because of a promotion at my husband's work. We had an 18month contract and then we were to head home (to our 80000 home town). Flash forward 7 years and we're still here not entirely by choice but there isn't a comparable job to go home to so if we have to live 5hrs from our family this is the best possible place to be.
4. What’s the view like from your backyard?
Coming from a larger city our backyard in this "small" town is paradise. We have an acre of land in the back with no fences between our two neighbors to the south and they are fabulous!! In the summer the kids have the run of 3 acres. And my neighbor has over 100 beautiful rose bushes!!
5. Repeat question: How has your week been in blogland and in real life?
In blogland, I've really enjoyed reading everyone's blogs this week, even though they haven't all been happiness and light. It reminds me that we all need love and support through those darker times.
In real life I've had a tough week. Migraines have really got me down and the medication to get rid of the migraines almost makes me feel worse. I'm really hoping next week is better AND healthier!! On a lighter note, feeling so crappy has helped me lose a couple of pounds!
Okay – your turn! Go do BYOC! You know you want to! (yes, bestie - that means YOU! lol)
Let’s do a little themed version of where you live and why!
1. Describe the structure you live in. (apartment, condo, house, mansion, cardboard box?)
I live in an old farmhouse that's been renovated and is very large. We rent, and unfortunately its fallen into a bit of disrepair these past 7 years (!)
2. Describe the city you live in. (population, main attractions)
We live in a town of 20,000 and we have all the ammenities of a big town while still knowing the majority of the people. We have 4 elementary schools, 1 junior high and 1 high school. We have a great town pool, a large movie theatre, restaurants from sushi to european to burger joints but we also have fabulous small family own businesses.
3. Why do you live in the town you live in? (job, to get away from a different town, family, schools?)
We arrived here because of a promotion at my husband's work. We had an 18month contract and then we were to head home (to our 80000 home town). Flash forward 7 years and we're still here not entirely by choice but there isn't a comparable job to go home to so if we have to live 5hrs from our family this is the best possible place to be.
4. What’s the view like from your backyard?
Coming from a larger city our backyard in this "small" town is paradise. We have an acre of land in the back with no fences between our two neighbors to the south and they are fabulous!! In the summer the kids have the run of 3 acres. And my neighbor has over 100 beautiful rose bushes!!
5. Repeat question: How has your week been in blogland and in real life?
In blogland, I've really enjoyed reading everyone's blogs this week, even though they haven't all been happiness and light. It reminds me that we all need love and support through those darker times.
In real life I've had a tough week. Migraines have really got me down and the medication to get rid of the migraines almost makes me feel worse. I'm really hoping next week is better AND healthier!! On a lighter note, feeling so crappy has helped me lose a couple of pounds!
Okay – your turn! Go do BYOC! You know you want to! (yes, bestie - that means YOU! lol)
Its a mystery
Surprisingly I'm feeling better. I had thought, when I felt like crap on Wed. night that i was in for along haul. But after a day of rest yesterday I feel much better. I still have a headache but the anxiety and the jitters are gone. Off to the doctor today gotta find out why I'm getting this headaches and what is causing the other crazy symptoms.
Going to have a little workout (my heel is sore beyond belief, like I jumped off the empire state building and landed on a kernel of corn) but I can lift a few weights to get these flabby arms into shape.
Thanks for your comments earlier this week my virtual friends. I really needed them.
Going to have a little workout (my heel is sore beyond belief, like I jumped off the empire state building and landed on a kernel of corn) but I can lift a few weights to get these flabby arms into shape.
Thanks for your comments earlier this week my virtual friends. I really needed them.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Flaring Again
Well my friends I'm in need of a little support. You see I have Epstein Barr Virus. Usually it's quiet and I hardly think about but tonight I'm afraid I'm flaring again. The anxiety is back. I'm trying to ignore it but the damn beast hateS to be ignored. Thankfully the jitters, heart palps and restlessness aren't too bad (yet)- out damn anxiety, but I'm not sleeping at 1am so I'm clearly not feeling right. Oh and the anxiety makes me think I'm dying which I'm not but it's freakin' scary just the same. I know the Ativan would help but I took migraine Meds earlier and I don't know about taking both, and it's 1am so I don't want to be foggy when my kids get up at 6:00.
My kids have their winter concert tonight which I want to be well enough to go to,but worst is that my hubby is supposed to be at a GNR concert tonight and the anxiety wants me to beg him to stay home, actually the anxiety wants me to call my mother bawling and ask her to come look after me but my sister is sick with some pulmonary infection, and her husband is out of town and she has two little ones who don't sleep through the night well and my mom has a dinner party Sat. Night and I Know she would drop it all to be here which would make me feel guilty for taking her away from all those things. I really should take the Ativan and let my mind rest.
I think it was the massage that set me off, is that possible? Releasing all the toxins from my muscles? It's supposed to help my muscles relax.
Send me love and light and good thoughts my virtual friends I'm scared.
*morning update: not much sleep but i'm still here and my anxiety has gone to bed o I'm free for a while, now to see if I can get in to the dr today. The morning brings. Bit more optimism.
My kids have their winter concert tonight which I want to be well enough to go to,but worst is that my hubby is supposed to be at a GNR concert tonight and the anxiety wants me to beg him to stay home, actually the anxiety wants me to call my mother bawling and ask her to come look after me but my sister is sick with some pulmonary infection, and her husband is out of town and she has two little ones who don't sleep through the night well and my mom has a dinner party Sat. Night and I Know she would drop it all to be here which would make me feel guilty for taking her away from all those things. I really should take the Ativan and let my mind rest.
I think it was the massage that set me off, is that possible? Releasing all the toxins from my muscles? It's supposed to help my muscles relax.
Send me love and light and good thoughts my virtual friends I'm scared.
*morning update: not much sleep but i'm still here and my anxiety has gone to bed o I'm free for a while, now to see if I can get in to the dr today. The morning brings. Bit more optimism.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
A little bit of this an that!
I have found Capriciously Senseless's blog. She was just banded last week and is feeling a little down in the dumps, head on over and post her some love esp. those of you who have been in her shoes! Anywhooo, she posted these questions on Sunday and since I don't have a lot to post about today I'm playing along.
Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!
Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!! (Not sure if I know how to do that but I'll try)
2. What food makes you think of Christmas? I don't know. My mom's empire cookies maybe, or my aunt's shortbread.
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? I don't think I would want to I've loved every age and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
4. What was your first paying job? Probably babsitting, but then I was a lifeguard at the local Y.
5. Have you read the Twilight series? Loved them, I'm off to see Breaking Dawn today - Happy Day to me. True Blood is a fabulous series too for anyone needing a new read.
I'm off. Have a wonderful day folks!!
Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!
Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!! (Not sure if I know how to do that but I'll try)
Questions:
1. I really need to clean my _________? Shit what don't I need to clean (although for Thanksgiving I did do a really good job on the house). I'll say my room as its overflowing with laundry.
1. I really need to clean my _________? Shit what don't I need to clean (although for Thanksgiving I did do a really good job on the house). I'll say my room as its overflowing with laundry.
2. What food makes you think of Christmas? I don't know. My mom's empire cookies maybe, or my aunt's shortbread.
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? I don't think I would want to I've loved every age and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
4. What was your first paying job? Probably babsitting, but then I was a lifeguard at the local Y.
5. Have you read the Twilight series? Loved them, I'm off to see Breaking Dawn today - Happy Day to me. True Blood is a fabulous series too for anyone needing a new read.
In real life I had a good day yesterday. I'm trying to follow WW points system again (just to have a goal) and I did great yesterday. I don't like how the WW point system rewards followers for eating Diet stuff (as most of it is filled with disgusting additives....) but I do like the points it reminds me to limit my food even the good stuff.
I was even able to have a drink with dinner!
Today I'm off to see Breaking Dawn and I want a movie popcorn so I'm going to have eat whites scrambled for breakfast, they're so low in points that they'll hopefully make up for the popcorn. I'm just hoping I have the fortitude to stay away from the pizza ('cause tonights pizza night at our house!!).
Timer that helps with intervals.
I'm off. Have a wonderful day folks!!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Turkey Trot
I did the Turkey Trot, and no that doesn't refer to a waddle to the ladies room after bad turkey. I did my first virtual 5K race. I didn't print off the "correct" bib but other than that I think I did it right. I'm damn slow these days though. I used to do this in 26-27mins in the summer!!! My winter warm weight is slowing me down a bit.
