Every Little Moment

Photo of the day, day five....

2011-08-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

Im a bit behind!

Anti-smoking documentary....

2011-07-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

Wow...im watching the former mayor of New York, while sitting in a bar, condemn smoking. Last I checked one single drunk driver could, and HAS wiped out entire families....but I've never seen one smoker take out an innocent family simply driving next to them. I love how the anti-smoking commercials say that cigarettes are the ONLY product, when used as intended, will kill half of the users. Really? What about liver disease, drunk drivers, abused children? All of this is cause by ANOTHER product being used as directed.

A photo a day for thirty days, day 4

2011-07-25T08:22:00.001-07:00

The girls ....waiting to go to the gym's daycare...I gotta get my workout ongott

A picture a day for 30 days! day 3!

2011-07-24T20:56:00.001-07:00

Apparently Mick fell asleep after a really long day with friends lol!

A picture a day for 30 days, day 2

2011-07-23T13:34:00.001-07:00

My gorgeous daughter!

122!!!!

2011-07-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

Finally! I broke the 125-123 stalemate I was in!!! 122 this morning with an inch off my waist n hips! I'm so freaking excited! I can't believe it! 7 pounds to go before I reach my 115 goal!

I even see a hint of abs lol!!!

A picture a day for 30 days! DAY 1

2011-07-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

A boy and his dog.

Only a year left!

2011-07-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

And I'm already so over it! Actually, truth be told I was over it about 6 months ago. I'm SOOOOOO tired of studying! I do it because I know I have to, and I know I need to, but man, my books make me want to snooze! I think that hardest part of it all is that its SUMMER! I want to go to the beach! I want to hang out at the pool! Whenever I try, I have a nagging voice in my head saying "Gotta go back and study!"....ugh, so I do. I do. Since I've started all this, I've gained 20lbs...however, I have been working my ass off for the last few months and am pleased to say the scale is somewhere between 125-123...it changes every morning...HOWEVER, my body fat is 19.6%! I know I shouldn't be too excited, that's closer to 20 than it is to 19, but hey, whats a girl to do!

Here's to more studying, less beaching, more working out and better eating! Lets "get er done!"

Created by MyFitnessPal - Nutrition Facts For Foods

2011-04-13T19:16:00.001-07:00

2011-04-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

2011-04-13T18:55:00.001-07:00

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2011-04-12T22:01:00.001-07:00

35!

2011-03-13T13:05:00.001-07:00

No, not me, the husband. My love turned 35 yesterday, and I really hope he had a decent day. I had clinical so he was home with the monsters, and even though he had every right to sit and do nothing, he cleaned and did laundry! That's an amazing husband right there, and no, I'm not sharing! Lol

When I got home we went to Bubba Gump and had a great dinner, he was totally embarrassed by the waiters singing happy birthday, then some good friends came for cake. That was classic! Some awesome jokes and good laughs, we are one crowd that doesn't need to drink to have a good time lol.

Happy Birthday my husband, best friend, awesomest dad and the greatest man in the world!

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How much praise is too much?

2011-03-10T19:17:00.001-08:00

So, I've noticed a nasty trend starting when kids are very young, that I'm sad to say nearly every suburban mother and father give into and feed-- praise. I get it, little johny crosses the monkey bars for the first time, or even the tenth, clap say yay and all that crap, but really, when they are in fifth grade you are still clapping? By the time they are ten I sure as hell hope they can do that, if not there's something wrong.

Another example, 8 year old jimmy draws a half ass picture, why do you still applaud his half ass effort? It's not great, crap it isn't even good, all your doing is rewarding shitty work, and when he's pulling C's in highschool I'm sure you'll still be his damn cheerleader, saying it's not his fault, the teachers don't teach to his learning style right?

Let me clue you in you moronic suburbanite, my husband will be arresting his dumb idiotic sub-par drug dealing ass and rolling his eyes when you bail out your perfect junior saying it was my husbands fault, not juniors. I'll be helping saving juniors life when he OD's, and when I can't because he's pumped himself so full of drugs, you'll blame me, because he was perfect.

Lets try this out suburbia, praise where and when it's due. Don't be afraid to tell your child they could do better and to do it again. Why? Because my daughter and my son who are raised with the truth and with legit standards won't be afraid to fire your dumb ass kids because they didn't know how to rise to the occasion. Lets put competition back in our kids lives. Not everyone is a winner, in fact saying every one wins just because they played creates a society full of mindless sheep, afraid and unwilling to continue forcing the work to be a better place.

Sadly I know Johnny and Sally's mom won't listen, they'll still keep praising the smallest insignificant things and failing to push their child to succeed, falling to motivate their child to move up to the next step and continue to feed the "status quo" to their poor unsuspecting child. I'm sorry for those kids, few will ever break free and find their true potential.

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Testing the droid

2011-02-24T13:59:00.001-08:00

So I just got the droid phone and now I have to test every app possible and the blogger app is one of them. I must sau that theswipe technology it amazing. It's pretty smart and as far as errors go is on par with my iphone, and I was individually typing those letters, that recognition just sucked! LOL

But this thing ispretty col and damnfast! I got the motorola atrix, and when they say it's fast, they aren't kidding!

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And so it begins!

2010-08-29T19:39:00.001-07:00

The official nursing program!

Thanks to my doll of a friend who is one term ahead of me, I have the pharm medications list so that 100+ series of flash cards was done ahead of time. I'm sure I have tweaks to do but the bulk of that is done.

I've done my orientation and set up all the online programs and have had problems with two- so that on the list of things needing to be fixed tomorrow. I've done a few of the skills modules already and tried some of the online classes ahead of time. I have the first 3 of 9 boring chapters read and am dreading the others!

This is the beginning of total loss of a life for the next two years! But....its all well worth it!! I can't wait!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone (2676)

This week was scary.

2010-08-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

So, lets start with the good stuff. My last term of pre-reqs was coming to a close! How thrilling! Micro and Patho were almost done! Study group was underway and I was kicking ass and taking names- of diseases and microbes that is. Things were great! I was in the middle of finishing my nursing packet so I didn't have any worries or hang-ups getting into the clinical setting. However, in the middle of my physical we hit a snag- the doctor found a lump in my breast. Now anyone who knows me knows that I do not sensationalize nor am I dramatic in the least---I rant and rave and vent a whole hell of a lot, but never do I make a mountain out of a mole hill, but this lump threw me for a fucking loop. The kicker? How dare my boobs think to get lumpy! I paid over 6 grand (close to 8) for them! They better not require removal! What a waste of money! But, after trying to use the humor to cover up the fear, I knew I had to have a game plan. If it was cancer, they were coming off. I wasn't gonna risk anything and I sure as hell wasn't going to fall behind in school. This wasnt' the time for chemo or being sick, this was a time for learning how to heal people.

After trying to study with this cloud looming over my head, I pushed on. I took my finals with this stupid ass lump sitting in the back of my mind, and miraculously I passed. I have my 'A' in micro and am waiting to find out my grade in patho (will update when that posts). This morning was the test. Time to get an ultra sound and see what was in there. And? The US tech found NOTHING! The lump is there, we all felt it, but on the ultrasound it didnt' show. The radiologist checked it out- and yup....NOTHING! I'm clear. They are thinking it's the implant and scar tissue being retarded.

I have to admit I was angry. My mom, being the bitch that she is, wasn't there for me. With everything that happened I was not going to call her. Why would I? Then she would again take us to court---oh, she has cancer, she can't take care of her daughter, give me custody. FUCK YOU BITCH! I went through this fear without my mother. That's one of the worst things I can imagine! I had my husband who was my rock, my best friend who just listened (and even had the convo with me through text message, cause I knew hearing her voice would make me cry) and my large and in charge buddy at school---they all supported me and listened to the fear. However, I didn't have my mother. I swear, even though I am Buddhist, I'm not perfect---and she is my largest obsticle. I am sure that in past lives I was able to deal with anything, and since in this life I make it a challenge to myself to do the impossible...I probably planned to be born to this crazy witch. Give myself the ultimate challenge. Well, damn it, I will overcome this problem too! I will make and maintain my peace with her. She will not get the best of me! Just like the cancer scare, she will not stop me!

I am relieved. Finals are done, I'm moving on to the actual nursing program and even though I didn't have a mother to help me through this----I have some fucking AWESOME and AMAZING friends who really are all the family that I need!

****EDIT***** And yes, I got an A in patho!

Death Dying and Anger

2010-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

You know, I had posted under this title earlier...and it was entirely inspired by a conversation I had on twitter. Did I post before I knew the whole story? Yup...but then what followed proved my point---anger is natural when it comes to death, but totally misplaced. Now---why did I remove it? I dont regret what I wrote...it was initial feelings, however, no matter someones reaction to what I write, I dont post blogs to piss people off. Despite what they think. It's that simple. Did my post hurt someones feelings that I used to follow on Twitter? Yup it did, and that's why I took it down. However, after the railing....well....now I'm not following them anymore. I don't have "friends" who do just what they were accusing me of doing. I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry about your friend. I'm very sorry about your child (though I dont know what that has to do with your friend)...and I do hope that you can let the anger go---because that's never good.

