Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Days 26 -29 I'm Still Around

30 Days of Thanks

Day 26 - I am thankful for last minute adventures.

Our Thanksgiving was busier than busy.  Friday we took a little time off and then got back into the craziness by taking a last minute trip to Ikea.  We always seem to need storage.  This trip we went to pick up some cabinets and cubbies.  We managed to fill up all of Rojo Grande to the brim before driving back home.  Now just to build it all.

Day 27 - I am thankful to be home safe and sound.

My nephew turned one this weekend!  It was a very cute party.  It was so much fun watching Clover run around with her cousin.  She really does love her family!  The only down side was the drive.  Coming home in the thick fog in the dark was a little more than scary.  I'm really glad to be home and warm in my bed!

Day 28 - I am thankful that our Italian place delivers!

I spent the day building Clover's cabinets.  We bought her a STUVA wardrobe for the mass collection of princess dresses.  It was really easy to put together.  It gets complicated when you add a three and half year old who wants to help and when she is not helping wants your undivided attention.  I somehow managed to get everything built and showered before the girls came over.  That just left dinner.  Thank goodness the italian place delivers!

You can check out the STUVA collection on YouTube.  It's true that it is completely customizable.  The only problem with that is that you have to know exactly which pieces you need while you are standing in the isle containing every single piece.  There where a few moments where we thought we had it figured out only to find out we were wrong.  So far it looks like we got everything we needed.  I am really happy with the way it turned out.

Day 29 - I am thankful for lazy mornings! (this may be a repeat but I am really thankful for lazy mornings).

Two days in the car followed by a day of building furniture and I am sore!  Sore and exhausted!  Every muscle aches.  Hello Advil!  So this morning I am taking a break by getting a Muppeducation by watching Muppet's Treasure Island.    

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 25 - Pie for Breakfast

30 Days of Thanks

Day 25 - I am thankful for my mom's pumpkin pie.  Without it I wouldn't have been able to have my traditional slice for breakfast the day after.

I got up and was set on having cereal.  It's easy.  After cooking all day yesterday I wasn't in the mood to make anything complicated.  I stared at my empty bowl that was waiting for my Honey Nut Cheerios.  I had the conversation in my head...Cheerios is healthier than my traditional after Thanksgiving breakfast.  I've been doing this for so long that I can't remember when I started.  I do remember the one year when there was a shortage and I went without that one year.  And boy did my mom hear about that!  She felt so bad that the next year I got three pies.

MmmMmmmMmm Breakfast!
 
You should have seen Clover's face when she saw that we were having pie.  For the record she had already had breakfast so it's not like she was just getting up and having pie.  And it's only once a year.

She couldn't wrap her head around having pie for breakfast.

Day 24 - Turkey Day All Day

30 Days of Thanks

Day 24 - I am thankful that our All Day Thanksgiving Extravaganza went off without a hitch.  Minus the whole not having green beans thing.

We hosted both sides of the family for turkey day.  The first turkey went into the turkey roaster at 7:30 am and the second turkey came out at 6 pm.  We did a potluck for lunch and everyone brought dishes.  Everything was delish.  It was nice having the families over.  It was one big family filled day!

For dinner I was a bit worried about being able to make side dishes with that whole hand thing.  So I went the heat and serve route via Costco.  The Sage and Sausage Stuffing was awesome.  So was the Creme Fresh Mash Potatoes and the Sweet Potatoes.  I wasn't shocked that we hardly had any left overs.

I was surprised that we had turkey leftover.  I bought two 17lb birds and still had a bunch of left over.

The only problem we had that evening besides not having enough forks was the missing green beans.  I could have sworn that I had green beans in the freezer.  If I was a betting person I would have bet on it.  But when I want to look for them to make the ever famous Green Bean Casserole, they were gone!  We will just call it The Great Green Bean Mystery of 2011.      

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 23 - Still Got It

30 Days of Thanks

Day 23 - I am thankful I took a break to go to the movies.  The Muppets still got it!

It was no secret that I wanted to go to the movies today.  I'm so glad that I took a break from my very sloth like morning to get out of the house and go to the movie theater.

I love the muppets.  I loved them as a kid and I love that my kid loves them.  She recognized Kermit right away and wanted to know where Ms. Piggy was.  Because you know they come as a set.  She fell asleep on her Daddy so she missed the Ms. Piggy part.  We sugared her up and she had more than a few handfuls of popcorn before she curled up on his lap and passed out.  Even though she is three she still isn't heavy enough to stop the edge of the theater chair from popping back up on her.