No Thanksgiving meal for us today, parents and inlaws arrive in the next 2 days from Toronto so we'll eat a big meal Saturday. However, having said that, my DH is watching BBQ pit boys on youtube to figure out how to make a sausage bomb!!! Ground sausage stuffed with some yumminess and then covered with a bacon lattice work. My ass is going to look like a turkey butt after this weekend.
No Thanksgiving meal for us today, parents and inlaws arrive in the next 2 days from Toronto so we'll eat a big meal Saturday. However, having said that, my DH is watching BBQ pit boys on youtube to figure out how to make a sausage bomb!!! Ground sausage stuffed with some yumminess and then covered with a bacon lattice work. My ass is going to look like a turkey butt after this weekend.Hope everyone is having a restful Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Just for me shopping!
Today is supposed to be a productive day - hopefully I will still get there. I had planned to go see "Breaking Dawn" this afternoon even though my friends aren't able to go I was going to go anyway. I never mind watching a great movie by myself but I really need to clean the house before the kiddies are off tomorrow and the parents and PIL arrive on Friday soo.. when I saw Draz's post about her boot fettish, I thought, yup why not. I need a new pair of everyday boots so I started shopping online.
went to Target.com and found they were only $29!! Seriously?! That's like finding out that my favorite chocolate dessert is calorie free. For $29 I don't care if they only last a couple of months, then I can find a new favorite pair.They were out of black online and they weren't sold in stores, dilemma? I think not, I impulsively bought the cognac pair! Cute, no?! Guess I still need to shop for a black pair and I did see a cute grey pair at Charming Charlies (wish I could shop online at their store).
For those of you who follow - I finished the gingerbread house for the historical contest yesterday. It was freakin heavy and i spent $20 in gum for the bricks (shoot that's almost as much as the damn boots!). Thankfully its done. There were only 5 enteries in 3 categories so my kiddies should win something. I'm not particularly thrilled with the green on the roof, it makes it look thatched and not the green metal that it is but overall it worked.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I'd like a pair of black cowboy boots but the ones I want are $100 plus so I don't want to order online and take a chance on size. BUT I found this delicious pair on pintrest,
went to Target.com and found they were only $29!! Seriously?! That's like finding out that my favorite chocolate dessert is calorie free. For $29 I don't care if they only last a couple of months, then I can find a new favorite pair.For those of you who follow - I finished the gingerbread house for the historical contest yesterday. It was freakin heavy and i spent $20 in gum for the bricks (shoot that's almost as much as the damn boots!). Thankfully its done. There were only 5 enteries in 3 categories so my kiddies should win something. I'm not particularly thrilled with the green on the roof, it makes it look thatched and not the green metal that it is but overall it worked.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
BYOC and life's craziness!
BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy!
It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another installment of BYOC! That’s Bring Your Own Crazy!! We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste to your own blog if you so desire – and ENJOY!
1. What is your FAVORITE part of Thanksgiving?
FAMILY - hands down.
1. What is your FAVORITE part of Thanksgiving?
FAMILY - hands down.
Most years we travel north to Canada to visit with family but we were just there in October so this year both sets of parents will be at our house and I'm so glad not to have to drive. I wish my sister could come down here too but she's still suffering with a terrible terrible virus and needs to stay home and rest.
2. How many Thanksgiving family events will you attend?
ONE!! Whoo Hoo That's the best part about living far away from family.
3. What’s your biggest Thanksgiving tradition?
We really don't have one - although this year I just ordered the Jeff Dunham DVD Insanity (http://www.youtube.com/embed/dq-VlHYaGYs) and its freaking hilarious. I plan on making that the DVD tradition the same way we watch Christmas Vacation at Christmas time!
We do put up the Christmas tree on the Sunday - this year the parents will be roped into it too!
4. Do you Black Friday shop the day after Thanksgiving?
Always thought I'd like to, but there's nothing on sale that I want badly enough to stand out in the cold at some unGodly hour fighting the crowds to get. I'd rather shop black Friday online sales. My dad really wants to go, that's why he's travelling down here I think so who knows I may go with him.
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog world.
I have been MIA for so long. I'm a substitute teacher and I've been working so much that I really haven't had time to sit and blog. I've been loving reading about your fabulous lives though.
I lost my memory stick for my camera so I can't share the pics of our gingerbread church as it was made but tomorrow or Monday I should have a pic of the finished product just in time for the Historical Gingerbread House contest. Soo excited - I know you're on the edge of your seats.
and just 'cause I want to add a pic to this blog, here's the coffee mug I painted with some friends a couple of weeks ago.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Its been a while
Life has been soo crazy that I have only had a chance to read your precious blogs not write my own.
ONE of my DIY projects I decided to tackle just before Halloween. A friend made one of these shadow box frames and I just had to do it too. Unfortunately I could only order this 12x12 frame online from archivers and the 2 day shipping was downright scary. but I did it anyway. I'd love to do this for Christmas and the first day of school too. It shows my darlings from their early halloween days til last year.
My other DIY project. My halloween project. I'm sushi. See the chopsticks in my hair, the kikomen sauce under my neon yellow sub sticker, and the seaweed wrap around my middle?! Being a sub for the halloween parties was great!
And finally, on a recent trip to the bookstore I found these treasures that I couldn't pass up...
I'm a substitute teacher and there have been a lot of jobs lately which really mixes me up as I never know when I'm going to get so busy. But i'm loving the extra cash as my oldest has recently become passionate about synchronized swimming to the ole cha ching of the check book at- $105/month!
Any whoo I'm still volunteering at the wildlife rehab place, and loving it - even the poop. Its fabulous animal poop so its not too bad.
This is Pete. He's a program animal, meaning he can't be released into the wild. He's extremely mischievous - stealing pens, other animals food....
This is Jade. She got herself pretty dirty in her cage and need a quick shampoo and set. She's an oppossom and a program animal. She can't walk so she's with us forever.
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ONE of my DIY projects I decided to tackle just before Halloween. A friend made one of these shadow box frames and I just had to do it too. Unfortunately I could only order this 12x12 frame online from archivers and the 2 day shipping was downright scary. but I did it anyway. I'd love to do this for Christmas and the first day of school too. It shows my darlings from their early halloween days til last year.
My other DIY project. My halloween project. I'm sushi. See the chopsticks in my hair, the kikomen sauce under my neon yellow sub sticker, and the seaweed wrap around my middle?! Being a sub for the halloween parties was great!Funny, Funny Stuff!!
Well my few lovelies the day is starting and my babies have the day off so I'd better get my sh*t together. Have a good one!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Jump on the bandwagon
I have 2 posts just waiting for me to get to them but for now here's another quickie!!
I've fallen off the healthy bandwagon and I stayed down. But thanks to Draz its time to get up and on the wagon again.
So here is my food plan for tomorrow:
Breakfast: steel cut oats, coffee with creamer and sugar, hard boiled egg
workout
Green smoothie: spinach, lettuce, celery, banana
I need a carb here but I'm not sure what it will be.
Some fruit - probably an apple and a clementine
Dinner: hmmm what will my sweet hubby make tomorrow?
With a plan I won't raid the halloween bags, I won't indulge in mindless eating and I'll feel great when I go to bed.
See you in the am!!!
I've fallen off the healthy bandwagon and I stayed down. But thanks to Draz its time to get up and on the wagon again.
So here is my food plan for tomorrow:
Breakfast: steel cut oats, coffee with creamer and sugar, hard boiled egg
workout
Green smoothie: spinach, lettuce, celery, banana
I need a carb here but I'm not sure what it will be.
Some fruit - probably an apple and a clementine
Dinner: hmmm what will my sweet hubby make tomorrow?
With a plan I won't raid the halloween bags, I won't indulge in mindless eating and I'll feel great when I go to bed.
See you in the am!!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday Monday
Its here!!! I am officially a volunteer at Nature's Nursery Wildlife rehabilitation center!! I cleaned cages for pigeons, crows, blue jays, a gorgeous hawk, a skunk!!, an opossum, a demon bunny, a corn snake, several rats, several bats, and Einstein the screech owl. I know - heavenly - what could be better. Oh and I watched a hawk get its nutrition through a tube while it gets strong enough to eat mice.
Whoo Hooo. Tomorrow its upstairs to the real wild animals - today was in the educational programming room. The pigeon even landed on my head. No poop accidents yet!!
Some pics from the day.
The bat (who's name I've forgotten) prefers to eat only when in his small travelling cage as opposed to his larger regular cage).
This is Einstein.
