Day 22

I'm heading off to scrapbook this weekend and I am so excited for a weekend of me time...though scrapbooking for 6 hrs tonight, 16 hours tomorrow and 8 on Sunday will leave me EXHAUSTED! Here is tomorrow's post...

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Are there things in my life that I regret? You bet'cha! But honestly, I would not wish I hadn't done something...because not doing it might not make me who I am today, and overall, who and what I am today is ok! I'm a firm believer in "everything for a reason" and I believe that God has a plan for me...sometimes he isn't great about sharing the plan until much later than I would like, but that's because it's HIS plan. Not MINE! :)

Day 21

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?

I'd get to her asap! Fight or no fight...she's my best friend!

Day 20

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Let's start with alcohol, because it's an easier one. First off, it's legal to consume alcohol if you are of age. In moderation, I have no issue with alcohol. Personally, I LOVE a great glass of wine or a cosmo. Interestingly, I do like the taste of alcohol straight. It's gotta be masked in something fruity. I have always been this way and only began enjoying wine outside of zinfadel, which let's face it...is not "grown up wine", in the past 10 years. I can honestly say that I don't "crave" a drink at the end of a hard day...chocolate is my "vice".

My issue with alcohol is when it becomes a problem. When a person can't get through the day without it, when it detracts from personal relationships, when it is the only way a person can cope. Binge drinking also really concerns me and honestly, I just don't get it! I don't like much...maybe three glasses of wine a month on average, so it's doesn't take much for me to feel tipsy. I hate that feeling of being out of control. Of saying stupid things that I KNOW are stupid but I can't stop. I HATE that feeling. I also HATE vommitting. I HATE it! I can't imagine purposely consuming something to the point that I am sick. I have never been sick from drinking nor have I ever had a hangover. I don't ever plan too. My sister will say, "You don't PLAN to drink that much, it just happens." OK, sure, I guess...but then I would be completely out of control, and I HATE that...so no, not me.

Drugs...a new blog. I have a major issue with drugs. It stems back to when I was 12. I had this neighbor, Courtney, she was my best friend from the time I moved into my house in her neighborhood when I was 7. She was a year older than me, but we were super tight. I worshiped Courtney. She was an only child so I was included with her family in outings all the time. I had a pesky little sister who didn't play at Courtney's. Courtney ROCKED! She was in eighth grade and she started hanging out with the "bad kids". She started sneaking cigarettes. Then she started smoking pot. She snuck alcohol from her parent's supply and would drink. Courtney completely changed and no longer wanted to hang out with straight square me. I lost my best friend. I was devasted. It completely turned my off on drugs and alcohol. I wanted no part of it and I was scared about how she changed and how she acted. I never drank in high school outside of the sips I was allowed at home for special occassions. I had no interest and actually had an aversion.

Freshman year of high school I was pissy. I really wanted to attend Holy Name High School in Worcester. My new best friend was going there. My folks had moved to Northboro because of the great schools. They had no interest in PAYING for an education that may not have been as good as the one they were paying taxes for. As a parent I get it, but as a sullen 13-14 year old, they ruined me!

I played soccer for years and made the JV team freshman year with the girls I had playing with for years. They became the "popular crowd". There was a Halloween dance at the high school. A bunch of the soccer team was going and our parents were car pooling. We were dropped off and I was surprised to see how many baby costumes there were. When I was invited to head to the woods to partake of the "bottles" I realized why and I was terrified. I could go with them and be cool and accepted to the popular crowd or I could draw my line and reject them...I was 13! I decided to take the "coward way" and I let my "friends" know I was not feeling well and would call my parents to be picked up. (My grown-up self realizes that this was genius and I would recommend my daughter do the same.)

I head to the bank of pay phones, because this was WAY before cell phones! The phones were in a public place which afforded NO privacy. I called home and my dad answered. I had been gone maybe an hour and now I am whining to my dad that I feel sick and I need to be picked up. He became defensive figuring that I was still trying to avoid public high school and proceeded to remind me I was fine an hour ago. I continued to insist I was not feeling well and REALLY needed to be picked up NOW! He did finally relent and came to get me a short time later.

I know he felt positively awful when I got in the car and proceeded to tell him I wasn't sick, I just needed to leave because of what my "friends" were heading out to do. He assured me he would never again question me if I called for a ride. My mom chewed him out too...poor dad!

Drugs are illegal for a reason. We have a drinking age for a reason. I understand that in other countries where drinking is allowed there is little alcohol issues. That is not the case in the US! Marijuana is currently illegal. I don't have a strong stance either way...I have never tried any substances other than alcohol and perscriptions that are perscribed for me. (Ok with a borrowed muscle relaxant when I am in spasm or a vicoden when I was between perscriptions for my broken ankle. I was able to get prescriptions for both.)

