Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling - Thursday edition

I remember a day when I was all over about keeping my blog updated.

I kind of liked that.

You would think with all this extra time on my hands.....but seriously, I gotta lot of important things to do like sleep, watching trashy tv, sleep, play wwf, sleep

Kinda, sorta solidified my race schedule for the season.  I prolly should update my sidebar-------->

I'm gonna work on getting faster this year, and not necessarily mileage.  Splenda Daddy says I need to change my nutrition. 

I hate it when he's right.

That being said, I did just register him for his first ever 10k.  That's 6.2 miles.  Easy peasy.  I'm so excited for him to do it with me!  I don't think he's all that excited.  In reality, I suspect he's only doing it for me.  To make me happy, excited and motivated to train.

I love him for that.

Have to say that this gig at Wasatch Running is turning out to be a pretty cool thing.  I have met some awesome runners whose dedication inspires me.  I have also met some pretty inspiring non-runners, who are there to get a decent pair of shoes in hopes of keeping their motivation to get healthy and to someday attempt a 5k. 

I love both types.

January sucks.  Nothing more to say about that.

Did I mention that I leave for my cruise in 16 more sleeps?  Yeah, that's right. I think that's the only thing getting me through January. Pardon me if I slip into "gloat mode"

Or don't pardon me.  Either way 'sokay by me

Lately, I've been feeling very "squishy" about my kids.  Is that a sign of old age, menopause, or delayed new mom bliss?  Not that I wasn't blissful when they were younger, don't get me wrong, but now......it's a whole different kind of bliss. 

Weird.  I think I might be freaking them out slightly.

Actually, I am feeling kind of "squishy" about a lot of people

Grandma

my mom (did you hear that gasp of disbelieve all the way from Sweden? haha)

special friends who are struggling right now

I get all sorts of weepy.

I think I seriously need to up my caffeine intake and hit the Low-Carb Monsters again.  Sounds like I need to balance out the "squishy"

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling (debbie downer style)

*Feel Free to click mark as read....just voicing some thoughts and feelings*

Dude!

It's almost December.  As in, TOMORROW!

What the crap happened to 2011?  It seems one big, blurry bad dream.

Thanksgiving was nice.  Not what I expected, though I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but it was nice.  Loved family coming in from Vegas and spending time catching up.  Love the positive vibes my SIL brings with her.

And now, everyone expects Christmas.

Can't do it.

Just can't do it.

I did hang the wreath on the front door so it wouldn't look naked there, but I really have no desire nor ambition to put up the tree, decorate the house or buy a single gift.    I really want to just take my tree and ship it to my kids in Cali.  Splenda wants it to stay here and get put up and decorated.  The idea of it makes me want to crawl in bed.

Scrooge much?

I have been excited for Festival of Trees.  Spent a little time there on Monday finishing a few last things for my bestie and watching the decorators set up their things.  Made me realize that if I had planned a little better I could have done a tree this year.

Instead, I have determined that I will do one next year.  Dedicated to Jill and Suicide Awareness and Prevention.  I am still pondering a theme for it.  Something she loved, her hobby, her passion.  All I can come up with is that she loved her daughter.  More than anything she loved Chloee. I think I will go with a Mommy Angel theme.  Thoughts?

For those of you new to my blog click here to get the back story  There are subsequent posts and videos that further tell the story.  But you get the gist.

I think that is why I am struggling to really get into Christmas this year.  Memories are painful.  I can only imagine her own parents.  If my heart hurts, then they must be in agony.  And whether we are friends or not, I feel sad for them.

I think doing the tree will be a good thing.  Starting with the day after Christmas this year and all the sales, I will be looking for ornaments and decorations to fit our Mommy Angel tree.  I will be stepping out of my comfort zone and approaching a business to see if they would be willing to donate something like a TV or other hot ticket item that will attract a bidder.   I will try and get Chloee out here next year so she can help with the tree.  I'll be tracking down pictures and special things to go with the tree.  I am concocting a plan and that feels good. 

The healing properties of doing something for someone else can never be underestimated.  And if I haven't mentioned it before, every single thing for Festival is donated and all the money, ALL OF IT, goes straight to the Primary Childrens Medical Center.  No admin fees or skims off the top.  Every last cent.  So many good things to be involved with.

And yet, I am still so sad.

I have an exit interview with my previous employer on Monday.  That closes another chapter in my life.  A chapter that once was so happy and fulfilling and cruelly twisted to a sour ending. Even though I know I made the right decision and am happy about starting a new chapter in that area of my life, it's still a little sad. 

Change is hard.

My house is empty.  My sons have their wives and lives. 

Change is hard.

Still not able to run.  So frustrating.  I think if I could just get a good 10 miler in, I would feel so much better.  For now, I am stuck on the bike, in the pool and satisfying my running needs by smelling the new shoes, checking out the gear and mingling with other runners at Wasatch Running Company.  That's cool.

