Friday December 10, 2011
What gift do you regret breaking?
I actually have to say this one is friendship. Along the way in my life, there are a few, not many, friends that I have lost contact with, for one reason or another. I just let the friendship break off. I miss talking to them, I miss getting together for lunch, coffee, karaoke...what-nots. A few have been rekindled by way of facebook, but some are gone for probably ever.
But also along the way, I've built new friendships, ones that I cherish because I know what it feels like to not have them anymore. This weekend I get to travel back to Michigan and have another slumber party with my crazy friends. With winter weather approaching, I fear it might be the last one for a little while. This group of friends travels from all over Michigan and Indiana to get together every other month or so, and just have fun. This usually results in us behaving like we are a teenager, but it's always an absolute blast, and something that every one of us looks forward to. We haven't seen each other since my birthday weekend in October, so it's been awhile, and we are long overdue!
I'd also like to take the chance to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my only son, Seth Adrian. He turned 15 today. My goodness, how time has seemed to just fly these past few years. I love ya buddy, and I hope you have an incredible year ahead!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day EIGHT!
THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2011
What was your favorite thing you received below the age of 10?
Hmm...this is a hard one too! I guess I am going to go with my first Cabbage Patch Doll. She was blonde, with pig-tails. (I say that like I don't still have her...but I do) We named her Tennyson Desire'. She went EVERYWHERE with me. I once was in a wedding, and my mom made me a dress to wear. Of course I had to have one for the doll too. It matched perfectly. My grandfather, who is now passed, even made me a cradle and bunk beds for her. Who knew it would lead to an obsession of CPKs. And the name Tennyson. My first daughter was named after my first cabbage patch doll.
Ok, so I mentioned not long ago that I was working on a little project for work. Here's the thing...
I work at an Animal Hospital that offers boarding for any cat or dog, as well as small animals. I work in the boarding kennels. I began to think about how busy we were last Christmas, and how bad I felt for the animals that were going to be with us, instead of at home with there people, on Christmas. So I came up with the clever idea to make them all stockings stuffed with toys and treats. I painted on their names, and a little design. I attached little tags. The dogs say "Happy "HOWL"days From the McAfee Kennel Staff" and the cats say "Happy "MEOW"ldays...." I got the first batch done...I really hope the dogs, and their people, like them! I am having to work Christmas Even AND Christmas morning, so I will be playing "kennel Santa" this year.
What was your favorite thing you received below the age of 10?
Hmm...this is a hard one too! I guess I am going to go with my first Cabbage Patch Doll. She was blonde, with pig-tails. (I say that like I don't still have her...but I do) We named her Tennyson Desire'. She went EVERYWHERE with me. I once was in a wedding, and my mom made me a dress to wear. Of course I had to have one for the doll too. It matched perfectly. My grandfather, who is now passed, even made me a cradle and bunk beds for her. Who knew it would lead to an obsession of CPKs. And the name Tennyson. My first daughter was named after my first cabbage patch doll.
Ok, so I mentioned not long ago that I was working on a little project for work. Here's the thing...
I work at an Animal Hospital that offers boarding for any cat or dog, as well as small animals. I work in the boarding kennels. I began to think about how busy we were last Christmas, and how bad I felt for the animals that were going to be with us, instead of at home with there people, on Christmas. So I came up with the clever idea to make them all stockings stuffed with toys and treats. I painted on their names, and a little design. I attached little tags. The dogs say "Happy "HOWL"days From the McAfee Kennel Staff" and the cats say "Happy "MEOW"ldays...." I got the first batch done...I really hope the dogs, and their people, like them! I am having to work Christmas Even AND Christmas morning, so I will be playing "kennel Santa" this year.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day SEVEN!
Wednesday December 7, 2011
What was the strangest thing that ever made your gift wish list?
I ALMOST didn't get this one in. 15 minutes to go in the day before I remembered I hadn't done this yet. This is why I usually blog at 4AM...because that is when I remember.
I don't really know what "strange" thing has made it on to my wish list. I do know that every year I am horribly disappointed in what is ON my list and this is why...
