Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
It's official. We will be having Thanksgiving. All in part to Pfister Faucets. Thanks to Pfister I was given the opportunity to review the faucet of my choice. Although there were many great faucets to choose from, I ultimately decided on the Elevate EXT kitchen faucet . The Elevate EXT gives me the freedom to adjust the height of my kitchen faucet. It swivels 360 degrees and even has a pull out sprayer! I no longer will have to struggle getting my roasting pan clean before and after "Turkey" day. Not to say of of all the big pots and pans I have to deal with cleaning on a regular basis. I do have a large family that likes to eat. I chose the Elevate EXT in Stainless Steel. However, you might like it in Midnight Chrome, Antique Copper or maybe some other finish. They have 21 selections to choose from. Installation is easy.
A manual is enclosed with your faucet
and you also can just go to the Pfister website for a quick "how to" video.
I would highly recommend the Elevate EXT to anyone who needs a faucet that is functional, versatile is backed by a lifetime warranty and ........makes your kitchen look AWESOME!
I can't wait to show it off to my family and friends when they come over for Thanksgiving.
Which is a great thing. They never have been much impressed with my cooking.
FTC Disclosure:
I was contacted by Pfister and given a faucet in exchange for this review.
All opinions are my own.
Any facts are directly taken from manufacturer's website.
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Saturday, February 12, 2011
My Daddy: Allen
1941-2008
1941-2008
XOXO,
BIG SISSY
In honor of the greatest man I have ever known. Who lived his life in :
The House by the Side of the Road
There are hermit souls that live withdrawnIn the peace of their self-content;There are souls, like stars, that swell apart,In a fellowless firmament;There are pioneer souls that blaze their pathsWhere highways never ran;But let me live by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,Where the race of men go by;The men who are good and the men who are bad,As good and as bad as I.I would not sit in the scorner's seat,Or hurl the cynic's ban;Let me live in a house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,By the side of the highway of life,The men who press with the ardor of hope,The men who are faint with the strife.But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears Both parts of an infinite plan;Let me live in my house by the side of the road And be a friend to man.
Let me live in my house by the side of the roadWhere the race of men go by;They are good, they are bad, they are weak,They are strong,Wise, foolish - so am I.Then why should I sit in the scorner's seatOr hurl the cynic's ban? -Let me live in my house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.
BY: Sam Walter Foss
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Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's Wishcasting Wednesday and Jamie's question for the past 2 weeks are:
What Do You Wish For The New Year?
What Do You Wish To Say YES To?
I have missed a few weeks since I got on plane and headed off to CA to meet my precious new
grandson. A week stay turned into two and before I knew it, the holidays were upon me.
It was a blessed time and a difficult time all mixed together. It is hard being separated from the people you love the most. My heart was in 3 places at all times. With my husband, children,mom & family/friends here. With my son, his girlfriend & my grandson in CA and with my dad and sister in Heaven.
My wish for the New Year is
to spend more time with the people I love.
I am truly blessed with a strong faith, a loving family and a great circle of friends.
I wish to say YES to what I can do, what I want to do and what I think or believe I can do.
There is no "NO" in "Impossible" just an I & m! So I'M saying YES to all the wonderful possibilities that are
right here, right now and waiting for me right around the corner. Woot!
I also wish happiness,harmony,abundance,peace,love & light to ALL in 2011!
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What Do You Wish For The New Year?
What Do You Wish To Say YES To?
I have missed a few weeks since I got on plane and headed off to CA to meet my precious new
grandson. A week stay turned into two and before I knew it, the holidays were upon me.
 |
| Me meeting Lil BoBo on Thanksgiving Day |
My wish for the New Year is
to spend more time with the people I love.
 |
| My sweet Lil BoBo (so far away) |
I am truly blessed with a strong faith, a loving family and a great circle of friends.
I wish to say YES to what I can do, what I want to do and what I think or believe I can do.
There is no "NO" in "Impossible" just an I & m! So I'M saying YES to all the wonderful possibilities that are
right here, right now and waiting for me right around the corner. Woot!
I also wish happiness,harmony,abundance,peace,love & light to ALL in 2011!
Share Wednesday, November 3, 2010
via text this this morning. Much to the chagrin of her teenage daughter, she decided to wear it shopping last night on November 2nd!!! It couldn't have come at a better time. Not only does it fit in with this week's question, but my life in general. Lately I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
There have been car issues, septic tank issues,
water pump issues, financial issues and grief issues.
