Having been incredibly naive most of my life - at one point in time, I called everyone a friend...
As said in prior posts, my old boss, Andy, set me straight on that years ago. Everyone is an acquaintance until they've earned "FRIEND".
I've learned to not get so emotionally involved & to just sit back, watch & listen. This practice has done me incredibly well, and saved me from hurt feelings from time to time.
Maybe I'm confused because I don't play the game. I genuinely don't have ulterior motives & I'm not interested in stepping on someone face to get to the next "higher" place in society. I can't be bothered with the competitive nonsense. I am who I am - like me or not. If you're going to "choose up" in friendships because someone else seems to be more of something, or have more of something and you think you can shine in a different light - well go have fun with that. Clearly I've misjudged the situation.
I've learned that some people, no matter how much you trust them & think they are your friend - will shred you down to nothing to another friend the second you turn your back. Especially women!
This can be incredibly hurtful - especially in situations where you really think you can trust someone - and then you find out that they've teamed up in tearing you down - or speak badly, or make fun of you. Really?? Are we 12??
Yeah, I've had this happen. I may not say anything, but I'm very aware of what goes on around me. Learning experience.
I've always been of the opinion that girlfriends need to stick together and have each other's back. All the time, not just when we need something. Maybe that's just me and my sense of loyalty. When it comes to my friends, no one tears them down around me. At least not with me opening my mouth in their defense.
Life is hard! We need to build each other up, not tear each other down.
Everyone has stuff - some more than others and not every day is going to be sparkling and fantastic.
I've both been victim of "false friends" and I've seen some of my friends be torn down. It's so sad. What's really to be gained by pretending?
Personally, I'm happy with me and I know who my real friends are and those who are just going through the motions. It really is Ok - everyone needs to now where they stand.
If you feel like you're standing alone - come on over! The more the merrier! I may not be the richest, prettiest or have the most to offer - but I know friendship is a two way street.
I also know who my girlies are & they will always pick me up when I'm down & vice versa! And you know who you are :)
Have a wonderful and happy day full of peace and love!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Go pick on someone your own size!
As long as I do this, I don't think I'll ever completely get the hang of this & get a full grasp on what some of these little kids have endured.
With my own kids, I know what their basic imprint is & what their life experience has been to date - at least inside our home. Other kids, it's a whole new ball game.
I'm generally very soft spoken & gentle with the kids. I'm tough - well strict, but they always know that they're loved. Don't get me wrong - I'm by no means mommy of the year. I totally lose my cool from time to time & raise my voice. That totally gets their attention, at least it gets my kids' attention. They snap right to attention & know I mean business. With this little one - not so much.
She's a really sweet & good little girl, but this kid has been through more than I can understand or relate to. Some of her stuff, I get. As I'd said in the past - I didn't have a stellar home life growing up - but I also wasn't physically abused. At least not that I acknowledge.
I'm not a hitter. I don't feel it necessary. Like I said, I'm pretty strict - tough & tender. I was a single mom to my son for a long time & I had to be both mom & dad - it just carried forward. It's what works for me. Raising my voice, if I needed to, had always been enough.
Now with this little one, I'm pretty shell shocked for lack of a better term. She has melt downs daily, sometimes many times a day. Nothing I can't handle, really - been there, done that - but it's tiresome. This morning it was about her hair. I braided one side of her head & wanted to clip it back to make a pretty hair style & she flipped out. No trigger - she just flipped. I remained calm & gently told her to go sit on her bed until she calmed down & started to lead her to the room. She threw herself onto the floor & looked at me with fear in her eyes screaming as if she were waiting for a beating. Holy crap!
The only thing I could think of to do was to walk away & let her scream it out.
After she was done, she came to me and hugged me. We talked about what happened. I wanted to be very sure that she understood that neither I or anyone else in our house would ever hurt her.
How do you get used to that kind of thing?
Abuse is something I still can't wrap my head around - especially when you're looking at this little person who is just so beautiful and good & just wants to be loved.
All kids can be a total pain in the butt! That's their job, but beating them into submission? I'll never understand that. It makes me sad and upset to see someone so little expect to be abused, because that's what she's used to.
It's hard, in this day and age, to be aware of things. Some things are blatant and we still miss them. Most of the time we want to mind our own business. What's the right thing to do? I'm surely still learning.
"I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier..." ~Whitney Houston - Greatest Love of All
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
With my own kids, I know what their basic imprint is & what their life experience has been to date - at least inside our home. Other kids, it's a whole new ball game.
I'm generally very soft spoken & gentle with the kids. I'm tough - well strict, but they always know that they're loved. Don't get me wrong - I'm by no means mommy of the year. I totally lose my cool from time to time & raise my voice. That totally gets their attention, at least it gets my kids' attention. They snap right to attention & know I mean business. With this little one - not so much.
She's a really sweet & good little girl, but this kid has been through more than I can understand or relate to. Some of her stuff, I get. As I'd said in the past - I didn't have a stellar home life growing up - but I also wasn't physically abused. At least not that I acknowledge.
I'm not a hitter. I don't feel it necessary. Like I said, I'm pretty strict - tough & tender. I was a single mom to my son for a long time & I had to be both mom & dad - it just carried forward. It's what works for me. Raising my voice, if I needed to, had always been enough.
Now with this little one, I'm pretty shell shocked for lack of a better term. She has melt downs daily, sometimes many times a day. Nothing I can't handle, really - been there, done that - but it's tiresome. This morning it was about her hair. I braided one side of her head & wanted to clip it back to make a pretty hair style & she flipped out. No trigger - she just flipped. I remained calm & gently told her to go sit on her bed until she calmed down & started to lead her to the room. She threw herself onto the floor & looked at me with fear in her eyes screaming as if she were waiting for a beating. Holy crap!
The only thing I could think of to do was to walk away & let her scream it out.
After she was done, she came to me and hugged me. We talked about what happened. I wanted to be very sure that she understood that neither I or anyone else in our house would ever hurt her.
How do you get used to that kind of thing?
Abuse is something I still can't wrap my head around - especially when you're looking at this little person who is just so beautiful and good & just wants to be loved.
All kids can be a total pain in the butt! That's their job, but beating them into submission? I'll never understand that. It makes me sad and upset to see someone so little expect to be abused, because that's what she's used to.
It's hard, in this day and age, to be aware of things. Some things are blatant and we still miss them. Most of the time we want to mind our own business. What's the right thing to do? I'm surely still learning.
"I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier..." ~Whitney Houston - Greatest Love of All
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pet Peeve of the day...
There's truly nothing that annoys me more than what I call "What time is it, is that a clock on the wall?" type of question....
WHY, if you CLEARLY and OBVIOUSLY know the answer to a question, would you continue to ask it? Are you expecting a different answer??
I get it with kids. Kids are seeking perpetual attention and will ask you three seconds after someone else asks what's for dinner, "Are we having spaghetti for dinner?"
I could really roll with the sarcasm on that - but I remember I'm dealing with children & respond correctly.
This feeling also goes for that contemptible question... What have you been doing all day??
Well shucks, honey. It's a darn good thing you came home when you did. Had you been here 10 minutes earlier, you'd have caught all of the magic fairies cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning the house and chasing the children around while my personal masseuse was packing up his belongings before you got here & giving me exactly 10 minutes to look busy...
Oh my gosh....
Mind you, I work outside of the home AND still continue to do "my" house "duties". That question "what have you been doing all day?" sounds more like - Why is your lazy butt still planted on the couch? I clearly don't have my slippers & paper in hand yet or dinner in front of me.
I'm pretty sure that stay at home moms feel the same way. Trust me - staying home, not easy! You could clean your floors & dust every square inch of a room and within seconds small children will have spewed Cheerios, milk, juice & any toy that has a million little pieces EVERYWHERE - and then you need to clean it up again. So when Daddy comes home & sees the mess everywhere - it's only because Mommy got sick of cleaning the same mess 5 times & just let it ride...
I am, of course, exaggerating some (but just some) for effect. My husband does appreciate what I do around here and vice versa. Every once in a while (like today) he spews ridiculousness like how he's ALWAYS been the one to do the grocery shopping sets me off & opens the current can of whoop ass that I am currently unleashing in my blog.
