The Untold Story

Behind the Photos

2012-01-01T05:45:00.000-05:00

I decided to start my New Year off doing something I had been wanting to do for quite some time, just never got around to it.

I decided to scan some old pictures, and post them on my facebook timeline.

I also decided to take the time to start telling bits of my story.

I met my first husband when my mom and I moved from our little Gapland, MD home in the spring of 1992 to a little efficiency apartment on John Street where he lived in front with his sister, her boyfriend and two sons.

I was going to classes to get my GED, and recieved my diploma in June 1992.

We began "dating" on July 5, 1992 after he came home from a 4th of July party his sister through at the house they moved to. At that time, we had moved from the efficiency to his old place.

I moved in with him not long after we started "going together", as it was called in the early 90's. We lived there maybe a few months, long enough for the red flags to pop up and me be too dumb to see them. Like the night he was laying on the couch and pretended (I guess) to turn into a demon and made me make promises to him, and honestly can't remember what it was, but I remember being freaked out. I should have left right then and there, but thought it was normal. After all, I had been in churches and saw preachers rebuke demons, for gosh sakes.

He once asked me what I'd do if he was at work and I wanted sex...I told him I'd wait until he got home. I thought that was a fair enough answer, but, obviously he didn't. I don't know how long it took me to convince him I wouldn't screw around on him....I should have told him to buy me a vibrator and he wouldn't have any worries, lol.

So, after that, we ended up moving back in with mom because he lost his job. Blamed having to stay home and take care of me although thinking now he just didn't want to go to work. I got pregnant the first time shortly after, and miscarried (even though the hospital ER doc swore I wasn't), not long after that, in early fall, I got pregnant with Stephanie. Will be one of my most memorable pregnancies...

We got into a fight one night, I think it was him accusing me of getting pregnant by my stepdad...we fought and he ran out of the house and up the stree, and once again, like a stupid fool, I followed, begging for him to come back because of the baby. I cried and cried, it was raining and I followed him up john Street to Winchester Avenue past Firestone and the Paint store and the automotive parts store, just bawling my eyes out. We got to his cousins house where of course, there was a party going full blast.

On arriving, his one sister snatched me up (in the gentle way, she knew I was pregnant) and was telling me how she couldn't go with out smoking weed while she was pregnant...it got her through the pregnancy. So, he goes off doing whatever and they are partying and including us in conversation and our previous fight kinda died right there. I remember getting back home the next morning and mom being worried out of her mind, after all, there were no cell phones back in 1992, at least not that we had.

So, before I go on, here are some early pictures with a brief story behind..

This picture to my left was taken during our stay at Rob's mom's house. I think I had already had Stephanie in this picture because the tag on moms car reads 1994. This is one of the few pictures taken of me during that time. No, I wasn't camera shy, there just weren't many happy moments to capture.

This next piture below to your left is the only clear picture of Stephanie that I have, and, unfortunately, includes Rob (sorry). If you notice there are 2 couches in the background; the one Rob is holding Stephanie posing her for the picture, and one to the left..that was my "bed" (couch). Yes, his mom obviously knew we slept together (hense, Stephanie), but we still had to sleep separate because we were not married. Hmm. A LOT happened during our stay in that room, not that I want to go there.

This room was our haven during my last couple of months after my mom and her boyfriend had their fight at the house on Burke Street hill. That was a place to remember. We lived there when Bill Clinton was inauguerated into office during the beginning of 1993...yeah I know that because I remember watching it. That is when I watched Rush Limbaugh...but not much else other than maybe soaps.
I watched a lot of TV at his moms house. She always had The Price is Right on or The Three Stooges. I watched them a lot. Now I hate watching TPIR, and the Stooges arent even in syndication anymore unless its a channel we dont watch.

I remember Mother's Day in 1993 because his sister and cousin and a few other of their friends were going swimming down at Blue Hole (a creek on the outskirts of town somewhere). I was about 6 months pregnant and his sister (bless her heart, I know she meant well), gave me a 2 piece bikini outfit to wear in the water. Can you image me with a belly wearing that? I did and I stretched that bad boy! No, no picture. Sorry. I wish I had the picture of me while I was pregnant with Stephie...I was standing at my usual seat at the kitchen table and whoever took the picture got a GOOD profile of my bod. I remember wearing this purple short sleeve polo..wish I still had that shirt....anyways.

I wear the swimsuit and we go, I get in the water and am having fun, but keeping an eye on him because I was afraid he was sneaking and smoking...silly me. So, we get back and getting unloaded and he realizes he lost his cigarettes...so he argues with me telling me I lost them...a family friend actually had to step in and back him away from me because he was getting out of hand. she ended up going in and telling his sister who was inside her apartment, and she told him he had to find someplace else to spend the night. I was welcome, but he wasn't. So his bff took him back to his moms for the night.

I did not want to stay there with him not there...you know, just couldn't function without him...(shaking my head) I remembered the Mother's Day card we bought his mom and decided to take it to him for her...yeah, I walked late at night, clear across town from Addition Street which is one street in front of the old Martins, clear on the other side of town...maybe 10 blocks, I don't know. No, I didn't care that someone might snatch me, or was I afraid of the boogieman...no. I had walked those streets enough to know what I was doing, and that is what I did.

I got there, he let me in, I gave him the card and he asked his moms boyfriend if i could stay the night instead of treaking 10 blocks back and he said yes. That is how we ended up 'living' there.

What Do You Do?

2011-03-12T19:31:00.000-05:00

I feel as if I am at my wits end. Just when I think I am making some progress, something happens and just blows everything sky high.

I have been feeling overly stressed because I don't feel I am doing well in school. I haven't yet been able to come up with a routine to get school work and housework done, and have any time to relax. So frustrated, I'm so ready to pull my hair out.

I stress over the details like how to organize my school work and keep notes and I can't make up my mind about anything.

Shawn told me the other day when we decided to go pay off my curio cabinet at Schewels that he didn't understand why I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything. He's been wanting to go to Furnish 123 to pick out a new kitchen table and chair set, but I keep putting it off.

He doesn't understand that doing these things takes time and time I don't really have. Doing 1 homework assignment for Algebra seems to take me 3 hours because it's so confusing, and that doesn't leave time for any of my other assignments, or my business for that matter.

Then, there is housework. There's dinner. Don't forget we need a social life...where does it all fit in, especially when you work at night when everyone else is sleeping and YOU sleep when everyone else is awake?

We have talked about dropping down to 4 days a week, so we have that extra day. It would work, but we have to have things assigned to certain days so that we get stuff done or it will just be another day off.

So right now, I'm sitting here trying to get the laundry caught up, Hannah made tomato soup for dinner, and I'm saying everything else will just have to wait. I have to finish up the dishes but sometimes you just have to pick and chose. My goal is to have the dishes done, and the laundry in progress.

I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I just wish it was closer...

2011-02-12T03:57:00.001-05:00

My two girls

Mobile Blogging...

2011-02-12T03:45:00.002-05:00

I'm trying my hand at blogging from my phone, instead of having to rely on making time to blog on my pc. Since starting school, my time on my pc is pretty much homework, and household paperwork, so when I want to post a message, I can now post anywhere, anytime, as long as I have my phone.

Feel free to start your own blog @ http://www.blogspot.com/, and leave me a message here and we can link up!

Playing Catchup...Working on New Routines for Fall

2010-08-06T23:35:00.000-04:00

Wow, summer is almost over and in a way it seems like it just flew by!

So much has happened in the past few weeks and I'm slowly starting to slow down and just enjoy my time and my life and not wish away my days. It's amazing how being in certain situations make you just sit back and realize how enjoyable they can be.

I started the summer waiting for my 10 day vacation from work in early July, because I was looking forward to the possibility of a new career. One where I thought I could slow down and catch my breath. Well, God had other plans, and I'm glad he did! Right after I contacted the company I was interviewing to work for, the school I was planning on attending, at some point, called to check on my admission!! It was God, that is all there is to it. The door closed on the employment opportunity, but he opened the door for me to go back to school, how awesome is that?!!