I forgot to post yesterday the pic from my green smoothie. Here it is: spinach, celery, a banana, a bit of agave nectar, and water. It wasn't too bad. The overwhelming taste was celery. Today I used only lettuces not spinach as I found I was really bloated yesterday (although that may have been from my son's veggie stix). I added strawberries too and again it wasn't bad. I really had a craving for carbs by 2:30pm though and ate far too many salsa chips.
Whoo Hooo. Tomorrow its upstairs to the real wild animals - today was in the educational programming room. The pigeon even landed on my head. No poop accidents yet!!
Some pics from the day.
The bat (who's name I've forgotten) prefers to eat only when in his small travelling cage as opposed to his larger regular cage).
This is Einstein.
I forgot to post yesterday the pic from my green smoothie. Here it is: spinach, celery, a banana, a bit of agave nectar, and water. It wasn't too bad. The overwhelming taste was celery. Today I used only lettuces not spinach as I found I was really bloated yesterday (although that may have been from my son's veggie stix). I added strawberries too and again it wasn't bad. I really had a craving for carbs by 2:30pm though and ate far too many salsa chips.Oh well, last randomness for the day - my sweet boy came in from hitting baseballs with his dad yesterday and exclaimed that "Dad hit him in the ass." Cracked me up, I probably should have charged him a quarter or forbade him from saying that again but he surprised me and made me laugh all night. The things kids say.
Happy Monday everyone.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
My sweet boy
In my last post I completely forgot to add the awesome conversation my boy and I had yesterday morning.
He and I had a sleepover - I slept in his bed for the night.
When he woke up he said, "Mom, don't change, I like your personality just the way you are." Awww
and then he said, " Mom you and I are soft, not like Dad and DeDe [sister]". And he's right we are soft - sensitive, emotional, AWESOME folks.
What a great way to start the day!!!
He and I had a sleepover - I slept in his bed for the night.
When he woke up he said, "Mom, don't change, I like your personality just the way you are." Awww
and then he said, " Mom you and I are soft, not like Dad and DeDe [sister]". And he's right we are soft - sensitive, emotional, AWESOME folks.
What a great way to start the day!!!
Goodbye Sugar
Well, for something completely new, I overdosed on sugar last night. Yup - those tasty crackwhore sugar cookies with orange icing and sprinkles....... I think at the end of the evening I had four!!!!
Felt like crap going to bed (duh no kidding) so today I'm ready to start the 4 day sugar cleanse, except for the sugar that goes in my coffee (whatever, I'm not giving that up!!)
So I made sweet potato pancakes this morning. They were dry but with a bit of agave nectar they were edible. Next time I should try The Gracious Pantry's pumpkin pancakes, they sound much more appetizing.
This afternoon I'm going to try Green Smoothie Girl's green smoothie. The recipes must be closely guarded secrets 'cause they're not on her website but in the book I had to buy. I'm going to start with water, stevia or agave nectar, a whole lemon (peel and everything!!), spinach (!!), celery, banana, maybe some berries if I have some in the freezer although strawberries are on sale. I'll have to post a pic. I hope my bullet blender is up to the challenge 'cause I'm not ready to fork out $400 for the blender she recommends.
In other news, I tried Jeff Galloway's magic mile thing to help with run training. You calculate how fast you can run a mile without coughing up a lung and his calculations help you come up with a training plan for a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon and a marathon. I'm always needing a push to help me stay interested in running, esp. longer distances so I'm trying this. I ran a mile in 7:50mins. So now I try the 10K (6.2mile) run at a training pace of 9:01min/mile. I train with a 4min run, 1 min walk. Off to try that soon.
Then I have some digital scrapbooking to do (yea!!), and hopefully a relaxing afternoon.Happy Sunday to you!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Five little questions you can copy and paste and answer in your own blog to get to know your fellow bloggers better and to give your blog brain a break!
Enjoy!
1. What’s your most favorite noise and your least favorite noise?
Wow I really have to agree with Draz and Laura, I think its the rain. Although my sweet babies breathing while they sleep, even if they snore, is beautiful too.
My least favorite is whining!!! Its like nails on a chalkboard (that's pretty bad too!)
2. If you were a character in the movie Grease – who would you be?
Oh man. I don't know. Probably Frenchy. I'm a dreamer, romantic.
3. What was the name of your best friend in elementary school? Are you still friends?
Anne. We were inseperable until junior high, reconnected in late high school, lived together for a year and now she won't "friend" me on fb. No idea why - drives me crazy too.
My friend Erika is probably most oldest friend. We've been close for 24 years. We're still good friends but don't see each other very often.
4. Who is your current celebrity crush?
OMG who isn't. Love Patrick Swayze - totally agree with Draz a man who can dance is soo sexy.
Love Hugh Jackman too! Brad Pitt - esp. in Troy, anyone who is the romantic lead in a movie. Patrick Dempsey.....
5. Repeat question: How was your week in real life and in blog land?
In blog land I've started following some new blogs: http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/10/for-kids-friday-32.html and http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-peaches-millet/
In real life... I decided to try following weight watchers point system, I thought the math of making the numbers fit my goal would be great but then I got a big honkin' migraine Monday night and I still haven't chased that bitch off!!! Its much better and was able to work out today but haven't been able to eat well all week. Next week I'll try again - and I bought a book about whole foods. I'm a little freaked out about cancer and all the possible environmental triggers. Anyhoo that's my life in a nutshell - Ooh forgot, I started watching Terra Nova this week - love it!!! Grey's was good, and so was private. It was a great tv week. Glee, House, and the latest terra nova to watch still.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Enjoy!
1. What’s your most favorite noise and your least favorite noise?
Wow I really have to agree with Draz and Laura, I think its the rain. Although my sweet babies breathing while they sleep, even if they snore, is beautiful too.
My least favorite is whining!!! Its like nails on a chalkboard (that's pretty bad too!)
2. If you were a character in the movie Grease – who would you be?
Oh man. I don't know. Probably Frenchy. I'm a dreamer, romantic.
3. What was the name of your best friend in elementary school? Are you still friends?
Anne. We were inseperable until junior high, reconnected in late high school, lived together for a year and now she won't "friend" me on fb. No idea why - drives me crazy too.
My friend Erika is probably most oldest friend. We've been close for 24 years. We're still good friends but don't see each other very often.
4. Who is your current celebrity crush?
OMG who isn't. Love Patrick Swayze - totally agree with Draz a man who can dance is soo sexy.
Love Hugh Jackman too! Brad Pitt - esp. in Troy, anyone who is the romantic lead in a movie. Patrick Dempsey.....
5. Repeat question: How was your week in real life and in blog land?
In blog land I've started following some new blogs: http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/10/for-kids-friday-32.html and http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-peaches-millet/
In real life... I decided to try following weight watchers point system, I thought the math of making the numbers fit my goal would be great but then I got a big honkin' migraine Monday night and I still haven't chased that bitch off!!! Its much better and was able to work out today but haven't been able to eat well all week. Next week I'll try again - and I bought a book about whole foods. I'm a little freaked out about cancer and all the possible environmental triggers. Anyhoo that's my life in a nutshell - Ooh forgot, I started watching Terra Nova this week - love it!!! Grey's was good, and so was private. It was a great tv week. Glee, House, and the latest terra nova to watch still.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fall Garden
My kids and I finished the back garden today! We ripped out the entire garden yesterday on impulse and today we shopped for pumpkins, straw bales, mums and scarecrows.
Here's the before and after.
Here's the before and after.
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| After we ripped it out |
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| The finished product!! Looks pretty good huh?! And we spent the whole day together - that was the best part!!  |
Random stuff and fall gardens
I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while at the ball park yesterday (while I was there for 3-4hrs with my boy). She commented that she read, and loved my blog about shopping. That was such a nice pick me up because I never knew she even read it. So even though folks may not be a follower, somewhere they might be reading. Cool!!
Yesterday I got adventurous and completely ripped out my backyard garden (well except for the decorative grasses and my daughters strawberry plants). It was a disgusting mix of old and very old flowers, weeds, stuff! I even yanked out the chrysanthemums. Yes I know they're in season and come up every year but after 7 years they were looking tired (don't we all). So today I'm looking online for fall gardening ideas that don't involve actual planting.
Here's what I'm aiming for. So number 1 son and I are off to buy hay/straw bales, pumpkins and chrysanthemums this morning when we take Hurricane Caite to synchro practise. I'll post the before and after pics later.
