Monday

Yesterday was a pretty calm and relaxing day.  Did some laundry, got a bit of cleaning done. Other then that we just hung around the house.

It was about 86F out yesterday so the girls put on their bathing suits and played in the water for a bit.  Our sprinkler has come up missing, not clue where it went. I’m sure as soon as it’s replaced the other one will show up. LOL Isn’t that how it usually works?

I held the hose for a bit while the girls ran under it then they each took turns holding it and spraying each other.  After they were done they laid out on their towels and soaked up a bit of the sun.

While they were playing outside I was able to take a bit of time and come up with a sig for my pixel shop.  Then before we knew it, it was time to eat and get everyone ready for school the next day. They only have today, tomorrow, and a half day on Thursday then they are out for their summer break.

 

Above sig is example of what I made yesterday. Find more at Pretty In Pink Pixels

Tree Progression

Here is the dreaded tree progression.

My lovely maple tree first week of April.

My poor tree in pieces April 11th.

What used to be my driveway after they “cleaned” it up.

Grass is all dead and torn up after the “clean up” They finally got it cleaned up May 24th.

Even the sidewalk got tore up during the “clean up”

After we cleaned it up. Looking much better. Not sure what to do about the tree stump. It’s still very much alive and it’s pretty tall for a “stump”. Yard and stump are an eyesore but hopefully grass will be lush and green in the bare patches in no time.

I know a lot of people don’t understand my attachment to a “tree” but it is what it is. I have plans for a beautiful, colorful tree once we find a way to remove the stump.

Deer

Early this morning while the girls were getting ready for school. Sophie looked out the window and saw two deer standing in the road in front of our house.

I’ve lived here for 12 years and I’ve never seen deer so close to our house. We see them all the time on other parts of the road but never this close. I took the above pic with zoom from my porch.

They spotted me and started to walk away. But I was able to creep out just a wee bit onto our sidewalk and got another shot of them.

There is just something so serene seeing deer so close to the house in the morning. 

Freebies

I’ve got some FREEBIES for ya today!!! Woohooo!!!!!!!!!! It’s been awhile but either there really hasn’t been anything worth getting or they were extremely limited and time sensitive. So without further ado links to some freebies!

My first freebie that I have for you today is  a “31 cupcake inspired creations ebook.  Just click the link and then click the link on the page that says download here. It will pop up in adobe, and you can print it or save it to your pc.

I also have for you a sample of Kodiak Chiropractic Cream. I’m not real sure what it is but I signed up for it.   Says it will take about 10 business days for your sample to arrive.

Get a free Jiffy Mix cookbook. After you fill out the form you will get an e-mail that will have your home addy to verify you put everything in right. Then you just click the link to verify and your all done.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Just not a lot of freebies out there lately.

Have a wonderful day!

Spring Concert

Last night the girls had their spring concert.  Normally they do this late April to early May. So it was a bit late in the year.  They were having Pre-K through 8th grade in one concert. Add on to that they were having the middle school band play too. I was worried that it was going to  be a super long program. Normally it starts at 7 (which I always hated because it always ran into bedtime) but this time it started at 5:30.

While 5:30 was a bit early I like that time much better then the later 7pm time.  Pre-k through 4th grade each sang two songs then they all came together in the end and sang a song together. Everyone did a wonderful job and it went smoothly and quickly. After the grade school was done there was a 10 minute intermission for those that didn’t need to stay could leave and everyone could collect their child before the middle school started their part of the program.

There weren’t very many people there for the middle school part. In fact a lot of the students didn’t even show up for the program. They started out with the band. Since there were only like two students interested in band this year they forced all the kids to take  band. Yeah, that’s about all I have to say about that. LOL

After the band the middle schoolers sang and it went really well. They all did wonderful. It was over by 6:45 and we were off to get home and get ready for the next day.

The girls only have 5 1/2 more days of school left before they are out for the summer. They are super excited. I’ll be glad to not have to get up at 5:30 in the morning anymore. We don’t have any plans yet but I hope we will be able to come up with some money to go do something.

Roller Coaster

I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster for the last week. I’m not sure whats going on with me.  I’m super positive one second and just down right grumpy the next.  I want to go out and be with people at the same time I want to be left alone. Sighs…………

Even the animals are on my nerves. Today Lilly pooped on the couch. Seriously? Why on earth would she do that? There was a blanket on the couch so thank goodness it was on that but still. I was so angry at her.  What on earth was she thinking?

Zoey, omg all she does is eat and shit. If her cat bowl is empty she goes for the dog food. If that’s empty she will look for people food. If there is no people food then she will eat non food items. WTF! She seriously eats off and on all day.  Which of course sends her to the litter box to take several enormous poops. They are bigger then Lilly’s and she’s a puggle.