I get it...someone close to you is dying---and No, NF...this isn't about you. Go focus on your friend. It sucks. It seems like life isn't fair and you are railing against everything that seems to be standing in your way. Here's where I get lost. In the "Poor me" section. Everyone claims to have faith in something, have a belief system- whether your Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, or shoot, atheists. You have a belief in place...use that. If you believe in a higher power, then you can't have a "poor me"...why? Because your higher power states that you can lean on "him/her/it" for strength. Some "gods" say that things are done for a reason. Some belief systems say that there is a lesson to learn in everything.

In addition to reading about what's happening to NF's friend (and yes this part is about you) I can't help but think of my cousin Dennis who just died last night. Alone. How did he die? Liver failure. Who found out? His twin brother Dwayne who started looking for him when no one had heard from him. So---just like smoking---well, drinking does it too. I'm the odd ball in the family. I see death as just that. Death. Everyone has to die. No one chooses how. Dennis and Dwayne had the same 20 year military career, they both had the same path...but in the end, one picked alcohol and the other didn't. It's just life. And sometimes it sucks.

And no, NF, my children are not sick. However, I just finished a year and a half long battle trying to keep custody of them. Why? Because my mother is insane, and decided I wasn't a good mom. I wasn't a Christian, I have friends in porn, I was teaching them to be Buddhist (my children not my porn friends)...and in this shitty ass legal system we have, yes, it was allowed to be dragged through the courts. My children had their innocence ripped away from them because of lies told to DCFS and LAPD constantly. I had PI's following me endlessly trying to catch me in some sort of illegal act...even running a red light. So no, not everyone shares the same pains, but we all have our problems.

The trick? Find your faith. Find your rock. Whatever it is. And keep trudging. (and no, NF, this isn't aimed at YOU...this is for any and everyone reading this) Find a way to grab a foothold and even when it seems like shit is pouring down on you, hold on tight. My foothold going through all the crap with my mom? I can't let her hate poison me. I can't hate, just because she does. She's loosing her youth, her youngest child, and she has no one. She is unhappy in her marriage---I must feel compassion for her. I must feel pity for her.

When it comes to death? We all die. Anger when it comes to death isn't ever good. Anger sours emotions, memories and relationships. Let it go.

Trigeminal neuralgia

2010-07-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thats what the doctor thinks I have right now. I've had a headache going on day 10 (today) and it's just not letting up. I finally went to Urgent Care on Friday to get some relief and was given a shot and a few meds to try, and thank GOODNESS for my darling friend over at Northridge Hospital who managed to get me in to see a doctor that she knows yesterday! Getting a dr appointment when you don't have a steady doctor is INSANE! He did a few tests and that's what he came up with. There's a nerve that is responsible for facial sensation, and when it gets inflamed you get crazy lightening pain that shoots from one side of the head to another. His opinion is that I had a headache that caused the inflammation and since the headache isn't going away, neither is the inflammation...so cure the headache and hopefully the inflammation will go down. He has me on this med that makes me LOOPY for a few hours. I'm in a fog and things just don't work right, but so far that med has killed the headache. I can handle loopy for a few hours as long as I can function without pain. We'll see how this goes. Hopefully I can find someone that will fix that nerve so I don't get these nasty circles of pain.

Been a while for me...a lot's going on here

2010-07-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I've blogged...a lot is going on around here.

Alex turned six! I can't believe it! I remember when he was a little thing walking around asking for more "Mook"...milk for those that don't speak baby talk. Michaela was my translator because for a few years I couldn't understand a single word he said. I can't believe that my baby is older now. Wow...Here are some pics. We took him to Raging Waters and had a BLAST!

Then there was the 4th of July. Our tradition so far is to go to our friend Vanessa's grandfather's house since they are one of the few areas still allowed to do fireworks...and as usual Alex fell asleep at 8:30 pm amongst all the fireworks banging and screetching! I must admit that we did give in and get the HUGE box of fireworks, what can I say, we all have an inner pyro and the 4th is a great reason to let that part of us out!

TO make the children comfortable we made the HUGE box into a "couch" of sorts to let them lay down and watch the action!

And as usual amongst all the fun and laughter I have to study

Its been a heck of a summer and it's only gonna get crazier before it smooths it way out! Bring on the confusion and chaos...this momma can handle it!

Back to the books!

2010-06-26T17:33:00.001-07:00

Ahhh another term begins. This nine week term stuff is no freaking joke! Let me tell you, quite frankly its hell. However, hard as I may be, the masochist in me is loving every second! I have microbiology and pathophysiology this term around and so far there hasn't been a study day under 6 hours. And I've only covered 2 micro chapters and about 70 pages of patho. In my defense, the micro book is as dry as the sahara and the patho book is probably a doctorate level book, English please.

It will all pay off in the end and until then I'll be taking breaks watching "Trauma, life in the ER" and other med shows for inspiration. Cause baby, I need it right now!!!

Micro study time

Patho study time

Lets Dance...Wii

2010-06-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great Father's Day (at least I think so)...J and S came over to play and the kids played Lets Dance on the Wii...and lemme tell you, even us adults got jiggy with it and hammed it up and danced around. It was some crazy fun!

After the gym today I went to Target to get the game for the kids (we were playing S's game) and away we went! They've been playing for the last hour or so and are just now taking a break for some lunch. Lemme tell ya, if they play this thing all summer, it's well worth the $30!

Alex didn't wanna play at first last night cause he was having a hard time getting it...and finally when he played we kicked the girl's butts! It was an all around great time! Here is a video of three of the 5 kids who were playing.

Here are pics of the girls after they raided my closet for dress up shoes

Date Night

2010-06-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

John and I often forget about things like date night. It's so important to a marriage (or any relationship really) to check out of your daily "to-do's" and just reconnect. So many couples get so caught up in the day to day grind of life...make breakfast, get the kids to school, go to work, clean the house, do the laundry, walk the dog, make dinner...etc...that they forget cultivating the spark that started the whole fire. I will admit that John and I forget that our relationship has to check out of life's routines and check into US...keep that fire going strong so that we can get through the daily grind together. John and I feel like we have kids- so we can't just forget about them and move on with life, however, WE are still important as an adult branch to our family. Last night we went out on a "date" something we haven't done in several months and it was freaking FANTASTIC! There were no plans, just an idea of what to do and a "play it by ear" sort of deal. We had sushi for dinner (thanks to two glasses of plum wine, I left dinner feeling extra giddy) and made our way to a local comedy club. We had a blast! It's been over a year since we've gone to a comedy club and we needed the laugh until you wanna barf feeling.

I loved spending quality time with him. The cell phones were down (for the most part) we were talking, laughing, kissing and hugging. it was fantastic! I can't remember the comedians, I can only remember some of the joke...what I do remember is his arm around my chair and sharing a nasty cup of coffee and laughing until we cried. Whispering about people that were in the club with us and laughing about them when the comedian would make fun of them! I love my husband. I am in love with my husband and I can honestly say that he is my best friend. I dont know how I got so lucky to have someone like him- someone who can dream with me, laugh with me, cry with me and make me see the reality of life while at the same time trying to shield me from the nastyness of the world. He is my protector, my lover and my best friend. Thank you for such an awesome date night my love! We must do it again, this time sooner rather than later!

Women make noise during sex to manipulate men

2010-06-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

Scientists try to prove that women manipulate men with noises during sex

By Annalee Newitz, Jun 9, 2010 12:40 PM
Why do women make sexy sounds during intercourse? According to a recently-published study, it's to manipulate men. How the heck do you study something like that scientifically? Allow me to explain.

Over at the superlative NCBI ROFL blog, we spotted this gem of a paper from Archives of Sexual Behavior, called Evidence to Suggest that Copulatory Vocalizations in Women Are Not a Reflexive Consequence of Orgasm. To translate, if you'll excuse my slang: Noises That Women Make While Fucking Are Not Uncontrollable Screams In Response To Having Orgasms.

OK, fine. So again, how is this a scientific study? Let's read the abstract for this paper, published last month:

The current studies were conducted in order to investigate the phenomenon of copulatory vocalizations and their relationship to orgasm in women. Data were collected from 71 sexually active heterosexual women (M age = 21.68 years +/- .52) recruited from the local community through opportunity sampling. The studies revealed that orgasm was most frequently reported by women following self-manipulation of the clitoris, manipulation by the partner, oral sex delivered to the woman by a man, and least frequently during vaginal penetration. More detailed examination of responses during intercourse revealed that, while female orgasms were most commonly experienced during foreplay, copulatory vocalizations were reported to be made most often before and simultaneously with male ejaculation. These data together clearly demonstrate a dissociation of the timing of women experiencing orgasm and making copulatory vocalizations and indicate that there is at least an element of these responses that are under conscious control, providing women with an opportunity to manipulate male behavior to their advantage.

Allow me to translate once again, with slang.

A bunch of scientists conducted a series of studies on the noises that women make while having sex, trying to figure out if these noises were caused by orgasm. They studied 71 heterosexual women whose average age was about 21, recruited from the area around the researchers' lab. In the study, our researchers discovered that most women have orgasms from touching their own clitoris, or from oral sex. Most women do not have orgasms during intercourse - usually they have it beforehand, during "foreplay." During intercourse, women made the most noise before and during the time when their male partner had an orgasm. As a result, it was clear to our intrepid researchers that women were making noises during sex EVEN WHEN THEY WEREN'T HAVING ORGASMS. Which the scientists decided must mean that women are making those noises because they CHOOSE to make them, not because they are torn from their throats by the power of orgasm alone. And therefore they determined, using the powers of science, that this means women can "manipulate male behavior to their advantage."