Yesterday I got adventurous and completely ripped out my backyard garden (well except for the decorative grasses and my daughters strawberry plants). It was a disgusting mix of old and very old flowers, weeds, stuff! I even yanked out the chrysanthemums. Yes I know they're in season and come up every year but after 7 years they were looking tired (don't we all). So today I'm looking online for fall gardening ideas that don't involve actual planting.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Cakes and Cookies
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| Baseball Glove Cake with Marshmallow Fondant - Yum |
Lately it seems that all I want to do is bake. Must be the fall air! Unfortunately the yellow jacket cookies I made last week were eaten before I had a chance to take a pic, and my crafty 40 Sucks birthday thing was forgotten too.
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| Harry Potter Castle Cake (should have covered the cones with grey too) |
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| Mad Scientist Cake |
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| Harry Potter Quidditch Cake |
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| Karate Cookies |
And, in my ongoing obsession with pintrest and ruffles I found this fabulous and easy looking scarf, http://mama-says-sew.blogspot.com/2011/01/ruffle-flower-scarf.html
Thursday, October 6, 2011
New Directions
Let me tell you now, I'm a big geek! I love Harry Potter, Glee, sappy commercials make me cry, and I love LOVE wild animals. I could sit and watch the Hippos.... at the zoo all day. (BIG GEEK).
So now that we've all accepted that fact I can tell you about my morning. I have decided to do a little volunteering just for me. I help out at my kids school a lot! and I like it but I do that because I'm a good mommy. Today I went out to Nature's Nursery, a wildlife rehabilitation center. When I walked through the door, the strong, eau de multiple animals was a little assaulting but that's because there are soo many awesome animals in there! bats, hummingbirds!!, a skunk, oppossums, snakes, turtles, hawks, OWLS, and probably the most awesome, the eagle
Isn't she gorgeous!!! I'm sure she's 3feet tall, and scared the crap outta me when they opened the door to where she's rehabilitated but I'm crazy excited about it too! (GEEK). She'd probably just as soon peck me to death as let me near her but I don't care. Somebody better revive me when they let me near the Great Horned Owl. (SUPER GEEK)!
So now that we've all accepted that fact I can tell you about my morning. I have decided to do a little volunteering just for me. I help out at my kids school a lot! and I like it but I do that because I'm a good mommy. Today I went out to Nature's Nursery, a wildlife rehabilitation center. When I walked through the door, the strong, eau de multiple animals was a little assaulting but that's because there are soo many awesome animals in there! bats, hummingbirds!!, a skunk, oppossums, snakes, turtles, hawks, OWLS, and probably the most awesome, the eagle
Isn't she gorgeous!!! I'm sure she's 3feet tall, and scared the crap outta me when they opened the door to where she's rehabilitated but I'm crazy excited about it too! (GEEK). She'd probably just as soon peck me to death as let me near her but I don't care. Somebody better revive me when they let me near the Great Horned Owl. (SUPER GEEK)!I'll probably be cleaning cages and feeding frozen mice to these lovely creatures for the first little while, but I could also be rescuing injured animals near me and bringing them in for rehabilitation, releasing them back into the wild and maybe even helping in the clinic with procedures on sick and injured animals. Can't wait to start and bring my camera so I can show you fabulous pictures of my new adventures.
Just call me Dr. Doolittle!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A New Day
So yesterday was a LOW as far as my mommy skills go except, I did go in at lunch to help my little hurricane study and she was happy and confident that she wouldn't fail. Yeah - giant step forward!!!
So here's my next Mommy story
I decided it would be a good idea to take my Harry Potter loving children to the HP corn maze near us. (5pts for a fun idea)
They both dressed in robes and wands and my sweet boy even wore his HP glasses. The enormous groups of teens at the maze thought the kids were adorable and wanted to have pictures taken with them.
It was dusk when we got there. I remembered our flashlight (2pts for thinking ahead). The corn people also had little finger laser thingys that you could buy for 50 cents so we got 2 of those and clipped them onto the kids wands - it looked cool, like they were casting spells.
Anywhoozle, about 8pm we ventured into the maze, with our map in hand and bundles of enthusiasm to carry us to the first check point.
We turned left, right, right, left, probably a few more lefts... Then I realized its really dark, I'm already feeling lost and I'm now thinking about children of the corn! (minus 2 points for not using the map already).
So we get out the map and find our way to the first check point, punch our little card and more on to check point two, we find it easily and are feeling pretty confident, until the first little teenager jumps out of the corn and scares the kids (I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, he probably thought we were teenagers). Then we wander on and on and on, despite the map, I'm beginning to have my doubts about ever making it out of this maze tonight (minus 2pts for my hideous map reading skills).
We run into teenager group 2 and they don't have a map so they ask to borrow ours, I share, but snotty nose teen throws the map away!!! Look I know I'm well preserved but I'm a 40ish mommy and I want my map!! The kids are now freaked out, I'm a little freaked out and I decide to end our maze experience.
Starting the maze at dusk was a big minus 5pts. guess what now I'm at 0 pts. Guess it could be worse the Children of the Corn thought could have reduced me to a big blubbering mess and then I would have been at negative points.
I think the ice cream and cupcakes we ate when we got home made up for it a little!!
PINTREST - Follow Me
Its like crack for non-druggies.
Gorgeous!!!!!
Too cute - you can make it with crayons too
DE.LI.CIOUS!!!!
So here's my next Mommy story
I decided it would be a good idea to take my Harry Potter loving children to the HP corn maze near us. (5pts for a fun idea)
They both dressed in robes and wands and my sweet boy even wore his HP glasses. The enormous groups of teens at the maze thought the kids were adorable and wanted to have pictures taken with them.
It was dusk when we got there. I remembered our flashlight (2pts for thinking ahead). The corn people also had little finger laser thingys that you could buy for 50 cents so we got 2 of those and clipped them onto the kids wands - it looked cool, like they were casting spells.
Anywhoozle, about 8pm we ventured into the maze, with our map in hand and bundles of enthusiasm to carry us to the first check point.
We turned left, right, right, left, probably a few more lefts... Then I realized its really dark, I'm already feeling lost and I'm now thinking about children of the corn! (minus 2 points for not using the map already).
So we get out the map and find our way to the first check point, punch our little card and more on to check point two, we find it easily and are feeling pretty confident, until the first little teenager jumps out of the corn and scares the kids (I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, he probably thought we were teenagers). Then we wander on and on and on, despite the map, I'm beginning to have my doubts about ever making it out of this maze tonight (minus 2pts for my hideous map reading skills).
We run into teenager group 2 and they don't have a map so they ask to borrow ours, I share, but snotty nose teen throws the map away!!! Look I know I'm well preserved but I'm a 40ish mommy and I want my map!! The kids are now freaked out, I'm a little freaked out and I decide to end our maze experience.
Starting the maze at dusk was a big minus 5pts. guess what now I'm at 0 pts. Guess it could be worse the Children of the Corn thought could have reduced me to a big blubbering mess and then I would have been at negative points.
I think the ice cream and cupcakes we ate when we got home made up for it a little!!
PINTREST - Follow Me
Its like crack for non-druggies.
Gorgeous!!!!!Too cute - you can make it with crayons too
DE.LI.CIOUS!!!!Thursday, September 22, 2011
Shopping Advice
Today I went shopping. It wasn't bathing suit shopping but let's just say with a bubble butt and generous thighs, jean shopping is the next worst thing!
I thought I would share some things I've learned to make your shopping trip more enjoyable!
1. Knee Highs Do NOT wear knee high socks/nylons... knee high anything when you're trying on pants. Seriously - tights, full nylons or NUSSING (I've been waiting to use that word - thanks Me, Drazil and Shenique)
Knee highs cut your leg in half, and if the change room mirrors weren't bad enough, the knee highs make you look like a stumpy leg little person. Nuff said about that.
2. Change Room Mirrors: DON'T look in them when you're NEKED! They aren't flattering so unless you are one supremo confident chick, don't do it. Cellulite looks like moon craters, fat looks like whale blubber.... Get it?! Pretend its not there while you're disrobing, turn your back to it and for the love of all things holy DON'T look when you're backside is facing it.
3. Sizes: Always grab a larger size than you think you'll need. I don't care if you've been an 8, a 10, a 2 all your life (well if you're a 2 - pftttt), grab one size larger as well as the size you think you'll need. Why? Because it feels great to say to yourself or the salesperson, oh this doesn't fit, could you get me a smaller size?! Compare that to: this is too tight for my ample butt cheeks could you get my ass a larger size (and its own zipcode while you're at it).
4. Buy it in every color: Finally, if it fits, buy it and 2 more because you know when you need another one, the style will have changed or the fit will have changed and you won't be able to find what you want. This leads to tears and tantrums and fits of unhealthy eating, which does nothing for the bubble.