So in case you haven't noticed - and you are a male reading this... "What have you been doing all day?" - NOT the question you want to ask if you want to keep a smiling wife.
Remember, just because you don't actually see it happening - doesn't mean it's not being done :)
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
WHY, if you CLEARLY and OBVIOUSLY know the answer to a question, would you continue to ask it? Are you expecting a different answer??
I get it with kids. Kids are seeking perpetual attention and will ask you three seconds after someone else asks what's for dinner, "Are we having spaghetti for dinner?"
I could really roll with the sarcasm on that - but I remember I'm dealing with children & respond correctly.
This feeling also goes for that contemptible question... What have you been doing all day??
Well shucks, honey. It's a darn good thing you came home when you did. Had you been here 10 minutes earlier, you'd have caught all of the magic fairies cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning the house and chasing the children around while my personal masseuse was packing up his belongings before you got here & giving me exactly 10 minutes to look busy...
Oh my gosh....
Mind you, I work outside of the home AND still continue to do "my" house "duties". That question "what have you been doing all day?" sounds more like - Why is your lazy butt still planted on the couch? I clearly don't have my slippers & paper in hand yet or dinner in front of me.
I'm pretty sure that stay at home moms feel the same way. Trust me - staying home, not easy! You could clean your floors & dust every square inch of a room and within seconds small children will have spewed Cheerios, milk, juice & any toy that has a million little pieces EVERYWHERE - and then you need to clean it up again. So when Daddy comes home & sees the mess everywhere - it's only because Mommy got sick of cleaning the same mess 5 times & just let it ride...
I am, of course, exaggerating some (but just some) for effect. My husband does appreciate what I do around here and vice versa. Every once in a while (like today) he spews ridiculousness like how he's ALWAYS been the one to do the grocery shopping sets me off & opens the current can of whoop ass that I am currently unleashing in my blog.
So in case you haven't noticed - and you are a male reading this... "What have you been doing all day?" - NOT the question you want to ask if you want to keep a smiling wife.
Remember, just because you don't actually see it happening - doesn't mean it's not being done :)
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Why can't we all just get along?
Our family camps. In a camper, of course... My tenting days are longggg over...
When we first got our camper, we had friends who also camped regularly. They also had small children, so camping together was easy & fun. The kids did their thing, we did our thing & everyone was happy.
They've since SOLD THEIR CAMPER on us (had to throw that in there), but we've forgiven them and love them anyway. They were also foster parents, who had the opportunity to adopt their precious little angels.
One specific camping trip, it rained and we weren't as prepared as we ought to be. Heather and I set out, with her littlest in tow - in the middle of bumble butt nowhere, to find a Walmart where we could buy an E-Z Up.
So here we are traipsing through Walmart, with her little guy in the cart. Killing time, really. She went in one direction and I went in the other with her little guy. Suddenly, I noticed that I was getting really ugly looks from some of the other patrons. I couldn't figure out what was going on... I mean yeah, we were camping - but I did shower. I ignored it and moved on. WTH?
When I found Heather, I mentioned to her that people were giving me dirty looks - were my boobs hanging out, was I dirty, did I smell?? What?? Then she told me she gets that all the time. I still didn't get it right away, then it hit me... people were giving me dirty looks because I was a white woman pushing around a black baby. REALLY people??? REALLY??? I was horrified! He's the most beautiful, kind heart and loving little boy you'd ever met. You can't help but fall in love with this kid! I couldn't get over it!
I could be mistaken - but I thought we were in the millennium not 1960 anything... I can't believe that people are still so ignorant and hateful. Especially when a child is involved!
So, being the perpetual ball buster that I am, I did the only thing that I could think of to give them something more to look at & talk about... I grabbed Heather's arm and pretended to be her wife. I put my head on her shoulder & looked at her with love eyes. We chatted on & talked about what a blessing our son was to be sure those ignorant people got a good ear full! It really was entirely too much & overly cheesy - no one acts like that - but these ignorant folks certainly took the bait. I swear I wanted to give them the one finger salute, I was so annoyed - but why stoop to their level.
I hope no one is offended by my candor. If you've been reading long enough, you should expect blunt from me.
What I'm trying to say here is that people are people. It doesn't matter what size, shape, color, religion, sexual preference, whatever! It's about acceptance!
As I've said before, please allow me to turn that little mirror of judgement around so you could see yourself better...
Can't we all just get along??
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
When we first got our camper, we had friends who also camped regularly. They also had small children, so camping together was easy & fun. The kids did their thing, we did our thing & everyone was happy.
They've since SOLD THEIR CAMPER on us (had to throw that in there), but we've forgiven them and love them anyway. They were also foster parents, who had the opportunity to adopt their precious little angels.
One specific camping trip, it rained and we weren't as prepared as we ought to be. Heather and I set out, with her littlest in tow - in the middle of bumble butt nowhere, to find a Walmart where we could buy an E-Z Up.
So here we are traipsing through Walmart, with her little guy in the cart. Killing time, really. She went in one direction and I went in the other with her little guy. Suddenly, I noticed that I was getting really ugly looks from some of the other patrons. I couldn't figure out what was going on... I mean yeah, we were camping - but I did shower. I ignored it and moved on. WTH?
When I found Heather, I mentioned to her that people were giving me dirty looks - were my boobs hanging out, was I dirty, did I smell?? What?? Then she told me she gets that all the time. I still didn't get it right away, then it hit me... people were giving me dirty looks because I was a white woman pushing around a black baby. REALLY people??? REALLY??? I was horrified! He's the most beautiful, kind heart and loving little boy you'd ever met. You can't help but fall in love with this kid! I couldn't get over it!
I could be mistaken - but I thought we were in the millennium not 1960 anything... I can't believe that people are still so ignorant and hateful. Especially when a child is involved!
So, being the perpetual ball buster that I am, I did the only thing that I could think of to give them something more to look at & talk about... I grabbed Heather's arm and pretended to be her wife. I put my head on her shoulder & looked at her with love eyes. We chatted on & talked about what a blessing our son was to be sure those ignorant people got a good ear full! It really was entirely too much & overly cheesy - no one acts like that - but these ignorant folks certainly took the bait. I swear I wanted to give them the one finger salute, I was so annoyed - but why stoop to their level.
I hope no one is offended by my candor. If you've been reading long enough, you should expect blunt from me.
What I'm trying to say here is that people are people. It doesn't matter what size, shape, color, religion, sexual preference, whatever! It's about acceptance!
As I've said before, please allow me to turn that little mirror of judgement around so you could see yourself better...
Can't we all just get along??
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Monday, November 14, 2011
Bully, Bully - Go Away!
Dedicated to all those who have been bullied, or pushed around in any way...
I've never been one to push people around, well - except maybe my little brothers growing up - but that was a pecking order issue :) I've always tried to be a person who didn't let others get pushed around.
What's with the idea of control that makes some individuals need to make others smaller to make themselves bigger? Why hurt another person? What could possibly be gained? I don't get it.
Once upon a time, I was in a relationship where I wasn't treated properly. Bullied for lack of full disclosure. I'm a strong minded individual - but it's amazing how someone could really tear you down and make you believe that you're less. Even someone as strong minded as I am was sucked in and dragged down.
It took a lot to get myself back to a place where I knew I was good again, and at that time my line became "I'm sorry you're feeling small today, but you're not taking me with you."
I was able to get out of that mess, but I still question how I was able to be pulled down to that level. It's also one of the biggest reasons I don't like to see others hurt, bullied or treated less. No one deserves it & once you get sucked in - it's a downward spiral.
Don't let anyone drag you down! Everyone has worth. Everyone has good within them. No one deserves to be torn down.
The most powerful words that I've ever heard to save yourself from any type of negative situation...
"If you're strong enough to stay, you're strong enough to go."
I wish you peace.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
I've never been one to push people around, well - except maybe my little brothers growing up - but that was a pecking order issue :) I've always tried to be a person who didn't let others get pushed around.
