Important Notice

If you are a WoW Baby and have no clue what you are doing, don't shoot at the lunatic that is running through the town shooting all of the guards. You know, while the name of the place you are currently standing is scrolling at the bottom saying "Such and such is under attack!" Yeah, not a smooth move. First, I looked at him all confused and he waved. Then I saw the guards shooting at him...so I did, too.

Not a smart move.

Lesson learned. I ran and hid in an inn and logged out after I resurrected myself.

In respect

I'm sorry oh Scruples of Housekeeping, in respect of The Chase, I could not fullfill my housekeeping duties today and make my bed.

The Chase

My new addiction

The Hubby is trying to hook me up with World of Warcraft so that maybe I can play it with him instead of complaining that he is playing it. So I have had a rouge for about a month now and I just keep dying. So he suggested maybe a Hunter would be better for me. Can you give me a "Heck yeah!"? Hunters are cool. They shoot people. From a distance. ::sniggles::

It's hecka frustrating because here it is at 1 A.M. and WoW keeps crashing on me. I'm trying to do stuff, people! I need to find the spare ribs and ale. C'mon, computer! Straighten up!

It's 'frusterating when you can't feed your addiction, ya know.

Good news!

Our house that we aren't living in will be rented out as of May 1st! The contract is signed.

What a blessing.

Watch this all the way through

YouTube - World of WifeCraft

Happy Birthday, Mom

I miss you.

Your Cute Monster Says Your Inner Demon is Laziness

You are a deep, thoughtful, down to earth person. You don't put much stock in appearances. You are never superficial or flippant. You take time in life to study, learn, and get to know people well. You can get so caught up in your own world that you neglect everything around you. People think you're cute because you're intelligent. Your wit and wisdom are charming.

The Cute Monster Test

The Inner Me wants out!

I used to think that I wished I were someone else. But then a cat jumped off my head and I realized that the person is within me; I just have to let her out!

I mean, I could call myself a loser because even as I type this, the rest of the moms on my block are all having breakfast together and having a grand old time like they do often and I'm never invited. But really, I'm not a loser. I mean, I don't even want to be there. It would be nice to have friends, but I don't feel a connection to many of them.

I could call myself a loser because my own husband gets bored with me, but that was when I wasn't even living with him. I wish he were honest with me, but he wasn't/isn't, so I need to deal with it and move on.

There is a person inside me that is thinner, prettier, friendlier, and happier. The bitch side me that most people see these days just needs to grab a hold of the gal inside of me by her pretty little head of hair and pull her out.

Hopefully it's not too late.

So Devastated

I've been out of town, and we finally made it home. I thought I would sit down and check in on the babies I follow through blogs. Another Angel earned her wings over the weekend. My heart just aches and hurts for her family. They appear so strong in their faith, however, that I know that they will have a second chance in Heaven with their little girl.

Taking for granted

I think sometimes we all get into a rut and just take tomorrow for granted. I know that I personally often forget to just sit and look around me at those I love and care for and just thank God for the love I have in my life. I think we all need to stop sometimes and just appreciate those people that we have in our lives. It would mean a lot to your friends and family, and you may just see something that you missed before.

I have been following the story of Gracie on her Blog for some time. My heart is twisted up inside for this little girl that I have never even met. I know her Mommy, Daddy, and siblings could all use a lot of prayers for courage and strength right now. Gracie herself is moving on to the next life. I know she will be dearly missed. You can read Gracie's Blog and learn her story.

I've also been praying for personal strength to overcome the little things in life and to focus on the big things. Love, trust, honesty, hate, sorrow, happiness, bitterness, grief, longing, surprise, anger ...these are all part of life. It's up to me to pick out what is important and to focus on it.

A bright spot

Today it was really warm. My youngest and I went out during the day where I chatted with another mom for over an hour and it went well. It really lifted my spirits. Then later, I was outside for another 3.5 hours and I chatted with other parents. It was enough to stop my obsessing for a little while. It felt good.

Unfortunately, it's quiet tonight and my mind is in over drive again.

I wish it would cut that out.