OK, so let me get this straight, my science-loving friends. Somehow the fact that women make noises of pleasure when they aren't having orgasms is manipulative? Apparently it did not occur to these scientists that noises of pleasure can be caused by things other than your own personal orgasm, such as the orgasm of your partner - or eating a yummy piece of chocolate.

Also, I love the way that these researchers assume noises made during orgasm are somehow involuntary and therefore implicitly non-manipulative. Which suggests two things: One, any noise not caused by orgasm is voluntary; and Two, you cannot control the noises you make during orgasm (which means that every time you wank in the bathroom, you're screaming just as loudly as you do with a partner, right?). Basically, the idea is that the only non-manipulative sex noises are caused by orgasm. Any other noise issued from the female is potentially an effort to "manipulate male behavior to their advantage."

I ask you, not entirely sarcastically: What advantage? To make the man have his orgasm faster? To deafen him? To make him want to buy his lady friend a giant, soundproof house where he can have sex without the neighbors hearing anything? Yeah, that must be it. It's a giant female conspiracy to make men soundproof their homes. In fact, all the women in this study turned out to work for a soundproofing company.

To be serious for a moment, here is what the researchers say:

With regard to the reasons females gave for making copulatory vocalization, 66% reported using these to speed up their partner's ejaculation. This was done to relieve discomfort/ pain, boredom, and fatigue in equal proportion, as well as because of time limitations. Importantly, 92% of participants felt very strongly that these vocalizations boosted their partner's self-esteem and 87% reported using them for this purpose.... Further advantages of the female being able to manipulate the presence/absence/timing of the male orgasm may include the reduction of her risk of incurring physical damage from roughness, abrasion, and ensuing infection. One of the effects of female copulatory vocalizations may be to promote male self-esteem, which may strengthen the pairbond, decreases the risk of emotional infidelity and abandonment, resulting in continued access to resources and protection . . . These data were remarkably consistent with findings reported in non-human primates, where, for example, in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) the likelihood of male ejaculation is related to the intensity and speed of female vocalizations during copulation.

And to translate: These scientists think that female humans choose to make noise during sex for the same reason female monkeys do: To make men orgasm faster, to prevent themselves from being injured during sex, and to get "continued access to resources and protection." Again, the best part about this bit of the article is that the authors first report what the women actually say (they want to boost their partner's self-esteem), and then put their own gloss on it, which is that this means the women want the men to give them things (resources and protection). Quite a leap from "making a partner feel good" to "manipulating men into giving things to you."

To paraphrase a great philosopher: "Science. It works, bitches." Except when it doesn't.

Photo by Istvan Csak

This article can be found here: http://m.io9.com/5559447/scientists-try-to-prove-that-women-manipulate-men-with-noises-during-sex?skyline=true&s=i

And was posted by @wtfsexfacts on Twitter

This zen quote is for you

2010-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

The drops of rain make a hole in the stone not by violence, but by oft falling.

-Lucretius

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

This zen quote is for you

2010-05-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Instead of filling with questions, empty of questions. Continue to
empty. Questions confine answers. When there are no longer questions,
answers are no longer bound by them.

-Lao Tzu

New Tattoos....Again! LOL!

2010-05-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

So...a few weeks ago I got this tattoo

And Thursday I went to finish my other arm! In keeping with the style of my left arm I added the mantra for the Medicine Buddha on my right arm, and to balance it all out (cause the right arm is LONG)...I added a blue lotus to my left arm. I love it! I can honestly say I feel more relaxed just looking at them!

Pre- Tattooing...

Here we go!!!!

Half-way DONE!!!!

This one did hurt...I will be honest!

A few hours after it was finished....GORGEOUS!

And a few hours after it was done....I love it! And it wasn't that painful....the four outer edge characters KILLED!

My Tattoo is the short version of the mantra and is read like this:

oṃ bhaiṣajye bhaiṣajye mahābhaiṣajye bhaiṣajyarāje samudgate svāhā.(what it looks like written in "English")

oṃ bhe ṣa dzye bhe ṣa dzye ma hā bhe ṣa dzye rā dza ye sa mu dga te svā hā (pronunciation)

There are a ton of English tranlsations---and the best that I could find (that fits with the repitious symbols) is:

“Hail! Appear, O Healer, O Healer, O Great Healer, O King of Healing!”

I thought that this was very fitting---(1) with my religion and (2) with me trying to become a nurse. I love both tattoos! They are awesome!

Vandalism at Minnesota Buddhist Temple

2010-05-21T19:08:00.001-07:00

This sickens me. Jesus saves, so you have to vandalize another religion to prove it? Looks like us Buddhists are scaring some people. Maybe Christians are realizing that their hypocricy is WRONG and Jesus doesn't have answers? Or maybe they realize that the authors of the Bible paraphrased Buddha's lessons and didnt cite him....Either way....this doesn't make Christians look good.

Via WCCO.com

May 21, 2010 5:53 pm US/Central
More Vandalism At Buddhist Temple In Rochester
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) ― Police are asking whoever's behind a string of vandalism incidents at a Cambodian Buddhist temple in Rochester to stop.

Investigators say the latest incident was Monday, when rocks, dirt and sand were put in the temple's mailbox. Twenty solar-powered lights were also taken.

Members say the mailbox has been vandalized five times in the past month, and there have also been five attempted break-ins.

Vandalism at the temple a year ago included smashed lights, yanked flowers and a cross along with "Jesus saves" spray-painted on the driveway in orange.

Olmsted County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Behrns says the crimes are obviously motivated by bias.

Interesting how the police are calling this a "bias" motivated crime rather than a 'hate' crime. I wonder if this was a Mosque or a Synagogue would the police be considering it a 'biased' crime as well.

http://www.thereformedbuddhist.com/2010/05/vandalism-at-minnesota-buddhist-temple.html

This zen quote is for you

2010-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Dwell not on the faults and shortcomings of others; instead, seek
clarity about your own.

-Buddha

My Rough Draft is FINISHED!

2010-05-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the rough draft of my paper! I am so glad its done. I am a bit sad that I had to limit what I had to say because of the length of the paper (I could have easily written a book on this, however, I dont think my professor would have appreciated it.)...so it's up. Look at the top of the page, and you can see the link to it, it's called Christian Misconceptions.

I am trying to clean up those top links so they look like more of a navigation bar...but right now I dont have the time...I'll get to it though.

So....head on over and check it out!

ZQOTD

2010-05-15T08:12:00.001-07:00

Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

-Confucius

Raising children in America

2010-05-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

...is proving to be quite difficult. Why is this so hard? So many people are doing it, why can't I? I'm not saying I can't, what I'm saying is that it's difficult.

We live in such a materialistic society that everyone falls victim to, so that's battle front number one- things aren't everything. Number two, is religion. I'm trying to be the best Buddhist I can be (which is difficult since I wasn't raised this way, but am having to learn now as an adult), and in turn I'm trying to raise my children as buddhists. This is quite a challenge. Human nature is to react...and I'm tired of people- myself included- just reacting. It's not about reacting, it's about acting. I don't want my children to react, I want them to hold their actions as their own, so in an attempt to raise them as Buddhists, that what I'm tackling first. Human nature coupled with child-behavior says "He made me mad." or "He made me cry." and so we are trying to learn to step away from the knee jerk reaction and learn that no one can make you do anything. How you react is up to you, and you have choices. And I am proud to say, that though it's HARD for anyone to learn this, slowly, my children are getting it.

-thoughts of the busy momma

Finally! My tattoo!

2010-05-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to get a specific tattoo for nearly a year, and that desire hasn't changed. I've wanted it inthe same place for the same length of time, so I finally went for it the other day!!!! Here are some pics!

Starting to tattoo

All done, going home

Finally, healing and feeling better!

I know...it looks like my leg...lol...but it's the inside of my left forearm. I absolutely love it! It's a Tibetan Buddhist mantra that reads "Om Mani Padme Hung"....

There is no exact literal meaning, but it encompasses all that is Buddhism. Here are some exerts from a buddisht web page for a better explanation
"Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion. Viewing the written form of the mantra is said to have the same effect -- it is often carved into stones, like the one pictured above, and placed where people can see them."
"The mantra Om Mani Pädme Hum is easy to say yet quite powerful,
because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say
the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the
practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics,
and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and
patience. Päd, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom.

So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. The path of these six perfections is the path walked by all the Buddhas of the three times. What could then be more meaningful than to say the mantra and accomplish the six perfections?"

http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hung.htm
-thoughts of the busy momma

Ahhh....Karate Testing...

2010-04-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today was the kid's karate testing! This was Michaela's first test so she was a white belt who was promoted to a white belt with a black stripe. Alex has been in karate for over a year now, so this was his third test and he was promoted from a white belt with two black stripes to a yellow belt! WooHoo!!!! All the beginning white belts are gone for him!

Since they have their class in a closed off room so the parents aren't a distraction, we really can't see what they are doing, so they did a sort of "show" for us....and drum roll please...Here are all the obligatory bragging mom videos!

This is Alex (he's the kid in the middle with the glasses)...basic punches

This one is of Michaela doing blocks...she's in the second row in the middle of the two boys...right to the left of the kid up front who can't manage to keep his balance...