I have seen, first hand, the destruction alcohol and other drugs leave in their wake. I've interviewed folks in the ER for overdoses and those seeking treatment for addictions. Their lives are in shambles. Marijuana is ABSOLUTELY the "gateway drug". Once you cross the line, the excuse to not cross isn't there. Suddenly trying cocaine, crack, heroin, prescription drugs is not as taboo.

My best friend was verbally abused by her alcoholic father who even in death continued the abuse with his will which purposely stated "his daughter" was to recieve nothing and proceeded to talk about his "beloved son", her brother.

The family who was our long-time next door neighbor almost lost their son to heroin. This was a good family. The "kids" and my sister and I grew up together. We had similar backgrounds. He is clean and healthy now, but he lost everything in the destruction, including missing his only brother's wedding, a celebration he can never get back.

I have strong opinions on alcohol and drugs. I make no excuses for these opinions. They are mine and I willingly stand by them! I do apologize if I offended anyone, I hope I explained why I have them.

Day 19...I do believe!

Day 19 → What do you think of religion?

I am a cradle Catholic. Born and raised and have never really strayed. I am committed to Catholicism and have no desire to change. I fully believe in the God, Jesus Christ, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. I fully believe he IS present in Communion which I receive weekly with hardly any excpetions.

I was married in the Catholic church to a non-Catholic Christian who does not practice any faith reguarly. I am raising my daughter Catholic with Hub's support. We say Grace before meals when we sit to eat them.

I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and my sins...personally. I was VERY fortunate in high school to be involved in an amazing retreat program called Search. I met my longest bestest friend there, but that's another blog. I truly think this retreat program cemented my own personal faith, separate from how I was raised or aside from what was expected of me by parents.

Some areas I continue to struggle...birth control. I use it. I can not imagine suffering through pregnancy again. I know Jesus suffered much worse on the Cross. I have risk factors that scare me in regards to future pregnancies...i.e., my body could kill the baby. I have a healthy girl who I wanted with all my heart. Hub doesn't want any more kids and if I stopped using birth control he will absolutely have a vascetomy and I am not ready to take such drastic measures. Birth control is a big NO NO in the Catholic Church. I struggle with this.

The Catholic Church is against Gay Marriage and Gay men becoming priests. I understand in my head why this is so, but....

As mentioned in the previous post, The Church does not believe in pre-marital sex OR sex outside of the conception of children. Gay sex is both. In my heart I struggle with how a loving God who make people Gay and give them such a tough road to travel. I am not Gay, so personally it is not my struggle, however, I live in the world and with Gay teens committing suicide at an alarming rate, I am deeply troubled.

My dear friend has a son, my Godson. He is idenifying as Gay at age 15. He has ALWAYS wanted to be a priest since he was a young boy of 4. He went to a pre-seminary summer camp and was kicked out when he shared that he had "gay feelings". He didn't want to act on them...just as a normal healthy teen male, he has them. He was kicked out of the program and in further discussions with her priest my friend learned that since the child molestation crisis, Gay men are no longer welcomed into the priesthood.

Any man who becomes a Roman Catholic priest takes a VOW of CELEBACY! Doesn't matter what your sexual orientation. You are not permitted to have any sex according to church doctrine or laws or whatever. Who cares who you were attracted to prior to taking that vow? I am struggling with this.

I am truly of the belief that as a sinner, and I am...I have no right to cast stones. My relationship with God is MY relationship. He knows I struggle. He accepts me, loves me and forgives me. I feel peace when I am in his house and therefore his presence. I want that for Bug.

My prayer is that each of you reading be blessed. Amen.

Day 18

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

Ahh, a nice controversial one...

I am completely 100% in favor of Gay Marriage. This does however go completely against the Catholic church. I totally understand WHY the Catholic church is against Gay Marriage...however I do not agree...

I have been privileged throughout the years to work with some amazing folks and they have been VERY forthcoming about their lives. I cannot imagine feeling the way I do about my husband and being told these feelings are wrong. I am fortunate that I have the "right" feelings for the opposite sex. If, however, I was instead attracted to the same sex, I would be appalled that it is anyone else's business who I love.

The Catholic Church does not believe in pre-marital sex OR sex that may not result in the conception of children...i.e. birth control. I feel VERY strongly that I am not sin free and therefore I am unable to cast stones at another's sins. My relationship with God is MY relationship. When my earthly life is over and I stand in before God and HIS judgment it will be for my life and my sins. I am therefore not in a place to judge others.

My issue is that gay sex will never lead to the conception of children and therefore will never be "accepted". I find it really hard to believe that God makes mistakes, so folks who are attracted to the same sex are not mistakes...it is part of his plan.

I believe that it is up to the individual person to make a partner/marriage decision and again, I would not want to be told that I can not be with my husband because it isn't "right" or "normal". It's no one else's business but mine and my husband/partner.

Day 17

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

I'm actually currently listening to Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue" and it is has totally changed my opinion of her. I would like to see her in the presidential race in 2012. I would absolutely vote for her. I love her views on politics and government. I love that she is a normal mom. I admit, I was one who made fun of the statements that were taken out of context. Sarah, I apologize. You've changed my views.

