I don't know the last time I posted here, but I do know it has been almost 2 full years. A lot has changed for me in the last year, but it's all good.
Just wanted to make an entry and see if anyone is still out there. I will write more when I am feel ambitious and brave and fill you in on my antics.
XXXOOO
Sunny Spot
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday Reflection
This morning as I was getting ready for my day, I stopped and reflected on something that I never thought about before. It gave me some prospective and I wanted to share it with the 3 people who like and read my blog!
I was thinking about my 2 great aunts, one is well to do and has no children the other is well taken care of but has children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Then I thought about my grandparents, who are now both gone but still missed. BTW, these are my maternal relatives. I realized that my grandparents left us, meaning my sister and I, nothing upon their death. They left everything to my deceased Uncles 2 children, who have no parents and now no grandparents either so the material things like the house and the little jewelry meant security for these kids.
Then it occurred to me that I got the best years of their lives. They were young when I was born so I had 38 years with them, that was my inheritance. I learned to cook, sew, clean, wash, garden, can, bake, love, laugh and even play Bingo from these people. My values and everything that I am is because of my elders; because of the years I got to spend and the time invested in my future. So I didn't get the china hutch or proceeds from the house or my grandmothers wedding band, what I got was the knowledge to keep the house and build my own china hutch and appreciate what I do have...that is something that can't be taken to the bank because it's priceless.
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
I was thinking about my 2 great aunts, one is well to do and has no children the other is well taken care of but has children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Then I thought about my grandparents, who are now both gone but still missed. BTW, these are my maternal relatives. I realized that my grandparents left us, meaning my sister and I, nothing upon their death. They left everything to my deceased Uncles 2 children, who have no parents and now no grandparents either so the material things like the house and the little jewelry meant security for these kids.
Then it occurred to me that I got the best years of their lives. They were young when I was born so I had 38 years with them, that was my inheritance. I learned to cook, sew, clean, wash, garden, can, bake, love, laugh and even play Bingo from these people. My values and everything that I am is because of my elders; because of the years I got to spend and the time invested in my future. So I didn't get the china hutch or proceeds from the house or my grandmothers wedding band, what I got was the knowledge to keep the house and build my own china hutch and appreciate what I do have...that is something that can't be taken to the bank because it's priceless.
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Another year...and Friday the 13th
Well, I made it past September 11, 2013 with little effect this year. Day of I found myself very sensitive as I stopped for all 6 moments of silence and fought tears, but all in all it was better then the first 11 years.
I also managed to escape Friday the 13th without incident...what are the odds 2 days that never work out for me fall in the same week and I come out unscathed? Amazing, isn't it?
As some of you may have seen, I've started my own direct sale venture, I am now selling Lia Sophia Jewelry...If you need a fund raiser or just want to have some girls over and some fun, let me know. Games, drinks and prizes to be had, not to mention hostess benefits!
On October 1st I'm having surgery to have my knee reconstructed so I think for the first few weeks of the month I will run a book party, so if you want anything feel free to visit my website: www.liasophia.com/lovelylia2013
Drop by see what's new for Fall/Winter and don't forget it's NEVER too early to start your holiday shopping!
Happy Wednesday (AKA Hump DAYYYYYYYYYYY)
XXXOOO
I also managed to escape Friday the 13th without incident...what are the odds 2 days that never work out for me fall in the same week and I come out unscathed? Amazing, isn't it?
As some of you may have seen, I've started my own direct sale venture, I am now selling Lia Sophia Jewelry...If you need a fund raiser or just want to have some girls over and some fun, let me know. Games, drinks and prizes to be had, not to mention hostess benefits!
On October 1st I'm having surgery to have my knee reconstructed so I think for the first few weeks of the month I will run a book party, so if you want anything feel free to visit my website: www.liasophia.com/lovelylia2013
Drop by see what's new for Fall/Winter and don't forget it's NEVER too early to start your holiday shopping!
Happy Wednesday (AKA Hump DAYYYYYYYYYYY)
XXXOOO
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Here we go again....
June 1, 2013 marks the beginning of Hurricane season here in the East and guess what? Yes, if you guessed a storm is making it's way up the coast, you win this guessing contest. Your prize? Oh bragging rights for being right.
That's all
XXXOOO
Friday, April 26, 2013
Has the world forgotten?
Today, the 27th Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, it feels as if the world has forgotten what this day felt like in 1986...I remember it and am saddened that the national media has forgotten it.
Today's headlines mention the passing of George Jones, for which I am also saddened and more media overload on the "Boston Bomber". Now not to be disrespectful, but thousands of lives were lost and /or affected by the nuclear disaster....George Jones made some bad life choices and still lived to 81 and the 3 lives lost are still a tragedy for the Boston families, but the bomber has been caught - can we please move on?
Every year I see September 11th become less and less important to those who's lives weren't affected by this event, but to those who lost it is a date that will never be forgotten. To those families and friends who lost someone on this date 27 years ago, it is important to remember and take a minute to pray for them. I know you're thinking I'm crazy, but it's won't take but a second of your time to think about someone who needs it.
Let me close by saying that I didn't lose anyone in either disaster, but both dates in history sadden me and I make it a point to think of an image that I've seen and say a prayer for that person and their families. If it were me left behind I know I would want this, yes even from someone I've never met.
XXXOOO
Today's headlines mention the passing of George Jones, for which I am also saddened and more media overload on the "Boston Bomber". Now not to be disrespectful, but thousands of lives were lost and /or affected by the nuclear disaster....George Jones made some bad life choices and still lived to 81 and the 3 lives lost are still a tragedy for the Boston families, but the bomber has been caught - can we please move on?