Here are some kicks...Alex first in the front row and michaela in the back...hard to see her...chubby no-balance kid kept getting in the way.

Some Awesome kicks from Michaela---dont piss this girl off!

Alex and one of the other kids fighting...Alex is the shorter one with the yellow tube

This is Michaela in the black helmet and blue sword

Alex breaking the board!

Michaela breaking her board!

Michaela getting her new belt

Alex getting his new belt

Up at 3am!

2010-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

What a way to start the darn week! Normally I'm up between 4:30-5 am on Mondays to get ready and get to class at 7 am and was expecting more of the same this morning. However, my children dont always let me stick to the plan. I woke up to hearing Michaela screaming for me at 3am, and rushed into the room to see Alex struggling to breathe and crying at the same time. My first normal reaction was "Croup" since he's had that since he was a baby, but when I really looked, this wasn't what seemed like normal croup to me...so I grabbed him and went to the living room to open a window (cold air always fixes him)...and he still wasn't going back to "normal"...

As soon as the cold air wasn't doing it for him, I knew we'd have to go to the hospital,he needed meds. Sure enough, the girls hauls cookies and grabs her shoes and jackets for them both and we are out the door. Sherman Oaks Hospital isn't my favorite hospital in the whole world, however, they have a good ER and it's almost always empty! So...arrive at 315ish...in and seeing the doctor by 330! Sure enough, it's croup- just a worse than he normally has and made worse by his panic and crying. The doc was awesome! Joking and playing with the kids trying to calm them down and then he tells me "He's going to need one s-h-o-t..just one though"...and out he goes with the nurses. I figured I'd better tell Alex before the nurses come in to do it and get him ready. He FLIPPED! My poor boy usually does well, but not this time. I had to hold him down and he was still thrashing...and in comes "Bruiser"...a huge male nurse to hold down my little five year old 42lb boy! The nurse tells me "It might be easier if we lay him down"...NO WAY lady! I tell Alex that he better hold still or I can't hold him while they do it, and he does...my poor baby curls right into me and just squeezes his eyes shut, and it's done. We come home at 4am and we are DEAD! The kids wanna lay on the couch and watch TV and I'm wondering what to do? Do I find someone to watch my baby so I can go to class? Do I stay home? Do I keep Mick home too cause she's dead on her feet...well, sleep. That was all I could think. Sleep and figure it out later. Mick woke up at 6:30 and said she wanted to go to school, so problem one solved. I of course was going to be late to class anyway and didn't know who could have watched Alex, so problem solved again. Home we are!
Ahhh...the joys of parenthood and waking up in a total panic because children are screaming like someone's trying to kill them....

Narrowing Down Even more

2010-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

So...after a few days of research (that is driving a few people crazy) I have narrowed my topic way down and have even managed to find some overwhelmingly convincing evidence to back me up 100% . I have narrowed my paper down to the focus on the mental health of the LGBT community in regard to Christian led discrimination and hate against them.

It is amazing when doing the research to find that there are 1,138 benefits for hetero couples that homosexual couples are denied because they can't get married to their spouse. If I were to count them off the top of my head I would be able to count what I would consider the most important five- health benefits, legal divorce protection, death benefits, social security benefits and military benefits....however, it appears that I am 1,133 short!

In doing the research I find it amazing (though not shocking at all) that the majority of the funding toward the prevention of "gay marriage" is backed almost in it's entirety by large Christian based organizations....all because of some archaic book that in itself is FULL of fallacy....that states that because woman was made of man, so should man and woman reunite and complete the image of God...because man was made in the image of God to begin with, marriage completes and reunites the 'glory' of this being. I will ignore (for now) the blatant sexism in that little paraphrase of several focus on the family articles and move on, but not before stating this: If woman was made from man, why then is EVERY human a WOMAN in the womb until hormones and genetics dictate if that WOMAN should be turned into a MAN...seems as if Christianity is once again ignoring BIOLOGY (which by the way is proven fact, not mere faith). So---moving on to the thesis---the blatant discrimination in not recognizing the essence of a person's being has proven to cause and increase substance abuse, suicide, depression as well as malicious self harm. The organization that claims that they love everyone because god created everyone is the driving force behind an INCREASE in the mental decline of many because of their hate driven message to block them from equality.

We all know that I am by no means a christian cheerleader, you will not find me quoting Bible verses, post bits of hymns nor praising an imaginary being for my gains (last I knew, I created my gains as well as caused my own pitfalls)...however, my own personal beliefs cause me to show the inequality and masked hatred for what it is. Christianity is a means to control and over run those that don't follow the archaic and contradicting rules. Christianity is a vessel in which those who weld it's power can beat down those that vary from it's beliefs. Last time I checked, this nation was started as an escape from religious persecution...and I firmly believe that the Christians have chosen to conveniently ignore this piece of history- and as we all know, history does repeat itself...just watch as it's happening right before your eyes.

***Disclaimer*** I am not saying that ALL Christians are for holding down those that don't follow its rules, but those Christians that are NOT standing against the inequality and hate perpetrated by it's own religion are no better than those leading the battle---hypocrisy is RAMPANT in the Christian religion, there is not a single Christian that i know that is free from it. If you are offended by what I have said and you are a Christian who supports gay rights, stand up, let your voice be heard! Silence is just as bad as outspoken support of hate groups. Silence and allowing hate to exist...is in itself against the Christian religion, and there-in lies your hypocrisy.

Thesis statements...

2010-04-14T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'm a nerd, an overachiever, whatever you want to call it. I hve a research paper due in 7 weeks and I'm already starting...with an easy semester, why not? The thesis statemnt has been hard for me, but I think I've narrowed it down. It's no secrete that I'm displeased with the Christian attitude of hypocracy and lies, so naturally that would be my focus. I've narrowed it down to the Christian agenda to impede on human rights as well as constitutional rights of non-Christians. My main focus will be on abortion, gay rights and religious marriage rights (other than Christian, mainly polygamy). I have found a wealth of information. Because I am in the medical field, the majority of my support will be from psychology journals sitghting that prevention from Christian lawmakers spurs suicide and depression.

We'll see how it turns out here! I'll post drafts as I do them.

-thoughts of the busy momma

What I call a near perfect Sunday!

2010-04-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

So...today started out a lot less than perfect. The kids were rowdy and I had a ton of cleaning to do. Once that all got sorted out, we started moving about our day. A trip to the book store and dry cleaners and we are now relaxing at home for what I call a near perfect Sunday--the only thing missing is John. I am listening to music and downloading more, Michaela is painting and doing quite a wonderful job and Alex is playing webkins. It is nice. Beautiful music, good coffee and my children behaving. The only thing better would be if my husband was home. Well, I know that he is working his butt off for me and the kids...and with that thought I will sit here quietly and wait for his return.

Until then, we will listen to music, paint, play games and read. I am sure between now and then there will be some arguments and in the end we will all settle down to loving each other and relaxing together.

So, three of six done

2010-04-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

We now have three of six walls painted! How exciting is that? It took us a while to do it, but now it's done and we can probably finish by mid-week. I'd say we'd be done tomorrow, but I have to go get some cavities filled- lemme say, I can't go through that pain anymore! LOL! Now, without further ado, here is the paint job!

Here is the living room

Here is the bedroom!

I am so thrilled to finally have my RED bedroom!!! I love it! It's just one wall, but man, I love it!! The green in the living room is alot darker than what it looks like right now, but seeing it online with a flash picture does nothing for it. It looks fantastic being dark like it is!

Here is a picture of the other wall we have to do--we'll see what happens with that. We are debating keeping it green, or getting another good contrast for it, more than likely we will just keep with the pattern and go green.

The other walls will be done an ivory I think. Who knows. We aren't sure if we want to cover the white with ivory, so we'll see.

Here's that other wall:

My Spring Break Project

2010-04-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

So, I have a week off of school and have to find something to do while I'm doing nothing- and painting is what I chose! We are painting our bedroom and the living room. I was thinking about doing the kids room, but I have zero clue how to paint their room, so that will take some thinking. In the mean time--here's what we have so far!

Bedroom Before:

Bedroom In the Middle:

Living room Wall 1 before

Living rom Wall 1 halfway

Living room Wall 2 Before

Living room wall 2 half way

We are tired--this is DRAINING! LOL! But we have another gree wall to do and then we have to do the ivory color on the rest of the walls and doorways and stuff. I can't wait! It's going to look awesome! I will post again when the painting is fully done, I was just so excited I couldn't wait anymore! I had to post the pics!

A promise to myself...

2010-03-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

I will be the best ...
I will be the best mom...
I will be the best wife...
I will be the best woman...
I will be the best person...
I will be the best nurse...
I will be the best friend...
That I can be.

I will be the best me.

I can't promise to be the best ever, the most I can do is promise to be the best ME that I can be. I can't be perfect, I can only be and will only ever be perfectly imperfect. If you love me, it the flaws and the fight that you love. You will love my little "frustrated" face that my husband adores so much. You will love me despite of and because of my inborn fear of being late- knowing that though I chastise you for running late, I will always be early- and will be there whnever you need me. You will love me because I demand the best of you and everyone else. You will appreciate that I never expect you to always be right, but I expect you to have reason for your actions. You will love me because even though we don't always agree I challenge why you feel what you feel; and will call you on your bullshit. You will love me because I demand loyalty, even if you aren't always loyal to me. You will love me because I hold honesty close to my heart, even though there are times you just don't want to hear the truth. Because you love me, you will pay me the same respect- you will always be honest.

