Thanksgiving went well - I have not even dared to step on the scale. It went REALLY well as far as the food - maybe not so well as far as my waist line.... Some interesting realizations occurred over the holidays...
I am soooo not the favorite child in my in=laws eyes. My children hold no comparison to their little male cousin. He is awfully darn cute..but it was hard to swallow that he could do no wrong and mine were irritating. It was a bit tough to accept that he was constantly in their camper and being praised and gushed over while mine were on the side lines. It was not so fun to see my sister in law catered to while I was second fiddle - but I can take it. I just hurt for my kiddos. As they grow older - they will become aware of it. I remember feeling left out when my grandparents took my cousins places and not me. I remember feeling unwanted, not as loved, and flat out rejected at times. But I am so fortunate -and so are my kiddos. You see, I am the golden child in my family. Yes, I have a brother. However, his extra chromosome make competition just seem so unnecessary (at least as an adult!) In MY family - my 3 daughters are GODDESSES and I am the one and only. The perfect one. I am praised, complimented, supported and cherished. So I am fine - and my girls will be too. They have okay parents and an awesome Nana and Oppie. We will survive and be just fine - just had to sulk for a minute....
And in other news.....I watched my parents revert back to teenagers when their high school friends showed up this weekend. I ran up for a quick observation of sheer goofiness. Singing songs and playing guitars. Inebriation and flirtation. Taking a trip down memory lane and saying prayers of thankfulness at the course their lives took - and relishing in the reunification of long, lost lovers was something to behold. I also have to admit that witnessing such similar and familiar interactions is a little......unsettling yet reassuring. My parents are people. Do you hear that? Not perfect, stoic, matriarchs and patriarchs - but goofy, silly, fallible people. And while I enjoy seeing them so loose and fun - it is a bit strange sometimes and I have to remind myself that my children will see me through simialr eyes at some point. Right now I am omnipotent and (hopefully) on a platform surrounded by mysterious knowledge far beyond their comprehension. I still didn't understand mortgage rates and APR at 21 - or 401k's or the finer requiremnts of maintaing a budget - but now I know....and I know we are all just humans.
So in summary - great holiday. Experiences makes us what and who we are - and I like what I am doing and who I am becoming. Not perfect - but my lenses keep changing....
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New phone, stitched dog, and camping in my future....
I did it. I finally upgraded myself into the 21st century and got a new cell phone with SOME of the bells and whistles. I bought the Motorola Karma - added texting and internet (read:email and facebook) I am sure I will use the texting - not sure about the email - but I can cancel that app any time. I practiced a few texts last night - and see how much easier it is - and more succint - and less annoying - and the usefulness (read: grocery list for hubby!) Twitter and other "fun" stuff will just have to wait as I acclimate myself to this one baby step at a time.....
On other fronts - my poor cowdog cross/pound puppy was shot by a "neighbor" on Saturday while I was frolicking at Fiesta Texas with my girls, former student, and friends. Seems she and Lucky and Aggie all went across the fence to sniff around at the piles of deer guts they have lying around and he shot her. Thankfully, the bullet sliced her down the side through the muscle - but no internal injuries. He claims he had a problem with a "pack of dogs" chasing deer and cows last year. He was sure he had killed her.
Well - 2 days later - he feel s so bad about it - he is going to pay the vet bills. She has 10 inches of stitches, on antibiotics and pain killers, and will have a visible reminder of her adventure. I am surprised by many reactions in this situation. Surprised he would shoot her, surprised he would pay for the vet bills, and surprised that I really feel no animosity towards him. My dog was on his property. I KNOW she doesn't chase cows or deer - as we have plenty of both and she ignores them. She prefers the challenge of jackrabbits as big as she is! I could have just never seen her againa nd not know what happened to her - so I am thankful. Strange - I know.... I think I will write him a thank you letter, include pictures of my dogs, and send him some cookies (sans chocolate ex-lax!). Quite the improvement in reaction for me!! Seriously though - I have NO way of guaranteeing my dogs will never step foot on his property again without chaining them. We have lived there going on 10 years and have not had a problem - I hope the problem is resolved and communication will involve a phone call instead of a bullet.