Many long coversations with GOD.
water pump issues, financial issues and grief issues.
Many long coversations with GOD.
Including one session in which I explained to him that I was not Job!
There have been numerous school projects, late night hair color changes,
middle school mean girls, garage cleaning,
a baby shower was planned & hosted, the kids had a Halloween party
the family got together for 2 nights of Karaoke and...
middle school mean girls, garage cleaning,
a baby shower was planned & hosted, the kids had a Halloween party
the family got together for 2 nights of Karaoke and...
YES. After months & months of torture. I finally got a dishwasher. Woot!
Needless to say there hasn't been much time to blog, tweet, think...etc.
Any down I have has been NAPPING:)
So Jamie wants to know:
What Do You Wish To Enjoy ??
The simple things in life that sometimes go overlooked.
The daily blessings.
My friend has kept me laughing since we were two giggling school girls.
She keeps me grinning when my world is spinning.
There is nothing like having 2 microphones & group of people singing to help you
chase the blues away.
There will always be issues and there will always be the yellow pages or in my case, my cousin.
Who did doggone good job when it came to auto repairs!
The support of family and friends never ends.
They don't just dress up and shower you with presents.
They shower you with love.
Now, I am off sink my teeth into a fried egg sandwich
and enjoy
Stephen King's Under The Dome .
P.S. only 3 weeks to go & my grandson will be born! I am so excited:)
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Needless to say there hasn't been much time to blog, tweet, think...etc.
Any down I have has been NAPPING:)
So Jamie wants to know:
What Do You Wish To Enjoy ??
The simple things in life that sometimes go overlooked.
The daily blessings.
My friend has kept me laughing since we were two giggling school girls.
She keeps me grinning when my world is spinning.
There is nothing like having 2 microphones & group of people singing to help you
chase the blues away.
There will always be issues and there will always be the yellow pages or in my case, my cousin.
Who did doggone good job when it came to auto repairs!
The support of family and friends never ends.
They don't just dress up and shower you with presents.
They shower you with love.
Now, I am off sink my teeth into a fried egg sandwich
and enjoy
Stephen King's Under The Dome .
P.S. only 3 weeks to go & my grandson will be born! I am so excited:)
Share Monday, August 16, 2010
Tasha & "Bubbles"
Dear Little Sissy AKA Baby Brat,
Well it's that time of year again. It seems like only yesterday I was riding my bike around the neighborhood announcing your arrival to the world. We're baking a birthday cake for you today. Also "Bubbles" and I will continue your fave birthday tradition be giving each other pedicures. We are going with a ladybug theme. She looks just like you. Sometimes I call her by your name. Mom is wearing purple to work today in your honor. I picked up two VC Andrews books & and read them just for you. The family and I spent a lot of time sharing stories about you being such a "Ham" this week. Then again, we talk about you all of the time. You may have left this world, but never our hearts. It has been a very difficult time for me, Sissy. Not a day goes by that I do not think about you or what coulda, woulda, shoulda been. I stayed up far too late listening to songs that made me cry last night. However you are/were the best sister a gal could have and I am so grateful. Thanks for coming to see me in my dreams this week, 3 times! It was so wonderful to see your beautiful face. To talk with you, if only for awhile. What an unexpected blessing! Speaking of unexpexted blessings,did you know I am going to be a Grandma? Isn't that something? You are going to be a Great Aunt. I just wish you were here on this earth as opposed to the spiritual plane. Ugh! So many questions, so little answers!
As always, I hope this is your best birthday ever. Time nor distance can never seperate my love for you. Give Daddy a hug for me!
All my love,
Big Sissy
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Friday, June 11, 2010
It's that time of the week. Bloggers come together and share what makes them happy while we wait our turn to write in the Happy Book that is currently being passed along the globe.