Every year I see September 11th become less and less important to those who's lives weren't affected by this event, but to those who lost it is a date that will never be forgotten. To those families and friends who lost someone on this date 27 years ago, it is important to remember and take a minute to pray for them. I know you're thinking I'm crazy, but it's won't take but a second of your time to think about someone who needs it.
Let me close by saying that I didn't lose anyone in either disaster, but both dates in history sadden me and I make it a point to think of an image that I've seen and say a prayer for that person and their families. If it were me left behind I know I would want this, yes even from someone I've never met.
XXXOOO
Friday, January 18, 2013
January and Looking Forward
So here it is January 2013 and I have had nothing but stress...I just looked over my last post from December and boy do I have shit to add to that post!
Christmas came and went without any fan fair but on December 26th instead of my mother having her knee replaced she went into the hospital with an infection that has yet to be named! Yes, she is still in the hospital. She went from being sick, to being REALLY sick (ICU) and is now terribly malnourished but getting better. After almost a month is bed she still has not walked and her mood is foul. Needless to say my assistance was not welcomed and I am now completely out of the loop with her day to day care.
With that out of my system I've been looking at what I want to do in 2013 but have yet to decide. I've ruled a few things out but have been thinking about going back to school, part time of course. I have a friend who is struggling with his academic career and it's made me think ... "maybe I should finally get my degree"? What do you think? It's a bucket list item for me and maybe this is the year it happens...I'll let you know how that flys at home when I bring it up tonight! I did start an application online, now I just have to sell it.
How are y'all? What do you want to accomplish in 2013?
XXXOOO
Christmas came and went without any fan fair but on December 26th instead of my mother having her knee replaced she went into the hospital with an infection that has yet to be named! Yes, she is still in the hospital. She went from being sick, to being REALLY sick (ICU) and is now terribly malnourished but getting better. After almost a month is bed she still has not walked and her mood is foul. Needless to say my assistance was not welcomed and I am now completely out of the loop with her day to day care.
With that out of my system I've been looking at what I want to do in 2013 but have yet to decide. I've ruled a few things out but have been thinking about going back to school, part time of course. I have a friend who is struggling with his academic career and it's made me think ... "maybe I should finally get my degree"? What do you think? It's a bucket list item for me and maybe this is the year it happens...I'll let you know how that flys at home when I bring it up tonight! I did start an application online, now I just have to sell it.
How are y'all? What do you want to accomplish in 2013?
XXXOOO
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
It's not feeling at all like Christmas
It's been a whirlwind since August and I don't even know how it became December and the week before Christmas! Let's look back and see how it all happened:
August 2012: This is vacation month for us, we spend the 2 weeks leading up to our trip to the OBX planning, packing and looking for a "better way" to travel there. This year we had our new friends join us and we had a great trip. Since then we have had them to our home several times extending our vacation and planning next year.
September 2012: Well here is is time to go back to school. We get back from vacation and it's over like that...I enjoy the summer schedule with it's long, carefree days of no homework or schedule. But this year, we installed a pool and my son started playing football so we were busy with permits and practices (5 nights a week), so time was tight and dinners late. Once we hit September practices went down to 3 nights a week and a game either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. ***Poof*** September is gone. We also celebrated my Father and Nephews Birthdays with a Brunch that took me 3 weeks to coordinate!
October 2012: Fall is here! We go apple picking on the coldest day of the month and the kids love it! We take our Croatian friends with us and we had a great time. We went back to our house, we drank, we ate, we drank more and enjoyed the company.
I also did the 2 day, 40 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Oct 20-21st...great experience and another check off my bucket list. It was the most physically challenging this I have ever done, but happy I got the chance to do it!
October is also the month that we were hit with Sandy. We lost power for 10 days, but all in all we were VERY lucky compared to most. Danny and I rode the storm out alone, since Ryan was on Emergency lock down at the hospital for 5 days. We camped in the living room, played lots of scrabble, and kept the fire going for heat. It was nice to spend the days with him, but it also ruined yet another Halloween for us...probably the last one he would have gone out with me.
November 2012: Well the blackout was fun but once the power came back on and we started to get our lives back, our septic pump took a shit (no pun intended) and like that ***Poof*** $1500 to get it pumped and repaired. It took a week, but we are back in business.
Now it's time to start prepping for Thanksgiving! I plan and prep and shop, there are only 5 of us, but over the years my menu has evolved and my parents (who are just back from TN after 3 years) don't like my modifications, so I mix the old and the new so everyone is happy. Well TG morning my father calls, my mother has a stomach bug, "STAY AWAY" is all I'm told. So now I'm cooking at home (YIPEE!!) and I have a 25 Lb bird for 4 people and have to cut back the "modifications"...no point complaining, I had plenty of leftovers for sandwiches and hot lunches for a week!
December 2012: I don't know how we got here, but this is the month my mother has decided to have her knee replaced. Out of nowhere she is seeing doctors and having tests run. she was originally supposed to have this done last Wednesday 12/12/12, but they found something in her blood work and postponed in now until the day after Christmas.
All I want is for it to snow and all it has done here in NJ is rain! Cold, damp rain...been this way since Friday night. I want SNOW, pretty white snow. I want to put a roast in the oven a log on the fire and watch the SNOW fall. I want to yell about wet gloves and wet dog feet from being out in the SNOW.
This is the last week before Christmas break and I cannot wait...Hope it SNOWS!
Oh, I also had my big toe nail removed last week...a causality of the Avon walk. Apparently I had a blood blister under the nail and I let it go too long (ya think?) and it was swelling so the nail had to go! I'm still morning the loss. Never underestimate the power your big toe nail has over your mind.
Well there is my fall/winter in review. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Festivis, Happy Kwanzaa...whatever you celebrate enjoy this time with your family and friends.