Got a flight booked for SoCal in a couple of weeks.  Makes me uber happy!  Now just gotta figure out how to get all the kids' Christmas down there.  This is pretty cool too.  Happiness is seeing Chloee all settled in with her Daddy and her Mommy.  Their little family is so amazing.  Watching Corb being such an awesome father and Karalee love Chloee as if she were her own and Chloee loving the fact that she has a family.  A mommy and a daddy.  A family.  The sweet lil punkin is THRIVING!  That makes me happy!  For those of you who have married children who are parents, nothing brings you more joy than seeing them become great parents themselves.  Some call it a parent pay-off.  I don't know what I call it, all I know is that it brings a smile to my face and a lift to my soul.

And yet, I still feel sad.

Memories can be hard.

Change can be hard.

Wow - this really did turn out to be a debbie downer eh?  Sorry, if you made it this far.  Just processing some thoughts and feelings.

Really, life is good.  Life is damn good.

xoxox

Peace Out

**PS  -  if you are lurking, which I know you are, and you feel inclined to leave more anonymous mean comments, please refrain. It didn't get you anywhere last time and won't this time either.**

Wednesday Wrandom Wrambling - Thursday edition

GAH!  What a week!  Good things, bad things......in the middle things.

No stress fracture.  That's good.  I still can't run without pain in my calf so I'm not buying the diagnosis of a shin splint (believe me, I've had those), but the MRI showed nothing to be worried about, so along with my business I go.  Running will come when it doesn't hurt anymore.

The doggies got shaved (badly needed) but now they are cold so the extra snuggling has begun.  Jordan totally gets the idea of spooning, however Jack has no concept of personal space.  My face is NOT an appropriate snuggling spot!

Speaking of cold....the temps are dropping and it's getting cooler.  Mama no likey.  It's no secret how I feel about any season other than summer.  I'm gonna try really hard not to get too depressed until next June.  Without my hot lightbulb bed, it'll be hard, but I'm gonna give it a try.  Maybe I just need to schedule more time in Chloeefornia.

Yeah, I call it Chloeefornia now.  Thanks Lisa!

The wedding plans are solid and just about all set.  I'm still looking for matching ties, but I think I am gonna get that nailed down today.  After that, there are some minor detail things, but they are things that have to be done the day of.  Looking good!

Speaking of weddings.  Is it just me or do people in general NOT give an RSVP anymore?  I'd like to get a final headcount for the luncheon, but not getting responses.  Oh well, I am just glad that people want to celebrate with us!

Qadaffi is dead.......so there's that.

Biden should not be allowed to speak.  Ever.

Second bathroom coming along well. Splenda Daddy is a rockstar!!  I like when he comes up with the vision, the colors, the layout and then just asks me what I think.  I always like it, so it then becomes easy.  I have no eye for stuff like this, and not particularly picky so win-win for both of us!

And with that in mind, I have lot's to do today........ peace out, girls scouts!

xoxox

M-Cat

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

A lot of time on my hands.  A lot of time in my head.  Not sure either is a good idea.

Actually it really is.   Good times.

WWF - love it, but can't win a game to save my life!  I used to be smart - I swear!  I was intelligent once.

And then mid-life hit and like a teenager, my brain cells spilled right out into some gutter to be washed away with the next rainstorm.  Teenagers get theirs back in their early to mid- twenties.  Will I get mine back or am I doomed?

Speaking of rainstorms, it's been raining today.  Is that why I can't seem to get my arse outta bed?

My whole schedule is off.  No gym since I have been resting the leg.  I still wake up early and make myself do something (not exercise, just moving around), but I am missing the daily talk with my peeps.  Will be getting back there next week.

The leg is strange.  I now have pain in my knee as well.  Probably because I have some strange walking mechanics because of the calf.  Freak.  I'm trying not to walk, but geesh - a girl has to get around you know.

Splenda is still moving all our home videos to files on our computer.  It has been so much fun to see stuff I had totally forgotten about.  For Splenda he is able to keep the years straight based on my hair style and color.  See my frequent changes are HELPFUL!

I can't wait for the boys to see the final product. The memories.........  I have the best family - I swear it.

Speaking of memories, with the old tree now gone.  Cut into firewood, my oldest expressed a little sadness that their climbing tree, their batting practice tree, their shade tree, their hide and seek tree is no longer.  As it was cut up for logs, we found it infested with carpenter ants.  Pretty sure the neighbors might want to treat their trees that are in close proximity.  I've a feeling they are everywhere.  Insidious things!

Catching up on a lot of reading.  Reading that should have been done on a regular basis.  Loving it.  Need a good thriller book, or fascinating biography to get lost in though.  Taking recommendations.

Started watching Modern Family on Hulu.  FUNNY show!  FUNNY stuff!  I have a new fav to add to my short list.

Speaking of funny.  I get a distress message that a bestie's basement is flooding.  I offer to head over and help.  I don clothes, get out the rubber thigh high boots, and google how to work a shop vac only to get a follow up message that the electrician had cleaned it all up.  I went back to bed. 