What's with the idea of control that makes some individuals need to make others smaller to make themselves bigger? Why hurt another person? What could possibly be gained? I don't get it.
Once upon a time, I was in a relationship where I wasn't treated properly. Bullied for lack of full disclosure. I'm a strong minded individual - but it's amazing how someone could really tear you down and make you believe that you're less. Even someone as strong minded as I am was sucked in and dragged down.
It took a lot to get myself back to a place where I knew I was good again, and at that time my line became "I'm sorry you're feeling small today, but you're not taking me with you."
I was able to get out of that mess, but I still question how I was able to be pulled down to that level. It's also one of the biggest reasons I don't like to see others hurt, bullied or treated less. No one deserves it & once you get sucked in - it's a downward spiral.
Don't let anyone drag you down! Everyone has worth. Everyone has good within them. No one deserves to be torn down.
The most powerful words that I've ever heard to save yourself from any type of negative situation...
"If you're strong enough to stay, you're strong enough to go."
I wish you peace.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Thursday, November 10, 2011
More lawn references... (I can't awlays be witty, lol)
For any of you who may be truly concerned about the information I post on my blogs, thank you - you're sweet. I know this is the "world wide web" the internet, the information highway & nothing is private, secret or confidential - it's all out there for the world to see...
That said, yeah - my husband does occasionally read my blog and sees all I have to say. I have nothing to hide.
We all have a past, present - hopes and dreams & he is aware of them all. No secrets - no lies. It's what works best. I'm also not smart (or energetic) enough to keep up with the secrets & lies game even if I wanted to play! It's more trouble than it's worth, if ya ask me!
I am lucky to be able to say that I married my best friend. We talk. Yeah - maybe some details are only meant for the girls (he doesn't want to hear it anyway, lol) but it's out there long before it's out here.
This is important to me.
I truly believe that when you work to build a life with someone, it needs to mean something. It's important and you give it all to build it stronger, there's nothing worth tearing it down.
Marriage is hard. Every relationship in life has it's ups and downs, and at some point the other individual in the relationship is going to do something to piss you off! Heck - even the dog pees on the rug sometimes out of spite. That doesn't mean you go out and get a new dog. You clean it up!
Nothing is perfect all the time, every day. There will always be bumps in the road. Lord knows that every day of our life isn't always filled with sunshine & flowers. We've been through a lot, but it's the plowing forward up and through the tough stuff that helps to build things stronger. Not starting all over again!
The grass may look greener on the other side, it always does. You may want to roll around in that other grass - but I assure you, that grass will get matted down and unattractive from time to time too. Then when you look really close - there will be weeds & crab grass!
So quit looking at your neighbor's lawn! There's more in there than you even want to know about!
Fertilize the lawn you worked for. Care for it and cut back the dead stuff so the new stuff can grow up strong and healthy.
It's way easier & more satisfying to just roll up your sleeves & put a little work into what you've neglected than having to start over with a pile of dirt & seed.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
That said, yeah - my husband does occasionally read my blog and sees all I have to say. I have nothing to hide.
We all have a past, present - hopes and dreams & he is aware of them all. No secrets - no lies. It's what works best. I'm also not smart (or energetic) enough to keep up with the secrets & lies game even if I wanted to play! It's more trouble than it's worth, if ya ask me!
I am lucky to be able to say that I married my best friend. We talk. Yeah - maybe some details are only meant for the girls (he doesn't want to hear it anyway, lol) but it's out there long before it's out here.
This is important to me.
I truly believe that when you work to build a life with someone, it needs to mean something. It's important and you give it all to build it stronger, there's nothing worth tearing it down.
Marriage is hard. Every relationship in life has it's ups and downs, and at some point the other individual in the relationship is going to do something to piss you off! Heck - even the dog pees on the rug sometimes out of spite. That doesn't mean you go out and get a new dog. You clean it up!
Nothing is perfect all the time, every day. There will always be bumps in the road. Lord knows that every day of our life isn't always filled with sunshine & flowers. We've been through a lot, but it's the plowing forward up and through the tough stuff that helps to build things stronger. Not starting all over again!
The grass may look greener on the other side, it always does. You may want to roll around in that other grass - but I assure you, that grass will get matted down and unattractive from time to time too. Then when you look really close - there will be weeds & crab grass!
So quit looking at your neighbor's lawn! There's more in there than you even want to know about!
Fertilize the lawn you worked for. Care for it and cut back the dead stuff so the new stuff can grow up strong and healthy.
It's way easier & more satisfying to just roll up your sleeves & put a little work into what you've neglected than having to start over with a pile of dirt & seed.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Dancing to the beat of a different drummer
I am not normal!
There I said it. Whew, that's a relief! What is "normal" anyway?? Isn't it relative??
I definitely have different ways of thinking and saying things that sometimes make people shake their head, or laugh with an "Ohhh, Jenn."
I will state flat out - I am a believer. I believe in the power of God and I believe that He has a master plan for me and I believe that He sent His son Jesus Christ to save me from my sins. I believe that the only way to the Father is through the Son. I believe in the Bible & what it teaches.
I also believe in ghosts. Well, spirits left behind. I believe this very specifically because when I was younger, my dad's house was seriously haunted. To this, I have several witnesses. I loved my dad and all, but if I was going to his house for the weekend - I was taking friends with me so I didn't have to sleep in my room alone! (please feel free to chime in, you know who you are) It was seriously creepy! I don't understand it, but I believe it.
Because I believe in God, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, I also believe in Heaven. However, I believe that I will need to wait on line before I can get in. I know I'm going, I just think the Big Guy is going to have quite a lot to say to me. There will be others with less to account for, and others with more - but this is my mental picture. Sort of like the waiting room in the movie Beatlejuice, but absolutely incredible. It's OK if I need to wait on line - because not only is time relative, but I KNOW there's dancing in Heaven! I love to dance!! I'm quite sure that while I'm on line, I will be dancing with the angels & best of all I'll get to speak directly with God. I believe it all to be wonderful.
Both of these things, I've gotten the head shake & the words "that's not Biblical" and yes, I know - but this is a way better line of thinking than others. I also think that even God shakes His head & laughs. After all - He is fully responsible for my sense of humor. Thank you Big Guy, You rock! :)
I do also believe that when I do get my chance to come face to face with the Almighty, that I will drop to my knees and be in total awe.
He has given me a lot to be thankful for & one of them is that I am NOT at all normal!
And I am thankful for all of you...
~Jenn
There I said it. Whew, that's a relief! What is "normal" anyway?? Isn't it relative??
I definitely have different ways of thinking and saying things that sometimes make people shake their head, or laugh with an "Ohhh, Jenn."
I will state flat out - I am a believer. I believe in the power of God and I believe that He has a master plan for me and I believe that He sent His son Jesus Christ to save me from my sins. I believe that the only way to the Father is through the Son. I believe in the Bible & what it teaches.
I also believe in ghosts. Well, spirits left behind. I believe this very specifically because when I was younger, my dad's house was seriously haunted. To this, I have several witnesses. I loved my dad and all, but if I was going to his house for the weekend - I was taking friends with me so I didn't have to sleep in my room alone! (please feel free to chime in, you know who you are) It was seriously creepy! I don't understand it, but I believe it.
Because I believe in God, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, I also believe in Heaven. However, I believe that I will need to wait on line before I can get in. I know I'm going, I just think the Big Guy is going to have quite a lot to say to me. There will be others with less to account for, and others with more - but this is my mental picture. Sort of like the waiting room in the movie Beatlejuice, but absolutely incredible. It's OK if I need to wait on line - because not only is time relative, but I KNOW there's dancing in Heaven! I love to dance!! I'm quite sure that while I'm on line, I will be dancing with the angels & best of all I'll get to speak directly with God. I believe it all to be wonderful.
Both of these things, I've gotten the head shake & the words "that's not Biblical" and yes, I know - but this is a way better line of thinking than others. I also think that even God shakes His head & laughs. After all - He is fully responsible for my sense of humor. Thank you Big Guy, You rock! :)
I do also believe that when I do get my chance to come face to face with the Almighty, that I will drop to my knees and be in total awe.
