Push over..sucker....whatever name you call it. That's me!
Today we went out shopping to get my 9 year old daughter her hamster. She has wanted one for a while now. Luckily she didn't have all the money to purchase one. Until now. Until Easter. Now she had enough money . So...to show her initiative and responsibility, her brother and her went online and did some research. They checked on prices for various cages. They checked on prices for hamsters and food. They did all of this without the usual yelling and fighting. Miracles do happen. This....probably unbenownst to her....really helped her and her quest to get a little friend. So after a conference with her dad, we decided that the experience of having something to take care of and to look after, is a wonderful thing for a child to do.... we said yes.
So.... we went out shopping today after our workout and checked out a couple stores. We ended up with an aquarium from Walmart and the hamster from Petco. He's a light tan and the cutest little thing too. This little hamster, who is now know as Butterscotch, is another addition to our household. We have Rootbeer our Border Collie, 2 finches, 2 goldfish, 15 or so tropical fish, a Guinea Pig and now Butterscotch. Our own little zoo.
Important. Yes, I do believe so. My daughter will always remember researching the purchase with her bro and the feeling and anticipation of going out to the stores. To quote her... "This is the best day ever". Ok..ok....now we all know that a 9 year old can have a lot of best day evers. But I do know that it will rank right up there for her as a super memorable day. She will remember the thrill and the look of the little guy as he jogs away on his wheel. She'll remember this day and smile.
Me too ! :-)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
25 Randon Things About Me
1. I HATE THE COLD WEATHER! I wish winter was only 2 months long, not the 6 months that we have here. Ugh!
2. I am a morning person and I don't like to sleep past 8 because when I do it feels as though the day is just wasted away.
3. People would tell me when I was younger...."Oh you are so shy" "You're so quiet". If they were trying to get me to talk, that was definitely not the way to go about doing it. I would become even more quiet.
4. I can't understand how people can put labels on other people. Everyone is so complex that we all don't just fit into a one size box.
5. I love music and it is the one "thing" in my life that I could not live without it. I love all types of music but am partial to rock, pop, jazz, rap and contemporary.
6. I jog for exercise and love it. I wish I had more time to exercise because I'm one of those weirdos that enjoy it. 
7. I think Ellen DeGeneres is hilarious.
8. God was smiling on me the day I met Dale.
9. This is harder than I thought it would be.
10. I consider myself to be introverted....which I have come to accept is not a bad thing. It doesn't mean that I am shy. In some circumstances I am shy and in others I am not. It also doesn't mean that I don't like being with people...because I do. I just prefer to be in smaller groups. To be around a lot of people for me is overwhelming and overstimulating and tires me out. But after many years I have come to realize that is how I am and being that way is ok.
11. I think Oprah is a very wise lady.
9. This is harder than I thought it would be.
10. I consider myself to be introverted....which I have come to accept is not a bad thing. It doesn't mean that I am shy. In some circumstances I am shy and in others I am not. It also doesn't mean that I don't like being with people...because I do. I just prefer to be in smaller groups. To be around a lot of people for me is overwhelming and overstimulating and tires me out. But after many years I have come to realize that is how I am and being that way is ok.
11. I think Oprah is a very wise lady.
12. I miss my mom and dad. I would love to know how my mom thinks I'm doing as a mom. She died when I was 30 and Brandon just turned 3 and Josh was only 3 months old.
13. Having kids has brought my life into perspective. Having the privilege of seeing them grow up into wonderful people is incredible.
14. I have been thinking about getting a tattoo... of Dale from Chip and Dale. ( To show my love of my hubby and Disney) We'll see...
13. Having kids has brought my life into perspective. Having the privilege of seeing them grow up into wonderful people is incredible.
14. I have been thinking about getting a tattoo... of Dale from Chip and Dale. ( To show my love of my hubby and Disney) We'll see...
15. I cry very easily. I'll cry at commercials or if I see something sentimental... I try to hide it but Josh always calls me on it.... the little bugger.
16. I have been to Walt Disney World on 19 separate vacations. And yes, I do plan on going back.
17. The older I get, the more paranoid I am of flying. I use to love it as a kid but ever since Dale told me that the landing was kinda like a controlled falling out of the sky...I hate landings.
18. Seeing how much fun Brandon has in band, I wish I would have continued the trumpet in high school. But I was so into sports... Basketball and softball took up a lot of my time.
16. I have been to Walt Disney World on 19 separate vacations. And yes, I do plan on going back.
17. The older I get, the more paranoid I am of flying. I use to love it as a kid but ever since Dale told me that the landing was kinda like a controlled falling out of the sky...I hate landings.
18. Seeing how much fun Brandon has in band, I wish I would have continued the trumpet in high school. But I was so into sports... Basketball and softball took up a lot of my time.
19. Closed minded people stink.20. I read the book "The Secret" and have felt a bit paranoid in my thoughts ever since. I read it again to make sure I didn't miss something and I still feel the same. It says that we can help our lives thru our thoughts and tho I believe that being positive and having positive thoughts is great but it also can be a bit maddening to think that our thoughts can play such a big part.