So, that has kept me going, getting my kids ready for going back to school is keeping me going, work is, well, still there, but I am learning to leave it in God's hands. I'm excited that I'm going back to school and I will be able to focus more on whats important and hope to keep distractions at bay, lol.

Work on my book is slow, but I plan on making time for that in between school work and family time. After today, I really need to get it done and am feeling really strong urges. Today my oldest daughter Stephanie turned 17 years old and I guess I thought about it all for too long and it had me beside myself. I'm not allowing myself to feel or deal with the hurt and it is causing me to be an emotional wreck. I know I need to get it out and deal with my feelings but I have to also focus on whats right for my youngest two and whats fair to my hubby. So I keep myself distracted by housework, and anything that keeps me from thinking.

This fall, I hope for things to be different, and I plan on prioritizing my time and doing what counts. I have realized that you only live once and when you have lived with what I have lived with, and all the loss, you learn to enjoy what you get and not let go.

I'd like to do a lot of things but I want to do what is most meaningful and what will do the most good.

So while I am still working on what I'm doing, I will keep you posted. I will try to log again before I start school this fall.

Blessings!
Charity

2010-05-29T12:24:00.000-04:00

This is going to be a short post, but, I wanted to show my presence, since I haven't blogged in months, how sad huh?

A lot has been going on. I am thinking about a lot of things, like, I am slowly working on my book (I am having constant writers block), taking care of the house, and balance wanting to get reaquainted with my father's side of the family. Up until now, it was an 'ok, I will do this...someday.' What is 'someday'? I don't know but I don't want to find out either.

My uncle, my father's younger brother, passed away. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing because I have relatives that I don't know about and I honestly guess I could just go about my life and if I get in touch with people, fine. Or...I could do something different for a change and get in touch with those relatives that I have and don't know about. Staying to myself would be easier. I could just not do anything and nothing would change. Or I could call my aunt and try and catch up with her and get myself one step closer to going to visit her. I might learn some more about my family, we will see.

Well, I think I have to seperate our feline children...until later...

Making Some Changes...slowly...

2010-02-17T13:46:00.001-05:00

I hope you have noticed some of the changes I have made to my blog. I know it has been a while since I posted, but things have been busy around here in the household, and with me. I had been meaning to post several times, and have had A LOT of opportunities, but I guess I was just too lazy, lol. Well, in the midst of all that, I had been thinking about giving my blog a makeover and update the look. I honestly thought the old layout was too dark, and somewhat hard to read. So, after trying out several layouts, I decided to stick with this one.

You might also noticed, I updated the 'description', because it better and, more acurately describes this blog. I have searched all over the net to find other mom blogs that are 'real', which is what I am after, just to get a feel of what I might like for this one. My purpose for this blog, especially for those who know the family personally, is for you to be able to experience our life with us...for real. When you read my blog, I want you to feel almost like you are right there. That is why I said that we are real. No pictures of decorative couches, or fancy walls, or anything like that. I want to share the real stuff.

I also added the mobile blogger, so that I don't have to be at my computer (Shawn's going to laugh at this one if he reads this...) all the time. I spend more time here than I should, but I want to record all the good stuff to share with everyone. This will not only get me away from the computer more (ha,ha!) BUT, I will be able to enjoy the experience more myself.

Anywhoo... on to updating life around the house...

...we are still dealing with the snow. Thankfully, we can go to work now, but there is still the little issue of school. The last I heard Berkeley County is on a 2 hour delay...I love my kids, but, I think they are ready to go back to school. The endless fighting tells me they have been away TOO long!

Anyhow, I have to go so that I can get more coffee, and decide what I am going to do to keep myself awake until 8:00 tonight (when the kids go to bed)...I kinda fell asleep earlier on the couch for about an hour, but I'm going to still need something to keep the eyes open (which is why I read blogs a lot, so unlike reading books)...

Bye for now!

January 4

2010-01-18T20:15:00.001-05:00

January 4 marked what would have been, my older son Brandon's 11th birthday (January 4, 1999). Without going into a bunch of details, I had very life threatening complications that forced me to give birth at 24 weeks pregnant. I had been diagnosed with partial placenta previa (follow the link for more information) Placenta previa

I carried him for about a month before I was finally hospitalized on New Years Eve and spent the first few days of 1999 in Morgantown, laying in a hospital bed because the doctors told me he wouldn't survive and gave me two choices. Have him and live, or carry him and stay in the hospital until I did. Apparently I hemorraged so much that the final blood test they did at City came back abnormal and they felt I could be better cared for in Morgantown.

I lay in the hospital bed bringing in the New Year and after RW arrived, we waited. Finally on the 4th I told the doctor ok, because I knew I'd done what I could do. So they induced labor and he was born. He died 30 minutes later in my arms. I won't get any more detailed than that right now, but for those who have only known me a short time, that is the sad part of that day.

A year later on January 4, 2000 is the day I left my abusive first marriage with Shawn's support. I left after a confrontation and went to his house, where Rob was then arrested. Shawn and I have been together ever since.

There is more that I'm going to be saying, I just chose not to go into much detail here for personal reasons. You are more than welcome to email me and ask, but otherwise I just wanted to kinda give you an idea of how bittersweet that day is.

Welcoming 2010: New Year, New Start

2010-01-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

I spent the beginning of the new year quietly, sitting watching TV, my kids and hubby asleep. He had poured us each the remainder of the rum/coke and he sat down on the couch to relax listening to his headphones, and he was out.I was busy texting. I was texting my friend and my brother at the same time. While trying to drink my rum and coke. I eventually just ended up texting my friend Mona off and on until the ball dropped, while channel surfing. That is how I brought in 2010. No parties, no racket, no drama...ahhh!

I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish this year. No, I don't make "resolutions", I think that is just a waste. But I have been thinking about what I want to do and get done and thought I'd share it with you:

First, and foremost, is creating a simpler life. I'm tired of wasting my life constantly looking for solutions and collecting things thinking that will solve my problem. Well it hasn't, so it ends.

The second thing I am actively working on, although not "full time", is my memoir. Some of you guys may be surprised that I would be writing a book, well, unless you have known me for more than 5 years, you really wouldn't understand the reason why. This is something that has been on my heart for the past 10 years, and as much as there have been times where I have said to myself that "what is the point?", there is a point. I didn't go through everything I did to just forget everything, forget everyone and pretend that the first 25 years of my life never happened. So, I'm putting it all on paper, and putting it all out there. If nothing else, it will be a way for me to give back and help someone else heal and understand.

Lastly, I have a book collection that is majorly growing and I need to reduce. I'm sure that along the year, I will discover other things that I will add, but, simplifying my life, working on my book, reading and spending as much time with my family and friends and scrapbooking are tops on my list right now.

And it all starts tomorrow...

I Hate Weekends

2009-12-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

Today we were suppose to go back to church. After all, it is sunday, and we'd missed the past two weeks because of the weather. We didn't go though. Shawn wasn't feeling well, and I was too tired from all the lifting last night, so we stayed home.

I went to bed at my normal 9am, after eating a bowl of cereal (a hot breakfast this morning was NOT on the menu, lol), and went to bed. Shawn came and got me up so that he could go to bed at 4pm, after the game went off. I was still tired, I guess from sleeping longer than I normally do, I don't know, my body just hurt.

Came downstairs and the kids were watching TV and I walked into the kitchen (I still had my pj's on, didn't bother getting dressed) and there were dishes in the sink, so I'm guessing Shawn didn't feel like doing anymore that I felt like doing. He was starting to feel bad last night at work (which is why we didn't make it to church).

I needed to make a pot of coffee...ugh, it was not going to be a good afternoon. Got coffee started, and preheated the oven for dinner...fish tacos. So after all that was done, in between the kids arguing over the TV and playing the Wii, I sat down. I have learned that if I want to stay awake, I stay away from the couch. So I sat down and checked my email real quick, and went to facebook for a minute while waiting for the oven to beep.

Long story short, I did manage to get some laundry folded, dinner made, dishes done...and that is about it. I already feel whooped again and I have 30 minutes until I have to get Shawn up for work. This reminds me that I hate weekends. Sleep is just all over the place. I feel just as tired when I wake up as I do when I lay down! Ugh, what's with that??

