5QF

1. Dream job...realistic and completely unrealistic.


Realistic- I'm not sure what I'd love to do that's within reach.  I'm a dreamer, and I dream big...not realistic.  I'd like to own my own business - so I don't have to worry about pleasing my boss or meeting quotas someone else set for me.  I'd like to have control over setting my own goals and pleasing myself with my work.

Unrealistic-  I'd love to travel the world photographing interesting sites and people.  I once saw this picture of a wall cloud over water- the other half of the sky was an incredible salmon pink.  It was awe-some.  I could only imagine what that photographer was thinking and feeling at that moment in time.  Seriously - amazing.


2. Do you fart in front of your significant other?

Why, yes I do.  Only he doesn't know I fart in front of him until a little bit after I've let it slip.  You see, I specialize in the SBD* variety of flatulance.  Having gastrointestinal issues automatically puts me into this category.    Knowing this, I usually try to hold it in until it forces its way out....then all I say is, "Hey...I'm sorry."  This is warning enough to let him know to evacuate the immediate area.  However, this is extrememly problematic when in the car.

*Silent But Deadly

3. What's the furthest you've ever traveled from home? How far and where was it?

In June 2000, Dave and I went to Europe with my family.  My brother was stationed in Germany with his wife and son, so we went to visit, and my parents were generous enough to bring my boyfriend along.  It was an amazing trip - one I still remember like it was yesterday.

The worst part about the trip- the airplan rides.  On the way there, D and I were stuck in an aisle right in front of the emergency exit.  Meaning our seats didn't recline.  You would think that 2" wouldn't make much of a difference, but when they CRAM 3 rows infront of the exit- when there's really only room for 2 1/2...well, that made it just a tad cramped.  A lot cramped.  We were travelling essentially overnight...there just wasn't enough room to move and get comfortable.  The way back, I was in the center of the plane.  Roomier seats, but everytime the plane pitched, I felt sick.

Other than that, it was an amazing trip!  I saw the most beautiful countryside.  Realized that France isn't really all it's cracked up to be.  Speaking of farting- ask me sometime about my BROTHER farting the most GASTLY fart in the elevator on the Eiffel Tower.  Seriously.... 

 Give me the European countryside.

4. How do you celebrate birthday for your kids? Family only or friends? ... Alternate for those without kiddos: How did you celebrate birthdays as a kid?


We do big parties for 1, 5, and 10.  The first birthday is lost of family, the 5th and 10th will be friend parties.  All others are grandmas and grandpas.  We really aren't the type of family that needs to celebrate in mass quantities.  Plus, the boys have every toy imaginable....why invite people over to bring more toys?!?!?

My birthdays were a good mix of friends and family.  My brother and I each had one large off-site birthday party (mine was at a roller rink, Dan's was at a bowling alley).  I think my mom did a really good job of making the others special with having grandmas over.

5. Fave thing about fall?

Seriously, what's NOT to like?  Chilly air, long sleve shirts, best veggies, apple cider, pumpkins, crispy leaves....seriously.....I love ALL of fall.

The tin anniversary

The tenth wedding anniversary is the tin anniversary.

Not that our anniversary has anything to do with tin.

It's not always a rosy life. 

We've had gains and losses, tragedy and triumph, challenges and victories.

But we get through it side by side.  Together.

Few things in life remain consistent.

It'a always changing.

But there are a few things I can always count on.

Dave is one of them. 

Happy one decade anniversary to my love!

I'd marry him again. 

In.a.heartbeat

Questions in need of advice

Few questions that I'm soliciting for advice...

1.  A. said this morning that his stomach hurt.  Not pukey, not #3 stuff, it just hurt.  I made him go to school (because I had to meet an inspector at 8, and it was my turn for the carpool).  I saw him after chapel this morning, and he was still complaining of a stomach ache.  We gave him some crackers and took his temp (no temp), and I offered to bring him home.  He said he wanted to stay - even though he wasn't feeling the best. Should I have made him come home?

2.  I signed A. up for a kid's marathon.  They run 1 mile every other day until Oct. 16.  Then on that morning, they all get together and run the last 1.2 miles.  He started out strong, and now is crying every time I tell him its time to run.  He wants to be done with it.  We're on mile 17.  Should I let him quit, or do I push him to finish.

3.  I have lost my running mojo.  Honestly, I have no desire to start again.  But I know its good for my body and my brain.  I know that my body needs exercise to loose weight (learned by trial and error over the years).  Do I just power through or give it up?

4.  I have my fancy new camera.  I love love love it.  Every time I pull it out to take pictures I feel all happy and butterfly-ish in my stomach.  I love it!  Now....what to do with this kind of passion?

5.  I'm tired.  Do I work or do I nap?  Wait...I already know the answer to this question.  Sleep will have to wait.

A prayer

Dear God,

Please put your arm over my shoulder.

