Thanks to Crys & P for entertaining me all afternoon on what could’ve easily been a far more frustrating Friday afternoon then it turned out to be. You see, I am going to pick up my new house keys today and pay my first months rent. I’m so excited I can barely stand it and sitting in my cube, trying to focus on work became torturous around 11 AM today. It is days like this that I have the attention span and work ethic of a 12 year old boy.
Clearly we all needed a little distract this afternoon. I know the CPA is giving Crys a run for her money and the Spicy P is signing the lease on her new bodacious abode and is eager to move as well, we are moving the same weekends by the way. Fun.
I’d like to state for the record that IMHO, it would be an unfair decision between P and Crys for the Barbie Brothel Madam position. Both are strong, capable and efficient leaders. Both are just girly enough that they could pull off the Madam exterior quite well and neither would ever tolerate any of Barbie’s shit or let Ken get in for free just because it’s his birthday. No, I’d say both candidates are clearly qualified for the job, but only one can remain. Who will win the challenge? Tune in next week to find out.
Until then, I am content to play the role of Heimlich (A Bugs Life – caterpillar.) Cleaning my many LEGS and doing my very best not to let my eye ball pop out because I know Paula won’t push it back in for me even if we were 100 million miles from the nearest ER because she thinks I want to be a pirate and she’s scared of slimy eyeballs even though she can pop her own shoulder back into place. Oh yeah, I see how it is.
And again, for the record, my Cabbage Patch baby had NOTHING but the best intentions for my neighbors Cabbage Patch baby. They were JUST friends. Who occasionally liked to bathe together. So there.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Snow
I’m sad. It feels like it’s never going to snow again in Colorado. Or rain. Just wind. I don’t want to jinx myself by complaining because ideally this weather will hold out for our move in a few weeks. It still makes me sad though because one of my favorite things about Colorado is the tangibility of season changes. We know when it’s Winter because it snows and it’s significantly cooler. We know when it’s Spring because it rains (or snows depending on the month) and everything starts to blossom and grow and there are lots of baby bunnies and birdies. We know when it’s Summer because in July and August it is not uncommon to see 90+ degree weather for a solid 2 months, HOT. And who can deny the beauty of Fall in Colorado? It’s incredible. The smells, sights and sounds of the seasons thrill me and yet they all seem to be blending in with one another. Plus, I fear the fire danger could prove dangerous as Summer approaches. The mountains have gotten snow and hopefully that run-off will help keep the Front Range out of drought, but it’s hard to say. It might just evaporate on its way down the mountain.
Sigh. Poor Mother Nature. She must really see us a plague to her beautiful planet. Stoopid humans.
Sigh. Poor Mother Nature. She must really see us a plague to her beautiful planet. Stoopid humans.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday Meanderings
Friday was eventful at our house. Max ended up in the ER with a concussion after a tackle football injury. Gave us all a good scare, I keep trying to chalk it up to the experiences of having teenage sons but I am pretty sure I grew a gray hair that afternoon. The look in his eyes, his breathing, that he wasn’t recalling things as quickly as normally and that he had some memory loss was scary. But CAT scan came back ok, no neck injury and so far, nothing seems out of the norm. I kept him in bed all weekend and am monitoring his behavior accordingly. He knocked his noggin pretty good, if it were cartoon land he’d have little yellow birdies circling his head.
In case I haven’t shared this with you all, I cursed Max about 2 years ago to have a girl for every gray hair he puts on my head prematurely. He’s up to 3 girls now since I started counting. I hope he gets a good job. He thinks I’m joking about this and convinced he’ll have all boys. He wont’ think it’s so funny when his partner starts popping out adorable little chumpkins ALL of the female persuasion.
Buwahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (that’ll teach him.)
Sigh, I’m so glad he’s ok. Narrowly escaping yet another potential traumatic injury isn’t exactly how either of us would’ve liked to have spent Friday afternoon.
In other news, we go to pick up the keys this Friday for the new house. I’m so excited and am slowly packing books, knick knacks what nots and what have you’s. A little at a time feels less stressful then all at once. Although, I’m already feeling eager to get moved in and get it over with. I’m never satisfied, I swear.
Also slow in coming is the realization that perhaps the person I’ve put out to the universe in my “non domestic” hours is not necessarily the person I wish to be. Or be portrayed as. I’ve always walked the fine line between trying to identify who I am outside of my responsibilities and accountabilities that keep me in check, i.e…Max, my job, my family, etc…There’s long been a streak of rebellion in my blood and I’ve never apologized for acting on it within my own self inflicted confines, which I am forever testing because that’s who I am. I test life’s boundaries. Whether intentionally or not, I can now see that it’s how I’m built. However, as I mature or have more experiences, perhaps I can now see the importance of self-discipline on a level other then my domestic responsibilities and it’s causing a mild identity crisis at the moment. It could easily be said that I don’t really know who I am right now and I am in the process of redefining myself and all that comes along with doing that, which includes accepting ones past self as part of the self I am today. This is probably pretty confusing to the world outside my own head, but I know what it means and it’s kind of complicated and a journey only I can take on my own. It’s good stuff, trust me…I think what I wonder is if I’m strong enough to actually do it. Maybe not just yet, we’ll see.
Though, what am I waiting for?
In case I haven’t shared this with you all, I cursed Max about 2 years ago to have a girl for every gray hair he puts on my head prematurely. He’s up to 3 girls now since I started counting. I hope he gets a good job. He thinks I’m joking about this and convinced he’ll have all boys. He wont’ think it’s so funny when his partner starts popping out adorable little chumpkins ALL of the female persuasion.
Buwahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (that’ll teach him.)
Sigh, I’m so glad he’s ok. Narrowly escaping yet another potential traumatic injury isn’t exactly how either of us would’ve liked to have spent Friday afternoon.
In other news, we go to pick up the keys this Friday for the new house. I’m so excited and am slowly packing books, knick knacks what nots and what have you’s. A little at a time feels less stressful then all at once. Although, I’m already feeling eager to get moved in and get it over with. I’m never satisfied, I swear.
Also slow in coming is the realization that perhaps the person I’ve put out to the universe in my “non domestic” hours is not necessarily the person I wish to be. Or be portrayed as. I’ve always walked the fine line between trying to identify who I am outside of my responsibilities and accountabilities that keep me in check, i.e…Max, my job, my family, etc…There’s long been a streak of rebellion in my blood and I’ve never apologized for acting on it within my own self inflicted confines, which I am forever testing because that’s who I am. I test life’s boundaries. Whether intentionally or not, I can now see that it’s how I’m built. However, as I mature or have more experiences, perhaps I can now see the importance of self-discipline on a level other then my domestic responsibilities and it’s causing a mild identity crisis at the moment. It could easily be said that I don’t really know who I am right now and I am in the process of redefining myself and all that comes along with doing that, which includes accepting ones past self as part of the self I am today. This is probably pretty confusing to the world outside my own head, but I know what it means and it’s kind of complicated and a journey only I can take on my own. It’s good stuff, trust me…I think what I wonder is if I’m strong enough to actually do it. Maybe not just yet, we’ll see.
Though, what am I waiting for?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Few Random Thoughts While My Report Queue Job Executes
• For the first time EVER, I have highlighted my hair. Sure I’ve played with reds and maroons and even black (oh those angsty teen years, weren’t THEY fun?) but I’ve never actually added blonde highlights to my already naturally blonde hair. Why you might ask? Because as I’ve aged, my hair has become more dishwater then blonde and finally my vanity stepped in said “Sarah, you are far too young to be looking so haggard! You can do something about it you know?” So, after careful research I found a product that would highlight my existing highlights and supposedly give my lovely locks and all over gorgeous shine. And guess what kids? It worked and now my hair is the same sun kissed color I remember from my 20’s. Now, if I could only get the rest of me to appear as youthful, I’d be quite please. Next is the weight and I’m considering a new piece of body art to signify my next transition.
• Realizing that I rarely spend money on creature comforts, I purchased a very cozy white cotton hospital blankie to go under my comforter because I find myself colder at night then I’d like to be. Very unpleasant side affect to a quickly deteriorating heating system. Whoever moves in there after me will definitely have to have that looked at. I also purchased a cool mist humidifier for my room. I am in heaven in my bed, it’s like my sanctuary and I’ve decided to make it as such from here on out. I’ve also decided to stop denying myself such things as warmth and feeling pretty for whatever reason it is that I do that to myself. Perhaps I feel I have to punish myself right now because no one else is. THAT’s something to take with me to the therapist’s office.
• Speaking of, I’m “interviewing” at the moment. I’m sure I’ll find the right match; I wish I didn’t have to pay a co-pay every time. After all, you have to kiss a few couches before you find the perfect one in which to be analyzed on.
• We are very eager to move. Don’t expect much communication from me in the coming weeks. For those of you who don’t know, moving makes me an insane person. I get worked up, really worked up about everything being out of place. My OCD kicks into high gear and I end up feeling like a basket case during the entire experience. At least, that’s how the last move went. Maybe this won’t be like that, surely it can’t be. I’m not facing the same situation, which included well intentioned friends who pretty much planted themselves at my house for 5 days straight and frankly gave me no room to manage the whole thing, a broken toe oh and Chance. Who could forget. Luckily, I haven’t forgotten (or quite forgiven yet) but we are almost there. Clearly the move represents transition on many levels. Kristen thought I might not be sick as often, let’s hope she’s right. Maybe I can begin shedding skins that are weighing me down like you wouldn’t believe.
• Max has been wonderful recently. As I said to Mary, let’s not jinx it. But we are in a good place at the moment, he’s working hard at school (with a certain amount of hand holding from mom, but whatever, you do what you have to do with your children) and he has a friend that is a girl, though they aren’t actually dating yet, but they like each other and “hang out.” Swoon. Young love, it really can be sweet can’t it and not screw up your whole life because you ran off with a guy 6 years your senior with long hair and a car and could buy beer and wanted to get you out of your abusive home life. Oh wait….that’s not Max. Duhhh Sarah, don’t forget girl…he’s NOT YOU. Get over yourself sister.
• Facebook has become so much more a joy then MySpace ever was for me. I fear it’s headed down the MySpace path but what I’m realizing is that like in “real” life, who you spend time interacting with makes all the difference.
• I have exciting news about a dear friend but I’m not sure if I can “out” the news yet. I’ll leave that up to her.
• Crystal is rocking the CPA as we all knew she would. And loosing weight and looking like the hot mommasita we all know she always has been and always will be. I might get to see her soon depending on what Memorial Day brings. I keep thinking of how weird it is that every time I hug her after not having seen her for a long time, I almost knock her over with and then inhale deeply because I always like her smell. Is that weird stalker behavior or what? It seems a little strange to me, but she’s never been like “Ok freak, that’s enough!” so I guess I’ll just let that be what it is and move on.
• Matty and I had a lovely visit Friday night. Gawd I miss him, it’s hard not to miss someone you practically spent every weekend with for several years. We’ve both grown so much and I’d say we are closer then ever and we’ve decided that it will be my job to get us to Mexico and his job to sit on the beach and drink a lot. He’s already got his passport ready, yayyy Matty. Almost there bro, hang in there.
• Richard is working on my car again this weekend. It needs a new power steeling line installed. All together now “PAIN IN THE ASS” for him. Poor guy, he’s so patient and understanding. How lucky am I? It’s a pricey job, shitty timing but I can’t help but still feel a sense of gratitude because with Richard I would be so much more stressed about it. And I wouldn’t know Richard without Randall and I wouldn’t know Randall without Carin. It is fascinating how one amazing person in a life time can affect you forever. I thanked Randall for that the other night. For introducing me to Crystal, who also changed my life. I’m like shocked out how truly cool Richard is, like he’s just one of those people. Like Randall. Randall keeps telling me “See, there are GOOD guys out there. Just hold out ok?” I think he’s trying to make a point, seeing that we’ve both been put though the love wringer recently. Sigh, another day. Anyway, thank the good sweet gods for Richard. I can’t help but feel such joy for the simple fact that I can rely on him. Relying on a man? Whoa, not to be entered into lightly no matter what the context of the relationship.
• Doh gotta go. Jobs done. I’m out, I’ve gotta go to the store, do some light house cleaning and make my kid do his homework. Peace out ya’ll, love you!
• Realizing that I rarely spend money on creature comforts, I purchased a very cozy white cotton hospital blankie to go under my comforter because I find myself colder at night then I’d like to be. Very unpleasant side affect to a quickly deteriorating heating system. Whoever moves in there after me will definitely have to have that looked at. I also purchased a cool mist humidifier for my room. I am in heaven in my bed, it’s like my sanctuary and I’ve decided to make it as such from here on out. I’ve also decided to stop denying myself such things as warmth and feeling pretty for whatever reason it is that I do that to myself. Perhaps I feel I have to punish myself right now because no one else is. THAT’s something to take with me to the therapist’s office.
• Speaking of, I’m “interviewing” at the moment. I’m sure I’ll find the right match; I wish I didn’t have to pay a co-pay every time. After all, you have to kiss a few couches before you find the perfect one in which to be analyzed on.
• We are very eager to move. Don’t expect much communication from me in the coming weeks. For those of you who don’t know, moving makes me an insane person. I get worked up, really worked up about everything being out of place. My OCD kicks into high gear and I end up feeling like a basket case during the entire experience. At least, that’s how the last move went. Maybe this won’t be like that, surely it can’t be. I’m not facing the same situation, which included well intentioned friends who pretty much planted themselves at my house for 5 days straight and frankly gave me no room to manage the whole thing, a broken toe oh and Chance. Who could forget. Luckily, I haven’t forgotten (or quite forgiven yet) but we are almost there. Clearly the move represents transition on many levels. Kristen thought I might not be sick as often, let’s hope she’s right. Maybe I can begin shedding skins that are weighing me down like you wouldn’t believe.
• Max has been wonderful recently. As I said to Mary, let’s not jinx it. But we are in a good place at the moment, he’s working hard at school (with a certain amount of hand holding from mom, but whatever, you do what you have to do with your children) and he has a friend that is a girl, though they aren’t actually dating yet, but they like each other and “hang out.” Swoon. Young love, it really can be sweet can’t it and not screw up your whole life because you ran off with a guy 6 years your senior with long hair and a car and could buy beer and wanted to get you out of your abusive home life. Oh wait….that’s not Max. Duhhh Sarah, don’t forget girl…he’s NOT YOU. Get over yourself sister.
• Facebook has become so much more a joy then MySpace ever was for me. I fear it’s headed down the MySpace path but what I’m realizing is that like in “real” life, who you spend time interacting with makes all the difference.
• I have exciting news about a dear friend but I’m not sure if I can “out” the news yet. I’ll leave that up to her.
• Crystal is rocking the CPA as we all knew she would. And loosing weight and looking like the hot mommasita we all know she always has been and always will be. I might get to see her soon depending on what Memorial Day brings. I keep thinking of how weird it is that every time I hug her after not having seen her for a long time, I almost knock her over with and then inhale deeply because I always like her smell. Is that weird stalker behavior or what? It seems a little strange to me, but she’s never been like “Ok freak, that’s enough!” so I guess I’ll just let that be what it is and move on.
• Matty and I had a lovely visit Friday night. Gawd I miss him, it’s hard not to miss someone you practically spent every weekend with for several years. We’ve both grown so much and I’d say we are closer then ever and we’ve decided that it will be my job to get us to Mexico and his job to sit on the beach and drink a lot. He’s already got his passport ready, yayyy Matty. Almost there bro, hang in there.
• Richard is working on my car again this weekend. It needs a new power steeling line installed. All together now “PAIN IN THE ASS” for him. Poor guy, he’s so patient and understanding. How lucky am I? It’s a pricey job, shitty timing but I can’t help but still feel a sense of gratitude because with Richard I would be so much more stressed about it. And I wouldn’t know Richard without Randall and I wouldn’t know Randall without Carin. It is fascinating how one amazing person in a life time can affect you forever. I thanked Randall for that the other night. For introducing me to Crystal, who also changed my life. I’m like shocked out how truly cool Richard is, like he’s just one of those people. Like Randall. Randall keeps telling me “See, there are GOOD guys out there. Just hold out ok?” I think he’s trying to make a point, seeing that we’ve both been put though the love wringer recently. Sigh, another day. Anyway, thank the good sweet gods for Richard. I can’t help but feel such joy for the simple fact that I can rely on him. Relying on a man? Whoa, not to be entered into lightly no matter what the context of the relationship.
• Doh gotta go. Jobs done. I’m out, I’ve gotta go to the store, do some light house cleaning and make my kid do his homework. Peace out ya’ll, love you!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
We Got The House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I go in on Monday to sign the lease, pay the deposit and pick up the keys. We can start moving on March 1st (which is a Sunday) but she said we could start on Feb 28th if we want (it needs to be Sarah-cleaned for sure before we can move in. We will have well into March to move, but I'd like to make it happen and be out of our current place by March 15th at the latest. I will miss the 47th street condo, I'm sad it didn't pan out as expected...but I won't lie, there is a part of me that is really ready to move on and be done with this part of my life. I will feel a tug about all that we are leaving behind, but a fresh start is something I can't help but look forward to.