Then there is Guess, she is the gassiest dog on the face of this planet. She feels the need to be next to me at all times. Sharing her stench with me.

Then there is Shadow. The only animal that I’m not upset with.  She stays out of the way and at night comes and cuddles with me.

I see so many people who are so judgmental and bitter.  Life is just way to short for that.  If your unhappy with your life change it. You are the only one who has the power to do it.  Stop making excuses for yourself. I know this because for years I did just that. Well, I can’t change this because of blah blah.

A lot of my friends have noticed a change in me and you will continue to see changes.  I’ve ended some friendships and started new ones. I have been surrounding myself with some amazing people. They are good for the heart and soul.  I no longer worry if people like me or accept me. I am who I am.

I’ve recently came out of the broom closet. While close friends knew I was pagan to the rest of the world I hid it. I’ve gotten a lot of flack for this. All I have to say to these people, and you know who you are, it must be really sad having such a closed mind. 

So I end this rant of a blog with this…..

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.

Muffins For Mom’s

Today was Muffin’s for Mom’s at the girl’s school. They did this last year and it went over so well they did it again this year.  Emma didn’t want to eat participate, she is 13 now you know. So it was just Sophie. She was allowed to invite two guests. So both Liz and I went. We had to be there at 7:30am which if you’ve been following my blog or know me personally know I am NOT a morning person at all. But I survived LOL

Here is what we were served. It was very tasty.  A little to much for so early in the morning but I managed.

Sophie with her breakfast. Even though she’s used to be up early you can tell she was still tired and really only smiled for the camera because she knew if she didn’t I would continue to take pics until I got one with a smile. LOL

I didn’t get any pics of either Liz or myself. As I mentioned it was just far to early in the morning and we were not shall we say photo ready.

After we ate breakfast there was a table in the back of the room with little gifts that the children had made for those coming in advance.

She made a card for both Liz and I to share and the little crafty things. She informed Liz that they were both for me and she was just going to have to deal with it. LOL

After she gave us, well mainly me the gifts we ran into her bff so me being me, I had to snap a pic.

Keeva is new this year, I think she came mid year. Anyway…Sophie and her hit it off right away and became fast friends.  They are two peas in a pod.  Sometimes on the weekends they will even call each other. It’s so cute.

Senior Texting

Since  more and more Seniors are texting and tweeting, there appears to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code.)
Many of you are not yet 65, but it won't hurt to be prepared!
If you have reached the magical golden number of 65 or above you qualify and these are the codes for you.
ATD: At The Doctor's
BFF: Best Friend Fell
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM: Covered By Medicare
CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center
DWI: Driving While Incontinent
FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was
FYI: Found Your Insulin
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!
GHA: Got Heartburn Again
HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL: Living On Lipitor
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner
OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas.
ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up
SGGP: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop
TTYL: Talk To You Louder--
WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?
WTP: Where're The Prunes?
WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil
GGLKI (Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In)

5/13/2011

I took the above pic yesterday afternoon. I can’t remember the last time our sky was such a pretty blue.  The weather this past week has been absolutely gorgeous if not a bit on the warm side.  Well, that is until today…..It’s gloomy, chilly compared to the temps from earlier in the week and it’s been raining off and on. With the rain and gloom comes the fibro pain. It’s not as bad today as it normally is on a day like this so that’s a good thing.

It’s officially been over a month since they cut down my tree. As you can see by the above pic it’s still there. The piece Sophie is sitting on is right next to the porch and as you can see on our sidewalk that we use to get to the house. Since it’s covered we have to walk around this huge pile. A neighbor called our landlord today and offered to clean it up if they could keep the wood. Nope, he wants the wood.  It’s really getting on my nerves that this isn't’ cleaned up yet. There have been bull snakes out already. They are aggressive little buggers and this pile of tree is the perfect hiding spot for them. I’m worried one will come out and bite one of the girls. Also it’s killing our grass, which we have always taken great pride in having beautiful green grass.

Sarah and I after Sarah’s bath the other day. She had a wonderful time outside, she had been digging in a hole the dog started so she was covered in dirt. LOL

Heat Wave

The last two days have been pretty hot considering we are only in May. We are slipping into more “normal” temps again for the next few days but it comes at a cost, muggy weather with rain and a chance for severe weather.

I took a pic of our outside thermometer because I couldn’t believe it was that hot on the 10th day of May.

In Iowa, 94F in the middle of may is pretty hot.  With the heat we get to see the glorious sun that has been so absent over the last few winter months. So I’ll take it. Helps that I can go into the house and have the a/c on though, otherwise I might feel differently.