Above all, because you love me you understand that my fierce loyalty will lead me to love you with all that I am- and you will know that because I love you, I will not let anyone ever hurt you.

-thoughts of the busy momma

And my seconterm comes to a close...

2010-03-27T08:40:00.001-07:00

Finals are next week. It's a great thing, however, a little bitter sweet. I had a great time with my friends in class these last 9 weeks and though I didn't pass my challenege test, it's bittersweet. Bitter cause I have to pay for easy classes, sweet because I get to be with my friends from here on out!

I absolutely can't wait for finals!!! The rest after that will be nice!!! I am planning on painting my room and the kids room, if Im not too scared, I'll do the living room too (and if John agrees).

Right now I'm sitting in my firesafety class wanting to DANCE!!! The instructor has music blasting and I love it!!! I'm thinking my study group will have to go out dancing afterfinals! Dress up and party!!!!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Life moves on....

2010-03-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just a post to post. I'm bored sitting at starbuks right now queitly waiting for my study group to appear eavesdropping on peoples conversations. I have the "ex-con" who spent a whole four days in county, the hormonal teen boys punching each other because they want a bite of their friends food, the quickly trying to be mature teen girls and the too rich with no real life house wives. It's funny. Everyone thinks their life and stories are so important, but is anyone else going to remember them tomorrow? Life is funny. Every futile attempt to make a connection is just that, futile. However, as a species it's what we do. We are social beings who need interaction. Whether the interaction is a feeling of mutuality over a shared 4 day stay in county; a connection over the cute boy that either girl is afraid to talk to or just the bemoanings from one woman to the other about how Nordstroms doesn't have the Lui bag she wants. And quietly sits the homeless man. The man that no one talks to because they are afraid, they think he's weird, he smells, he has terrettes. It's a weird world we live in. Whether connections are made or not, we will wake up tomorrow and try again to make more futile connections and one day after hundreds of attempts, maybe 10 will be made and as an animal in the human species you will be mildly content.

-thoughts of the busy momma

Hair and makeup for the busy student!!

2010-03-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine asked me to do this write up for her blog, but since I am wanting to write it and have it accessible for her, I will write it here too! Here's the deal, I am a mom with two children, two cats, a dog, a husband and my own schedule on top of all this to deal with! Hair and makeup need to be FAST and CUTE!

Here's the tools for the makeup!

Step 1: Foundation

Using a foundation brush you can get a more "air brushed" look with out looking "cakey"

Step 2: Creme eye shadow base

Light cream first all over eye

Darker cream on lid up to crease

Here is what it looks like

Using a cream base will allow for a brighter looking eye shadow that sticks on longer. I use ONLY E.L.F. make up for the most part (eyes) so if you like the look you can find it at http://www.elf.com

Step 3: Powder shadow

Using a wider brush, pat the lighter shadow all over eye lid, from brow to lash line. Go ahead and go over the darker cream with the light...the darker cream will still show up.

Darker shadow gets a light spread from inner corner of eye to outer corner on the eye lid below the crease. Once the lighter layer is spread, concentrate on building a darker shade on the outer corner....mini-smokey eye with out the blending hassel.

Here's the powder

Step 4: Cream eyeliner

Cream eyeliner allows you to have a thicker line, thinner line or to even blend easily if you want to. I didn't blend it this time because I just didn't feel like it! LOL!

Using a flat stiff brush smooth on liner starting out outer corner going about three quarters of the way into the upper lid, and about 1/4 on the bottom lashes. Using your finger, "pull" the bottom liner "into" your eye going toward the inner corner, it will smudge nicely and look more natural and less harsh.

Step 5: Mascara

Step 6: Power and translucent setting powder

I use the setting powder after the colored powder because it gives a more "air brushed" look hiding imperfections. ELF has a great powder for $6- totally amazing and blows my MAC powder out of the water!

Step 7: admire the finished product!

Now, i'm always lazy when it comes to hair- the quicker the better! I usually go for the messy bun look. Brush out the tangles. Hold onto the sing. Flip your hair up and down like a heavy metal head banger and pull the pony tail up high. After a few wraps of the band, stop when the hair is half way through the pony tail holder and ta da! Messy bun!

Huge problem with this article

2010-03-08T07:22:00.001-08:00

http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/news/local/~3/NCff8QCzi_E/la-me-beliefs8-2010mar08,0,4323030.story

Problem #1- they are encouraging already very low income women to not have abortions because "god" says it's evil and he will be displeased. Did "god" ever once give them a psych class explainingthe difficulties and disabilities that arise in children from very low income areas? Let's name a few- lower IQ, more suseptability to crime (either being a victim or committing a crime), astronomically higher rates of abuse, astronomically higher rate of that child also becoming an impovershed young parent, astronomically higher rate of not even getting a highschool diploma, and that's just a short list. Let's go on to problem
2

#2- there is no proof of God. They are basing these young womens fear and future hopes in a mythological being- not teaching them the facts. Why not have a motorhome that hands out condoms, performs papsmears and then hands out birth control or condoms and offers empowering lessons for these women to stand up and gain sexual control? Teach them that sex does not mean love and that they can choose to have sex or not have sex.

#3- let's look at the financial aspect. Is this Christian organization handing out monthly welfare checks to sustain these women and their children, or are they dumping that on the federal gov door step? Church and state were seperated. The church should NEVER encourage something the state will have to foot the bill for.

#4- of these "counsellors" is there ONE who is a licensed therapist? Or are they all quacks who "talk to god" and get their answers from him? Yeah, you read that right, quacks. If I believed that Zues was talking to me, I'd be a nut case, so should the same belief be handed to these people.

#4 my list of problems goes on and on. Just think objectively. You too will see my point.

-thoughts of the busy momma

Busy weekend!

2010-03-07T17:13:00.001-08:00

So, Friday was an all day study fest, and once the kids were out of school it was time to see Alice in Wonderland!!! Oh they loved it!! How wonderful! I loved it! However, it wasn't really Alice in Wonderland, it was Burton's take on Through the looking glass- and he did an amazing job!! I have to find both books to read to the kids!

Saturday was spent dealing with crap, and Saturday night Mick and I headed to Ikea. I had to get lamps for the bedroom, but wasn't quite sure what I wanted. It was pouring Saturday night and Mick and I didn't have umbrellas- we had a great time running through the parking lot jumping through puddles cracking up and looking like drowned rats! I also sent some wedding pics to be printed. Today was study group in the morning as usual and a million and two stops on the way back. After all the errands and getting wet in the rain here's the outcome!

Before decorating

Another before

How blah. I was very unsettled with the looks. Just wasn't comforting or cozy looking.

Here's the after :

Much better!!!!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Week's almost over!!!

2010-03-04T07:40:00.001-08:00

Dad finally came home yesterday! He was transfered to another hospital and had the angiogram and stint put in and was itching to leave yesterday, and now he is comfortably home! Mick and Alex are thrilled!!!

The mattress guy finally delivered the new mattresses yesterday. We were supposed to get them Tuesday, but there was some mix up and we got em yesterday. The guy calls and asks, "Do you have someone to help you bring them in?" and I said, "Isnt that your job?" and he said they only do curb side delivery. WTF?!?! So the douche just put them in the hallway and my great neighbor helped me set them all up! She's a doll! Last nights sleep was awesome! John got home from work at 4am and when he got into bed I put my arm out and couldn't touch him!!! Yay for king beds!!! I can't push him out of bed!! To cuddle I had to scoot all the way to his side! Freaking awesome!

Mid terms were this week. Life span I got an 87 and the freaking portal is down so I can't check my biochem grade! Hopefull he'll have it in class for us! I wanna know what I got!!!!

Off to finish the rest of the week now!! I love my life! Great husband, awesome kids and a rockin dad!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Hell of a week!

2010-02-28T08:29:00.001-08:00

It's been one hell of a week.

I came home Wednesday after school and my dad told me he was having some chest pain. He said it was off and on and only when he walked th dog or went out in the cold. We were chalking it up to indigestion or a chest cold he's has for a few days. I was uneasy with it when he started telling me it was making his arms go numb, so I looked up heart attack symptoms online- no numbness was mentioned and he didn't have any of the other symptoms that were listed. So I just kept an eye on him. Around 930 he litterally fell into a chair and grabbed his chest saying it hurt. I was on the phone with John and John had me check his pulse. Initially it was strong an within seconds became thready and inconsistant. I hung up an called 911 feeling like shit because I didn't take him tithe hospital earlier. Once the paramedics got here they even said they didn't think it was a heart attack, however once he was on his way to the hospital he had another heart attack in the ambulance and yet another in triage.

Alex was awake when the ambulance got there and wast phased because they explained what was happening and that they were gonna take grandpa to the hospital to get checked out. Mick was asleep though, and in my worry I woke her up to get her dressed and take them to their friends house so I could go to the hospital- and she got so scared. Our lovely Rachel ended up coming to our house to sit with them and I went to the ER to sit with my dad. By the time I got home Mick was still awake so I had to take her to the ER to see for herself that grandpa was ok, once that was done she as good to go.