A funny, though - the housing we live in thought it would be cute and "posh" to put a fountain in the water retention pond outside of our house. So there is this ugly chain link fence around this little pond with a big drain sticking into it...with a fountain. It amuses me. What can I say, I'm simple.

Can I just say?

I have not (really) parallel parked in like eight years. Today, I had to parallel park and I did it perfectly! Three point parking - score! I thought for sure I would have to just keep doing it over and over, but apparently my days of street parking stuck with me, because I got my vehicle tucked away between two other cars with no problems. I even missed the tree that was sticking out into the road, lol.

Yay, me!

Happiness is the little things in life.

Continuation

The stagnancy continues. I do not know where this restless, unhappy feeling is coming from; yet it continues with steady steps. Frankly, it's annoying the you know what out of me. I feel stuck. I feel lost. I took the older kids to school today and after I dropped them off, I just drove around in a big circle looking for where I was going. I think I can safely say I never found it. I would stop at one place, and decide that wasn't it, then moved on to another. I did this until I ended up back at home. All in all, it was two miles and 15 minutes. Not far, yet I felt so lost.

My Hubby, the sweet man, saw me lying on the couch yesterday and then put me to bed. I wasn't feeling well. I'm not sick, I just don't feel well. My tummy was upset, but I think it was the stagnancy inside me bubbling to the service. All in all, I had a very restful day yesterday, all thanks to the Tigger. Thank you, dear. It was a much needed break. I awoke around three to find that the Tigger had caught up the laundry and picked up the house. It was very sweet of him, and much needed as I have been lost in my own muck and just haven't been surfacing to take care of business.

Today I came up for air and have worked on getting the house back in order. I managed to fold and put away the laundry that the Tigger washed and dried for me, and I have the two loads still yet to do in progress. I pulled the vacuum cleaner out, but then found out my kitties have not been good kitties at all. My vacuum is drying out, as is the closet after I cleaned it up the kitties' messes. Naughty kitties. Once I am certain the vacuum is dry, I will make use of it.

Hopefully I can pull myself out of this. I just keep sinking lower and lower into the quicksand of depression with only a few quick gulps of air to keep me going.

I need a cause to fight for.

Interesting, "My dear Watson"

Cockroach

To see a cockroach in your dream, signifies your need for renewal, rejuvenation and self-cleansing of your psychological, emotional, or spiritual being. You need to reevaluate major aspects of your life.

*Please see also Roaches. See the meaning in action: "Crawling Cockroaches"

Copied and pasted from: http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/

I find this very interesting. Yes, alas, last night I dreamt of cockroaches. Not any cockroaches mind you, but the Mother of all cockroaches, and apparently an entirely new species. They were long with the shape of silverfish, but the contour and coloring of a cockroach. It was evident they were cockroaches, and my dream self recognized them as such, only that she had discovered a new species. These cockroaches were very self conscious of their looks as they had bows as a part of their tales. Cockroach colored bows, of course.

Why do I find all of this interesting? I do because I've been depressed. Stagnant, if you will. Psychologically and emotionally I'm a mess. I have been seeking a change from the "Same 'ol, same 'ol," but the only solutions I can come up with require time, money, and motivation that I do not have. Maybe I should find these things and make those changes. This unrest I have been feeling is affecting my life and my family's life. I'm grouchy and grumpy and I could defiantly use some rejuvenation of my soul. I do believe spring will help a little bit. The things that have been bumping around in my mind, I think, would help. I need to accomplish them.

Alas, we shall see.

Another Weight Loss Epiphany

So a few weeks ago I realized exactly how many calories I was eating. I was awed and shamed. And then I went right back into those awful eating habits. Why? Because tracking every little calorie depressed me. I quit every time because tracking points, calories, or anything is just too much work. And I won't do it for the rest of my life.

That's why I haven't succeeded. It was a diet. I don't stick to diets. I don't want to track anything every day for the rest of my days.

So I got back on the wagon and I have since lost around 5 pounds in two weeks. Closer to 6 pounds. Am I tracking every calorie? Points? What am I doing?

I'm living. I'm eating when I'm hungry and stopping when I'm full. I eat slowly. I am NOT making food the center of my life. Before I had to plan it all out to the point or to the calorie so I didn't go over. I obsessed over it. Now I'm just eating smaller portion sizes and making better choices. If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm not hungry, I don't eat.