It’s so nice to be able to take Sarah outside to play for a bit and not be cooped up in this house.

Tomorrow the local hospital is giving out free bicycle helmets to the first 200 children who show up. I’m hoping to be able to get both Sarah and Sophie one, then all that will be left is to buy them bikes. LOL

Well it’s a little after 2 in the morning and my meds are finally kicking in. Going go get some shut eye for a few hours before I have to get up again.

What Kind Of Storm Are You?

You Are a Hurricane

You are downright deadly. No one would ever try to mess with you. You are feared and rightly so. Once you get on the warpath, there's no stopping you. People know to get out of your way as soon as they can. You only pick up momentum as you progress. You may calm down temporarily, but you always get a second wind. You're one storm that takes a while to pass.

What Kind of Storm Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

LOL, those that know me well know that it takes a lot to piss me off but once I’m pissed you better watch out. So I guess you could say this is me.

April’s Randomness

Here we are already into the 4th day of May.  The weather here has been unseasonably chilly but we are due for a warm up starting today. Woohooo!!! I was going through April’s pics and realized I had few unusual pics. Not sure why I even took them so I thought I would share a few with you.

I have absolutely no idea why I took pics of eggs boiling. I’m so random sometimes.

I hadn’t seen a pay phone in so many years I simply had to take a pic. This was in the building I had rented for Emma’s party.

Here is a close up of it. I love how it says use a dime or two nickels. Boy does this bring back memories.

Here are the cows that are behind our house. They were staring at me so I took their pic. LOL, silly I know.

I hope you enjoyed April’s  random pics. This is something I would like to try and start doing each month. I am an avid photographer and I have my camera where ever I go. When I feel it, I snap it. LOL

Pray The Gay Away

We are already at Weds. This week seems to be just flying by which is surprising considering it’s been a crap week for me.

I’m angry at the world right now and all the injustices and I really don’t know why.  For so long I would say yeah, that’s not fair and pretty much sucks but I wouldn’t get pissed about it.For instance, I watched a show late last night on OWN called Our America with Lisa Ling. I try and catch it every week, but I’ve yet to be successful at that. LOL Anyway….the episode I saw at 1 in the morning was one I had heard about but missed.  This episode was Pray the Gay away.  The thought process is if you pray hard enough you will become straight. That there is no way to be a good Christian if you are gay.  WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart simply broke for the people who were trying so hard to change themselves into something they aren’t. 

My thoughts are this. If the Christian God is an all loving God then tell me why is it so taboo to be gay and a Christian?  Because society says it’s not right? Because it makes people uncomfortable? Because out of an entire book there are a few passages that say it’s not ok? (don’t even get me started on that) What? Why can’t we just love people for who and what they are? 

Why must people have to fight so hard to be themselves? There have been so many suicides over the last few years because people who are gay are getting bullied so badly for it they simply see death as the only  way out.  How can people be so mean?

I was watching a show on PBS on Sunday called Marwencol about this man who was beaten to the point of losing his memories for being a cross dresser. He will never be the same again. He was once a man with a future and now he is afraid to leave his home so he has created a fantasy world in which he lives in now.  He is the nicest man you could ever meet but because he was different 5 men took it upon themselves to beat this man almost to his death.

What is wrong with our country when a person isn’t free to be who they are? I myself have experienced hate because I’m pagan. I’ve been called a Heathen condemned to go to hell.  As a woman I’ve experienced sexual harassment through out the years. Been told my opinion doesn’t matter.  Simply for being a woman.

It’s time to stand up and let people know it’s not ok to hate, or judge another for the sexual preference, religious beliefs, or color of their skin.  Personally, when I see someone filled with so much hate because I’m a pagan I don’t get angry. I feel bad for that person. How miserable they must be in their own life. How awful it must be to live your life with such a closed mind. The Christian God does not hate, they are taught to love one another. Apparently there are clauses, such as if you are gay, or another religion, or just being a woman makes you a second class citizen in come Christian circles.

I have brought my kids up to love each other, to be open minded and not judge another. To see each person as a person and not to be defined by the color of their skin, or if they are gay. But to look deeper into a person and see them for who they are on the inside. 

I close with a song that most if not all of you know. Imagine by John Lennon

Justice

Warning, this is my view of Osama’s death and if you can’t play nice with the comments then just close out this blog and come back for the next one.  This is also very long and I apologize in advance for that.