He has given me a lot to be thankful for & one of them is that I am NOT at all normal!
And I am thankful for all of you...
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
New Jersey - Winter in October (yuck)
I know that snow in October is not so unusual for some of you in other areas of the country or world.
Here in New Jersey we do not, ever, expect a major snow storm in October. Especially not one that dumps over 19" of very wet, heavy snow! January, of course. December, Ok. November, rarely. But October NEVER!
For me, it's incredibly unwelcome!
I've made my opinion on snow very clear a few posts back. As great a lodge bunny as I make, I don't ski, I don't like winter sports & I don't like to be cold. Kinda stinks when you live within a 20 minute drive to about 4 ski areas (that I can think of off the top of my head). Gimme my beach, sun & frosty beverage!
The children were in absolute awe over the big chunky flakes that kept falling. They were absolutely joyous on the thought of building snowmen & trudging around in the cold wet stuff.
Me? I watched the high winds blow & the snow fall while watching the power lines sway. The heavy chunks of snow weighed them down and then fell off in large blobs. At the same time I counted power surges and kept my fingers crossed that power would remain. Thankfully it did.
This was no average snow storm. 19" of heavy, wet snow and high winds, while leaves are still on the trees led way to downed trees, large branches and downed power lines. Over 500 thousand homes in New Jersey are still without power since Saturday. Over 300 thousand in Connecticut & over 200 thousand in New York - still without power, five days later. Comparably - some say it's worse than the recent Hurricane Irene that blew through just a few short months ago.
Luckily, and thank You Lord - we were spared much damage. I, for sure, lost my very pretty Red Maple out front (at the peak of it's beauty) and our daughter's swing set was victim to a rather large tree branch - but we kept power & heat. Many of my friends remain in the dark (and cold).
We Jersey folk aren't wimps by any stretch of the imagination. We can hang with the best of 'em - but we're definitely being tested!
To my local friends in the dark - if you need me, let me know. (For one of my friend, who will know exactly who she is when she reads this, No fishing! Just spit it out. I don't catch on - lol)
In all seriousness, my house is your house - what's mine is yours - if you need, let me know.
Here's to a speedy end of this early winter & the white stuff!
Stay warm!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Here in New Jersey we do not, ever, expect a major snow storm in October. Especially not one that dumps over 19" of very wet, heavy snow! January, of course. December, Ok. November, rarely. But October NEVER!
For me, it's incredibly unwelcome!
I've made my opinion on snow very clear a few posts back. As great a lodge bunny as I make, I don't ski, I don't like winter sports & I don't like to be cold. Kinda stinks when you live within a 20 minute drive to about 4 ski areas (that I can think of off the top of my head). Gimme my beach, sun & frosty beverage!
The children were in absolute awe over the big chunky flakes that kept falling. They were absolutely joyous on the thought of building snowmen & trudging around in the cold wet stuff.
Me? I watched the high winds blow & the snow fall while watching the power lines sway. The heavy chunks of snow weighed them down and then fell off in large blobs. At the same time I counted power surges and kept my fingers crossed that power would remain. Thankfully it did.
This was no average snow storm. 19" of heavy, wet snow and high winds, while leaves are still on the trees led way to downed trees, large branches and downed power lines. Over 500 thousand homes in New Jersey are still without power since Saturday. Over 300 thousand in Connecticut & over 200 thousand in New York - still without power, five days later. Comparably - some say it's worse than the recent Hurricane Irene that blew through just a few short months ago.
Luckily, and thank You Lord - we were spared much damage. I, for sure, lost my very pretty Red Maple out front (at the peak of it's beauty) and our daughter's swing set was victim to a rather large tree branch - but we kept power & heat. Many of my friends remain in the dark (and cold).
We Jersey folk aren't wimps by any stretch of the imagination. We can hang with the best of 'em - but we're definitely being tested!
To my local friends in the dark - if you need me, let me know. (For one of my friend, who will know exactly who she is when she reads this, No fishing! Just spit it out. I don't catch on - lol)
In all seriousness, my house is your house - what's mine is yours - if you need, let me know.
Here's to a speedy end of this early winter & the white stuff!
Stay warm!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Nothing is perfect... and that's Ok
I saw a positing on Facebook a few weeks back, which was very funny....
It went something like "Ahhh Facebook - the place where everything is wonderful, everyone's spouse and children are perfect and the world is a beautiful place."
I totally get the humor in that - because it is true, but that's really not such a bad thing!
I believe that anyone could talk themselves into anything if you say it enough. Seriously - what better therapy? There's enough crap in the world trying to drag you down - so why not focus on the positive? Yeah, your husband could totally piss you off and you could want to trip him as he walks by & you could piss & moan and complain about it - or you could say how absolutely wonderful your husband is. Which will snap you out of it quicker?? See?? Not so bad!
Nothing is perfect - not on this planet anyway. How could you ever appreciate the best of the best without experiencing the worst of the worst?
If you're going through hell - you may as well talk about how delicious your chocolate ice cream cone is. After all, doesn't chocolate make everything better anyway??
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
It went something like "Ahhh Facebook - the place where everything is wonderful, everyone's spouse and children are perfect and the world is a beautiful place."
I totally get the humor in that - because it is true, but that's really not such a bad thing!
I believe that anyone could talk themselves into anything if you say it enough. Seriously - what better therapy? There's enough crap in the world trying to drag you down - so why not focus on the positive? Yeah, your husband could totally piss you off and you could want to trip him as he walks by & you could piss & moan and complain about it - or you could say how absolutely wonderful your husband is. Which will snap you out of it quicker?? See?? Not so bad!
Nothing is perfect - not on this planet anyway. How could you ever appreciate the best of the best without experiencing the worst of the worst?
If you're going through hell - you may as well talk about how delicious your chocolate ice cream cone is. After all, doesn't chocolate make everything better anyway??
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Bye, bye for now sandals & flip flops :(
Well, tonight is the long awaited Halloween party of the year (adults only) and I've been "ordered to rest" by my husband since I've been under the weather all week.
Of course, being the stubborn, rebellious female I am... I realized - I need to switch over my shoes!
Sadly, the thermostat has dipped below 60 (boo hiss) my summertime fun officially over & sandal season shall be switched to boot season.
First, I might add - I had a shoe casualty on my cruise... Sad, sad day - my very favorite pair of strappy dress sandals snapped - and I was told that I may shoe shop! Woo hoo - I've actually been given PERMISSION to shoe shop.
So this morning, whilst resting with my computer on my lap I ordered 3 pairs of boots and a replacement pair of strappy sandals!! I am now off to move my pretty, pretty sandals up to the top of my closet and my boots etc to the lower level & make room for their new friends!
Yeah, I'm still not quite feeling up to par (still working on it) but I ask...what better therapy than retail therapy??
Enjoy your day & thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Of course, being the stubborn, rebellious female I am... I realized - I need to switch over my shoes!
Sadly, the thermostat has dipped below 60 (boo hiss) my summertime fun officially over & sandal season shall be switched to boot season.
First, I might add - I had a shoe casualty on my cruise... Sad, sad day - my very favorite pair of strappy dress sandals snapped - and I was told that I may shoe shop! Woo hoo - I've actually been given PERMISSION to shoe shop.
So this morning, whilst resting with my computer on my lap I ordered 3 pairs of boots and a replacement pair of strappy sandals!! I am now off to move my pretty, pretty sandals up to the top of my closet and my boots etc to the lower level & make room for their new friends!
Yeah, I'm still not quite feeling up to par (still working on it) but I ask...what better therapy than retail therapy??
Enjoy your day & thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Friday, October 21, 2011
All I have to do is dream, dream, dream....
Wow, I've had some incredibly bizarre dreams lately!
For the few months prior to and the few weeks after my birthday, I've been in both melt down and nostalgia mode. Good in some ways, not so much in others. My thoughts and memories have definitely incorporated themselves into my dreams.
This past week alone, I've had 3 memory dreams (with an extra added dose of bizarre) and one very cool dream about my brother and dads. My dreams are always very vivid & I remember quite a bit of them. So much so that when I wake, I'm not quite sure if it was real. I can become overly emotional and maybe a little sad - but afterward I embraced my dream as a gift.