And the biggest thing...I am exercising. Every day. I'm moving around a lot. I'm not sitting all day.

I'm just living. I'm not on a diet. I'm eating what I enjoy in small amounts. I'm moving my body like it was made to move. I do write down what I eat, but I don't obsess over it. I just write it down and then review as I need to and make adjustments. Like I'm sure my body can run just fine without Almond Hershey Kisses. LOL

I know I'll have to make adjustments as I go, but I'm not diving in head first and changing everything all around and eating foods I won't enjoy eating after I've lost the weight. It's portion control, motivation, and exercise!

Now, ask me again in three weeks how I feel about weight loss. It might change again. :-)

Words to live by

I stole this from a Sparks Page.

Recipe for Success!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God (or a friend) about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, Issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:
'In five years, will this really matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

20. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!

21. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

22. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

23. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

24. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.


Learn from others, because SPARKPEOPLE seem to know what this is all about!!! Remember, the journey is as important as the destination!

BIKINI SEASON HERE I COME!!!!

"Wheresover you go, go with all your heart" - Confuscious

Funny

I THINK YOU'RE THE FATHER OF ONE OF MY KIDS

A guy goes to the supermarket and notices an attractive
woman waving at him. She says hello. He's rather taken
back because he can't place where he knows her from.

So he says, 'Do you know me?' To which she replies,
' I think you're the father of one of my kids.'
Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever
been unfaithful to his wife and asks, 'Are you the
stripper from the bachelor party that I made love to on the
pool table with all my buddies watching while your partner
whipped my butt with wet celery??? '
She looks into his eyes and says calmly, 'No ........ I'm
your son's teacher.'

It wouldn't matter who became President today.

I would still have done this poorly.

You Got 3/10 Questions Right

You don't know much or care much about Obama. In fact, you don't know what all the fuss is about. You're probably either a diehard conservative or not American. Either way, you're sick of people talking about this Obama guy!

How Much Do You Know About Barack Obama?

The story of the three little pigs

The scene of the crime. The Three...er, TWO?! Little Pigs

The motive...no soap?

The Big Bad Wolf.

The victim

The evidence against the big bad wolf! Just read the carbon dust on the shower wall.

Click picture to enlarge.

I love it

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Richard, the 11 year old next door whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come over.

Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?

He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error.'

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, 'An, IDten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.'

Richard grinned. 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T errorbefore?''

No,' I replied.'

Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure itout.'

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like the little shit

One is not like the other

This will probably not come as a surprise to you, but I am losing my mind. As you can see from the picture above, one is not like the other. I had placed my chap stick in my pocket earlier today and at some point I took a glue stick away from my youngest child; therefore placing it in the same pocket as the chap stick.

You see where this is going, don't you?

Yes, I, in all my wisdom, placed glue on my lip. Luckily it was just a little before I realized that the prerequisite tingle wasn't occurring upon application. Mostly just, well, stickiness. I wiped it off and applied the real stuff and I don't seem to be having a problem.

I'm sure my kids would have been delighted if I glued my lips together.

My plan of attack

This is my plan of attack. I figure if I keep a ziplock container of clean and cut up veggies and/or fruits in the fridge, the kids and I will always have a ready snack that is low calorie and high nutrient. My excuse has always been that I didn't want to spend the time cleaning and cutting my snack. No excuses now.

You Are 48% Cynical

Yes, you are cynical, but more than anything, you're a realist. You see what's screwed up in the world, but you also take time to remember what's right.

How Cynical Are You?

He has issues

This cat, the esteemed Chase, has serious issues. I mean, like he totally wigs out at times. For whatever reason, Chasey Kitty has a huge grudge against paper towels. I do not know why or how he came to have this grudge, but it is a seriously huge grudge.


Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the sweet cat above did this. In 30 seconds flat. No kidding.


I mean, what did this innocent roll of paper towels ever do to him? I set the towels on the counter, left the room for 30 seconds, and came back to this!



Maybe I should take him to a hypnotist.

