Tidbits September 11, 2008

I’ve been blaringly absent from the blogging world the past 9 or so months. A lot has happened that frankly I’m not interested in putting on public display, so I’ve just not written anything. But I miss blogging – for me, it’s a type of journaling, and a way to chronicle important- and not so important things- that happen in my life. So I’m back. Here’s what’s going on as of late – in bullet points – because I’m just not clever enough at the moment to tie them all together with some profound theme as a skilled blogger would do

• Jaidin started kindrgarten in late August. According to her, school is “awesome”. Uh huh. I’ll ask her round about November, after she’s gotten up early every morning for 3 months and had homework 2 nights a week every week. I suspect her answer may be slightly diferent. Or maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised….
• I’m officially a Spa Diva. In June I joined a company called BeautiControl as a consultant. I’d been to a few of their spas, and was looking for a part time job that would allow me to work a flexible  schedule, and BeautiControl kind of fell in my lap. So glad it did! I’m loving every aspect of it – and I’m making $$$. I’m not into shameless self promotion, so I’ll shut up now, but if you’re interested in having a mobile spa in the comfort of your own home, I’m your girl. Give me a call
• Spent last weekend in the hospital, or “Big House” as I affectionately call it. Damn peristomal hernia! Always causing blockages. I see my surgeon on Monday to see when we may be able to fit surgery # 15 into my busy schedule. I’m so frustrated with my body right now. And on top of it all, I caught a friggin’ cold while in the hospital (damn nosocomial infections!), so the percocet I’m taking for abdominal pain is doubling as analgesic for my sore throat. Whoa is me…
• I’m really sick of all the mudslinging going on with the presidential campaign. We’ve become a nation of partisanship, division and powerlessness of the present. In remembering 9/11/2001 today, I long for the day when we are no longer conservative America or liberal America, but are The United States of America.
• Found this wonderfully awesome ostomy blogger today. Go check out her website and read her blog. She’s candid, fun, and she offers some great ostomy lifestyle tips.
• Started reading The Shack about a week ago. This book blows so many ridiculous theological views of God out of the water – I’m loving it.  As the back cover says “In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, ‘Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’ “. Anyone else read The Shack? What did you think?
• I follow the blogs of  friends of a friend who are in the process of adopting two kids from Haiti.  The entire country of Haiti has been devastated by the recent tropical storms and hurricanes there, and the rescue center where these kids are staying is in dire need of help. Please go read Jamie and Aaron’s blog and search your heart as to whether you can help Real Hope for Haiti in any way.

 

That’s it for now. What’s new in your world? Send me some tidbits…I’d love to hear about what’s going on.

Careful where you hide the Santa get-up November 28, 2007

Momma’s little swashbuckler October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Brain Dump October 7, 2007

What’s going on. In random bulletpoints. Of absolutely no order of significance.

• We’re back from Florida. All in all, it was a good trip. Jaidin was so excited about her first plane ride, and this is the first trip to the ocean that she’ll remember (We went to Destin when she was 15 months). It rained the first two and a half days we were there, was beautiful the next two and a half, and was a rainy the last day. We squeezed in as much pool and beach time as we could and did indoor stuff the rest of the time. I’ll post the pictures soon.
• I read an entire book while we were in Florida, and boy, was it a good one! There’d been some buzz by some friends of friends about The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, so picked up a copy before we left for Florida. I have so many thoughts on this book but couldn’t even begin to put them to words right now. But I will be posting more, because this book has seriously messed me up and challenged me in a good way. So for now all I have to say is, if you consider yourself a follower of Christ…not a liberal, not a conservative, not a Protestant, Catholic, Charismatic or whatever…but someone who wants to seek a better way of doing life…this book is for you. Check it out.
• I just finished watching Rock of Love with Bret Michaels. I had to tape the finale while we were on vacation, but they just re-ran it right before they aired the reunion show, so I watched both. Not exactly quality viewing, but my goodness, what a guilty pleasure. What a train wreck of a reality tv show. Love it! And I’m SO HAPPY he chose Jess.
• Learning Hebrew has proved to be quite the challenge, but I am undeterred. I seriously spent one whole day at the pool with my Hebrew for Dummies book, and I really only conquered a few words and one simple sentence. It’s really hard when you don’t have a native speaker to “practice” with. I’m going to take lessons at a local Jewish college, but they only offer the course a few times a year, and unfortunately, right now doesn’t coincide with either of those times of year. So for now it’s me, my book and the ‘net. Maybe I should get some of the Rosetta Stone software. Anybody know if it’s effective???
• Bath and Body Works new scent Pumpkin Pie Paradise = A little slice of heaven. Can you say YUMMY? I bought the lotion, the bodywash/shampoo AND the home fragrance oil.
  