Sometimes they are so wonderful that I try to go back to sleep to pick up where I left off.
How awesome is it that you can go to sleep and frolic with childhood friends, lost loves & those who have passed on. I awoke with a smile several mornings in a row. It was hard to shake the cobwebs out & realize that it really was just a dream - or the gift of someone always being in your heart, on your mind & deep in the recesses of your mind - only to re-appear during R.E.M.
To the stars of my twilight, thank you for your appearances...I miss you in my waking, but I know...
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
For the few months prior to and the few weeks after my birthday, I've been in both melt down and nostalgia mode. Good in some ways, not so much in others. My thoughts and memories have definitely incorporated themselves into my dreams.
This past week alone, I've had 3 memory dreams (with an extra added dose of bizarre) and one very cool dream about my brother and dads. My dreams are always very vivid & I remember quite a bit of them. So much so that when I wake, I'm not quite sure if it was real. I can become overly emotional and maybe a little sad - but afterward I embraced my dream as a gift.
Sometimes they are so wonderful that I try to go back to sleep to pick up where I left off.
How awesome is it that you can go to sleep and frolic with childhood friends, lost loves & those who have passed on. I awoke with a smile several mornings in a row. It was hard to shake the cobwebs out & realize that it really was just a dream - or the gift of someone always being in your heart, on your mind & deep in the recesses of your mind - only to re-appear during R.E.M.
To the stars of my twilight, thank you for your appearances...I miss you in my waking, but I know...
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Drea-ea-ea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sunburn tips, from the locals...
Of course, no matter where I go away from Jersey I get a "you're not from around here, are ya?"
This time, sunburn was my glaring abnormality. Yeah, there were probably others. (no comments from the peanut gallery) This is the only I'm absolutely sure of!
Unlike my husband, who tans just by sitting under a reading lamp, I am a fair skinned woman of Dutch / German decent. I burn. I could put on sunblock 75 & still burn (fry)... It is what it is. AND with my medication, I'm not supposed to be in the sun. So yeah, I looked like a lobster after floating on my raft in the Caribbean.
So here I am back in Cocoa Beach - on line in Walgreens with ice cream for my family & I get the "you're not from around here, are ya?" At first the woman, very politely said - your accent sounds like your from New York (ahhhhhhhhhhh) Nope, Jersey... then she gave me the tip I'd never ever received before!
DANDRUFF SHAMPOO!!
No, not because I was scratching at my head or flaking on people, lol. Dandruff shampoo helps your skin to not peel when you get a sun burn!! I never thought of that - it prevents flaking & peeling and I might add, it was quite soothing.
The brand she specifically recommended was Neutrogena T-Sal - which I purchased when I got home.
I'm happy to report, my sunburn has turned into a pretty golden tan. I didn't flake or peel AND the "sal" portion of the T-Sal is salicylate (ingredient in aspirin) which took any pain away.
So I share with you all this nugget of wisdom I learned.
Thank you to the lovely woman on line at Walgreens in Cocoa Beach!!
As always, thank you all for reading my blog!
~Jenn
This time, sunburn was my glaring abnormality. Yeah, there were probably others. (no comments from the peanut gallery) This is the only I'm absolutely sure of!
Unlike my husband, who tans just by sitting under a reading lamp, I am a fair skinned woman of Dutch / German decent. I burn. I could put on sunblock 75 & still burn (fry)... It is what it is. AND with my medication, I'm not supposed to be in the sun. So yeah, I looked like a lobster after floating on my raft in the Caribbean.
So here I am back in Cocoa Beach - on line in Walgreens with ice cream for my family & I get the "you're not from around here, are ya?" At first the woman, very politely said - your accent sounds like your from New York (ahhhhhhhhhhh) Nope, Jersey... then she gave me the tip I'd never ever received before!
DANDRUFF SHAMPOO!!
No, not because I was scratching at my head or flaking on people, lol. Dandruff shampoo helps your skin to not peel when you get a sun burn!! I never thought of that - it prevents flaking & peeling and I might add, it was quite soothing.
The brand she specifically recommended was Neutrogena T-Sal - which I purchased when I got home.
I'm happy to report, my sunburn has turned into a pretty golden tan. I didn't flake or peel AND the "sal" portion of the T-Sal is salicylate (ingredient in aspirin) which took any pain away.
So I share with you all this nugget of wisdom I learned.
Thank you to the lovely woman on line at Walgreens in Cocoa Beach!!
As always, thank you all for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sailing, Sailing over the ocean blue.......
Can I just say ... I love cruising!
Since we arrived in Florida during a tropical storm, our first day on the ship was in port - followed by a very rough day at sea. That said there were a lot of eh hem... sick folks.
Not us! We got up, showered (that was an interesting experience), threw on our little wrist bands and ate breakfast. Immediately following breakfast, a Margarita. I throw this out at the risk of getting a good ribbing from friends & family - however, nothing makes potential sea sick go away like a Margarita. Not sure if it's the tequila or salt... Oh who am I kidding, of course it was the tequila.
We cruised on the Disney Dream. Beautiful ship!
Before any of my fellow "adults" think, silly wabbit - Disney's for kids - can I just tell you that you can go the entire cruise without seeing the "giant mouse" - and you can see him & his friends every day if you want also. Since our CeCe girl was with us, we had to see the giant mouse and his cronies several times - but I'm secretly 12, so that was fine by me.
There are plenty of child free zones & plenty of places where the kids actually want to be away from parents... Really! And the food... AMAZING!! Everything was clean, my drink was never empty & everyone was happy!
What more could you ask for?
So now it's back to reality... Still land sick - that only means one thing to me.... Time to plan my next cruise!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Since we arrived in Florida during a tropical storm, our first day on the ship was in port - followed by a very rough day at sea. That said there were a lot of eh hem... sick folks.
Not us! We got up, showered (that was an interesting experience), threw on our little wrist bands and ate breakfast. Immediately following breakfast, a Margarita. I throw this out at the risk of getting a good ribbing from friends & family - however, nothing makes potential sea sick go away like a Margarita. Not sure if it's the tequila or salt... Oh who am I kidding, of course it was the tequila.
We cruised on the Disney Dream. Beautiful ship!
Before any of my fellow "adults" think, silly wabbit - Disney's for kids - can I just tell you that you can go the entire cruise without seeing the "giant mouse" - and you can see him & his friends every day if you want also. Since our CeCe girl was with us, we had to see the giant mouse and his cronies several times - but I'm secretly 12, so that was fine by me.
There are plenty of child free zones & plenty of places where the kids actually want to be away from parents... Really! And the food... AMAZING!! Everything was clean, my drink was never empty & everyone was happy!
What more could you ask for?
So now it's back to reality... Still land sick - that only means one thing to me.... Time to plan my next cruise!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thinking of yourself less than others....
I don't know why people continue to amaze me...
It's prior to 6 am on a weekday morning at Orlando International Airport. I, of course, need to use the ladies room. From my stall I hear a woman with a southern accent absolutely berating the Spanish cleaning woman in the bathroom.
The woman began speaking loudly, as if the woman not understanding English made her deaf, and I hear, "don't you understand - there are cockroaches flying around out in the open area landing on me and my food - what are you going to do about it?" She went on with - "what do you mean you don't understand cockroach? It's nasty that cockroaches are flying around while I'm eating."
I'm thinking... Cockroaches fly and land on people??
As if this poor cleaning lady had the authority (or desire) to allow this rude woman to be free of flying insects... and the woman continued on & on, ending with - "I'm a good Christian woman - I deserve better than this...."
Really??? Because she sounded much more like a spoiled brat to me...
Part of me wanted to find this woman and call her out for calling herself a "good Christian woman" after the way she berated that poor woman, but I do know that would make me no better - the best I could do is smile to the poor cleaning lady and say thank you.
All I could think about was "Do unto others as you'd have done to you."