On top of that, Shawn and I get to start working out on my Wii Fitness Plus. Oh, Lord! I bet that will be a sight, if we make it...I don't want to even think about that right now. Ok, I need to sign off now and go get some ibuprofen...I can feel a headache coming on...

Back in the Office...Again

2009-12-16T08:49:00.003-05:00

I'm sure you remember my post last week when I told you about getting coached because I went over my time limit for my department. Well, I ended up back in the office again Monday night, and received a 'D' day, aka Decision Making Day (is the next step in the discipline policy which is where they give you a paid day off for you to 'think' about what you did, why you did it, and what corrective action you will take. You are then asked to write a statement to that effect.) and it was all over 1 minute of overtime! One minute! I was shocked in a way, but just agrivated because this was the second time in two weeks that I ended up in the office because I did something 'wrong'. Apparently the store manager told them that this is what needed to be done, there is to be NO OVERTIME...

See, I had checked my hours during the middle of the week and noticed that I had 9 minutes to kill, so I told my supervisor, and he told me to just take an extra 9 minutes of lunch. So, I did. Well, then, Friday came and without thinking, I clocked in a few minutes early and didn't make it to the timeclock in time, but didn't realize it until when they pulled me into the office.

I know I am not the only one that this has happened to. I know that several people have been written up, while others like myself, got a D day. They strongly encouraged me to use the Open Door Policy (our right to talk to a member of management, usually store manager or higher)to have it reversed.

So, when I got home from work, I told Shawn and if you know Shawn very well, I'm sure you can imagine how upset he was, and he even suggested to call home office. I took the kids to school, and went straight back out to the store and spoke with the store manager and explained the her what was going on, and she said she could not reverse it because then she'd have to reverse it for everybody. She said it came from her boss that there is no overtime. Not satistfied with this answer, I got the District Managers phone number and called him, and spoke with his secretary who told me she was going to put me in touch with Pat, the human resources manager.
Heard nothing from anyone all day, and finally Tuesday morning she calls and leaves a message. BTW, I ended up with 27 minutes to kill from my talk with Kim...

Long story short, I am waiting on a call back from Pat, and half wishing it all would end. So many changes, so many wrong changes..

Edited to add: I just received a call this morning from one of my supervisors who told me that the store manager took away all the write ups for overtime this morning. I don't know why, but I'm thanking God she did.

My 'Nights' in Hell May Be Numbered...

2009-12-08T17:13:00.000-05:00

I couldn't think of another title to more accurately discribe my situation and be nice. After last night, the company that I have worked for, for the past 13 1/2 years, can go fly a kite.

I have been bounced around in different departments of the store, depending on who our manager is on any given night. I was originally in Apparel, but was moved from Apparel to various GM departments, and finially over the last 6 months I have been bounced between working Chemicals (the dept with the bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning products) to different grocery isles.

As many of you know from hearing from us in person, floor associates now have a time limit. We are given so many hours in order to get the freight worked in the department we are working, so that we can move on to the next department and do the same. Most departments are given an average of 3-4 hours, depending apon how much freight they get.

On an average night, in most cases, I work Chemicals. I get freight from the GM (general merchandise side), and I get a skid from the grocery truck with bleach and laundry detergent that is what we call an 8 footer because I would have to get a ladder to get the little boxes off the top and work the skid. So, between each receiving area, I average 3-4 skids a night.

According to the Task Manager, for that department, it should only take me 3-4 hours to get all those skids done. This is not counting having any interruptions, moving stuff, zoning, helping customers because even at 1am, people still shop...doesn't matter.

In last nights meeting, while running down the little Task Manager line up they give us as to who goes where, I was assigned Chemicals as usual, and told that I had to be done by 4am. We were also told that if we weren't done, we'd be making a trip back to the office.

We leave the meeting and I go get my garbage bag and go hunt for a pallet jack (I've found I get done faster pulling the skid into the isle and working the freight that way), found the jack, and went to look for a cart to put my cardboard on. Well, what do you know, the few they had empty were being used by IMS to put the picks on.

Ok, I will just have to take my trash back after I complete a skid, and then I thought about it, and decided to jus tget the first two skids done and do trash then as not to waste time at the baler (because making a bale doesn't count either) so if I go back and there is a line that is taking from my stocking time. If I help make a bale, the clock still ticks.

So, I go through my skids and the managers come by and the one says (and this is at like 12:30, not long after 1st break, "are you done yet??" I had 4 skids total: I had the three GM skids, plus the 8 footer and was only finishing up the 1st one.

Cart party time rolled around. For those of you that don't know, every night at 1:45, all the overnight stockers get to go out and collect all the carts in the parking lot, which is why it is called a 'Cart Party'. That takes a good 15 minutes, and then it is time for lunch. I went to lunch last night at 2, so the minute I came in from the cart party, Shawn was looking for me to go to lunch.

Got back from lunch at 3, and continued my work, with only an hour to go. I still didn't take cardboard back because I didn't want to waste time. I was working on the last GM skid that I had and had the 8 footer to go when my manger came by and said 'you're not done yet?', I said 'no', and we talked for a minute and I told her I wasn't killing myself to try and get the freight done. I said I can only go as fast as I can and said I guess I'll be making a trip back to the office like our other manager said. I told her its's not that I don't care, but, I'm not going to try and work unrealistic time conditions. She said she understood and went on.

Shortly after that, one of our support managers came out and got me and it was my turn to go to the office. She said, 'you know why you're back here, right?' I said no, and she had the screen pulled up and showed me what she had been talking about with the times. I apparently had only 292 cases, so, it should only have taken me 4 hours (minus my lunch) to get the 4 skids done. That is 60 cases an hour, and looking at it by skid, that would mean an hour for each skid--including the 8 foot skid that could pass as 2 skids itself.

So, I was coached for not getting my job quick enough and placing more of a burden on the other associates by not getting my area done so that I could go on to other departments and work. I was told that by me taking longer than I should, I forced the other associates to have to work harder to get more departments done, because, apparently, their expectation is that all freight needs to get worked by 7am. We have an average of a dozen associates, no more than around 20 people to work each of the grocery isles, HBA, Chemicals, Pets, Infants, and Paper. I was told there are associates who work many departments a night and that it was unfair for me to take longer to get my department done.

At this point, I wrote my comment, asked to have a copy for my records as to what I said, then went back out to finish my skids. I was almost done the last one when Shawn came by and got me for break around 5:30. Came back out and finished that skid and started the 8 footer when Shawn came by and said he asked the other manager if he could give me a hand since there was coverage up front, so, he helped me get the giant skid done, and helped me take back my buckload of cardboard and trash. I pulled back my skid of overstock, did my dozen boxes of picks (they don't count either), and cleaned up just as 7am was rolling around.

I have since decided I don't care anymore. Tonight will probably be my last night because once you get coached, it stays on your record for a year and the next step is a 'D' day, or a decision making day which is your paid day to decide if you want to continue to work there, and if they want to continue to employ you. So, I guess tonight will tell the tale, but I have decided that if I get called back to the office for a 'd' day, I'm going to give them my badge and be done. I'm not letting them fire me over something stupid. Not when they can put me somewhere else and I can work there just as well.

So, not only is this my 'Friday night', it might be my last night working for Walmart...will let you know tomorrow.

Anyways, hope everyone has a nice evening, and I'm going to get some coffee and work on dinner... night all.

Is It Just Me??

2009-12-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

I have been in an irritated mood all morning, and I think it's because I have had stuff build up over the past few weeks.

It drives me nuts when someone else (Shawn included...ask him, he will tell you) does my laundry or my dishes. We have things arranged in the kitchen a certain way and when someone else comes in and does dishes and puts them away where ever, it takes extra time to put everything back (once I find it) and creates unnecessary stress...