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
More details to come :)
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
More details to come :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
OMG OMG OMG
This is the house we are looking at tomorrow @ 4:30:
http://denver.craigslist.org/apa/1028016135.html
It friggin' rocks! I can't believe how incredibley cheap it is, they had it up there for $1200 a month ago, they must want to rent it. I already talked with the management company and my credit score qualifies. If everything goes smoothly tomorrow and our application is approved, we'd start moving in March 1st 2009.
OMG OMG OMG
Keep your fingers crossed!
:)
http://denver.craigslist.org/apa/1028016135.html
It friggin' rocks! I can't believe how incredibley cheap it is, they had it up there for $1200 a month ago, they must want to rent it. I already talked with the management company and my credit score qualifies. If everything goes smoothly tomorrow and our application is approved, we'd start moving in March 1st 2009.
OMG OMG OMG
Keep your fingers crossed!
:)
Monday, February 09, 2009
Wonderful Weekend
This weekend was pretty stellar over all, busy, but definitely feeling good come this Monday morning. Though, I always do wonder how my weekends seem to escape me so easily. It’s not fair, they are never long enough and I never feel rested enough. Guess that comes with the territory when you are a weekend warrior
Friday Night:
Cleaned house, took the Baby Jetta to Richard’s. That guy is so friggin cool, so is his daughter and girlfriend. Randall met up with us and gave Max and I a ride home. We dropped Max off and went out for a few hours, shenanigans did ensue and Randall went home while I did karaoke and got a ride home from the DJ whom is quite sweet and adorable and I appreciate his kindness in getting me home safely.
Saturday:
Slept in, did some laundry, was fairly lazy. Max and I watched some movies and did a little neighborhood house hunting.
Sunday:
Picked up the Baby Jetta, she’s happy now. She needs a new power steering pump, which is going to hurt the wallet a little but Richard is the shiznit and is going to make it not hurt to badly. Proceeded to drive around Wheat Ridge/Arvada looking for a suitable rental. We found at least 4 places I am interested in calling, 2 of them are houses, 2 are duplexes. All very nice and cute. A friend of mine who also recently filed for bankruptcy just moved and had NO problems finding someone who will rent to her AND she’s got 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 kids. This gives me so much hope! While out and driving around, this happened:
The Baby Jetta is officially over the 80K mile mark. Wow. Time flies and the mileage on my car some how seems indicative of the mileage on me! In the past 4.5 years that I’ve had that car….SO very much happened. A life time of activity it seems. 4 years, man that’s crazy. And here I am, a little wiser, a lot older and feeling the wear and tear of my life…but still hanging in there. Just like the Baby Jetta. HORRAYYYY US
This week looks relatively quiet, compared to last in which I had something going on every night after work. Shew.
Love to you all, more soon.
Xo
S
Friday Night:
Cleaned house, took the Baby Jetta to Richard’s. That guy is so friggin cool, so is his daughter and girlfriend. Randall met up with us and gave Max and I a ride home. We dropped Max off and went out for a few hours, shenanigans did ensue and Randall went home while I did karaoke and got a ride home from the DJ whom is quite sweet and adorable and I appreciate his kindness in getting me home safely.
Saturday:
Slept in, did some laundry, was fairly lazy. Max and I watched some movies and did a little neighborhood house hunting.
Sunday:
Picked up the Baby Jetta, she’s happy now. She needs a new power steering pump, which is going to hurt the wallet a little but Richard is the shiznit and is going to make it not hurt to badly. Proceeded to drive around Wheat Ridge/Arvada looking for a suitable rental. We found at least 4 places I am interested in calling, 2 of them are houses, 2 are duplexes. All very nice and cute. A friend of mine who also recently filed for bankruptcy just moved and had NO problems finding someone who will rent to her AND she’s got 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 kids. This gives me so much hope! While out and driving around, this happened:
The Baby Jetta is officially over the 80K mile mark. Wow. Time flies and the mileage on my car some how seems indicative of the mileage on me! In the past 4.5 years that I’ve had that car….SO very much happened. A life time of activity it seems. 4 years, man that’s crazy. And here I am, a little wiser, a lot older and feeling the wear and tear of my life…but still hanging in there. Just like the Baby Jetta. HORRAYYYY US
This week looks relatively quiet, compared to last in which I had something going on every night after work. Shew.
Love to you all, more soon.
Xo
S
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Babies & Bumpkins
Max and I spent Wednesday evening with the ever lovely Kim and her boys. Yet another reschedule from my birthday weekend, I was eager to get over there and see how much that baby has changed in the month since he was born. Guess what? He’s still a baby, he still poos and coos and needs constant attention and has two parents who are handling it all pretty amazingly. Yay baby, month 1 was a success as we all knew it would be.
Nick and Max made tempeh taco’s for dinner (really good, so easy and I needn’t even discuss the nutritional value of such a meal) while Kim and I took baby Quinn for a walk at Cheesman park. Like a dumbass, I wore the wrong shoes and now have two very red and angry blisters on my heels, but it was worth it. Had to break those shoes in eventually. During our walk, Kim filled me in on what it’s like to be the mother of an infant; how they are fairing as a couple; How Dylan, Gus & Amigo (2 year old black schnauzer, 3 year old lab collie mix, 3.5 year old orange/cream long haired feline) are adapting to the new critter in the house and finally, how she’s healing up from the c-section. Poor thing, think leeeetle teeny tiny momma and big big baby head – voila c-section to go.
After our walk, we sat down and did dinner family style with baby Quinn being passed around and man handled by all during the meal. When Max was asked if HE wanted to hold the baby he said “Ha, no way! Toooo little for me!” FYI, Max has a seemingly prevalent fear amongst males that he might drop the baby or be to rough and hurt it some how. I explained to him that babies are really resilient and he’ll squeal if you are doing anything wrong (no pressure there huh?) and that I highly doubted Max would ever hurt a single living thing. Na huh, not happening. No dice. We had a wonderful meal and as we sat and visited after dinner dishes were done and dessert was on it’s way out (OMG Pete’s butter crunch ice cream? HELLO!) I felt so warm in the presence of this family, truly and honor to be included.
First, I need to say how striking it is that these two really seem to have this whole infant thing under control. As is to be expected, they are a little frazzled as they learn how to make the baby happy because we all know if baby isn’t happy, NO ONE is happy. So that’s always the first order of business of course. But besides that, they just seem very matter of fact like this is the baby and this is what he needs and we’ve got it covered. They are total naturals at this. No one seems overwhelmed or stressed or freaked. Just really tired.
Second, how they interact with Quinn is a true testament to their partnership. They have that weird unspoken telepathy thing I’ve seen with other couples (achem you know who you are) and do seem to be capable of working in total tandem with one another without much effort at all. How does that happen I wonder because other then with my girlfriends, I’ve yet to have that experience with a male. It’s fascinating to watch.
Finally, there is one more kid in the world who is wanted and going to be loved and nurtured every day of his life as such. Which also means there is one less kid in the world going hungry or being mistreated. It moves me to tears to see a child born into such love and passion and goodness. Quinn is really lucky and so are the Kim & Nick because they’ve got a brilliant start to a beautiful and happy life together.
On a more personal note, I will admit to being brought back to a time when I was the mother of a newborn baby and I felt a tinge of something (not sure exactly what) as I watched Nick actually parent his son. It might’ve been something like a retroactive jealousy? Or sadness? Or even maybe even a little pride. Max’s father did nothing to help when his son was born. In fact, Sean made things harder. Besides the obvious things anyone who knows me or has read this blog long enough knows that little bit of information, I don’t think Sean ever even once changed a diaper, got up with Max in the middle of the night, fed him, burped him or bathed him. No wonder I was so overwhelmed. I always just thought I was a horrible mother or that maybe I had no business having a baby in the first place. I always say “there’s a reason it takes two people to make a baby” but I am not sure I ever really listened to myself and acknowledged what that has meant for Max and I. It’s crazy how time and experience and watching others live their lives can really give your perspective on your own.
Nick and Max made tempeh taco’s for dinner (really good, so easy and I needn’t even discuss the nutritional value of such a meal) while Kim and I took baby Quinn for a walk at Cheesman park. Like a dumbass, I wore the wrong shoes and now have two very red and angry blisters on my heels, but it was worth it. Had to break those shoes in eventually. During our walk, Kim filled me in on what it’s like to be the mother of an infant; how they are fairing as a couple; How Dylan, Gus & Amigo (2 year old black schnauzer, 3 year old lab collie mix, 3.5 year old orange/cream long haired feline) are adapting to the new critter in the house and finally, how she’s healing up from the c-section. Poor thing, think leeeetle teeny tiny momma and big big baby head – voila c-section to go.
After our walk, we sat down and did dinner family style with baby Quinn being passed around and man handled by all during the meal. When Max was asked if HE wanted to hold the baby he said “Ha, no way! Toooo little for me!” FYI, Max has a seemingly prevalent fear amongst males that he might drop the baby or be to rough and hurt it some how. I explained to him that babies are really resilient and he’ll squeal if you are doing anything wrong (no pressure there huh?) and that I highly doubted Max would ever hurt a single living thing. Na huh, not happening. No dice. We had a wonderful meal and as we sat and visited after dinner dishes were done and dessert was on it’s way out (OMG Pete’s butter crunch ice cream? HELLO!) I felt so warm in the presence of this family, truly and honor to be included.
First, I need to say how striking it is that these two really seem to have this whole infant thing under control. As is to be expected, they are a little frazzled as they learn how to make the baby happy because we all know if baby isn’t happy, NO ONE is happy. So that’s always the first order of business of course. But besides that, they just seem very matter of fact like this is the baby and this is what he needs and we’ve got it covered. They are total naturals at this. No one seems overwhelmed or stressed or freaked. Just really tired.
Second, how they interact with Quinn is a true testament to their partnership. They have that weird unspoken telepathy thing I’ve seen with other couples (achem you know who you are) and do seem to be capable of working in total tandem with one another without much effort at all. How does that happen I wonder because other then with my girlfriends, I’ve yet to have that experience with a male. It’s fascinating to watch.
Finally, there is one more kid in the world who is wanted and going to be loved and nurtured every day of his life as such. Which also means there is one less kid in the world going hungry or being mistreated. It moves me to tears to see a child born into such love and passion and goodness. Quinn is really lucky and so are the Kim & Nick because they’ve got a brilliant start to a beautiful and happy life together.
On a more personal note, I will admit to being brought back to a time when I was the mother of a newborn baby and I felt a tinge of something (not sure exactly what) as I watched Nick actually parent his son. It might’ve been something like a retroactive jealousy? Or sadness? Or even maybe even a little pride. Max’s father did nothing to help when his son was born. In fact, Sean made things harder. Besides the obvious things anyone who knows me or has read this blog long enough knows that little bit of information, I don’t think Sean ever even once changed a diaper, got up with Max in the middle of the night, fed him, burped him or bathed him. No wonder I was so overwhelmed. I always just thought I was a horrible mother or that maybe I had no business having a baby in the first place. I always say “there’s a reason it takes two people to make a baby” but I am not sure I ever really listened to myself and acknowledged what that has meant for Max and I. It’s crazy how time and experience and watching others live their lives can really give your perspective on your own.
Happy Birthday Miss Crystal!
Happiest of Birthday's to my favorite hug-ee, Mrs. Crystal Joy Ewers-Huish! I love you darlin', may this year fill your spirit to the brim with love, happiness and prosperity. You so rock, thank you for being born and sharing your life with me :)
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Noon Time Park Adventures
It’s 60-something degree’s out and sunny today, not a cloud in the sky; certainly occasion to scoot over to the park for lunch hour. So glad that I did, because without having done so I would’ve missed the following:
1. Toddlers toddling the playground equipment
2. Babies giggling in swings
3. Momma’s pushing strollers with sleeping infants while getting some much needed exercise and “me time”
4. A giant Great Dane walking a giant man
5. Random black and white long haired calico cat who trotted with me a few steps each time I circled her near her hood
6. 2 women at least in their 60’s, walking 2 matching Pomeranians with stern and serious looks
7. 4 gaggles of geese
8. 2 sets of children trying to feed 4 gaggles of geese
9. 1 solitary and somewhat shadowy figure in the partially frozen over pond
10. And 2, yes 2 Snow Geese!
The laughter and delight of children inherently colors my mood yellow. Watching women pushing strollers in their jogging suits and on roller blades reminded me of a time when I did such things with my own baby in his own stroller. The dog walkers were full of a particular kind of hilarity today and the cat that kept trotting with me, surely to keep an eye on me as I passed, was so adorable I tried to reach out to her, but she wasn’t having it. She was clearly guarding something and was friendly enough, but didn’t want me to near so I just nodded to her on my 2nd and 3rd time around.
The geese, which seem to have over-run Colorado parks and recreational area’s this winter, tickle my giggle bone. They seem so gangly and awkward on land, like teenage boys, yet unbelievably graceful in water and air. Beautiful animals, I’d really like to touch the big plump ones but I had an unfortunate goose experience at age 5 or 6 and while I am not necessarily afraid of them, I do know that many of them are not to be trusted and I don’t go out of my way to interact with them, I’m perfectly content just to watch and listen. I do take a special glee in my presence being just enough to herd those little rascals off the sidewalk as I walk by, waddle waddle honk honk. Clearly, the various groups of children attempting to feed the geese also took a great deal off glee in herding the geese around the park because there was a lot of squealing, by the kids AND the geese. Shenanigans in its truest form.
The 2 Snow Geese aren’t something I’ve seen in Colorado before. I seem to remember them from Wisconsin as a child, but never here. Obviously a couple, they strode around like celebrities and the other geese seemed fascinated by them. The bigger of the two, I’m assuming the male, had such a manner, I couldn’t help but laugh. The well known “male strut” is recognizable across just about any species.
And finally, I am sure the shadowy figure in the water is our friend the marmot. Rhy and I discovered him two summers ago, quite by accident while throwing koi fish food to the catfish. We’d made quite a ruckus on the north side of the pond and there were so many fish trying to get to the koi food that it must’ve got that marmot curious about the goings on and it came out of from a little rock cove on the west side of the pond, steadily wading his way over to where we were….sort of ominously to be honest, we were like what the hell is that? Then, in a split second, he popped up and disappeared under the water and we both saw just enough of him to know what it was. To small to be a beaver, but looks a lot like one. We think there might be two of them because we’ve seen two shapes under the water before, but today only one was out. I’m curious about what he eats; a preliminary web search indicates they are primarily herbivores. If that’s the case, there is plenty o’ green crud in that pond for the little dude to feast on.
All of this AND there was a slight breeze moving the tree’s around. I swear I smelled spring in the air today. I really could get used to this.
1. Toddlers toddling the playground equipment
2. Babies giggling in swings
3. Momma’s pushing strollers with sleeping infants while getting some much needed exercise and “me time”
4. A giant Great Dane walking a giant man
5. Random black and white long haired calico cat who trotted with me a few steps each time I circled her near her hood
6. 2 women at least in their 60’s, walking 2 matching Pomeranians with stern and serious looks
7. 4 gaggles of geese
8. 2 sets of children trying to feed 4 gaggles of geese
9. 1 solitary and somewhat shadowy figure in the partially frozen over pond
10. And 2, yes 2 Snow Geese!
The laughter and delight of children inherently colors my mood yellow. Watching women pushing strollers in their jogging suits and on roller blades reminded me of a time when I did such things with my own baby in his own stroller. The dog walkers were full of a particular kind of hilarity today and the cat that kept trotting with me, surely to keep an eye on me as I passed, was so adorable I tried to reach out to her, but she wasn’t having it. She was clearly guarding something and was friendly enough, but didn’t want me to near so I just nodded to her on my 2nd and 3rd time around.
The geese, which seem to have over-run Colorado parks and recreational area’s this winter, tickle my giggle bone. They seem so gangly and awkward on land, like teenage boys, yet unbelievably graceful in water and air. Beautiful animals, I’d really like to touch the big plump ones but I had an unfortunate goose experience at age 5 or 6 and while I am not necessarily afraid of them, I do know that many of them are not to be trusted and I don’t go out of my way to interact with them, I’m perfectly content just to watch and listen. I do take a special glee in my presence being just enough to herd those little rascals off the sidewalk as I walk by, waddle waddle honk honk. Clearly, the various groups of children attempting to feed the geese also took a great deal off glee in herding the geese around the park because there was a lot of squealing, by the kids AND the geese. Shenanigans in its truest form.
The 2 Snow Geese aren’t something I’ve seen in Colorado before. I seem to remember them from Wisconsin as a child, but never here. Obviously a couple, they strode around like celebrities and the other geese seemed fascinated by them. The bigger of the two, I’m assuming the male, had such a manner, I couldn’t help but laugh. The well known “male strut” is recognizable across just about any species.
And finally, I am sure the shadowy figure in the water is our friend the marmot. Rhy and I discovered him two summers ago, quite by accident while throwing koi fish food to the catfish. We’d made quite a ruckus on the north side of the pond and there were so many fish trying to get to the koi food that it must’ve got that marmot curious about the goings on and it came out of from a little rock cove on the west side of the pond, steadily wading his way over to where we were….sort of ominously to be honest, we were like what the hell is that? Then, in a split second, he popped up and disappeared under the water and we both saw just enough of him to know what it was. To small to be a beaver, but looks a lot like one. We think there might be two of them because we’ve seen two shapes under the water before, but today only one was out. I’m curious about what he eats; a preliminary web search indicates they are primarily herbivores. If that’s the case, there is plenty o’ green crud in that pond for the little dude to feast on.