A little kindness goes a long way, and rude and ignorant generally go hand in hand.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
It's prior to 6 am on a weekday morning at Orlando International Airport. I, of course, need to use the ladies room. From my stall I hear a woman with a southern accent absolutely berating the Spanish cleaning woman in the bathroom.
The woman began speaking loudly, as if the woman not understanding English made her deaf, and I hear, "don't you understand - there are cockroaches flying around out in the open area landing on me and my food - what are you going to do about it?" She went on with - "what do you mean you don't understand cockroach? It's nasty that cockroaches are flying around while I'm eating."
I'm thinking... Cockroaches fly and land on people??
As if this poor cleaning lady had the authority (or desire) to allow this rude woman to be free of flying insects... and the woman continued on & on, ending with - "I'm a good Christian woman - I deserve better than this...."
Really??? Because she sounded much more like a spoiled brat to me...
Part of me wanted to find this woman and call her out for calling herself a "good Christian woman" after the way she berated that poor woman, but I do know that would make me no better - the best I could do is smile to the poor cleaning lady and say thank you.
All I could think about was "Do unto others as you'd have done to you."
A little kindness goes a long way, and rude and ignorant generally go hand in hand.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Monday, October 17, 2011
Searching for Jeannie's Bottle.... found surfers
Just back from vacay (now you had to know I was going to blog about vacay)
Both before and after our trip, I scheduled a stay in Cocoa Beach.
Day #1 - not stellar.
We arrived in Orlando during...da da da...Tropical Storm Whatever. Holy rain & wind - made Jersey's weather look fabulous.
We went immediately to the hotel, which was very cool.
Sheraton Four Points Cocoa Beach: www.fourpoints.com/CocoaBeach
They have a GIANT indoor "fish tank" for lack of a better term, with sharks & all kind of sea creatures. They also have their own surf shop.
We then braved the weather on foot and hit the Ron Jon Surf Shop. www.ronjonsurfshop.com Totally wind blown & soaked. Unbeknownst to us - Cocoa is a big surfing area.
Even in the rain, Cocoa Beach is a very cool area. We didn't really get to enjoy it until after our cruise.
Thursday we spent the day exploring Cocoa Beach. We walked the beach & watched the surfers. They all looked very gnarly, lol. (gnarley is akin to rad - a late-1980s - early-1990s term, meaning "exceptional", or "cool")
We hung out at the Sunset Grill watched the manatee & dolphins, then set off in search of Jeannie's bottle... The little town map they give you is very misleading.... We DID NOT find Jeannie's bottle (crap) but I did find I Dream of Jeannie Lane!
The street is locate in Lori Wilson Park, which is beautiful! The beaches were very clean and uncrowded (but then again, it's October) The one thing that freaked me out was the fact that raccoons were EVERYWHERE! Now, here in Jersey - if a raccoon is out during the day - that screams rabies. Apparently not there. They were out in droves - packs of 6 or more. I felt that eerie feeling as if I were in the Alford Hitchcock movie the Birds. I was waiting to be attacked - so we got heck outta of there & hit the beach in a different direction.
After walking all day, I was ready to just sit back & relax with a few tropical drinks. I was denied Jeannie's bottle, so I had to settle for a margarita in monkey head coconut - better than nothing I suppose - but will a giant monkey pop out & clean my house and call me Master (or will I be Mistress, hmmmm)???
Stay tuned for further adventures....
Thank you for reading my blog!!
~Jenn
Both before and after our trip, I scheduled a stay in Cocoa Beach.
Day #1 - not stellar.
We arrived in Orlando during...da da da...Tropical Storm Whatever. Holy rain & wind - made Jersey's weather look fabulous.
We went immediately to the hotel, which was very cool.
Sheraton Four Points Cocoa Beach: www.fourpoints.com/CocoaBeach
They have a GIANT indoor "fish tank" for lack of a better term, with sharks & all kind of sea creatures. They also have their own surf shop.
We then braved the weather on foot and hit the Ron Jon Surf Shop. www.ronjonsurfshop.com Totally wind blown & soaked. Unbeknownst to us - Cocoa is a big surfing area.
Even in the rain, Cocoa Beach is a very cool area. We didn't really get to enjoy it until after our cruise.
Thursday we spent the day exploring Cocoa Beach. We walked the beach & watched the surfers. They all looked very gnarly, lol. (gnarley is akin to rad - a late-1980s - early-1990s term, meaning "exceptional", or "cool")
We hung out at the Sunset Grill watched the manatee & dolphins, then set off in search of Jeannie's bottle... The little town map they give you is very misleading.... We DID NOT find Jeannie's bottle (crap) but I did find I Dream of Jeannie Lane!
The street is locate in Lori Wilson Park, which is beautiful! The beaches were very clean and uncrowded (but then again, it's October) The one thing that freaked me out was the fact that raccoons were EVERYWHERE! Now, here in Jersey - if a raccoon is out during the day - that screams rabies. Apparently not there. They were out in droves - packs of 6 or more. I felt that eerie feeling as if I were in the Alford Hitchcock movie the Birds. I was waiting to be attacked - so we got heck outta of there & hit the beach in a different direction.After walking all day, I was ready to just sit back & relax with a few tropical drinks. I was denied Jeannie's bottle, so I had to settle for a margarita in monkey head coconut - better than nothing I suppose - but will a giant monkey pop out & clean my house and call me Master (or will I be Mistress, hmmmm)???
Stay tuned for further adventures....
Thank you for reading my blog!!
~Jenn
Friday, October 14, 2011
"Cultural" differences....
cul·tur·alAdjective/ˈkÉ™lCHÉ™rÉ™l/
1. Of or relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
2. Of or relating to the arts and to intellectual achievements.You may not know this, but my husband is Costa Rican...
Well, he was born there & came here at 3 months old. Technically, he's American (though a naturalized citizen), but he is bi-lingual & bi-cultural, which is very cool.
I guess I never paid much attention to that kind of stuff when I was younger, and no matter what our decent is - most of us here in America are American and our traditions are more native to our geographical areas and not as much to our heritage.
I'm of Dutch & German decent. Growing up, my mother wasn't
http://www.hollandamericanbakery.com/store/
To Boonstra's (home made ice cream shop owned by Dutchies), and also Dunkin' Donuts, to show his "Americanization", every Sunday and then come to see us. When I went to visit Pop Pop, he taught me to cook "good Dutch food" & when I went to visit my mother's parents, my grandmother (a fantastic cook) taught me how to cook German foods.
But I digress....
My husband's heritage is Hispanic - Costa Rican all the way. He learned to speak English in school & was only allowed to speak Spanish in the household. They had traditional family values.
When I first met my husband's family, it was really very shocking to me. It was New Years Eve & we stopped off at his parent's house to get something & he said he wanted me to meet his family. Little did I know that they were ALL there! Easily 25 people - aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, in-laws - OMG! And then he left me alone - with all of them. Talk about being a nervous wreck (baptism by fire, perhaps??) Looking back now, it's kind of funny - because I love each and every one of them.
That was something I was definitely NOT used to & where our cultural differences come into play.
I had this dis-functional little existence. Divorced family, which became a blended family once my mother remarried. Step siblings, who always seemed to get more. We never ate together, we never watched TV together, we never even sat around talking - we all just co-existed. Sort of sad, really.
Back to my husband's family, the Spanish version of the Cleaver's. Happily married parents, church going, kind wonderful people who loved each other & others. Extended family gathering together just to see each other. Dad is in charge (or thinks he is) & mom takes care of everyone. She cooks for an army (and really good, I might add) She loves everyone and is just happy just to have her family around. I love that!
I know that there are plenty of families who have similar situations - but for me - cultural doesn't necessarily define heritage - but family traits & values.
I strive to give my own family unit the traditional family values that my husband grew up with; the example of faith, love & togetherness.
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I forget...
Ok, so not only do I have the getting older thing against me - but I've also got what's called "Lupus Fog"
Can I just say - NOT AT ALL appreciating God's sense of humor on this one...
I've accepted several of the bumpy roads in my life & just chalked it up to my own stupidity and for purposes of God's entertainment (you're welcome big Guy), but this forgetting - not so much fun.