And on to the fun stuff - CAMPING. We leave tomorrow for a few days at a state park. My turkeys I raised were TOO big for the fryer (19, 22, 34 and 38 pounds!) - so a store bought bird will go in with all the fixings and trimmings outside in nature. YUM!! I really enjoy the family time and food! Hopefully the hiking and non-stop activity will counter-act the calories! Fall is awesome - and I love a holiday based around being thankful. Thankful I am -
On other fronts - my poor cowdog cross/pound puppy was shot by a "neighbor" on Saturday while I was frolicking at Fiesta Texas with my girls, former student, and friends. Seems she and Lucky and Aggie all went across the fence to sniff around at the piles of deer guts they have lying around and he shot her. Thankfully, the bullet sliced her down the side through the muscle - but no internal injuries. He claims he had a problem with a "pack of dogs" chasing deer and cows last year. He was sure he had killed her.
Well - 2 days later - he feel s so bad about it - he is going to pay the vet bills. She has 10 inches of stitches, on antibiotics and pain killers, and will have a visible reminder of her adventure. I am surprised by many reactions in this situation. Surprised he would shoot her, surprised he would pay for the vet bills, and surprised that I really feel no animosity towards him. My dog was on his property. I KNOW she doesn't chase cows or deer - as we have plenty of both and she ignores them. She prefers the challenge of jackrabbits as big as she is! I could have just never seen her againa nd not know what happened to her - so I am thankful. Strange - I know.... I think I will write him a thank you letter, include pictures of my dogs, and send him some cookies (sans chocolate ex-lax!). Quite the improvement in reaction for me!! Seriously though - I have NO way of guaranteeing my dogs will never step foot on his property again without chaining them. We have lived there going on 10 years and have not had a problem - I hope the problem is resolved and communication will involve a phone call instead of a bullet.
And on to the fun stuff - CAMPING. We leave tomorrow for a few days at a state park. My turkeys I raised were TOO big for the fryer (19, 22, 34 and 38 pounds!) - so a store bought bird will go in with all the fixings and trimmings outside in nature. YUM!! I really enjoy the family time and food! Hopefully the hiking and non-stop activity will counter-act the calories! Fall is awesome - and I love a holiday based around being thankful. Thankful I am -
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Momma lied
Okay - I love my Mom. However, when I was a kid and would get my feelings hurt or had a friend lie to me or overheard not so nice comments, she would tell me that kids could be mean and it would all be better when I was a grown up. Well, I joke with her about it now and she laughingly replies that she had to say SOMETHING to keep me from slitting my wrists ( I was already a cutter, so she wasn't too far off - but that is another post). The point is that what she said was really not true. IT is not "better" as an adult. I know there are just some people that are more sensitive in this world -and I will quickly raise my hand to admit to being one of them. I am not, nor ever have been, one of those people that pick on someone else to fit into a group. I have always, even as a child, formed my own opinion about people. Perfect? Far from it - I continue to work on forgiveness and compromise. But mean? Never.....
So now the circle has come back around. I am a mother. I have a sensitive child. She doesn't understand when she is left out, made fun of for such terrible things as wearing a dress, or when she has someone act in a down right rude way to her.
Of course, the sisters can be TERRIBLE to each other - but not to other kids. So, me eldest in particular, truly struggles with navigating this world with all the meanness, snubbery, snobbery, and cliques...so what do I do? Do I tell her it will all be better when she is older? I know that is not true, but I do know as I got older I had more CHOICE in who I surrounded myself with. Also, as I've aged, I have seen my circle
grow smaller but more intense - with my family buring brightest in the center. All others are shadows behind them....
I believe I will continue to raise my children encouraging kindness to everyone, but instilling a backbone that no one else really matters like family. Perhaps that will stop the sister wars - but maybe not.....
I do know this. I am proud of the type of person I have grown into. I am a good friend, a good wife, a pretty good mom, a good sister, a good daughter, and my skin has thickened. My perspective has changed with the creation and embracing of my family. I hope that I can be that example for my girls. I don't want to see my daughter's face fall when someone shuts the door in her face intentionally. I don't want to rip the head off another adult (a teacher no less), when they react nonchalantly to their child's rude behavior, and I don't want to lie to her about how everyone grows up and becomes a respectful human being. I will be honest with her about how some people have mean hearts and that she should CHOOSE to surround herself with other kind people. I hope to continue to be an example of that for her - and to continue to improve myslef along the way.