Something happens to Christmas when you become a single parent. Not just Christmas, but birthdays too. Any occasion where "receiving gifts" is the theme. It no longer becomes about what you want, desire, dream to own. It becomes about what your family needs. I sit back and watch the kids ask for this toy, that toy, this cool gadget, that one...and I get to ask for...silverware, dishes, gas cards, crock pots, blenders, tupperware, tires for the car, car repairs, baking pans....things that the entire family can use. Because as a single, very financially poor parent, this is the only way that I can receive the things my family needs. I certainly can't afford to buy them with my very low income.
Now...I am in NO way saying I am ungrateful that these items are chosen off my lists and gifted to me. I am INCREDIBLY grateful that they are, because they are things we desperately needed when I asked for them, and they make life for the family much easier...
I'm just saying...as a single parent, you chose to make the gifts you receive for you, to be for your family. And so it's really hard to find the "strange" in that...it's just what you have to do to survive. So perhaps "survival tools" are the strangest thing to ever be on my list.
What was the strangest thing that ever made your gift wish list?
I ALMOST didn't get this one in. 15 minutes to go in the day before I remembered I hadn't done this yet. This is why I usually blog at 4AM...because that is when I remember.
I don't really know what "strange" thing has made it on to my wish list. I do know that every year I am horribly disappointed in what is ON my list and this is why...
Something happens to Christmas when you become a single parent. Not just Christmas, but birthdays too. Any occasion where "receiving gifts" is the theme. It no longer becomes about what you want, desire, dream to own. It becomes about what your family needs. I sit back and watch the kids ask for this toy, that toy, this cool gadget, that one...and I get to ask for...silverware, dishes, gas cards, crock pots, blenders, tupperware, tires for the car, car repairs, baking pans....things that the entire family can use. Because as a single, very financially poor parent, this is the only way that I can receive the things my family needs. I certainly can't afford to buy them with my very low income.
Now...I am in NO way saying I am ungrateful that these items are chosen off my lists and gifted to me. I am INCREDIBLY grateful that they are, because they are things we desperately needed when I asked for them, and they make life for the family much easier...
I'm just saying...as a single parent, you chose to make the gifts you receive for you, to be for your family. And so it's really hard to find the "strange" in that...it's just what you have to do to survive. So perhaps "survival tools" are the strangest thing to ever be on my list.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day SIX!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Do you like to try to guess your gifts ahead of time?
Well, this is a dumb question...lol. How am I supposed to write an entire blog about this? Time to get the thinking cap on, I guess.
I hate surprises. Wait. That isn't entirely accurate. I hate surprises when I know they are coming. Does that even make sense? You know how sometimes someone will say something along the lines of "I got you something REALLY cool, you are gonna be SO surprised!", but you can't have that "something" right at that moment? I HATE that. It actually puts me in a REALLY bad mood. If I don't know that "something" is coming, then I don't have time to think about it, so it's not a big deal. Those are the kinds of surprises I like...the ones people don't warn you about.
As far as guessing presents...yeah, I suck at that. You can give me a hockey stick, wrapped as a hockey stick, and there is a 99% chance that I will guess it's something completely different. So I don't even try anymore. Besides, that takes precious time that I could be spending opening it and finding out what it actually is! Also, what if I guessed something really expensive, and it ended up being something really cheap, and then, well, I'd probably hurt the feelings of the gift giver, and that defeats the whole purpose to begin with.
This question reminded me of my step-dad. Now HE is a good gift guesser. I remember one year for Christmas, we got him an engraved door knocker. We wrapped it up tightly in a towel, so it wouldn't "knock" when he shook it while attempting to guess what it was. I can remember him turning that box over and over, and all around, and shaking it. Within a few seconds, he made his guess....and he was right. How-in-the-heck? How would he KNOW it was a door knocker. He didn't ask for one, my brother and I never told him we got him one, he doesn't have x-ray vision, my mom was pretty good at hiding stuff....to this day, I have not a clue how he knew.