I can't even say how many times I will walk into a room for something specific and sit there looking around, la la la - turn around and forget about it and then remember a half hour later & go through the exact same process.
This happens with everything - keys, appointments - you name it!
Luckily I haven't forgotten any kids anywhere & I'm still spot on at work - but I dread the day when my boss asks me for the monthly financials and I completely go blank. Let's just hope that day doesn't come, shall we??
Now where was I?
A while back I heard an old skit on one of the comedy stations; Father Guido Sarducci, from Saturday Night Live! Anyone remember him?? In any case, he had a skit about when you go to Heaven, the first thing you see there is a box with your name on it. That box contains everything you've ever lost (or put in that special place so you don't lose it) while here on earth. I have been obsessively scanning the internet for a clip, but can't find it anywhere - ANYWAY..
How awesome would THAT be & how fun is that to look forward to?? While waiting on line to get into Heaven's gates - you get your box of stuff you lost.
I'm wondering if I would even be able to carry my box?? I guess it's going to have wheels on it.
Now I forget, what's this blog about?
Thank you for reading my blog anyway :)
~Jenn
Can I just say - NOT AT ALL appreciating God's sense of humor on this one...
I've accepted several of the bumpy roads in my life & just chalked it up to my own stupidity and for purposes of God's entertainment (you're welcome big Guy), but this forgetting - not so much fun.
I can't even say how many times I will walk into a room for something specific and sit there looking around, la la la - turn around and forget about it and then remember a half hour later & go through the exact same process.
This happens with everything - keys, appointments - you name it!
Luckily I haven't forgotten any kids anywhere & I'm still spot on at work - but I dread the day when my boss asks me for the monthly financials and I completely go blank. Let's just hope that day doesn't come, shall we??
Now where was I?
A while back I heard an old skit on one of the comedy stations; Father Guido Sarducci, from Saturday Night Live! Anyone remember him?? In any case, he had a skit about when you go to Heaven, the first thing you see there is a box with your name on it. That box contains everything you've ever lost (or put in that special place so you don't lose it) while here on earth. I have been obsessively scanning the internet for a clip, but can't find it anywhere - ANYWAY..
How awesome would THAT be & how fun is that to look forward to?? While waiting on line to get into Heaven's gates - you get your box of stuff you lost.
I'm wondering if I would even be able to carry my box?? I guess it's going to have wheels on it.
Now I forget, what's this blog about?
Thank you for reading my blog anyway :)
~Jenn
Monday, October 10, 2011
Longing for a small town feeling...
I've lived in Jersey my whole life - with a few random, short term exceptions.
Jersey isn't New York City - but the entire New York/New Jersey/Metropolitan area is just so big, so much. So many people, so much information - sometimes so overwhelming.
A few months ago, I started listening to a country station, owned and operated by Clear Channel Communications - Hot Country B95 http://www.b95radio.com/main.html out of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. (Clear Channel also owns and operates my favorite Tri-State Area rock station Q104.3 http://www.q1043.com/main.html ) Yeah, I don't know exactly how I found it - but I love it!
Now that I've plugged my favorite radio stations, you're welcome :) The point of my blog...
In listening to my Wisconsin station, I'm constantly smiling at the whole "small town feel". I love hearing the things local folks say on the station and note that it's sounds so much nicer than it does here. Nothing against where I live - because I'm a Jersey girl to the bone. I just love the non-complicated way things seem someplace else. I love to hear on that station from the woman who saw a man in the tavern in his bathrobe & pajamas. I love that they call it the tavern & not the bar. Every day I hear something different & just smile. I love the whole seeming simplicity of the "not so many people/not so crowded" areas and I wonder - where can I get that?
I moved as far north in Jersey as I could get without being too far from work, but far enough from people - but you still can't escape the busyness - the crowds - the traffic.
I long for simplicity.... And if it weren't so darn cold out there in the mid-west - I'd actually consider that an escape. However, here I am in Jersey - longing for that small town feeling - but loving the convenience of everything being right here. So here I am, here I'll stay.
Thank you to my friends over at B95; Mike McKay, Donuts & Bobby Tripp (sorry if I've left anyone out - these are the only shows I listen to) Thank you for making this big world a little smaller & making this big ol area of the country have a small town feeling - even if it's just virtually through my computer. Now if I could only get it beyond this blonde head that your weather doesn't affect me in the slightest, all would be well :)
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Jersey isn't New York City - but the entire New York/New Jersey/Metropolitan area is just so big, so much. So many people, so much information - sometimes so overwhelming.
A few months ago, I started listening to a country station, owned and operated by Clear Channel Communications - Hot Country B95 http://www.b95radio.com/main.html out of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. (Clear Channel also owns and operates my favorite Tri-State Area rock station Q104.3 http://www.q1043.com/main.html ) Yeah, I don't know exactly how I found it - but I love it!
Now that I've plugged my favorite radio stations, you're welcome :) The point of my blog...
In listening to my Wisconsin station, I'm constantly smiling at the whole "small town feel". I love hearing the things local folks say on the station and note that it's sounds so much nicer than it does here. Nothing against where I live - because I'm a Jersey girl to the bone. I just love the non-complicated way things seem someplace else. I love to hear on that station from the woman who saw a man in the tavern in his bathrobe & pajamas. I love that they call it the tavern & not the bar. Every day I hear something different & just smile. I love the whole seeming simplicity of the "not so many people/not so crowded" areas and I wonder - where can I get that?
I moved as far north in Jersey as I could get without being too far from work, but far enough from people - but you still can't escape the busyness - the crowds - the traffic.
I long for simplicity.... And if it weren't so darn cold out there in the mid-west - I'd actually consider that an escape. However, here I am in Jersey - longing for that small town feeling - but loving the convenience of everything being right here. So here I am, here I'll stay.
Thank you to my friends over at B95; Mike McKay, Donuts & Bobby Tripp (sorry if I've left anyone out - these are the only shows I listen to) Thank you for making this big world a little smaller & making this big ol area of the country have a small town feeling - even if it's just virtually through my computer. Now if I could only get it beyond this blonde head that your weather doesn't affect me in the slightest, all would be well :)
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Friday, October 7, 2011
Testosterone Man, in a sea of estrogen....
My poor husband...
Completely, hopelessly surrounded by women of all ages, sizes & species...
The cat is even a girl!
It's all good when he first gets home. All the girlies swarm him with hugs & kisses - BUT THEN...we want to talk. All of us - usually consecutively.
Personally, I know when to shut up. If he comes home with a scowl on his face, I know stay away, far far away. I cook dinner & be gone with myself until he's human again.
Not the girls - they barrage him with daddy, look at my lip gloss. Daddy, look at my nails. Daddy, look at the new shoes mommy bought me, daddy, daddy, daddy. Then my baby girl - who has no concept of what the "Readers Digest" version of a story is (even I tell her to get on with it) - will launch into her fun filled day with every single possible detail and color. I very clearly see my husband's eyes glaze over and he drifts off somewhere in time between Bike week & some other manly event that doesn't have any (little) girlie stuff anywhere. Then he'll drift back and... Oh my gosh, she's still talking, lol...
I could save him, but nah - I've got to cook dinner some time...
Kyle is barely home anymore. In a few more weeks he'll be off to boot camp & soon there will be no additional testosterone to spread around all the fluffy things in our house. Just lip gloss - everywhere... Oh and nail polish & perfume & bubble bath & pretty pretty poofs.
It is very funny, really. You see my husband is a big, bald, tattooed biker dude, left to carrying around our daughter's very pink Hannah Montana purse.
Again, poor guy! All that testosterone floating around in this mighty sea of estrogen.
All I have to say is "Ahoy Matey"!
I guess it could be worse.
Have a great day!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Completely, hopelessly surrounded by women of all ages, sizes & species...
The cat is even a girl!
It's all good when he first gets home. All the girlies swarm him with hugs & kisses - BUT THEN...we want to talk. All of us - usually consecutively.
Personally, I know when to shut up. If he comes home with a scowl on his face, I know stay away, far far away. I cook dinner & be gone with myself until he's human again.