As much as I appreciate my MIL helping when she came to watch the kids Thanksgiving week so I could take Shawn to his appointment at Shepherd, while she was there, she did the dishes...and got bored and started doing my laundry. Like I said, I appreciate the thought, but had no idea that she was going to do this, so imagine the look on my face when we got home and she was folding laundry in the LR while the kids were watching TV. I knew it was going to take me several days to get it all sorted out because we had other stuff going on a the same time, and I did not have time to go back through and re organize everything. But I didn't say anything because she was helping....

I have just started getting things put away because I just left everything there temperarily until I had a moment to deal with it... she did explain to me how she had things arranged...ok, that's cool, but of course I forgot not long after because I was really tired.

It didn't take long to get the dishes back in order because we use everything all the time, but it was just unnecessary.

I started working on the laundry the rest of that weekend, but just couldn't motivate myself to put it away, so until this morning when Shawn was reorganizing the kitchen, I went in and grabbed the hanging laundry and started to put it away.

I sometimes thing that there is just something wrong with me because I will get upset with Shawn when he does dishes because he splashes water everywhere when he's doing them, and then water gets all over the floor (and generally the floor is still dirty and needs to be swept and mopped, so that means that there is MORE mess to clean, and with us walking in it)... I appreciate him wanting to help, but some things I think are best left for me to take care of.

I think that I'm irritated because he wants to have a hand in everything and some things he should just leave alone. Like, it worked well when he was letting me sweep because I could see the dirt and mess, and he would mop the floor.

I love when he cooks, because he does an awesome job...but the cleanup is a nightmare! I don't feel like there is a win-win!

It's utter chaos when there is no routine, and no system.

We went and got groceries earlier today and I was iritated because somewhere along the line, I lost my grocery list, and without the list, I felt grocery shopping was in vain because we'd just be winging it. We did, but I am hoping that I didn't miss anything we really needed. I have found that when I stick to a grocery list, we spend less and don't get things we don't need. Happens all the time.

I know things will eventually get worked out, but, it is very frustrating in the meantime.

My Birthday Weekend and Thanksgiving Recap

2009-11-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, maybe I will get to actually finish this post! Just technical difficulties and sometimes bad timing, but, here I am, at last!

We celebrated my 35th birthday last Friday at the Peking Restraunt, which used to be our weekly dinner 'date' with our friends (and Shawn's cousin) Angie and Chris. This week, my cousin Jenny joined us, and we had quite an evening.

We started the day off dropping the kids off at school and going to see New Moon, which started showing that morning. We left there and did some shopping before it was time to pick up the kids from school and then went to the Peking. I ended up having my Cosmopolitan and they brought me out a Sweet Tart shot, and sang Happy Birthday to me.

Afterward, Jenny gave me and the kids a ride home (we walked, which is a rule so I can have a drink if I choose), and Shawn rode over with Chris and Angie. We got back to the house and Jenny and I started talking about everything, and Shawn, Chris and Angie arrived right after. The guys stayed in the livingroom playing games once the kids went to bed, and us girls stayed in the kitchen and talked. It turned out to be quite an evening, one that I will remember for years to come!

The rest of the weekend, we basically stayed home and relaxed. Went to church Sunday morning, which we have been attending regularly for the past few weeks. It has been awesome, to say the least!

The kids went back to school Monday and Tuesday and Wedensday began their Thanksgiving Break. We spent Thanksgiving at Angie and Chris's and my in laws and Angie's dad were there as well.

I have truly enjoyed the last several weeks, and I am slowly learning to set my priorities and enjoy life to the fullest. I was telling one of my best friends that I am working on my book. I have been wanting to write this book for the past 10 years and just never did it. I guess it was a combination of fear of the bad memories, and the passage of time. In any case, I will get the book written, one chapter at a time.

I am also going to get going on decorating the house. We have lived here for over 2 years and have no pictures on the wall. I hope to soon change that.

I have realized that life is too short not to enjoy it and to make the best of it. That is why I am reaching out and getting in touch with fellow family members so that we can get reaquainted.

So, for now, I am enjoying life, enjoying my children, husband, and the rest of my family and being thankful everyday for all the blessings I have recieved.

Quick Update

2009-11-24T18:25:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to update everyone. I'm going to post how the weekend went, but, not tonight. My hubby wants me to lay down with him and watch Law and Order, so, hopefully tomorrow night since we're off, I will post an update.

I will be taking Thursday off, as, we are spending the most of the day at my cousin in laws house. I might write a quick post that morning, but am not going to make any guarantees.

Since I have Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday off (yay!!), maybe after the excitement of the holiday is over, I'll have the opportunity to sit and write...we'll see. Until then, I will sign off so I can join my hubby and cuddle ;)

Take care all, and, goodnight...

What Do You Think?

2009-11-06T07:12:00.001-05:00

I chose to write this little article to submit to The Journal. Tell me what you think?

Modern Technology: Making Life Better or Worse?

Back when I was growing up, we didn't have cell phones. We were lucky to have home phones. If someone called and we weren't home, they left a message on our answering machine. Our parents didn't have the luxury of carrying a cell phone to catch every incoming call. Some people didn't even have an answering machines. And we survived. We are functioning. It's nice that we have them, believe me, but there are days where I wish I still just had my house phone and left it at that. Now, you have the option of getting myspace, facebook, twitter (and I'm guilty of this too!) messages sent to our phone, because heaven forbid you don't get your messages. I have realized how unimportant it all is. I realize it everytime my phone goes off because someone that I am 'following' on twitter has updated their status. Well, no more! I'm going to go in and either discontinue twitter altogether, or not have any updates sent to my phone. I want my phone to be what it was meant to be,,,a phone.

If that isn't bad enough, we have Blackberrys (and I am one of them!)...I have the internet, I have the media player that I use to listen to music (and how often does THAT happen?), I have texting capabilities (woohoo!!), a camera, I can take video, and all kinds of things. That is good because I can use the camera to take pictures of my kids and record funny moments. I can do all that on a regular cell phone. The only thing I really like about my Blackberry is the full keyboard.

Don't forget computers, the main hub of existance anymore. I only know of a handful of people who do not have one. I honestly don't know what I would do without mine, to be honest. I know I could live without it, but life would not be good (lol)...There is just too much to do on it. Go online, play games, write (which is what I am doing now!), you really can't get bored with a computer. Especially if you have the internet.

We have cable TV, digital cable, satellite, and the list goes on. We are a society that has taken modern technology and used it to the max. There is so much to do with electronic gadgets that the time we are spending on our phone, on the computer, playing video games, and watching TV, that there is no time to enjoy the great outdoors like when we were kids. There is too much to do inside. What are board games (you know, those games that come in a box that you play at the kitchen table?) Candyland, Yatzee, Monopoly, Bingo...

I think we'd be a lot better off and less stressed if we went back to the simple days of using the phone as a phone, and less other technology, and spend that time with our family and friends playing board games and taking walks, cooking together in the kitchen, and out in the backyard, and let the computer grow a little dust, let the TV sit still, put the video games away and go out and play tag with your kids, take the family to the park and have a picnic or better yet, make a picnic in the middle of your livingroom where it's nice and warm. Let your calls go to voicemail for once.

What would it be like for our kids if they came home and did their homework and went outside to play until dinner was ready, or helped with dinner and then the whole family could go out to play, or make a nice dessert and play board games all evening. It just might calm them down. It just might relax them. They might not feel as inclined to be hyperactive and run rampid and they may be easier to put to bed (especially if they are wore out from being outside playing!) I can guarantee you that although life would be different.

So, I'm asking you how you can simplify your life. What one thing can you do to make your life simpler? All it takes is one thing. When we change one thing, generally we feel so free from that, that we want to change something else. Do you think you could give the TV a rest for a night and play a board game with your children? Or take advantage of a nice night and go out and play? Sometimes all it takes to balance out your life it a little bit of change.

This is a test

2009-10-24T19:02:00.001-04:00

This is a test to see if my post are going through...

A Little More About Daily Life

2009-10-24T18:31:00.002-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again. Fall. I love fall, but I can do without the cold that comes with it. It seems like for the past several weeks it's so cold (like in the 40's), that I have to start wearing layers. I'm not happy with that. I don't like thick layers, but in some cases, it can't be helped. Maybe that is why I don't go out a lot....hmm. The past two days were not that bad, but it ended up raining by Friday afternoon, so it was nice, but wet.