Day 14

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

OK, I have been thinking about this for over 24 hours now and I can't come up with one. A couple of my heros are Mother Teresa and my mom. Mother Teresa has never let anyone down...she is well on her way to Sainthood! My mom, well she's human, so while I look up to her and she has not been perfect, I have never expected perfection! Maybe I am just too realistic. Anyway...there you go!

Day 12...sorry I forgot you!

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

My housekeeping! I HATE cleaning the house! I HATE it! I was so blessed in Massachusetts when I had two wonderful women that came every other week and cleaned from top to bottom! I LOVED walking into a clean smelling house!

I am NOT "Sally Homemaker"! Never claimed to be! Someday I will again have a saint who I pay to clean my house!

Day 13

First I want to start off by saying that this is a true record for me! I have never blogged so consistently! I guess I am a person who needs prompts and this 30 days of Truth has really helped! And now back to your regularly scheduled program!


Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)



Dear Amy Grant,

Your music was the soundtrack that got me through high school and college. I was first introduced to you in high school when I went on a Catholic retreat called Search. Many of the team members used your music to sum up their talks. I love El Shadai, In a Little While, I have Decided, Where Do You Hide Your Heart, Jehovah, The Now and the Not Yet.

I thank you for your music which was an inspiration to remain true to Jesus and seek him when times were tough.

Fondly,
Nicabc

Day 11-->marching on!

I decided I'm just gonna keep going and not wait until tomorrow which is the "true day 11" from my start date..deal with it! :)

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I am having trouble coming up with one thing. When I wear jewelry from Cookie Lee, which I use to sell, I get lots of compliments. Unfortunately I have gotten out of the habit of wearing jewelry daily.

When I take the time to dry my hair out, I will get compliments on that, but I don't do it all the time...it's a lot of work!!

I have unusual eyes...they are green...when folks notice them, they will compliment them, but they have to get pretty close to notice.

Actually, I am regularly complimented on my work. I work hard and I really care about what I do. I see each foster child as my personal responsibility and I work hard to make good matches with families and then support the placements.

How funny that when I first read the statement I immediately tried to think of physical characteristics...just shows how our culture shapes where we go! Crazy!

30 days of screwed up!

See I can't even keep track of 30days! Yesterday I panicked thinking I had missed several days. Then after I posted day 10...I went back and re-counted (Math was NEVER my strong suit!) and realized now I 'm ahead! What a goof!

See, if I was good at math I would be in a much more lucrative career...but alas...simple addition still throws me!

I'm the Spirit Wear chair of the PTO at Bug's school. I am in charge of designing, ordering, selling, and keeping inventory of the t-shirts and handling the pre-ordering and delivering of sweatshirts and long sleeve ts. Easy right? I can not tell you how much time I spend counting and re-counting and tracking and adding and still mess up? Why don't the numbers in my fancy spread sheet columns match?? How did I get myself into this mess??

I am a social worker because it rarely involves numbers and if it does...it's a cursory glance! I am not overall responsible for keeping track of the numbers! I am great with people. I am great with people's problems. I am great under pressure with said people's problems! You have a people crisis...I'm your girl! You have a number crisis...RUN as far from me as possible! I'll only screw it up worse!

There, I've proclaimed it to the world!

Day 10 should be tomorrow...day 11 is Friday! I've actually written the numbers into my planner. :)

Day 10

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

I can honestly say, no one. I am pretty particular about those I chose to have as friends. Given my profession, I am magnet for needy people. I am pretty good at weeding these folks out of my close circle. It's not that I am not empathetic, I am. It's not that I won't help, I do. I just do not let these folks in. I can't. I do it more than full-time and I need some healthy friendships to keep me going. I am not exactly sure how exactly I do it, but I do somehow only let healthy folks into my "inner circle".

I have had friends struggle and I have struggled, however these friends don't suck me dry like clients do...they accept help and get back on their feet. They are threre when I am falling to put me back together so it a mutual give and take like any healthy realtionship.

Thinking about this post has made me really appreciate my friends! I have some truly amazing women I call my close friends...thank you!!

Days 8 & 9

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

I have to say most recently this was the tenant I rented my house to when we moved to Virginia. She was someone I considered my friend and I got burned. I know she's had a really difficult time and made some really crappy decisions. I truly wanted to help her and it bit in the you know where.

The thing is I don't think she realizes how much she screwed me. I lost my house over it. See the deal was she could pay WAY under market value to rent my house so she could get out of a crappy living situation and our house wouldn't sit empty. We also had our beloved lab, Cole, who needed a place to stay. Seemed perfect...we'd leave, she'd move in...she'd take care of Cole and the house and pay us about 1/2 of what the market value was. We also were able to store things at the house...a win/win for everyone.