Not the girls - they barrage him with daddy, look at my lip gloss. Daddy, look at my nails. Daddy, look at the new shoes mommy bought me, daddy, daddy, daddy. Then my baby girl - who has no concept of what the "Readers Digest" version of a story is (even I tell her to get on with it) - will launch into her fun filled day with every single possible detail and color. I very clearly see my husband's eyes glaze over and he drifts off somewhere in time between Bike week & some other manly event that doesn't have any (little) girlie stuff anywhere. Then he'll drift back and... Oh my gosh, she's still talking, lol...
I could save him, but nah - I've got to cook dinner some time...
Kyle is barely home anymore. In a few more weeks he'll be off to boot camp & soon there will be no additional testosterone to spread around all the fluffy things in our house. Just lip gloss - everywhere... Oh and nail polish & perfume & bubble bath & pretty pretty poofs.
It is very funny, really. You see my husband is a big, bald, tattooed biker dude, left to carrying around our daughter's very pink Hannah Montana purse.
Again, poor guy! All that testosterone floating around in this mighty sea of estrogen.
All I have to say is "Ahoy Matey"!
I guess it could be worse.
Have a great day!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
Friday, September 30, 2011
Who's you Daddy??? Um, not YOU...
Now that I've got your attention, I hate to break it to you - but this post is going in a whole different direction. :)
I know, I know - I tricked you. Sorry, lol..
I'm just really annoyed & need to vent about women having their children call the man they are dating "Daddy" - especially after only a few months.
No offense to the guys who actually deserve the title, but I can't imagine that if you are a stand up guy that you'd want someone else's child calling you Daddy unless you know you're going to stick around...
Before anyone gets all defensive on me, I was a child of a mom who dated a lot AND I was also a divorced, dating, single mom once upon a time. So I feel very entitled to vent on this!
Way to REALLY screw a kid up!
Once again - let me remind you - this post isn't directed at anyone specifically, so if you're feeling like I'm pointing the finger at you directly or this hits home in some way - take note, because you are about to be schooled!
I'm not good at holding my thoughts and feelings in, and when I'm about ready to blow - there's no stopping me. I'm not standing in a place of judgement, but I AM definitely stating my (very strong) thoughts and opinions & you may not like what I have to say.
So I have this little chickadee... Who has had several "daddies". She always talks about when this one was her daddy and when that one was her daddy - I had to interject. Wrong or right, I told this little girl that just because mommy has a new boyfriend - that doesn't make him her "daddy". Especially since one of her "daddies" is her abuser. How horrific!
Again, way to really screw a kid up!
I very clearly explained to her that biologically, we only get one mommy and one daddy. The job of a mommy and daddy is to love, protect and teach their little person. The end.
Not every biological can carry through their end of the bargain. That's why there are adoptive parents, foster parents (including family) & step parents. That is also why there are foster kids & messed up kids who grow into messed up adults! I'm definitely one of them. (mother, if you're reading - click the little x button now)
I consider myself to be a good parent. I was both a divorced single mom at one time, and the product of divorced parents.
As the product of divorced parents, it was definitely not cool for me to have known mommy's "friends" AND I remember all of them, some not in a good way. Luckily my mother never made me call anyone beside my own father "daddy". However, her open dating is something that definitely screwed with my head when I was a kid. It was also the reason that I kept my son far away from anyone I was dating. He was a kid. He was MY baby and MY responsibility and he already had a father. He may not have been father of the year, but I wasn't looking for a new daddy for my son. My marriage didn't work out - my bad, not his!
Yeah, I dated - but both my husband and the other person that I dated will attest to the fact that my son was never anywhere around. I did my best to keep my personal life & my son separate. My husband didn't get to meet my son for several months, and only after my dad cleared him. Then there was STILL minimal interaction for quite a long time! I didn't want any confusion on my son's part, especially since the only time my son briefly/accidentally met someone I dated (prior to my husband), he called him "daddy" out of confusion. I nipped that in the bud immediately & that was the last time the two laid eyes on each other. It was a good thing, because he was not the person I married.
Kids don't know any better. They just want their world to be warm & fuzzy - happy & secure where everyone smiles & hugs each other.
To some of you women, I just want to smack you upside the back of the head & say WAKE UP!
Your beautiful little baby didn't ask to be here - you brought him/her here... When you became a mommy - you became #2. All your little wants and needs - SECONDARY.... The kids come first.
Wow, that sucks, huh??? How's that for a reality check?? The world no longer revolving around you, but someone else!
That's parenting - them first - you a very distant second...
If this hit a chord with someone - GOOD!
You are the person responsible for giving your little person the sense of security and self respect that will carry them through life.
They should look at you as a model of how they should be - not how they shouldn't be.
Your choice.
I pray that you don't screw it up!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
I know, I know - I tricked you. Sorry, lol..
I'm just really annoyed & need to vent about women having their children call the man they are dating "Daddy" - especially after only a few months.
No offense to the guys who actually deserve the title, but I can't imagine that if you are a stand up guy that you'd want someone else's child calling you Daddy unless you know you're going to stick around...
Before anyone gets all defensive on me, I was a child of a mom who dated a lot AND I was also a divorced, dating, single mom once upon a time. So I feel very entitled to vent on this!
Way to REALLY screw a kid up!
Once again - let me remind you - this post isn't directed at anyone specifically, so if you're feeling like I'm pointing the finger at you directly or this hits home in some way - take note, because you are about to be schooled!
I'm not good at holding my thoughts and feelings in, and when I'm about ready to blow - there's no stopping me. I'm not standing in a place of judgement, but I AM definitely stating my (very strong) thoughts and opinions & you may not like what I have to say.
So I have this little chickadee... Who has had several "daddies". She always talks about when this one was her daddy and when that one was her daddy - I had to interject. Wrong or right, I told this little girl that just because mommy has a new boyfriend - that doesn't make him her "daddy". Especially since one of her "daddies" is her abuser. How horrific!
Again, way to really screw a kid up!
I very clearly explained to her that biologically, we only get one mommy and one daddy. The job of a mommy and daddy is to love, protect and teach their little person. The end.
Not every biological can carry through their end of the bargain. That's why there are adoptive parents, foster parents (including family) & step parents. That is also why there are foster kids & messed up kids who grow into messed up adults! I'm definitely one of them. (mother, if you're reading - click the little x button now)
I consider myself to be a good parent. I was both a divorced single mom at one time, and the product of divorced parents.
As the product of divorced parents, it was definitely not cool for me to have known mommy's "friends" AND I remember all of them, some not in a good way. Luckily my mother never made me call anyone beside my own father "daddy". However, her open dating is something that definitely screwed with my head when I was a kid. It was also the reason that I kept my son far away from anyone I was dating. He was a kid. He was MY baby and MY responsibility and he already had a father. He may not have been father of the year, but I wasn't looking for a new daddy for my son. My marriage didn't work out - my bad, not his!
Yeah, I dated - but both my husband and the other person that I dated will attest to the fact that my son was never anywhere around. I did my best to keep my personal life & my son separate. My husband didn't get to meet my son for several months, and only after my dad cleared him. Then there was STILL minimal interaction for quite a long time! I didn't want any confusion on my son's part, especially since the only time my son briefly/accidentally met someone I dated (prior to my husband), he called him "daddy" out of confusion. I nipped that in the bud immediately & that was the last time the two laid eyes on each other. It was a good thing, because he was not the person I married.
Kids don't know any better. They just want their world to be warm & fuzzy - happy & secure where everyone smiles & hugs each other.
To some of you women, I just want to smack you upside the back of the head & say WAKE UP!
Your beautiful little baby didn't ask to be here - you brought him/her here... When you became a mommy - you became #2. All your little wants and needs - SECONDARY.... The kids come first.
Wow, that sucks, huh??? How's that for a reality check?? The world no longer revolving around you, but someone else!
That's parenting - them first - you a very distant second...
If this hit a chord with someone - GOOD!
You are the person responsible for giving your little person the sense of security and self respect that will carry them through life.
They should look at you as a model of how they should be - not how they shouldn't be.
Your choice.
I pray that you don't screw it up!
Thank you for reading my blog!
~Jenn
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