All of this AND there was a slight breeze moving the tree’s around. I swear I smelled spring in the air today. I really could get used to this.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Things We Learn In A Week
Has it really been a week since I blogged? Wow, what a slacker. Guess I should elaborate on what I’ve learned in the past 7 days:
1. I am allergic to Milk Thistle
I’ve been cleansing for the past week or so. After weeks of a very unpleasant head cold and what seems like months of my not being well, I finally had enough. So, after my birthday I cut out all animal products (including dairy *gasp*) and began supplementing my cleanse with a concoction of herbs that consisted of fiber, a natural laxative and milk thistle. All was going swimmingly (lost 2 pounds and was feeling pretty great sans the crabby mood from cheese withdrawl) when suddenly, on the 7th day you are supposed to up the amount of milk thistle you take from 1 – 3 capsules, 3 times per day. By 3 AM on Monday morning, I’d awoken to an unpleasant burning sensation in my guts. Let’s just say it didn’t get better from there and I stupidly attempted to get to work, stopping to vomit along the way, vomiting everything plus some when I got to work, turned back around only to get het home and spend the remainder of the day in misery. Finally, after flushing my system with about 2 gallons of water I began to feel better and began to do some research. I knew it had to be the milk thistle b/c it was the only thing that had changed in several days and sure enough, all the symtoms I was having (similar to a stomach flu) are a sure fire sign of allergy. Needless to say, I’ve learned that one should never, under any circumstances, mix Tree Fruits & Milk Thistle.
2. Mood & Teenagers
When managing the wiley teenage human, caregivers should take great care to avoid being influenced by the ever changing mood of said teenager in any way. They are completely insane and cannot be trusted.
3. Viva La Vida
The new Coldplay release, Viva La Vida, has made it’s way onto my iPod (thanks Max) for my birthday. As a known and long standing member of the Sarah Loves Coldplay fan club, I find myself having mixed reviews of their newest efforts. Lyrically, the entire cd is outstanding. I wouldn’t expect anything less. There are at least 5 songs that are noteable, and a few that I can’t quite get past the very poppy vibe of the music. So, I’m a little torn about a few of the tracks, but over all it’s something I’ll be listening to frequently for a while. I now have the complete set of American releases and can get started on the UK B-sides. Next, I have to get the new Radiohead which came out last year and how I can call myself a Radiohead fan and not have the new cd is beyond me, how I love those pasty Brit Rockers sigh. New music has taken a slight backseat while getting my existing collection over to iTunes.
4. February Birthdays
I now officially have more Birthdays in February to celebrate then any other month. In order, ready?
Crystal
Sandy
Winter Park Boy
Jim (mom’s husband)
Laura
Kristen
Carol
What is with all of you fellow Aqurians in Pisces in my life? Frigging fishies…. Next comes March which is another slew of people I love love love!
5. Little India
Finally, Friday night I was able to have some kind of birthday celebration with the ever lovely Miss Sassy Sandy Pants. And my goddess, that woman IS sassy as ever. In fact, I’m thinking of taking Sassing Lessons from her so I can learn how to give it back to Max without him even knowing he’s just been sassed until it’s too late! As always, our conversation was incredible, the food was delectable and I splurged and had a glass of buttery delicious red wine. How can you go wrong?
Back to work, tomorrow we are going to see the Baby Quinn and have dinner with Kim & family. Mmmmm, baby smells. They make me happy. Ta ta for now peeps. xoxo
1. I am allergic to Milk Thistle
I’ve been cleansing for the past week or so. After weeks of a very unpleasant head cold and what seems like months of my not being well, I finally had enough. So, after my birthday I cut out all animal products (including dairy *gasp*) and began supplementing my cleanse with a concoction of herbs that consisted of fiber, a natural laxative and milk thistle. All was going swimmingly (lost 2 pounds and was feeling pretty great sans the crabby mood from cheese withdrawl) when suddenly, on the 7th day you are supposed to up the amount of milk thistle you take from 1 – 3 capsules, 3 times per day. By 3 AM on Monday morning, I’d awoken to an unpleasant burning sensation in my guts. Let’s just say it didn’t get better from there and I stupidly attempted to get to work, stopping to vomit along the way, vomiting everything plus some when I got to work, turned back around only to get het home and spend the remainder of the day in misery. Finally, after flushing my system with about 2 gallons of water I began to feel better and began to do some research. I knew it had to be the milk thistle b/c it was the only thing that had changed in several days and sure enough, all the symtoms I was having (similar to a stomach flu) are a sure fire sign of allergy. Needless to say, I’ve learned that one should never, under any circumstances, mix Tree Fruits & Milk Thistle.
2. Mood & Teenagers
When managing the wiley teenage human, caregivers should take great care to avoid being influenced by the ever changing mood of said teenager in any way. They are completely insane and cannot be trusted.
3. Viva La Vida
The new Coldplay release, Viva La Vida, has made it’s way onto my iPod (thanks Max) for my birthday. As a known and long standing member of the Sarah Loves Coldplay fan club, I find myself having mixed reviews of their newest efforts. Lyrically, the entire cd is outstanding. I wouldn’t expect anything less. There are at least 5 songs that are noteable, and a few that I can’t quite get past the very poppy vibe of the music. So, I’m a little torn about a few of the tracks, but over all it’s something I’ll be listening to frequently for a while. I now have the complete set of American releases and can get started on the UK B-sides. Next, I have to get the new Radiohead which came out last year and how I can call myself a Radiohead fan and not have the new cd is beyond me, how I love those pasty Brit Rockers sigh. New music has taken a slight backseat while getting my existing collection over to iTunes.
4. February Birthdays
I now officially have more Birthdays in February to celebrate then any other month. In order, ready?
Crystal
Sandy
Winter Park Boy
Jim (mom’s husband)
Laura
Kristen
Carol
What is with all of you fellow Aqurians in Pisces in my life? Frigging fishies…. Next comes March which is another slew of people I love love love!
5. Little India
Finally, Friday night I was able to have some kind of birthday celebration with the ever lovely Miss Sassy Sandy Pants. And my goddess, that woman IS sassy as ever. In fact, I’m thinking of taking Sassing Lessons from her so I can learn how to give it back to Max without him even knowing he’s just been sassed until it’s too late! As always, our conversation was incredible, the food was delectable and I splurged and had a glass of buttery delicious red wine. How can you go wrong?
Back to work, tomorrow we are going to see the Baby Quinn and have dinner with Kim & family. Mmmmm, baby smells. They make me happy. Ta ta for now peeps. xoxo
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Today's Secret
I am in the information technology industry and it pays my bills well. I enjoy the conveniences and abundance of information the internet, email, blogging, text messages, iPods, cell phones, digital camera’s/video, GPS and so on provide us. I think the internet and the resulting technologies are to be considered one the most revolutionary discoveries ever next to the wheel and fire.
But I know that our beloved technologies are slowly robbing the ability of man kind to interact with one another and our environment on a human level. I believe we are witnessing evolution in rapid progression. I am apprehensive. I am concerned about our future as a species. I am fascinated and dazzled. I am a slave to it just like everyone else on my block.
But I know that our beloved technologies are slowly robbing the ability of man kind to interact with one another and our environment on a human level. I believe we are witnessing evolution in rapid progression. I am apprehensive. I am concerned about our future as a species. I am fascinated and dazzled. I am a slave to it just like everyone else on my block.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Difference Between 23 and 33
Reflective birthdays are probably the most productive I’ve decided. Admittedly, I was disappointed that I spent 3 nights and 2 days very literally in bed; sneezing, hacking, gagging and otherwise engaging in battle with the Snot Monster. I was also none to pleased to cancel my various long standing birthday plans with my girls because let’s face it kids, my girlz are my rock, without them I’d surely have gone completely insane by now. So, I allowed myself a few moments pout and got over it. Clearly, other plans were in store for me so I just went with it and I will say this; I slept like a baby (with medicinal assistance) all three nights for the first time in weeks. I also feel, in spite of how I may sound to my co-workers, considerably better and more rested on a Monday then I have in so long I can’t even remember. Max spent a good portion of the weekend at a friends, playing video games and when he came home he was tired and slept most of the time. Between his absence and my forced bed rest, I had some time to ponder 33 and what it means to me and so I will share that with you now in no particular order. Don’t expect anything terribly profound here people, this blog is based purely on a few scattered notes I made amid naps, sneezing attacks and hazy head spaces.
The Difference between 23 and 33
1. Obviously, the relationship between Max and his momma has changed dramatically. We’ve surely suffered through some tough times together, and had plenty of incredibly positive ones as well. I would say the main difference is one that can only come from age, both from me as a person/mother and him as a young child becoming a young man. Our communication is much more direct. I’ve lightened up considerably and find that we laugh more then I ever thought possible. He’s becoming who he is and I enjoy him more and more every day. On the days when I want to strangle him and I am covered in cloud of worry and doubts, I am more able to take a step back and see how far we’ve come and know that we’ve accomplished something as a family. I can look back at 10 years ago and see how completely inexperienced I was as a woman and as a parent. I can see that I truly did not realize the full depth of what it meant to be a mother, the importance of my impact on him. I know that might sound like a cop out, but I really truly did not “get it” until fairly recently just how critical I am to this kiddo. Again, one can know something logically, but not fully grasp it until it hits them in some grand manner. These past 2 years or so have definitely done that with Max and my main hope now is that it’s not to late and if nothing else, being a mother has been the most defining experience for me thus far. That’s not something I would have said in my early 20’s, I was determined to be more then “just” a mother. Silly woman, didn’t you realize then what an incredible honor it is to be someone’s mother? Cripes. I could just slap me.
2. 10 years ago I wouldn’t have cared how sick I was and went on with my plans anyway. I would have taken a ton of meds, went out and shared my germs with everyone, most likely drinking way too much and staying out way too late and ending up with bronchitis or something ten times worse then a simple cold. Because at that time in my life, nothing was going to get in the way of a rare opportunity to go out and party because those opportunities were far and few between. Now, I can safely say that I’ve had more then my fair share of fun and know that there is a pretty good chance that I’ll have fun again, so one weekend of plans in the grand scheme of things surely isn’t worth getting my panties to bunched up about. I’ve still been known to go out and party like a rock star though, so I’ve not kicked the bucket yet on that front.
3. There is a song by Alanis Morrisette entitled “Unsent.” It chronicles what I can only assume are her own reflections on past relationships with boys. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanismorissette/unsent.html
It is painfully familiar to me. Each verse is like a chapter from my own book of my very complex love life in my 20’s. In retrospect, I can see that I hurt people, I was selfish, I agonized, I cried and languished. I ached for loves that were clearly not in my best interest and pushed away men that were good to me for men who could never appreciate me and would only end up breaking my heart. I was impatient, careless and truly relentless in my pursuit for a love that would some how complete me. I was searching for something I would never find in someone else and however unintentional hurtful my actions were, I caused a great deal of grief for more then just me during that time period. Finally, after years of unsatisfying love affairs, I began a journey of self-induced celibacy so I could get my head right and begin a journey of understand and healing, which I cut short only to get involved with this extremely charismatic man and found myself in an even more complex and painful relationship from 28 – 31.
Now, I cannot claim that I have the answers to all my years of searching or feign a stronger understanding of romantic love, but I know a few more things then I did a few years ago and undoubtedly, much more then I did 10 years ago. I know that I have to do what’s right for me and my family first and it’s ok to take my time. I know that you can have an intense chemistry with someone and it doesn’t mean you are meant to fall madly in love OR that you should jump into bed together. I know that my choices and actions have a farther reach then seem immediately apparent in any given situation. I know that lust can be a powerful and confusing experience, but that it does fade and often you are left with nothing else if you act on it prematurely. I know that sex serves an important purpose in romantic love and should not be used in any other fashion then to bond physically with your partner and strengthen intimacy and that anyone who plays those kind of games with me isn’t someone I want to share my body with. I know that how I trust people has changed and that I feel it’s important to be forthcoming and genuine about where you are in your life rather then risk hurt feelings later on because you just couldn’t help yourself. I know that I need to share a spiritual understanding with the man that I share my life with and it’s not just in the theoretical sense, I’m talking in the core-day-to-day stuff. I know that I cannot shrink myself to fit his needs or his idea’s of who I should be because I will burst out of it eventually, even if I wanted to stifle who I am at this point in my life, I simply cannot. I know that I have so much work to do on myself and that I will continue to grow and I need someone in my life who can grow with me and not be intimidated by that. I know that I have a lot of love to give and that not everyone can or will be able to receive it. I know I still have a lot of learning to do and that’s ok, it doesn’t mean I am damaged beyond recognition because of the choices I’ve made. I know I could go on (and probably will) go on forever when it comes to this subject, but that I am making progress.
4. When I was 23, my mother and I were still barely speaking to one another. If we did speak, there was the chance that war would erupt at any moment. She said and did some very hurtful and manipulative things. I conceded to her every whim, kept my true feelings at bay and constantly gave her permission to rationalize her behavior. I also started realizing then that she had made life style choices I very strongly disagreed with at the time. I was judgmental and unsympathetic to the fact that she was a human being. I would not put down my own defenses long enough to see that she was really struggling and that she needed a little compassion and not just for me to agree with her. I wasn’t strong enough to stand up to her, which did neither of us any good.
Today, we are speaking regularly. She had an opportunity to mother me and take care of me this past summer with my leg injury and she did it. Not begrudgingly, she gladly did it and it helped us to begin the process of reuniting us as mother and daughter rather then adversaries. Our relationship will always be complicated, there’s just so much history there that we haven’t worked through and that’s something we are both working on respectively in our own lives. But I have forgiven her for many things and can now see her as a human being. She has started treating me much more like a daughter then her best friend and that has helped to change the dynamic of our communication. I feel positive about our continued growth and expect the bumps to come and go, but it’s a step in the right direction.
5. I weigh a solid 50 + lbs more then I did when I was 23. 2/3rds of that was gained in the last 3 years. It bothers me; I dislike very much being so chunky. I also look significantly older. My hair is short now and I wear glasses full time. Both things I never said I’d do.
6. My tastes in general have ‘matured.’ I listened to such a variety of music genre’s that attempting to classify what “type” of music I listen to now versus then would be unfair to the artists. I just know that I can see what appears to me to be a steady progression in depth. This goes for just about everything when I think of it. Food, make up, how I dress, what I read, what I write, what movies I watch, what art I enjoy. I’ve definitely found the light in my day to day rather then wallowing in darkness, which is so easier and much more fun to pretend you are a tortured artist then actually to be one.
7. Career wise I am more confident and find myself in a position I never even had the reach to dream for at 23. I just wanted to make enough money to get off the system and I did. After that, I sort of floundered for a while and now I’ve landed somewhere that both challenges and rewards me on all levels.
8. I didn’t realize how truly capable I am. I never gave myself enough credit and I took my youth for granted.
9. My friendships and whom I choose to spend time with have changed dramatically. My core group and my family have always been there though, no matter what and its taken time for me to learn how important that is and how not to screw up those relationships.
10. Rather then avoiding being alone at all costs, I have become protective of my solitude and more interested in quality interaction when I do have them with others.
11. I take things less personally.
12. I believe that the world is beautiful and that life is worth living, even on the shitty days.
13. I find myself more confident in general and less dependant on others for emotional support.
14. It is in everyone’s best interest to do the right thing and we all know what the right thing is when faced with a situation. It may not be the easiest or most immediately gratifying route, but down the line, it will make things so much simpler.
15. I no longer believe myself to be invincible and can see that this life does not last forever, so do your best not to blow it while you can.
To name a few *wink**wink**wink*
The Difference between 23 and 33
1. Obviously, the relationship between Max and his momma has changed dramatically. We’ve surely suffered through some tough times together, and had plenty of incredibly positive ones as well. I would say the main difference is one that can only come from age, both from me as a person/mother and him as a young child becoming a young man. Our communication is much more direct. I’ve lightened up considerably and find that we laugh more then I ever thought possible. He’s becoming who he is and I enjoy him more and more every day. On the days when I want to strangle him and I am covered in cloud of worry and doubts, I am more able to take a step back and see how far we’ve come and know that we’ve accomplished something as a family. I can look back at 10 years ago and see how completely inexperienced I was as a woman and as a parent. I can see that I truly did not realize the full depth of what it meant to be a mother, the importance of my impact on him. I know that might sound like a cop out, but I really truly did not “get it” until fairly recently just how critical I am to this kiddo. Again, one can know something logically, but not fully grasp it until it hits them in some grand manner. These past 2 years or so have definitely done that with Max and my main hope now is that it’s not to late and if nothing else, being a mother has been the most defining experience for me thus far. That’s not something I would have said in my early 20’s, I was determined to be more then “just” a mother. Silly woman, didn’t you realize then what an incredible honor it is to be someone’s mother? Cripes. I could just slap me.
2. 10 years ago I wouldn’t have cared how sick I was and went on with my plans anyway. I would have taken a ton of meds, went out and shared my germs with everyone, most likely drinking way too much and staying out way too late and ending up with bronchitis or something ten times worse then a simple cold. Because at that time in my life, nothing was going to get in the way of a rare opportunity to go out and party because those opportunities were far and few between. Now, I can safely say that I’ve had more then my fair share of fun and know that there is a pretty good chance that I’ll have fun again, so one weekend of plans in the grand scheme of things surely isn’t worth getting my panties to bunched up about. I’ve still been known to go out and party like a rock star though, so I’ve not kicked the bucket yet on that front.