So now the circle has come back around. I am a mother. I have a sensitive child. She doesn't understand when she is left out, made fun of for such terrible things as wearing a dress, or when she has someone act in a down right rude way to her.
Of course, the sisters can be TERRIBLE to each other - but not to other kids. So, me eldest in particular, truly struggles with navigating this world with all the meanness, snubbery, snobbery, and cliques...so what do I do? Do I tell her it will all be better when she is older? I know that is not true, but I do know as I got older I had more CHOICE in who I surrounded myself with. Also, as I've aged, I have seen my circle
grow smaller but more intense - with my family buring brightest in the center. All others are shadows behind them....I believe I will continue to raise my children encouraging kindness to everyone, but instilling a backbone that no one else really matters like family. Perhaps that will stop the sister wars - but maybe not.....
I do know this. I am proud of the type of person I have grown into. I am a good friend, a good wife, a pretty good mom, a good sister, a good daughter, and my skin has thickened. My perspective has changed with the creation and embracing of my family. I hope that I can be that example for my girls. I don't want to see my daughter's face fall when someone shuts the door in her face intentionally. I don't want to rip the head off another adult (a teacher no less), when they react nonchalantly to their child's rude behavior, and I don't want to lie to her about how everyone grows up and becomes a respectful human being. I will be honest with her about how some people have mean hearts and that she should CHOOSE to surround herself with other kind people. I hope to continue to be an example of that for her - and to continue to improve myslef along the way.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Bit of a funk....
Still maintaining a 20 pound loss - and really not sure how as I have pretty much eaten whatever I want for 3 weeks straight! Perhaps some of that muscle I have built is saving me from abject failure and humiliation..... I bought a coke this morning and another teacher said "oh - you are back on those now too?" What the hell? Yes - I am public about my loss, but I really don't want any accountability from anyone! *humph* Okay - so a little public humiliation may be just what I need to see the light and get back on it.....
But I am sad....
and I want to eat....
and drink 1 coke a day....
and watch pointless reality tv instead of exercising...
and smoke.....
Okay - I KNOW - terrible, awful, the worst ever......
and I know that the less exercise I get, the more likely I am to indulge in demon nicotine because the exercise makes me use those damn lungs and decrease stress. Who knew?? SO one limits the other and it all makes sense....
Except for right now.....
I also feel like the worst things that can happen in our dreams are often another's reality - and it is sickening. I used to think I was the only mom in the world that would have terrific nightmares about horrible things happening to my children. Death, abduction, drowning....While not often, there have been a few times I have woken from sleep with a pillow wet from my tears. I have planned funerals in my head, tried to wrap my head around the what ifs...and it is terrible. I will say prayers to get those thoughts out of my head. Begin a mantra of positives and know that we are okay - that I have done and will do everything possible to keep my children safe.
Then tragedy strikes.
A teacher in my school is heading to work with her 3 year old son - her only child - strapped in. A semi crosses the line and hits her. Her only child is killed. She is halo flighted with severe injuries. She survives and has to be told 4 days later that she really has lost her life....and I cry for her. I cry because I can't fathom the loss. I can't fathom drawing in another breath. Yet I have 3 children - I would HAVE to continue for my other children. But if I lost them all? Like the woman on Biggest Loser that lost both children and her husband in a wreck? Maybe I am too sensitive for these sensationally dramatic individuals chosen for these shows - but I watch and then I cry. And then I have the worst possible thought - ever.....
Totally superstitious and selfish and unreasonable -
and ugly -
and just BAD
*whispers*
if that happened to them, then the likelihood of it happening to mine is lessened
Please don't let anything happen to my babies....
And though I don't have favorites - my dreams surround my youngest the most often. Perhaps because she is the baby. Maybe because she is close in age to the little boy that died. Maybe because she is so loved....and my last.
But I am sad....
and I want to eat....
and drink 1 coke a day....
and watch pointless reality tv instead of exercising...
and smoke.....