And your hand over my mouth.

Amen

5QF

1. If you had a weekly newspaper column, what would you name it?

Randomness.  According to Michelle's right/left brain test (well, it's not hers...but she linked to it), I am right brain dominant, and my "specialty" is randomness.  Which is really what this blog is:  whatever comes into my mind. 

I'm like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get.  :)

2. Who is your mentor/inspiration?

Depends on what you're talking about.  My mom is my biggest mentor.  But I have other inspirators (is that a word?!?!) that inspire me to do different things.  My friends Michelle and Melody inspire me to stay on track in diet and fitness.  My other friend Melody inspires me to push myself outside my comfort zone.  My friend Gina inspires me to be an all-together better person.


3. What is your wake up beverage of choice?

My protein shake.  I have a protein shake that tastes really great, is smooth on my stomach, and packs a whopping 26 grams of protein for only 127 calories.  Win/win.

4. Would you wear your mom's clothes?

Ummmmm....not really.  My mom is a kindergarten teacher.  Nuff said. 

(Hi mom!!!  There's nothing wrong with being a kindergarten teacher!  You dress nice, it's just not my style.  Love you!!!)

5. When you were a kid, did you put posters on your wall? If so, what were they of?

ugh....This is where you will see what an awkward teen I was.  I had New Kids on the Block all over my walls.  I used to save my babysitting money just so I could purchase those Teen Beat magazines -for the pin-ups.  I had a huge poster of Jonathon over my bed.  I was such a dork. (hangs head in shame).

Wait...there's no shame here!  NKOTB were cool back then, right?  If I wanted to hang my head in shame, I'd say I had a pin-up of Ralph Macchio or Menudo....but I'd throw those pin-ups out in favor for my New Kids.  :)  (holds head up)


Have a great weekend!!!

I'm about due for a random post, right?

I usually do a Random Friday List with the 5QF post, but I didn't do one last Friday.  I was brain dead.

There's stuff on my mind...so I thought I'd do the Random Friday List today...on a Wednesday.  I'm a rebel.  :)

1.  While I work (I work from home), I ususally have the tv on in the back ground.  I don't know how Maury ended up on my television, but this paternity stuff?  Rediculous.  First....all these "kids" cheating on each other?  Not knowing who the father of their child is?  These marriages ending?  Unbelievable.  Their moms must be so proud.  Just makes my heart hurt.

2.  My annoying facebook post sure had a lot of people complaining and agreeing with me!  I feel so vindicated.  :)  (And if you're wondering if it's you that I was referring to....you're wrong.  The people I referred to in the post have no idea I have a blog.  And if they do know I have a blog, they're too wrapped up in their own life to wonder what someone else has to say.  Not saying it snotty....just truthful. )

3.  We got our 1/4 cow today.  We found a place that will give us the meat for cheaper.  (like 20% cheaper).  Our old supplier called Dave yesterday and said he has a cow ready to go, and wanted to know if we were interested.  Made me feel bad for him.  :(  His meat is tasty.  Hope this meat is just as good.  I'm trying to stay away from chicken (long story for another post), so having a freezer full of grass-fed beef is beneficial.

4.  Last week C. threw up in Costco.  It was an isolated incident....not sure what was going on.  But the cart was full of stuff....and then full of yuck.  I brought the cart to an employee and said, "I can help you clean it, but if he's anything like his brother, he'll be making more of a mess in about 20 minutes."  She said, "I'm a mom...just go take care of business."  Only another mother could take that on and understand my dilema.  I'm forever grateful.  Wish I remembered her name so I could send a "you've got a great employee" report to the store.

5.  I'm learning how to can and preserve food.  I'm enjoying spending extra time with my mom in the kitchen, and it's fun to remember those days of my childhood when I watched her can foods, but didn't quite get it.  I love knowing how the food was grown, what was used in the dirt and water, how it's preserved, and what chemicals (If any) I'm injesting.  I really want to keep my food as clean as possible, and have started purchasing organic foods in the store.  It's a hit to the grocery budget....but we feel better, and that's what matters, right?

6.  MOPS starts tomorrow.  I'm unbelievably grateful that I'm not on steering team this year.  I am serving as a table leader, but that's not as time intensive.  I'm excited, though, because the ladies on the steering team are incredible.  Looks like a fun year.  Sad that it's my last year in MOPS, though.  We'll just have to reconnect at random Mangiammo's dinners.  :)

7.  D. and I really want to go to a U of M game at the Big House sometime this season.  The tickets are mucho expensivo, and not in the budget.  Perhaps we will have to settle for the televised/radio games.  Go Blue!