I normally walk up to get the kids from school, but lately, have been driving up because I usually have to run an errand while I'm out. The last several times, it was just because I wanted to get out, but was too lazy to walk, lol. The school is only like 3 blocks away, so maybe driving is a waste of gas, but, sometimes it's quicker. Anything that makes it easier during the week when I'm just stumbling out of bed and can barely find clothes to throw on because I didn't put them where I could easily locate them and the bedroom is too dark to see. This happens all the time on the weekends. That's why we don't leave the house. I jump out of bed when Shawn comes to bed and don't bother getting dressed in anything but sleep clothes. Sounds bad I know, but, I'm always rushing to get to bed because of my **cough** addiction to facebook (I know I should just wait until in the afternoon to get on and spend maybe 15 minutes or so and call it a day), but, facebook is my glimpse into what my friends (you guys) are doing and other than being nosy, and wanting to keep up with what everyone is doing since the only time I see anyone is at work or shopping at the store and I don't like that! So, I get on the PC if Shawn isn't occupying it, or I rev up my laptop and check email and surf facebook for a few minutes. I'm going to turn off the SMS subscriptions I have because my phone is constantly going off when I get an update and it drives me nuts.

On to other things though. Kids and school. Hannah is doing really well in 3rd grade, she is in a program at school called Reading Counts, where you get points for reading certain books and the more you read, the more points you earn. She just made it into the 100's club not long ago. Her goal is to have the most points and get her name put on the Reading Counts Board where past 3rd graders have had their names engraved for having top points. She has always loved to read, and her favorite books are Junie B. Jones, and her grandma Linda gets her books at work. She is an A's student, and I'll know for sure when the first report card comes out soon if she made honor roll (which she does regularly). She likes to make her own hot chocolate (which she is doing as I type this)...and is enjoying trying to feel dry hot chocolate to our cat Jack. She is a good helper, when I let her, and she loves to help her brother with his homework, so much that she actually ignores her own!

My boy Shawne, he just started Kindergarten this fall after attending Winchester Avenue Pre-K. So far, his teacher says he is doing extremely well. He doesn't have the same Kindergarten teacher that Hannah had, which is good, that way they can't be compared. He's having a good time, though. He speaks of a couple of boys in class that he is good friends with. We had several of his friends over for his birthday party. Oh, boy, was that something else! He still loves video games and is getting better and better at Mario Cart, which he is playing now. I let him play for an hour or so, just depending on his behavior and what all we have to do. He also likes helping, but gets really distracted when the TV is on (what kid isn't?).

I like how things are now to a degree than I did last year. During the week, we come home from work, get the kids up and ready, take them to school, come home and go to bed until time to go pick them up and have the rest of the day to spend time with them or whatever we need to do that day. The weekend are a different story. Since we go back to work on Friday nights, if we put off grocery shopping, or some other household errand, we generally don't get to follow our routine. I'm working on shifting things around so that we just treat Friday as a workday and sleep once the kids are in school so that we don't have to catch a nap here and there. Yesterday I laid down at 3:30 and he let me sleep until around 6:30, and I felt so terrible. My body is not use to sleeping that late in the evening so I feel like I slept the day away and I feel so sluggish afterward. I take my phone to bed with me because I have an alarm feature that wakes me up, and since we go to bed at different times we don't have an actual alarm clock set. But I take my phone to bed because Shawn has had a habit of not getting me up when I need to get up and I feel better when I get up at earlier times. I have learned to turn my phone off while I'm sleeping so that the incoming texts or phone calls don't wake me.

I'm thinking about getting the kids a cheap tracfone so they can talk to their friends more. Thursday night when we were at Chick-fil-A for the school fundraiser, Hannah's bff called several times (which I thought was sweet because I answered and told her where we were, and she called back later and left a voicemail telling Hannah she hoped she had a nice time). It would save me having to 'loan out my phone', and would teach them both responsibility. The challenge is convincing Shawn. He doesn't think she/they are old enough. So, until we come to an agreement, I'll have to set some rules for getting calls and making calls.

About work. You knew it was coming, didn't you? I know, this is the longest post I have written in a long time. Amazing. Anyhow, work is...challenging. There are nights where I get along better than other nights. Last night, I worked in the cereal isle and it took me until after my last break to get completely done. I really don't pay much mind to the times they give us. I mean, I do, but I'm not worried if I don't get done, because I know I don't piddle and fart around and that I do my job, so until they say something to me specificly about not getting done in time, I'm not worried. I just go in, put in my 8 hours, and come home. I'm not into drama. I have limited energy and I'd rather save what I do have for the more important people in my life, the two main reasons I have a job; my kids. After taking care of the house, I'm lucky to have energy for them, so, there you go.

Well, I have about 30 minutes until it will be time to begin the bedtime routine, so, I'm going to run now. It's been fun, and I hope to be able to do this again soon!

Random Thoughts

2009-09-17T22:54:00.002-04:00

I am suppose to be finishing the laundry. Ok, I am, but, the dryer just went off. I don't want to change out the loads. I'm addicted to this PC...

Have you ever found yourself wanting to do something other than what you are doing? That is how I feel right now...I don't want to pay bills, clean my house, put up pictures, or anything except be lazy, and why? I don't know. No motivation, I guess. Being on here and going to my friends facebook pages are more interesting than my to do list. I'm always off doing, doing, doing.

The only thing I got done today was going to get my hair cut, go shopping for shoes, grab stuff for dinner, go get Shawne's birthday present, and that was it.

I was supose to do that, come home, put pictures up, since Shawn painted the other side of the livingroom, watch the video to cut his hair and the boys hair...and it didn't get done.

What got done? I got home from getting the kids, helped with homework and started laundry (well, that was on the list too), and after that, played with my facebook on my phone and kinda farted around. We ate dinner, Hannah talked to her friend on the phone, I got on here while the laptop was charging, and so was my phone and...updated my status...then got the kids to bed (shawn was asleep my then) and here I am...Shawn went to bed, and I'm finishing laundry.

I could at least do something productive like write some on my auto-bio, but, no...

I'm hoping that the facebook addiction wears off. I don't know what it is...

Anyways, I'm going to sign off, change out loads and READ... later!

Quick Update

2009-09-14T19:27:00.002-04:00

Wow! I can't believe I have been away all summer! I have been busy, but I have also been lazy. To be honest, I don't think I would want to document everything from this summer, but, we did have some fun.

To update you, Hannah is now 8 years old, going on 16 (lol), Shawne is 5, he turns 6 next week (woohoo!!), and Shawn and I celebrated 7 years July 4th...
Hannah started 3rd grade, her last year of elementart, and Shawne just started kindergarten.

Work is work, I pray every night for the patience to deal with each night. So many changes and not for the better.

I can't write much now, because I'm getting ready to put the kids to bed, but, I'm going to schedule about an hour to write a more detailed post.

Gotta run!

Patience: a work in Progress

2009-05-12T20:12:00.002-04:00

I know, catchy title, huh? Well, it's the only thing at this point that I could think of, and boy do I need it right now!

Ever since Mother's Day, when I decided I was going to reestablish my faith and have a more personal relationship with God again, I have been mind-boggled with what internal issues I have to work on first in order to live a more Christ-filled life.

I know I have to get back into church and spend time with other believers, but, where to from there. How do I figure out what else I am suppose to do?

That is where patience comes in, and I'm not kidding. Patience use to be one of my best traits, and now I have very little. Especially when it comes to my young ones who test me at every opportunity.

We shall soon see....

Random Stuff

2009-03-13T17:24:00.003-04:00

I guess the title is kinda self explainatory. I'm just in a mood, I guess. I have been having major tired streaks and actually took a nap earlier today--imagine that!

I had thought about doing what other bloggers do and actually have a theme to write about each day. But, somehow, I haven't been able to convince myself that I could actually stick to it. Like, MPM is Meal Planning Monday. I haven't gotten into the habit of meal planning, so, that wouldn't work. It might force me to try though. Let me give it some thought and I'll come back later on with an answer for you, k?