 Um, that was funnier in my head.

I have a new phone.  No smart phone for me.  I'm pretty sure I could never figure out how to work one.  Just a nice basic phone with a camera, and keyboard.  Momma doesn't need fancy.  But,  I can't type a single message yet without it taking 20 minutes and no less than 8 errors.  Okay, THAT is funny.

*sigh*..........teaching an old dog new tricks or even the SAME tricks is a challenge..........

More diet coke - peace out friends

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

Holy freakin cow, it's Wednesday!

I've lost track of days.  Literally, I have to LOOK at the calendar to know what day it is.  Sorta nice, sorta pathetic.

I like home projects.  Ones that I can actually help with.  Last week, I spent the week organizing, de-cluttering, cleaning.  So cathartic

This week has been a little project I like to call "make a bathroom".  We had a plumber come in (still waiting on the bid), but in the meantime, I have started taking down drywall, ripped up carpet, removed baseboards..... who knew that a hammer and a flathead screwdriver could be so much fun.

And feel so good.

So I'm talking to the dermatologist today (full body check), and she of course notices my nasty rast feet and immediately knows I run.  She has run the Marine Marathon TWICE!  I am oozing with jealousy.  She got all choked up just trying to describe it to me!  Corbin and I HAVE to do this next year!  If it's the only race I ever run next year, I WILL DO THIS!

And maybe I'll get a chance to meet my peeps in DC - hollah!

And, and she took a thingie off my arm.  Most def not melanoma, but it was bugging me, and she wanted to see what it looked like under the microscope.

I dig my doctors.

My family practice doc?  Dude is a freakin saint!  My "talking" doctor?  LOVE HER!

I got good ones.

Wedding plans are in full gear.  Making address lists.  Finalizing family shower, the DJ, the wedding luncheon.  Tagged along to visit cake lady.  Then pictures on Sunday and work on invites, flowers, decorations.  I am grateful I only have a small portion to do.  But luckily, Montana and her family let me tag along and enjoy all the fun things too.  I couldn't be happier that those two kids are getting married!  Little peas in a pod they are - and her family is so fun to be with!  I don't think I could have arranged a better one if I were a professional matchmaker!

Speaking of happy kids.  My Corbin, Karalee and Chloee!  So happy!  Such a cute family.  I think about them all the time and am so glad that they have found each other and have made such a beautiful, strong family. 

Luke is starting his own business.  Stay tuned.  I will most def be pimping him out here!

It's good to feel happy about your kids.

Splenda Daddy got a special little thingamajig for the computer that records our old VHS tapes to files on the PC.  He started one tonight, and oh my holy hannah!  How fun is it to see the boys when they were little.

It isn't fun seeing me 20 years ago.  Aye carumba!  I certainly was one to embrace the 80's.  Could my hair BE any bigger?  And Splenda's mullet?  OH EM GEE - we have giggled all night watching.

It's also been sweet to see videos of his Dad.  We miss him and all his funny quirks.  It will be fun to take these videos and make some DVD's with them.

At least I think it will be fun for Splenda.  I'm more into taking down drywall right now.

Getting muy nervous for St George this weekend.  I've had a sore tendon/calf issue and it's not really getting better.  Icing, taking it easy, antiinflammatories both topically and orally......... still not getting where I feel good about it.  Hopefully, my dear Cassandra and her magic will get it under control tomorrow.

I just realized that if I can do this in 4 hours or less, I qualify for Boston.  That means shaving 33 minutes off of  last years time.  It feels like it's just within my reach, and yet so unattainable.  I guess we'll see Saturday eh?

Halfway through SIL"s next book.  Just the draft.  Loving it!  I smell another success..... and the fact that there is a reference to Mimi in there made me smile!

Did you know that a six pack of Lynn Wilson burrito's makes the perfect ice pack?

Now you do

Peace. Out.

Wednesday Wrandom Wrambling

Apparently I am breaking a cardinal rule of blogging by posting twice in one day.

I'll get over it.

So will you.

Didn't get any warm fuzzies from the GOP debate tonight.  I was hoping for someone to stand out and grab my attention.  It's a for sure that I can't stand Ron Paul or Michelle Bachmann.  Both of them totally creeped me out.  So far Romney is solid.  However, would be great to see Chris Christie jump in.  Throw Marco Rubio on as VP and I think we might have a winning ticket.  Still early in the game, guess we'll see how things go.

Was surprised to see it on MSNBC.  What's coming next?  Pigs flying?

Already getting bored of the blonde hair.  I know right?!?  Such a fun and dramatic move and now...over it.  Prolly have Chief pull some brown through a cap or something.  I dunno.

I dunno on a lot of things lately.  Decision, decision, decisions.  None are easy.  None are to be taken lightly.  Maybe that's why I am so flippant about my hair.  It's a none essential decision that can be easily changed again.

