If this isn't the truth

How You Are In Love

You fall in love quickly and easily. And very often. You tend to take more than give in relationships. You tend to get very attached when you're with someone. You want to see your love all the time. You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change. You stay in love for a long time, even if you aren't loved back. When you fall, you fall hard.

How Are You In Love?

Self-Portrait Friday

Seems to be the latest blog craze. I couldn't help myself.

The sun is shining, and life is good

It's a gorgeous day. Absolutely freaking gorgeous.

The sun is shining, it's in the upper 60's and I think spring might be here (whether or not it'll stay is the real question). Earlier I took a break from work and went and sat outside and talked to a friend on the phone for quite awhile. It killed me to go back inside, but we opened up the front office door and let the fresh air inside.

I love it.

It is amazing what nice weather will do for your mood. I've been in very happy sorts today, despite the horrific headache I woke up with, and the fact that AF arrived and I have cramps.

I'm in a very positive mood. I've been blessed with a great family, great friends, a (for the most part) great workplace, and today we're being blessed with sunshine and beautiful weather. Life is good.

Dreams of Disney

It's happening. It's not a dream. The paperwork for the Disney trip is being processed. I had to sign a prize release waiver and a W-9 (for tax purposes).

I'm still reeling ...... Braeden is so excited he won't shut up about it. As Mike was getting them into the car to go to the bank today, Braeden asked "Are we going to Disneyworld now?"

I want to go NOW! I'm impatient like that. Really, I already started looking at going in May, and it's still a possibility. But not sure if we can swing it that soon (with Mike only having been at his new workplace for a couple weeks). Otherwise, we might shoot for September.

So now the fun begins in planning it, and booking character dining and all that fun stuff. Can you tell I'm excited??

Disney World, here we come!

Earlier today I was busy at work, when my cell phone rang. It was an online friend (one that lives in the area, but I do not talk to on the phone on a regular basis). I found it odd that she was calling me - and at first, I thought something bad had happened and that she was trying to contact me about someone that is on a mailing list I own, that she is also a member of.

She asks me if I was listening to a particular radio station, which at the time I did not have on. She says that she swears they called my name, and that I have 11 minutes left to call in. I hang up, and call - and sure enough, they called my name and I won!

Now, what did I win?

A trip for four to Disney World!!! I couldn't believe my luck. I was dumbfounded. Embarrassingly enough the words "Are you serious?!?" came out of my mouth, not once, but twice. LOL Braeden has been seeing advertisements on TV, and just a day or two ago, he was asking us to go there. I started to cry while on the phone (and yes, it was aired - and Gawd, did I sound like an idiot!).

So I get to tell my kids, WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!

I'm waiting for the promotion department to contact me for all the details. From reading the rules online, the trip has to be taken between 4/1/06 and 3/31/07 (I believe that is because of the roundtrip airfare through Southwest).

I can't even begin to express my excitement and Braeden is OVER THE MOON with happiness (I couldn't wait to tell him in person, and spoke to him on the phone).

So, a H U G E thank you to my friend, Heather, who called to let me know they announced my name. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Attractive Quality

Tonight while at the grocery store, I came to the conclusion that men that are fathers are incredibly attractive.

I'm not saying that those that "donate sperm" and have 20% of their income deducted straight out of their paychecks are attractive - I'm talking about those men that clearly ENJOY fatherhood and aren't afraid to show it.

I was walking down the international food aisle and there was a boy, probably about 10, pushing the cart back to his dad, going on and on about something. His dad was browsing and just kept smiling while he went about his shopping.

They passed by me again once more, and the boy was standing at the opposite side of the shopping cart as the father pushed and used the cart like a scooter. While they zoomed along and disappeared down another aisle, I smiled and thought - WOW .... I can totally see women being attracted to single men with children for the simple fact that they are fathers. I found myself drawn to this man in the sense that, sure, he was a good looking man, but that there he was, doing grocery shopping with his son on a Thursday night, and clearly having a good time to boot.

I continued thinking about it throughout the rest of the grocery store and I do recall several times seeing Mike with the kids, doing something cute, being affectionate and helpful, and me thinking "Look at him with the kids. What a wonderful daddy. Man, that's a turn-on!" And it's true -- that sort of thing is sure to earn points for the bedroom later on.

So for all the husbands that may read this -- remember, caring/generous/loving acts with the offspring will probably account for certains acts to be reciprocated back to you.

We're gonna laugh our asses off!

I'm very excited. My best friend has been telling me all about comedian Dane Cook. She called me the other morning, bursting with excitement. Turns out, Mr. Cook will be performing in Chicagoland next month.