In the meantime, I will leave you on that note. Yes, that is my way of saying I can't think of anything else to say--imagine that!

This is How I Spent Saturday Morning...

2009-03-08T16:31:00.004-04:00

I had been wanting to clean out the car for a while, and, after taking it to the car wash Thursday, I thought the inside needed some TLC....I'm embarrassed to admit, in the past 2 years that we have owned the Vue, this is the first time I have literally physically cleaned out the interior--and you can tell it, too! OMG, my side floorboard is a mess, stained from lack of cleaning over the years, awful. The backend had just housed two mini bales of hay for the front yard that my husband was planning on using for re-seeding the front yard from our Plumbing Adventure last summer. So, I had to clean that as well. It took me most of the morning, but, she's all clean now. I'll have to go out and snap a couple pictures of what it looks like now, when I got done I forgot to take after pics, and hubby wanted to get his buddy home. Anyways, there you go...

Finding Balance (continued)

2009-02-17T18:35:00.000-05:00

I have a fabulous giveaway for all entrepreneurs or WAHMs

Well, are you in for a treat!

My friend, Kim Reddington, has just launched a new e-course and she's kindly offered a free copy to one of my blog readers.

This e-course is perfect for you if you're a WAHM or a blogger who makes money from their blog, or really, any sort of mom with a business leaning.

Work-life balance is hard enough but when it's your own business, it can get even harder as you juggle multiple balls in the air.

And this is where this e-course comes in.

Kim's written a 7-part e-course, Finding Balance as an Entrepreneur Mom, specifically to help you get that balance back in your life.

The rules

1. Please make sure we can find you so either leave your email in your comment or make sure your email comes through on the comment.
2. All you have to do to get an entry into the contest is comment on this post and answer this question:

What is your biggest challenge in trying to find a balance among your business, your family, and your own needs?

3. The contest runs from Mon - Fri this week and closes on 20th at 3pm EST.
4. Kim will pick the winner and I'll post the winner's name on Monday 23rd. If the winner doesn't respond to my email within 48 hours, we'll pick another winner.
5. You get an extra entry if you blog about the contest on your own blog and link back here. Make sure you leave an extra comment and tell us where you blogged it, okay?

Let the games begin!

Finding Balance

2009-02-17T18:26:00.004-05:00

How ironic! Just what I needed. My friend Marcia, of Organizing Solutions has a contest going on. Check out her website for all the details:

http://organisingtips.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-have-fabulous-giveaway-for-all.html

Under the Weather...

2009-02-15T15:31:00.003-05:00

I have had this lingering cold, for the past week and thought with OTC drugs, it would go away. No such luck. I have been waking up in the afternoon with my nose feeling like someone shoved cotton in it and my body aches. So, I have been doing very little of anything, including my business. I'm only here because I can sit down and it requires just enough energy to type. Well, that, and the fact that Shawne is laying on the couch watching TV because he's not feeling well either. Poor baby. My kids rarely get sick. I had to leave work one night not long after I can back overnights because Hannah woke up with a really bad earache, told both Shawn's (my hubby, who's the CSM, and my boss the assistant) and left.

So anyways, I'm going to make some coffee and ponder what to eat because I really don't feel like eating but I'll get sick and have a major headache if I don't.

A Picture of the House Itself

2009-02-14T12:52:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I guess I didn't have it figured out after all. Ok, motherhood calls, have to feed the children...;)

I'm Back....

2009-02-14T12:43:00.007-05:00

Ok, I know it's been a while since I posted, but, I guess I really didn't take this blog thing seriously. At least, not here. I post pretty regularly on yahoo, but, this is a lot better, because it allows me to post more pictures, which makes me really happy.

So, I decided to make it my mission to learn more about this blogging thing. I decided to print out instructions, and I will teach myself how to blog properly.

Anyways, to test my skills so far, here are a few pics of the house we're looking at purchasing...

to be continued....

Wow, What a Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:20:00.004-05:00

This is a Christmas I will remember for a long time. Why? Because my older brother came by for a visit. I have not spent more than about 5 minutes with him since Hannah was around 3 (and she's 7 years old now). We got back in touch recently, and I have been doing what I have to do to arrange to spend time with him to make up for all the years we missed out on.

In addition, he brought along my 14 year old niece, Krista. She and the kids played in the livingroom with Christmas gifts while Shawn, me, David and my mom were in the kitchen catching up.

We have a long way to go, and it's going to be tough, but, that is ok.

Anyways, I'm making one of my goals to getting this blogging thing down so that I can share more with family and whomever.

Enjoy!

Check This Out!

2008-12-17T17:15:00.003-05:00

Grant a Wish...how cool is this? Follow the links:

http://blog.izea.com/2008/12/grant-a-wish-with-sears.html

http://www.techipedia.com/2008/blogger-outreach-sears-style/

Choices, Choices! Too Many Choices!

2008-10-28T18:25:00.004-04:00

My brain hurts everytime I go to the store (when I'm not working that is). If there are 3 choices, there are a dozen, and, why? This is why I believe people are extra crabby and irritated. I know I am. If I can go someplace and not have to chose between 5 different brands, and then how one kind does this, while another does that--come on!!

Example? Shampoo. There is White Rain, Suave, Johnson& Johnson, oh, my God, just to name a few. And each brand has the "type": for normal, oily, dry hair, they have one designed for color treated hair!!!???

I don't get it. I really don't. They are trying to make us mental. There is no need for all these choices. Honestly.

Makeup, handbags, wallets, shoes, the list goes on.

Whatever happened to being simple and having a few choices and leaving it at that?

To be continued....

Check it Out: Martha Blogs!

2008-09-19T20:01:00.010-04:00

One of my fellow bloggers has posted a link to Martha Stewart's blog, where she is running a blog contest. Here is a direct link to her blog, check it out:

http://www.themarthablog.com/2008/09/how-to-create-your-own-blog-let-us-show-you.html

Pet Peeves

2008-07-23T18:32:00.002-04:00

We all have them, and believe me, i'm glad my mother taught me to bite my tongue, because I would be so hated...

Here are a few of mine:

-standing in the middle of the entrance to the grocery store...how rude--carrying on a conversation, no less! Excuse me, get out of the road, people! It's not a one-way street.

(**Warning: this may piss people off, but, it's more of a safety pet peeve that anything else)

-PEOPLE WHO TALK ON THEIR CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING! Come on, people. I have a standing rule when it comes to cell phones and cars. If I am driving, the only person I answer the phone for is my hubby and if he is with me, I don't answer at all. This is a safety concern. You do not need to talk to anyone that bad. All my friends know if my phone rings and then goes to voicemail, I'm probably driving, and will eventually call them back. When I am driving, the road gets my full undivided attention. I am a master multi-tasker, and yes, I do talk on my phone A LOT, but not behind the wheel. If I know someone I'm talking to is driving, I tell them to call me when they aren't driving, or ask them to pull over.

-TELEMARKETERS, I have voicemail and know how to use it!!

UnPlanned Time

2008-07-23T15:00:00.006-04:00

Here is a brief summary of my vacation so far:

This is what Shawne's bedroom looks like after we tore down the loft bed. Now, his mattress us up off the floor, and he has storage under his bed.

This is what my yard looked like after we emptied it out thursday morning. We worked in there from after 9 until after about 5 that afternoon. Stopped long enough to eat.

Will post more pictures of the weekend as I download them.

Nonsense

2008-06-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't been around for a while, but, shit happens. Everything from doctor's appointments, work, hubby's p/t, house repairs, blah, blah, blah. Stuff you really want to hear about, I'm sure.

No, I have not been totally non-existant. I have a yahoo blog that I vent to. BUT, I felt the need to put some TLC here. Aren't you glad?

Honestly, I don't have a lot of time to post here. Too damn complicated. Flippin' html and crap, hell, I don't know what that shit is. I know enough to know that I don't have time to sit down and translate it. That is why my blog is so plain :).

Sorry.

When I have more time and know more, I'll add some **dazzle** to this thing. ITMT (in the mean time) bear with me.