For many years I wished I had his ability to do that. Then I realized that I would spend the entire month analyzing the gifts under the tree, and the anticipation would drive me nuts. I am a woman of VERY little patience (shocker, I know) and I know that it wouldn't be long before I was trying to sneak a peek at the inside of those packages. I AM, however, a woman with a really good ability to ignore the things I don't know exist. So if I just avoid looking under the tree at all, I can forget there is anything down there with my name on it.
this blog has done nothing but make me want to go look under the tree now...must.stay.strong.
Do you like to try to guess your gifts ahead of time?
Well, this is a dumb question...lol. How am I supposed to write an entire blog about this? Time to get the thinking cap on, I guess.
I hate surprises. Wait. That isn't entirely accurate. I hate surprises when I know they are coming. Does that even make sense? You know how sometimes someone will say something along the lines of "I got you something REALLY cool, you are gonna be SO surprised!", but you can't have that "something" right at that moment? I HATE that. It actually puts me in a REALLY bad mood. If I don't know that "something" is coming, then I don't have time to think about it, so it's not a big deal. Those are the kinds of surprises I like...the ones people don't warn you about.
As far as guessing presents...yeah, I suck at that. You can give me a hockey stick, wrapped as a hockey stick, and there is a 99% chance that I will guess it's something completely different. So I don't even try anymore. Besides, that takes precious time that I could be spending opening it and finding out what it actually is! Also, what if I guessed something really expensive, and it ended up being something really cheap, and then, well, I'd probably hurt the feelings of the gift giver, and that defeats the whole purpose to begin with.
This question reminded me of my step-dad. Now HE is a good gift guesser. I remember one year for Christmas, we got him an engraved door knocker. We wrapped it up tightly in a towel, so it wouldn't "knock" when he shook it while attempting to guess what it was. I can remember him turning that box over and over, and all around, and shaking it. Within a few seconds, he made his guess....and he was right. How-in-the-heck? How would he KNOW it was a door knocker. He didn't ask for one, my brother and I never told him we got him one, he doesn't have x-ray vision, my mom was pretty good at hiding stuff....to this day, I have not a clue how he knew.
For many years I wished I had his ability to do that. Then I realized that I would spend the entire month analyzing the gifts under the tree, and the anticipation would drive me nuts. I am a woman of VERY little patience (shocker, I know) and I know that it wouldn't be long before I was trying to sneak a peek at the inside of those packages. I AM, however, a woman with a really good ability to ignore the things I don't know exist. So if I just avoid looking under the tree at all, I can forget there is anything down there with my name on it.
this blog has done nothing but make me want to go look under the tree now...must.stay.strong.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day FIVE!
Monday, December 5, 2011
What was the first gift you ever made another person?
This is a hard one for me. I'm sure if I sat and put a LOT of thought into it, I could come up with my very first memory of the very first thing I ever made someone, but then I would never get to writing this blog, and that is what always leads to me not finishing them. (how's that for a run-on sentence?)
So I will go with the first one that comes to mind....
I grew up on a street where everyone was related, in one way or another. It was a dead end road, we were the last house, and there were only houses on one side. Our closest neighbors, the Houghtalings, (pronounced Ho-telling) were perhaps the sweetest people on the block. He was an ex police chief, and I really don't remember what she did, to be honest.
Every year, we would celebrate "May Day". "May Day" being May 1st. I don't know how anyone else celebrates it, or if anyone does, but for our house it meant that we spent some time collecting beautiful wildflowers, and making baskets or cones to put them in. We would color them, just make them really special. Then we would "sneak" (as much as two giddy kids could sneak, in the middle of daytime, to a police chiefs house) to the Houghtalings, and place the flowers in front of their door. Then we would knock...and RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was quite a good distance from their door to ours, so I'm sure that they saw us long before we ever made it to our door in our early years of doing this. There are times I can remember hiding in their bushes in front of their home, as we got older and realized the need to get a little more sneaky.
I remember always giggling, thinking to myself that they would always wonder who left them the beautiful flowers, and that it would forever be a secret in our house. Looking back now, we were the only kids on the block, so it was pretty damn obvious who it was...but they never once let on that they knew. I think that is what kept it so special.