• I read an article lately about a new online dating site that caters to people with chronic health related issues. Prescription4Love.com I suppose I understand the appeal (being upfront about health related issues prevents the “big reveal” that those of us with chronic illness deal with in relationships), but as someone who has a chronic illness (Crohn’s disease) and some extra baggage…literally (ileostomy), I never felt the need to limit myself to having relationships with only other ostomates, IBD’ers or people with another health “issues”. More thoughts on this later…
• Cleveland sports suck. The Brown’…augh! The Indians are doing well (except for NOT sweeping the Yankees tonight). But I promise you, even if they make it all the way, I will NOT jump on the bandwagon. I’m too jaded. And another thing…I DON’T CARE IF LEBRON JAMES IS A YANKEES FAN!! OR THAT HE WORE A YANKEES HAT TO THE INDIANS GAME! He gets paid to win basketball games for Cleveland, which he does. Who he roots for in baseball is none of my concern. I can’t believe, with all that’s going on in the world, this is considered news-worthy. *rolling my eyes*

That’s all for now. Stay tuned…

Worth the Hype? September 17, 2007

I don’t get it..

I truly couldn’t care less about the Kanye/50 Cent competition. I admit they’re both on my iPod. Honestly, though? Is this worth all the hype?

The video sucks. The song is ok…kinda catchy even, I’ll admit.

Still…I can’t help but think that Nietzsche must be rolling over in his grave…

You’ll date who your daddy says you’ll date… September 15, 2007

Today was amusement park day. I, along with Jon, took two VERY ENERGETIC 4 year olds to Geauga Lake.

It was a beautiful day. A pristine blue sky cluttered with fluffy gray autumn clouds, about 60 degrees, and a crisp fall breeze. Definitely my kind of weather!

The girls rode all the kiddie rides, and we all rode the ferris wheel and the carousel. No roller coasters…the girls aren’t tall enough…and of course we grown ups couldn’t leave the girls unattended to ride. We did, however, ride the Escape from Dino Island ride. It’s one of those IMAX rides that displays the screen and then the theater seats move so you feel like you’re in the movie. The girls were terrified (although once we left the ride they swore up and down that it was “the coolest ride EVER”), and all the “movement” screwed with my equilibrium to the point where I thought I was going to lose my lunch. I guess I am getting old

On the way home we ate at CiCi’s, and then took the girls to the dollar store to go “shopping”. They each picked out five items (exactly the same… because that’s what BFF’s do… a doll, a notebook, princess makeup, a mermaid toy, cellphone).

We played Barbies and dollhouse when we got home, and now they’re in Jaidin’s room watching Barbie Swan Lake. And I’m ready to crash! Can you say “tired mommy”? There is a reason I only have one kid…

Cute side note:

Jon told me that when we were crossing the bridge from one side of the lake to the other the girls were talking about ‘who they were going to date’ when they got older. LOL Jaidin very matter of factly said “I’m dating Dylan”. ( Dylan is the poor unsuspecting 3rd grade boy she’s had a crush on for about a year). Juliea said “You can’t date him..he’s old”. So Jon interrupted and asked about all the boys in her preschool class. He was naming them off, one by one. When he got to Gavin, Juliea said “Yeah, Gavin..he’s a good choice!”. Jaidin replied “I don’t like boys who are 4, I like older boys”. Then Juliea looks Jaidin right in the eye and says sternly, “Jaidin, you’ll date who your daddy says you’ll date!”