I missed part of it so I may be going back.  I totally forgot that through Disney Movie Club I had two free tickets.  I'll just be totally honest and retract the "may" from the last sentence.  I will be going back.  It was a very cute movie.

It's something wholesome that I can share with my daughter.  Something that I had from my childhood.  I was so excited when she got excited while watching the movie.  I don't think she would believe me if I told her that Kermit is the same age as her Grandpa.  So you know that if they have been around this long they obviously still got it!

Day 22 - Happy Distractions

30 Days of Thanks

Day 22 - I am thankful for happy distractions.

In the midst of cleaning so that we can have not one but TWO Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday.  I also had to run an errand for Brine bags for the two turkeys.  Then I realized that the store I needed to go to was right next to a very yummy bakery.  So while chit chatting with one of my friends I totally twisted her arm into wrangling her girls in for lunch.  I am so very glad for distractions.  Lunch was delicious.  I'm glad I took the time to get out of the house, I was kind of tired of cleaning anyways.

Day 21 - Seriously

30 Days of Thanks

Day 21 - I am thankful that I don't take myself to seriously.

When I set out to do the 30 days of thanks I had fully intended to blog every day.  I had planned on blogging for Nablopomo.  It's been awhile since I did a meme or a theme for 30 days.  Then life got in the way.  And that's okay.  

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 20 - Do the Brine

30 Days of Thanks

Day 20 - I am thankful for my countertop turkey roaster that I bought at Target on sale.  Best 27 dollars I ever spent.


This year I purchased a countertop turkey roaster.  I always stress out over Turkey Day because we have one oven and by the time the bird goes in it there is no room for any sides.  This year I don't have to worry.  See working on the zen thing already!

Of course I did a test turkey since I have never used a countertop roaster before.  It is very similar to a crockpot.

I used Alton Brown's brine recipe on the bird and brined him up overnight and part of the next day.  The only change I made was that I used chicken stock instead of vegetable.  I couldn't find veggie stock anywhere in my store.  I also used ground fresh ginger since my store also didn't carry candied ginger.  I popped him in the roaster around 2 and he was nice and done by 4:30.  I over estimated my time and figured it would take longer so dinner was a little early.  I turned it on low while I made some sides to go with it.  Let me just tell you that gravy from a brined turkey is absolutely the best gravy you will ever put in your mouth.  I am just letting you know now.  It seems like a lot of work to brine but the flavor is so worth it!  I have made this recipe for a few years now and always had a delicious bird!  I am very happy that it turned out so well on the counter.    

Day 19 - Muppets

30 Days of Thanks

Day 19 - I am thankful for the Muppets!

I feel like a kid.  Wednesday the new Muppets comes out and I am so excited!  We watched Letter's to Santa with the Muppets.  It is such a cute movie.  I don't think you can go wrong with a Muppet's movie and Muppets mixed with Christmas is a double bonus.  Clover enjoyed it as well.  She said her favorite is Ms. Piggy.  I love Kermit and Gonzo.  Fozie was my favorite when I was a kid.  After too many years of the Muppets being locked away, they are finally out!  I love that they are everywhere!  Including on my nails because I broke down and bought the mini nail polishes.  My favorite is Excuse e Moi.
 
Can't wait until Wednesday!

Day 18 - That's What You Do

30 Days of Thanks

Day 18 - I am thankful for friends who are honest enough to tell you the truth and nice enough to do it gently.

Hubby had a conversation with a friend in which this friend told him he was "High Strung".  I tried to be nice about it but I laughed because he is.  He never believes me when I tell him.  So maybe I found it a tiny bit funny that his friend saw it too.  We are working on trying to get him to about "Medium Strung" status. Then maybe we can get him down to calm.

Then I had a conversation with one of my friends in which I told her that I was stressing for no reason and she told me "That's what you do".  I never really thought about it much but as I started looking at myself a little closer, I found that she was right.  She usually is.  I do stress.  I'm a stresser and I worry...about everyone.  Chances are I am probably worried about you right now and you don't even know it.  It took me so long to learn how to unwind and de-stress.  Especially when I was working at a daycare.  I worried about my kids all the time.  Even if there was nothing to worry about I would worry.  Did they have a good day today?  Will we have a good day tomorrow?

