Thursday, March 22, 2012

Better Late Than Never...

So my mom turned 50 this year.  Let me tell you she, my sister and I have been trying to do one of those "survival kit" gifts for a while.  Every time we are going to do one we run into one of two problems.  Can't think of enough ideas to get the the birthday number or we just simply run out of time.
This time I started a month out.  I wanted to make sure that I did this for her.  It meant a lot to me!  Selfish I know, but she enjoyed it too.  Even if some parts of that night are still a little blurry for her.

So I got to working on this kit and also decided to do 50 cards from 50 of her friends/family.  That was a large task too, seeing as everyone has a busy life and sometimes we don't always have enough hours in the day.  But I took it on anyway!  I have to say that my sister Lexy was a tremendous help in getting the cards too.  You have to understand a few things here.  My mom is one of the most fun loving people you will ever meet.  And a little crazy at times.  But she also is NOT a super mushy person.  So mushy cards are not "normal."  What does Lexy do?  Finds the most mush and awkward cards she can find and pairs them up with people she knows will play along!


Can I tell you, she LOVED it!  We ended up with more than 50, but who's counting?  The neat idea I saw on Pinterest was to make a book out of the cards.  So I decided to make my pinning worth while.  I punched a hole in the corner of every card, attached a big binder ring and viola!  The next day after her (4-day) birthday party was over she got to read all of them.  She was so touched that so many people reached out and wished her a happy birthday.  I think she may have even shed a tear!

But as I said before, my main goal was to get the "Survival Kit" done in time for the last day of her party.  It took a lot of work, but it was finally finished, 5 minutes AFTER I was supposed to be at her house to pick her up!



When we got to the karaoke bar I pulled out the basket and put it on one of her tables.  I think it's sooo neat and am so proud.  But in true birthday fashion she is in no way truly able to enjoy the basket.  Birthday drinks all around are making it nearly impossible for her to focus.  So I suck it up and think to myself she will see it tomorrow and love it!  Well a few hours in and she is looking for the one thing she left at home, a whistle.  Did I mention that she tends to be a little loud at times?  Well it just so happens that in her survival kit there is a whistle!  So I carefully open it up and pull out the whistle and give it to her to enjoy.  It is not til the next day that she saw what was written on the tag attached to said whistle.  "For when you've fallen and you can't get up"  We had a good laugh! 



She told me later that her and daddy loved going through the basket.  They pulled a few things out every day.  It was a little exciting what they found every day.  And a good laugh too!  I am so glad that she loved it.  It was no small task, let me tell you!

But as I said one of the most difficult things to do was to come up with enough things to put in the basket.  I combined the ones she and I had come up with for our potential baskets in the past.  I searched the internet for a few more.  Of course I came up with a few of my own.  But while searching on the internet I did notice one thing.  Everyone who blogged about these kits listed maybe 10 things and left the rest off.  Now I am not the most creative person, so I found that very irritating.  So I told my co-worker that when I was done I would post my full list.  I wanted to make sure that other people who wanted to do this for their loved ones would be able to find a list. 