Dad's been in the hospital since Wednesday night and had another heart attack Thursday morning so he was put in ICU. True to form, he's antsy and wants to get out of there. They are talking about transfering him to another hospital to put in a shunt and he will more than likely be on anti-coagulants from here on out, we'll see. I can't get a nurse or doctor to tell me what's going on, it's quite frustrating; and he isn't paying full attention to what's going on either.

On a bit of a better note, we got our tax return and were able to pay off some bills, get the kids the rest of their karate gear and get a new bed for John and I as well as new mattresses for the kids! I can't wait! They will be delivered tuesday, but I can't find king sheets. Cal king is all over, but no king! I have a few suggestions as where to shop so I will check those out after study group today on my way to going to visit dad. I have his medi-cal forms to fill out and take in to the office tomorrow, I have my therapist and micks tomorrow- one crazy week is cramming into the next as well as mid-terms and studying for my challenge tests at the end of next month. Sigh.....so much to do!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Total heart attack!

2010-02-22T14:53:00.001-08:00

Every mom who has a son knows that there will come a time when stiches will be needed or a bone will be broken. Alex is 5 so o figured maybe that point is past and who knows, I got off lucky. Then last night happened. I knewthe kids were goofing off, makinthemselves dizzy then trying to walk around- and that when I heard it BOOM. I will admit I have never been the 'panic' mother- I've been more incline to teach my children as babies to laugh when they fall, get back up and move on. True to my style when o heard the crash I waited for the next sound and it was indeed crying, bui still waited to see what would happen. Alex sure enough banged himself good and was coming down the hall in tears, an the poor kid musta still been dizzy because I heard him crash into the hall closet on his way out. Still not one to make a fuss and escalate the scene, I waited for him to come out. The poor little man was holding the front and back of his head sobbing, so I scooped him up an cuddled him trying to find out what happened. That's when I noticed it- the blood. Alex still didn't notice it himself so I tried to distract him while grabbing a paper towel- I had to see the damage. When guess who notices what I'm doing? Michaela. "Mom, is Alex bleeding??? " "No!!! He's not " I tell her all the while trying to motion to be quiet and off alex goes screaming about the blood. All in all he was ok. Checked for a concussion, he was good. No stiches needed. What can I say? He's a boy.

-thoughts of the busy momma

Michaela's 7th Birthday!

2010-02-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

(Another Transfer)

I can't believe it! Seven years ago today I was in the hospital (it had been nearly 24 hours since my water broke) and the doctor was trying a million things to see if my contractions were effective---and little did I know they weren't gonna be working right. It was right about now that he said we were gonna do a c-section, but it would still be another 8 hours before they did it! Today is my little girls birthday! She is growing into a great wonderful beautiful little girl!!!

John and I decided to have a surprise birthday party for her on Saturday- and with everyones help we were able to pull it off. She was 100% surprised and we were 100% TIRED! Today (though she has no clue) we will go to Universal Studios and let her sky dive! I can't wait! I will post another blog when that comes around. For now, here are some pictures! Thank you to EVERYONE who showed up!

The hubby and I before the party

THE CAKE!!!!!

A few of the girls waiting for the party to start!

Mick and her friends after the "SUPRISE"!!!

Freaking Hilarious!

2010-02-21T17:38:00.002-08:00

(Another Wordpress Transfer)

After this mans hilarious dance and pelvic thrust I HAVE to buy this bug killer! Ha ha ha NOT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBU5H62LscA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00]

The Grammy's

2010-02-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

(I am transferring back posts from WordPress---I still don't like their platform!)
I'm always looking for theme songs for moments of my life...and Pink's "Glitter in the Air" hits it on the head. I have apparently had this song on my ipod forever, just never really listened- and man, it brought me to tears! Who knew that this hard rocking chic could belt out a ballad that is this beautiful??? For those that missed it- here's the video

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0lq96Xr9LA&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

And here are the lyrics-

Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face
And said I just don't care?

It's only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn
The thunder before lightning, the breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone
Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?
Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It's only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table, the walk before the run
The breath before the kiss and the fear before the flames
Have you ever felt this way?

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee, calling me sugar
You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight
Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself
Will it ever get better than tonight? Tonight

Love means so much to me. I've had three major relationships in my adult life and was crushed by two of the them--the third was a charm and he is my life savor, my best friend, my lover and my biggest cheerleader. I can say that yes, I have closed my eyes and just trusted the feeling of love. Yes it's a terrifying feeling to know that someone has your heart and soul in their hands and that yes, they can totally crush you if they wanted. And it's an amazing feeling to know that crushing you is the last thought on their mind- their sole intent is to cup your soul so gently and so entirely that nothing in the world can get to it.

Learning to sew

2010-01-30T18:54:00.001-08:00

Not so much as learning but teaching myself. I've fixed my sons glasses strap, and altered my running arm band for my iPhone- today's task was to make a sweatshirt a bit smaller in the waist and arms. I did a good job! I turned it side out, the pinned the shape I wanted to sew. Sewed along the lines and cut off th excess material.

Here's the before-

And here's the after

It's still baggy, however it's taken in a bit so I don't look lik om drowning in my shirt! Lol. Not bad for a newbie! Mick is asking that I make her clothes. We'll give that a try after some more improved alterations.

-thoughts of the busy momma

The after ride interviews!

2010-01-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

Here's micks after interview!

Here is alex!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Kids bike ride

2010-01-30T16:32:00.001-08:00

So grandpa took the boogers on a mini bike ride today- five blocks. They had a blast!!!

Here's Mick on her ride

Here's Alex's ride

They had the time of their lives and went for two rounds!

-thoughts of the busy momma

QOTD

2010-01-29T17:16:00.001-08:00

A great truth is a truth whose opposite is also a great truth.

-Thomas Mann

-thoughts of the busy momma

Another week?

2010-01-29T17:13:00.001-08:00

Hubby has been gone for a week playing army up north and thankfully he came home for a brief 24 hours to pick up his new shotgun- unfortuneately he has to go back again. I'm sad. To be totally honest it is nice having my room on the bed, however it's much better to get to share the bed and havsomeone to cuddle.

The kiddos had crazy hair day today at school- they have been planning their hair style for a week now and they were ready to go this morning.

This is my last free Saturday for the next 9 weeks- and I will enjoy it! A little bit of sleeping in climbing back on the running routine and hanging with the kids on Saturday. Sunday we have a birthday party. Monday I don't have school so that will become my cleaning day (Wednesdays were before that) and Tuesday at 7am we start with life span psych! Joy! (I hope you can read the sarcasm there).

Off to relax some more!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Today's Zen Quote

2010-01-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Technical skill is mastery of complexity while creativity is mastery
of simplicity.

-E. C. Zeeman

Last final of term 1

2010-01-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

Today is the last final for my first term at WCU!! I'm so excited! I have found my groove and I am on my way to becoming a nurse. Here is a list of what I've learned in the last 10 weeks
-your children can be great study tools, teach them and you will learn yourself
-it's ok to be the draconian leader of your study group
-it takes a lot of work to learn new concepts
-non-pc stories are ok to use for examples as long as you rememer the story
-unfortuneately if on system in your body gets a glich, you can die
-learning about all the extremes in body mechanisms makes you a more paranoid mom, sometimes there is such a thing as too much info!

This has been a great term and I am so thankful for the great friends I've made and I really hope that we remain friends!

Here's my baby ready for his first feild trip!

-thoughts of the busy momma

Term 1 is almost done!!!

2010-01-26T12:48:00.001-08:00

So we took our physio final yesterday (after 6 days of me being study group task master) and gave our presentation today. My first class of my first term is done!! I'm excited and sad at the same time. I got an A though!!! Yayyy!!!

Speech class is Thursday and we take our final then. I can say I have gotten 100% on each speech- so an A is a given there. Then on Monday I start 9 weeks of biochem and lifespan psych HELL. I'm not worried about lifespan- however I'm scared of biochem. I have taken chem before- so we'll see how it goes.

On other notes- John has been gone with the military so we are all missing him. I'm sad and lonely and the kids are sad- though he will come home thursday night for a bit so we will get to see him thank goodness. Alex went on his first field trip today! How exciting!! He has been dying to go on a field trip! He was so excited this morning.

I think I'm getting sick. Thank you cortisol for depressing my immune sysytem!

-thoughts of the busy momma

It's been a while

2010-01-20T18:50:00.001-08:00

It's been one heck of a long time since I've had a second to write anything- but here I am now. I'm one week away from finals and the 10 weeks have gone by so fast!!! Time does fly- fast! I've got the feeling I've been living in my physio book and I know the last two weeks have been spent doing study sessions and preparing for the moment of truth! I can't wait. Biochem and life span psych will consume my next 9 weeks and we'll see what comes after that. I'm supposed to have cultural pluralism and written comm two- but I am going to challenge that so we'll see if I pass.

The boogers are boogers and they are playing hard and growing tons!! Hubby is working nights now so we hardly see eachother- between living in my books and his nocturnal wandering- I only know he's there when I wake up and see him sleeping there. Just for a few months and then he'll be back to normal schedule.

Back to the books I go!

-the hubs and me

-my boy!!! The cutest little guy!

-my ultra gorgeous daughter

And me- after a long study day

-thoughts of the busy momma

QOTD

2009-11-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.

-Buddha

QOTD

2009-11-03T06:57:00.001-08:00

I like this. I agree with it. However if ridding the world of evil
people committig evil acts meant that I loose a part of myself to do
so, then so be it.