Several weeks into the deal, she called at her wits end about Cole. She wasn't a dog person and he was misbehaving. I'm on the fence about this because Cole was NEVER a behavior issue. Now, giving her the benefit of the doubt, maybe our leaving and his living in the same place with new folks and new stuff was tough on him. An angel friend rescues Cole so now the dog was out of the equation.

The year went by by somewhat uneventfully until the end when she stopped paying rent. I realize that she had medical issues and ex-husband didn't pay child support but I HAD to pay the mortgage and when she didn't pay I couldn't. We ended up putting the house on the market to short sale and she lived for 4 months in the house and didn't pay rent. STILL...we are out that money...a couple of thousand dollars...that we can't spare. It went south so quick and I will never be a land lord again. I can't handle the stress!

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

This is an easy one. My brother Chris. He is not my biological brother, but he is my brother in my heart and he lived with my family for about 6 years of his life. He considers us his family and the feeling is mutual. Anyway, Christmas of 1995, he was a young adult and showed up out of the blue. We were thrilled to have him but gently reminded him we needed some notice. When he blew out on Christmas Day before dinner, Mom was upset. He drove our of lives that day and we had no contact with him for 13 years! I searched on the Internet and had Hub do some semi-professional searching when he was a PI. No luck. Finally in May of 1998, I tracked down a gaming website he was involved in and sent an email with my cell phone and he called! I'm so grateful to have him back in my life. We missed a lot of big events over those 13 years...weddings, births, etc...but not ever again!

Chris and I in 1989

Day 7

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Another VERY easy one. Bug, my beautiful 9 year-old daughter. She gives meaning to my life.

Day 6

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I have to say I am so glad these are getting easier! I hope I never have experience true poverty! Even when we struggle financially and have a really tight month, I know both Hub and I have steady paychecks that will continue every other week! We are fortunate that we have a stocked kitchen and a roof over our head. It's so easy to get caught up in stuff and I am certainly guilty of this.

On a side note...this is the most I have EVERY blogged! Thanks Mae Rae for the challenge!

Day 5

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

This is the easiest one yet! I have so many hopes...things I want to do, places I want to go, things/places I want to see/experience....I could go on and on.

My greatest hope use to be to truly make a difference in one person's. It was the reason I entered social work...to change the world. Once I got out into the world I modified this to change one person. I believe with my whole heart I truly change people's lives regularly. It's part of what I do for work. This makes me very proud and brings me great happiness.

My greatest hope at this point is that Bug becomes a healthy, happy, productive adult and that she looks back on me, her mother, with pride and gratefulness that I did everything I could to show her how much she is wanted and loved! She is an amazing girl and I cherish her with every fiber of my being!

Day 4 of 30 Days of Truth

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Wow...this is harder than yesterday! Maybe prior to committing to this I should have actually read through them! I have difficulty coming up with topics to blog...so I thought this would help!

I am very forgiving person. I'm not someone who holds a grudge or stays mad. When I get angry, I blow like a volcano and then I'm over it!

OK, I think I need to forgive the St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Chantilly. I had a really bad experience there that truly tested my faith. It wasn't one thing but rather several incidences over the two years I belonged there. They led to my "forgetting" to sign bug up for CCD when we moved because I was truly burnt out by their formalness.

I am truly blessed that we did move and I am much happier at our current church. I also found another nearby church that offers Communion under both species which I really miss since leaving Massachusetts.

St. Timothy's, I forgive you for the bad experiences. The time the RE director didn't know my name and she knew ALL the other teachers and assistants names. The time you scared the (you know what) out of my shy and slightly anxious 6 yo (who has known the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, AND Glory Be since she was 4...she just needs you to start it with her....BUT the Pastor, who she'd never met personally, pulled her out of CCD class to "test" her prayers and "flunked her"! I'm moving on.

Thank you day 4!

Day 3 of 30 days of truth

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Huh, I am truly stumped. I don't know. Ok now I am a day late and still struggling. I think I need to forgive myself about my weight. I am trying. Watching what I eat, well as it passes my lips....but I am reducing the amount of food I eat. I am cautious because I do not want to yo-yo with my weight. My doctor has stated, yes, lose weight is best if you can lose and maintain. If not yo-yoing with weight is harder than remaining at one weight. Maybe instead of hating how I look I should forgive and accept myself and then I'll have some peace and the process could be easier?

Day 2-->30 Days of Truth

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

I love my passion. I like to think I am energic about things that matter to me. My work, my dogs, my family. I believe I am great at advocating and speaking up for wrongs. I am a social worker after all!

Day 1-->30 Days of Truth

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

If I had to pick one...it would be my weight. I hate that I am so heavy. I never had a weight problem until my adulthood. I was always very physically active with sports. As I have gotten older, by body hasn't cooperated. I have had knee problems since I was 13. I was told as a teenager to expect to need knee replacement surgery down the road. Arthritis is rampant in my family. I refuse to use this as an excuse, but when moving hurts, it's hard to be motivated!