21.I love Oprah's quote..."My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."
22. I love Diet Pepsi Max.
23. I can juggle 3 softballs and spin a basketball on my finger.....just not at the same time.
24. I have started using cheaters to read. I guess I'm lucky that I haven't needed glasses up until now... I purchased a pack of 4 from Sam's Club... so I can have some with me around the house.
25. I think that Johnny Depp is the best, most talented actor around and the nicest guy. (Didn't think I'd go a whole random thoughts list without mentioning him, did cha?
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Public Enemies now in our sight
It seems so much more real. Finally we have the trailer for the movie Public Enemies. Granted, we still have to wait almost 4 months for the actual film to come out but at least now we can get a glimpse as to the look and feel of the movie.
I attended 4 days of filming when the crew was in Oshkosh and in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and to see the efforts put together, even in the limited scale of a trailer, is great.
The link will take you to my meet and greet with Johnny Depp during the filming of the movie. I still don't understand how he could work all day/night long and in some cases, still take an hour or two, to say hello to his fans. He is truly the real deal and a wonderful person.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BtyEs1hyXY
Some people are complaining about the digital aspect of the movie. I don't understand the complaint. I like the digital. To me the picture is clearer and more real. It is like we are actual witnesses to history rather than looking back in time. It makes it more thrilling. The whole point of it is not to be nostalgic. It's to be realistic. It relies more on natural lighting and comes off as truer. There's nothing that says period pieces have to be on film. I think we associate the film look with the 1930s because movies back then were shot on film. But I like the feel that we are witnessing history and have been brought back to those moments in time. But that's just me.
Anyway, I cannot wait for July.
I attended 4 days of filming when the crew was in Oshkosh and in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and to see the efforts put together, even in the limited scale of a trailer, is great.
The link will take you to my meet and greet with Johnny Depp during the filming of the movie. I still don't understand how he could work all day/night long and in some cases, still take an hour or two, to say hello to his fans. He is truly the real deal and a wonderful person.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BtyEs1hyXY
Some people are complaining about the digital aspect of the movie. I don't understand the complaint. I like the digital. To me the picture is clearer and more real. It is like we are actual witnesses to history rather than looking back in time. It makes it more thrilling. The whole point of it is not to be nostalgic. It's to be realistic. It relies more on natural lighting and comes off as truer. There's nothing that says period pieces have to be on film. I think we associate the film look with the 1930s because movies back then were shot on film. But I like the feel that we are witnessing history and have been brought back to those moments in time. But that's just me.
Anyway, I cannot wait for July.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Another year older
Not sure how it happened so fast, but I am turning another year older on Sunday. Wow! It is unbelievable how quickly the days and weeks and months fly by and cumulate into another year. Yes mom, you were so right. Time speeds up as we get older and as the pace gets accelerated, years fly by faster and faster.
I really was just in college. Wasn't I? Had to have been. But when I look at the calendar, it shows me that it was almost 22 years ago. Holy Cow! I graduated in 1987 and if I were to think of the graduating class 22 prior to that.... say 1965.... I would have thought that they were old. But I still feel like I did back at graduation. Only... I think I am a bit wiser and a bit more confident. Why couldn't I have this confidence back in high school and college. It really would have made things a lot easier back then. Oh well... my philosophy is "No regrets".
So... I can truly look fondly back at those days and smile. I loved my time in school, but I am so much more content nowadays. I am so much more able to be everything that I want to be. Compassionate, caring, a good listener, patient, objective, sensitive and committed. No... I'm not perfect..not even close. I don't want to be perfect. I think it is an unattainable and unrealistic goal. But, life has taught me well and I anxiously await the next 44 years. Though I hope they don't come about as fast as these past 22 years have jumped at me.
I really was just in college. Wasn't I? Had to have been. But when I look at the calendar, it shows me that it was almost 22 years ago. Holy Cow! I graduated in 1987 and if I were to think of the graduating class 22 prior to that.... say 1965.... I would have thought that they were old. But I still feel like I did back at graduation. Only... I think I am a bit wiser and a bit more confident. Why couldn't I have this confidence back in high school and college. It really would have made things a lot easier back then. Oh well... my philosophy is "No regrets".
So... I can truly look fondly back at those days and smile. I loved my time in school, but I am so much more content nowadays. I am so much more able to be everything that I want to be. Compassionate, caring, a good listener, patient, objective, sensitive and committed. No... I'm not perfect..not even close. I don't want to be perfect. I think it is an unattainable and unrealistic goal. But, life has taught me well and I anxiously await the next 44 years. Though I hope they don't come about as fast as these past 22 years have jumped at me.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday mornings can't be beat
Incredible...It's a Sunday morning and we are actually at home. No hockey game to drive to. No band concert to attend. We are free to read the Sunday paper, relax by the window with the warm sun shining in and plan out our day.
It actually is on its way to warmer temperatures... (Wow...we made it above freezing), and I for one can't wait. Here in Wisconsin, we literally got dumped on with record breaking snow in December. Then the new year hit and we were in a deep freeze throughout January and into February. It was so cold most of the time that when we did finally hit 25 degrees, I actually contemplated whether or not I needed a coat. Pretty sad. We are so cooped up in our houses, that it is so refreshing to be able to go into the fresh air and not freeze to the ground. This winter I have found myself in a constant state of shiver and I hate it.