Tan Lines for Christmas

In all the hustle bustle of the New Year, I forgot to mention my most impressive Christmas Gift. Tan lines for Christmas. It was an absolutely gorgeous day right after Christmas, and we spent a good deal of the day outside. And I got tan lines. Sorry about the pictures of my nasty foot...at least I didn't include my toes. ::grin::

Chili recipe

On a blustery, cold, rainy day this week I decided I wanted Chili. So I looked up recipes, but didn't have everything I needed. So I waited until the next day - when it was 70 degrees outside. Still blustery, though, so it worked out. I found this awesome recipe that doesn't have beans. The hubby isn't a beans kind of guy, so it worked for us! The only thing I'm going to change about it is that I will add Green Peppers and more onions in the last hour of cooking next time. The Hubby says this taste a lot like Chili Mac. (I served it over macaroni noodles). I think it has the perfect consistency and a wonderful blend of flavors.

Taken from this website: http://www.cookingcache.com/crockpot/gottahaveasecondbowlcrockpotchili.shtml?rdid=rc1

Crockpot Chili Recipe 3-1/2 lb coarsely ground beef
14.5 oz. beef broth
3 T finely chopped onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules, divided
8 oz tomato sauce
2 T paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 T chili powder
1 T cumin
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules
1/2 tsp. lime juice

Cook beef in large skillet over medium heat, stirring to crumble until beef is browned, drain. Place cooked beef, chopped onion, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, 2 tsp beef bouillon, garlic powder, cayenne and pepper in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Then, stir in remaining beef bouillon, onion powder, salt, sugar, garlic salt, chicken bouillon and lime juice. cover and cook one hour.

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people. Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love. You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love. And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

You Are Copper

You are provocative and challenging. You help people realize who they really are. You live a very balanced life. You always take time for love and art. You are both a powerful and generous person. You always have time to give back. People find you to be incredibly ethical and loyal.

What Metal Are You?

What breed of horse are you? Find out!

Making some changes in the New Year

Life ebbs and flows along, constantly changing and morphing you and those around you. There is no exception for me. Our recent move has brought on some changes. Some are good, and some are more difficult but not necessarily "bad." This past year I have become run down and depressed over some of the ebbs and flows; so even though I usually resist change, it is welcome this time.

A few of the good and positive changes are that I don't spend as much time on the computer, I'm moving my body more, I eat home cooked meals at home at the kitchen table with the kids, and I get to see Hubby on an almost daily basis. I've also begun reading to the kids every night again and spend more time talking with them. A couple of the side notes occurring from these changes are that the kids are better behaved and I am losing weight and finding it easier to get around.

A few of the more difficult changes are moving from a great school to a not so great school, losing my support network, and finding a rhythm to family life with six again. I have talked about the school issue in my other blog, and I think losing my network speaks for itself. I miss them all terribly. One of my friends is very ill right now and I am praying daily for him! As for the family rhythm, that is a little more abstract and I don't know if I can explain it. The children were used to having me at their disposal, and now they have to share me with Daddy. This especially speaks for the youngest. The Hubby and I both had our daily/nightly routines that we did and they were obviously each our own routines that didn't involve the other. It's been a little bumpy readjusting back to a "couple" attitude. I'm sure the boisterousness of the household is a huge change for the Hubby from his quiet barracks room as well. Things get easier every day, but I'm sure it will take some time and some mourning, if you will, over our old habits.

I guess one of the biggest things I'm trying to say is that I'm bored. My schedule used to be so busy and involved that I had to create a Sabbath Day of our own to rest and connect with God. We can now do that every day because there is just nothing to do. I clean house, I play with the kids, I play with the Hubby, (get your mind out of the gutter! OK so maybe you are half right), and I take care of the kids (including the 29 year old). I don't get that much adult contact anymore and it is proving almost impossible for me to form coherent sentences when I do get around other people. The conversations stall and I get odd looks, and then any potential conversationalists wander off to find someone who can talk intelligently. I'm usually left stuttering to the wind looking like a complete lunatic. Well, OK, that isn't too difficult for me to look like. I am what I am. Deal with it and love me anyway.

Hopefully I will find an ebb and flow into something that will help me grow and flourish again. I know I need to give it time. Welcome 2009...there is much to reflect upon - and plenty of time to do it.