Some were altered to fit my mom more specifically.  I also made a list of 60 to make sure that I can alter them in the future to other people.  Here it is:
1.     Rubber band -- to remind you to be flexible.
2.     Band-Aid -- to help with hurt feelings and life's boo boos.
3.     Candies -- so that every day can be as sweet as you are.
4.     Shot glass -- so you can call the shots.
5.     Pasta -- So life doesn't pasta you by.
6.     Almond Joy chocolate bar -- so you can have joy whenever you need it.
7.     Party horn -- to remind you to toot your own horn once in a while.
8.     2 Cupcakes (ding dongs) -- so you can have your cake and eat it too
9.     Marbles -- to replace the ones you have lost and are still going to lose.
10.   Pepper Spray -- so that you are always safe.
11.   Bottle of wine -- because we all need to wine now and then.
12.   Pennies -- for your thoughts (from the year she was born).
13.   Package of wet wipes -- to clean up life's messes.
14.   Starch spray -- to smooth life's wrinkles.
15.   Silly String or Silly Putty -- to remind you to be silly sometimes.
16.   Sandpaper -- to keep things smooth along the way.
17.   Eraser -- to erase things and let you get on with life.
18.   "Do Not Disturb" sign -- since you need to put yourself first every now and then.
19.   Rubber gloves -- to help you get a grip.
20.   Bar of soap - so you can wash away troubles.
21.   Lifesavers – to save you from the dangers along the way
22.   Scented candle (favorite scent) – for a flash back to sweet memories
23.   Wrinkle Cream -- to avoid aging too soon
24.   Lipsmackers -- for the little girl who still lives inside of you
25.   Tylenol -- for all the things and people that annoy you
26.   Heartfelt letter (Cards for # of people) - to make you feel special
27.   Chocolate peni - to remember the fun times you've had and will have more of
28.   Toothpick - to remind you to pick the good qualities
29.   Chewing Gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything
30.   Matches-to help you light your path
31.   Flower pen – so you can stop and smell the flowers
32.   Basket- to remind you not to put everything in one basket
33.   Kleenex- for tears of joy and sadness
34.   Hand sanitizer- for when you need to get your hands a little dirty
35.   Safety Pin- to mend whatever's broken
36.   BIG/regular pad/tampons- for life's little (big) surprises
37.   Mardi Gras Beads- to remind you to have a good time
38.   Chocolate Milk Package/Tea- to relax you
39.   Crystal Light-to add flavor to your life
40.   Crackers (peanut butter/cheese)- to curve your hunger
41.   Lotion- to smooth the rough spots
42.   Little Liquor Bottles- to say dang pootie. We can do a shot with this!!!!
43.   Whistle – for when you’ve fallen and you can’t get up
44.   Fireball/Red Hots candy – to put the fire back in your life
45.   Magnifying Glass – to help you see
46.   Hair scrunchi – In case yours fall out
47.   Duct tape – because it fixes EVERYTHING!
48.   Pretty paper – to write the next chapter in your life
49.   Paperclips – to hold things together
50.   Lollipop – to help you lick your problems
51.   Sponge – to soak up knowledge
52.   Tootsie Roll – to help you roll with the punches
53.   Slowpoke Candy – to remind you to slow it down some times
54.   Big Hunk Candy – to remind you of the one who stole your heart!
55.   Airheads Candy – for those blonde moments
56.   String – To help you tie up loose ends
57.   Confetti – to celebrate the joys in life
58.   A small smooth stone – To remind you that the rough times that you have been through 
         will help bring tomorrows
59.   Clay – to remind you of the lives you have molded
60.   Mid-life Medications –
        Put some M&Ms in a "pill bottle" and include these directions for use:
        BROWN pill
        Take one to temporarily calm your chocolate cravings
        RED pill
        To be taken at the first sign of hot flashes
        ORANGE pill
        As a treatment for depression
        GREEN pill
        To calm you down when if feel frustrated
        YELLOW pill
        To cure headaches
        BLUE pill
        Reduces bloating
        Now that you're turning ##, it's possible that you'll experience all these symptoms
        simultaneously, in which case you should just EAT THEM ALL AT ONCE!





Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A new year and a new beginning.  Of course every year we strive for the ULTIMATE goal of weight loss.  Last year I went from the edge of wearing a size 10 down to a size 8.  This year I want to get down to a size 6.  I also think that to keep me more on target that I should split these goals into seasons!


So here a a few of my goals for the new year...


Year Long Goal:
1. Get down to a size 6
2. Work on being vocally/verbally grateful for things and people in my life (more thank you cards)
3. Complete one thing off of my "wish/bucket list" https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.661188106759.2222249.18810045&type=3
4. Put more money back in savings (by paying off credit cards)


1st Quarter Goal:
1. Get the house organized
2. Get the roof done (March is the goal for this one)
3. Read a new book


2nd Quarter Goal:
1. Get the house decorated
2. Read another book


3rd Quarter Goal:
1. Get one credit card paid off
2. Read a third book


4th Quarter Goal:
1. Get another credit card paid off (for a total of at least 2 for the year)
2. Mail Christmas cards by last week of November
3. Read a 4th book
4. Create a "My Favorite Things" gift for my closest girl friends


I feel like if I break my goals down to a time frame, it will give me a sense of urgency to really get to it!

What have you proposed as your new year's resolutions?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

So I started this blog over 10 months ago, and obviously have not kept it up.  I could never find true inspiration to keep me going on it.  Plus, when my laptop quit working it made it more inconvenient. 

Since then I have created a family newsletter that I put out every month. Around the first of the month.  I try hard to get it out as soon as possible, but as always my sense of urgency to get it out on time is consumed by other things in my life.

Last February I met a guy.  Isn't this always the way?  We talked a few times, but never quite made it out for a date.  Then in the beginning of May (the 3rd to be exact) we finally went on our first date.  I was amazed that there were still true gentlemen in this world.  We met for dinner, talked and laughed.  At the end of the night he walked me to my car and was suggesting we should do something again on the following weekend.  He was just going to end our date with a hug, but then he kissed me.  He still said good night and said that he would call me later, and he did. 


It was so refreshing to be out with someone with manners and class.  Our date was about getting to know one another and that is exactly what we did.  We have been dating ever since.  He introduced me to his family a few weeks later at his nephews' birthday party.  It was a blast to be there and meet so many welcoming people. 

In August we were faced with the decision of helping his family by fostering one of his nephews.  As always, I felt the only thing I required to say yes was the support of my mom and dad.  That night I drove to see my mom and without a doubt she supported me and our decision.  Within a week or so our friends and family rallied up items that we needed to help raise a baby and we were on our way.  It has been so unbelievable.  This little man so sweet and innocent has turned our lives so quickly.  Consistently around his family and being loved and accepted by my family too we have been on such an adventure.  We don't know how long he will live with us but count each day as a blessing to have him here.