I am definitely a stress/bored eater and I LOVE chocolate! When I was successful with weight watchers in 1999 I included 5 Hersheys kisses in my points every day. I can not cut it out completely!

Ok, now off to lunch! :) LOL

Thirty days of Truth

For the next 30 posts, I will be writing the TRUTH about myself. Here’s a preview of the writing topics:

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → 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

I think this will be a tough assignment but I like a challenge!! Thanks to Mae for the "pass on"!

Meet me

1) Do your pants get hung on a hanger or folded? My work trousers are hung, khakis, jeans are folded.

2) If you are stranded on an Island, what 3 things would you need to have with you (not including humans or electronic devices)? Feelix (my stuffed bear that I have had for 20+ years and is now Bug's beloved), chocolate, and a good book

3) Where is the farthest you have ever traveled to? India

4) Do you live in a house, trailer, or apartment, etc? townhouse

5) What is your most hated household chore? Cleaning! They heavy duty kind with cleaner!

Important Women's Health Issue

A good friend posted this on her blog and I felt the need pass it on!

Please be sure you read carefully as this is important health information.


* Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
* Do you suffer from shyness?
* Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?
* Do you suffer exhaustion from the day to day grind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:

- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Incarceration
- Erotic lustfulness
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of clothing
- Loss of money
- Loss of virginity
- Table dancing
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:

* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.

* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas.

Five Question Friday

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?

I think I would like an Aussie accent. Sounds cool and refined!

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)

Not Easily! I have trouble falling asleep anywhere except the car when I am a passenger on a long drive!

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?

Yes, I use them...when you gotta go, you gotta go! I wipe the seat and then sit...unless really gross...then either skip it or hover...depending on how bad I had to go!

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?

Hmmmmm, tough one...Oprah would be cool to talk with but Ben Affleck would be better for snuggling!

5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?

Our first "official date" was for pizza at Linwood Cafe in Randolph, MA and the movies to see "Aladin".

Chloe

Chloe was our second foster dog and before she even arrived, I was pretty sure we were keeping her! We started fostering dogs with American Lab Rescue in early December 2005.




Our beloved Bailey, the dog Hub and I got shortly after we got married, had become very ill and we had to have him euthanized on October 5, 2005...Hub initially said he NEVER wanted another dog. The pain of losing Bailey was too much. I was also devastated and my sadness continued every day when I returned to the house and there was no dog there to greet me. Yes, I loved Bailey and missed him, but I wanted another dog. Hub agreed to foster...so we signed up. The hitch was NO black labs (Bailey was a black lab mix)


The Rescue group asked us to take our first foster, Jake. We had him for one week and then he was adopted to his "forever home". We let Bug pick our next foster...she picked an adorable puppy, Honey. Honey found her forever family and didn't need a foster home. I then told the group we'd take "Tori" (aka: Chloe). The Rescue group was thrilled we would take her...she'd had a tough life in her short nine months. She hadn't done well in the shelter and was temporarily in a rescue home to try to fatten her up for the transport. She had survived Hurricane Katrina and Rita and had been a "teen" mom...all ready had a litter of puppies. She was VERY thin and struggled to keep weight on, though she was healthy. I told the rescuer I was in love with her pic/profile and that she may be a keeper for us. When I told Hub that Honey hadn't been available so I asked for "Tori" he said he had thought she was really cute.

"Tori" arrived in CT on December 18, 2005 from Louisiana. It was a two-day drive for her. She was VERY thin, but so soft and adorable. We were smitten! I immediately renamed her Chloe and she was ours!

Chloe quickly became Bug's dog, best friend, confidant, and protector. Bug has always been a bit on the anxious side and she doesn't not like to go anywhere in the house alone...so Chloe goes with her. She doesn't like to sleep alone, so Chloe sleeps with her. They have become quite a pair. Chloe steadily put on weight and is healthy and I think quite happy! She's a beautiful dog and she is still the softest dog I have ever had the pleasure or snuggling!

Isn't she pretty???

Best Friends!One of Chloe's favorite activities...stick chasing!

"camping" in the living room with Bug

Her favorite spot! The bed she generously shares with Bug!

My fears...

I have always pictured myself as a mom. When Hub and I got married he knew children were part of the equation. He was never as sure about children.

When we began to plan for a baby...because I PLAN everything!! I told him that I really wanted a daughter. Nothing against sons, my sister-in-law, she only wanted boys...me, I wanted a daughter. I wanted to share girlie things, prom, her wedding...it's just not the same with a boy.

I also thought April would be a great month to have a baby. We lived in Massachusetts, so by April the chance of snow is slim and spring is definitely on the horizon. We wouldn't have to bundle a brand new baby like an Eskimo against New England winters.

Bug, 1 year

I had my precious girl...in April! I have been crazy in love since! She is everything I could have imagined. She was blessed with my temperament which isn't always easy, but she also has my fine curly hair and I all ready own a hair straightener!