With all that in mind, and a trip to Target, Kohls, and yes Meijer, I went to Buckle. Its a fabulous, trendy store. It also carries $145 jeans! 2 years ago I gave in and bought a pair - loved them and still do, they look great, truly FLATTERING!! but damn expensive ( That's why I try every other store first). Today my lovely attendant, who shall remain nameless (because I can't remember what it was) pulled 3 pairs of jeans off the rack and I slid right into them!!! They fit. The wash on one pair wasn't flattering, they need to be hemmed and the waist nipped in but they fit AND....... wait for it..... $189 total for two! I thought I was going to have to sell my first born to buy them because I resolved to walk away with two no matter what.
I tell ya ladies, BUCKLE is the store. I'll upload pictures after I get them back - and, the store hems them FREE.
For my clean eating friends, You have to check out this blog, The Gracious Pantry, they have fabulous recipes and menu plans.
Happy Weekend and Shopping all
I thought I would share some things I've learned to make your shopping trip more enjoyable!
1. Knee Highs Do NOT wear knee high socks/nylons... knee high anything when you're trying on pants. Seriously - tights, full nylons or NUSSING (I've been waiting to use that word - thanks Me, Drazil and Shenique)
Knee highs cut your leg in half, and if the change room mirrors weren't bad enough, the knee highs make you look like a stumpy leg little person. Nuff said about that.
2. Change Room Mirrors: DON'T look in them when you're NEKED! They aren't flattering so unless you are one supremo confident chick, don't do it. Cellulite looks like moon craters, fat looks like whale blubber.... Get it?! Pretend its not there while you're disrobing, turn your back to it and for the love of all things holy DON'T look when you're backside is facing it.
3. Sizes: Always grab a larger size than you think you'll need. I don't care if you've been an 8, a 10, a 2 all your life (well if you're a 2 - pftttt), grab one size larger as well as the size you think you'll need. Why? Because it feels great to say to yourself or the salesperson, oh this doesn't fit, could you get me a smaller size?! Compare that to: this is too tight for my ample butt cheeks could you get my ass a larger size (and its own zipcode while you're at it).
4. Buy it in every color: Finally, if it fits, buy it and 2 more because you know when you need another one, the style will have changed or the fit will have changed and you won't be able to find what you want. This leads to tears and tantrums and fits of unhealthy eating, which does nothing for the bubble.
With all that in mind, and a trip to Target, Kohls, and yes Meijer, I went to Buckle. Its a fabulous, trendy store. It also carries $145 jeans! 2 years ago I gave in and bought a pair - loved them and still do, they look great, truly FLATTERING!! but damn expensive ( That's why I try every other store first). Today my lovely attendant, who shall remain nameless (because I can't remember what it was) pulled 3 pairs of jeans off the rack and I slid right into them!!! They fit. The wash on one pair wasn't flattering, they need to be hemmed and the waist nipped in but they fit AND....... wait for it..... $189 total for two! I thought I was going to have to sell my first born to buy them because I resolved to walk away with two no matter what.
I tell ya ladies, BUCKLE is the store. I'll upload pictures after I get them back - and, the store hems them FREE.
For my clean eating friends, You have to check out this blog, The Gracious Pantry, they have fabulous recipes and menu plans.
Happy Weekend and Shopping all
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Crazy Ass Wives
My last post was about my latest marital dispute. My hubby and I don't agree on whether to continue renting an old house in a fabulous location (one we don't want to buy) or take our money out of our investments (which, given the state of the market, would mean losing money) and buy something new.
He wants to stay put, I want new.
I wanted a third child but he vetoed that too. (probably with very good reason - my 4 year old was quickly pushing me to become araging alcoholic less than perfect mom).
Many people (my father being one) have suggested that I put my foot down. To that I have to ask, and do what?!
So I ask what do you do when you're at an impasse? Or when your hubby does something truly DUMB ASS!
I won't force him to move, its just not in me.
I can't buy a house by myself.
Some of our friends (who don't read my blog) have crazy ass wives (or in some cases ex-wives!). When their hubbies screw up (as hubbys do) they have emptied their belongings on the front lawn, broken his nose with a swift elbow (seriously - he had a girlfriend because she refused to get rid of her boyfriend), made him sleep in the garage, thrown, retreived and then stomped on his blackberry in public.....
I am, according to said men, the best wife in the world. Because I have never done those things. I sleep in another room when he comes home late smelling like a brewery, I DVR my shows because he doesn't like watching them, and I live in an old country house that is falling apart around me but has a gorgeous backyard because he isn't ready to move.
Just Dont Forget to put MARTYR in front of my name when you address me and it might be all worth it and for damn sake put it on my headstone some day.
On the flip side though - He works hard so I can stay home with the kids, he never says no to the kids activities (even when its $115 for 6 wks of synchronized swimming), he doesn't get rid of the cat even though he never wanted it and hates it (hey I put my foot down on that one)....
So, What do you do?
He wants to stay put, I want new.
I wanted a third child but he vetoed that too. (probably with very good reason - my 4 year old was quickly pushing me to become a
Many people (my father being one) have suggested that I put my foot down. To that I have to ask, and do what?!
So I ask what do you do when you're at an impasse? Or when your hubby does something truly DUMB ASS!
I won't force him to move, its just not in me.
I can't buy a house by myself.
Some of our friends (who don't read my blog) have crazy ass wives (or in some cases ex-wives!). When their hubbies screw up (as hubbys do) they have emptied their belongings on the front lawn, broken his nose with a swift elbow (seriously - he had a girlfriend because she refused to get rid of her boyfriend), made him sleep in the garage, thrown, retreived and then stomped on his blackberry in public.....
I am, according to said men, the best wife in the world. Because I have never done those things. I sleep in another room when he comes home late smelling like a brewery, I DVR my shows because he doesn't like watching them, and I live in an old country house that is falling apart around me but has a gorgeous backyard because he isn't ready to move.
Just Dont Forget to put MARTYR in front of my name when you address me and it might be all worth it and for damn sake put it on my headstone some day.
On the flip side though - He works hard so I can stay home with the kids, he never says no to the kids activities (even when its $115 for 6 wks of synchronized swimming), he doesn't get rid of the cat even though he never wanted it and hates it (hey I put my foot down on that one)....
So, What do you do?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Day 1
Its a two post day!
My romantic weekend away with my hubby was great. Shopping, (shopping wasn't that great but oh well - I came home and bought a gorgeous peacock necklace at pier 1), eating (chicken cordon blue with brie cheese - heaven), a little bit of exercising and relaxing. But I didn't follow the clean eating this weekend and I know I'm gaining back the 5lbs I swore I'd keep off. So, I'm starting again (how many times have I done this before?!). Anyhoo, oatmeal and 2 hard boiled egg whites for breakfast, I even gave up creamer in my coffee and added only 1tsp of sugar!! That's huge progress already!
I just finished P90X - plyometrics training. Holy cow that's a killer workout, so I used my P90 recovery drink but its got creatine in it and I don't want to gain so I only used 1/2 the recommended amount. Now I'm having my protein shake, my quinoa lunch is packed and so is my handful of almonds for snack. I just need to pick up an apple while grocery shopping for my afternoon snack. Here's hoping that this planning will help me be more successful than I've been!!
Here's a great site to help with meal ideas for clean eating.
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/the_kitchen_table/
Enjoy!!
I just finished P90X - plyometrics training. Holy cow that's a killer workout, so I used my P90 recovery drink but its got creatine in it and I don't want to gain so I only used 1/2 the recommended amount. Now I'm having my protein shake, my quinoa lunch is packed and so is my handful of almonds for snack. I just need to pick up an apple while grocery shopping for my afternoon snack. Here's hoping that this planning will help me be more successful than I've been!!
Here's a great site to help with meal ideas for clean eating.
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/the_kitchen_table/
Enjoy!!
9-11
It's one of those events that you know exactly where you were when it happened. They way our parents knew where they were when Kennedy was shot, or the Spaceship Challenger exploded. I read in a book recently about this, remembering the moment before as the last "normal" moment.
I was on maternity leave loving quiet playtime with my 7 month old. My husband phoned on his way to the Toronto Airport (on route to Detroit), to tell me that a plane had hit the world trade center and all flights were grounded, he was on his way back to work. Like many others, I wondered why air traffic was halted for an accident, I could only assume that this plane was a small Cessna-type and some pilot had made a fatal error. I took my daughter off to the gym to continue on our way. It was there that we saw the second plane hit the second tower and then the third hit the pentagon and the fourth crash in the field. I took my daughter home and holed up in our house. I didn't know what else to do. I'm not American, it wasn't my country and yet somehow it was an assault on all of us, it shattered our sense of safety. (That wasn't meant as a callus comment - I'm trying to convey that although it happened on American soil, somehow it happened to all of us.)