Why do they have to make everything so complicated??

More later when I'm not so out of ideas...LOL!

This is Awesome!

2008-04-30T22:35:00.002-04:00

http://wordofmouthbook.com/docs/WOM_Sernovitz_Manifesto.pdf

The Mom Blogs

2008-04-28T17:28:00.002-04:00

Spring at Last!

2008-03-23T17:47:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my hubby standing in the playset, it's not complete, but it's finished enough that the kids can play on it.

Today, we had our Easter Egg Hunt. It was just the four of us, and my mom, and my in-laws.

We had a simple dinner (ham sandwiches, potato salad, veggie tray, and cheesecake. As as an extra, I bought some Peanut Butter Cookies from my friend Casey.

After dinner, we cleaned up, the kids went out to hide more eggs between the two of them, and not they are relaxing indoors.

Not much else to say right now so, I'm going until I get the pictures downloaded.

Take care!

Much About Nothing...Literally

2008-03-08T21:57:00.000-05:00

Since my brain is in shut-down mode (meaning it's too close to time to go to bed), I really don't have anything to say. I'm posting because I haven't posted in a while and felt guilty--sorry.

Don't forget to set clocks ahead. Yeah, I know. I gotta set my clock before I go to bed.

Hmm, what else? oh! I have Easter Sunday off!!

Yay! I'm fun tonight!

Told you, I'm not writing about much of anything other than stupid nonsense. Hopefully I'll have something more interesting to write about tomorrow.

When it Rains, it Pours!

2008-03-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

OMG! Has this been just a crazy week, or what?

My kids are taking turns getting sick (Hannah got sick last week from our trip to Wendy's) she ate in the wrong order and I think it settled on her stomach the wrong way. Shawne got sick tonight, and I have yet to know what made him sick.

Hannah lost her tooth--on the 29th! She was so excited. But, the toothfairy didn't show up that night, she waited until Saturday night.

We bought the kids their outdoor play set. Shawn and Jack brought it home today. I think that is going to be Shawn's project for Thursday.

I am finally loosing the cough. I have it every now and then, but, I'm not spitting up the nasty phlem anymore, and blowing my nose every 5 minutes, UGH!

But, Lord am I thankful to be over that mess I had last month--OMG! My chest hurt, sinuses hurt, my bones, heck everything hurt!

Anyways...I"m gonna go post on yahoo.

Check Out Company Girl

2008-03-02T17:55:00.001-05:00

Do you want to add some peace and simplicity to your life? Check out this blog. Cool.

A Month and Still Smoke-Free

2008-02-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

I am still smoke free. I don't think I could smoke a cigarette now if I tried, being how sick I have been. I just got over a two- week bout with the flu and broncitis.

Not fun.

At all. OMG, I was out two days the 4th and 5th, off 6&7, back to work on the 8th with antibiotics, had taken the last of them and woke up Thursday morning to start it all over again. Worked all weekend into Sunday and went home an hour after I got there. Went home, curled up on my chaise lounge (that we'd just moved the furniture around when my second bout kicked in), I got up to use the bathroom. That was it. Mom took Shawn to work and Casey took a cab.

Long story short, I finally started to feel normal at the beginning of last week (weekend after Valentines Day).

Finally got grocery shopping caught up (went out and got groceries Wed when it was snowing, but we had no food, so I had no choice). Took care of bills. Started on the laundry...

my next goal? To start what I intended on starting when I got sick the first time. My menu. Routine planning. Everything.

So, God Bless, and enjoy your evening!

Frazzled Mom

2008-01-15T22:06:00.001-05:00

Todays blog can be read by clicking on the following link:

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-NP26shQmbaVzdMLodfILnHIotg--?cq=1

No Smoking: 1 WEEK TODAY

2008-01-12T21:18:00.001-05:00

It has been one week today since I began the journey to quit smoking. I can tell you that in the course of the week I have been tempted several times, but, I am sticking to my guns. I have decided it's far worth eating more than being sick all the time like I was.

No Smoking: DAY 5

2008-01-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

I thought I posted last night, but, I guess I didn't. No, I did not start smoking again. I have went almost a week without a cigarette and I am happily reaping the rewards!

I have decided for every day I go without a cigarette, I will do something or treat myself to something.

I have already noticed a difference in not only how I feel, but I can think more clearly now. That may not make sense to you but, for me it's almost like someone tore open the curtains and shed light on me. I can understand more logical things and I can comprehend better. I don't feel as stressed and rushed.

No Smoking: DAY 3

2008-01-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

I figured I'd go ahead and post this while I can hold my eyes open.

Today was yet another sucessful smoke free day. Plenty of eating, too.

I have to say that I am counting calories, but that is to see how much I can eat in 24 hours!

Come on payday!

No Smoking: DAY 2

2008-01-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

Another day, no cigarette! But, have I been eating plenty...hehehe!

I had a jelly filled honeybun for breakfast, a Hormel's Meatloaf meal and Chocolate Creme Dessert at lunchtime, when I got home, I made Roast Beef Hash and Scrambled Eggs, and now I'm eating a tuna sandwich (because I'm not full yet). I'll go finish off the rest of the tuna, and get something to drink and go to bed :)

No Smoking, DAY 1

2008-01-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

I decided this morning, since I had my last cigarette last night, to not buy another pack and quit. Well, I bought a pack on the way home from work (no cigarettes all day :) ), but they were for my hubby.

So far, so good. I have to find other things to occupy me (more eating!), so I know our grocery bill will grow, but I am tired of being sick and haveing to wear layers of clothes to work because I go outside to smoke. NO MORE!

So, to help me keep track and to pin point weak spots, I have decided to journal everything. So, here's to healthy lungs and a bigger me!

Happy New Year!! 2008

2008-01-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

We begin another year, and just like the last, make resolutions.

I have decided to make a list of changes I want to make in the new year--not necessarily resolutions.

I plan to eat healthier, spend more time with my children, simplify my life, I'm not going to busy myself and do too much, and I plan on taking my business to another level.

I plan on changing my routines to be more efficient.

I will keep you updated.

Counting Down to Christmas

2007-12-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

Ahhh...less than 24 hours until the store closes. Wal-Mart, that is- for Christmas. The one and only day of the year that the store ever closes, at 6:00pm tomorrow evening. I will ride by on the way to my mother in laws house and get a picture to show you the parking lot the way you only see it ONCE A YEAR.

It has been-in one word? B-U-S-Y. Period. I look for tomorrow to be total chaos. Saturday, I believe was the worst. I got there at 7:00am and was on register by 7:09am...yes, I am quick. Gotta be. And didn't get off register to stay until after my last break at 2:30pm.

Anyways, I wanted to go ahead and post tonight because I am shutting the computer down and will not be online after tomorrow (maybe not even then). I have to "tie up some loose ends" and then I am off the computer.

So I am signing off, Happy Holidays!

Night, Night

2007-12-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

9:13...I am finally getting to sit down and write this blog entry. I put the kids down earlier, about a half hour ago and Little Man keeps coming down the steps, one excuse after another to stay out of bed.

This is the only time I can do this, so that is why the entries aren't very long. Not much to say about today. But...I'm OFF TOMORROW!!

God, to have a Saturday off, no I was originally planning on making a business trip to Winchester, but am thinking about getting caought up on the housecleaning I did not get to do yesterday because we had company. Catch up on cleaning, prepping the meat to freeze, putting away laundry...ok, I might go to the store and get some ice melt and prepare for the snow coming tomorrow evening, let it snow!!

I will be sure to post pictures.

Glad I Followed my Gut

2007-12-10T18:46:00.000-05:00

I was at work this morning when my mom called: the school sent Hannah home from school because she was running a temperature and was feeling sick to her stomach. So, she brought Hannah home and got her to lay down.

She then proceeded to tell me that somehow Shawn became upset because she was feeding Shawn e hot french toast sticks and he didn't think they'd cooled down and she went ahead and fed them to him...