I fantasize about being so wealthy that I can live in a motorhome and travel the entire United States stopping at every MLB park to catch a game.  I like that fantasy.

Top of Utah marathon is coming up.  Training plan in place.  Get up and go to the gym every day this week.

Next week, run every day while in St George. Cycle Thursday. Take Friday off. Be faster than 4:50 on Saturday. 

That's the extent of my training plan.

Chloee and I skyped last night for over an hour.  Bet you didn't know that you can pretend anything over skype.  We were on adventures.  She had me smell her breath and pet her moosie pillow pet.  We pretended to eat dinner together and then she had me walk around the house with the laptop so she could see everything. Even outside.  She wanted to pet Jack, so I held him up while she pretended to pet him.

I don't think she could be any cuter.

I KNOW she couldn't be any cuter.

You know what's awesome?  Opening the cupboard and finding a box of dingdongs that you forget was there.  Yeah.  That's awesome.

You know what else is awesome?  Having your 23 year old son call you while he's doing laundry in a whole different town just to check on you 'cause he knows you're having a hard time.  Completely and totally awesome.

Spent some time this morning with a friend-soon-to-be-family, talking about the wedding and planning a bridal shower.  Later this afternoon, I realized I had better start working on my few items of business.  Every day gone is another day closer to 10/28. 

Gah......*heavy sigh*

I need a vacation.  Far far away.

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

It's been a long time since I've rambled.  Outloud.  Publicly. 

It could be scary since I am having a freakin headache that seems to only get worse and not better and now iamforcedtomedicatewithprescriptionsthatihangontoforthesejustincasescenarios

Read that however you want to.  Go ahead and judge. 

Actually stop your judging.  The bottle has mysteriously disappeared.  Someone is going to die.  Or I hid it somewhere and can't remember where.  Sucks to be me.

I smell like roast.    I put a roast in the oven for dinner tonight (hey!.....I can put .....stuff.....in the big box that gets hot!)  and now the smell is clinging to me.  A good smell to be sure, but Jack won't leave me alone.  It's like I'm his own lick and chew stick.

Speaking of Jack, I don't know what the hell he got into in the back yard, but it's stuck in his beard.  That means it's gonna take about 4 of us to hold him still while I cut it out.  That should be all kinds of fun.

The wedding plans are in motion for Tuffy and Montana!  I have my to do list and I thank Heavenly Father every single day that I only have boys.  Tender mercy indeed.

Three more sleeps and I get to cuddle that little bundle of love called Chloee!  I get so excited just thinking about it!

Found a new blog that I am liking.  Dude is funny!  Anyone that will videotape his sister climbing through a doggie door and lives to post it, gets serious props.  Check him out.  Tell him M-Cat sent you and that will make him laugh and wonder who the hell I really am.

My mom is galavanting around Europe!  Serio?!  She goes off to serve a temple mission with her cute husband and for the two weeks that the temple closes, they need to amuse themselves around Europe.  She is at the Sweden temple, but I think they are heading just about everywhere.  One day I will be that lucky.  Galavanting - sheesh!

Met a dude Saturday during our fundraiser that was telling me all about the Marine Corp Marathon.  It's October and of course already sold out - but mark my words.....I WILL DO THIS NEXT YEAR!!!  He is with an organization that assists disabled vets to complete the marathon.  Last year he pushed a vet who lost his legs.  The ENTIRE marathon!  This year, he will be helping someone who lost his sight. 

I WILL DO THIS!!!

A best friend hacks your blog and fixes your pictures.  And then texts you and tells you she did.  Crap I am lucky.  What would I do without my Shark?

Speaking of friends, one of my BFF Diva's is moving to Minnesota.  MINNESOTA!!  Who the flagnon lives in Minnesota?  Sure that's where her wife got a job, but STILL, do they have to leave us?  Starting to have some panic about it all when I let myself think about it too much.  I don't like my BFFs leaving and going far far away.  Pisses me off.

You know how everyone does the FML?  If you know what I'm talking about then you know what the F means.  I'm not gonna spell it out for the rest of you lame-o's, this is a family blog.  Most of the time.

Anywhoo - I decided instead of FML - I am gonna start typing and saying LML - love my life.  Isn't that so cheery and uplifting and happy?

Okay, I'm over it now.  Whew !......That was a close one.

Did I mention that in 3 more sleeps I get to see, hold, smell, touch, snuggle Chloee?  Have you ever physically ACHED to hold someone?  Yeah.   It's like that.  And not to be misunderstood, I am excited to see Corbin and Karalee too, but I'm SOOOOO not snuggling them.  Just Sis.

And for freaks that think my house will be empty?  It's not.  Not everyone is going to CA morons, so go pillage someone else. 

Guess I should go check that hot box in my kitchen and the pan that I put in there earlier and make sure it's okay.

Peace out girl scouts!

Wednesday Wrandom Wrambling

It's late at  night, I am on my meds, so this could be interesting.