Jon hopes Jaidin and Juliea will be friends as teenagers……

This past week… September 5, 2007

has been crazy. Packing, moving,back to work full time,and…My baby started her second year of preschool today! I cannot believe she is 4 (going on 14) and will be in kindergarten next year. She waltzed into Mrs. Zinni’s classroom this morning like she owned the place!

In other news…

Jungle Terry came to Amber’s a week or so ago on a Friday night ( I truly have THE BEST babysitter EVER!)

Jaidin loves horses. While picking up the keys for the new place from Ty ( friend from church) Jaidin got to ride Nugget, a miniature pony and she was in heaven. She is now in negotiations with Ty for riding lessons. Oh boy!

Rob and Adrienne are getting married soon! As bridesmaid and flower girl, Jaidin and I did our duty and attended their shower last week. They got lots of good loot…and I got to catch up with some mutual childhood friends ( Hi Lizz and Kate!)

For those of you who are asking…I promise to post more abut my experiences at the IOA World Congress in Puerto Rico, and the UOAA National Conference in Chicago. I’m still settling in after moving, and trying to work out some kinks with a possible job switch. But details will follow soon, I promise.

Whirlwind August 20, 2007

Originally posted 8/20/07

I FINALLY arrived home last evening at about 10:30. Weather delayed me in Chicago for about 4 hours. I hate the airport. Rotund, obnoxious men next to me snoring. Crabby children CLEARLY in need of diaper changes sitting accross from me. Getting up to use the bathroom, only to find your seat has been taken by one of the thousand other passengers that are also stranded in the Windy (and cold and rainy) City.
I am exhausted. Don’t get me wrong…I have had an absolutely AMAZING two weeks. Both the IOA in Puerto Rico and the UOAA Conference in Chicago changed my life in profound ways…and hopefully in the nexy day or so I will find time to elaborate and share pictures. For now though, I need to unpack, do LOTS of laundry and get some more sleep.To all my IOA and UOAA friends, I miss you all terribly. There is something magical and comforting about the bond we all share. I can’t explain it, but I know you all feel it too. Much love to you all

Better pay the cable bill July 16, 2007

LMAO! I’d be paying my bill on time for sure, if it meant no more televangelists

Cable Company Goes TBN 24/7 for Delinquent Customers
Team Tominthebox News Network® ^ | 09 July, 2007 | Tom Slawson

Posted on 07/09/2007 11:13:56 AM PDT by topcat54

Knoxville, TN- Cable Pro of Knoxville has for years had to put man hours and money into the problem of cable company clients who were delinquent in their payments. The practice has traditionally been that cable customers who persisted in not paying their bills would, after three notices, have their cable service cut off until their account was settled. While this practice has been successful in rooting out non-paying customers, it still costs the company an estimated $60,000 per year in lost time, and man hours.

But recently Cable Pro president, Larry Maezell experimented with a new idea that has so far been very successful. Now, instead of canceling a person’s service, or sending him or her repeated notices of delinquency, Cable Pro simply changes a customer’s subscription preferences resulting in his or her service becoming 24 hours of the Trinity Broadcasting Network on every channel.

“It’s worked beautifully” said Maezell. “In the past we’d have to try and try to get in touch with the people who weren’t paying, try and get our man out there to cut off their service. It was just a big hassle. Now, they call us!”

Cable Pro customer Chris Kjos was one of the first to experience Cable Pro’s new policy.

“All I wanted to do was watch a little golf on Sunday afternoon” said Kjos. “I turned on my set and all I saw was this lady with big poofy hair singing. I just thought the cable company had switched up all the channels again. So I changed the channel, and it was the same thing on every channel. When I called the cable company they said I hadn’t paid up my bill in over a month.”

Now, “like clockwork” customers who are behind on their payments for cable services usually call the company within 24 hours wondering what is wrong with their cable service, only to told that they must pay up if they wish to have any channels other that TBN.