3. There is a song by Alanis Morrisette entitled “Unsent.” It chronicles what I can only assume are her own reflections on past relationships with boys. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanismorissette/unsent.html
It is painfully familiar to me. Each verse is like a chapter from my own book of my very complex love life in my 20’s. In retrospect, I can see that I hurt people, I was selfish, I agonized, I cried and languished. I ached for loves that were clearly not in my best interest and pushed away men that were good to me for men who could never appreciate me and would only end up breaking my heart. I was impatient, careless and truly relentless in my pursuit for a love that would some how complete me. I was searching for something I would never find in someone else and however unintentional hurtful my actions were, I caused a great deal of grief for more then just me during that time period. Finally, after years of unsatisfying love affairs, I began a journey of self-induced celibacy so I could get my head right and begin a journey of understand and healing, which I cut short only to get involved with this extremely charismatic man and found myself in an even more complex and painful relationship from 28 – 31.
Now, I cannot claim that I have the answers to all my years of searching or feign a stronger understanding of romantic love, but I know a few more things then I did a few years ago and undoubtedly, much more then I did 10 years ago. I know that I have to do what’s right for me and my family first and it’s ok to take my time. I know that you can have an intense chemistry with someone and it doesn’t mean you are meant to fall madly in love OR that you should jump into bed together. I know that my choices and actions have a farther reach then seem immediately apparent in any given situation. I know that lust can be a powerful and confusing experience, but that it does fade and often you are left with nothing else if you act on it prematurely. I know that sex serves an important purpose in romantic love and should not be used in any other fashion then to bond physically with your partner and strengthen intimacy and that anyone who plays those kind of games with me isn’t someone I want to share my body with. I know that how I trust people has changed and that I feel it’s important to be forthcoming and genuine about where you are in your life rather then risk hurt feelings later on because you just couldn’t help yourself. I know that I need to share a spiritual understanding with the man that I share my life with and it’s not just in the theoretical sense, I’m talking in the core-day-to-day stuff. I know that I cannot shrink myself to fit his needs or his idea’s of who I should be because I will burst out of it eventually, even if I wanted to stifle who I am at this point in my life, I simply cannot. I know that I have so much work to do on myself and that I will continue to grow and I need someone in my life who can grow with me and not be intimidated by that. I know that I have a lot of love to give and that not everyone can or will be able to receive it. I know I still have a lot of learning to do and that’s ok, it doesn’t mean I am damaged beyond recognition because of the choices I’ve made. I know I could go on (and probably will) go on forever when it comes to this subject, but that I am making progress.
4. When I was 23, my mother and I were still barely speaking to one another. If we did speak, there was the chance that war would erupt at any moment. She said and did some very hurtful and manipulative things. I conceded to her every whim, kept my true feelings at bay and constantly gave her permission to rationalize her behavior. I also started realizing then that she had made life style choices I very strongly disagreed with at the time. I was judgmental and unsympathetic to the fact that she was a human being. I would not put down my own defenses long enough to see that she was really struggling and that she needed a little compassion and not just for me to agree with her. I wasn’t strong enough to stand up to her, which did neither of us any good.
Today, we are speaking regularly. She had an opportunity to mother me and take care of me this past summer with my leg injury and she did it. Not begrudgingly, she gladly did it and it helped us to begin the process of reuniting us as mother and daughter rather then adversaries. Our relationship will always be complicated, there’s just so much history there that we haven’t worked through and that’s something we are both working on respectively in our own lives. But I have forgiven her for many things and can now see her as a human being. She has started treating me much more like a daughter then her best friend and that has helped to change the dynamic of our communication. I feel positive about our continued growth and expect the bumps to come and go, but it’s a step in the right direction.
5. I weigh a solid 50 + lbs more then I did when I was 23. 2/3rds of that was gained in the last 3 years. It bothers me; I dislike very much being so chunky. I also look significantly older. My hair is short now and I wear glasses full time. Both things I never said I’d do.
6. My tastes in general have ‘matured.’ I listened to such a variety of music genre’s that attempting to classify what “type” of music I listen to now versus then would be unfair to the artists. I just know that I can see what appears to me to be a steady progression in depth. This goes for just about everything when I think of it. Food, make up, how I dress, what I read, what I write, what movies I watch, what art I enjoy. I’ve definitely found the light in my day to day rather then wallowing in darkness, which is so easier and much more fun to pretend you are a tortured artist then actually to be one.
7. Career wise I am more confident and find myself in a position I never even had the reach to dream for at 23. I just wanted to make enough money to get off the system and I did. After that, I sort of floundered for a while and now I’ve landed somewhere that both challenges and rewards me on all levels.
8. I didn’t realize how truly capable I am. I never gave myself enough credit and I took my youth for granted.
9. My friendships and whom I choose to spend time with have changed dramatically. My core group and my family have always been there though, no matter what and its taken time for me to learn how important that is and how not to screw up those relationships.
10. Rather then avoiding being alone at all costs, I have become protective of my solitude and more interested in quality interaction when I do have them with others.
11. I take things less personally.
12. I believe that the world is beautiful and that life is worth living, even on the shitty days.
13. I find myself more confident in general and less dependant on others for emotional support.
14. It is in everyone’s best interest to do the right thing and we all know what the right thing is when faced with a situation. It may not be the easiest or most immediately gratifying route, but down the line, it will make things so much simpler.
15. I no longer believe myself to be invincible and can see that this life does not last forever, so do your best not to blow it while you can.
To name a few *wink**wink**wink*
Friday, January 23, 2009
Curse You Germs, Curse You!
I caught the crud from my visitor last weekend, I fought it all week and now just in time for my bday weekend I feel like giant poo. There is a shiny red-Rudolph nose and I sound like a cat working out a hair ball when I cough. I have basically had to cancel all of my plans to spend time with friends I rarely see and new babies this weekend. I know if I don’t stay in bed and rest all weekend, I’m going to regret it later and I can’t risk missing work. I have reached my limit on patience with my immune system and I am feeling very pouty right now so if anyone wants to give me a hard time for being sick all the time, you might want to save it for a day when I didn’t have to cancel all my birthday plans.
On the upside, I think I’ve got most of my plans rescheduled for NEXT weekend which is fine with me if my friends don’t mind. I just hate to cancel on people who’ve gone out of their way to schedule me in their busy schedules to spend time with me for my BDay. Damn you germs! I keeeeel you!
So, I’m leaving early to go home and go to bed because I can’t face the world right now and I’m feeling very cranky about the whole situation.
On the upside, I think I’ve got most of my plans rescheduled for NEXT weekend which is fine with me if my friends don’t mind. I just hate to cancel on people who’ve gone out of their way to schedule me in their busy schedules to spend time with me for my BDay. Damn you germs! I keeeeel you!
So, I’m leaving early to go home and go to bed because I can’t face the world right now and I’m feeling very cranky about the whole situation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Spicy Wasabi P
This blog is on honor of the Spiciest Wasabi P I know! I love you girl, feel better and if you come to Colorado I promise you will not be dissapointed.
Bow chica bow wow
The Many Wonders Of Life
Yesterday was incredible, wasn’t it? I was able to watch a rebroadcast of the inauguration speech later in the evening at home as we aren’t “supposed” to stream at the office else face the possibility of a serious flogging. I know it happens all the time, but I’ll keep that between you and me and the fencepost. Bandwidth issues aside, the inauguration speech was beautifully well spoken as is customary for Mr. Obama. Support his politics or not, I’ve yet to find a single person who can deny his abilities as an orator. What a courageous man, he just seems to ooze integrity in my eyes. There seems to be this sense that finally, perhaps American’s can look to the future with promise of positive outcome, rather then fear and shame. Maybe now we can begin to rebuild, at least there’s that hope now. Which is about all any of us can ask for at this point, it’s a start. Bless you Mr. Obama, be well.
January 20th 2009 brought about another defining moment for me. In the waiting room yesterday, surrounded by pregnant women of all stages and ethnicities and ages and socio-economic levels I was blinded-sided by just how miraculous the female is, how all of our complexities some how come together as one to become this being capable of bringing life into this world and sustaining it from our own bodies. This immediately brought me back to the responsibilities women bare simply because they can become pregnant and how that beautiful gift can become a burden. No doubt, having the right to choose when and/or if a woman becomes pregnant was a prominent factor in the women’s rights movement and while we know there have been ways to control pregnancy for thousands of years, having it out there in public as a basic human right makes this choice all the more empowering. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you to those women who fight for me to have the very right to choose what I want for my body and my life. I am forever indebted to you. The beauty of being a mother, of how our bodies radiate warmth and sensuality, how truly astonishing the female body is….none of this is lost on me, I celebrate it regularly. But I also celebrate my freedoms regularly as well and being knee deep in pregnant woman and visiting this specialist to help me protect my own body in the same office made me realize that these freedoms should never be taken for granted. It might be wise for me to consider this when thinking of where I’d like to put my volunteering energies because I was pretty overcome by the entire experience and I never want our daughters to go without this option. Hopefully, Obama’s administration will help halt the assault on woman’s rights and bring forth a new era of protecting us rather then trying to strip away our rights one sneaky bill at a time.
This morning, as I was taking Max to school, the streets were misted and a little dewed. It was beautiful. It’s January 21st 2009, not April 21st 2009 and though I’d like to just enjoy the forecast of 72 degree’s today and take a walk in the park and feel the sun on my skin, I cannot because I know as someone who’s lived in Colorado for more than half her life that this is entirely too warm for January. It’s happened before, but only in the last 15 years and only once. I don’t think I am being hysterical or exaggerating the issue, we all know what’s happening, yet I personally feel helpless to stop it other then by doing my part which seems like not enough. I know many feel this way and choose to do nothing. This thinking surely is partly why our planet is fighting to survive at this point and I’m left wondering what can be done to educate the masses and get the message out that we’ve already done irreparable damage. We don’t have the luxury of time to “fix’ these problems, we have to start living differently now and I think in order to make that happen it has to come from the top. Legislation has to happen to force people to change because so many can’t or won’t do it on their own.
Easily, I could go on about the challenges our culture faces. On and on. But my heart has been lightened considerabley, Obama has a full plate. We all do. But maybe we can tackle it together now as a world community.
January 20th 2009 brought about another defining moment for me. In the waiting room yesterday, surrounded by pregnant women of all stages and ethnicities and ages and socio-economic levels I was blinded-sided by just how miraculous the female is, how all of our complexities some how come together as one to become this being capable of bringing life into this world and sustaining it from our own bodies. This immediately brought me back to the responsibilities women bare simply because they can become pregnant and how that beautiful gift can become a burden. No doubt, having the right to choose when and/or if a woman becomes pregnant was a prominent factor in the women’s rights movement and while we know there have been ways to control pregnancy for thousands of years, having it out there in public as a basic human right makes this choice all the more empowering. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you to those women who fight for me to have the very right to choose what I want for my body and my life. I am forever indebted to you. The beauty of being a mother, of how our bodies radiate warmth and sensuality, how truly astonishing the female body is….none of this is lost on me, I celebrate it regularly. But I also celebrate my freedoms regularly as well and being knee deep in pregnant woman and visiting this specialist to help me protect my own body in the same office made me realize that these freedoms should never be taken for granted. It might be wise for me to consider this when thinking of where I’d like to put my volunteering energies because I was pretty overcome by the entire experience and I never want our daughters to go without this option. Hopefully, Obama’s administration will help halt the assault on woman’s rights and bring forth a new era of protecting us rather then trying to strip away our rights one sneaky bill at a time.
This morning, as I was taking Max to school, the streets were misted and a little dewed. It was beautiful. It’s January 21st 2009, not April 21st 2009 and though I’d like to just enjoy the forecast of 72 degree’s today and take a walk in the park and feel the sun on my skin, I cannot because I know as someone who’s lived in Colorado for more than half her life that this is entirely too warm for January. It’s happened before, but only in the last 15 years and only once. I don’t think I am being hysterical or exaggerating the issue, we all know what’s happening, yet I personally feel helpless to stop it other then by doing my part which seems like not enough. I know many feel this way and choose to do nothing. This thinking surely is partly why our planet is fighting to survive at this point and I’m left wondering what can be done to educate the masses and get the message out that we’ve already done irreparable damage. We don’t have the luxury of time to “fix’ these problems, we have to start living differently now and I think in order to make that happen it has to come from the top. Legislation has to happen to force people to change because so many can’t or won’t do it on their own.
Easily, I could go on about the challenges our culture faces. On and on. But my heart has been lightened considerabley, Obama has a full plate. We all do. But maybe we can tackle it together now as a world community.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Controlled Chaos
Life does that to us sometimes, doesn’t it? Throws a little spin in the mix to keep it interesting, this week will most definitely be interesting time wise. The month or so previous to now has been the calm before the storm, as I’d suspected all along. You dirty birdy you, time just keeps ticking.
This week in a nutshell:
Monday, January 19, 2009
1) Work
2) Run errands @ lunch
3) Max Drs @ 3:30 (something weird going on w/ right elbow)
4) Max’s hair cut
5) Light house cleaning
6) Laundry
7) Burn Aunty MB’s CD’s
8) Burn Darrell’s CD’s
9) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1) Come in by 6:30 AM, work till 12:30 PM
2) OBGYN Drs Appt 1
3) Bank
4) Gas/Car Wash
5) Mail CD’s
6) 2 hour work out
7) Pay speeding ticket online (don’t ASK, but it was a doosey….did you know they don’t’ like it when you speed in working zones? Shit!)
8) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 4:30 PM, half hour for lunch
2) 1 hour work out
3) Grociery shopping
4) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 5:00 PM
2) My birthday lunch at work
3) 2 hour work out
4) Make dinner for Thursday & Friday nights
5) Visit Matty for his bday
6) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Friday, January 23, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 4:30 PM, half hour for lunch
2) Run errands @ lunch
3) 1 hour work out
4) Settle Max for the night (dinners etc)
5) Dinner w/ Sandy @ Little India @ 6 PM
Saturday, January 24, 2009
1) 7 AM - 2 hour work out
2) Brunch @ Kim’s @ 10 AM – 12 AM for baby snuggling and bday brunch
3) Apartment hunting
4) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
5) I need a hair cut badly
6) 5 PM + PARTAAAY For My Birthday
Sunday, January 25, 2009
1) Whatever I damn well want
This or course is all contingent on how crazy work gets and anything that might come up with Max.
Next week is going to be all about working out, packing up the house and apartment hunting. Woo hoo, no stress at all right?
In February I have an appointment to meet with a student advisor at Metro to discuss what credits will carry over from my previous degree and what core classes I can start taking that can be applied to my BA once I figure out what I want that to be. I have Microsoft Certification classes schedule in March.
We should be moving by March 1st, April 1st if we are lucky. We’ll see, I’m still waiting on that definite date from the bank/county trustee. They are dragging ass I can tell you, but I’m not complaining. Longer to save up money.
Ok, off for now. Love to you all
xoxo
This week in a nutshell:
Monday, January 19, 2009
1) Work
2) Run errands @ lunch
3) Max Drs @ 3:30 (something weird going on w/ right elbow)
4) Max’s hair cut
5) Light house cleaning
6) Laundry
7) Burn Aunty MB’s CD’s
8) Burn Darrell’s CD’s
9) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1) Come in by 6:30 AM, work till 12:30 PM
2) OBGYN Drs Appt 1
3) Bank
4) Gas/Car Wash
5) Mail CD’s
6) 2 hour work out
7) Pay speeding ticket online (don’t ASK, but it was a doosey….did you know they don’t’ like it when you speed in working zones? Shit!)
8) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 4:30 PM, half hour for lunch
2) 1 hour work out
3) Grociery shopping
4) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 5:00 PM
2) My birthday lunch at work
3) 2 hour work out
4) Make dinner for Thursday & Friday nights
5) Visit Matty for his bday
6) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
Friday, January 23, 2009
1) Work 7 AM – 4:30 PM, half hour for lunch
2) Run errands @ lunch
3) 1 hour work out
4) Settle Max for the night (dinners etc)
5) Dinner w/ Sandy @ Little India @ 6 PM
Saturday, January 24, 2009
1) 7 AM - 2 hour work out
2) Brunch @ Kim’s @ 10 AM – 12 AM for baby snuggling and bday brunch
3) Apartment hunting
4) Catch up time with Max (help with homework, etc…)
5) I need a hair cut badly
6) 5 PM + PARTAAAY For My Birthday
Sunday, January 25, 2009
1) Whatever I damn well want
This or course is all contingent on how crazy work gets and anything that might come up with Max.
Next week is going to be all about working out, packing up the house and apartment hunting. Woo hoo, no stress at all right?
In February I have an appointment to meet with a student advisor at Metro to discuss what credits will carry over from my previous degree and what core classes I can start taking that can be applied to my BA once I figure out what I want that to be. I have Microsoft Certification classes schedule in March.
We should be moving by March 1st, April 1st if we are lucky. We’ll see, I’m still waiting on that definite date from the bank/county trustee. They are dragging ass I can tell you, but I’m not complaining. Longer to save up money.