Amen
XXXOOO
August 2012: This is vacation month for us, we spend the 2 weeks leading up to our trip to the OBX planning, packing and looking for a "better way" to travel there. This year we had our new friends join us and we had a great trip. Since then we have had them to our home several times extending our vacation and planning next year.
September 2012: Well here is is time to go back to school. We get back from vacation and it's over like that...I enjoy the summer schedule with it's long, carefree days of no homework or schedule. But this year, we installed a pool and my son started playing football so we were busy with permits and practices (5 nights a week), so time was tight and dinners late. Once we hit September practices went down to 3 nights a week and a game either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. ***Poof*** September is gone. We also celebrated my Father and Nephews Birthdays with a Brunch that took me 3 weeks to coordinate!
October 2012: Fall is here! We go apple picking on the coldest day of the month and the kids love it! We take our Croatian friends with us and we had a great time. We went back to our house, we drank, we ate, we drank more and enjoyed the company.
I also did the 2 day, 40 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Oct 20-21st...great experience and another check off my bucket list. It was the most physically challenging this I have ever done, but happy I got the chance to do it!
October is also the month that we were hit with Sandy. We lost power for 10 days, but all in all we were VERY lucky compared to most. Danny and I rode the storm out alone, since Ryan was on Emergency lock down at the hospital for 5 days. We camped in the living room, played lots of scrabble, and kept the fire going for heat. It was nice to spend the days with him, but it also ruined yet another Halloween for us...probably the last one he would have gone out with me.
November 2012: Well the blackout was fun but once the power came back on and we started to get our lives back, our septic pump took a shit (no pun intended) and like that ***Poof*** $1500 to get it pumped and repaired. It took a week, but we are back in business.
Now it's time to start prepping for Thanksgiving! I plan and prep and shop, there are only 5 of us, but over the years my menu has evolved and my parents (who are just back from TN after 3 years) don't like my modifications, so I mix the old and the new so everyone is happy. Well TG morning my father calls, my mother has a stomach bug, "STAY AWAY" is all I'm told. So now I'm cooking at home (YIPEE!!) and I have a 25 Lb bird for 4 people and have to cut back the "modifications"...no point complaining, I had plenty of leftovers for sandwiches and hot lunches for a week!
December 2012: I don't know how we got here, but this is the month my mother has decided to have her knee replaced. Out of nowhere she is seeing doctors and having tests run. she was originally supposed to have this done last Wednesday 12/12/12, but they found something in her blood work and postponed in now until the day after Christmas.
All I want is for it to snow and all it has done here in NJ is rain! Cold, damp rain...been this way since Friday night. I want SNOW, pretty white snow. I want to put a roast in the oven a log on the fire and watch the SNOW fall. I want to yell about wet gloves and wet dog feet from being out in the SNOW.
This is the last week before Christmas break and I cannot wait...Hope it SNOWS!
Oh, I also had my big toe nail removed last week...a causality of the Avon walk. Apparently I had a blood blister under the nail and I let it go too long (ya think?) and it was swelling so the nail had to go! I'm still morning the loss. Never underestimate the power your big toe nail has over your mind.
Well there is my fall/winter in review. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Festivis, Happy Kwanzaa...whatever you celebrate enjoy this time with your family and friends.
Amen
XXXOOO
Monday, October 22, 2012
39.3 .... Okay 37.1
So this past weekend my girlfriend Stacey and I walked the NY Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was an amazing weekend with emotions that went from smiles to tears and tears to laughter. It was something I always wanted to do and now I can say that I have and I'm happy I did.
Even with all the blisters and achy muscles every mile was worth it. I unfortunately didn't make the last 2.2 miles of the first day due to a knot in my calf but found the energy and inspiration to carry on and do the last 13.1 miles the last day.
I admit that this was the single hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it! I heard so many people say this walk is easier then fighting cancer and now I understand why they say that. In a few days my muscles won't ache so much and my blisters will go away....some one fighting cancer, breast or otherwise, doesn't have that luxury. I am greatful for all I have and that I was able to do this walk for my mother, a survivor of breast cancer. I also want to thank everyone who supported me and contributed to my fundraising....none of this would have been possible without your help!
It was truly an amazing weekend! XXXOOO
Even with all the blisters and achy muscles every mile was worth it. I unfortunately didn't make the last 2.2 miles of the first day due to a knot in my calf but found the energy and inspiration to carry on and do the last 13.1 miles the last day.
I admit that this was the single hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it! I heard so many people say this walk is easier then fighting cancer and now I understand why they say that. In a few days my muscles won't ache so much and my blisters will go away....some one fighting cancer, breast or otherwise, doesn't have that luxury. I am greatful for all I have and that I was able to do this walk for my mother, a survivor of breast cancer. I also want to thank everyone who supported me and contributed to my fundraising....none of this would have been possible without your help!
It was truly an amazing weekend! XXXOOO
Thursday, September 27, 2012
So, How You Doin'?
Because I'm from NJ I can ask this question. You can hear Joe Jr. from "while you were sleeping" say it, "So, Luc...How you doin'?" This is also the term my loving husband uses when he likes how I look or what I'm wearing. It's associated with every Mob stereotype out there, movies, TV, real life...oops not supposed to talk about such things!
How did this post come to be? I've already forgotten! I know I wanted to touch on my last post about PTSD but then I got to saying "how you doin'" in my head and I'm side tracked.
Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Remember the part when "Joe" is sitting up in bed doing the Godfather trying to figure out how to explain what it means to "take it to the mattresses"? Take the cannolli, leave the gun. Or in Good fellas when Karen is at the end of her rope with Henrys cheating and she is sitting on top of him with a gun to his head confronting him? "Put the gun down Karen"...another line my husband often uses minus the gun and pretty nighty! It's his way of bringing me to my sense and out of my crazy, very effective.