“This is the greatest idea we’ve had in a long time” said Maezell. “We’ve literally saved thousands of dollars. And last week when TBN ran the non-stop Benny Hinn marathon people were calling in so fast we couldn’t keep up.”

While a number of cable customers have complained that Cable Pro’s practice amounts to “cruel and unusual” measures, Maezell has no plans to change.

“The rule stands” he said. “Either pay your bill or all you’ll be watching is TBN, twenty-four-seven.”

I might be in love… July 16, 2007

OMG…This

Plus this

with a little of this on top

Heavenly……

Dancing with Myself ( I’m still laughing about this one!) June 30, 2007

Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle. Click -Next Song- for every question and write it down.What does next year have in store for me?
Tainted Love -Soft Cell

What does your love life look like?
Double Vision- Foreigner

What do I say when life gets hard?
Call Me- Blondie

What song will I dance to at my wedding?
With or Without You- U2

What do you want as a career?
More than A Feeling- Boston

Your favorite saying?
Hallelujah- Jeff Buckley

What do you think of your parents?
Creep- Stone Temple Pilots too funny!

Where would you go on a first date?
Whisky Lullaby- Brad Paisley

Drug of choice?
Beautiful Liar- Beyonce and Shakira

Describe yourself.
I am A Rock- Simon and Garfunkel LMAO- so true!

What is the thing I like doing most?
Let’s Groove Tonight- Earth Wind and Fire

The song that best describes the president?
Goodbye to You – Scandal I swear this is what came up!

How will I die?
Lightening Crashes- Live OUCH!

The song that will be played at your funeral?
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For- U2 Terrible!

The song you’ll put as the subject?
Dancing with Myself- Billy Idol

Can’t see through the haze around me… June 22, 2007

Just Feel Better
~Santana She said I feel stranded
And I can’t tell anymore
If I’m coming or I’m going
It’s not how I planned it
I’ve got a key to the door
But it just won’t open

And I know, I know, I know
Part of me says let it go
That life happens for a reason
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
Because it never worked before
But this time, this time
I’m gonna try anything to just feel better

Tell me what to do
You know I can’t see through the haze around me
And I’d do anything to just feel better
I can’t find my way
God, I need a change
And I’ll do anything to just feel better
Any little thing to just feel better

She said I need you to hold me
I’m a little far from the shore
And I’m afraid of sinking
You’re the only one who knows me
And who doesn’t ignore
That my soul is weeping

I know, I know, I know
Part of me says let it go
Everything must have a season
Round and round it goes
And every day’s the one before
But this time, this time
I’m gonna try anything to just feels better

Tell me what to do
You know I can’t see through the haze around me
And I’d do anything to just feel better
I can’t find my way
God I need a change
And I’d do anything to just feel better
Any little thing that just feels better

I’m tired of holding on
To all the things I ought to leave behind, yeah
It’s really getting old, and
I think I need a little help this time!

Yeah

I’m gonna try anything to just feel better
Tell me what to do
You know I can’t see through the haze around me
And I do anything to just feel better

And I can’t find my way
God I need a change
And I do anything to just feel better
Any little thing that just feels better

25 Greatest Slow Dance Songs? June 20, 2007

The pop culture junkie in me LOVES stuff like this!From Rolling Stone – The 25 Greatest Slow Dance Songs Ever!

1. “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing,” Aerosmith
2. “Unchained Melody,” The Righteous Brothers
3. “Crazy For You,” Madonna
4. “Take My Breath Away,” Berlin
5. “I Only Have Eyes for You,” The Flamingos
6. “Never Tear Us Apart,” INXS
7. “In Your Eyes” Peter Gabriel
8. “Love Song,” The Cure
9. “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles
10. “I’ll Be There,” The Jackson 5
11. “Always and Forever,” Heat Wave
12. “Fade Into You,” Mazzy Star
13. “I’ll Make Love To You,” Boyz II Men
14. “Faithfully,” Journey
15. “Wild Horses,” The Rolling Stones
16. “True Colors,” Cyndi Lauper
17. “How Deep Is Your Love,” The Bee Gees
18. “I’ll Be There For You,” Bon Jovi
19. “Drive,” The Cars
20. “Babe,” Styx
21. “Careless Whisper,” Wham!
22. “Save a Prayer,” Duran Duran
23. “Lady In Red,” Chris de Burgh
24. “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” Olivia Newton-John
25. “In the Mouth a Desert,” Pavement