Even now I worry.  Being a parent has added probably ten million more little worries to that list.  Lot's of things to stress about.  It's what I do.  I think after all the worrying and stressing it helps to keep me in check and evaluate things.  As much as I think it may help me out, I know I need to relax.  I know that if I spend to much time stressing out about tomorrow that I won't be able to enjoy today.

I'm glad I have the kind of people in my life to help keep me in balance.

So I got it.  Less worry and stress.  More zen and relaxing.  I'll let you know how that works out for me.  

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 17 - Moments

30 Days of Thanks

Day 17 - I am thankful for the surprising little moments that life delivers to you.

Sometimes life delivers little moments on a silver tea tray all nice and pretty and ready to be enjoyed.  Other times life hands you moments and you can do nothing else but scratch your head and wonder.

What The Heck?!?

For Clover's birthday this year she received a Zha-Zhu Hamster.  I documented some of the story here.  and here too.  He runs off and gets lost all the time.  My friend found him under the sink the other day when we were cleaning out the cabinets.  She was quite surprised.

I was also surprised this evening when Clover found him.  I wasn't sure where he ran off too.  Even more surprising was when she had one...in each hand.

What?

I'm not exactly sure what happened here but he is multiplying.  Literally.

The one with the key is ours.  I have absolutely NO IDEA where the second one came from.  And why is he/she/it the same color as the other one?  I know for a fact that we only had one.  But Clover told me she found one in the play area and one in the living room.  I started texting randomly to see if anyone left it over here because that is a better excuse than magically having one extra.  At this point I am convinced that someone is just messing with me.

Thank you life for this little distracting moment but now I'm just left scratching my head.

Day 16 - Balance

30 Days of Thanks

Day 16 - I am thankful for the sense of balance that seems to follow my daughter.

Even though we are right in the middle of Princess fest 2011, my darling Clover has been showing me that she is quite balanced.  For all of the pretty pink dresses there are plenty of times spent in the front yard in the mud.  Of course after that she gets a shower.  I've gotten pretty good about covering up the fact that my kid likes to collect rocks and play in muddy puddles.

Her latest obsession is one that she shares with her father.  At first I thought it was a fluke but this obsession has stuck around now for a while and it is something she talks about every day.

So while spinning around in her Snow White dress, she is insisting that she is no longer Clover but actually "Snow White".  Around her neck is her latest prized possession.

Her Transformers dogtag.

Yes, that's right.  My daughter loves Transformers.  Specifically "that red guy...what's his name mom?"  aka Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee.

Every night she wants to watch the vintage cartoon with her dad.  They snuggle up together and she starts asking him all sorts of questions about the bots.  She doesn't quite get the concept that the decepticons are bad but she knows that she doesn't like them.  She know she loves Optimus and Bee.

Yesterday she was kicking the inside of Rojo Grande and I jokingly told her that if she didn't quit that the truck was going to turn in to Optimus and get her.  She laughed.  Then about five minutes later after we got our smoothies she looks at me in all seriousness.

"Mom!  Our truck can't turn into Optimus."

Why?

"OUR truck doesn't have the flames.  And Optimus has flames.  So our truck can't be Optimus.  We don't have those!"

If I was ever tempted to get a flame job on the side of Rojo this would have been it.  Anyone know a good painter?  Just kidding of course.  Maybe.

Day 15 - Unmummy

30 Days of Thanks.

Day 15 - I am thankful for the USB hand warmers I got for Christmas many many many years ago.

The brace came off!  I just couldn't take it anymore.  The support on my fingers was great but if I wrapped it too hard I cut off my circulation.  The brace was hurting my wrist since I was trying to do more even with my limited mobility.  So It came off.

My hand got a little cold while sitting around with the brace off.   I could put on a glove to keep it warmer.  Then like in a cartoon a little light bulb came on over my head.  A couple of years ago my rocking bro in law hooked me up with some USB powered hand warmers.  You know, for back in the day when I played WOW with the hubs.  He may have felt guilty for being the one who introduced the Hubs to WOW in the first place.  Anyhooo, they support my fingers and keep em warm.  Double bonus.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Write a Blog Post

I get poked fun at because I blog.  I'm not exactly sure why.  Hubby claims that he blogged before it was actually called blogging.  He stopped but for some reason likes to poke fun at me for putting out family adventures online.  So I was a little surprised when he looked at me and told me to...