All classics, right? Okay so I got off topic again. But I've completely forgotten what I was going to say now anyway....so HAPPY THURSDAY XXXOOO
How did this post come to be? I've already forgotten! I know I wanted to touch on my last post about PTSD but then I got to saying "how you doin'" in my head and I'm side tracked.
Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Remember the part when "Joe" is sitting up in bed doing the Godfather trying to figure out how to explain what it means to "take it to the mattresses"? Take the cannolli, leave the gun. Or in Good fellas when Karen is at the end of her rope with Henrys cheating and she is sitting on top of him with a gun to his head confronting him? "Put the gun down Karen"...another line my husband often uses minus the gun and pretty nighty! It's his way of bringing me to my sense and out of my crazy, very effective.
All classics, right? Okay so I got off topic again. But I've completely forgotten what I was going to say now anyway....so HAPPY THURSDAY XXXOOO
Monday, September 10, 2012
Post Traumatic Stress
Is it possible to have PTS for 11 years? I ask because every year right before 9/11 I find that I am very agitated and anxious. I know last year I posted about the same thing, but the day after and my recollection of the day. Today I feel as if I should call in sick tomorrow and spend the day trying to shake this horrible feeling of doom and dread...but I know if I do that I will spend the day glued to the TV to watch the ceremonies.
Like I have said in the past, I did not lose anyone that day but of late I have encountered a few reminders of that day. A few weeks back I read a book called "Love you, Mean it" written by 4 young women all who lost their husbands on 9/11...they all worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. It was a bittersweet book and I cried more then I expected as I felt every pain they felt. It wasn't on my "list" that day, it was a last minute biography pick up on my way to check out my books...I don't regret reading it, but it made my heart hurt to read it. While reading this book I ran into an old school acquaintance at a concert 100 miles from home who was a first responder on 9/11 who is now a retired fireman due to medial issues. He is married with twin 3 year old girls and I hope and pray that he is okay and lives to see those little girls grow up. Then last night I sat down and watched Julie and Julia and was again reminded of the aftermath of 9/11 as Julie worked at a call center helping those with claims and questions. I won't lie and say "it was just a movie" because it wasn't, she was a real person dealing with peoples hurt and anger and desperation and was able to turn that desperation she felt around when she cooked. To that I can relate...when I have something to work out or am mad or upset I cook. Much to the dismay of my family who end up having to eat more then they wanted and sometimes poorly executed new recipes. But I digress....
My question still stands, is it possible to suffer from post traumatic stress 11 years later? Is it hormonal for me because I was 7 months pregnant when this life changing event happened? Is it survivors guilt? Is it all of the above? Does anyone else suffer the week before and after the way I do?
I will close here and wish everyone and safe and happy 9/10 XXXOOO
Like I have said in the past, I did not lose anyone that day but of late I have encountered a few reminders of that day. A few weeks back I read a book called "Love you, Mean it" written by 4 young women all who lost their husbands on 9/11...they all worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. It was a bittersweet book and I cried more then I expected as I felt every pain they felt. It wasn't on my "list" that day, it was a last minute biography pick up on my way to check out my books...I don't regret reading it, but it made my heart hurt to read it. While reading this book I ran into an old school acquaintance at a concert 100 miles from home who was a first responder on 9/11 who is now a retired fireman due to medial issues. He is married with twin 3 year old girls and I hope and pray that he is okay and lives to see those little girls grow up. Then last night I sat down and watched Julie and Julia and was again reminded of the aftermath of 9/11 as Julie worked at a call center helping those with claims and questions. I won't lie and say "it was just a movie" because it wasn't, she was a real person dealing with peoples hurt and anger and desperation and was able to turn that desperation she felt around when she cooked. To that I can relate...when I have something to work out or am mad or upset I cook. Much to the dismay of my family who end up having to eat more then they wanted and sometimes poorly executed new recipes. But I digress....
My question still stands, is it possible to suffer from post traumatic stress 11 years later? Is it hormonal for me because I was 7 months pregnant when this life changing event happened? Is it survivors guilt? Is it all of the above? Does anyone else suffer the week before and after the way I do?
I will close here and wish everyone and safe and happy 9/10 XXXOOO
Monday, August 13, 2012
Overwhelmed...and Thankful!
Today I feel like dancing and crying...I have reached my goal of raising $2000 for the Avon Walk! It's been a long road I wanted to thank EVERYONE for all they have done to support me and the team. Our Florida, NY friends have been a big blessing as well as family and sisters, baseball families and friends. If you haven't donated you still have time...another $200 and I get a free baseball hat to wear while I walk!
Also, I am still doing the Tastefully Simple Internet/catalog party and all proceeds will go towards my walk, hurry and get your orders in by August 31st, there are some great specials going on now.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
LC, thank you for always being there for me no matter what....I love you!
So, now who's gonna be at the finish line on Sunday October 20th?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Addiction and not much to report
Other then my addiction to Angry Birds, there really isn't much to report. I'm on hold with my training due to an undetermined knee injury and have spent the better part of 2 weeks stoned out of my gord on pain meds waiting test results. But I'm not gonna complain, especially when a Dr. understands real pain and takes care of it immediately. Tomorrow is results day and I have 13 weeks to be back in full on 40 mile mode!
Over and Out
Over and Out
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Walk update and a little self pity
Hello All
I wanted to update you on our walk progress and our new team page that Avon and Stacey have so graciously put in place for us.