Ok..I have a few gripes with this list. It was reader compiled, so I can’t really fault Rolling Stone, but come on people…

First – Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues should be #1, and it didn’t even make the list. The sexy, sultry energy behind this song…best slow dance song EVER.

Second- Where are these songs??
All my Life – KC and JoJo
At Last- Etta James
Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
Open Arms- Journey
Wicked Game- Chris Isaak
Forever Young- Alphaville
Can’t Help Falling In Love- Elvis Presley

And what….no Foreigner, no Bryan Adams, no Air Supply?? Are they serious?

Murder in my ‘hood.. June 1, 2007

This is scary…As I was driving out of our condo complex yesterday morning, there were police and sheriff’s cars lining the street to my right. I, of course, rubbernecked the entire way down the street, but didn’t get a good look at anything. I figured some kids were causing trouble before school or whatever. So I didn’t think anything else about it.

That is until I got to work and got an email froma friend asking me “What’s going on in your hood? ” with a link to a news story. I clicked it, and lo and behold, find out that a woman was killed, in broad daylight, two streets over from where I live.
Uh….scary!

So I’ve been following the story since yesterday and police have the suspect in custody. Turns out it was her neighbor. Nice…
Police have no motive or anything yet. This poor woman was only 44. She lived with her boyfriend and two small kids.

So sad..

Here’s the article from the local newspaper:

Painesville woman killed

 

By: Jason LeaJLea@News-Herald.com

06/01/2007

 

 

56-year-old man charged with aggravated murder

A 44-year-old woman was killed early Thursday in the College Hills development in Painesville.
Lisa Ward was found in the
grass behind her home at 209
University Ave., where she lived with her boyfriend and two children, ages 4 and 6, Capt. Rick Kline of
the Painesville Police Department said.
Her boyfriend was upstairs asleep when he heard a loud noise below about 5 a.m. Thursday. He ran downstairs, where he saw Ward on the grass and a man fleeing the scene, Kline said.
Ward was still alive when emergency workers responded, but she died on the scene, Kline said. Neighbors watched as rescue workers, police and prosecutors combed the crime scene.
Officers arrested Paul R. Hudson, 56, of 295 University Ave., and charged him with aggravated murder.
Hudson is in Lake County Jail and is set to be arraigned 11 a.m. today, Kline said.
Ward suffered several blunt
force traumas, but the cause of her death is still undetermined, pending additional investigation, Lake County Coroner Dr. Salvatore Rizzo said.
Painesville police Lt. Denise Mercsak said authorities do not know what weapon, if any, was used in the homicide. Officers are also working to identify a motive.
Aggravated murder is a first-degree felony. If convicted, Hudson could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

4 year old practicality April 5, 2007

This morning on the way to the babysitter’s house, there was a commercial on the radio for Malley’s chocolates ( YUM! Somebody get me some of their chocolate covered strawberries and grapes for Easter…hint …hint…). The last line of the advertisement said to bring the kids down to the store to meet the Easter bunny.
Innocent enough… until my daughter asks ” Mom, where does the Easter bunny live?”
Hmmmm…good question. Never thought about it before. I mean, he doesn’t really have a domain, right? Santa has the North Pole, Batman has Gotham City, the Tooth Fairy…well..I don’t know where she lives either, but you get the point.
So, instead of making up some dumb answer, I just said “Ya know Jaidin, Mommy doesn’t know”. And do you know what my genius of a 4 year old said?

“That’s ok, Mom…we can look it up online when we get home”.