School is out for the summer. Yippee! Time for this mom to sleep in. I look forward to staying up late, catching up on some good books and watching some chick flicks with my daughter, Bubbles and my mom, MeMa. My nephew is on his way over to spend the week with us, so I have stocked up the kitchen cabinets with some of his favorites treats. Also I have ice tea brewing as I write. Buzz Jr, says that no one makes Southern Sweet Tea like his Auntie L. He is such a sweet young man. He always makes me feel appreciated, even for the small stuff. My bro and his wife had DD for the past week. DD and Buzz Jr are best friends. It is so great to have family that are your friends. This is really important when you need a rabbit cage :) My SIL is the animal whisperer. My brother is like my dad was and can build anything. So when Buzz Jr and DD arrive , they will also be bringing Lila Mohawk her new home. My son Easy E and his girlfriend are involved in a local bunny rescue organization. That's how Lila Mo became our newest family member. I tried to protest, but darn it, she is so cute and needed a safe place to dwell.
Isn't she adorable? Everyday I wake up and say
"Some Bunny Loves You"
It is my hope that you have many things to be happy about today and everyday. If for some reason, you are feeling down, please remember that I do care. I am some bunny that loves you!
Have a wonderful week:)
Share Friday, April 30, 2010
It's that time of the week ! The The Happy Book. is making it's way around the world. As we wait for our turn to read and write in it ,as well as see what others have shared, we blog about what makes us HAPPY on Fridays. The above graphic was sent to me by a friend. Nothing like a bouncy frog to give you a smile in the morning! Here is my list of "happy's" for today:
- Both of my sons passed the test and received their driver's permits.
- Easy E finished his first softball season. He did really well. He also has a new friend. She played on the co-ed team with him. They are going to a concert together tonight at church.
- DD passed his college prep test and is eligible for dual enrollment. This means he can take college courses while still enrolled in High School.
- Bo Bo is getting an award today at The State College of Florida. Along with his fellow students, he helped the math team place first among small colleges in Florida! **UPDATE** BoBo received 2 academic excellence awards. One for math and one for Philosphy! Woot!
- Bubbles found her mouthpiece to the Clarinet. Yippee! mommy doesn't have to purchase a new one.
- Making 4 meals for about $30 for a family of 6. I made Sloppy Joes on Mon, Homemade Chili on Tues, Hot Dogs & Chili on Weds and Chili Nachos last night. I have a feeling my family is in the mood for something different tonight!
- It's been a fabulous 2 weeks of making new friends via Blogger and twitter.
- New baby! My godson arrived 3 weeks early, and is perfect! I get to hold him in my arms this weekend!
- Unexpected financial blessings. Whenever I have a need, GOD always come through. Thanks also to my Saints and guardian angels!
- The Sunshine. I will admit it, the humidity bothers me. However we are having some great weather. I might just put on a bathing suit and take a swim.
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Next Chapter: The Happy Book
(Click on link on my sidebar- IE is trying, but not succceeding in giving me grief)
I am in a great group. We will be sharing this book. One person has a week with it and sends it on it's merry way to next person. Because there were so many of us that love being happy, we have four copies of this book travelling all across the globe. I am so excited to be a participant on this journey. I will definitely be learning patience. My turn with the book is not until November:)
However, I still get to see what is making my friends smile every week & share my own Happy thoughts. Here are a few of my happy's for this week:
A little bit of chocolate and a lot of conversation with my mom.
My husband's sense of humor.
Getting organized -I labeled 77 pairs of socks this week!
Report cards with straight A's
Homemade steak & potato soup
Flapping my arms & trying to fly on the Wii Fit
It definitely is not the same as when I fly in my dreams..lol
Twittering for charity
Hazelnut Cream coffee from @TheFineGrind
Prayer & Meditation it WORKS!
An invitation to dinner with old friends
Winning 50 boxes of Kraft Mac-n-Cheese and being able to share this with others.
Football weekends with family and Chips & Dean's Dip (Yummy)
T-rexie my prehistoric computer-she's old but she works!
My brother making Captain at the Fire department ( Big Sissy is so proud)
One World, One Heart Magic Carpet Ride Giveaways
I was a little bummed that I didn't have the foresight or finances to participate.
But there is always next year:)
Forgiveness
Gratitude
and
My cousin and his wife are due to arrive in town this morning. I have only seen him 3x in 25 years! I am sooo excited to be able to spend time with them over the weekend. Woot!
Next week I hope to be able to share pics or video.
I will use my son's computer and have him help me.
Until then...
What makes you HAPPY?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
This week Jamie asks: What do you wish for your Family?