Okay - I KNOW - terrible, awful, the worst ever......
and I know that the less exercise I get, the more likely I am to indulge in demon nicotine because the exercise makes me use those damn lungs and decrease stress. Who knew?? SO one limits the other and it all makes sense....
Except for right now.....
I also feel like the worst things that can happen in our dreams are often another's reality - and it is sickening. I used to think I was the only mom in the world that would have terrific nightmares about horrible things happening to my children. Death, abduction, drowning....While not often, there have been a few times I have woken from sleep with a pillow wet from my tears. I have planned funerals in my head, tried to wrap my head around the what ifs...and it is terrible. I will say prayers to get those thoughts out of my head. Begin a mantra of positives and know that we are okay - that I have done and will do everything possible to keep my children safe.
Then tragedy strikes.
A teacher in my school is heading to work with her 3 year old son - her only child - strapped in. A semi crosses the line and hits her. Her only child is killed. She is halo flighted with severe injuries. She survives and has to be told 4 days later that she really has lost her life....and I cry for her. I cry because I can't fathom the loss. I can't fathom drawing in another breath. Yet I have 3 children - I would HAVE to continue for my other children. But if I lost them all? Like the woman on Biggest Loser that lost both children and her husband in a wreck? Maybe I am too sensitive for these sensationally dramatic individuals chosen for these shows - but I watch and then I cry. And then I have the worst possible thought - ever.....
Totally superstitious and selfish and unreasonable -
and ugly -
and just BAD
*whispers*
if that happened to them, then the likelihood of it happening to mine is lessened
Please don't let anything happen to my babies....
And though I don't have favorites - my dreams surround my youngest the most often. Perhaps because she is the baby. Maybe because she is close in age to the little boy that died. Maybe because she is so loved....and my last.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I really mean it this time....
Okay -
so I have been slacking....After a 2 week free for all and a gain of 4 pounds, I have lost small incrmental amounts for the last 2 weeks. I have a 20 pound loss currently, and have not jumped back full fledged into my healthy eating and exercise......
but I have done a few things that have surprised me (and my family - especially children).
After a wonderful Halloween - the massive bags of candy lingered only 2 days before "mysteriously" dissappearing! Before - those over full bowls of chewy, chocolately, sugar over load would have lasted a few weeks for grazing and rewarding and so on....
And my girls were so cute - yay for recycled
Ren Fest costumes!!
I love their pose on the canon in our park - AYE MATE!! They were only upset for a bit - but I HAD let them pick 4 pieces and have them....pretty good - I thought.
So now I have this next weekend - and typical of my addict behavior and way of thinking - I know that diet wise, it will not be the best.....
My beloved husband is taking me to see Riverdance
, then stay in a hotel - with no CHILDREN. *gasp*
Then go Christmas shopping - and yep, you guessed it - out to eat...a lot....at places that are just not run of the mill around here.....So is Monday really that far away? I have a new secret weapon in my arsenal for that dreaded Monday....A treadmill. No more excuses...
so I have been slacking....After a 2 week free for all and a gain of 4 pounds, I have lost small incrmental amounts for the last 2 weeks. I have a 20 pound loss currently, and have not jumped back full fledged into my healthy eating and exercise......
but I have done a few things that have surprised me (and my family - especially children).
After a wonderful Halloween - the massive bags of candy lingered only 2 days before "mysteriously" dissappearing! Before - those over full bowls of chewy, chocolately, sugar over load would have lasted a few weeks for grazing and rewarding and so on....
And my girls were so cute - yay for recycled
Ren Fest costumes!!I love their pose on the canon in our park - AYE MATE!! They were only upset for a bit - but I HAD let them pick 4 pieces and have them....pretty good - I thought.
So now I have this next weekend - and typical of my addict behavior and way of thinking - I know that diet wise, it will not be the best.....
My beloved husband is taking me to see Riverdance
, then stay in a hotel - with no CHILDREN. *gasp*Then go Christmas shopping - and yep, you guessed it - out to eat...a lot....at places that are just not run of the mill around here.....So is Monday really that far away? I have a new secret weapon in my arsenal for that dreaded Monday....A treadmill. No more excuses...
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