"Go write a blog post"

I looked at him confused and he explained that it was low impact and would probably be good for my fingers.  For the last two weeks my right hand has been mummified due to my incompetence with a steak knife.  Yes, I sliced my fingers carving a pumpkin.  You can catch the beginning here.  It's been a very long two weeks.  I was fortunate enough to have the stitches removed on Friday.

So the run down.  I sliced my fingers and Hubs drove like a madman to the closest ER.  To the point where even holding a shirt on my bloody hand told him to slow down.  When I got to the ER they actually asked me if I wanted the shirt back.  Uhm...no...that's okay.  We sat around and waited even though they put us on the fast track.  Clover went with us and the whole time I felt bad because we were supposed to do an event at the Zoo that night for Halloween.  I was very close to crying when I told her we weren't going.  She took it like a trooper.  She was actually excited to go to the hospital because she "wants to be a doctor when she grows up".  The whole time she was dancing around and putting on a show.

I had a two very nice nurses.  Through all of the my medical experiences, I have had some wonderful nurses.  It was a profession I thought I wanted to do until I figured out I didn't have the stomach to handle it.  So all I have to say is God bless nurses!

We got a Physician's Assistant who was totally cool.  He joked around with us and talked through everything he was doing.  I was a little freaked out at this point but just continued to chat up the hubs while the P.A. shot my hand up and stitched everything up.  We even talked about M*A*S*H (that is where he won me over).   Luckily by then our friend had arrived to keep an eye on Clover so she didn't have to watch all of that.  Afterwards we hit up IHOP for some pancakey goodness.

The P.A. sent us over to a surgical center for a follow up.  As pleasant as the ER visit was, I just assumed that the next Dr's visit would be as well.  I was wrong.  I tried calling them to make an appointment but I couldn't get anyone on the phone.  So we went down there like the P.A. had instructed us to do.  We waited three hours in the waiting room.  At one point I contemplated leaving for lunch and coming back.  They finally called me back and stuck me in a room where I waited some more.  Then another Physician's Assistant comes in.  There wasn't a whole lot of information given.  He comes in and is chatty about what I did and talks me up.  Not really offering any information about my hand.  He does the nerve sensitivity test and that was fine.  Then he asked me to bend my fingers.  This part is hard because my fingers look like breakfast sausages and the pain medicine I took in the morning has worn off sitting in their waiting room.   So that hurt.  I can't bend my pinky so he leaves to get the doc.  Who apparently was on lunch because he comes in eating a sandwich.  Doesn't really introduce himself and seems to have no social skills what-so-ever.  It looks like I cut one of the tendons in my pinky.  He tells the nurse to show me some papers that they should have already shows me and starts talking about me having surgery.

WHOAH!

This is where I come to a screeching halt.  Dr. Social starts talking about knocking me out to keep my muscles from twitching and how they are going to have to split open my hand.  He starts talking about keeping the wound open for 21 days to check the sutures on the tendon.  Then doing 10 weeks of physical therapy.  I am sitting there like a deer looking into a pair of headlights trying to process everything he is saying.  I asked a few questions and I don't know if Dr. Social didn't like my questions or what because the answers I got back where snotty in my opinion.  Did you know that everything in America is optional?  I didn't but after I asked about the surgery that is the response I got.

So they want to knock me out, cut me open, fish up my tendon like a dropped stitch in knitting, leave me open for 21 days, close me up, have me recover and then do 10 weeks of physical therapy.  All of that for the possibility not even a guarantee of gaining movement in the tip of my pinky.  It took me about two minutes to make my decision.  No thanks.  But as soon as I told them I was even considering NOT having surgery everyones attitude changed and they basically kicked me out.  They told me that if I changed my mind that I had three weeks before my tendon receded to my wrist and it would be twice as much work.  If I didn't want to do the work in the first place...why would I want to do extra work?  So they braced me up and kicked me out.

When I went back to have my stitches pulled, the nurse read that I didn't want the surgery.  As soon as she mentioned it her attitude changed.  She pulled my stitches and kicked me out.  No after care instructions or follow up.  I get that it's mostly a surgical center but wow.  You won't let us cut you open so we are done with you!  Now get out!  They said they would send a request for surgery out to my insurance company "just in case".  Based on the stellar-out-of-this-world care I received at your facility let me sign right up for that...I'm being sarcastic.  Thought I would state that "just in case" you didn't get it.  