That is one of the traditions that I wish I would have kept up with my kids. Just doing a little something "extra" for the neighbors like that...I think they would have enjoyed it. I guess it's never too late to start...but we sure do have a lot of snow to make it through before those gorgeous spring wildflowers show themselves!
Edited to add: After writing this blog, I decided to google "May Day". Sure enough, there was a wikipedia listing for it, which listed all the different ways that different countries and cultures celebrate the holiday. Here is what it said for the United States:
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These are small baskets usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
I learned two things from this article. One, my mom wasn't as nuts as we thought, (ok, she was) and Two...while I adored the Houghtalings, I'm even more glad that they didn't catch us now that I know what happened if they did...lol.
What was the first gift you ever made another person?
This is a hard one for me. I'm sure if I sat and put a LOT of thought into it, I could come up with my very first memory of the very first thing I ever made someone, but then I would never get to writing this blog, and that is what always leads to me not finishing them. (how's that for a run-on sentence?)
So I will go with the first one that comes to mind....
I grew up on a street where everyone was related, in one way or another. It was a dead end road, we were the last house, and there were only houses on one side. Our closest neighbors, the Houghtalings, (pronounced Ho-telling) were perhaps the sweetest people on the block. He was an ex police chief, and I really don't remember what she did, to be honest.
Every year, we would celebrate "May Day". "May Day" being May 1st. I don't know how anyone else celebrates it, or if anyone does, but for our house it meant that we spent some time collecting beautiful wildflowers, and making baskets or cones to put them in. We would color them, just make them really special. Then we would "sneak" (as much as two giddy kids could sneak, in the middle of daytime, to a police chiefs house) to the Houghtalings, and place the flowers in front of their door. Then we would knock...and RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was quite a good distance from their door to ours, so I'm sure that they saw us long before we ever made it to our door in our early years of doing this. There are times I can remember hiding in their bushes in front of their home, as we got older and realized the need to get a little more sneaky.
I remember always giggling, thinking to myself that they would always wonder who left them the beautiful flowers, and that it would forever be a secret in our house. Looking back now, we were the only kids on the block, so it was pretty damn obvious who it was...but they never once let on that they knew. I think that is what kept it so special.
That is one of the traditions that I wish I would have kept up with my kids. Just doing a little something "extra" for the neighbors like that...I think they would have enjoyed it. I guess it's never too late to start...but we sure do have a lot of snow to make it through before those gorgeous spring wildflowers show themselves!
Edited to add: After writing this blog, I decided to google "May Day". Sure enough, there was a wikipedia listing for it, which listed all the different ways that different countries and cultures celebrate the holiday. Here is what it said for the United States:
May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These are small baskets usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.
I learned two things from this article. One, my mom wasn't as nuts as we thought, (ok, she was) and Two...while I adored the Houghtalings, I'm even more glad that they didn't catch us now that I know what happened if they did...lol.
NaBloPoMo Day FOUR!
Sunday Free-writing:
Not a whole lot to write about today. Had our Volunteer Appreciation Night on Friday. I got recognized for having reached "400 Hours" of volunteer service at the State Park. I got a sweatshirt from their gift shop that I've been wanting for a long time, so that was awesome!
Saturday I worked. Then Mackensie and I worked on a little craft project that I am doing for the critters that will be boarding with us on Christmas Day. I'm excited about how they turn out, and will share a photo when they are completed. Right now, we are on hold as we wait for some paint to dry.
Today, my dad and step-mom are coming to town. We are getting together to visit and he will give the kids their birthday presents. Mackensie, Tennyson and Seth all have birthdays exactly one week apart, starting with November 25th, so he usually comes in the middle of it and does the gifts all at once. It works out really well, and the kids look forward to it. We go to the hotel and they get to swim, and since they LOVE to do that, it's always a great mid-winter activity. (though the 600* pool room is a bit much for the grown ups)
I'm still not sleeping. I have had about all I can take of this insomnia. I'm lucky if I fall asleep by 4AM. During the week I can just sleep through the morning to make up for it, but weekends are harder. Especially Sundays, since I have to be up at 6:30AM for work. So today I am really dragging ass. I'd LOVE to take a quick nap right now, but I know if I do, I won't sleep tonight. Which really doesn't make sense, cuz I won't sleep anyway. This morning as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, trying desperately to pry my eyelids open, I noticed my bottle of NyQuil still sitting there from my most recent bout of illness. It's the only thing that got me through my nights. I'm thinking it's gonna enter my body tonight as well, because I seriously need some sleep!