Ok, off for now. Love to you all
xoxo
Monday, January 12, 2009
Good Good Ju Ju Matty
Matt is going in for his stem cell harvest tomorrow, it’s a big big day people and we all need to get on board with sending out the good ju ju to the Universe, asking for protection and health. Next week should (hopefully) be his last round of chemo, then radiation and then let the healing begin.
I promised Matt we’d go on vacation together when he’s up to it. Any suggestions?
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
I promised Matt we’d go on vacation together when he’s up to it. Any suggestions?
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
GOOD GOOD JU JU
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Review Time
I'm crazy busy so this will be brief:
My company rocks. My manager rocks. I rock.
Life is good, got another sizable raise. Wow. I'm sort of speechless right now.
They are going to make me work for it this year, that's for sure. Expect less blogging and communication from yours truly in the coming months.
Wow
xo
S
My company rocks. My manager rocks. I rock.
Life is good, got another sizable raise. Wow. I'm sort of speechless right now.
They are going to make me work for it this year, that's for sure. Expect less blogging and communication from yours truly in the coming months.
Wow
xo
S
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Ok Wind, Let's Have A Chat
I realize the importance of wind. Mother Earth uses wind to propagate plant life, spread the various temperatures of the planet around, move precipitation around to the land masses from the sea and speak to us of changes. I get this and lest I be struck down for complaining about such a powerful and important element, I have to say that I’ve had about all I can take of the winds lately.
Gentle breezes that talk and excite the trees in the summer and fall are just fine by me, the air that comes off the ocean on the beach or in the bay’s is quite enjoyable and when it’s 100+ degree’s in Denver in the middle of July, then I know we are all thankful for some kind of air disruption. Which rarely happens because heat rises and stifles even then wind when it’s THAT hot out.
But this, this blustery bout as of late has gotten under my skin. It rattles my windows at night, toys with the ceiling fan in the bathroom and sounds like some angry spirit rising up to give me a piece of its mind. It yells at me when I open the door to my office and I have to fight it to get back out. It tries to blow me off the highway and I have to fight it again to stay on the road. And, it just throws my whole being into a funk when I am faced with it whipping around me as I travel from car to house or house to car and to work or whatever. It unsettles me and makes me crappy and I’m already crabby today because I want to eat everything, my tummy looks like a Goodyear Tire has been attached to it and I’d rather be at home reading a book, under the covers then at work right now.
So wind, what gives? I realize the world can’t stop for just one person and I’m not asking for any kind of special treatment here, but I have to tell you….I’m getting a little put off from the whole thing and I know it’s not intentional, but could you gut a girl a break today? Please. Because I can’t go another night with not enough rest and I seriously can’t get warm, no matter how many layers I have on.
How about we make a deal? I will more openly acknowledge how vastly amazing your powers are if you stop blowing in my ear tonight so I can sleep like a baby? Just for tonight, ok?
Ok, thanks.
Love you wind, you’re the best.
Gentle breezes that talk and excite the trees in the summer and fall are just fine by me, the air that comes off the ocean on the beach or in the bay’s is quite enjoyable and when it’s 100+ degree’s in Denver in the middle of July, then I know we are all thankful for some kind of air disruption. Which rarely happens because heat rises and stifles even then wind when it’s THAT hot out.
But this, this blustery bout as of late has gotten under my skin. It rattles my windows at night, toys with the ceiling fan in the bathroom and sounds like some angry spirit rising up to give me a piece of its mind. It yells at me when I open the door to my office and I have to fight it to get back out. It tries to blow me off the highway and I have to fight it again to stay on the road. And, it just throws my whole being into a funk when I am faced with it whipping around me as I travel from car to house or house to car and to work or whatever. It unsettles me and makes me crappy and I’m already crabby today because I want to eat everything, my tummy looks like a Goodyear Tire has been attached to it and I’d rather be at home reading a book, under the covers then at work right now.
So wind, what gives? I realize the world can’t stop for just one person and I’m not asking for any kind of special treatment here, but I have to tell you….I’m getting a little put off from the whole thing and I know it’s not intentional, but could you gut a girl a break today? Please. Because I can’t go another night with not enough rest and I seriously can’t get warm, no matter how many layers I have on.
How about we make a deal? I will more openly acknowledge how vastly amazing your powers are if you stop blowing in my ear tonight so I can sleep like a baby? Just for tonight, ok?
Ok, thanks.
Love you wind, you’re the best.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Happy Birthday To You
Today is my father’s birthday. He would be in his mid fifties now, barely old enough to have a 33 year old daughter, let alone a 16 year old grandson. I wonder what kind of grandfather my father would have been to Max. Naturally, I also often wonder what kind of father he would have become through the years. Who would I be today? How would his presence have differently formed me? I realize these questions are moot, but it is fair for me to ask them and finally, I’ve stopped feeling otherwise. As if by doing so I am betraying my mother. Or his memory.
Some might believe you cannot miss someone you hardly know. You cannot long for a man whose face you hardly remember. This is not true for me. I do miss him, or maybe I miss the part of me that is missing. It’s hard to say.
He may be gone from this life and my questions may never be answered, but clearly, an aspect of his legacy lives on. It is said that my father was a fiercely passionate man and that in this way, I take after him. I thank him for that. I know there must be other things within me that stem from him that live on, but I am sort of always left to question that because I’ll never really know for sure.
It took a rather startling comment from my Aunty MB for me to realize that another way in which my father lives on through the generations is the fact that my son does look quite a bit like my father. I went and dug up some pictures that I tend to not look through very often because I have spent a life time thinking I needn’t really “deal with a lot of this right now” and by putting those pictures and letters and poems in boxes for a later date, I could sort of pretend like this pain wasn’t lurking somewhere in that closet which I can now realize is wholly symbolic of my heart. I think I’ve always been so absorbed with just surviving or other distractions to begin to delve much further then the logical obvious that when a little girl’s daddy dies, it’s going to affect her forever. Stuffed down pain doesn’t hide for long, it surfaces and when it does, it surely can take some ugly forms if not managed properly. Anyway, that’s a subject for another day. What I will tell you is that while looking through some of these photo’s of my father as a young man, I can see a pretty clear resemblance between him and my son. And now that I can see this, I can’t un-see it. It does not make me sad. Not in the least. That’s progress folks, major.
Some days, I feel I can’t dwell to long on this subject because clearly the fates had different ideas for me and my father. I know he loved me, I know my mom loves me. I know they did the best they could, I know how easy it is to fall into the abyss as a parent and not fully realize how your decisions are affecting your children, or the other people you share bonded love with. Experience does that to you, you know. It brings about tolerance of things that perhaps you once blamed another harshly for. My parents were just children, jeez he was still such a young man when he passed….still only on the verge of man-hood once could argue, even though he had a daughter and another on the way. I’ve long since forgiven him in my mind.
But, sadly, the heart is another matter. I still haven’t forgiven him for leaving such a big hole in me, even if it’s not his fault that he was taken so early, that’s where the blame lies. Again, it’s that whole idea of logically knowing something and reality being two different things. And on days like today, I miss him and I am sad that he’s not here to share in life’s little pleasures. No doubt Rose will likely have children and while I am done having kids, I know my father would have liked very much to have a grandson. I think my dad would’ve grown into himself, like we all do.
So, I wanted to wish him happy birthday in a public way.
Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you. You are missed.
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve said that word, it makes me cry but it feels good.
Some might believe you cannot miss someone you hardly know. You cannot long for a man whose face you hardly remember. This is not true for me. I do miss him, or maybe I miss the part of me that is missing. It’s hard to say.
He may be gone from this life and my questions may never be answered, but clearly, an aspect of his legacy lives on. It is said that my father was a fiercely passionate man and that in this way, I take after him. I thank him for that. I know there must be other things within me that stem from him that live on, but I am sort of always left to question that because I’ll never really know for sure.
It took a rather startling comment from my Aunty MB for me to realize that another way in which my father lives on through the generations is the fact that my son does look quite a bit like my father. I went and dug up some pictures that I tend to not look through very often because I have spent a life time thinking I needn’t really “deal with a lot of this right now” and by putting those pictures and letters and poems in boxes for a later date, I could sort of pretend like this pain wasn’t lurking somewhere in that closet which I can now realize is wholly symbolic of my heart. I think I’ve always been so absorbed with just surviving or other distractions to begin to delve much further then the logical obvious that when a little girl’s daddy dies, it’s going to affect her forever. Stuffed down pain doesn’t hide for long, it surfaces and when it does, it surely can take some ugly forms if not managed properly. Anyway, that’s a subject for another day. What I will tell you is that while looking through some of these photo’s of my father as a young man, I can see a pretty clear resemblance between him and my son. And now that I can see this, I can’t un-see it. It does not make me sad. Not in the least. That’s progress folks, major.
Some days, I feel I can’t dwell to long on this subject because clearly the fates had different ideas for me and my father. I know he loved me, I know my mom loves me. I know they did the best they could, I know how easy it is to fall into the abyss as a parent and not fully realize how your decisions are affecting your children, or the other people you share bonded love with. Experience does that to you, you know. It brings about tolerance of things that perhaps you once blamed another harshly for. My parents were just children, jeez he was still such a young man when he passed….still only on the verge of man-hood once could argue, even though he had a daughter and another on the way. I’ve long since forgiven him in my mind.
But, sadly, the heart is another matter. I still haven’t forgiven him for leaving such a big hole in me, even if it’s not his fault that he was taken so early, that’s where the blame lies. Again, it’s that whole idea of logically knowing something and reality being two different things. And on days like today, I miss him and I am sad that he’s not here to share in life’s little pleasures. No doubt Rose will likely have children and while I am done having kids, I know my father would have liked very much to have a grandson. I think my dad would’ve grown into himself, like we all do.
So, I wanted to wish him happy birthday in a public way.
Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you. You are missed.
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve said that word, it makes me cry but it feels good.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Silence
Max is with his dad, up at the grandparent’s house in Idaho Springs. It is always much to quiet in the house without him. It’s a silence that only the absence of a child can leave. Every sound permeates the entire house and I find myself feeling more comfortable holed up in my bedroom, with Gaia on my lap, reading then anywhere else in the house at the moment.
In years past, when Max was with his father’s family for any period of time I took it as an opportunity to be social with friends or get work done. I now realize this can’t go on forever. I no longer need to use that time to go party and be “young” because I am growing up and so is he. Some day soon he’ll be spending longer and longer periods away from mom, away from home and I suppose it is in those spaces that I must begin to progress my activities accordingly. Navigating this experience is new to me. It is taking on the form of exploring the next chapters of my own life while Max is out beginning his own. It’s a noticeable transition, both internally and externally. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am ready to establish some goals and go after them. Finishing my BA seems to be the most obvious and logical choice, plus it’s what I always said I would do when Max got old enough. Though, frankly, I am not entirely sure it’s what I truly want. I am not quite sure what this looks like yet.
There are times when I welcome this space from Max. Other times, like now, I don’t so much. We had such a gloriously relaxing Holiday (other then a stomach thing that made my life uncomfortable for about 24 hours) complete with too much food, movies and video games together. It is in those moments that I truly enjoy him and it is in those moments that we bond so that we can be there for each other when we aren’t enjoying each other so much. It was hard to let him go yesterday after such 5 days together that felt absolutely necessary, especially with the knowledge that we’ll face the standard “Mom, your rules are ridiculous and I don’t have to listen to you.” attitude upon his return, complete with irritability and crankiness that lasts for anywhere from 1 – 2 weeks. During this time period he is prone to pick fights, snap at me without provocation, and be of the mindset that he can do as he pleases without any sort of repercussion or consequence. Without fail, some incident always occurs at school either with a teacher or another kid. And unfortunately, this particular visit coincides with Max getting home on a Sunday and returning to school on Monday. I wish it weren’t the case, but I am prepared for a full on battle upon his return both at home and at school because besides the “Disneyland Dad Syndrome” he’s going to incur, he’s also facing being off school for two weeks and returning to start a new semester.
Goddess help us all.
So, in short while I am of the opinion that these visits are clearly something Max needs, it’s never something I look forward to in terms of the bigger picture because there is always fall out. I’d say it’s the most tangible example of how the primary care taker is almost always left to clean up the messes of the absent parent. It’s some straight up BS in my opinion, but happening nonetheless and it kills me to see my son come home and struggle like he does after these visits. It brings on momma bear rage and all sorts of feelings of frustration toward Sean AND the grandparent’s because it doesn’t have to be this way and I get tired of all the finger pointing that goes on. And I’m tired of pointing mine (can you guess which one?) at them, so I’ll stop before I begin ranting.
In other news, I have the option to take another 4 day weekend this weekend with the New Year’s holiday. I am considering it, though with my injury from this year and how I accrue PTO, I will be less some PTO for 2009 so I want to be sure and use those days wisely. I am thinking of a trip to San Francisco with Max. I think it might be a really great experience for him, to see where he was borne, where we lived, the beautiful city. I am not sure how I’d swing this financially; I may pick up a contract job after we move to do so. We’ll see.
Out for now friends, peace to you all.
In years past, when Max was with his father’s family for any period of time I took it as an opportunity to be social with friends or get work done. I now realize this can’t go on forever. I no longer need to use that time to go party and be “young” because I am growing up and so is he. Some day soon he’ll be spending longer and longer periods away from mom, away from home and I suppose it is in those spaces that I must begin to progress my activities accordingly. Navigating this experience is new to me. It is taking on the form of exploring the next chapters of my own life while Max is out beginning his own. It’s a noticeable transition, both internally and externally. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am ready to establish some goals and go after them. Finishing my BA seems to be the most obvious and logical choice, plus it’s what I always said I would do when Max got old enough. Though, frankly, I am not entirely sure it’s what I truly want. I am not quite sure what this looks like yet.
There are times when I welcome this space from Max. Other times, like now, I don’t so much. We had such a gloriously relaxing Holiday (other then a stomach thing that made my life uncomfortable for about 24 hours) complete with too much food, movies and video games together. It is in those moments that I truly enjoy him and it is in those moments that we bond so that we can be there for each other when we aren’t enjoying each other so much. It was hard to let him go yesterday after such 5 days together that felt absolutely necessary, especially with the knowledge that we’ll face the standard “Mom, your rules are ridiculous and I don’t have to listen to you.” attitude upon his return, complete with irritability and crankiness that lasts for anywhere from 1 – 2 weeks. During this time period he is prone to pick fights, snap at me without provocation, and be of the mindset that he can do as he pleases without any sort of repercussion or consequence. Without fail, some incident always occurs at school either with a teacher or another kid. And unfortunately, this particular visit coincides with Max getting home on a Sunday and returning to school on Monday. I wish it weren’t the case, but I am prepared for a full on battle upon his return both at home and at school because besides the “Disneyland Dad Syndrome” he’s going to incur, he’s also facing being off school for two weeks and returning to start a new semester.
Goddess help us all.
So, in short while I am of the opinion that these visits are clearly something Max needs, it’s never something I look forward to in terms of the bigger picture because there is always fall out. I’d say it’s the most tangible example of how the primary care taker is almost always left to clean up the messes of the absent parent. It’s some straight up BS in my opinion, but happening nonetheless and it kills me to see my son come home and struggle like he does after these visits. It brings on momma bear rage and all sorts of feelings of frustration toward Sean AND the grandparent’s because it doesn’t have to be this way and I get tired of all the finger pointing that goes on. And I’m tired of pointing mine (can you guess which one?) at them, so I’ll stop before I begin ranting.
In other news, I have the option to take another 4 day weekend this weekend with the New Year’s holiday. I am considering it, though with my injury from this year and how I accrue PTO, I will be less some PTO for 2009 so I want to be sure and use those days wisely. I am thinking of a trip to San Francisco with Max. I think it might be a really great experience for him, to see where he was borne, where we lived, the beautiful city. I am not sure how I’d swing this financially; I may pick up a contract job after we move to do so. We’ll see.
Out for now friends, peace to you all.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
*NOM NOM NOM*
My co worker made some of these and brought them OH MY FRIGGEN GAWD!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/index.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/index.html
Monday, December 22, 2008
Never Thought I'd See The Day!
Well, I never thought I'd see this day come. That's right, you'rs truly.....bleeding heart - lefty - peace loving - liberal purchased an actual gun for her 16 year old son. Maybe I'm turning to the dark side after all?
Ha ha, don't get too excited....it's just an air rifle that shoots little plastic beads. A comprimise between a bb gun and a paintball gun. It's still not for wussies, it can totally put a hole in things and smarts like a mother if it hits you. You have to be over 18 to buy one and it is something that comes with a certain amount of responsibility attached to it, so it's an excercise in trust between a mother and her boy. I trust Max not to shoot an animal or little kids with it (those were the #1 rules, if an animal gets shot with that thing it's GONE!) and in general, I get the sense from him that he's not going to blow it. There are several rules along with this thing that include no damage to property, people or animals, that kind of basic stuff. Besides, his friends (who all have one and like to shoot each other in the ass with it wth?) are oohing and ahhing over it and Max is strutting around like a peacock over the whole thing, so apparently mom did good.
It's one of those things he knows he's lucky to have in the first place I guess. Especially coming from this slightly over-protective hippy momma, who wouldn't even buy him toy guns when he was a young boy and encouraged him more to play with lego's and cars and be outside with me in the garden. Yet, he'd still "shoot" things with bannana's or whatever else might be fashioned into a weapon so I'm certain this is some kind of genetic predisposition for males, you know...bang bang kill kill destroy destroy. I see it in the role playing video games he plays and rough housing that goes on with his friends, which only re-inacts some level of a sort of 'safe' violence...but it must serve some kind of purpose, right? *sigh* I don't totally get it, but I recognize it as some inherant need that needs to be acted out for him to grow up and be a man.