So that is basically the story up to this point.  I am happy to report that I wrote most of that with both hands.  Which I am very happy about because that whole typing with one hand thing was driving me nuts.  It's hard to slow my thoughts down to the speed of handwriting or typing with one hand.

I guess the next step is probably to make a follow up with my primary doctor just to have everything checked and see if there is anything I should be doing to aid in my recovery.  The wounds are healing.  Things are looking better every day.  I realize that I did this to myself and there is no one to blame but the person staring back at me in the mirror.  On the same note, accidents happen.  Each day I forgive myself a little bit more and that makes me feel a bit better.  I think keeping it on the positive helps me heal a little faster.  Or at least that is what I am telling myself for now.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 14 - Java, Java, Java

30 Days of Thanks

Day 14 - I am thankful for coffee too.

One of my FB peeps also posted that she was thankful for coffee.  I second this thought.  Then someone mentioned Starbucks K-Cups.

What?

When did this happen?

So I texted Hubs "HOW DID WE MISS THIS?"  Yes, the all caps was necessary!   He told me I was fired for missing this.

I had to google and sure enough it was true.  So now I had to find them.  And find them I did.  Right in the coffee isle at Target.  The hardest part was picking what kind I wanted to try first.  I went with the House blend.  When we got home I loaded up.  Yum!

Day 13 - It Got Away

30 Days of Thanks

Day 13 - I am thankful for Sundays.

Yesterday, I had every intention of posting again to catch up.  This whole posting every day has proven to be a real challenge.  I'm guessing it's because every task has taken my twice as long as usual.  Still only using the one hand.  Friday I had my stitches out!  They said to keep wearing the brace to make sure I protect my fingers for a few more days.  The whole story with the hand doctor is another post.  Not a positive one.  This is a thankful post so I will save it for later.

Sunday was a day without a plan.  The whole day got away from me.  It was awesome!      

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 12 - Traditions

30 Days of Thanks

Day 12 - I am thankful for traditions.

We were in such a rush to enter the Christmas season that many people thought we had completely skipped over Thanksgiving.  We are very lucky to have friends that will bring us back to Turkey day.  Yes, it's a holiday that seems like it's 97% all about the food.  But it's also about spending time with some awesome people.  I am thankful for those moments and for the people we spend them with.  Even though I did have to carry my very over tired three and a half year old out literally kicking and screaming, we had a great time.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Day 11 - The Brave

30 Days of Thanks

Day 11 - I am thankful for those who are braver than I.

I am thankful for the brave who have fought for us and continue to fight.  Even if we don't always agree to why we are fighting these brave few have fought just because they were asked by their country.  I am thankful for those who support those people by working behind the scenes.

Having veterans in the family and in our circle of friends reminds us daily of those that have served and are serving.  It's nice to have one day to recognize these brave men and women.

Day 10 - Date night

30 days of Thanks

Day 10 - I am thankful for the alone time I get to spend with my Husband.

After several arguments over little insignificant things, we figured out that we needed to work on being a couple again and not just Clover's parents.  We tried to institute a date night ritual several time but between our schedules we could never get it to stick.  We made an agreement this last round that we were both going to try harder.

And that's what we did.  I will admit that dropping Clover off at first was a little hard for me.  In her three years I had hardly dropped her off anywhere.  She was always with me.  Even driving around without her in the backseat felt weird.

It took me awhile to relax but when I finally did I was able to remember that I actually do like my husbands company.  It's such a different experience to have a conversation with out someone interrupting because she wants to be part too.  We can talk about grown up things and I don't have to worry about little ears repeating what they heard later.

Last night we went out for chinese food at our favorite place and ordered something new.  It was pretty spicy and delicious.  We talked about random stuff.  Later in the evening we tried to come up with a game plan to tackle our latest round of stressors.

Even though it's only for a few hours it's nice to remember that we are still a couple.  Now if I can just get around to making time for myself, I would be all set.
   

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 9 - Warm and Cozy

30 Days of Thanks

Day 9 - I am thankful for jammies and my new electric blanket.

The last two days have been long and difficult.  I won't lie, it's been hard.  The one thing I keep thinking about is snuggling down in my pajamas and my new electric blanket.  I can't wait to get nice and cozy and put on M*A*S*H reruns.  You know, since I have total control of the remote.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Day 8 - You've Got a Friend Revisited

30 Days of Thanks

Day 8 - I am thankful for the company I keep.