Good Health
Happiness & Harmony
Safety & Security
Financial Stability
Peace & Prosperity
Compassion & Comedy
and above all
LOVE
My family are my friends. My friends are my family.
I am very blessed to have a wonderful family. I always wish and want what is the best for them.
Life would not be easy if they weren't here. I'm praying that those that
are still on this earth will be here for some time and that they will be blessed abundantly. As for those that have passed on, it is my wish that they are enveloped in the light of the greatest love that they have ever known . That they are rejoicing and of course saving a seat at the JOY palace for me, when my time comes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Come join the fun at:
aloha-friday
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day everyone takes it easy and looks forward to the weekend.
On Saturday I am taking my daughter and her friends to our local
Earth Day Tree Fair. There will be many fun and educational events. We will bring a few trees home to plant in our yard. Later in the evening, the Coach and I will attend a multi-year high school reunion. We look forward to catching up with old friends.
So what are your weekend plans?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
thursday-13
13 Things I Have Searched For this Past week
Help! Has anyone seen my car keys? I know that I put them in my purse, I mean the desk, the table or that thing on the wall with the hook on it. Where are they? And who forgot to turn the coffeemaker on? Oh, there they are. Underneath all the papers by my computer. Which reminds me. Where the heck are you BoBo? As soon as I get back we are having a serious chat. Just because you get a girlfriend does not mean one can shirk your responsibilities. Especially when one of them is your MOTHER. Need I remind you that I labored for 23 hours with you, my son? Followed by a c-section? Even though I was sick as a dog and could barely walk, I was there every day for you while you were in the NICU. Therefore, you owe me. Now get home and help me with my computer issues as you promised. Some of us have important things to do, like BLOG. Also tell your little Sweetpea thanks for the Starbucks coffee. She knows how to pick out a great birthday present. Speaking of presents. There is a gift card floating around here somewhere. Please tell me it did not go in the trash with the tissue paper. We already know that
Daddy aka Coach has misplaced my library card. Even though he swears he put it back in my purse after he picked up my last set of books. He can swear all he wants. I may lose my car keys, but never the card to kingdom of knowledge. It is quite possible that he has hidden my sweatpants as well. Well too bad so sad. If he thinks that will make me change into something a little more sexy at bedtime he can just forget it. I can wear my Kermit pajamas every night. Or a t-shirt and his sweatpants. Which I currently have on as I type this. It's a good thing too. Spaghetti straps and silk are not conducive when on the hunt for an elusive cat named Scrappy.
Twice now he has gotten out and gone on the hunt. It is no fun searching in the woods at midnight. It helps if one has a flashlight and batteries. I cannot begin to tell you how many we have and yet not one can seem to found when you desperately need it. Nothing like 20 minutes of your time wasted on searching for something you already have. Which reminds me.
About my ringback tones. I paid for them. So why can't my friends enjoy the sounds of Train,
Pink Floyd and Doctors and The Medics while they are waiting to hear my lovely voice? And how long do I have to wait to hear the voice of a live customer service representative from my cell phone provider?The longer I wait, the older I get. I looked in the mirror and realized that someone had stolen my young,hot body and replaced it with someone else's frumpy one. This will not do. Does anyone have directions to the fountain of youth? My high school reunion is coming up. It would be nice if I looked good. It would be better if I looked like Kate Beckinsale. I have researched digital cameras. So far I haven't found one that makes me look 10 years younger,slimmer or better in all the right places. So why spend the money? Anyway it's cheaper and more fun to fantasize and never leave my chair. I search for clues in a place some people call purgatory but I call Heaven. I get LOST every week with Sawyer and Sayid. They are hot.
I am pretty sure that they feel the same way about me. There are these little things floating before my eyes. This must mean I am psychic. Which means my intuition is correct. The boys on my show want me. The Coach says nada. He reminded me that not only do I have a blocked tear duct, but that the optometrist said that women of my age start to have vision problems. Needless to say I had to look up doctor's number to fix the tear duct. It is bothering me. I have an appointment this afternoon. Also if my dear Coach or the good Doc makes mention of my age again, I will tell them:
Daddy aka Coach has misplaced my library card. Even though he swears he put it back in my purse after he picked up my last set of books. He can swear all he wants. I may lose my car keys, but never the card to kingdom of knowledge. It is quite possible that he has hidden my sweatpants as well. Well too bad so sad. If he thinks that will make me change into something a little more sexy at bedtime he can just forget it. I can wear my Kermit pajamas every night. Or a t-shirt and his sweatpants. Which I currently have on as I type this. It's a good thing too. Spaghetti straps and silk are not conducive when on the hunt for an elusive cat named Scrappy.