So, in just 3 weeks time we'll enjoy a night out with my friend and her hubby, laughing our asses off. We're planning on going out for dinner beforehand and have a few cocktails (will surely heighten the mood and make things even damn funnier).

And this couldn't have been a better time, as it's 2 days after my birthday so it gives us even more reason to celebrate. :)

The Sopranos

I am a fairly new Sopranos addict. Have only been watching the last few seasons. It figures I'd get suckered in towards the end, and now here we are in it's final season.

I am a bit disappointed in tonight's episode. While my eyes burned with tears several times during the hour, I just couldn't fathom how this season is going to play out. Honestly, I'm not interested in watching the show progress with the other "family" members taking over Tony's "business" matters. How can they keep going with this for the remainder of the season?? I keep thinking in the back of my mind -- oh, Tony will get better in an episode or two and all will be well.

Except - I've had a feeling from the get-go that this show was going to go out in glory with Tony passing on. Because, let's face it folks - Tony is the show, and this being the final season and all ..... I just didn't expect him to go so soon in the season. So, I'm anxious to see how this is all going to pan out.

It's all about ME!

Since coming down with this nasty cold, I've been catching up on some reading. I had recently started Straight Talking by Jane Green and ended up finishing off the second half of the book last night in a couple hours time. I'm going to start another book, Mr. Maybe by the same author just as soon as I finish here. Brain food, I tell you. Reading is good for the soul.

And this weekend I treated myself to three new shirts and a pair of adorable wedge sandals. Hey - it was a present to myself for losing twenty-three pounds in the last 10 weeks. I swore I wasn't going to buy anything new as I went down sizes because - well - I'm not at my goal and I didn't want to "waste" the money when there was no guarantee how long I'd get to use the clothes. But, you change your mind when your self-esteem starts to get a boost, and you're feeling pretty good about yourself. So - I thought - WHAT THE HECK ..... and honestly, it's not like I spent a fortune. The sandals were a STEAL -- a whopping $12.98 at Burlington Coat Factory. And the three tops set me back about $37. So, pffffft ;P

So, yes, this weekend was a bit about me. Trying to get myself better by spending alot of time on my back in bed with my nose shoved in a book, and spending time in two different malls buying things for ME!! Not ONE other thing was purchased -- everything was for ME! And that NEVER happens. So maybe this post seems a bit self-centered .... and you know what, IT IS! But I deserve it, damnit!

Why is it so difficult for me?

It's 9:30 in the morning and I've been up for nearly 3 hours now thanks to my children. They are currently busy watching movies, but in no time it's going to be "Mommy, me want....." or "AHHHHH......DADA" (which Kaelynn has taking to calling EVERYONE).

I'd like to go to the mall to check out one particular store that sells "trendy" and "younger" style clothing that will actually fit me. I asked my best friend, but she's in a mood (don't blame her - I get the same way) and I won't go out otherwise.

I don't know why I do these things. Why can't I just go out myself with the kids? One reason - they are out of control and I feel like me, alone - as ONE single person cannot handle BOTH of them in public. I could be wrong, and they could be angels while we are out. Sometimes I think they act up so bad at home is because they are bored and are looking for new scenery. But on the other hand, I don't want to waste the time, energy and effort to pack them up, get somewhere, only to have to turn around because they are acting up.

It's going to be a long day. Mike is working til 8, which again, means that once he's home, the kids are already in bed. I should be happy that he'll have tomorrow off, and that I only have to get through today. I am their mother, so why is it such a "chore" to me to come up with something fun to do? I'm not always like this, but I feel like I am alot. I guess I'm very bitter about working a full time job myself during the week, only to "work" all weekend myself too.

The New Job

Mike officially started the new job on Monday. He'll be in training for 4 weeks. The schedule is a bit different from what it will be normally, but regardless, he's still got 1 day off during the weekend for the next 2 weeks. Once training is over, the schedule will resume to working every other day, meaning he'll have every other day off -- and again, that'll give him time off over the weekend. Something he rarely (most times, never) had.

We'll be without health insurance for a little while, which sucks, but hopefully we'll all remain healthy until the new insurance kicks in. For now, I'm under the weather. For the time being it seems it's just a cold - started last night with a sore throat. It's gotten worse and I feel absolutely awful tonight. It's going to be an early night for me, that's for sure.

Oh yes, it was Ladies Night

Friday was absolutely gorgeous outside. It's my early day at work, so I was off at 1pm. I rolled down the windows a bit, blasted the radio and felt great. Plus, I was already soaring over my week's loss of four pounds, bringing my total weight loss to 20 pounds gone.

I was in a damn good mood. I felt like dancing and was hardly able to contain myself in the car.