Besides, I shot it at the fence and knocked a pop can over and admit to feeling a slight rush when the can went down. Go Mom. It's the first kind of 'gun' I've ever fired and it makes noise and it's kind of heavy, but still I can sort of see the appeal for a 16 year old boy. Sort of:)
If you had asked me if this would've ever happened...say 10 years ago when he was a 6 year old in Kindergarten I would've said HELL TO THE NO! Parenting is unlike any other experience I've ever known. You gotta roll with it baby.
:)
Ha ha, don't get too excited....it's just an air rifle that shoots little plastic beads. A comprimise between a bb gun and a paintball gun. It's still not for wussies, it can totally put a hole in things and smarts like a mother if it hits you. You have to be over 18 to buy one and it is something that comes with a certain amount of responsibility attached to it, so it's an excercise in trust between a mother and her boy. I trust Max not to shoot an animal or little kids with it (those were the #1 rules, if an animal gets shot with that thing it's GONE!) and in general, I get the sense from him that he's not going to blow it. There are several rules along with this thing that include no damage to property, people or animals, that kind of basic stuff. Besides, his friends (who all have one and like to shoot each other in the ass with it wth?) are oohing and ahhing over it and Max is strutting around like a peacock over the whole thing, so apparently mom did good.
It's one of those things he knows he's lucky to have in the first place I guess. Especially coming from this slightly over-protective hippy momma, who wouldn't even buy him toy guns when he was a young boy and encouraged him more to play with lego's and cars and be outside with me in the garden. Yet, he'd still "shoot" things with bannana's or whatever else might be fashioned into a weapon so I'm certain this is some kind of genetic predisposition for males, you know...bang bang kill kill destroy destroy. I see it in the role playing video games he plays and rough housing that goes on with his friends, which only re-inacts some level of a sort of 'safe' violence...but it must serve some kind of purpose, right? *sigh* I don't totally get it, but I recognize it as some inherant need that needs to be acted out for him to grow up and be a man.
Besides, I shot it at the fence and knocked a pop can over and admit to feeling a slight rush when the can went down. Go Mom. It's the first kind of 'gun' I've ever fired and it makes noise and it's kind of heavy, but still I can sort of see the appeal for a 16 year old boy. Sort of:)
If you had asked me if this would've ever happened...say 10 years ago when he was a 6 year old in Kindergarten I would've said HELL TO THE NO! Parenting is unlike any other experience I've ever known. You gotta roll with it baby.
:)
Friday, December 19, 2008
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
I'm waiting for my co-worker to finish her issue so we can go to lunch and someone in this office has something delicious cooking in the kitchen and I'm going fall over dead soon if I don't get something in my belly.
Mom says I used to get REALLY cranky when I was hungry as a child, I can so see me throwing a tantrum over it. In fact, I remember once she was making these cabbage/hamburger roll thingy's that I used to LOVE and they smelled so good when they were in the oven cooking and I was literally salivating over the smells and my stomach was growling and I kept trying to open the oven door and get one, even though they weren't done. She wopped me good with a wooden serving spoon on the knuckles so I went over board with the crying and went into the fridge and took a HUGE bite of cheese, right off the block. Without cutting a piece or anything, just big ole teeth marks all up in that cheese. That'll teach her! My poor mother, I gave her hell on occasion. Between her and my Grandma Barbie, that wooden spoon and I became quite fammiliar.
So now, I'm sitting here starving and Raquel is making me wait for my food and I'm about to get all pouty about it.
I'm such a princess diva, omg.
Mom says I used to get REALLY cranky when I was hungry as a child, I can so see me throwing a tantrum over it. In fact, I remember once she was making these cabbage/hamburger roll thingy's that I used to LOVE and they smelled so good when they were in the oven cooking and I was literally salivating over the smells and my stomach was growling and I kept trying to open the oven door and get one, even though they weren't done. She wopped me good with a wooden serving spoon on the knuckles so I went over board with the crying and went into the fridge and took a HUGE bite of cheese, right off the block. Without cutting a piece or anything, just big ole teeth marks all up in that cheese. That'll teach her! My poor mother, I gave her hell on occasion. Between her and my Grandma Barbie, that wooden spoon and I became quite fammiliar.
So now, I'm sitting here starving and Raquel is making me wait for my food and I'm about to get all pouty about it.
I'm such a princess diva, omg.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Almost There!
In 3 days Solstice will be upon us and I always enjoy it so much, even when I’m being all cranky and scroogy, I still get pretty brightened up around Solstice.
I found THE coolest goddess coloring book and glitter pens online, I called Journey and they said they have them in stock. I hope they are still there by the time I make my way down there.
I plan to spend my Solstice coloring and cooking as it’s going to be the perfect weekend to stay inside and cook comfort foods. I already bought some candles for the occasion….I wonder if I can get Max to eat butternut squash soup….?????
I found THE coolest goddess coloring book and glitter pens online, I called Journey and they said they have them in stock. I hope they are still there by the time I make my way down there.
I plan to spend my Solstice coloring and cooking as it’s going to be the perfect weekend to stay inside and cook comfort foods. I already bought some candles for the occasion….I wonder if I can get Max to eat butternut squash soup….?????
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Brrrrr Dammit!
It is unusually cold in Colorado these days, 7 degree’s last night. Monday morning it was -11. Dood, this aging body does not manage the wildly fluctuating weather patterns of this state as much as it once did. I can’t get warm, no matter how much tea I drink or oatmeal I eat or sweaters I wear. I can’t get enough sleep, no matter how much I sleep. I can’t tell if it’s the crud or the weather or both. Probably both. I haven’t worked out in like 2 weeks now b/c of class last week and now this nonsense, I’m worried I’ll fall off the wagon. I was doing SO good and there is a noticable difference in my stress level when I work out regularly, as in….it becomes manageable and I’m not as prone to emotional outbursts and/or giving Max a piece of my mind when he surely wasn’t even asking for it or expecting it.
Poor kid. He’s been fighing this crap since Friday evening I think. Though he sounds much better today then he has over the past few days. He sounds almost croupy. If you’re kid ever had croup as a toddler, you know the sound. It is recognizable from the onset. He does seem on the mend tho and just texted me that he got the highest grade on the American History term final of anyone in the class! GOOOO MAX!
I finally put up few scant holiday decorations yesterday. I admit it sort of brightened the house up a little and I’d forgoitten how much I enjoy the lights. The lights are my favorite part of this time of year in terms of decoration, they sparkle and wink and talk to me. My hopes of getting cards out have faded, I’m choosing not to feel guilty about it.
We watched “Into The Wild” last night. I will be adding it to my “Sarah’s Top Movie Pick’s” list. You know, cuz my choices in music, theatre, film and literature matter a whole lot to the world. But, I’m keeping tabs of them anyway, maybe more for me then anyone else. So that when I’m an old woman, I can look back and trace my growth through the art’s? Perhaps.
“Into The Wild” is Sean Penn’s first directing/producing debut as I understand it. He is on my noted performer’s list, I began keeping close tabs on him after “I Am Sam”, “21 Grams” and “Mysic River”, all of which were heart wrenchingly profound for me, but his roles in particular in each were tremendous. Who knew Madonna’s ex bad boy would turn into such a phenomenal artist? You’re a stud Sean, seriously. I’m hoping to see you in “MILK“ this weekend.
“Into The Wild” quote I can’t get out of my head:
“….there is some kind of bigger thing that we can all appreciate and it sounds to me you don't mind calling it God. But when you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines through you.”
Gives me shivers to hear it again. Ronald Franz (the character who said it) reminds me of someone I know, it makes me cry. The whole movie is full of these kinds of tidbits, little leaders into the bigger theme….and a lot of tears for this sniffle-puss. Sometimes, you hear something that you know is truth for you and it resonates. Much of what I saw in this movie resonated for me.
I am tired and need to wrap up my work day and netti pot my head. For the record (to my concerned public) I take vitamins, get plenty of liquids and I haven’t been smoking or eating crap. The degree and length to which these colds/sinus things last are less and less and further and further in between. It is my opinion that there is something in my office or home that is attacking my immune system which is already comrpimised by kidney disease, stress and many many years of beating the hell out of my body for which I am now recovering. I haven’t lost faith in the fact that I can, some day be consistenly well andm I also haven’t lost sight of the fact that I live with a teenager who brings all kinds of nastyness home from school. It is what it is, but I assure you all…I am taking very good care of myself. In fact, I’m being quite selfish about it and cancelling dinner things and other plans I’ve had for weeks so I can rest up and not be out in this freaking artic cold with a head that feels like a bubble and sinuses that are quite gooky.
It’s ALL GOOD
Poor kid. He’s been fighing this crap since Friday evening I think. Though he sounds much better today then he has over the past few days. He sounds almost croupy. If you’re kid ever had croup as a toddler, you know the sound. It is recognizable from the onset. He does seem on the mend tho and just texted me that he got the highest grade on the American History term final of anyone in the class! GOOOO MAX!
I finally put up few scant holiday decorations yesterday. I admit it sort of brightened the house up a little and I’d forgoitten how much I enjoy the lights. The lights are my favorite part of this time of year in terms of decoration, they sparkle and wink and talk to me. My hopes of getting cards out have faded, I’m choosing not to feel guilty about it.
We watched “Into The Wild” last night. I will be adding it to my “Sarah’s Top Movie Pick’s” list. You know, cuz my choices in music, theatre, film and literature matter a whole lot to the world. But, I’m keeping tabs of them anyway, maybe more for me then anyone else. So that when I’m an old woman, I can look back and trace my growth through the art’s? Perhaps.
“Into The Wild” is Sean Penn’s first directing/producing debut as I understand it. He is on my noted performer’s list, I began keeping close tabs on him after “I Am Sam”, “21 Grams” and “Mysic River”, all of which were heart wrenchingly profound for me, but his roles in particular in each were tremendous. Who knew Madonna’s ex bad boy would turn into such a phenomenal artist? You’re a stud Sean, seriously. I’m hoping to see you in “MILK“ this weekend.
“Into The Wild” quote I can’t get out of my head:
“….there is some kind of bigger thing that we can all appreciate and it sounds to me you don't mind calling it God. But when you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines through you.”
Gives me shivers to hear it again. Ronald Franz (the character who said it) reminds me of someone I know, it makes me cry. The whole movie is full of these kinds of tidbits, little leaders into the bigger theme….and a lot of tears for this sniffle-puss. Sometimes, you hear something that you know is truth for you and it resonates. Much of what I saw in this movie resonated for me.
I am tired and need to wrap up my work day and netti pot my head. For the record (to my concerned public) I take vitamins, get plenty of liquids and I haven’t been smoking or eating crap. The degree and length to which these colds/sinus things last are less and less and further and further in between. It is my opinion that there is something in my office or home that is attacking my immune system which is already comrpimised by kidney disease, stress and many many years of beating the hell out of my body for which I am now recovering. I haven’t lost faith in the fact that I can, some day be consistenly well andm I also haven’t lost sight of the fact that I live with a teenager who brings all kinds of nastyness home from school. It is what it is, but I assure you all…I am taking very good care of myself. In fact, I’m being quite selfish about it and cancelling dinner things and other plans I’ve had for weeks so I can rest up and not be out in this freaking artic cold with a head that feels like a bubble and sinuses that are quite gooky.
It’s ALL GOOD
Monday, December 15, 2008
I am home sick today, so I'm going to write a quick update and go back to bed. And before anyone comments...I made it a whole 45 days since the "Great Strep Incident of 2008" and this isn't nearly as bad (I hope) just some crud Max brought from home that makes doing anything but laying down and breathing a challenge.....anyhow....
Training last week was incredible, what a fantastic opportunity. I'm glad the crud missed me long enough to attend, I learned so much and I am eager to get back to work and start applying it.
My weekend was a mixed bag. Rhi was in town to see Matt and we ended up having a pretty good time.
Friday night Rhi shows up with a new fairy for me, I think I am going to start collecting them. I'll post a pick of my current so ya'll can get a idea. They are too much fun. After our initial greetings and discussion, there was some shenenagans that included drunken kaorake, a visit from Sam The Man and his main squeeze and Rhi and I watching Gremlins in the middle of the night and giggling like school girls. BRIGHT LIGHT! I miss that, I miss having girlfriends in CO that I can be totally goofy with. There was a time when Crys & Rhi & I could not be trustetd, the 3 of us or any combination there of was definately prone to sillyness and they were good times. Those times are gone now and we all know that, but a brief revisit to sillyness never hurt anyone.
Saturday, Matty came over and we had some very AMERICAN Mexican food. Super generic, nothing terribley fancy...but edible. Matt seemed to be having a tough day, we'd planned to have Sam over to see him...but Nurse Sarah felt it was best to keep it super quiet. Matt is in my thoughts every day and seeing him sometimes helps me to reconnect what's in my heart with reality because I tend to get really worked up at times and seeing him more often is important, it will ground me. I am hoping we can make our "weekly dinner night" happen. I miss him.
So, through Sunday the weekend was a success in this sniffling girls opinion and I have to say, it brings a certain peace of mind to see Rhi doing well.
Sunday morning, Rhi calls the friends she rode out here with and they announce they aren't going back home (Chicago area) until Monday or Tuesday. This isn't acceptable, they basically stranded her in Denver and she had to report to work at noon today. I am not going to rehash the details but it all worked out for the best, Rhi got on a plane going one way to Chicago and met her friends there who took her home.
However, I will say this.....in this life you always have to have a back up plan. I know this, we all KNOW this but repeatedly I see it all around me. I went from "She Who Attemps To Control EVERYTHING" to "She Who Cannot Control ANYTHING" in a few short years and here I am, on the other side of it all with a whole new mixture of the two and everything in between. There are times when things happen that are out of you're control that you still have to navigaget and manage, whether it's your "fault" or not, whether you like it or not. Yes, there is much that can be done (like carefully choosing who you trust) to avoid ending up in said situations...but sometimes, it just happens. As a result, unfortunately, I've become rather jaded on the subject of relying on others in any way. There are people in my life I know I can depend on, no matter what. That I know love Max and I, that would never let us be on the street starving or left feeling alone during the tought times.
But I always wonder "At what cost to the relationship?" I'm learning that if I just handle it on my own and keep it to myself, I feel a lot less vulnerable.
Life can be so complicated, can't it? It does tend to be when you let people in doesn't it? I am still on the fence about whether there will be any "new" people "let in." So far, I'm not feeling it.
Ok, I'm off.....my whole body aches and Max just came down stairs to announce that he is nauseas and would like me to go get him some 7UP. Ha....and then monkey's are gonna fly out of my butt.
I'm going to bed.
Training last week was incredible, what a fantastic opportunity. I'm glad the crud missed me long enough to attend, I learned so much and I am eager to get back to work and start applying it.
My weekend was a mixed bag. Rhi was in town to see Matt and we ended up having a pretty good time.
Friday night Rhi shows up with a new fairy for me, I think I am going to start collecting them. I'll post a pick of my current so ya'll can get a idea. They are too much fun. After our initial greetings and discussion, there was some shenenagans that included drunken kaorake, a visit from Sam The Man and his main squeeze and Rhi and I watching Gremlins in the middle of the night and giggling like school girls. BRIGHT LIGHT! I miss that, I miss having girlfriends in CO that I can be totally goofy with. There was a time when Crys & Rhi & I could not be trustetd, the 3 of us or any combination there of was definately prone to sillyness and they were good times. Those times are gone now and we all know that, but a brief revisit to sillyness never hurt anyone.
Saturday, Matty came over and we had some very AMERICAN Mexican food. Super generic, nothing terribley fancy...but edible. Matt seemed to be having a tough day, we'd planned to have Sam over to see him...but Nurse Sarah felt it was best to keep it super quiet. Matt is in my thoughts every day and seeing him sometimes helps me to reconnect what's in my heart with reality because I tend to get really worked up at times and seeing him more often is important, it will ground me. I am hoping we can make our "weekly dinner night" happen. I miss him.
So, through Sunday the weekend was a success in this sniffling girls opinion and I have to say, it brings a certain peace of mind to see Rhi doing well.
Sunday morning, Rhi calls the friends she rode out here with and they announce they aren't going back home (Chicago area) until Monday or Tuesday. This isn't acceptable, they basically stranded her in Denver and she had to report to work at noon today. I am not going to rehash the details but it all worked out for the best, Rhi got on a plane going one way to Chicago and met her friends there who took her home.
However, I will say this.....in this life you always have to have a back up plan. I know this, we all KNOW this but repeatedly I see it all around me. I went from "She Who Attemps To Control EVERYTHING" to "She Who Cannot Control ANYTHING" in a few short years and here I am, on the other side of it all with a whole new mixture of the two and everything in between. There are times when things happen that are out of you're control that you still have to navigaget and manage, whether it's your "fault" or not, whether you like it or not. Yes, there is much that can be done (like carefully choosing who you trust) to avoid ending up in said situations...but sometimes, it just happens. As a result, unfortunately, I've become rather jaded on the subject of relying on others in any way. There are people in my life I know I can depend on, no matter what. That I know love Max and I, that would never let us be on the street starving or left feeling alone during the tought times.