First a foremost I wanted to thank you all for your participation in our Superbowl fundraiser, we were able to raise $550.00. $500 from the pool and $50 from my boss who won the 3rd quarter and donated his winnings back to our walk....so thank you all and thank you Tom X 2.
The Florida New York Fire Department has also donated $1000 towards our walk....so thank you to them for their GENEROUS donation! $1550.00 down, $2250.00 to go although we hope to exceed our goal if possible.
Now that the walk info is given, here comes the self pity part. Valentine's day has never been my favorite holiday by far, but every year I hope that some one....Mr. Sullivan....will change that for me and sweep me off my feet with some sappy declaration of love and devotion. Well after 13 years, he still hasn't figured that part out so now I officially HATE Valentines Day FOREVER!!!
To top that off we have been talking about my 40th birthday all year. I was offered a trip of my choosing, which I passed up because all I really wanted was to spend the evening with my friends and families with drinks and a great cake. Well, here we are 25 days away and not a single plan has been made and every possibility taken away from my dream day. So, for those of you interested we will be spending my 40th bday in Florida, NY doing a bar stumble on Saturday March 10th...come out and see just how much booze it takes to get me stumble around FL, NY drunk!
I wanted to update you on our walk progress and our new team page that Avon and Stacey have so graciously put in place for us.
First a foremost I wanted to thank you all for your participation in our Superbowl fundraiser, we were able to raise $550.00. $500 from the pool and $50 from my boss who won the 3rd quarter and donated his winnings back to our walk....so thank you all and thank you Tom X 2.
The Florida New York Fire Department has also donated $1000 towards our walk....so thank you to them for their GENEROUS donation! $1550.00 down, $2250.00 to go although we hope to exceed our goal if possible.
Now that the walk info is given, here comes the self pity part. Valentine's day has never been my favorite holiday by far, but every year I hope that some one....Mr. Sullivan....will change that for me and sweep me off my feet with some sappy declaration of love and devotion. Well after 13 years, he still hasn't figured that part out so now I officially HATE Valentines Day FOREVER!!!
To top that off we have been talking about my 40th birthday all year. I was offered a trip of my choosing, which I passed up because all I really wanted was to spend the evening with my friends and families with drinks and a great cake. Well, here we are 25 days away and not a single plan has been made and every possibility taken away from my dream day. So, for those of you interested we will be spending my 40th bday in Florida, NY doing a bar stumble on Saturday March 10th...come out and see just how much booze it takes to get me stumble around FL, NY drunk!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Quick update before 5pm
So the good news is I dug in and sorted through my recipes and weeded out more then half!
Other good news is our fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Canacer is in full swing and we have so far raised $1550.00 of the $3600.00 to meet our goal! Thank you to all who have participated and thoe who don't know they still owe me....
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
Other good news is our fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Canacer is in full swing and we have so far raised $1550.00 of the $3600.00 to meet our goal! Thank you to all who have participated and thoe who don't know they still owe me....
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fundraising for us....football pool for you!
Hello All....Happy Thursday
As you know, I'm walking in the 2 day event for Breast Cancer in October. My team and I need to raise at least $3,600.00 to walk.
We are doing a Superbowl pool, and have the proceeds will go towards the walk. The other half - you could win!! Please let me know if you are interested.
It's $10 a box. $250 for the final, $150 for Halftime, $50 for 1st and 3rd. $500 donated to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Let me know if you're interested, thanks for your support!!!
****please note this is the brain storm of my co-walker, Team Captain Morse****
As you know, I'm walking in the 2 day event for Breast Cancer in October. My team and I need to raise at least $3,600.00 to walk.
We are doing a Superbowl pool, and have the proceeds will go towards the walk. The other half - you could win!! Please let me know if you are interested.
It's $10 a box. $250 for the final, $150 for Halftime, $50 for 1st and 3rd. $500 donated to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Let me know if you're interested, thanks for your support!!!
****please note this is the brain storm of my co-walker, Team Captain Morse****
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Help....
I need to find the motivation to start training for my walk in October....not that I'm in bad shape by any means, but it still requires me building my endurance for a 20 mile day back to back.
What I need is a soundtrack, one that is built by friends and family. I want each of you to send me a message to my personal email sullygirl2009@gmail.com and give me a song that we shared and your memory of it. I'm going to download it to my ipod and use it as part of my training and walk. If we don't have one, then I am okay with a random motivating song, just tell me why you chose it.
I look forward to hearing from you and expect to have a HUGH library and a lot of memories to keep me going. I know a few will make me cry and other laugh, I look forward to those emotions to keep my momentum.
XXXOOO
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
What I need is a soundtrack, one that is built by friends and family. I want each of you to send me a message to my personal email sullygirl2009@gmail.com and give me a song that we shared and your memory of it. I'm going to download it to my ipod and use it as part of my training and walk. If we don't have one, then I am okay with a random motivating song, just tell me why you chose it.
I look forward to hearing from you and expect to have a HUGH library and a lot of memories to keep me going. I know a few will make me cry and other laugh, I look forward to those emotions to keep my momentum.
XXXOOO
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Happy 2012
Last night I was reminded that I do not update my blog enough and for the 2 people who actually care enough to read it, that's just not fair! I'm not going to make some stupid New Years Resolution and tell you I am going to keep up, because I will only break it like every other resolution I've made in the last 30 years. 5 years ago I gave up New Years Resolutions, but I do set goals for the year....still working on my BIG one from 2011 and that is my recipe mess.
So, medical update...I'm officially fixed and all is well. I'm as healthy as I can be with the exception of the 10 lbs I gained over the holidays which I am fixin' to work off. With my family history and my own scare, I have decided to walk the Avon 2 day Walk for Breast Cancer out of NY this October. I will be changing around my blog shortly to reflect my dedication to this cause. I have always been an advocate for Breast Cancer, but doing this walk this year means I'm ready to make a difference. I will be walking with my bestie Stacey and our team name is the RACK PACK. We are open to taking on others interested in walking.