If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil
deeds and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us
and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the
heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of
his own heart?

-Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License!

2009-10-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

Another perez Hilton find- and I'm astonished!! This makes me sick! When I was 17 I had a huge crush on a football player at my college who was black. When I told my mom (I use the word lightly) she gave me that tight lipped "mmmhmmm" and I asked why the change in attitude? She had been very excited when I told her I had a crush on some one named "Jason" and flipped he attitude when I showed her a picture of him. She said " I just worry about you having interracial children, they get treated differently". Well, the last time I checked I was just crushing on the guy and I wasn't planning on having children at the time- let alon the fact that I was a virgin still!! People make me SICK especially racist people!!!

http://perezhilton.com/2009-10-16-interracial-couple-denied-marriage-license

This is unacceptable! It's 2009!

An interracial couple was denied a marriage license from the justice of the peace of Tangipahoa Parish Louisiana. Now there is a demand that Keith Bardwell step down from the position. Patricia Morris of the local NAACAP chapter says:

"He's an elected public official and one of his duties is to marry people. He doesn't have the right to say he doesn't believe in it. If he doesn't do what his position calls for him to do, he should resign from that position."

Apparently Bardwell's reasoning for refusing to issue the marriage license to Terrence McKay and Beth Humphrey was that in his experience interracial marriages do not last and he worries about the couple's future children. He insists that he's not racist:

"I'm not a racist. I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house. My main concern is for the children."

We call BS and his behavior is completely racist!

Morris has said that she has forwarded the case to the statewide and nationwide levels of the NAACP. Good!

Love is love, people! Marriage should be for everyone!

[Image via WENN.]

Balloon Boy Spawns Criminal Investigation!

2009-10-16T14:38:00.001-07:00

I found this tidbit on Perez Hiltons website (which I love!!) and I think this is awesome! I remember that douchebag of a "father" from wife swap-- he needs to be taught a thing or two and I hope one of those things is do NOT use your children for publicity!!

http://perezhilton.com/2009-10-16-balloon-boy-spawns-criminal-investigation

The Larimer County Sheriff's Department will conduct interviews with Balloon Boy and his family, which may lead to a criminal investigation due to filing a false report.

According to a Sheriff's official, the interviews will begin tomorrow because "their physical and emotional state as of this morning is not well."

Considering the on-camera barfing and back-to-back shameless interviews, they could probably use a breather before they're taken for all they're worth!

Make it RAIN baby!!!!

2009-10-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.blackra1n.com is the location of the 3.1.2 3GS jailbreak and is rumored to be able to jailbreak EVERY upcoming update apple has to throw out there! Let me say now...GeoHot is a GOD!!!!

If you donate and it works for you---please donate! This guy has done something that it seems the DevTeam gave up on for us Windows users.

Mattel Introduces African American Barbies With Realistic Features

2009-10-09T12:16:00.001-07:00

Good idea however- white girls are rarely as thin as Barbie, and not to be racist, but I haven't seen very many African American women that thin either. And "sassy attitude" and "makeup"---really? Are we marketing this for children, or is this designer projecting what she wishes she looked like??

http://cocoperez.com/2009-10-09-mattel-introduces-african-american-barbies-with-realistic-features

It's about time!

Mattel is releasing a new line of African American Barbie dolls, called Barbie So In Style, in which the dolls' facial features more realistically reflect those of African American women.

Head Barbie designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, said "I wanted to create a beautiful line of dolls that [my daughter] can look at and be proud of. I wanted to create dolls with fuller lips, the makeup, the sassy attitude, that little girls will want to actually continue to play with or even 12 year olds might want to just have them on their shelves in their bedrooms that they can collect and say 'Oh that doll looks like me!'"

The first African American Barbie doll, "Christie," was introduced in the 1960s and was basically just Barbie dyed brown. In 1980, "Black Barbie," debuted, but was still essentially the white doll with a generic darker skin tone, which has been the pattern with nearly every African American Barbie that has been released since, until now.

McBride-Irby's line of dolls features 3 grown up dolls, "Grace," "Trichelle," and "Kara," and the "Little Sisters," they mentor, "Courtney," "Janessa," and "Kianna," respectively. The dolls exhibit a range of more realistic features, with varying skin tones and hairstyles, fuller lips, and fuller noses. McBride-Irby said, "I want them to be examples to real girls, so I wanted to put that together in the play pattern that big sisters are mentoring little girls. They can be real sisters, or they can be part of the mentor program."

Each doll comes with an inspirational background story. For instance, Grace is a cheerleader who's favorite subject is science. Trichelle is an artsy journalist, and Kara loves to play music and do math.

"I wanted to make sure I had an aspirational component to these dolls… that moms will hone in on and let little girls know that you can play music, but you also need to enjoy math too, or science, or journalism writing," said McBride-Irby.

Despite McBride-Irby's efforts to "make sure it was what we see on the outside world," some critics are saying that the dolls are still not "black enough," particulary when it comes to the the hair. Only one grown up doll, Trichelle, has curly hair, which some find troubling. One customer asked, "Why are we always pushing this standard of long hair on our girls? Why couldn't one of the dolls have a little short afro, or braids or something?"

Another complaint transcends race and is really just an issue with Barbie in general: concerns have been voiced about the doll's impossibly thin frame.

Still, the general response has been positive, with women praising the variety of skin tones and physical features.

"I just wanted to make sure that I was answering my community's needs with different skin tones, the hairstyles, the fashion," said McBride-Irby. "I would love for little girls - first of all, I know that they're growing up really fast right now, so I wanted to bring back that wholesome little girl, and I know that creating a happy, inspired childhood creates happy, inspired, powerful women…. I want little girls to be able to say 'I have an African American Barbie that I love.'"

The Barbie So In Style collection is in stores now.

[Images courtesy of Mattel.

My morbid kids

2009-10-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

My children are definately mine- they are so morbid!! I love it! They love vampires and mummies and werewolves!!! The girl wants to be a cleopatra vampire and the boy wants to be a mummy cop fo Halloween! It's great! We re on our way to the fair right now- so there will be more pics and stories tonight or tomorrow. Here's today's awesome morbidity!!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Hanging out

2009-10-04T07:02:00.001-07:00

My dad has been here for 3 days now an it's awesome. The kids are happy, I'm happy, John is happy! Here's a video of my dad on the way from Arizona.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Zen quite of the day

2009-10-04T06:54:00.001-07:00

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what
they sought.

-Basho

Epic fails

2009-10-03T19:22:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd share the laughs

-- Posted from my iPhone

Nap time--

2009-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

My boogers. They are 5 and 6 and still need naps. Now, I'm not complaining at all, however I have tried to end naps since school started in the begining of September. The girl doesn't really need them, but I think they are a luxury she loves and is trying to cling to. The boy on the other hand desperately needs them!!! Here he is at 8:45 pm knocked out!

The girl and her friend are watching Coraline in her room (trying to blast the volume so they can stay awake) and the plan was that the boy and I were gonna watch Hulk- a plan that lasted for maybe 20 minutes before he knocked out. I love when he and I can cuddle, even when he's asleep for it.

Today was a piddle day. We were supposed to have someone visit, however despite all their shit storming, they didn't make sure their plans went through. No fault of mine- they didn't dot their "i's" or cross their "t's". Which meant I was able to stay home and clean and organize. Here's the new layout.

That last one is complete with little man knocked right out.

Time to settle the girls- they are being loud again.

-- Posted from my iPhone

It's been a while again

2009-09-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

I need to get better at posting to this thing. I was on a roll, but life has taken over!! The girl has soccer Tuesdays then both girl and boy have gymnastics on wednesday and the boy has karate on Thursday and then soccer games on Saturday!! We are busy!!! I've been managing to run at least 5 miles a day for the last week- the week before that was 4.5...I've been stepping up over the last month and I weighed in at the dr at 123lbs yesterday!!!!

Ok, this post is taking me hours to write!! We are now waiting at the park for Micks soccer to start!! Let's hope they win today!!

And ending with some comedy!!!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Seems fitting

2009-09-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burn.

-Buddha

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

So so much to catch up on!!!

2009-09-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

I've been neglectful of my blog and I'm sorry! Here's the last few weeks in a nutshell! My dad was here visiting and we hung out and had fun...he bought the kids bikes which they LOVE and have been riding like maniacs! I have started running and loosing weight. I went from 135 lbs to 130 lbs. I went from a 29in waist to a 27 1/2 inch waist. I just finished another run this morning at 4.28 miles in 48 minutes. I am currently doing a 2/2 and 3/2 interval run (walk/run) and building up to being able to run straight. It's been a while since I've ran, so it's taking some building but in 3 weeks I've gone from running on a treadmill for 30 minutes to running good distance on the road in great time!

Mick has been doing Soccer and had her first game ever Saturday. She did great! I am so proud of her and I will post a slide show for that in a bit. Alex is still in karate and gymnastics (as is Mick)...so we have BUSY weeks. The kids started school last week and I now have time to run and clean and all that jazz.

Mugshot Hall Of Fame Shame

2009-09-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

http://perezhilton.com/2009-09-04-mugshot-hall-of-fame-30

This makes us sick!

Klingon look-alike Robie Lynn Jenkins and her boyfriend, Tremayne Spillman, are facing felony abuse charges after their pitbull chewed off the toes of their 4-month old son.

Disgusting!