I found myself emotional all day yesterday and could barely remember that fateful day without tearing up. I can't imagine what it was like for people in New York or people who actually lost someone that day.
Two years after 9-11 a huge power surge/problem caused a power outage all over Ontario and many places nearby. I remember feeling that it must certainly have been a terrorist attack again. Fortunately, this time it was a crazy accident not a deliberate event but I didn't assume that at first as I had on Sept. 11.
I wonder if we are at the point yet, when an accident can occur, and we don't automatically think its terrorism.
My son wasn't born yet on 9-11, he came 2 yrs later (not as a result of the power outage!!). He was sad last night because the rest of us had memories of Sept. 11 (although my daughter only knows what I've told her about our day together) and he wasn't a part of it, didn't have any memories of it. This made me happy that there is a whole generation of children out there who don't have one of those defining moments. The moments that happen and you remember where you were when you heard the news forever.
Maybe he never will.
One can hope.
I was on maternity leave loving quiet playtime with my 7 month old. My husband phoned on his way to the Toronto Airport (on route to Detroit), to tell me that a plane had hit the world trade center and all flights were grounded, he was on his way back to work. Like many others, I wondered why air traffic was halted for an accident, I could only assume that this plane was a small Cessna-type and some pilot had made a fatal error. I took my daughter off to the gym to continue on our way. It was there that we saw the second plane hit the second tower and then the third hit the pentagon and the fourth crash in the field. I took my daughter home and holed up in our house. I didn't know what else to do. I'm not American, it wasn't my country and yet somehow it was an assault on all of us, it shattered our sense of safety. (That wasn't meant as a callus comment - I'm trying to convey that although it happened on American soil, somehow it happened to all of us.)
I found myself emotional all day yesterday and could barely remember that fateful day without tearing up. I can't imagine what it was like for people in New York or people who actually lost someone that day.
Two years after 9-11 a huge power surge/problem caused a power outage all over Ontario and many places nearby. I remember feeling that it must certainly have been a terrorist attack again. Fortunately, this time it was a crazy accident not a deliberate event but I didn't assume that at first as I had on Sept. 11.
I wonder if we are at the point yet, when an accident can occur, and we don't automatically think its terrorism.
My son wasn't born yet on 9-11, he came 2 yrs later (not as a result of the power outage!!). He was sad last night because the rest of us had memories of Sept. 11 (although my daughter only knows what I've told her about our day together) and he wasn't a part of it, didn't have any memories of it. This made me happy that there is a whole generation of children out there who don't have one of those defining moments. The moments that happen and you remember where you were when you heard the news forever.
Maybe he never will.
One can hope.
Friday, September 9, 2011
BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy. We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break. Copy to your own blog and ENJOY!
1. Do you drink coffee? Decaf or regular? Cold or hot? If not – what’s your go-to morning drink?
I started drinking frou frou coffee - Tim's Iced Caps. Then after my sweet boy was born (I was 33) I switched to reg coffee. Its still frou frou to die hard coffee drinkers because I use French Vanilla coffee, french vanilla creamer and sugar!!! But I just love it.
2. What are your top six characteristics in a partner if you could hand pick them. And just for kicks – if you’re in a relationship – after you make the list of six – does the person you are with possess all five?
sense of humor
Compassionate
Ability to be a good father
interested in athletics/fitness
I know that's only 4 but I don't know how to put #5 into words, its something about being a teacher/camp counsellor/...
My hubby has many of these but not all. Sometimes I wonder if this is a problem. He doesn't enjoy going to museums, zoos, movies with us but he loves any outdoor activity that involves moving, sports..... He has to move.
3. I’m going to pick a person – not knowing if this person even exists in your life – and you try to describe this person in 5 short words or sentences:
Paternal grandfather
Strong barrel-y man
Baker on a navy ship
Emigrated from Scotland
Could whistle like a bird
Made great scones
4. What’s your signature item? Color? Piece of clothing or jewelry? Accessory? You know – that one thing people know you will ALWAYS have on?
I dont' know about signature - silly slippers that I always wear to keep my ice cold toes warm, or sweaters cause our house is drafty or maybe my Mary Kay Dusty Rose lipliner hate going out without color!!
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog life.
Still working feverishly on school committee stuff. My parents arrive today!! Subbed in the library 1.5 days this week which is FUN and I love it but throws me off at home.
Off to shop with the hubby this weekend in IN at the outlet mall and the antique shops. I can't where the hooker shoes like Me, Drazil and Shenique because of my frankenfeet but I'm going to try to find fantastic boots - those I can wear. Maybe some more cowboy boots with a little bling!! On a mission now.
And eat clean - please, please, help me avoid the Brie and Mike's Hard Lemonade!!!! (praying to the food Gods)
Happy Weekend!!!
1. Do you drink coffee? Decaf or regular? Cold or hot? If not – what’s your go-to morning drink?
I started drinking frou frou coffee - Tim's Iced Caps. Then after my sweet boy was born (I was 33) I switched to reg coffee. Its still frou frou to die hard coffee drinkers because I use French Vanilla coffee, french vanilla creamer and sugar!!! But I just love it.
2. What are your top six characteristics in a partner if you could hand pick them. And just for kicks – if you’re in a relationship – after you make the list of six – does the person you are with possess all five?
sense of humor
Compassionate
Ability to be a good father
interested in athletics/fitness
I know that's only 4 but I don't know how to put #5 into words, its something about being a teacher/camp counsellor/...
My hubby has many of these but not all. Sometimes I wonder if this is a problem. He doesn't enjoy going to museums, zoos, movies with us but he loves any outdoor activity that involves moving, sports..... He has to move.
3. I’m going to pick a person – not knowing if this person even exists in your life – and you try to describe this person in 5 short words or sentences:
Paternal grandfather
Strong barrel-y man
Baker on a navy ship
Emigrated from Scotland
Could whistle like a bird
Made great scones
4. What’s your signature item? Color? Piece of clothing or jewelry? Accessory? You know – that one thing people know you will ALWAYS have on?
I dont' know about signature - silly slippers that I always wear to keep my ice cold toes warm, or sweaters cause our house is drafty or maybe my Mary Kay Dusty Rose lipliner hate going out without color!!
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog life.
Still working feverishly on school committee stuff. My parents arrive today!! Subbed in the library 1.5 days this week which is FUN and I love it but throws me off at home.
Off to shop with the hubby this weekend in IN at the outlet mall and the antique shops. I can't where the hooker shoes like Me, Drazil and Shenique because of my frankenfeet but I'm going to try to find fantastic boots - those I can wear. Maybe some more cowboy boots with a little bling!! On a mission now.
And eat clean - please, please, help me avoid the Brie and Mike's Hard Lemonade!!!! (praying to the food Gods)
Happy Weekend!!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Food, Food and more food!
Once again ( for the millionth time in as little as a week) I'm going to get the eating under control. I always start out right and even work out fairly well but somewhere between lunch and bed I lose it. Tonight it was nutella! Really?! I mean if I'm going to fall off the wagon why not go for the good stuff, like Lindt or Mike's Hard Lemonade?!!! But tonight it was nutella, last night the hubby brought home chicken, ham, and pineapple pizza!!!!
With inspiration from LauraBelle, who took a suggestion from me and tried the Eat Clean Diet, I too will Eat Clean.
Here's my Food Plan for tomorrow:
7am Breakfast:
1C steel cut oatmeal with flaxseed, craisins, almond milk and a few maple flakes
1 hard boiled egg
Coffee - can't drink it black yet, so I'll be back with a little sugar and milk
10 am snack: Shakeology protein shake and an apple and water
1pm Lunch: Quinoa *, peppers, little bit of feta with balsamic vinegar and water (I cook the quinoa in the rice cooker on white OR whole grain rice setting, it works perfectly!!)
3pm snack: handful of almonds, no pears in the fridge and I don't want to eat another apple so I'll probably have a peach or watermelon
6pm dinner: My parents will be in town so we will probably be out for dinner but there's no reason why I can't eat grilled chicken will veggies almost anywhere.
I'm hoping to workout before breakfast but we'll see how quickly I wake up.