If you would like to make a donation towards my walk please follow the link below:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
So keep an eye out for the changes to my site and my fundraising efforts. This is for all my friends and family, near and far who have had cancer touch their lives. Cancer is cancer and finding a cure is key!
XXXOOO
So, medical update...I'm officially fixed and all is well. I'm as healthy as I can be with the exception of the 10 lbs I gained over the holidays which I am fixin' to work off. With my family history and my own scare, I have decided to walk the Avon 2 day Walk for Breast Cancer out of NY this October. I will be changing around my blog shortly to reflect my dedication to this cause. I have always been an advocate for Breast Cancer, but doing this walk this year means I'm ready to make a difference. I will be walking with my bestie Stacey and our team name is the RACK PACK. We are open to taking on others interested in walking.
If you would like to make a donation towards my walk please follow the link below:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
So keep an eye out for the changes to my site and my fundraising efforts. This is for all my friends and family, near and far who have had cancer touch their lives. Cancer is cancer and finding a cure is key!
XXXOOO
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Life is NOT "what not"...
Life has gotten "semi" back to normal, but still crazy. How do people with more then one child, a job and a life get by? I have one child, a job and a life and barely make it some days!
Things have been a little more hectic now that we are back to school and my PTA obligations are in full swing. It seems we go from one event/fundraiser to the next. With the Halloween Spooktacular behind me, now all I have to do is get the banking done for the 10 events before it and I will still be behind 10 more! I'm struggling with the taxes and extremely frustrated. But enough complaining!
I went for a consultation to finally have my tubes tied...that's good right? Well, you would think so, but I had to use a whole new Dr due to our new insurance. Not really thrilled so far considering he sent my for a mammogram because he found 2 lumps, and those lumps didn't show up on the mammo so then they did an ultrasound and it was nothing, but yet an MRI was "suggested". Oh and on top of that I have a bacterial infection and the medication is causing back pain like there is no tomorrow...and the Dr office says it's "normal". So I am all set to be sterilized on 11/11/11, lucky right? I just hope this guy listened to me and remembers to take out my IUD (which is most likely the source of my infection according to webmd) because he didn't even want to talk to me about the procedure....UGH!
Okay DOUBLE UGH!
XXXOOO
Things have been a little more hectic now that we are back to school and my PTA obligations are in full swing. It seems we go from one event/fundraiser to the next. With the Halloween Spooktacular behind me, now all I have to do is get the banking done for the 10 events before it and I will still be behind 10 more! I'm struggling with the taxes and extremely frustrated. But enough complaining!
I went for a consultation to finally have my tubes tied...that's good right? Well, you would think so, but I had to use a whole new Dr due to our new insurance. Not really thrilled so far considering he sent my for a mammogram because he found 2 lumps, and those lumps didn't show up on the mammo so then they did an ultrasound and it was nothing, but yet an MRI was "suggested". Oh and on top of that I have a bacterial infection and the medication is causing back pain like there is no tomorrow...and the Dr office says it's "normal". So I am all set to be sterilized on 11/11/11, lucky right? I just hope this guy listened to me and remembers to take out my IUD (which is most likely the source of my infection according to webmd) because he didn't even want to talk to me about the procedure....UGH!
Okay DOUBLE UGH!
XXXOOO
Monday, October 10, 2011
I do not blog enough...do I?
Do I? I want to, but it always seems like there is something going on and it gets pushed to the background.
Lately I have just been bogged down in volunteering and PTA stuff and it seems night and day there is always something that needs to be done...lists made, money collected, ego's stroked. This list goes on and on. Today, I have gone through all I could and now you have my full attention. So, let me tell you about our 2011 vacation. Let me remind you this is the ONLY family vacation we take each year, all the others it's usually just Danny and I.
It started out GREAT, the weather on our trip to TN was beautiful. It wasn't a bright sunny hot day, but overcast and warm and it didn't rain (which is ALWAYS does). Ryan and I didn't fight too much over driving or music selection. We got to TN and the days were nice and I got to relax a bit when we were there. Usually I go into mode and feel like I have to do everything for everyone, because I am there.
On Sunday morning we woke up and weren't in a hurry to get on the road, but were ready for the next 10 hours in the car and then 7 days of fun in the sun, fishing, ice cream and a good book. Can I tell you that's NOT how it happened? For some reason I downloaded the directions to my car improperly and we took a route that added 3 hours to our tip getting us in late, very tired and even more hungry. The drivers on the road were rude (very unlike the south) and the traffic was horrible. Okay, so we shake that off...
Monday morning we wake up and the boys want to go get fishing licenses and hit the pier, I want to get to the grocery store and sick up so I can hit the beach. Done!
Tuesday, the same thing minus the grocery store. I wanted to go over to Oracoke for the day since we missed out last year, but Ryan said we would go Wednesday. While at the pier that morning, Ryan hears the Oracoke has been evacuated due to the predicted Hurricane, so much for that! Now we start to wonder what is going to happen. We start our planning, if the hurricane is due Saturday we will leave on Friday....or do we wait for the evacuation orders? We hem and haw and decide we aren't going to ruin the nice days we still have ahead of us and get back to our vacation.
The days are beautiful, the sky is clear the waves are rough, but I don't spend much time in the water....only go in ankle deep to cool off. Wednesday evening the town is a buzz about the storm. I walk up to the local gift shop / book store to look for a new book again this year about the history of the Outer Banks and strike up a conversation with the owner. She is a local and very sweet...every time I go in there she is very talkative and helpful and he book suggestions are always good. I ask her what she thinks about evacuations and she said they usually do it 24 hours ahead so we still have a day or two. She also said we should relax and enjoy the nice days ahead, orders won't be issued until Friday. I had also been at the realty office earlier that day and that was also the consensus.