The North Carolina couple claim that they were taking care of the child on Monday during the attack.

The follicly challenged, mother-of-the year was taking medication and allegedly did not the hear the baby's cries, despite sleeping in the same room.

Apparently, they only discovered the missing appendages when changing their son's diaper the next morning. The child may lose the rest of his foot.

So sad!

Sent from my iPhone with Pro RSS Reader

Hatemonger Sally Kern Faces Off Against Transgender Opponent!

2009-09-05T16:45:00.001-07:00

http://perezhilton.com/2009-09-05-hatemonger-sally-kern-faces-off-against-transgender-opponent

The devil never sleeps!

Our favorite homophobic, redneck Oklahoma representative is back, but with any luck, her days are numbered.

Sally "Satan" Kern, who once claimed that "gays are infiltrating city councils" and "winning elections" will have quite the surprise come 2010.

Kern's potential opponent, Brittany Novotny, is not one of those pesky gay or lesbian folk, but - even better - transgender!

That'll do!

She began a private law practice in 2007 specializing in civil rights and employment law after graduating from University of California Hastings College of the Law in 2005. Not to mention, Novotny is legal adviser and vice chair of the women's caucus, a division of the Young Democrats of Oklahoma.

"I'm exploring a run," said the qualified candidate, who has not officially announced her political ambitions. "We're doing everything we can to run a credible campaign."

And for Kern, who stated that "[homosexuality] is the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam," we hope she has her ass handed to her by Novotny.

Bring on the Kernian downfall of America!

Sent from my iPhone with Pro RSS Reader

Sept 5th QOTD

2009-09-05T07:11:00.001-07:00

"If you aren't afraid to fail, then you probably don't care enough
about success."

-Mark McCormack

I will admit, before I left my parents house- they had done something
that made me so afraid of success, that I was afraid to try all the
way. Now that I'm older and in a healthy functional relationship, I am
learning to crave success. I have a parter who is fully backing me!!!
No judging or mocking. Just encouragement. If I wanted to be a
professional dog walker he'd fully support me. Thanks to John, I'm
afrai of failure and driving hard toward success!!!

Selena Gomez Named The Youngest Ambassador For UNICEF

2009-09-04T07:25:00.001-07:00

http://perezhilton.com/2009-09-04-selena-gomez-named-the-youngest-ambassador-for-unicef

After being the spokesperson for their Trick-or-Treat campaign last October, Selena Gomez has now been officially appointed the youngest Ambassador for UNICEF!

What an honor!

Selenita says of her new charitable role:

"Every day 25,000 children die from preventable causes. I stand with UNICEF in the belief that we can change that number from 25,000 to zero. I know we can achieve this because every moment, UNICEF is on the ground providing children with the lifesaving assistance needed to ensure zero becomes a reality."

The Wizards of Waverly Place actress is heading off to Ghana this week on her first official field-mission as an Ambassador.

Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, is happy with their choice, stating:

"We're very pleased to have Selena join the UNICEF family, as a long time supporter, she will continue to capture and engage and audience of millions of young people to help ensure the health, education, equality and protection of every child."

And this is why she is one of our absolute favorite Disney stars!

Good for you, bb!

You're a real ~~pole~~ role model!

[Image via WENN.]

Sent from my iPhone with Pro RSS Reader

Sept 4th QOTD

2009-09-04T07:19:00.001-07:00

After 8 years in the military there are several people that I wish
understood this quote. They would have been better leaders and their
troops would have performed greatly.

"The most effective leader is the one who satisfies the psychological
needs of his followers."

-David Ogilvy

Sept 3rd QOTD

2009-09-03T07:59:00.001-07:00

In theory this sounds great, however I have to disagree today.
Sometimes you need those miracle drugs to pull out of the pit.
However, If you think the medication won't work, then no matter how
great it is, it probably won't.

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any
wonder drug.

-Patricia Neal

Sept 2nd QOTD

2009-09-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

This one is definately a keeper! Goodness I wish more people would read this and remember it!!!

"Solve the problem yourself or accept a fate you may not like...from this perspective, the ethic of personal responsibility gains appeal."

-Noel M. Tichy

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

Sept 2nd app review

2009-09-02T12:52:00.001-07:00

Couch to 5k- a phenominal running app for the begining runner! I hate to run, cant stand it, however to loose weight I know I have to run...enter C-5k!!

This program runs voice instruction over whatever songs are playing on your phone. You set your iPod to play, start the program, lock the screen and get running!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

QOTD Sep 1st

2009-09-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's important that people should know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.

-Mary H. Waldrip

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

An app a day- Sep 1st

2009-09-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

So, now that I'm back in iPhone world I have 9 pages of apps. Guess I better start critiqing them, huh? Along with the near daily quotes I will also be doing "an app a day" where I talk about the apps on my phone.

Let me begin by sayig that my phone is jailbroken- because we all know that the best apps are in cydia!! A jailbroken phone is like a Ferrari with all the benefits and no traffic!

Todays app is phone zap.

Like Twitter there are a million and one morons on this thing, but for every moron there are a few good people. You take a pic an upload it to this app with a comment. You have the option to geo-tag it, add friends to follow, block the horny teens who post pics of their clevage and tiny little boy abbs. You can get this app for free from the App store, or you can get it from cydia. If you get it from
Cydia you can get their beta app which has the ability to make ringtones from your iPod songs- great option!

No matter where you get it from it's free! An awesome app for some good laughs even if you never post anything. If you wanna follow me, please do! My screen name is "itsnowornevr2".

-- Post From My iPhone

Busy weekend

2009-08-30T08:31:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy weekend!! Gymnastics yesterday morning along with a birthday party in the evening, bike riding this mornin before it gets too hot and a visit this afternoon (which I was kind enough to adjust times- poor monitor has enough to deal with).

Here's some pics of this weekend!!!

Alex, Lani, and Samantha

A little dark, but here's the boy

Messy kid

Samantha and Mick

Headstand!!!

Early morning bike riding!!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Aug 29 QOTD

2009-08-29T07:32:00.001-07:00

"Don't borrow someone else's spectacles to view yourself with."

-Simon Travaglia

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

Finally!!!

2009-08-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

The girl finally has training wheels that work, and has already managed to fall a few times!! She has the grace of a bull frog!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

August 28 quote of the day

2009-08-28T07:53:00.001-07:00

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

-Confucius

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

Bike ridding!!!

2009-08-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

Grandpa getting the training wheels ready.

Alex the tool man!!!

Daddy, alex, grandpa and Mick- how many men does it take to help a 6yr old ride her bike???

The proud transformer rider!!!

Still trying to help the little girl- she will getvit yes she will

-- Post From My iPhone

This zen quote is for you

2009-08-27T06:43:00.001-07:00

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.

-Confucius

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

Bike rider number one

2009-08-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the boy with his bike that grandpa Randy bought. He loves it!!!
We have pads and helmets the while nine yards. The girl is waiting for
daddy and grandpa to get the training wheels on her bike...they are
off to the tool store to get a wrench or something.

This zen quote is for you

2009-08-26T07:20:00.001-07:00

When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.

-Sufi epigram

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

This zen quote is for you

2009-08-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.

-Maurice Setter

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

This zen quote is for you

2009-08-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't talk back.

-W.K. Hope

**This quote was sent to you by a friend using the iPhone app Zen Daily. Click Here to download it.**

Darn cat

2009-08-21T12:53:00.001-07:00

He is definately a dork. He climbed up on the couch, circled several times like a dog ad then dared me to move him once he laid down. Gotta love my Brian.

Monday...ughh

2009-08-17T07:36:00.001-07:00

It's Monday. What else can I say. I'm posting from my phone draining the battery despite the fact that I'm right next to the computer but I'm too lazy to get up. I was woken up 30 min earlier than normal by (1) the dog whining (2) the kids playing Barbie (3) the darn cat chewing a plastic bag next to my bed. My son still has pnemonia. To add insult to injury my uterus is painfully squezing out my endometrium. My friend got her car stollen and now has no car, no car seat and no stroller. And I've only been awake an hour.

Anyone else care to chime in on what might happen today? Whatever happens I must not take it out on a poor innocent bystander. Lol. Repeat after me: it's not a store clerks problem if a price doesn't come up right today, the driver next to you doesn't have to drive according to your rules and midol is my best friend for the next seven days. Oohhmm. Oohhmm.

Today will turn into a good day, because it has started out great. I may be tired and in pain but my children are with me, I woke up, and my husband has a day off from work!!! It will be a good day because it already is!!

-- Post From My iPhone

I'm a bad blogger

2009-08-14T07:53:00.001-07:00

I have neglected this blog for three days- with reason!!! My poor boy has pnemonia! I've been trying to keep him busy at home while trying to entertain Mick and her friend (who I have yet to take back to her parents cause she's been keeping Mick busy). The doc said his pnemonia wasn't bad he just had to be calm, so we went to the zoo yesterday. He couldn't walk around so I rented him a stroller and got a million weird look because a seemingly healthy 5 year old was sitting in a stroller lol. Oh well. I'll be back when he's feeling better and blogging as usual!

-- Post From My iPhone

My silly kitties

2009-08-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

Really, what's the point of buying them kitty beds when all I have to do is leave out rolls of papertowels?

And this one? Don't get me started. He will let the girl put him anywhere and will let her play with him for hours on end!

-- Post From My iPhone