*Quinoa tip. I buy prerinsed quinoa. If you don't rinse the quinoa before you cook it, it will taste very bitter. Prerinseed quinoa is a bit more expensive but well worth it! I know our Kroger, Giant Eagle and Meijer carry it.
I love quinoa, its so versatile and HEALTHY. "This powerhouse food has more protein than any other (about 22 g per 1-cup serving, compared with only 5 g per cup for white rice, for example). Like meat and soy, quinoa contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need to function, and it’s also high in fiber and iron. But quinoa has less fat than either meat or soy, so it's a great addition to a healthy diet." I'll probably have leftovers for breakfast on saturday morning with almond milk, and maple flakes!
Saturday I'm off for a romantic weekend with the hubby and some shopping at the outlet mall. I've got to plan well so I'll be able to eat well!! One drink at dinner, one drink at dinner, one drink at dinner - no chocolate cake, no chocolate cake... Repetition may help.
Stay tuned tomorrow for - BYOC!!
With inspiration from LauraBelle, who took a suggestion from me and tried the Eat Clean Diet, I too will Eat Clean.
Here's my Food Plan for tomorrow:
7am Breakfast:
1C steel cut oatmeal with flaxseed, craisins, almond milk and a few maple flakes
1 hard boiled egg
Coffee - can't drink it black yet, so I'll be back with a little sugar and milk
10 am snack: Shakeology protein shake and an apple and water
1pm Lunch: Quinoa *, peppers, little bit of feta with balsamic vinegar and water (I cook the quinoa in the rice cooker on white OR whole grain rice setting, it works perfectly!!)
3pm snack: handful of almonds, no pears in the fridge and I don't want to eat another apple so I'll probably have a peach or watermelon
6pm dinner: My parents will be in town so we will probably be out for dinner but there's no reason why I can't eat grilled chicken will veggies almost anywhere.
I'm hoping to workout before breakfast but we'll see how quickly I wake up.
I love quinoa, its so versatile and HEALTHY. "This powerhouse food has more protein than any other (about 22 g per 1-cup serving, compared with only 5 g per cup for white rice, for example). Like meat and soy, quinoa contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need to function, and it’s also high in fiber and iron. But quinoa has less fat than either meat or soy, so it's a great addition to a healthy diet." I'll probably have leftovers for breakfast on saturday morning with almond milk, and maple flakes!
Saturday I'm off for a romantic weekend with the hubby and some shopping at the outlet mall. I've got to plan well so I'll be able to eat well!! One drink at dinner, one drink at dinner, one drink at dinner - no chocolate cake, no chocolate cake... Repetition may help.
Stay tuned tomorrow for - BYOC!!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
BYOC
BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! ( I know its not Friday)
BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy….5 little questions we ask to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog and enjoy!1. If you have a camera and have the time – take the contents of your purse out – and take a picture of said contents and explain them. If you don’t have time or a camera – please describe the contents of your purse.
The usual suspects: cell phone, sunglasses, check book, headset, coupons, gum, pens, pencils, sunscreen, migraine meds, 6 lip colors (?!!), perfume and in the lower left corner, a thumb (magic trick of the boy's - don't know why its in my purse!)
So of course I cleaned out all the things I don't need - NOT - I just dumped the whole shebang back in my purse. You never know when you'll need a thumb right?!
2. Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing if you have a relationship with this person or if the person even exists and you try to describe the person in 5 words or short sentences.
• Your kindergarten teacher
I remember her name - Mrs. Gali
but that's it
3. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure / trashy TV show you like to watch?
Any and all medical shows: Love Grey's, Private, Off the Map.... and some lady porn: True Blood
4. "A lot of you told me about your first day of school experiences when I posted about how my 5 year old going to kindergarten wasn’t causing me too much heartache." (quoted from Drazil) So now I’m officially asking – tell me about one of your first day of school experiences that sticks out in your mind the most. Who put you on the bus? Did you ride the bus? Did your parents take pics? Did they walk you into school? Drive you there? Cook you breakfast?
My parents were teachers, my dad a principal, my mom a stay-at-home mom til I was older so the first day of school was a big deal but my dad had to be at work early. We had first day pictures and then my mom would walk me and then my sister and I to school. Nothing huge, so that's what I do. The only thing that's different on the first day than any other day is the pictures at our house.
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.
In blog land I'm slacking. I love reading everyone's blog but I just don't get to it often. In real life, its busy busy. Three school committees I'm on have events happening this month - Box Tops, Walking Club and Scholastic Book Fair. I'm trying to clean my house but its BORING so I find many many other things to do instead. WOW I live an exciting life! I really gotta do something interesting this week. I'm open to suggestions.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Eat Clean
Alright today's blog is none too mind blowing but sweet LauraBelle you inspired me today.
The bookfair is coming to our school which means I have been copying, collating and delivering 612 pamphlets to announce that it is coming. I live the high life people don't let anyone tell you differently!!!
Now the inspired part, I also got on the treadmill for a 3.1 mile run AND I managed a personal record today! 24:53mins!!! I run it as if it were 3 seperate miles with a minute break in between the miles. But who cares. I did it. (Lets hope the frankenfoot isn't to sore to do it again tomorrow!) Thankfully my legs have recovered from the P90X leg workout I did on Monday, the recovery drink I just bought from Kathy may have something to do with that (but my sweet hubby has me freaked out about the creatine in it - he says its going to bulk me up!!! AHHHH). Love me some Tony Horton.
AND I've eaten fairly well today. Steel cut oatmeal for breakfast with some maple flakes and a couple of craisins thrown in for good measure. Shakeology shake for snack/lunch - thank you Tony Horton and then a prepackaged healthy veggie/pasta thing with only 100 calories and NO MSG!!! It doesn't get better than that.
OKAY I did just eat enough pretzels and hummus to feed a small starving country but the hummus is good protein and LauraBelle, reading your post kept me from running to the childrens' leftover halloween candies (YES I do get that crazy for sugar that I will eat 10 month old candy that I steal from my children).
Tonight will probably be some scrambled eat concoction as sweet hubby is at the rink tonight and therefore doesn't need a meat and potato dinner at home.
Put one foot in front of the other and drink your water people!!
And right on cue the big yellow bus brings my miscreants home to me - time to win Mother of the Year!
The bookfair is coming to our school which means I have been copying, collating and delivering 612 pamphlets to announce that it is coming. I live the high life people don't let anyone tell you differently!!!
Now the inspired part, I also got on the treadmill for a 3.1 mile run AND I managed a personal record today! 24:53mins!!! I run it as if it were 3 seperate miles with a minute break in between the miles. But who cares. I did it. (Lets hope the frankenfoot isn't to sore to do it again tomorrow!) Thankfully my legs have recovered from the P90X leg workout I did on Monday, the recovery drink I just bought from Kathy may have something to do with that (but my sweet hubby has me freaked out about the creatine in it - he says its going to bulk me up!!! AHHHH). Love me some Tony Horton.
AND I've eaten fairly well today. Steel cut oatmeal for breakfast with some maple flakes and a couple of craisins thrown in for good measure. Shakeology shake for snack/lunch - thank you Tony Horton and then a prepackaged healthy veggie/pasta thing with only 100 calories and NO MSG!!! It doesn't get better than that.
OKAY I did just eat enough pretzels and hummus to feed a small starving country but the hummus is good protein and LauraBelle, reading your post kept me from running to the childrens' leftover halloween candies (YES I do get that crazy for sugar that I will eat 10 month old candy that I steal from my children).
Tonight will probably be some scrambled eat concoction as sweet hubby is at the rink tonight and therefore doesn't need a meat and potato dinner at home.
Put one foot in front of the other and drink your water people!!
And right on cue the big yellow bus brings my miscreants home to me - time to win Mother of the Year!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Honey can you help me find.......
Alright here it is..... Men cannot possibly find anything. For Realz. I think that's why the penis is on the outside of their body. Clearly visible! Or else they might have trouble finding it.
The other day we're packing for some summer adventure and sweet hubbysays yells to me from upstairs, where's my duffle bag. I think, Hmmm you mean the one I never use and you put away the last time you used it. I say, Did you check in your closet behind your clothes where it usually is?
And then there is the quiet while he presumably checks behind his clothes. A yelp from upstairs follows - which I think is an "I've cracked my head on the sloping ceiling" yelp "come quickly and save me from bleeding to death."
Turns out it was an "I still can't find it, save me from myself" whine.
So I cheerfully stomp up the stairs, part the clothes and say, "There you are darling, glad I could help". LMAO not even close. What I said was, did you really even look, Dumb Ass. (I think it came out sounding a bit loving and not too snarky!)