Hoping to hear something tomorrow on that job that I applied for. I know I'm not supposed to get my hopes up, but man it's hard not to!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
NaBloPoMo Day THREE!
Day Three is for "free-writing", so here goes...
Until July 12th of this year, I worked 2 part time jobs. Still struggled for money, but at least I had 2 jobs. On that date, I was let go from the one that earned me the most money, as it gave the most hours. I haven't been able to get a second job since, and I've really been stressed out because I wanted to take the opportunity to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life. Without College Degrees, it's impossible to find a "career", but especially at the age of 35. I've worked in entry level positions, mostly fast food and restaurant type stuff my whole working life.
So for the past 5 months, with me only working one VERY part-time job, money has been a constant fight in our house, understandably so.
This past week, I was informed of a job opening in our area. It's an Executive Director position, and I really felt I was horribly under-qualified. Until I saw the list of qualifications for the person currently Interim Director, and who they are seriously considering for the job. I have WAY more experience than he does.
So for the first time in 35 years, I had to write a professional cover letter. In addition to the 6 page application, I now had to sell myself in 4 paragraphs or less. I'm really good at selling other people or items, and am great in talking about someones qualifications or services, but I SUCK at selling myself. Brad was a HUGE help during this, and I honestly think if it wasn't for that, I still would be sitting at the dining room table staring at a blank document.
Yesterday I compiled the cover letter, application, and 4 letters of recommendation from various people and turned it all in. I have no idea why, but I was a nervous wreck. It got to the point that I really felt like I could cry, or throw up, just from nerves. I know that the chances of me getting this job are really very slim, but it's for a place that is really struggling, and I REALLY think I could make a huge difference there. It's working with people and animals, both things that I love to do, and I just really pray that this is my chance to do something with my life, finally.
So if you are the praying type, please start saying your prayers for me now. If not, then please just send good thoughts and good luck vibes my way, because this job could really change our lives, and we all desperately need that right now!
Until July 12th of this year, I worked 2 part time jobs. Still struggled for money, but at least I had 2 jobs. On that date, I was let go from the one that earned me the most money, as it gave the most hours. I haven't been able to get a second job since, and I've really been stressed out because I wanted to take the opportunity to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life. Without College Degrees, it's impossible to find a "career", but especially at the age of 35. I've worked in entry level positions, mostly fast food and restaurant type stuff my whole working life.
So for the past 5 months, with me only working one VERY part-time job, money has been a constant fight in our house, understandably so.
This past week, I was informed of a job opening in our area. It's an Executive Director position, and I really felt I was horribly under-qualified. Until I saw the list of qualifications for the person currently Interim Director, and who they are seriously considering for the job. I have WAY more experience than he does.
So for the first time in 35 years, I had to write a professional cover letter. In addition to the 6 page application, I now had to sell myself in 4 paragraphs or less. I'm really good at selling other people or items, and am great in talking about someones qualifications or services, but I SUCK at selling myself. Brad was a HUGE help during this, and I honestly think if it wasn't for that, I still would be sitting at the dining room table staring at a blank document.
Yesterday I compiled the cover letter, application, and 4 letters of recommendation from various people and turned it all in. I have no idea why, but I was a nervous wreck. It got to the point that I really felt like I could cry, or throw up, just from nerves. I know that the chances of me getting this job are really very slim, but it's for a place that is really struggling, and I REALLY think I could make a huge difference there. It's working with people and animals, both things that I love to do, and I just really pray that this is my chance to do something with my life, finally.
So if you are the praying type, please start saying your prayers for me now. If not, then please just send good thoughts and good luck vibes my way, because this job could really change our lives, and we all desperately need that right now!
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