So I go back to the house and the phone is ringing, not my cell phone, the house phone to which I have NO idea what the number is....I answer. "Good Evening, this is the Dare County Sheriffs Department. Please note with the impending storm all visitors are under a mandatory evacuation orders. Please proceed immediately and you are asked to check out and depart by 10am tomorrow morning Thursday August 25th".....FUCK! (sorry)
Can you say Crisis mode? I start going room by room, picking up dirty laundry to wash and dry and get packed. We have to bring in all outdoor furniture and gather up everything we have spewed throughout the house thinking we had another 5 days. We need to try and get the car repacked, now in a hurry, and on the road.
We make it out as you may have guessed. It took us over 16 hours to get home because they started evacuations right up the coast, so as we hit major vacation areas the traffic hot worse and worse...and Interstate 95 was the evacuation route they opened. Any of you who have traveled this road knows it's hell on a good day, but make it the only major road open it SUCKS ASS!!! We spent 5 hours in Maryland alone because we hit just as DC was ending it's day and Ocean Beach was being closed. We got home late that night and only took in all the food we opted to tote back with us....everything else would wait.
The next morning we got up and had to go into hurricane preparedness mode ourselves. I got up and hit the grocery store before everyone bought the last of the milk and bread, because those were 2 things I DID NOT have. I did get what I needed with the exception of water in bulk, I bought a few cases of bottled water to have to drink and I figured mother nature would provide us with the rest of the water we would need if we lost power. So I put our heaviest pots outside for the rain to fill, took in all the furniture and stoed the rest of the outdoor "flying objects". I filled buckets and took out candles and dropped the AC temp a few degrees so the house would stay cooler longer if we lost power.
Right about this time is when Ryan got called into work...state of emergency is called and off he goes. FEMA was setting up a command center and God forbid they miss a meal! He left Friday morning and came home on Monday night. Danny and I fared well by ourselves. The roof didn't leak and we never lost power, the only damage sustained was the one lonely branch (more twig then branch) fell in our yard. We did have a casualty during the storm, my VERY low lying garden met it's demise and drowned....so we didn't get any cucumbers for pickles and even less tomatoes for sandwiches.
Do you think I earned another vacation? I mean I did COMPLETELY miss mine....48 hours of driving and all I had was a long weekend.
Lately I have just been bogged down in volunteering and PTA stuff and it seems night and day there is always something that needs to be done...lists made, money collected, ego's stroked. This list goes on and on. Today, I have gone through all I could and now you have my full attention. So, let me tell you about our 2011 vacation. Let me remind you this is the ONLY family vacation we take each year, all the others it's usually just Danny and I.
It started out GREAT, the weather on our trip to TN was beautiful. It wasn't a bright sunny hot day, but overcast and warm and it didn't rain (which is ALWAYS does). Ryan and I didn't fight too much over driving or music selection. We got to TN and the days were nice and I got to relax a bit when we were there. Usually I go into mode and feel like I have to do everything for everyone, because I am there.
On Sunday morning we woke up and weren't in a hurry to get on the road, but were ready for the next 10 hours in the car and then 7 days of fun in the sun, fishing, ice cream and a good book. Can I tell you that's NOT how it happened? For some reason I downloaded the directions to my car improperly and we took a route that added 3 hours to our tip getting us in late, very tired and even more hungry. The drivers on the road were rude (very unlike the south) and the traffic was horrible. Okay, so we shake that off...
Monday morning we wake up and the boys want to go get fishing licenses and hit the pier, I want to get to the grocery store and sick up so I can hit the beach. Done!
Tuesday, the same thing minus the grocery store. I wanted to go over to Oracoke for the day since we missed out last year, but Ryan said we would go Wednesday. While at the pier that morning, Ryan hears the Oracoke has been evacuated due to the predicted Hurricane, so much for that! Now we start to wonder what is going to happen. We start our planning, if the hurricane is due Saturday we will leave on Friday....or do we wait for the evacuation orders? We hem and haw and decide we aren't going to ruin the nice days we still have ahead of us and get back to our vacation.
The days are beautiful, the sky is clear the waves are rough, but I don't spend much time in the water....only go in ankle deep to cool off. Wednesday evening the town is a buzz about the storm. I walk up to the local gift shop / book store to look for a new book again this year about the history of the Outer Banks and strike up a conversation with the owner. She is a local and very sweet...every time I go in there she is very talkative and helpful and he book suggestions are always good. I ask her what she thinks about evacuations and she said they usually do it 24 hours ahead so we still have a day or two. She also said we should relax and enjoy the nice days ahead, orders won't be issued until Friday. I had also been at the realty office earlier that day and that was also the consensus.
So I go back to the house and the phone is ringing, not my cell phone, the house phone to which I have NO idea what the number is....I answer. "Good Evening, this is the Dare County Sheriffs Department. Please note with the impending storm all visitors are under a mandatory evacuation orders. Please proceed immediately and you are asked to check out and depart by 10am tomorrow morning Thursday August 25th".....FUCK! (sorry)
Can you say Crisis mode? I start going room by room, picking up dirty laundry to wash and dry and get packed. We have to bring in all outdoor furniture and gather up everything we have spewed throughout the house thinking we had another 5 days. We need to try and get the car repacked, now in a hurry, and on the road.