Then, as I am on the phone with her, SHAWN calls, hang up with her and talk to Shawn...told me school sent Hannah home sick and he was calling the doctor to find out what they said, was asking Hannah about how she was feeling...Mom told him her version, Hannah told him how she was feeling, she was feeling sick to her stomach, she didnt get sick and she had a low-grade fever.

So, I came home around 10 and got the kids a bite to eat, Shawn called dr and we noticed the lump on the side of her neck in her limph node and called the doctor back and got an appointment for afternoon.

Sure enough, she has strep throat, so no school for her tomorrow.

2007-12-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, more pictures of the snowfall...

First Snowfall

2007-12-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, my first blog with pictures...

Will it Snow?

2007-12-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Weather reports are calling for snow in the morning. I was hoping and praying that it would arrive today, but, no. So, I sit here, tired to bits and was so tempted to leave the computer off, but knew if I didn't, I would sit on the couch, fall asleep and get absolutely nothing done.

Sad thing is, I got more done yesterday with daughters help- or was it my energy? Maybe both.

I managed to

*make dinner
*get dished done from the day before
*put away the dishes that were in the sink
*put the dishes that I washed away
*cut the other half melon
*break down the hamburger and foodsaver
*wipe down the stove
*make coffee

But I have to wait to do dishes until my nuckles heal from the cold air and cardboard boxes at work.

I managed to make dinner today, put on coffee and, um, well that is it.

So, I'm going to go now and spend the next half hour with the kids and put them to bed.

"Tis the Season..."

2007-11-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I work retail full time, eleven years now. Don't you know, each year is just as bad as the last. Last minute shoppers, lines at the register, on and on and on...

For the past several days, I have been in my dept MAYBE 30% of my shift for all three days. Saturday, it all started around 9:00 and I got to go to lunch around 12:15 or so. Come back from lunch and "code G" again. I got back off register and went back to my department after my last 15 minute break, came back and filled the diaper wall...or was that yesterday? All I remember clearly is that all I remember doing is running register. Today was the same, and Mondays usually aren't that busy, but, boy was it today...I was called up front around 10:00 and went to lunch at 12:15 (I only had about 15 minutes before it was going to prompt me to log off or it would lock me out- 6 hour law limit to garauntee you take lunch and you have to be off the clock for 30 minutes before you can clock back in...)

Anywhoo...that was my workday, sounds fun, huh?

Then, I come home. "Mom!", my two kids yell the minute I walk in the front door. My mom was still here (she brought my daughter home from school)...Shawn was watching TV...and was awake!

Too tired to fix the meatloaf I planned to make, so I made tacos...Shawn's favorite.
Shawn asked me if I picked up laundry detergent, milk and soda...I just looked at him...
...more to come, gota fix the kids popcorn, be back later... :)

Being Scatter-Brained, Getting Nothing Done

2007-11-13T18:06:00.000-05:00

This is how I am most days at work. I start to do something, and get stopped by a customer and asked a question, and if I am lucky, I remember what I originally meant to do. But if it is a busy time of day (usually between 11:00am and 2:00pm) it can really be testy.

If i have to stop what I am doing to go run register (which sometimes is 10 to 15 minutes, sometimes, 2 hours- forget anything else because by the time I get back to where I work, unless I can see my cart, I draw a blank-- I tell you it's total chaos.

I decided to write this while boiling the mashed potatoes for dinner...and now I gots to go check on them, b4 they boil over! ;)

Yet Again, A Busy Day

2007-11-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

My day started off pretty well, I slept in this morning. Normally during the week, I am awake at 5:30am, giving my mom her wake up call right after I start my coffee (the second thing I do after getting my nice soft plush robe on)and sit on the couch until the coffee is done and then go upstairs to get clothes on. Mom arrives and I'm off by 6:50 or 6:55am to pick up Shawn. Pick Shawn up and arrive back at the house around 6:10 or so...but this is no 'normal' week.

...Shawn is on vacation, so that means that I sleep in today and tomorrow. Got up at 7:00am, AFTER Shawn got up and the alarm went off. Did the stuff I wrote about earlier, and started breakfast...while Shawn decided to clean off his bookshelf. Got Hannah up at 7:30, and helped her get her clothes picked out (today is purple day, Character Counts: Citizenship, each month is assigned a certain 'character'and they assign a color to the character for that month).

Got Hannah ready, got breafast done, people fed, walked Hannah to school. It had been windy for the past two days so I was kinda surprised that it wasn't more windy than it was. But, who am I to complain, right?

With Hannah at school, I walk back home and start getting laundry done and finalizing my Avon order. Followed up with a couple customers who I had seen earlier in the week to get their orders, and sent it off to Avon.

Shawn had informed me then that his vision appt was at 10:30 and so I got some laundry done, checked email, and loaded up the dishwasher, and it was time to leave at 10:20am.

...Long post, short? I am writing this now as I am waiting for Shawn to get done his MRI at the hospital for his shoulder. And this is just one of my famously busy days...and to wonder why I want to rest on my days off?

Not-So Welcoming Cold Weather

2007-11-03T04:53:00.000-04:00

I think it's time for the cold to leave, already. I don't know about you, but, I don't like cold. I don't like the extra layers of clothing I have to wear to keep warm. I don't like waking up in the morning and having to get fully dressed before I am ready to get up for the day...not good.

And, of course, there is the coat closet. That is the second thing I hate about winter--and the growing collection of coats. Kids have a winter coat, and a thin jacket, we have (or I have) a bulky jacket, and a thin jacket...so far. When hubby goes to work at night, it's not cold so he wears a pull over, and comes home with a winter coat 'cuz he got cold...

Lastly, I hate cold weather becuz I can't send my kids out to play for long.

Come on, summer!

Christian Networking...Getting together with fellow believers

2007-10-10T17:08:00.001-04:00

Forum)

Christian Networking...Getting together with fellow believers

2007-10-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

Forum)

A House Build on Faith...figuritively speaking.

2007-08-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

This is the best way to describe it. Ever since we went to see our house with the real estate agent and discussed buying it, I put it in God's hands. Each time we went to see it, when we signed papers, I prayed. I put everything in God's hands because if this was the house, it was the house.

We are scheduled to close on the house the 24th, which is 21 days away, which is three weeks away...yes, I am excited.

But as much as I am excited, I must go to finish making dinner. I will either stop back tonight or visit tomorrow.

Take care and God Bless!
Charity

What a Vacation!

2007-07-28T18:40:00.000-04:00

Hannah celebrated her 6th birthday Thursday and we had her birthday party today. I will try and load the pictures from her party over the next day or so. Friends of ours also too pictures, so, when I recieve copies of all pictures, I will download them.

This vacation so far has been anything but ordinary. We have gone from house hunting to closing on our new house in about 4 weeks and boy, are we excited! I plan on continuing with my job hunt over the course of the next week, and I'm crossing my fingers and praying that God will lead me to the job he want me to have.

In the meantime, just wanted to let you know that pictures are on the way.

The Multi-tasker Mother

2007-07-11T20:51:00.000-04:00

Let's see how many things I can do while I type this:

*call my mom to see if she's on her way here to watch the kids so I can take hubby to work

*wake hubby up for work

*put a restless child to sleep

...all the while staying sane and muttering as few curse words under my breath as possible.

Welcome to a view of my life as Charity, CEO!

I know, catchy title, huh? I think it pretty well describes me. I am a multi-functional mother who works full time outside the home, a part time home business, I am married (5 years now) and have two children ages 3 and almost 6...

My hobbies? Hmmm...hobbies that I do are bowling once a week on a league with the hubby, reading (magazine articles and website stuff), picture taking... that's about it. I get together with friends at work and stuff, but 90% of my time is working either the FT or the PT job, or taking care of some aspect of my home be it making dinner, cleaning or my kids.

A Day in the Life of this Multi-tasker Mother is driving hubby to and from work, going to work myself, coming home, hubby going to bed (he works nights), fixing dinner, dishes, playing with the kids, answering emails, etc, and getting things ready for the next day. Days off are spent cleaning, running errands, paying bills and working my part time business. So really I don't have any days off, just hours off because I am constantly working my Avon business.

I am just trying to figure out how to juggle everything, remember everything, do everything and stay sane in the process.