Twice now he has gotten out and gone on the hunt. It is no fun searching in the woods at midnight. It helps if one has a flashlight and batteries. I cannot begin to tell you how many we have and yet not one can seem to found when you desperately need it. Nothing like 20 minutes of your time wasted on searching for something you already have. Which reminds me.
About my ringback tones. I paid for them. So why can't my friends enjoy the sounds of Train,
Pink Floyd and Doctors and The Medics while they are waiting to hear my lovely voice? And how long do I have to wait to hear the voice of a live customer service representative from my cell phone provider?The longer I wait, the older I get. I looked in the mirror and realized that someone had stolen my young,hot body and replaced it with someone else's frumpy one. This will not do. Does anyone have directions to the fountain of youth? My high school reunion is coming up. It would be nice if I looked good. It would be better if I looked like Kate Beckinsale. I have researched digital cameras. So far I haven't found one that makes me look 10 years younger,slimmer or better in all the right places. So why spend the money? Anyway it's cheaper and more fun to fantasize and never leave my chair. I search for clues in a place some people call purgatory but I call Heaven. I get LOST every week with Sawyer and Sayid. They are hot.
I am pretty sure that they feel the same way about me. There are these little things floating before my eyes. This must mean I am psychic. Which means my intuition is correct. The boys on my show want me. The Coach says nada. He reminded me that not only do I have a blocked tear duct, but that the optometrist said that women of my age start to have vision problems. Needless to say I had to look up doctor's number to fix the tear duct. It is bothering me. I have an appointment this afternoon. Also if my dear Coach or the good Doc makes mention of my age again, I will tell them:
I See Dead People
and mean it. Don't mess with my psychic abilities or my fantasies.Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Jamie
asks us this week
Who do you wish to send some love?
I wish to send some love to people far away
Family and friends that are separated from me
Be it by miles or something else.
I think of them often and whenever possible try to touch base.
May they know that I wish them peace and joy always.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
This is my first week
participating in the
thursday-13
I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Here are 13 things about me
1. In April I will have been married 21 years.
This is quite disturbing to me, as I know that I am only 29.
2. I am a SAHM to 4 kids and 2 cats.
3. My mom lives right next door and we actually don't get on each others nerves.
4. My dad and sister are my guardian angels.
5. I can get lost in a book as well as downtown.
6. I can be chatty. Sometimes I speak without thinking first.
Therefore I carry salt in my purse to apply to the shoe leather.
7.I love to meet people and make new friends.
8. With a large family, I have to be wise when I go shopping.
So I always look for quality and a great deal.
The bargain bin does not scare me, it calls my name!
9. I'm fairly new to blogging and haven't figured out all of the technical aspects of it.
10. Coffee,coffee,coffee
11. I may live in FL but I rarely get to go the beach
and am pale as a ghost! Fortunately I can buy a tan at the store.
12. I love to write, create & sing. I am also tone deaf.
But my husband says that I have the voice of an angel.
13. It's not all about the destination, it's about the journey. I am on mine.
I plan on leaping into life and enjoying it.
I've spent far too much time sweating the small stuff.
participating in the
thursday-13
I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Here are 13 things about me
1. In April I will have been married 21 years.
This is quite disturbing to me, as I know that I am only 29.
2. I am a SAHM to 4 kids and 2 cats.
3. My mom lives right next door and we actually don't get on each others nerves.
4. My dad and sister are my guardian angels.
5. I can get lost in a book as well as downtown.
6. I can be chatty. Sometimes I speak without thinking first.
Therefore I carry salt in my purse to apply to the shoe leather.
7.I love to meet people and make new friends.
8. With a large family, I have to be wise when I go shopping.
So I always look for quality and a great deal.
The bargain bin does not scare me, it calls my name!
9. I'm fairly new to blogging and haven't figured out all of the technical aspects of it.
10. Coffee,coffee,coffee
11. I may live in FL but I rarely get to go the beach
and am pale as a ghost! Fortunately I can buy a tan at the store.