But I always wonder "At what cost to the relationship?" I'm learning that if I just handle it on my own and keep it to myself, I feel a lot less vulnerable.
Life can be so complicated, can't it? It does tend to be when you let people in doesn't it? I am still on the fence about whether there will be any "new" people "let in." So far, I'm not feeling it.
Ok, I'm off.....my whole body aches and Max just came down stairs to announce that he is nauseas and would like me to go get him some 7UP. Ha....and then monkey's are gonna fly out of my butt.
I'm going to bed.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Not A Peep....
You won't be hearing much from me this week....it's class time hoooray .Net! Class hours are from 8 - 4:30 each day out in the tech center so I won't be home until much later then my normal time, which will cause an obvious shift in my evening routines.
I'll do my best to answer emails during my lunch hours, I'll be working during that time anyways...
love you all
xo
s
I'll do my best to answer emails during my lunch hours, I'll be working during that time anyways...
love you all
xo
s
Thursday, December 04, 2008
For Which I Am Thankful....
It’s been a quiet, but steady seven days since this time last week. My long holiday weekend was relaxing, mostly solitary and reflective. Taking the time to consider the person one wishes to become and the person one is actually becoming can be cause for both a sense of satisfaction and arduous internal debate.
Are these two people destined to stand in opposition with one another indefinitely?
I suspect so to some degree. This opposition must be what motivates some of us to strive for something “more.” Whatever that “more” may be for you; monetary wealth or love or finding bliss or even on the more basic level of getting to the point where you are doing more then simply surviving. There must be more purpose to this life then simply surviving it? That’s another post topic all together I suppose so back to topic….
What I am learning, is that for now, for me, I will gladly start with simply striving to be the best person that I can. Going back to the basics I mean, it seems an obvious place to start doesn’t it? I’ve felt lost, unfocused and astray for so long now that it finally occurred to me that rather then flailing around like a wet cat, scratching my way through each day and not always feeling like I have much more purpose in my step then getting from one to the next, it’s time to take a direct inventory of myself and this life I’ve created. A sort of checks and balances of my thoughts, choices and actions from this point on.
At this moment for me, three shinning stars top the list:
a) Nurturement Of Self
Physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological. Taking the time out to take care of myself first, I am tired of feeling selfish for doing so. I no longer tie myself to the idea that women aren’t suppose to do what’s right for them before anyone else, I am no longer married to the concept that I am not a good person unless I am giving more of myself then I am receiving. This is a period of self-renewal for me and I’m going after it and not looking back. Experience and age are beginning to teach me that time in this body is limited; I don’t intend to fritter it away any longer. This means incorporating that which fulfills my needs as high a priority on the “To Do List” as my son’s or the house cleaning or the laundry or my mother’s or my friends or anyone else. This means putting physical activity on the calendar 5 days a week in the form that most accommodates my style and desires. This means consuming a balance of both pleasurable and nutritionally sound items. This means reading, writing, singing, visiting art museum’s, going to movies and concerts, feeding that which fuels and fulfills the magnificently creative being within me that has some idea that perhaps in another life she could’ve been a great artist or writer or speaker or rock star, I can’t stuff her down any longer for fear that she’ll be rejected. This means connecting with other humans of like mind and spirit because I have finally learned that you cannot force it, it comes naturally or it doesn’t. This means opening myself to the possibilities of love in all of its forms and forgiving myself. This means participating in activity that allows me to be outdoors, with animals or young children regularly. This means, when I am more able, to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
b) Intentional Interaction With Max
Max is changing very quickly and there isn’t much time to over-evaluate the situation with him, a course of action must be decided upon and stuck to, with enough flexibility to go with it as needed. We have faced an onslaught of challenges as of late and there are periods of reprieve amongst the madness. Much of which seems to come from my taking action to defuse the situation directly. Luckily, I am learning to take that time to reinforce to this young man that above all else, he is loved and valued. He will always have a home with me. He will never be alone in this life as long as I am around and even when I am not, I want him to know he’ll never be alone as a greater love exists, even bigger and more immaculate then the one I give him. I feel a strong sense of resolve regarding guidance at this time with him. I am learning to let go, slowly. It is not at all easy, but clearly necessary; your children don’t give you a choice do they? Finally, I’ve gotten it through my thick, needy, co-dependant head that it is not Max’s responsibility to some how define what this new life will look like for both of as he begins to explore himself and define his own existence, this is a change I must navigate on my own rather then react to and in the interim, there is much this child needs from me because while he may be a young man in the making, he is still a child and even in all of my infinite wisdom of 33 years old, I can see that we generally need guidance much longer then the legal age of 18 years old dictates. I may not have much experience to offer him then a mother of 43 or 53, but I have some….enough to at least see that this kid needs someone to be the capable one, to be the consistent, to give him room to make his own decisions and still be there to ground his being as is needed, to be the organic resource for kindness, compassion, love and patience. To just BE there, whether he is fully conscious of it or not. These are basic things that all parents should give to their children and I admittedly lost sight of that for a period of time. But now stepping back, going back to square one and clearing my mind of all my own gunk and redefining my approach with my son…it has made the world of difference for both of us in the day to day interaction. This kid needs me to be the clear headed, capable role model no one else can be for him and it is undoubtedly my duty to do the best I can to provide him with that in these coming months and years.
c) Career Path Focus
The Universe has made it abundantly clear, in no uncertain terms, that the position I hold within my current employment is one that holds tremendous potential for growth. I have no where to go but up here. I am managed by a woman I hold in nothing but the highest regard. Not only is she teaching me a great deal about what it is to be a professional female in this industry, there is something about her that I am connected to on another level. I appreciate her direct, save the drama for your momma attitude about everything in her life. She takes great joy in her children, her husband, she works hard, and she’s a teeny tiny thing and rides her own Harley. She doesn’t f*ck around for lack of a better term, she is something of a mentor to me and I know she also see’s me as one of her kids, all of us are her kids but I know that after this past year, we have bonded and grown closer that nothing else but the natural interactions between an employee and supervisor when said employee’s life appears to be falling apart and then said employee goes and breaks her leg. There is no doubt in my mind that there is much to be learned here, both professionally and personally and I have decided to dedicate 1 – 2 years of service after my .Net training is completed and I am no longer considered a Junior Developer, which will happen within the next 6 months. I owe this company at least a full year after my on the job training is completed as far as I’m concerned, if not more. Someone once told me that my loyalty can is one of my most valuable traits, possibly even to the point of determinant. In this case, I cannot help but feel a sense of loyalty to my team, all the way from my supervisor to my fellow developers to our admin staff. All that interpersonal stuff aside, the bottom line is that I am going to learn skills in these next years that will potentially establish me as a Senior Developer. This is no joke, it’s the kind of opportunity you don’t just walk away from and while things aren’t perfect here, I am paid decently, treated even more then decent and enjoy the flexibility that small development shops like this provide. As long as I am working here, I won’t have to be concerned about leaving early to pick my son up from the principal’s office or rush him to Urgent Care because he busted his foot open. And, I am paid to attend training. And, my training is paid for if I so choose, up to 2 certified classes per year. If there is one thing in my life I can focus my energies on that is nothing but positive and progressive, it is here. For now. Some day I can revisit non profit, but not today and I am finally of clear mind with that decision.
When one lays out the basics in such a way, it makes everything else that much clearer. Perspective is something easily lost if not considered consistently and I lost it for a while there. I won’t pretend that there will be days where I want to run away screaming from all of this because life is full of all kinds of potholes that can easily distract a girl. But I’ve been distracted a long, long while….I’m so over it. Perhaps this is an annual reflection best saved for the New Year, but the time feels like now to me, so I am going with it. I am still not exactly sure what I want to be when I grow up, but starting by just doing your best to live it right is about the best idea I’ve heard in a really, really long time.
Are these two people destined to stand in opposition with one another indefinitely?
I suspect so to some degree. This opposition must be what motivates some of us to strive for something “more.” Whatever that “more” may be for you; monetary wealth or love or finding bliss or even on the more basic level of getting to the point where you are doing more then simply surviving. There must be more purpose to this life then simply surviving it? That’s another post topic all together I suppose so back to topic….
What I am learning, is that for now, for me, I will gladly start with simply striving to be the best person that I can. Going back to the basics I mean, it seems an obvious place to start doesn’t it? I’ve felt lost, unfocused and astray for so long now that it finally occurred to me that rather then flailing around like a wet cat, scratching my way through each day and not always feeling like I have much more purpose in my step then getting from one to the next, it’s time to take a direct inventory of myself and this life I’ve created. A sort of checks and balances of my thoughts, choices and actions from this point on.
At this moment for me, three shinning stars top the list:
a) Nurturement Of Self
Physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological. Taking the time out to take care of myself first, I am tired of feeling selfish for doing so. I no longer tie myself to the idea that women aren’t suppose to do what’s right for them before anyone else, I am no longer married to the concept that I am not a good person unless I am giving more of myself then I am receiving. This is a period of self-renewal for me and I’m going after it and not looking back. Experience and age are beginning to teach me that time in this body is limited; I don’t intend to fritter it away any longer. This means incorporating that which fulfills my needs as high a priority on the “To Do List” as my son’s or the house cleaning or the laundry or my mother’s or my friends or anyone else. This means putting physical activity on the calendar 5 days a week in the form that most accommodates my style and desires. This means consuming a balance of both pleasurable and nutritionally sound items. This means reading, writing, singing, visiting art museum’s, going to movies and concerts, feeding that which fuels and fulfills the magnificently creative being within me that has some idea that perhaps in another life she could’ve been a great artist or writer or speaker or rock star, I can’t stuff her down any longer for fear that she’ll be rejected. This means connecting with other humans of like mind and spirit because I have finally learned that you cannot force it, it comes naturally or it doesn’t. This means opening myself to the possibilities of love in all of its forms and forgiving myself. This means participating in activity that allows me to be outdoors, with animals or young children regularly. This means, when I am more able, to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
b) Intentional Interaction With Max
Max is changing very quickly and there isn’t much time to over-evaluate the situation with him, a course of action must be decided upon and stuck to, with enough flexibility to go with it as needed. We have faced an onslaught of challenges as of late and there are periods of reprieve amongst the madness. Much of which seems to come from my taking action to defuse the situation directly. Luckily, I am learning to take that time to reinforce to this young man that above all else, he is loved and valued. He will always have a home with me. He will never be alone in this life as long as I am around and even when I am not, I want him to know he’ll never be alone as a greater love exists, even bigger and more immaculate then the one I give him. I feel a strong sense of resolve regarding guidance at this time with him. I am learning to let go, slowly. It is not at all easy, but clearly necessary; your children don’t give you a choice do they? Finally, I’ve gotten it through my thick, needy, co-dependant head that it is not Max’s responsibility to some how define what this new life will look like for both of as he begins to explore himself and define his own existence, this is a change I must navigate on my own rather then react to and in the interim, there is much this child needs from me because while he may be a young man in the making, he is still a child and even in all of my infinite wisdom of 33 years old, I can see that we generally need guidance much longer then the legal age of 18 years old dictates. I may not have much experience to offer him then a mother of 43 or 53, but I have some….enough to at least see that this kid needs someone to be the capable one, to be the consistent, to give him room to make his own decisions and still be there to ground his being as is needed, to be the organic resource for kindness, compassion, love and patience. To just BE there, whether he is fully conscious of it or not. These are basic things that all parents should give to their children and I admittedly lost sight of that for a period of time. But now stepping back, going back to square one and clearing my mind of all my own gunk and redefining my approach with my son…it has made the world of difference for both of us in the day to day interaction. This kid needs me to be the clear headed, capable role model no one else can be for him and it is undoubtedly my duty to do the best I can to provide him with that in these coming months and years.
c) Career Path Focus
The Universe has made it abundantly clear, in no uncertain terms, that the position I hold within my current employment is one that holds tremendous potential for growth. I have no where to go but up here. I am managed by a woman I hold in nothing but the highest regard. Not only is she teaching me a great deal about what it is to be a professional female in this industry, there is something about her that I am connected to on another level. I appreciate her direct, save the drama for your momma attitude about everything in her life. She takes great joy in her children, her husband, she works hard, and she’s a teeny tiny thing and rides her own Harley. She doesn’t f*ck around for lack of a better term, she is something of a mentor to me and I know she also see’s me as one of her kids, all of us are her kids but I know that after this past year, we have bonded and grown closer that nothing else but the natural interactions between an employee and supervisor when said employee’s life appears to be falling apart and then said employee goes and breaks her leg. There is no doubt in my mind that there is much to be learned here, both professionally and personally and I have decided to dedicate 1 – 2 years of service after my .Net training is completed and I am no longer considered a Junior Developer, which will happen within the next 6 months. I owe this company at least a full year after my on the job training is completed as far as I’m concerned, if not more. Someone once told me that my loyalty can is one of my most valuable traits, possibly even to the point of determinant. In this case, I cannot help but feel a sense of loyalty to my team, all the way from my supervisor to my fellow developers to our admin staff. All that interpersonal stuff aside, the bottom line is that I am going to learn skills in these next years that will potentially establish me as a Senior Developer. This is no joke, it’s the kind of opportunity you don’t just walk away from and while things aren’t perfect here, I am paid decently, treated even more then decent and enjoy the flexibility that small development shops like this provide. As long as I am working here, I won’t have to be concerned about leaving early to pick my son up from the principal’s office or rush him to Urgent Care because he busted his foot open. And, I am paid to attend training. And, my training is paid for if I so choose, up to 2 certified classes per year. If there is one thing in my life I can focus my energies on that is nothing but positive and progressive, it is here. For now. Some day I can revisit non profit, but not today and I am finally of clear mind with that decision.
When one lays out the basics in such a way, it makes everything else that much clearer. Perspective is something easily lost if not considered consistently and I lost it for a while there. I won’t pretend that there will be days where I want to run away screaming from all of this because life is full of all kinds of potholes that can easily distract a girl. But I’ve been distracted a long, long while….I’m so over it. Perhaps this is an annual reflection best saved for the New Year, but the time feels like now to me, so I am going with it. I am still not exactly sure what I want to be when I grow up, but starting by just doing your best to live it right is about the best idea I’ve heard in a really, really long time.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
4 1/2 Day Weekends So Rock
Is there any other pleasure more simple then the anticipation of a long holiday weekend?
I am pretty amped about it, partially probably due to my lack of conciousness. I awoke at 5 AM without any real hope of drifting back into the blessed repreve that is sleep. Thomas (my bear) told me to give it up and get in the shower so I have spent the entire morning in a sleep deprived haze; which like when I was 8 years old, tends to make me a little silly and sensetive to things (up or down) I would otherwise not feel so anxious, excited, exhuasted, eager…etc about.
Why oh why, dear Tree Fruit, why were you up at such an hour when you normally sleep until at least 6:30?
Good question, I’ve been asking myself that since I dragged my sorry ass into the shower with my eyes half open, narrowingly missing Gaia’s tail as I shut the bathroom door and she scurried in at the last minute as is our morning ritual. I’d say it’s mostly because the entire night was a complete wash. I woke up at 11:30, 2:30, 3:30 and then finally at 5 it was inevidble. In between that time, what ‘sleep’ I was getting was restless. I kept thinking I heard Max getting up or having a bad dream and then my own thoughts would drift off to the current subjects at hand (Max and his Dad, sigh. When will we have to move? How much I dislike moving, how sore my arms are from those two armed-rows. Am I so wounded and cynical that I can never love romantically again?) and there you have it, recipe for fitful, absolutely unrestful and unsatisfying nights sleep.
Naturally it was decided in said shower that I’d grab a Starbucks (what a treat!) Iced Chai W/ Soy Milk and travel the yellow brick road to work. I was in the office by 6:15 AM this morning, at which point Anthony (our morning 24x7 guy who reminds me vaguely of the devious Wyle E. Coyote, not in looks but in behavior and in a good way) apparently thought it would be hillarious to scare the living crap out of me by jumping out from behind the first row of cubes as you walk in the door in a completely pitch black office sans the emergency lights that leave a green, misty, zombie-movie-esque glow around the entire office. After Anthony almost wore my chai tea, was scolded and swatted with my purse I made my way to my cube and got to work. He keeps walking by me and giggling like a 12 year old boy, I know this guy must have a little sister out there somewhere who hates him.
Nancy (The Bionic Wonder Boss) peaked her head in my cube as she got in and said “What…..Sarah, whare are you doing here at this hour?” I said: “What are you doing here at this hour?” She laughed and said she comes in every day by 6:45, I told her I knew that but it was no excuse. There was giggling and more ribbing and then straight to the business end of things.
Since, she has informed me that it is an early release day and the rest of the staff will be leaving at 3, but that I may leave at 2 because she saw my smiling (albeit caffiene enhanced and bleary eyed) face this morning before her own in an otherwise empty office. She asked if everything was ok. I told her I just couldn’t sleep. No biggy. She nodded, clearly understanding and said “We have those days, don’t we?” Meaning woman, mothers, best friends, sisters, aunts, grandmothers. She gets it, but she does it in such a matter of fact way, the way that a woman who’s been around the block a time or two might. Man, does she share some qualities with the other women I am close to or what? What's up with that? I love her......