I am pretty appreciative of my life normally so it can get kind of hard to focus on what to write about once a day for 30 days.  Today, I started focusing on why I am so appreciative.  Just brainstorming, I kept coming back to my friends.  I am very blessed to have such a diverse group of people to call my friends.  Every one of them is different and uniquely beautiful.  They all have so many traits that I wished I possessed.  So I just observe them in hopes of picking up a trait or five.

I have my super close pals who have no problems telling me to chill out.  The same few that help me get out of my box and try new things.  I've got the friends that I wish I could see more of but when we do get together it's like there was no gap in time and we pick up right where we left off.  I've got the buddies who have moved away but thanks to social media we can keep in touch.  If to do nothing else than post silly stuff on there Facebook page.  I'm fortunate enough to have a great group on Facebook that is always good for a laugh or possibly an e-hug when my days are tough.

So after all that brainstorming and thinking I have come up with my conclusion...I am so very blessed and so very thankful to have you.      

Day 7 - Little Miss Independant

30 Days of Thanks

Day 7 - I am thankful for my independence and helpful people around to help when I am not so independent.

In the grand scale, I am thankful that I can say what I want to say, and write what I want to write about.  On the smaller scale of things, I am thankful for my "get it done" attitude.  This has proven to be a blessing and a hinderance.  People start to assume that you have everything covered even if you don't.  Especially because everything is normally under control.  When the time comes that you actually do need help there are few people standing in line.  I am thankful for these people.  Even if it something like serving pie to everyone, doing the dishes, taking out the trash or volunteering to watch Clover so she doesn't have to sit in the boring o ER room.  It's all appreciated.  Very much so.
     

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 6 - Say What?

30 Days of Thanks

Day 6 - I am thankful for my darling daughter's sense of humor.

We have heard some doozies around these parts.  Yesterday I actually had to contain most of my laughter.  I wasn't sure if it was a moment where I should have scolded her or encouraged it.  While driving in a parking lot Hubs was commenting about how busy it was.  From the backseat we hear:

"Dad...Dad..Caaaalm down.  I know you are excited...but you really need to try to calm down!"  She was right, he really needed to calm down.  I had my hand over my mouth while I was trying not to laugh.  Needless to say I really didn't do anything.  It was too funny of a moment.

The other day I was complaining about the neighbors dog who likes to poop on our lawn.

Clover piped up "oh yeah, well...Soda poops bubble gum!"

"What color?"

Without hesitating "Red!"

I guess thats just an added bonus to having the imaginary dog around.

Today she yelled at me for not shaving her Daddy's hair.  She was very serious about wanting to know WHY.  Just like when she yells at me for wearing her father's shirts.  

Just when I figure she isn't listening to me she goes and proves me wrong.  When we were in the ER, Daddy and I joked about them installing a hook so I could do laundry faster.  Yesterday she told me that I wasn't going very fast with my "hook" and mimed how I was supposed to be doing it.

Such a funny creature for something so small.  Even though I sometimes question who taught her how to talk I really do enjoy the conversations we have and the humor she brings to every day.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 5 - Hubby

30 Days of Thanks

Day 5 - I want to take a minute to say that I'm thankful for my Husband.

It wouldn't be a thankful list if I didn't include my Hubs.  I am very lucky and blessed that we found each other so early in our lives.  I'm glad that after so long we still mange to like each other.

Yes, we are High School Sweethearts.  You can stop rolling your eyes now.  Next month will mark our 16th year together.  We've had our share of ups and downs and I'm still glad that he's the one I snuggle up to at the end of the day.  He says that I only snuggle up to him because he's my personal heat generator.  I don't think thats the only reason.  But he must be pretty warm since Clover crawls right up the middle of the bed around three o clock in the morning.

I feel bad that the first day of his vacation I managed to slice my hand up.  Luckily he has been pretty understanding and has been doing the dishes for me.  Also lucky for me is that he looks pretty hot while doing em.      

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 4 - Just Breathe

30 days of Thanks

Day 4 - I am thankful for the level of patience that the good Lord has blessed me with.

No other explanation makes any sort of sense other than I was blessed with it.

When I was in the classroom I always heard about how patient I was to work with kids.  I didn't really think anything of it since it all just came natural to me.  One of my friends complimented me on my ability to stay calm in chaotic situations.  I guess I just get in modes where I handle it then think about it later.