I finally got caught up on my google reader.  I have realized that I can no longer comment on EVERY SINGLE POST.  Even thought I would like to.  But I read them all and comment if I feel like I have something to say of any kind of purpose or value.  I do like the glimpses into people's lives.

I am too old to keep making the drive to St George.  I fall asleep EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.  This trip, I was fine until the sign to Kanosh.  And then it was like a brick hit me and I couldn't keep my eyes open.  After the second time drifting, I pulled the car way off the side of the road and closed my eyes.  I think I was asleep for about 45 minutes and only woke to a tapping at my window.  I opened my eyes to see a UHP officer.  I scrambled up and rolled down the window.  He asked if I was okay, and I explained I was just too tired to even make it to Beaver.  He was very nice, checked again to see if I was okay, asked where I was headed.  He noted that he could tell I was tired since he had been knocking on my window for several minutes.  Commended me for pulling off the road rather than crashing and then before he walked away, asked if I was okay one more time.  Humiliating. 

I felt better for a nap though.

So I came home with something from the Tri at Echo after all.  A staph infection.  Wicked looking sore on the back of my neck.  Theory is my swim cap rubbed some skin raw, and thus the staph set in.  Applying topical antibiotics and will start oral ones if not better by tomorrow or spreading.  So far, looking good.

I have not been to Moab, UT for YEARS.  Since I was a kid and an arch was renamed and dedicated in honor of my Great Grandfather.  Splenda has never been there.  We are headed down Wednesday night to have a weekend vacay with Montana and her family.  So excited I can hardly stand it!  Chloee will have such a blast!  Plans for river rafting, hiking, hanging out with cool people.  Very, very excited!

Chloee is doing swimming lessons right now and absolutely LOVING it.  She smiles constantly for the 30 minutes she is in the lesson.  I need to start taking some pictures.

Started playing around on the Google +

I'm digging it.  If you want an invite, let me know - leave your email address.  It's pretty fun, and I wouldn't be surprised if it takes over Facebook.  Just like Facebook took over MySpace.

Technology moves forward.

Tired of traveling for work.  It's hard on me.  I am too old.  It's no longer something that comes easy for me. 

I need to retire.  Work is miserable.  I don't like it.  I don't enjoy it.  I want to spend my time doing other things.  Guess I should start making runs to ID for the lottery eh?

Got upgraded to the honeymoon suite again at my usual hotel here in Santa Jorge.  Until they can get the wifi fixed in the other building, I refuse to stay there, so if they haven't set things up just right, I end up in the big nice room, with the big nice bed and the big nice bathroom.  All by myself.

I think we are really onto something with these pre-race and post-race massages.  I seem to perform well, and recover even better.  I am a believer!

Is it just me or is there really nothing on TV these days?  Since the Casey Anthony trial is over, I feel a little at a loss. 

We are not going to talk about the verdict.  It just pisses me off.

My weekend of the 24th just opened up - anyone want to do the Deseret News 10k with me?

I want a new hairstyle and color - just can't decide what to do.  Open to suggestions.

Thankful for a wonderful house/dog sitter.  I can leave and know that all is well with my home and my babies.

Craving candy.  Never mind that I had an ice cream cone earlier today, I'm still craving candy.

Am going to sleep to fight off the crave.

Peace.out.

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

I have eaten waaaaaayyyy too much this week.  Like TOO MUCH!

Sheesh!

Family dinner on Sunday including birthday cake

Monday night - Diva dinner including birthday brownie sundae

Tuesday night - Bonco dinner including home made ice cream

Today - lunch with some fun girls including ALL MY CAJUN FRIES

I prolly should go on a fast or something.  Cleanse the body.

Or not.

Kinda freaked out.  Jack reminds me so much of Kasey it's downright freaky.  They aren't even the same breed, but personality wise and the quirky little traits that both have/had.  Weird.  Just plain weird man.

I think that is why I love that damn little dog so much.

Can't stop watching the Casey Anthony trial.  I turn on the live stream and listen to it while I work.  If someone new takes the stand - I click over to see what they look like, and then go back to listening.  If the testimony is compelling - I watch.  Like today.  George Anthony crying.  Hard to watch.  I remember when Calee went missing.  She and Chloee are the same age.  Maybe that's why I am so drawn to it.  Like a train wreck.  Just can't turn away.

I got some issue going on with my gut.  Going on two weeks now.  And my blood pressure is still high.  Doc and me will spend some time together on Friday.  Stress much?

I haven't been to Moab since I was a kid.  Going in a couple of weeks and VERY excited!  Warm - sunny - and Montana's family.  Good times.

Met a couple of very cool ladies today.  They have a gazillion kids.  How in the crap do people do it?  Okay, they don't have a gazillion but 4 and 5 are A LOT.  I give them huge props and respect.  Consider this the virtual fist bump.

Chloee has started wanting to do her own hair.  She gets the sides wet and calls it good.  I need to snap a picture.  It's downright funny.