8.  I just made an entire batch of "Uncle Jeff's pancakes" at lunch time today.  They weren't for lunch.  They're for breakfast tomorrow for the boys.  They've been asking for pancakes all week, but I'm not a morning person.  So, the only thing I can manage in the morning is a "mmmmmffffffff huh?"  This morning I had a second grader in tears because he wanted Uncle Jeff's pancakes.  Since tomorrow morning is a MOPS morning, and it will take all my morning strength to blow dry my hair, I chose to make them in advance.

9.  I think we've passed the adrenaline rush part of the first of the school year.  Now, we're into the "ugh, I'm tired" portion.  Dear schedule, Go easy on me.  M'kay?  Thanks!

10.  C. started soccer yesterday at the YMCA.  So far, he's loving it....and he's actually quite skilled.  I had no clue that atleticism can be a natural-born skill.  Obviously, this prooves that I am not a natural born athlete.

Top ten things on Facebook that annoy the heck out of me

Facebook is good for a few things:  reconnecting with old friends you lost touch with, coordinating people and get-to-gethers, and supporting and uplifting friends and family.

But facebook can be very very annoying.  I think we need to check the filter once or twice before we post stuff.  I am, admittedly, guilty of this in the past.  I have seen the light....and I have chosen to limit my time on the site.  When I do get on, I find the annoyances....and abruptly sign off.  These are the thing that lead to the clickety click off the site:

1.  The my-life-is-perfect posts (all the time).  Really, friends....no one's life is perfect.  Quit wearing the mask and just be real.

2.  Lovey dovey (or riske') posts between spouses.  If you're friends with both, you see the wall-to-wall conversation. Oh joy.  My response?  Get a room.

3.  Crazy people (from high school) you haven't talked to in 18 years friend you just to solicit money for their cause.  I don't know you.  The only thing I remember about you from high school is walking past you in the hallway on my way to Advanced World Literature and seeing Tim Frye's tongue down your throat.   I'm not giving you money.

4.  Passive aggressive posts.  Things like: "Some people just need to get a life" or "It's just so sad that some people have to act the way they do."  Then, there's always the BFF that's in-the-know who comments something like "I know, right?"  Ok ladies....this is a public forum.  If you don't want to air the whole thing online, don't go there to begin with.

5.  Relationship revolving door.  If you're having marriage issues....changing your status from married to it's complicated will solicit questions.  If you don't want questions, delete the relationship status all together.  If you're single and in and out of relationships every 2-3 months, just don't post that stuff.  Makes me just feel bad for you.

6.  Causes.  I understand that we are all passionate about things here and there.  I'm passionate about politics and faith.  I can get a little carried away with politics once in a while....learned my lesson with that one.  But, when you post holier-than-thou junk, you're gonna turn people off.  If you want someone to listen, you have to speak to them out of love....not looking down from your pedestal.

7.  Birthdays.  Ok, this is a double edged sword.  It's nice to sign in on your birthday and have an entire wall of birthday greetings.  However, we need to pay attention to the person we're greeting.  Are you close enough that you should have sent a card or called?  I think we're using facebook as a lazy way to celebrate those closest to us.  If you're a good friend to someone, step it up and celebrate them.

8.  Friend Requests.  If you've requested to be my friend, and I decline....don't keep sending a request.  I've declined for a reason.  I don't appreciate high levels of drama or women that unabashedly flirt with my husband.

9.  Half-naked or drunken pictures.  If you're tagged in these pictures, anyone can see them if they visit your wall (regardless of if they're a friend or not).  I understand you're at the beach and your confident in your body, but you need to remember that other people's husbands are looking at your flesh.  Unless, of course, that's what you were going for....then by all means, keep posting half naked pictures of yourself.  Thank goodness my husband isn't on facebook (not that he would look anyway...).

10.  Over posting pictures.  Yes, we understand that something very big happened the other day.  Do you need to post 114 pictures of your baby- in the same outfit, playing with the same blocks on the same day?  Really, do you need to post 72 pictures of the first day of school?   "Here's my daughter's right side on the first day of school."  "Here's my daughters left side on the first day of school."  "Here's my daughters SHOES on the first day of school"  "Here's my daughter looking down the street on the first day of school"  "Here's my daughter looking at the bus at the end of the road on the first day of school"  "Here's my daughter looking at the bus 100 feet away on the first day of school."  "Here's my daughter looking at the bus 5 feet away on the first day of school"  "Here's the bus doors opening on the first day of school"  "Here's my daughter standing on the first step of the bus on the first day of school."  Really?  Really?  My advice:  selective picture posting.  One or two pictures will let us all know that your daughter started school today.



No, I'm not in a bad mood.  These things just make me shake my head.  And maybe I'm feeling a little snarky today....kind of tongue-in-cheek.  But maybe, just maybe, someone will read this and make decisions to help make facebook a much less annoying place to visit.  :)  One can hope.