12. I love to write, create & sing. I am also tone deaf.
But my husband says that I have the voice of an angel.
13. It's not all about the destination, it's about the journey. I am on mine.
I plan on leaping into life and enjoying it.
I've spent far too much time sweating the small stuff.
Monday, February 9, 2009
A very creative, inspirational woman who they whisper & wonder about in the art world:
Gypsy
gave me an art award. That's right.
Uh huh. I'm feeling a little "My Fair Lady" right now. I love my Gypsy!
She's super cool, super compassionate & super talented! And she picked me. Boooyaaaa! Thanks so much my friend & may I say, right back at ya!
Here is what I have to do that is the easy part:
7 things I love
1. My family are my friends & my friends are my family. Even the ones that are no longer "with me" Still love em, always will. Also my cats. They are part of the package:)
2. Beverages: Coffee (decaf) with sugar-free hazelnut creamer ( 1 pot everyday) & Sugar-free Peach tea.
3. Reading. Books, magazines. I can not get enough. Pretty much any genre. Gotta have something to read.
4. Bargain store finds,freebies, & giveaways.
four kids means you have to be thrifty! If you think nothing in life is free, think again.
5. Music & lyrics: Music plays in my head, all day long. Lyrics speak to me.
6. Spirituality. God. The Universe. Angels.Nature- There is something out there greater than myself. It speaks to me of the power of unconditional love. I will never lose my hope. I have faith.
I believe in miracles.
I am grateful for all that I have been given.
7. My gals in the 12secrets
Which makes the 2nd part of this a little more difficult. I now pass this award on to 7 more people. I am giving this award to some of women in my #7 of what I love. There are many women in my group, all that deserve this award. I am giving this award to some women that hopefully have not been tagged yet.( Hello I am little fishie swimming in a large, creative Koi pond.) I appreciate their creative spirit, their encouragement & of course their art!
FYI
you are under no obligation to do anything.
You can accept it, reject it, pass it on etc. It's up to you.
D ArtyEm Leah Kathryn Lisa into-the-dawn Snap
Gypsy
gave me an art award. That's right.
Uh huh. I'm feeling a little "My Fair Lady" right now. I love my Gypsy!
She's super cool, super compassionate & super talented! And she picked me. Boooyaaaa! Thanks so much my friend & may I say, right back at ya!
Here is what I have to do that is the easy part:
7 things I love
1. My family are my friends & my friends are my family. Even the ones that are no longer "with me" Still love em, always will. Also my cats. They are part of the package:)
2. Beverages: Coffee (decaf) with sugar-free hazelnut creamer ( 1 pot everyday) & Sugar-free Peach tea.
3. Reading. Books, magazines. I can not get enough. Pretty much any genre. Gotta have something to read.
4. Bargain store finds,freebies, & giveaways.
four kids means you have to be thrifty! If you think nothing in life is free, think again.
5. Music & lyrics: Music plays in my head, all day long. Lyrics speak to me.
6. Spirituality. God. The Universe. Angels.Nature- There is something out there greater than myself. It speaks to me of the power of unconditional love. I will never lose my hope. I have faith.
I believe in miracles.
I am grateful for all that I have been given.
7. My gals in the 12secrets
Which makes the 2nd part of this a little more difficult. I now pass this award on to 7 more people. I am giving this award to some of women in my #7 of what I love. There are many women in my group, all that deserve this award. I am giving this award to some women that hopefully have not been tagged yet.( Hello I am little fishie swimming in a large, creative Koi pond.) I appreciate their creative spirit, their encouragement & of course their art!
FYI
you are under no obligation to do anything.
You can accept it, reject it, pass it on etc. It's up to you.
D ArtyEm Leah Kathryn Lisa into-the-dawn Snap
Friday, February 6, 2009
Chapter 5/Committing to Self Focus
Some topics covered that spoke to me in this chapter:
Your selfishness issues(what did you learn as a child)
(Selfishness/narcissism/self-focus)
Disabling your distractions (do you sabotage yourself)
Making yourself a priority
Releasing Judgments & Supporting other women
Here's the deal. Dysfunctional families. Everyone grew up in one, or so it seems. Not me. My reality was everyone's fantasy.Those great shows you see on TV, like The Cosby Show? That was my childhood. Both my parents created a safe, loving, home environment for me. They also were creative in general. My dad could build it or fix it. My mom could bake anything from scratch, design curtains to cakes and sew. She dressed me, my sister and our barbie dolls with her own creations. My siblings and I never fought. Ever. Crazy but true.