She starts swimming lessons next week.  Humming with excitement!

And believe it or not, I am kind of feeling hungry again. 

Off to hang my head in shame as I work a bag of Dorito's

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

It is 11:42 as I start this post.  That is waaaaaayyyyy past my bedtime.

I'm still waiting on a load from the dryer so I can finish packing clothes.

I'm a good packer, but I have to kind of do it all at once or I forget things.  I have to run through each day that I am going to be gone and review anything I will need for each day.  Tedious yes, but after 15 years of traveling regularly for work, I have a science to it now. 

Don't mess with a good system.

So I lay awake waiting for whites out of the dryer so I don't forget any good girls.

Oh my crap Chloee and I had a great time tonight.  She napped this afternoon, and then once she woke up and realized that everyone had left for California but us, she was ecstatic!  We talked about what needed to be done and she wanted to make a list so we could check things off.  I fell in love with her just that much more.

I love lists.

We shopped.  We ate dinner.  We got our hairs trimmed.  We made cookies.  We pretended to fly on the airplane.  We practiced scattering flower petals.  We snuggled.

My legs seemed to have recovered.  I am not happy about the forced days off this week.  I hope the hotel has a workout room.  I am not brave enough to run the streets of San Diego alone.  I will however force myself on a treadmill for an hour.

My friends are running the Ragnar this weekend.  I am crushed to not be with them.  I really wanted to take on that "You gotta be kidding me" hill again.  *sigh*

We have a dog/house sitter coming.  I love knowing that someone lives at our home and babies my furry loves.

Coping well without ice cream.  On the rare occasion I have it, I pop a lactaid first.  Seems to help. 

I miss Iceberg shakes though

I pulled out the huge suitcase to carry all of mine and Chloee's stuff and it was Luke's that he used on his mission.  It still smells like when he came home.  It makes my heart happy.  Smells are such a memory trigger for me. 

Yeah, my heart is kind of happy right now.  I am going to go to sleep tonight looking at that huge suitcase and remembering what it was like when he walked down the steps at the airport after his mission and finally having all my boys there in the same spot at the same time.  All my lil chickens.  After 2 long years.

We can never go back there again.  It's all different now. Corbin will be married again in just a few days.  Luke is  away at school, never to come home again.  Tuffy's getting married later this year and out of the house.  Chloee will be living with her daddy and new stepmommy.  All of this in a short period of time. 

Weird.  I take back my earlier statement.  My heart is suddenly not that happy anymore.  I think I need to stop thinking.  Maybe just look at the luggage some more.

There is a moth the size of a bald eagle flying around in my room.  It flew in the house when a neighbor stopped by earlier tonight, and I couldn't get it out.  Now that my bedroom light is the only one on, it's flying around, flapping its eagle span like wings and getting on my nerves. 

I need Splenda Daddy to shoo it out.

I remembered again today why the English language is stupid.  Chloee is in the "sounding out everything" phase and trying to read everything she can.  Pharmacy.  Who decided that a ph should make an F sound?  There is simply no reasonable explanation.  That doesn't go over well with a child who likes logical answers. 

Dumb.  And why is there a silent b at the end of dumb?

I think I hear my dryer.

Wednesay Wrandom Wrambling

It's been a long day and I am exhausted.  I debated about even posting anything, but I figure if I can release some of the randomness rattling around in my head, I might sleep better

Either that or the melatonin is gonna kick in

Splenda bought a new car. If I wasn't so tired and lazy I would go take a picture and post it.  It's a sharp looking Honda accord.  Now to sell his old Honda to Tufftanna, park the Pathfinder and drop it off insurance, and then sell his Mustang we'll be in good shape.

Anyone want to buy a Ford Mustang GT?  Dude has barely driven it, and the previous original owner barely drove it.  Here's the link to the ad

Of course Splenda will negotiate the price.  It's been a hard decision for him to make.

Went to a couple of bridal showers this week for Karalee.  The reality is setting in.  Just 3 more weeks really.  Still need to find a dress and one more thing for Chloee.

Have a 100 mile bike ride on Saturday and then a marathon the Saturday after.  So unprepared it's not even funny.  And I have been having some neck and back pain so my training hasn't been going well.  This should be interesting.  At least I know I have an out for either event.  I can back out of the 100 miler and only go 80.  And I can walk part of the marathon if I need to.  I just hate the anxiety of being unprepared.

Now that we got a Ragnar spot, I can't even run it with my team.  It's the same weekend as the wedding.  Sucks.

Considering going shorter with my hair and a wowza change in the color.  Like Marilyn Monroe blond color.  Too chicken to pull the trigger.

With all the bridal showers, and talks of weddings, I am hearing all kinds of advice for couples.  How did I get so lucky with Splenda?  What is our secret?  I have no idea.  He's a saint is what he is.

My hard drive crash on my latptop and I lost all the addresses to the private blogs I follow.  If you once invited me, could you invite me again?  I also lost a lot of pictures.  Not ones that can't be replaced but it's a pain in the patootie.