Anthony just walked by my cube and threw a gum wrapper in my hair and walked away snickering. He’s either in love with me and metaphorically pulling my pig tails or likes to get a rise out of me, which males in general seem to enjoy doing a great deal. Apparently my reactions to their shennenagns are quite humorous. Mostly I just feel like I want screech and pout and stomp my foot and make them stop this instant! It’s something I never learned, how to not let little boys get me worked up.
I am going to give him a litlte love tap with my ruler next time he walks by if he doesn’t watch it. The guy is like 6’4”, there are many area’s in which a ruler can make sufficient impact without leaving a mark *snicker*
Needless to say, I am not getting much work done as I’ve pretty much wrapped up all my issues this morning…the rest can wait till Monday. Plus, I am not only thoroughly distracted by the behavior of my co-workers (omg I am going to let this kid have it – another gum wrapper – wth? I swear to GAWD) I am pretty eager to get a move on and start my weekend. I have come to the conclusion that I am a fan of free time. MY free time to do with as I choose. I enjoy my work, I see it as a source of pride and ongoing brain food, I realize that domestic duties and your standard social interactions are also a nessisary aspect of a well rounded individual and am in tune with all of that more and more these day. But I see play time as pretty esssential to this girl’s state of mind. Possibley because perhaps I’ve had very little of it most of my life. My time has always been dictacted by something external, school, my mother, my son, college, my career, demanding people….or maybe I’m just getting selfish in my old age? And seeing that my boy is off with his Dad’s family for 4 days, I am left to my own devices which will consist of:
a) Dexter-a-thon on my couch with my favorite candles burning and a kitty on my lap.
b) Long hot baths, warm chai tea and blue toe nail polish.
c) A little Karoake/Party time.
d) Sleep, sleep and more sleep
e) Hopefully lunch with Matty.
f) Dinner w/ Mom & Jim and play time with their doggehs whom I find great joy and laughter in.
These are my goals for the weekend. That’s it. Whatever else comes along…I’ll take it as it comes.
4 ½ Day Weekends SO Rock
Oh and PS kiddo’s…guess who’s labs all came back perfectly normal? Kidney functions are right on target, no sign of diabetes, high cholestrol, heart disease, pap smear came back normal and all my woman parts are in order....etc…etc…etc…what great news to start the weekend with, no?
*smoochies to you all, I love you*
I am pretty amped about it, partially probably due to my lack of conciousness. I awoke at 5 AM without any real hope of drifting back into the blessed repreve that is sleep. Thomas (my bear) told me to give it up and get in the shower so I have spent the entire morning in a sleep deprived haze; which like when I was 8 years old, tends to make me a little silly and sensetive to things (up or down) I would otherwise not feel so anxious, excited, exhuasted, eager…etc about.
Why oh why, dear Tree Fruit, why were you up at such an hour when you normally sleep until at least 6:30?
Good question, I’ve been asking myself that since I dragged my sorry ass into the shower with my eyes half open, narrowingly missing Gaia’s tail as I shut the bathroom door and she scurried in at the last minute as is our morning ritual. I’d say it’s mostly because the entire night was a complete wash. I woke up at 11:30, 2:30, 3:30 and then finally at 5 it was inevidble. In between that time, what ‘sleep’ I was getting was restless. I kept thinking I heard Max getting up or having a bad dream and then my own thoughts would drift off to the current subjects at hand (Max and his Dad, sigh. When will we have to move? How much I dislike moving, how sore my arms are from those two armed-rows. Am I so wounded and cynical that I can never love romantically again?) and there you have it, recipe for fitful, absolutely unrestful and unsatisfying nights sleep.
Naturally it was decided in said shower that I’d grab a Starbucks (what a treat!) Iced Chai W/ Soy Milk and travel the yellow brick road to work. I was in the office by 6:15 AM this morning, at which point Anthony (our morning 24x7 guy who reminds me vaguely of the devious Wyle E. Coyote, not in looks but in behavior and in a good way) apparently thought it would be hillarious to scare the living crap out of me by jumping out from behind the first row of cubes as you walk in the door in a completely pitch black office sans the emergency lights that leave a green, misty, zombie-movie-esque glow around the entire office. After Anthony almost wore my chai tea, was scolded and swatted with my purse I made my way to my cube and got to work. He keeps walking by me and giggling like a 12 year old boy, I know this guy must have a little sister out there somewhere who hates him.
Nancy (The Bionic Wonder Boss) peaked her head in my cube as she got in and said “What…..Sarah, whare are you doing here at this hour?” I said: “What are you doing here at this hour?” She laughed and said she comes in every day by 6:45, I told her I knew that but it was no excuse. There was giggling and more ribbing and then straight to the business end of things.
Since, she has informed me that it is an early release day and the rest of the staff will be leaving at 3, but that I may leave at 2 because she saw my smiling (albeit caffiene enhanced and bleary eyed) face this morning before her own in an otherwise empty office. She asked if everything was ok. I told her I just couldn’t sleep. No biggy. She nodded, clearly understanding and said “We have those days, don’t we?” Meaning woman, mothers, best friends, sisters, aunts, grandmothers. She gets it, but she does it in such a matter of fact way, the way that a woman who’s been around the block a time or two might. Man, does she share some qualities with the other women I am close to or what? What's up with that? I love her......
Anthony just walked by my cube and threw a gum wrapper in my hair and walked away snickering. He’s either in love with me and metaphorically pulling my pig tails or likes to get a rise out of me, which males in general seem to enjoy doing a great deal. Apparently my reactions to their shennenagns are quite humorous. Mostly I just feel like I want screech and pout and stomp my foot and make them stop this instant! It’s something I never learned, how to not let little boys get me worked up.
I am going to give him a litlte love tap with my ruler next time he walks by if he doesn’t watch it. The guy is like 6’4”, there are many area’s in which a ruler can make sufficient impact without leaving a mark *snicker*
Needless to say, I am not getting much work done as I’ve pretty much wrapped up all my issues this morning…the rest can wait till Monday. Plus, I am not only thoroughly distracted by the behavior of my co-workers (omg I am going to let this kid have it – another gum wrapper – wth? I swear to GAWD) I am pretty eager to get a move on and start my weekend. I have come to the conclusion that I am a fan of free time. MY free time to do with as I choose. I enjoy my work, I see it as a source of pride and ongoing brain food, I realize that domestic duties and your standard social interactions are also a nessisary aspect of a well rounded individual and am in tune with all of that more and more these day. But I see play time as pretty esssential to this girl’s state of mind. Possibley because perhaps I’ve had very little of it most of my life. My time has always been dictacted by something external, school, my mother, my son, college, my career, demanding people….or maybe I’m just getting selfish in my old age? And seeing that my boy is off with his Dad’s family for 4 days, I am left to my own devices which will consist of:
a) Dexter-a-thon on my couch with my favorite candles burning and a kitty on my lap.
b) Long hot baths, warm chai tea and blue toe nail polish.
c) A little Karoake/Party time.
d) Sleep, sleep and more sleep
e) Hopefully lunch with Matty.
f) Dinner w/ Mom & Jim and play time with their doggehs whom I find great joy and laughter in.
These are my goals for the weekend. That’s it. Whatever else comes along…I’ll take it as it comes.
4 ½ Day Weekends SO Rock
Oh and PS kiddo’s…guess who’s labs all came back perfectly normal? Kidney functions are right on target, no sign of diabetes, high cholestrol, heart disease, pap smear came back normal and all my woman parts are in order....etc…etc…etc…what great news to start the weekend with, no?
*smoochies to you all, I love you*
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Testament To The Validity Of Bodily Motion
I had a physical today, my first in quite some time. My blood pressure has pretty much normalized without medications because (my doctor believes) I am more physical active and not eating junk. I have lost close to 20 lbs since my last physical 18 months ago (I had put on about 10 more lbs after that last physical the end of last year boo hiss) but it’s more like close to 25 because of what the fluctuation in weight between then and now and my doctor is quite pleased with my general attitude, etc….
The blood work will be the true test. Cross your fingers. Kidney function is the biggy as always.
I would also tell you that with out the sanity that only sweat can bring, I would likely be off the deep end by now given the current situation with Max. A walk with a dear friend reminded me of just how far off the deep end I went last year and I wish to never, ever go there and the only way I know to keep my general mood healthy and sanity in check is to go burn some calories and KYAAAH my way through the anxiety. It will be months before I can really build my ability up to actually kicking the bag again (I’ve been taken off the bag indefinitely until my ankle/leg/foot doc gives me the ok that) but I am allowed all non contact kick boxing in moderation according to the doc today.
I am approaching this new me as any addict would, one day….for one minute, one second at a time I am committed to being a better me. Some of it starts with the external physical body; some of it starts deep in my heart and spirit where all that good gooey stuff is. But one second at a time feels like enough. It’s a start.
It’s good stuff. Yep.
PS: Thanks to my many loving friends and family for their support this past week with Max, I couldn’t do it without you guys either. You are food for my soul.
The blood work will be the true test. Cross your fingers. Kidney function is the biggy as always.
I would also tell you that with out the sanity that only sweat can bring, I would likely be off the deep end by now given the current situation with Max. A walk with a dear friend reminded me of just how far off the deep end I went last year and I wish to never, ever go there and the only way I know to keep my general mood healthy and sanity in check is to go burn some calories and KYAAAH my way through the anxiety. It will be months before I can really build my ability up to actually kicking the bag again (I’ve been taken off the bag indefinitely until my ankle/leg/foot doc gives me the ok that) but I am allowed all non contact kick boxing in moderation according to the doc today.
I am approaching this new me as any addict would, one day….for one minute, one second at a time I am committed to being a better me. Some of it starts with the external physical body; some of it starts deep in my heart and spirit where all that good gooey stuff is. But one second at a time feels like enough. It’s a start.
It’s good stuff. Yep.
PS: Thanks to my many loving friends and family for their support this past week with Max, I couldn’t do it without you guys either. You are food for my soul.
Friday, November 21, 2008
What I learned This Week (11/17 - 11/21 2008)
a) People don’t always say what they mean ~ or ~ mean what they say.
b) I have too much to give to be expending all this energy on negativity, putting out fires and attaching myself to unknown end results.
c) When browsing the candle section, be sure that the lid of the candle jar you intend to handle is securely fastened. As in screwed on tight enough not to send said glass jar containing candle to the ground in a fantastic splash of glass and audible gasps from fellow shoppers. Also, make sure you are not on your cell phone if something of this nature should occur. It is common knowledge that cell phone usage and stupidity (when driving, manhandling candles on clearance, etc…) are interdependent and I assure you, the rolling eyes and crusty facial expressions of your fellow human are not hard to notice. In fact, you can almost see the invisible words escaping their lips like a vaporous cloud of insults. “Get off your cell phone you stupid (expletive) and drive/shop/whatever.”
d) Have patience with other’s on their cell phones; maybe they are fighting back the tears while talking to their best friends about the welfare of their children as well as their own sanity as mothers. We ALL have bad days, candles will fall, people will get short with you…shit happens. Cut the other guy a break once in a while.
e) The introduction of a kind, honest and genuine person can make all the difference in an otherwise trying situation. The fact that he is extraordinarily fine-a-licious and hella cool on top of it doesn’t hurt either. What more could a girl ask for then a hot, honest Audi/VW mechanic that is willing to do side work in his garage for a fair price and decent turn around time? This guy makes me smile like a school girl, and has brought about a sense of relief I haven’t felt in some time. Having a reliable, capable and HONEST “go to guy” for you car is undeniably the best thing a poor single girl can hope for these days. Now, if I could just get him to come help me move my washer and dryer, hang pictures and put together the new desk I intend to get for my “office space” when we move then I’d be set. He has a girlfriend so I’ll refrain from externalizing any other thoughts about what I might like, but get your minds out of the gutter people…he’s a decent guy. Good people like Crys said, mostly I just wouldn’t mind having a beer with the dood and let him talk about cars and his daughter and “Friday jobs.”
f) A kind, honest and genuine person you’ve known for 10+ years can also be such a great resource of comfort. Thanks to you Randall, I was silly to forget that I could come to you. I will always love you and I know it’s mutual. Thank you.
Cheers to the weekend, TGI FREAKING F!
b) I have too much to give to be expending all this energy on negativity, putting out fires and attaching myself to unknown end results.
c) When browsing the candle section, be sure that the lid of the candle jar you intend to handle is securely fastened. As in screwed on tight enough not to send said glass jar containing candle to the ground in a fantastic splash of glass and audible gasps from fellow shoppers. Also, make sure you are not on your cell phone if something of this nature should occur. It is common knowledge that cell phone usage and stupidity (when driving, manhandling candles on clearance, etc…) are interdependent and I assure you, the rolling eyes and crusty facial expressions of your fellow human are not hard to notice. In fact, you can almost see the invisible words escaping their lips like a vaporous cloud of insults. “Get off your cell phone you stupid (expletive) and drive/shop/whatever.”
d) Have patience with other’s on their cell phones; maybe they are fighting back the tears while talking to their best friends about the welfare of their children as well as their own sanity as mothers. We ALL have bad days, candles will fall, people will get short with you…shit happens. Cut the other guy a break once in a while.
e) The introduction of a kind, honest and genuine person can make all the difference in an otherwise trying situation. The fact that he is extraordinarily fine-a-licious and hella cool on top of it doesn’t hurt either. What more could a girl ask for then a hot, honest Audi/VW mechanic that is willing to do side work in his garage for a fair price and decent turn around time? This guy makes me smile like a school girl, and has brought about a sense of relief I haven’t felt in some time. Having a reliable, capable and HONEST “go to guy” for you car is undeniably the best thing a poor single girl can hope for these days. Now, if I could just get him to come help me move my washer and dryer, hang pictures and put together the new desk I intend to get for my “office space” when we move then I’d be set. He has a girlfriend so I’ll refrain from externalizing any other thoughts about what I might like, but get your minds out of the gutter people…he’s a decent guy. Good people like Crys said, mostly I just wouldn’t mind having a beer with the dood and let him talk about cars and his daughter and “Friday jobs.”
f) A kind, honest and genuine person you’ve known for 10+ years can also be such a great resource of comfort. Thanks to you Randall, I was silly to forget that I could come to you. I will always love you and I know it’s mutual. Thank you.
Cheers to the weekend, TGI FREAKING F!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 2008
So far, this month hasn’t exactly been kind to me as of yet. I’m hoping the upcoming holiday will change that. Between being sick that wiped me out for almost a full week, trying to catch up my life from that, my son’s rebellion and car/financial stresses (what’s new?) I am feeling a little worn down. Too bad, I was on quite the high there for a while. It really is all manageable. I just have to keep a sane head and an even saner approach when addressing these issues. One moment, one breathe at a time is how I’ve learned to cope. It gets you through the day.
Obama’s victory however, has totally lifted my spirits and I am due diligent at keeping the bigger picture in my direct line of vision. I feel for this man, he is facing such challenge. The whole world seems to be literally holding their breathe with anticipation at what The Man will pull out of his hat of tricks and hoping desperately that we are not disappointed. The pressure must be monumental, I can’t even imagine.
It reminds me of how I and my little problems are but a grain of sand in the hour glass of our current era. Minuscule in comparison with how it must be to even approach the idea of managing a war, economic crisis, environmental doom and gloom and other political issues at hand. Meanwhile, the whole world is watching. Yeah, I’m glad it’s not me. I can barely manage my own issues without feeling like I want to break down and cry. How must our president elect be fairing? Surely he must be made of sturdier stuff then I? I sure hope so!
I will blog more when I have the energy; I know some of you have received seemingly cryptic emails/texts from me about Max. Well, I will tell you that we both reached a new high and equally, a new low with one another this past weekend and it was not pretty. How tender the relationship between mother and child is. How fragile. How frustrating! He will be with his Grandparents for Thanksgiving; I think the break will be a good one for both of us. Will give me time to think. And him too maybe, if he’s able. He’s pretty caught up in some pretty strong ideas about how things should be right now and he’s not getting what he wants and doesn’t like that one damn bit. Kids…..it never ceases to be interesting.
That is all for now. Love you all.
Obama’s victory however, has totally lifted my spirits and I am due diligent at keeping the bigger picture in my direct line of vision. I feel for this man, he is facing such challenge. The whole world seems to be literally holding their breathe with anticipation at what The Man will pull out of his hat of tricks and hoping desperately that we are not disappointed. The pressure must be monumental, I can’t even imagine.
It reminds me of how I and my little problems are but a grain of sand in the hour glass of our current era. Minuscule in comparison with how it must be to even approach the idea of managing a war, economic crisis, environmental doom and gloom and other political issues at hand. Meanwhile, the whole world is watching. Yeah, I’m glad it’s not me. I can barely manage my own issues without feeling like I want to break down and cry. How must our president elect be fairing? Surely he must be made of sturdier stuff then I? I sure hope so!
I will blog more when I have the energy; I know some of you have received seemingly cryptic emails/texts from me about Max. Well, I will tell you that we both reached a new high and equally, a new low with one another this past weekend and it was not pretty. How tender the relationship between mother and child is. How fragile. How frustrating! He will be with his Grandparents for Thanksgiving; I think the break will be a good one for both of us. Will give me time to think. And him too maybe, if he’s able. He’s pretty caught up in some pretty strong ideas about how things should be right now and he’s not getting what he wants and doesn’t like that one damn bit. Kids…..it never ceases to be interesting.
That is all for now. Love you all.
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