 

So as you can see the time in the last year has been eaten up by many many things.  And now I am on my way to finding a way to start blogging again.  Writing has always been such an outlet for me and I know it will continue to be if I just focus a little.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

February.... in all it's glory

February tends to be one of those months that can be great, good, or just plain sucky.  Why do we continue to let our moods and days be determined by who is in it and during what time period.  I have to admit that I tend to be one of those people who have in the past let people determine my mood.  So how do we stop this?  Take control, many of you who know me know, this is not a hard concept for me (except in my own personal life).  I am willing to make a go of it though.  I will spend this February focusing on good things and not being worried about who I will "be" with during this "Hallmark" holiday.  If some one is there to celebrate with me, then great!  But if not, then I will continue to go on with my day and enjoy it with the family that I adore.  On top of everything else, my mom's birthday is coming up!  I have so many great things planned for her special day!  I just can't wait!!  I hope that many of our friends join us at Cowboy's Red River on Thursday and help us celebrate her day with a bang!!  You will not be disappointed, I promise!!

So as we look forward to another Valentine's Day, here is a song that reminds me that there is someone out there who has been through similar strife as me... we are just taking our time to find one another at the right time...

The Pigott Brothers - Alien Like You (with lyrics) - Kai Being Erica - LYRICS



I know that you don’t
Know that I know what you know
We’ve got secrets between us that
Nobody else would believe if we told them
So let the stars align
And let the water make wine ’cause
Broken souls will become whole tonight, oh tonight
We know it’s right so

(Chorus)
Lift your eyes and let me in
‘Cause baby I’m an alien like you
Would you ever wake at night and realize
The reason why you knew me then
Is maybe I’m an alien too
Would you ever let me be an alien with you

I know that believing
Is hard with the feeling
That home must be millions and millions of light years away
So let the heavens flare
And let’s not be scared, ’cause
We know love’s a world above this one
It’s like the sun so

(Chorus)
Lift your eyes and let me in
‘Cause baby I’m an alien like you
Would you ever wake at night and realize
The reason why you knew me then
Is maybe I’m an alien too
Would you ever let me be an alien with you

The days of solitude are gone
Because we’ve both spent way too long
Hearing voices on the radio
And we can’t let anybody know
No we can’t let anybody know

(Chorus)
Lift your eyes and let me in
‘Cause baby I’m an alien like you
Would you ever wake at night and realize
The reason why you knew me then
Is maybe I’m an alien too
Would you ever let me be an alien…
Lift your eyes and let me in
‘Cause baby I’m an alien like you
Would you ever let me be an alien…

Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year's Resolution

The new year is upon us and every year I contemplate on what my resolution should be.  As normal people we all make these resolutions, stick with them for about a month, three if we are lucky... and then just let disappear as if they were never promised to begin with.  I can hear my family in the back of my head now... you should make one of your resolutions be to quit cursing (or at least a lot less).  Again, it would be an empty "promise".  Cause, let's be honest, that's really not going to happen and I personally control it when I am at work or around children.


So this year, instead of the age old promise of losing weight.. I am going to track my cardio fitness better.  I have my treadmill now and have a routine pretty squared away, so I will now on a calendar notate my miles vs calories burned.  Once it gets warm again, I will also use the watch/pedometer I have to track my outdoor activity, as well.


Secondly, I am going to go to the bank and set up a retirement/401K plan.  Since every company I've ever been with has had one, I am going to merge all of those into one and get my self set-up with just one.  This way I have better visibility of my financial future and can properly plan for that part of my life.


The one I am most excited about is fine tuning my cooking skills.  I am going to try one new recipe a week for the entire year.  I will also post pictures and recipes here for everyone to see.  If you are around my house and lucky enough, you might just get to try some for yourself!  I will be working on a six style rotation, some of these categories/methods cross over into each other, but this way I will continuously try new and different things!  The rotation is as follows: a Main Dish, a Side Dish, Dessert, Crock pot, Stove-Top (not the box crap!), and Bake.  To be able to stick to this, I will also be tracking this on my handy dandy calendar.  As not to set myself up for failure, I will give myself a week to prepare the dish, Sunday-Saturday.  What ever day works best for me.


Lastly, I feel like I am at a point in my life where I really have worked hard and want to have something nice to show for it.  Yes, I know I have my house, but I guess I am talking a little more extravagant!  I will buy a "new" car.  The reason for the quotes you ask?  I will probably never buy a brand spankin new car, but I do want something pretty darn new.  I've never had that and I think it's time.  Right now the options I am looking into are the Dodge Charger SRT8, Chevy Camaro or Dodge Challenger.  I have my little SUV that I plan to keep for Home Depot trips, but I'd love to have a nice car!


So there it is!  My resolutions for 2011.  Let's see where the year takes me and hope that I am blessed with a positive future!!