Why live here then??? Good question. I guess because I grew up in the Midwest and my family is all around here, the kids are in wonderful schools and other than the freezing temps, I do love it. Great people, beautiful area and Walt Disney World is always just a short plane ride away. :-)
Well...off to see what J and K are fighting about.
The peacefulness never lasts long.
It actually is on its way to warmer temperatures... (Wow...we made it above freezing), and I for one can't wait. Here in Wisconsin, we literally got dumped on with record breaking snow in December. Then the new year hit and we were in a deep freeze throughout January and into February. It was so cold most of the time that when we did finally hit 25 degrees, I actually contemplated whether or not I needed a coat. Pretty sad. We are so cooped up in our houses, that it is so refreshing to be able to go into the fresh air and not freeze to the ground. This winter I have found myself in a constant state of shiver and I hate it.
Why live here then??? Good question. I guess because I grew up in the Midwest and my family is all around here, the kids are in wonderful schools and other than the freezing temps, I do love it. Great people, beautiful area and Walt Disney World is always just a short plane ride away. :-)
Well...off to see what J and K are fighting about.
The peacefulness never lasts long.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Gotta start somewhere
And away we go...
I have been waiting for some inspiration to hit me. That sudden realization that "yes...this is it... this is what I am going to write about." But that inspiration never came. It never hit me. It may never hit me. So I just came to the conclusion that I just have to jump in and try to swim. So ....here I go.
I grew up, the youngest of 4 kids. I was the youngest by almost 10 years. I think I grew up more as an only child. I had siblings. I knew that they were there. We were so far apart in years that I felt as if we didn't have much in common.... maybe our only connection was our parents and home. I didn't feel as though I was missing out because I never knew the connection that can come from having a close relationship with a sister or brother. Luckily, I now know that close relationship with each of them.
What I did have though, was parents who yelled. Our parents yelled a lot. I remember their fights, mom mostly doing the yelling and dad slamming doors. Me...just wanting to hide and stay hidden. Dr. Phil often says that parents who fight in front of their kids, change who their kids are. I must agree. I grew up very insecure, with little confidence. My sisters and brother said that mom and dad's yelling was a lot worse earlier in their marriage. I don't know if it was or wasn't. But I do know that at least they had each other during the fights. I was left by myself.
One lasting thing I do remember, that I think is a direct result of the fighting, is that I was well into my college years before I realized that I could have my own opinion.... mine and only mine. I didn't have to agree with the folks. I didn't have to agree with anyone. If I thought a certain way about a certain thing....that was ok. It was ok for me to have my own opinion. Taking until my early 20's to realize that can't be normal. I was afraid to state my opinion because I was afraid to be wrong. I was afraid to be thought of as dumb or too bold or not nice. What if someone didn't like my thoughts and confronted me.
Slowly, I have gotten past that. It's amazing what time and life experiences can do. Do I look back with regrets or resentment? No. I do know that my parents loved me. I know that they did the best that they could. I also know that I'm a big girl now and accountable for my actions. I try to live with no regrets.
I have been waiting for some inspiration to hit me. That sudden realization that "yes...this is it... this is what I am going to write about." But that inspiration never came. It never hit me. It may never hit me. So I just came to the conclusion that I just have to jump in and try to swim. So ....here I go.
I grew up, the youngest of 4 kids. I was the youngest by almost 10 years. I think I grew up more as an only child. I had siblings. I knew that they were there. We were so far apart in years that I felt as if we didn't have much in common.... maybe our only connection was our parents and home. I didn't feel as though I was missing out because I never knew the connection that can come from having a close relationship with a sister or brother. Luckily, I now know that close relationship with each of them.
What I did have though, was parents who yelled. Our parents yelled a lot. I remember their fights, mom mostly doing the yelling and dad slamming doors. Me...just wanting to hide and stay hidden. Dr. Phil often says that parents who fight in front of their kids, change who their kids are. I must agree. I grew up very insecure, with little confidence. My sisters and brother said that mom and dad's yelling was a lot worse earlier in their marriage. I don't know if it was or wasn't. But I do know that at least they had each other during the fights. I was left by myself.
One lasting thing I do remember, that I think is a direct result of the fighting, is that I was well into my college years before I realized that I could have my own opinion.... mine and only mine. I didn't have to agree with the folks. I didn't have to agree with anyone. If I thought a certain way about a certain thing....that was ok. It was ok for me to have my own opinion. Taking until my early 20's to realize that can't be normal. I was afraid to state my opinion because I was afraid to be wrong. I was afraid to be thought of as dumb or too bold or not nice. What if someone didn't like my thoughts and confronted me.
Slowly, I have gotten past that. It's amazing what time and life experiences can do. Do I look back with regrets or resentment? No. I do know that my parents loved me. I know that they did the best that they could. I also know that I'm a big girl now and accountable for my actions. I try to live with no regrets.
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