So I called my friend Katrina, and asked if she felt like going out that night. So, we made plans and went out to a bar about 9:30 that night.

It was a blast. I haven't gone out for a ladies night in ---- well, I don't think I've ever gone out on one since being married. I take that back - a couple times I went out for a dinner to celebrate birthdays with a friend, but never anything other than that.

It was incredible. I felt great, had a few drinks, got a little drunk and rolled in the house a little after 3 in the morning. :)

What a truly great night, though. I can't wait to go out again sometime!!!

American Idol - Top 12

I almost nailed it. I was wrong on 2, and they were ones I struggled with.

I couldn't quite pinpoint which would leave - Gedeon or Kevin, and Melissa or Ayla. Honestly, I thought Melissa should have gone first, but there's always next week.

I am a true American Idol geek.

Current favorites - Chris, Taylor, Katharine and Mandisa.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

The version by Bill Frisell is on the radio (for those of you that watch ER - it was played in the episode that Dr. Mark Green passed away).

I love the song, though it is sad as I now associate it with that famous ER episode in which I sobbed.

It makes me think of my Grams, too. I miss her.

American Idol

I feel I need to talk about it. I've watched every episode, every season (shut up now! don't make fun!), but this is the first season I've been having dreams that relate to the show.

Something is clearly wrong with me. :)

So...some of my thoughts. First and foremost -

Brenna -- summed up in two words. Good Riddance (I had originally typed up a long blurb about just how much I disliked her and why - but then I realized that she would probably enjoy the fact that people were taking the time to write about her)

David -- very sad to see him go. He was the local boy, from just a couple towns over, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He goes to school with my boss' daughter. And he had the voice of a crooner. I'm a big Dean Martin fan (as are BOTH of my children, and yes, they are only 4 and 20-months) - so his voice was clearly magical for that music genre.

"Sway" -- surprised that it was him instead of Kevin, honestly. But not shocked that he didn't make the top 12. I'd say Kevin may end up going home next week.

Heather -- just didn't do much for me. Not surprised to see her go either. Kinnik needs to step it up next week, but I don't see her as top 12 material.

My favorites -- Chris, Ace, Katharine, Lisa and Paris. Mandisa is up there, too (gotta support the BBW -- I know Rueben went on to win in season 2 and he was a big guy - but it seems big men are accepted more than women).

Overall this week I was not blown away by anyone's performance - even those of my favorites. And the judges were so right on many of them -- it was all about the song choices.

My prediction for the top 12, in no particular order:

1) Chris
2) Katharine
3) Ace
4) Lisa
5) Elliott
6) Paris
7) Bucky
8) Mandisa
9) Taylor
10) Kellie
11) Gedeon
12) Ayla

Whatever Will I Do?

Mike has tomorrow and Saturday off for this work week! Another day off on the :gasp: WEEKEND?!?

I'm elated. Once I get home from work tomorrow (it's my early day, so I'll be home at 2ish) - I'll have until Sunday afternoon with my hubby before he goes back to work.

We are planning on taking the kids to a children's expo on Saturday. Should be a good time for them. Then we'll take them to lunch somewhere - I'm hoping they'll be in the mood for something a little more than McDonald's. Like a casual, sit-down and eat real food kind of place. Don't get me wrong - I do like McDonald's - but I am trying to eat well and lose weight, and McD's does not help my hips. So, maybe we can manage something family friendly where I can find something on the menu that doesn't threaten to add the 16 pounds I've lost back on.

I'm very, very pleasantly happy with life at the moment. Weekend upon weekend upon weekend, I read and hear about other families and the activities they took part in - only to feel that myself and my children are missing out on so much. Yes, if I really wanted to, I could take them to the zoo myself, or out to lunch at some special overly-priced "theme" restaurant - but it's not the same. How can you fully enjoy something like that when part of the family is missing?

Secret

I haven't written about what happened with the other job after Mike heard from them over a week ago. Long story short - he was offered the job.

Starting pay is what he is currently making, and he was told "But I don't see you at that for very long." Unofficial start date is March 13, although, apparently they want him to start immediately.

Mike hasn't given notice to BS yet, though, as right now we do not know if he would be working for a franchisee, or for corporate. I'm not sure how this whole corporate/franchise thing works and I haven't been able to sit down with Mike to discuss things at length with him (I haven't seen him for more than 5 minutes since Sunday and we've only been able to exchange a few words here and there, the bulk of it being a brief 10 minute conversation while I was at the office today).

As always, I'm nervous. Any job change leaves me a little unnerved. While I welcome the change because of the hours (he would be working every other day, which in turn, means that he would have 1 day off every weekend), it still knots my stomach because of changes in insurance, new boss, etc.