We make it out as you may have guessed. It took us over 16 hours to get home because they started evacuations right up the coast, so as we hit major vacation areas the traffic hot worse and worse...and Interstate 95 was the evacuation route they opened. Any of you who have traveled this road knows it's hell on a good day, but make it the only major road open it SUCKS ASS!!! We spent 5 hours in Maryland alone because we hit just as DC was ending it's day and Ocean Beach was being closed. We got home late that night and only took in all the food we opted to tote back with us....everything else would wait.
The next morning we got up and had to go into hurricane preparedness mode ourselves. I got up and hit the grocery store before everyone bought the last of the milk and bread, because those were 2 things I DID NOT have. I did get what I needed with the exception of water in bulk, I bought a few cases of bottled water to have to drink and I figured mother nature would provide us with the rest of the water we would need if we lost power. So I put our heaviest pots outside for the rain to fill, took in all the furniture and stoed the rest of the outdoor "flying objects". I filled buckets and took out candles and dropped the AC temp a few degrees so the house would stay cooler longer if we lost power.
Right about this time is when Ryan got called into work...state of emergency is called and off he goes. FEMA was setting up a command center and God forbid they miss a meal! He left Friday morning and came home on Monday night. Danny and I fared well by ourselves. The roof didn't leak and we never lost power, the only damage sustained was the one lonely branch (more twig then branch) fell in our yard. We did have a casualty during the storm, my VERY low lying garden met it's demise and drowned....so we didn't get any cucumbers for pickles and even less tomatoes for sandwiches.
Monday, September 12, 2011
September 12th
I spent the better part of yesterday between trying to avoid the reality of the day and tears. Although I did not lose anyone I knew, it has always been a very emotional day for me. I remember that day like it just happened and relive it every year in my mind.
On that fateful morning I was 6 months pregnant and successfully sleeping in until my phone rang. I rolled over and ignored it, then it rang again...ugh! Who would be calling my at this ungodly hour? Don't people realize I am gestating here and trying to get as much sleep as I can before this baby arrives? I lumber out of bed and answer the phone is my VERY best annoyed voice..."ahhh HELLO", it's my mother and she asks me how I can possibly be sleeping with everything that is going on...well mother I'm hatching your grandchild and I'm entitled to a little extra sleep! I look outside our 2nd story apartment window in Fairlawn, NJ and it is a glorious day...you are right, how can I let this day get away from me! I ask her what's going on and why she is up so early and calling me, "turn on the TV, we are under attack"..."huh? Attack, what do you mean?"..."Jody, your father is in the city and I can't get a hold of him, you are the only line I can get out to". I turned on the TV in the mean time, just in time to see the second plane hit and my mother gasp, probably for the second time that day. I told her I would call her back, I needed to get myself together. At the time Ryan and my brother in law were working in Westchester, NY. I needed to call and be sure they were okay and then my sister and the girls. Before that happened my phone rang again, it was my father he was in Lodi, NJ...he stopped at the shop and got held up and never made it into the city that day, but he couldn't get a line through to my mother, so I was going to be the go between. I called my mother and told her my father was okay and still in NJ...one tragedy divered. I spent the balance of that morning on the phone making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and safe...they were! In the mean time my mother insisted I pack up the dog and come and stay with her, she didn't want me alone and that close to the city. It was days before things got "back to normal" for us, but for others, nothing would ever be the same.
As the days and weeks passed I found myself watching endless hours of coverage, people jumping out of buildings, walking away covered in debris, firefighters in full gear combing the falling buildings, a debis field in PA where a plane went down, families waiting to hear...it was endless and I couldn't stop watching. My heart broke and I cried...I wanted to help but couldn't.
Although a lot has changed since that day, if I close my eyes I can feel the warm sun on my face and the fear in my heart as I watched our lives and skyline change forever.
On that fateful morning I was 6 months pregnant and successfully sleeping in until my phone rang. I rolled over and ignored it, then it rang again...ugh! Who would be calling my at this ungodly hour? Don't people realize I am gestating here and trying to get as much sleep as I can before this baby arrives? I lumber out of bed and answer the phone is my VERY best annoyed voice..."ahhh HELLO", it's my mother and she asks me how I can possibly be sleeping with everything that is going on...well mother I'm hatching your grandchild and I'm entitled to a little extra sleep! I look outside our 2nd story apartment window in Fairlawn, NJ and it is a glorious day...you are right, how can I let this day get away from me! I ask her what's going on and why she is up so early and calling me, "turn on the TV, we are under attack"..."huh? Attack, what do you mean?"..."Jody, your father is in the city and I can't get a hold of him, you are the only line I can get out to". I turned on the TV in the mean time, just in time to see the second plane hit and my mother gasp, probably for the second time that day. I told her I would call her back, I needed to get myself together. At the time Ryan and my brother in law were working in Westchester, NY. I needed to call and be sure they were okay and then my sister and the girls. Before that happened my phone rang again, it was my father he was in Lodi, NJ...he stopped at the shop and got held up and never made it into the city that day, but he couldn't get a line through to my mother, so I was going to be the go between. I called my mother and told her my father was okay and still in NJ...one tragedy divered. I spent the balance of that morning on the phone making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and safe...they were! In the mean time my mother insisted I pack up the dog and come and stay with her, she didn't want me alone and that close to the city. It was days before things got "back to normal" for us, but for others, nothing would ever be the same.
As the days and weeks passed I found myself watching endless hours of coverage, people jumping out of buildings, walking away covered in debris, firefighters in full gear combing the falling buildings, a debis field in PA where a plane went down, families waiting to hear...it was endless and I couldn't stop watching. My heart broke and I cried...I wanted to help but couldn't.
Although a lot has changed since that day, if I close my eyes I can feel the warm sun on my face and the fear in my heart as I watched our lives and skyline change forever.
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