Fast forward 9+ years! She's entering fourth grade and is more tween then little girl. When did that happen?? Bug, 9-1/2 years

I'm a social worker and as such I really try to stay up on teen trends because I work with teens and honestly they have always been my passion. Today I learned of two new trends...1) Oral Sex is the new Goodnight Kiss and 2) Self-mutilation moves onto Embedding objects.

I know realistically that Bug is not likely to self-mutilate or embed objects beneath her skin, but it still scares me that it's out there and that there is a very good chance she will know and care about someone who does. What is Embedding? It's when a person who is in so much emotional pain and does not have a way to mitigate or cope with these feelings so they look for a physical outlet. Cutting is a physical outlet and now embedding where the person actually puts objects under the skin...eye glass screws, lead, paper clips, safety pins, etc. Google it, you'll see x-rays.

The "oral sex" thing scares me more. I KNOW kids don't think oral sex is "sex"...Thank you President Clinton! I have spoken with several teen girls myself. They consider themselves virgins if they are only having oral sex. There is no reciprocation...only girls performing for the boys. Girls perform oral sex in groups at school, at parties, on the bus...no where is safe! Girls are realizing they aren't getting any enjoyment, so they are now being paid with money, gifts or homework, etc. Girls doing this "exchange" don't see themselves as prostitutes because they are not out on the street! It's just a give and take, an "exchange"! Very scary!! Google "Oral Sex is the new Goodnight Kiss", but be prepared...it's graphic, not visually but the content.

So, I have this beautiful, sensitive, caring, sweet, loving, special girl...and I want to handcuff myself to her for the next 15 years! That should help her popularity! :)

My message...if you have children please keep up on the trends...and be involved, VERY involved. Be open and communicate with your child. If you aren't comfortable talking about sex stuff, get comfortable or find someone who is who can be a safe person with accurate information and similar values. Your child's health and well-being DEPENDS on it!

Bug and I, Nov 2009

"Camping"

Bug decided she wanted to "go camping". She set up her tent in the living room and brought her "kids" (American Girl dolls) and Chloe. There were no bugs, animals or rain to worry about. She said she slept so well, she's doing it again tonight!

Floaty Friday

Our HOA pool has "Floaty Friday" from 4-8pm. It's Bug's fav thing right now especially since she got this float!
It's HUGE and she is the star of the pool with it! It takes up the whole back of Hub's SUV...like we can't fit another kid in the back seat! So, we can't bring a friend :(

Thankfully last night the pool was crowded with other Springwoods parents and there was a mini PTO get together. Bug got to see some friends from school she hasn't seen all summer and had a blast with her float!

Win a Silhoulette! Oh ME, ME, Please pick ME!

How COOl is the Silhouette?? I don't really know either, but I am hoping to win one! Go here to find out how to win one!

This would be a fun tool for scrapbooking and for home decorating and for making T-shirts and for....well, I could go on and on!

What would you use it for??

Friday 5

From friday5.org...

1) Besides plain, what's your favorite way to eat an Apple? Baked into a Swedish Apple Pie! yummy!!

2) Besides plain, what's your favorite was to eat berries? Umm, really the only way I like berries is in jelly! Especially made by my MIL! :)

3) Besides plain, what's your favorite way to eat a banana? I NEVER eat Bananas...the smell of them, makes me nauseous!

4) Besides plain, what's your favorite way to east a peach? when it's peach swnapps!

5) Besides plain, what's your favorite way to eat a pineapple? ummm, another one I'm not found of...but a splash in a good fruity drink would be good!

So now you know that I am not a big fan of fruit! Hope it enlightened your day! :)

Wordless Wednesday

The Crazy Lab Lady

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE dogs! I mean like crazy love them! Especially big dogs, Labs, my loveable labs!

My love of dogs has certainly grown over the years. I never had a dog growing up, well at least prior to high school. My dad was conveniently "allergic". Which is really interesting because he has two dogs now...but I digress.


I was 16 when we got our first dog. His name was Buster and he was from the local pound. He didn't last long because he bit a few people...a cousin, a boyfriend...and back to the shelter poor Buster went.


That's Buster with our first exchange student, Lucia.


My mother then searched for an "owned dog" that would be more easily assimilated into our very busy household.



Moggie came from a young couple who didn't have time for her. She was a beautiful Belgian Shepard who was bigger and longer haired than my mother wanted, but she fit with us well. I think she was about a year old when she joined our family in 1988.
Moggie lived with my parents until her she got to be old and incontinent and was euthanized in November 2001.

I got married in 1997 and Hub and I bought our first townhome just prior to our wedding. I couldn't wait to get my very own dog. I begged and begged and Hub finally conceded in late January 1998. I was determined to get a dog THAT day. We had agreed that we would get an adult dog, about 1 year old, so we would not have to raise a puppy and we wanted to rescue a dog from a shelter. After visiting two in the Boston area without any luck, Hub was done. I BEGGED to drive the 45 minutes to the Salem Animal Rescue League and Hub finally relented. There we fell in love with Bailey (actually his name was Damian which we promptly changed!). He was a 3 month-old puppy that had been adopted and returned that morning. He had attended puppy-kindergarten, was crate trained and knew basic commands.
We got in the car with "Damian" and I turned to Hub and said "Bailey or Casey?" See I all ready had names picked out. Hub picked Bailey and we took our new bundle of joy home.