I have no issues with my childhood at all.
In fact, my issues rest squarely, for the most part, on my shoulders. I got married, had kids and tried to be the perfect wife, mother,daughter,sister,friend,comedian, therapist,etc.
Got lost. Locked myself in a cage.
I used to be the proverbial "jolly, fat girl." It got to the point where I was not just the butt of my own jokes, yet beginning to be the butt of others. One of the last catalysts that got me off my own"butt" & moving in the right direction went like this:
Me: I want to win that sweet, Ford Mustang.
Him: Why do you want to try win that? You're not hot enough to drive it.
Me: I'm hot and a "whole lotta love baby"
Once again I turned it around into a joke. But I was hurt and angry. When I did give someone else a "license" to run over me? This applied to other aspects in my life as well. I was literally throwing myself "under the bus" everyday. My dad had cancer. My sister was healing both her physical and emotional pain with drugs. My mom was falling apart. My brother was backing away. I spent all day homeschooling my "special needs" child. My 3 other children had there own needs. My husband and I argued behind closed doors. Housework,homework,there was never enough time. One of my best friends was in a mid-life crisis gone wild. I had moved to small town and felt isolated. The only time I saw my friends was with my husband , on bowling night. Writing? Heck, the only thing that I seemed to be able to create came in box and you cooked it for dinner. I felt trapped, overwhelmed, depressed,tired and unable to fix to things. The only way to find comfort was in a bag a chips and a box of donuts.
On Thanksgiving Day 2005 ,I said ENOUGH.
I made myself a priority. I said NO to the mashed potatoes.In fact I really don't like them. The following week I signed up for a Jazzersize. Working out is not something I like to do, but dancing is. I told my husband he could watch the kids, I was meeting my girlfriends for some 1 on 1 time. I signed up for a 12-step program. I learned that somethings are not all about me and somethings are. Some things are out of my control. How to recognize when I was being a self-righteous martyr (ouch) ,how to remove myself from toxicity and that it's ok to like, love and to be me.
Starting to love myself, freed up of quite a bit of emotional baggage. The physical baggage came off as well.
Of course change doesn't please everyone. As I began to create a safer more pleasant place for myself, out came the comments and competiton from my so called women "frenemies."
"You sure are feeling QUITE good about yourself"
"How did you REALLY get the weight off? Drugs?"
" You have become so NARCISTIC"
Yet some women remained my cheerleaders. The encouraged me, challenged me. They were excited to see parts of the old me & the new me emerge. The even helped me create and execute a 40th party in celebration of myself! 60 of my family and friends " Partied like it was 1999"in their hottest 80's fashions. My best gal pals bought me a tiara and sash to wear, for it was my night to shine. Even better, my dad & sister were both present. One healed and 1 on their way to recovery.It was fabulous , a night to remember!
Everything was going so well. Day after day, my load was lighter. Time was on my side,time for my marriage, my family,my friends and me. Or so I thought. Then on July 1, 2006, a man dressed in blue knocked on my door. My shadow, my soul twin, my best friend,my sister, was no longer of this world.
I went from being queen at my own ball, to the girl that got pushed off a wall.
Since then, more weight has fallen off, so has friendships. New baggage has been added on. Grief will do that to you. Rip the carpet right out from under you, and tear up your insides. I think that is what happened to Dad, literally. The cancer came back. Next week he'll be gone a year.
Sometimes, we put our ownself in a cage or a hole. Sometimes things are out of our control.
And so I have gone back to square one. I am re-learning to take care of myself and not be afraid to do so. It's time for me to set some boundaries. It's time to make myself a priority. It's OK to be where I am and who I am. To go ahead write and be free.
Sharing in this group of creative women allows me to do that. I am inspired every week.