Today we had a glimpse of summer.  And then I blinked and it was gone.  The weather might just out me over the edge this year.  I hanging on by a thin thread as it is.

And now that I know that milk products make me sick, all I can do is crave a milkshake.  Awful.

It seems as though the meds are kicking in....

Peace out and hoping for a great Thursday

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

This morning did not go well.  I completely slept through my alarm.  All 5 times it went off. 

Chloee and I didn't wake up until 8:10 and that is the time I should be dropping her off at school. 

Do you know what it's like to hurry a 4 year old  who likes to move on her own time schedule?  Yeah.

She finally got to school at about 9:15.

I stopped on the way home to get a big gulp and decided I would need the leaded diet coke.

Perfect concoction.  Delightful.  An hour later I couldn't figure out why I couldn't keep my eyes open.  My Big Gulp was almost gone, and still no kick.

Then it dawned on me.  Out of habit I had put caffeine free diet coke and not the regular diet coke.  Fail.

Sent the boy and his girl back to the sev for the real thing and the real thing they brought me.  Full on MAN-COKE!  Been years since I had a real man coke.  Calories be damned, it was good!

I've discovered the ease of Hulu.  Am now spending way too much time watching all the shows I want to, but miss and forget to ask someone to set the DVR since I don't know how.

I refuse to learn how to set the DVR.  Somethings the menfolk in my house can just do for me.  I wash underwear, they set my dvr.  Plain and simple.

Jordan was having a pretty wild dream this morning complete with heavy breathing, paw twitching and some weird noises.  Jack was a little freaked out.  Enough to the point that he scoochied over to her, sniffed and licked her ear, and then laid down beside her watching her and me to make sure she was okay.

I love my dogs.

Unless one of them craps on the rug in my kitchen.

But then the boy who lives at home realized it was pretty much his fault and took care of the rug.  Rice was in a cup to absorb a wet ipod.  Jack decided to eat the rice.  No bueno.

Same man-child spilled the rice in the sink and both he and I rinsed it down the disposal drain.

Apparently that is a bad idea.

Splenda wasn't happy with us as he tore the drain apart and unclogged it all.

My blood pressure is high.  Has been consistently high for several months.  Doc told me to watch it and then come back and maybe try meds. 

I don't want to try meds.  Instead I am trying a natural concoction from Splenda's work.  It's a powder you add to water.

It makes me want to gag.

Last t-ball  baseball game, all the boys on Chloee's team started using her pink bat.  She was cool with it and decided to use the boys bat.  Some parents weren't happy their boys were using a pink bat. 

They should get over it.

We passed a little girl wearing a snow white dress.  I mentioned to Chloee how cute that was.

Chloee informed me she wanted to dress like a skeleton.

I like that she marches to the beat of her own drum.

Except when we are late for school and her marching is slower than I need her to be.

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

I like melatonin.  I wasn't a fan of it before, but since reading about the different things to help with perimenopause and it was listed, I've started taking it and like the sleep I get with it.  And the night sweats have decreased, so that's good.

Speaking of herbs - Kelp capsules are also on the list of herbs for the above stated condition.  And to boot, apparently Dr Oz said that it's good for cellulite.  Bonus!  We'll see if it works.

No, there won't be any before or after pictures.

Tuffy applied for a promotion - keep your fingers crossed.

I've missed two days at the gym now.  No bueno.  Got a tri on Saturday and I need to be ready.  Guess we'll see how that pans out.  Right now, just hoping for good weather.

My soup turned out well tonight, as did the cookies.   But in hindsight, shouldn't have made the cookies.  Momma has no lack of self control when it comes to soft cookies.

The rain is depressing.  That it all I have to say about that now.

Have I mentioned how much I love Chloee's therapist?  She is awesome! Chloee loves her.  And with a wedding in a month and a move for her coming soon, she is just the person to help us facilitate it all.

I think Arnold Schwarznegger is a d-bag. 

A friend guided me to a new blog written by a nice Christian dude.  The first post I read, I left a comment correcting him that Mormon's were actually Christians.  He didn't publish it.  I left a second comment asking why he didn't publish it.    I haven't heard back.  I don't think I'll read him anymore.

Mormons are Christians if ya didn't know.  The name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.  We believe in Christ.  We worship Christ.  We are Christian.  Just to clarify.

Speaking of melatonin - it's kicking in.

Peace.out.

Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling

I feel down and don't know why. 

I should be happy, excited and giddy over the upcoming wedding, and don't get me wrong, I am seriously excited.... I just can't shake the blues.

My first marathon of the season is in a month.  I am seriously underprepared.  I should care more.

Chloee told me this morning that she wants to ride a horse.  A brown horse.  She then decided she WANTED a horse.  A pink one with eyelashes.  I'm totally on it.  Got it covered.