Here's the challenge - YOU spot the duffle bag. (hint its red and yellow, which is NOT cheating because sweet hubby knows this too)
After he parted the clothes ( I even held the camera up to his 6'2" height just in case, as he said "our perspectives are different")
I'll admit, this is a bit harder than the duffel.
The other day we're packing for some summer adventure and sweet hubby
And then there is the quiet while he presumably checks behind his clothes. A yelp from upstairs follows - which I think is an "I've cracked my head on the sloping ceiling" yelp "come quickly and save me from bleeding to death."
Turns out it was an "I still can't find it, save me from myself" whine.
So I cheerfully stomp up the stairs, part the clothes and say, "There you are darling, glad I could help". LMAO not even close. What I said was, did you really even look, Dumb Ass. (I think it came out sounding a bit loving and not too snarky!)
Here's the challenge - YOU spot the duffle bag. (hint its red and yellow, which is NOT cheating because sweet hubby knows this too)
Before he parted the clothes
After he parted the clothes ( I even held the camera up to his 6'2" height just in case, as he said "our perspectives are different")Can you spot the duffel bag?!
Finally, several days later I made sweet hubby some cornmeal muffins. He ate a couple with dinner and then we cleaned up - I put the muffins away in the fridge. Just before bed his tummy starts grumbling and he says with the fridge door open, "where are the muffins you made". He was not very amused when I grabbed my camera before showing him the muffins (hmm THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID). So you tell me can you see the muffins? 
I'll admit, this is a bit harder than the duffel.Top shelf, Right hand side in a ziplock.
So I have to ask - is it genetic? something in the Y chromosome perhaps? and how do I save my son from the same terrible fate? or because he is male is he doomed to search and search and search but never find the things he's looking for unless his wife appears to save him?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A late BYOC
BYOC - Bring YourOwn Crazy!
It's BYOC - Bring YourOwn Crazy! Thanks Draz for great topics.
Copy t.o your own blog so we can get to know each other better.
1. How much makeup do you wear daily, how long does it take you and are you loyal to certain brands.
Mascara, eyeliner and lipstick! My mom is adamant that wearing lipstick is a must. Also, I've noticed a few more bags under my eyes these days so I've started concealing those too. It doesn't take too long, probably 5-10 mins (although it takes longer to do my hair).
I'm a Mary Kay girl so everything I have is Mary Kay.
2. I'm going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them ( or even if there is one) and you try to describe this person in 5 words/short sentences.
Your oldest paternal aunt
My surrogate mom
Hard working (she's 83 volunteering at the cancer clinic 4 days a week)
Dog lover
Strong
Large hearted
3. Tell me about your first kiss and how old you were.
I'm not counting the "spin the bottle" kisses that happened before.
I was 12 or 13 in grade 7. My then boyfriend borrowed someone's umbrella for privacy. It was sweet but there was a little tongue involved and clearly I wasn't ready for that because I told him we should save that for special occasions! LOL
4. If I gave you $1000 and told you that you had to give it to a charity - which charity would you choose and why?
Tough question!! I've been involved with a number of cancer charities so I'd definitely consider that. My instinct now is to say an Alzeimer charity. Thankfully I have no personal experience with this disease but it's a nasty one.
5. Summarize your life in blogland and in real life
Went to a state park with the family this week. Fun weekend - unfortunately the weather wasn't the greatest but the kids had a great time on the rope swing out over the lake.
I made cake pops for the teachers' dinner on preview night Monday - they were fun to make.
In blogland I've started following some new crafty blogs.
Have a great week everyone!
It's BYOC - Bring YourOwn Crazy! Thanks Draz for great topics.
Copy t.o your own blog so we can get to know each other better.
1. How much makeup do you wear daily, how long does it take you and are you loyal to certain brands.
Mascara, eyeliner and lipstick! My mom is adamant that wearing lipstick is a must. Also, I've noticed a few more bags under my eyes these days so I've started concealing those too. It doesn't take too long, probably 5-10 mins (although it takes longer to do my hair).
I'm a Mary Kay girl so everything I have is Mary Kay.
2. I'm going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them ( or even if there is one) and you try to describe this person in 5 words/short sentences.
Your oldest paternal aunt
My surrogate mom
Hard working (she's 83 volunteering at the cancer clinic 4 days a week)
Dog lover
Strong
Large hearted
3. Tell me about your first kiss and how old you were.
I'm not counting the "spin the bottle" kisses that happened before.
I was 12 or 13 in grade 7. My then boyfriend borrowed someone's umbrella for privacy. It was sweet but there was a little tongue involved and clearly I wasn't ready for that because I told him we should save that for special occasions! LOL
4. If I gave you $1000 and told you that you had to give it to a charity - which charity would you choose and why?
Tough question!! I've been involved with a number of cancer charities so I'd definitely consider that. My instinct now is to say an Alzeimer charity. Thankfully I have no personal experience with this disease but it's a nasty one.
5. Summarize your life in blogland and in real life
Went to a state park with the family this week. Fun weekend - unfortunately the weather wasn't the greatest but the kids had a great time on the rope swing out over the lake.
I made cake pops for the teachers' dinner on preview night Monday - they were fun to make.
In blogland I've started following some new crafty blogs.
Have a great week everyone!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Extended Family Vacation
OMG its been way too long since I've taken the time to blog. First we were up north in cottageland with no internet ( but there was indoor plumbing my bowels are soo thankful I didn't have to hold it for 8 days!!!! that I forgave the missing internet), then we were home with company (YEAH cousins!!), then we were off to FL!! and Yes it was steamy enough for me.
So, we decide to take a trip to hotter than Satan's underpants Florida. Walking outside of the condo was like walking into a wall of sweat! I took to putting my thunderthighs in little skirts just to get some air flow - Disney may never recover. Anyhoo, I digress.
This was a full blown family trip: mom, dad, sis, brother-in-law, niece, nephew and my two lovelies. Hubby declined to be a part of this magical trip. Did I mention we all shared a 3 bdrm condo?!
Here are some of the 9 "Things" in my family.
Inside the theatre!!
So, we decide to take a trip to hotter than Satan's underpants Florida. Walking outside of the condo was like walking into a wall of sweat! I took to putting my thunderthighs in little skirts just to get some air flow - Disney may never recover. Anyhoo, I digress.
This was a full blown family trip: mom, dad, sis, brother-in-law, niece, nephew and my two lovelies. Hubby declined to be a part of this magical trip. Did I mention we all shared a 3 bdrm condo?!
Here are some of the 9 "Things" in my family.Yes we did wear matching Thing 1-9 Shirts!! It really did make it easier to find everyone and in Disney you really don't look like freaks wearing this get up! Teachers (there are 4 in my family) we used our shirts to torture the kids while we waited in line ie: How much is momma times mommy? 2x4= Big T (8), When 4 of us were in line for the Star Tours I challenged my kids to make the biggest number they could out of us..... Great idea for the classroom. Make shirts or pinnies with numbers on them for a center. Challenge the kids to make the largest numbers they can, smallest numbers they can, number sentences with sums/products of .... The possibilities are endless!
We visited Hollywood Studios once (LOVE LOVE LOVE the Toy Story ride - go early line up, then get the express pass to go again later!!)
Later we went to Downtown Disney - ok we went three times. The boys loved the new custom remote controlled car store - $250 later, they both came home with custom rides! My brother-in-law was looking for any excuse to buy himself one. There's also a balloon ride - for those less than adventurous, it only rises 400feet and is tethered the whole time (but you don't have to tell anyone that when you show them the photos).
Sweet daughter, Taz (as in Tazmanian Devil) got an inner and middle ear infection and was barred from the pools. OK, its a million degrees and we're in florida! NO SWIMMING!!?? So it was off to Downtown Disney again - this time to the Dine-In Theatre. WTH?! Seriously - there are wait staff who take your order including, DRINKS - true honest to goodness drinks with alcohol in them and everything!!! If one of these open up in my home town I may even get my MIA husband into a theatre with me not that he's got a problem but he loves him some beer. (Oh we did see Pirates 4 - it was good).
Inside the theatre!!Finally, for my fellow running bloggers, I tried to get up early to jog but my knees revolted and demanded I swim instead. So I listened - have I mentioned how hot it was?! ( I'm back to my gentle treadmill now) However, I did take a trip to Lululemon at the outlet mall and restrained myself so that I only came home with 2 new running tanks ( for less than $100)!! Not bad for trying to shop with 4 young children.
Great family trip - no one was disowned or cut from the will! Glad to be back to blogger land.
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