Forever I will be grateful to
magpie-girl
who led me to
Jamie
who led me to each and every one of you and your
12secrets
Some topics covered that spoke to me in this chapter:
Your selfishness issues(what did you learn as a child)
(Selfishness/narcissism/self-focus)
Disabling your distractions (do you sabotage yourself)
Making yourself a priority
Releasing Judgments & Supporting other women
Here's the deal. Dysfunctional families. Everyone grew up in one, or so it seems. Not me. My reality was everyone's fantasy.Those great shows you see on TV, like The Cosby Show? That was my childhood. Both my parents created a safe, loving, home environment for me. They also were creative in general. My dad could build it or fix it. My mom could bake anything from scratch, design curtains to cakes and sew. She dressed me, my sister and our barbie dolls with her own creations. My siblings and I never fought. Ever. Crazy but true.
I have no issues with my childhood at all.
In fact, my issues rest squarely, for the most part, on my shoulders. I got married, had kids and tried to be the perfect wife, mother,daughter,sister,friend,comedian, therapist,etc.
Got lost. Locked myself in a cage.
I used to be the proverbial "jolly, fat girl." It got to the point where I was not just the butt of my own jokes, yet beginning to be the butt of others. One of the last catalysts that got me off my own"butt" & moving in the right direction went like this:
Me: I want to win that sweet, Ford Mustang.
Him: Why do you want to try win that? You're not hot enough to drive it.
Me: I'm hot and a "whole lotta love baby"
Once again I turned it around into a joke. But I was hurt and angry. When I did give someone else a "license" to run over me? This applied to other aspects in my life as well. I was literally throwing myself "under the bus" everyday. My dad had cancer. My sister was healing both her physical and emotional pain with drugs. My mom was falling apart. My brother was backing away. I spent all day homeschooling my "special needs" child. My 3 other children had there own needs. My husband and I argued behind closed doors. Housework,homework,there was never enough time. One of my best friends was in a mid-life crisis gone wild. I had moved to small town and felt isolated. The only time I saw my friends was with my husband , on bowling night. Writing? Heck, the only thing that I seemed to be able to create came in box and you cooked it for dinner. I felt trapped, overwhelmed, depressed,tired and unable to fix to things. The only way to find comfort was in a bag a chips and a box of donuts.
On Thanksgiving Day 2005 ,I said ENOUGH.
I made myself a priority. I said NO to the mashed potatoes.In fact I really don't like them. The following week I signed up for a Jazzersize. Working out is not something I like to do, but dancing is. I told my husband he could watch the kids, I was meeting my girlfriends for some 1 on 1 time. I signed up for a 12-step program. I learned that somethings are not all about me and somethings are. Some things are out of my control. How to recognize when I was being a self-righteous martyr (ouch) ,how to remove myself from toxicity and that it's ok to like, love and to be me.
Starting to love myself, freed up of quite a bit of emotional baggage. The physical baggage came off as well.
Of course change doesn't please everyone. As I began to create a safer more pleasant place for myself, out came the comments and competiton from my so called women "frenemies."
"You sure are feeling QUITE good about yourself"
"How did you REALLY get the weight off? Drugs?"
" You have become so NARCISTIC"
Yet some women remained my cheerleaders. The encouraged me, challenged me. They were excited to see parts of the old me & the new me emerge. The even helped me create and execute a 40th party in celebration of myself! 60 of my family and friends " Partied like it was 1999"in their hottest 80's fashions. My best gal pals bought me a tiara and sash to wear, for it was my night to shine. Even better, my dad & sister were both present. One healed and 1 on their way to recovery.It was fabulous , a night to remember!
Everything was going so well. Day after day, my load was lighter. Time was on my side,time for my marriage, my family,my friends and me. Or so I thought. Then on July 1, 2006, a man dressed in blue knocked on my door. My shadow, my soul twin, my best friend,my sister, was no longer of this world.
I went from being queen at my own ball, to the girl that got pushed off a wall.
Since then, more weight has fallen off, so has friendships. New baggage has been added on. Grief will do that to you. Rip the carpet right out from under you, and tear up your insides. I think that is what happened to Dad, literally. The cancer came back. Next week he'll be gone a year.
Sometimes, we put our ownself in a cage or a hole. Sometimes things are out of our control.
And so I have gone back to square one. I am re-learning to take care of myself and not be afraid to do so. It's time for me to set some boundaries. It's time to make myself a priority. It's OK to be where I am and who I am. To go ahead write and be free.
Sharing in this group of creative women allows me to do that. I am inspired every week.
Forever I will be grateful to
magpie-girl
who led me to
Jamie
who led me to each and every one of you and your
12secrets
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