I got a fun Mother's day card in the mail today from Corb.  It is the EXACT same card as the one Luke gave me. Clear across the country, and they end up choosing the same card with 'swear' words.  Do they know me or do they know me?

I've been studying up and think I am going to give some Black Cohash a try.  Anyone got some first hand feedback? 

Did you know that even with Chloee's military discount, it was still cheaper to book her as an adult on a Southwest flight?  Yeah, I know.   Weird.  But props to the couple or so airlines that give military discount.  Jet Blue ain't one of them.  I think they should look into it. 

I'm a real fan of Southwest.

I was putting some Downy fabric softener in my washer the other day and the scent suddenly made me think of my Grandma.  I miss her.  I wish she were around still, but young.  Like my age.  And she could be one of my diva's.  And we could hang out.  That would be so awesome.

I get to go to lunch with my BFF SIL Friday.  I think we haven't really TALKED since Christmas.  I am excited, I love her.

Have I mentioned that I love Chloee's therapist?  She is so dead on with her assessments and what she recommends makes so much sense.  I'm thinking it has been a real blessing to have found her.  Chloee loves her and she is going to be crucial for the next months.

Which makes me pose the question - who the crap gives a four year old brownies for dinner and nothing else?

Yeah, I thought so.

Hoping our weather stays warm and sunny now.  I want to catch a little league game or two.

Years ago, my little baseball buddy in my neighborhood brought me a Yankee's pillow for Christmas.  It's just been hanging out with my other Yankee stuff in my Yankee room.  Chloee found it and because the material is soft flannel, she loves it and has adopted it as her own pillow.  So.stinking.cute!

And thanks to another great friend, I got a room in San Diego for 79.00 bucks a night!  at.a.MARRIOTT!   Which totally helps since financially we are going to be a money drain for the next couple of months.  Not complaining, just the reality.

I just realized that all within about a month's time, I have a triathlon, century bike ride, a marathon and a wedding.

Better go eat some ice cream and lose this bluesy 'tude!

Wednesday Wrandom Wrambling

I'm so glad that we are all done with the "royal" wedding crap. 

That is until the mags come out with all the pictures and 'exclusive' coverage.  Meh

The only thing fun about it all was that The Countess wore a tiara every day.  That was fun

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo.  I wish I was Mexican.  And I'm craving tacos today.  Problem?

I missed the gym this morning.  Had a run all mapped out and planned for this evening, and then realized that I am on call at 5pm so.....no run.  Crap

Had my Mini in the shop.  DUDE!  I love my car, but it's frickin expensive to maintain!  I may or may not have busted the service manager's 'nad's for a minute jokingly.  I like the fact that they can dish it back.  And that they were advertising for the Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday

Speaking of the Komen Race for the Cure.  Chloee is running it with me.  She is SO EXCITED!  She has her running shoes.  She has asked repeatedly if Poppa will be at the finish line to take pictures and if he will cheer for her. Perhaps she has been to a few of my races?  Yeah, she knows the drill.

I think Spring finally made it.  Sunshine all week and actually warm temperature's.  I hate getting my hopes up, but Momma needs some serious vitamin D

Jack and Jordan area all healed and back to their playful selves.  Love to see them romping around.  Although my favorite is when Jack gets romping with Chloee.  Such bff's!

I might be the only one, but I am liking this season of The Office.  Sad that Michael Scott is gone, but if the writers do their job, they can continue the story and have it be funny.  I personally hope Will Arnett is the next boss.  He's one of my fav's

So yeah, perimenopausal.  Good times.  Cannot take any hormone replacement therapy due to the history of pulmonary embolism.  Gonna be f.u.n.

I started a private blog.  Documenting everything that has happened over the past 5 years.  So far it's taken me like 40 something chapters.  Every email J sent us, every facebook message from her, her friends, her family, her family's friends.  Every documentation that went to our lawyer.  Everything we ever had is now on my own little piece of the blogsphere.  The court documents, the fabrications and lies.  Our responses and documented proof of said fabrications.  I have it all.

It felt good to get it out of my system..  It was like putting it all into a sail boat and setting it free.  Buh-bye.

It provides a safe place for me to vent my feelings, add more crap if it comes up and document this particular ugly situation as it goes forward.  A private blog allows one to say exactly how they feel without the knowledge of someone stalking and reporting everything back and then having it get twisted and lied about even more.  It's mine, I own it, and no one but me or someone I invite can see it.  There is a sense of empowerment in that.  I highly recommend it.  Your own personal on-line journal.  Love it. SO therapeutic.

Happy that Osama was taken down.  Does it mean the war on terrorism is over?  No.  For every one bin Laden, there are 250 others that are vying for his place at them helm of the jihad.  I don't like Obama celebrating like he did it all himself.  Intel, and the special ops in the military did it.  It was 10 years in the making, I just find Obama to be the lucky sun-uv-a-gun that happened to be in the White House when it happened.

And now, I have to go find something to eat and save the tacos for tomorrow!