Bailey was a black lab/pit bull mix and he grew to a stocky 60 lbs. He was a strong-willed smart dog who had me wrapped around his paw! We added Bug to our family in April 2001 and Bailey was protective and gentle with the new "cub". Abby could crawl over him, play with his mouth, pull herself up on him...he tolerated it all.

Bailey became ill in April 2005. It started off as seizures. Once he was house-trained, he slept on our bed between Steve's legs. ALWAYS! So, we he started seizing the first time it immediately woke us up and we held him until it stopped. We took him to the vet and did blood work and took him home to observe. He continued to have cluster seizures every couple of weeks until late September when they began happening more frequently and impairing his neurological function. We had an awesome vet who helped us come to the decision to euthanize him on October 2, 2005. We were devastated!

Hub didn't want another dog for a while. I was beside myself with sadness at coming home to an empty house daily. We compromised. We decided to foster. Hub said no black dogs. I agreed.

I found a wonderful organization, American Lab Rescue, and we signed up to foster with them. Our first foster, Jake, arrived on December 4, 2005 and was adopted by a family a week later. Bug picked out a puppy she wanted to foster next, but that dog was adopted and didn't need a foster so I told them we'd take "Tory"a beautiful yellow lab from Louisiana. She was arriving on December 18, 2005. Three days before her arrival, I got a call. Would we please take an awesome black lab named Trey. He was also in the shelter and would be euthanized before the next scheduled transport run from his area (due to the holidays it would be three weeks instead of two). Hub and I agreed to take Trey and I quickly let everyone I knew know that we had a black lab that needed a home ASAP! My friend A and her family were interested and after meeting Trey the day after he arrived, he was home!

"Tory" was a precious girl with quite a history. She had survived both Hurricane Katrina and Rita. She was 9-months old and had truly had a horrible start to life. She was underweight and easily scared, but sweet as can be with the softest fur ever. We quickly made the decision that she was meant to be our dog and we renamed her Chloe.

In the process of meeting Trey, Hub decided he LOVES black labs. I agreed they are a beautiful breed of dogs. We opened ourselves back up to any color lab.

We fostered many more dogs including "Big Brown Biting Dog" (AKA Reese) who was a 150 lb chocolate lab that attacked Bug.

"Garret" was handpicked for us after the Reese incident. He was a very gentle black lab and I was smitten! I renamed him Cole and he was my love! Our family was complete!
We continued fostering for a total of year. We had over 20 dogs come through our home on their way to permanent homes. It was incredibly rewarding and we learned that I am a sucker for a dog in need of a home, even if only temporarily. We realized that without Hub, I would be like those crazy cat ladies...only with labs! I would seriously have taken a dozen of them if I didn't have Hub setting limits!

When we moved from MA to VA we couldn't have bring our dogs to the county apartment we were living in while we sold our house in MA. It was a really tough time for me but we were so blessed to have amazing friends who loved our dogs like their own. Chloe came to VA with us and stayed with the "R" family and Cole remained in MA with the "B" family who had adopted Trey. We continued to visit them both and missed them like crazy!

Two years later we move into a bigger place where we can have our dogs. Chloe moved in the same day we did. We planned to pick up Cole when we went to NH or vacation.

Cole had become very attached to the "B "family and Trey and had not done well when we had initially left, so we made the difficult decision to leave Cole with the "B" family who had taken him in and loved him like he was theirs.

That left us with an opening for a new dog. I searched for an adult black lab here in VA and learned that in nearby NC, adult black labs are the second most commonly euthanized dog because folks are "afraid" of "Big Black Dogs"! CRAZY! Anyway...we were matched with "Black Jack" who is now Remy.

I LOVE my dogs. They are my four-legged kids! I love spending time with them. I love having them greet me after a tough day. I love the warmth they bring to my bed at night and the security I feel having them in the house.

I hope they are happy with their life with us. I think they are! They have it pretty good! :)

My 'ology

FOODOLOGY:
What is your salad dressing of choice? Creamy Caesar
What is your favorite sit-down restuarant? Toyko Japanese Steakhouse
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-Fil-A
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? PIZZA!!!
What are your pizza toppings of choice? cheese and garlic...but not when Hub is around!