My big secret - Just Breathe

Okay, so it's not that big of a secret.  There has been lots of breathing this week.  Hubby stated that he needed more patience.  So I googled it for him and found this wikihow on patience.   Imagine my surprise to find out that my big secret was number 4.

      Overcome bouts of impatience. In the long run, developing patience requires a change in your attitude about life, but you can immediately make progress by learning to relaxwhenever you feel impatient. Take a few deep breaths and just try to clear your mind.Concentrate on breathing and you'll be able to get your bearings.

I also think that number 12 is pretty important as well:
   
      Always have a positive outlook in life. Being always positive is very imperative as possessing a sense of patience. Remember that life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Staying positive is kind of a biggie.  I have been trying my best to breathe it out and stay positive this week.  I find my patience being tested by the simplest task.  Everything has taken more effort, patience and time as I struggle through everything with my left hand.  My right hand still out of commission and in a sling.  I'm still in the game.  Being a Wife and a Mommy doesn't stop because my hand is in a sling.  Hubs has stepped up and taken over dishes and trash duties.  But there are still meals to be made and laundry to be washed.  The world keeps turning.  Even if I struggle to get myself dressed the world doesn't wait for me.  So every morning I wipe the crust out of my eyes and remind myself that every day I am getting better and that soon things will return to normal.  As silly and crazy as normal was.    

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 3 - Chillaxin

30 Days of Thanks

Day 3 - Chillaxin

Chillaxin:  The combination of chillin and relaxin.

Lots of thoughts and never enough time to get them all out in an articulate, not crazy sounding way.  Today was pretty chill and before I knew it, it was over.  We went to class.  I took a nap.  We went to the park and did a bit of shopping.  I made dinner and now we are winding down watching Peppa Pig.  Hubby has been on vacation and I think a nice chillaxin day was just what we needed. The weather was nice and cool, and slightly breezy.

I am thankful for days like today.  

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 2 - Sometimes

30 Days of Thanks

Day Two:  Little Surprises

Sometimes people surprise you.  This much I know is true.  Sometimes the surprises are good.  Sometimes not.  Sometimes people act just as you expect them to do.

Sometimes, they do the dishes for you just cuz.  Mostly the cause is your hand is in a sling but, I'll take it.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

30 Days of Thanks: Day 1

I'm taking the Facebook meme off of Facebook and putting it up on my blog.  You know how I love me some memes.

So Day 1:  I am thankful for my sense of humor!

The last several days, I have been the butt of several rounds of the same joke.  Had I been getting a dime for every time I've been made fun of, I would have enough to take myself to Disneyland.

It is however, all my fault.  And I am learning how to take my lumps.

So the backstory...

After my awesome Repunzel pumpkin, we still had three pumpkins left.  I really wanted to open them up and roast up some seeds.  I had broken the two saws in the kit so on Saturday, I opted for the steak knife.  Anyone want to guess what happens next?  An ER trip, 5 hours and eleven stitches later...I nominated myself for the Darwin Award.


So it's been very slow going typing this.  I have to slow my thoughts down to keep up with my one hand.  My LEFT hand.  I sliced my pinky and my ring finger on my right dominant hand.  During the entire time I remained calm and kept my sense of humor.  Yes, I was scared and in pain but freaking out wouldn't have helped the situation one bit.  So we joked around while we waited.  I guess being together with the Hubs as long as I have, we have lots of material to joke about.  I made some comment about tetanus and lockjaw.  The hubby came back with "ahh peace and quiet".  We glanced at the nurse and the look on her face was one of total shock.  I was laughing so hard on the inside.

Even when we came out to greet my friend who graciously showed up to watch Clover, I was singing "I got eleven stitches!"  It was sung horribly and off key.  My darling Clover was a trooper and actually liked going to the hospital because she wants to be a "doctor or a mermaid".  However, the poor thing woke up with cold this morning.  Wiping her nose with my left hand has proven to be a bit of a challenge.

Most of the joking has come from people who know me and love me (and I love them so I have been letting it slide) but the most surprising comments have been from total strangers.  I've actually had two checkers at stores ask me what I did and after hearing my explanation felt the need to add their own colorful commentary.  One smarty actually asked me if I knew I was supposed to carve the pumpkin and not myself.  Hardy har har dude.

I'm thinking, maybe I should start a jar and everyone who makes fun of me can add their own ten cents.  And when I am all healed up I'll be chillin in Anaheim with a cocktail in my good hand and my full jar of dimes in the other!