 

Normally I don’t write about controversial things because I don’t want the drama in my comment box. However, in this case I can’t help but voice my opinion. Remember while reading this, this is MY opinion which I am allowed to have. You do not have to agree with me and I do welcome all comments and in fact I encourage comments, providing you can be adult about it and realize not everyone is going to have the same view point here.

Sunday night I received a text to my cell phone that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. At first I was in disbelief. Did we really finally get him? Then I get another text saying that the President would be addressing the nation on Osama’s death. Then I felt just pure relief but still was waiting to hear the details. Kind of a believe it if you see it sort of thing.

I didn’t get much from the speech. Limited details at best. I did feel like he was taking sole credit for this which he has no right to do. He needs to give credit where credit is due and that’s to the Navy Seals that fronted this operation.  For those of you who are saying oh she’s a moron she doesn’t understand the chain of command. Yes I do understand it very well. My ex-husband was in the Army while we were married, my son is currently in the Army so don’t go giving me that line of crap.

So moving on to Monday morning, I was in the stage of HELL YEAH!!! This evil, vile man is finally dead. Justice is served! I felt a bit odd at first for being happy over someone’s death. After all as evil and vile as he was he was a human and there were people out there that loved him. So I started weighing things out. If I had a family member murdered and the assailant had been put to death would I not be celebrating? Would I not say Justice is finally served? Would I not get some satisfaction at his death? The answer to this is yes! However, I’ve been told I’m wrong to celebrate the bible says, blah blah blah. Does the bible also not say and eye for an eye?

I want all of you take a walk down memory lane. Remember where you were on 9/11/2001. Remember how you felt as those towers went down. Remember how you felt watching the people jumping from those towers because they were going to burn to death and they would rather die in another way.  Remember how Osama was shown celebrating the fact so many perished. Remember more people died from that one attack then died at Pearl Harbor. This isn’t even including the current death count of our soliders who have been fighting since the attack of 9/11  Remember the pure and unadulterated anger everyone had for him. How we all banned together as a country. 

Go to today, where is that unity, where is your patriotism? How many lives have we lost because of things this man has done? Sure you could argue he didn’t actually fly the plane into the trade center. He wasn't the one to kill our soldiers. Was he not the mastermind behind it all? Was he not targeting American’s? Was he not an evil, vile man who enjoyed the pain and suffering of others?

My son served two tours over in Iraq, which I am very proud of him.  He has seen a lot and suffers from PTSD as I’m sure anyone who saw the things he did suffers.  My son has lost several buddies to this war. My son had to see some very serious stuff. He had to take care of a double amputee because they stepped on an IED.  I celebrate because everything my son went through was not for nothing. We did accomplish our goal. I celebrate because all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 or during this war have closure.  I celebrate because I am proud to be an American and I fly my flag to show it.

I’ve heard many say they are afraid that al qaeda will ramp up their attacks. I believe they will try but we are on high alert and we will handle them as we have been doing since 2001. Remember Osama was the face of terrorism. He didn’t have his hands in every single act of terrorism out there. Sadly he will be always seen as a some sort of Icon to them. We will take what comes at us and deal with it accordingly.

Here are a few things about Osama’s death I’m not understanding. Tell me how in 24 hours, they have killed him, ran a DNA test and got results, and why did they bury him at sea? Ok, yes in today’s technology it IS possible to get tests back that quickly.  But why honor his belief and get him buried within the 24 hours? We certainly didn’t do it for Saddam’s son’s. Were they not Muslim too? Why have no pictures surfaced? There were pics of both Saddam and his Son’s leaked straight away but yet not one single picture of Osama? Hmmm…Little odd don’t ya think?

There ARE pictures that have been photoshopped showing someone that is supposed to be Osama dead. But those photos’s have been going around for the last few years. Just check out snopes.com. The photos that are going around do not even show a graying Osama, but one with either no gray or just a smidge depending on the pic you see.

Why does he end up dead on the same day Hitler was announced dead? Why does he end up dead just when the Presidents ratings are at an all time low? To me something isn’t right here. Don’t get me wrong I believe this man is dead, or at minimum captured. They wouldn’t announce his death if he wasn’t either dead or captured. So, we are left with a lot of unanswered questions. Will we get the answers for what seek? I certainly hope so but unfortunately our President dances around things and gives us just enough to hush us up for a minute. I’m not a fan of the President as you can tell but I will give him credit where credit is due. Yes Obama thank you for keeping Bush’s order to either Capture or kill Osama.

If you’ve made it this far I applaud you. I do hope you comment. You do not have to agree with me. That’s whats so wonderful a bout being an American. We are all allowed to believe in what we want.  Just please remember these are just my views and I am entitled to them as you are entitled to yours so play nice.

Goddess Bless America!