BIOLOGY:
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? part of disc from my back, cyst from my right knee and tears in my knees scraped
What is the last heavy item you lifted? My large scrapbook tote
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? yup, when I was 7 or 8 and sledding
Have you ever fainted? Nope

BULLCRAPOLOGY:
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn't, might change the spelling so it is easier on folks to pronounce.
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 1...I don't like Flip flops and I don't get the excitement!
Last person you talked to? in person, the Target Check -out girl, on the phone, Hub

FAVORITOLOGY:
Season? Fall
Holiday? Thanksgiving
Day of the week? Saturdays
Month? November
Color? green
Drink? diet coke
Alcoholic? My sister's cosmos

CURRENTOLOGY:
Missing someone? Bug...she's in MA on day 10 of a 34 day trip to MA! :'(
What are you listening to? the AC and one of the dogs just stretched and made a noise.
What are you watching? the screen as I type this
Worrying about? Nothing.
What’s the last movie you saw? Grown-Ups
Do you smile often? Yup
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I wouldn't, but if I had to...violet blue
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? hmmm, an new ipod, massage
Can you do a chin-up? hahahahahahahaha..NO!
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? more excited
Have you been in a car wreck? Yes, too many!
Have you caused a car wreck? yes, too many!
Do you have an accent? No
Last time you cried? Last Tues when I dropped Hub and Bug at the airport
Plans tonight? scrapbooked at a new place, watched Friday Night Lights, Doing this, then bed
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? YES! The first 18 months in VA!
Name three things you bought yesterday? Motorcycle helmet! Haircut, DQ Blizzard
Have you met someone who changed your life? Yes
For the better or worse? Better, definitely!
How did you bring in the New Year? well, in a cast for my broken ankle from the week before, feeling sorry for myself because I ruined our trip to MA and the plans we had, but with Bug watching the ball drop on TV at home.
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? I really wouldn't. The pain and good times made me who I am and got me to this place. Everything for a reason!
What songs do you sing in the shower? I'm a car singer, not a shower singer. Country songs...lately Love you Like Crazy, Need you Know, and some song where they keep saying Lover, Lover, Lover...which makes me giggle!
Have you held hands with someone today? No, not today. :(
Who was the last person you took a picture of?Just took two of the dogs snoozing on the couch!
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Most are old...but I have made some really good ones in the past two years!
Do you like pulpy orange juice? Absolutely NO! But Hub does...so we buy both!
Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? I don't remember a few months ago?
What were you doing at 12 a.m. last night? Reading
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Craptastic...I'm late!
How many televisions are in your house? 3
What color cell phone do you have? Lilac

I'm Crazy about....

My husband!

He's such an amazing man. I first met him when I was 17 (and a half!)...I had just graduated high school and he was/is a good buddy of my cousin. They had just graduated college. He was 23!

He's in front on the left in the jeans carrying the bag. He had that All-American Tom Cruise (back when Tom was really cool...pre-TomKat and sofa jumping!) look about him and he has an awesome smile!

Off to college I went and my cousin went off to law school. Four years later we both graduated again....another party...another chance meeting. I was then 21 and he was 26.

Seven months later, my cousin's apartment has a fire. Tragic, but no one was hurt...and it was the "spark" we, hub and I, needed! There was a pity party and Hub and I finally got to talk and get to know each other.

That next week we have our first "date". We continue to date...we break-up because Hub never wanted to get married...we get back together because Hub realizes I'm pretty terrific! We finally get engaged in July 1996 and married October 1997!

We had our beautiful and amazing daughter, Bug, in April 2001.

Fast forward to September 2006...Hub is laid off for the third time in five years. He hates the business he is in and we hate living with him as miserable as he is. He travels to Fairfax, VA for a vacation with a great buddy (not my cousin, but another buddy from their college group) and to take the police exam. He returns to us excited! Hub is not one who gets excited so it's awesome to see him energized about something.

The problem...the job is seven states and 450 miles away from where we own a house and have all of our extended family and many very good friends.

Hub continues the "hiring process" by returning to Virginia in November and December. He is disqualified in January for medical reasons then after sending records, he is re-qualified in March. In April a background investigator comes to MA to interview folks, including me and we realize that a big move is in our future. In Late May, Hub is officially offered the job and he was EXCITED! He started in June and began the six-month police academy in September 2007 almost a year after losing his last job!

The move to VA was very tough on me personally, our marriage, our little family and our extended families. I am not gonna lie, we fought hard and nasty at times and I threatened to leave and he told me to leave...we hung in there....

Hub graduated first in his academy class and I knew we had made the right choice. I was so proud of him!

Fast forward another couple of years...we've moved again. We've pretty much ruined ourselves financially. We've been married almost 13 years and I can honestly say I love my life! I love Hub with all my being. He is an amazing man full of integrity and honor. He makes me a better person. He brings a calmness to my life and is my shelter in the storm of life. Sometimes things are really hard, but at the end of the day I am so grateful that our paths crossed and re-crossed and then re-crossed again.

Hub is not comfortable with attention or the spotlight. He was kinda embarrassed about graduating first. He likes to go with the flow and hang in the middle of the pack. He doesn't like me to brag about him, but he deserves it! He was over 40 with a wife and young daughter and he did a major career change and our family is better for it!

I love you Hub! Thanks for your patience with me and for hanging in there with us!