It seems that there are bloggers out there who may wish to change the look of their blog or add a banner and not know how.
If you happen to be one of those, feel free to give me a hollar.
I do graphix for fun and might as well put the knowledge to use making banners. If you would like a blog banner, I need to know a few tid bits of information.
Color scheme, blog title desired, and what type of graphic image you would like included. Fairly simple questions indeed :P
I also am familiar with html and blog skinning etc...
So if you would like to rearrange your blog. Maybe add scrolling tables, scripts etc... Hollar and we will hook ya up.
You're either the tattoo type or your not. I happen to be the type. I have 5 currently. Haven't decided if I want another or not. It is the personal struggle of the tattoo addict.
Being a chick with tattoos, I think people feel at ease to question me. Or maybe it is just my magnetic personality. I love the tattoo wannabees. The people who are obviously interested and ask lots of questions but haven't gotten up the nerve to go under the needle themselves.
Behind every tattoo is a story. It is like a club of sorts. It can give people of different worlds a common link and a topic of conversation. I got my first one at age 26 after my daughter was born. My 2nd came after the birth of my son. My last 3 I have gotten while vacationing. Key West, Daytona and Maui Hawaii. Kinda like the souvenir that doesn't gather dust or get sold at a yard sale.
I am always patient with the wannabees. I don't want to be responsible for turning them on or off. I believe the decision to get ink is a very personal one. It should never be on a spontaneous whim and never never while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or over the counter cold medication. The string of questions areis usually the same and people hang on every word.
If I didn't feel the need to answer responsibly, here are a few of the responses I might be prompted to provide:
IS IT REAL? Sure, but only the outline. I colored it in with markers. Nah, Its a new magic trick I am practicing. Pretty good huh? DID IT HURT?? Only for the first hour, then it got pretty numb. I don't remember, I was too busy screaming. Well after I passed out from all the blood loss...... WHY DID YOU DO IT? The witness protection man told me it would be good to change my image. It's art. Would you like to make a cash donation to future pieces? I dunno. Why did you get that haircut? THEY ARE PERMANENT YA KNOW! Nah, it comes right off with sandpaper and a wire brush. No Shit??? For the price I paid, it damn well better be. WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK? I was genetically engineered and grown in a beaker. My lab tech thinks it's cool, though. I dunno, I will ask them when they get out of prison.
A man is looking for a job. Reading the want ads he notices that the local school district needs a bus driver. He thinks this will be a piece of cake job and heads out to the school bus garage.
"We have only one route left open." says the dispatcher, "It's the Special Ed bus. That one over there with Ernie, Bert, Oscar, and Big Bird painted on the side. Here's your route. Good Luck."
So, the guy heads out on his new bus route. At the first stop there are two extremly fat girls. The first one says, "Hi. My name is Patty.", and gets on the bus. The second one gets on and says, "Hi. My name is Patty too."
He goes to the next stop. A little boy gets on the bus and says, "My name is Ross and Jerry says I'm special."
At the third stop a young boy gets on and states, "Yo! I'm Lester-T!" This boy sits down right behind the bus driver.
So, the bus driver continues along the route picking up kids. Suddenly he is utterly revolted by a smell coming from the back of the bus. He turns around and finds Lester-T with his shoes and socks off. He is picking at a particularly nasty looking bunyon on one of his feet.
This so revolts the bus driver that he skips the rest of the stops, literally kicks the kids off of the bus at school and returns to the school bus garage.
"I quit!", he says, "I can't stand it!"
"What's the problem?", asks the dispatcher.
"You want to know what the problem is?", stammers the man. "You want to know what the problem is! I'll tell you. You've got two obese Pattys, special Ross with Lester-T picking Bunyons on a Sesame Street bus."
Another week down the tubes. It's friday night! I remember when friday nights meant football games and cruisin' Westnedge (the strip street in town) in my killer red jeep. Stoppin at Wendy's for a frosty. My biggest worry was how to make gas money and keep my ride shiney. Man that jeep was a Hunk Magnet!
Now, at 30 +, I am pickled tink that we didn't have to go to soccer practice, we hit Blockbuster (Drum Line and The Cookout) and the grocery store (Italian Sausage sandwichs) and we are in for the night! It is either a sign I am old or too busy! Or maybe a bit of both.
Lets see how many blog entries I can accomplish in the next few hours.
Ok..Who forgot to inform me that today is "Pull in front of a school bus" day???? I didn't get the memo and I should be top priority on that list.
How in the hell do people not see 50' of bright yellow monster rollin down the road?? I had 3 different drivers out to test my stopping distance this morning. Lucky for them I am a profession "Idiot Avoider" Got a certificate and everything. And a few years experience.
Today would have been the perfect day to demonstrate the effectiveness of the add-on option I believe all buses should come equiped with.
The atomic paint ball gun. Loaded on the drivers side window with shocking orange permanent paint. Ohhh, I would pay big bucks to have one. I got warm fuzzies just thinkin about it.
Heres the scene: Loading kids, student stop signs extended and lights flashing. Some in a hurry nimrod blows by. Aim, fire POW POW POW. Plumble the back of the car with paint balls. No need to get the license plate just dial the Sherriff and report the silver Honda with the glowing orange paint oozing down the back window.
Oh the glory and satisfaction!! As a bonus, if the paint wasn't washable, it helps identify repeat offenders so they can be avoided at all costs.
GENIUS I tell ya!! Not sure why they haven't bought my idea yet Dammit!!
& nbsp; I am whooped tonight and about to hit the sack. Thought I would share a few thoughts from a wise woman.
Maya Angelou quotes:
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
A little of my family history: My sister lives 125 miles east of me in Miami. She has 3 kids who I miss very much. Even though 125 miles isn't much, with busy family life it is not always easy for us to get to visit. My parents live 20 miles north, so we see each other on a weekly basis. My Memaw is here visiting for her usual 2 month winter vacation and is staying with my parents. Lucky Lucky ME!! She rocks!!
This weekend as we were visiting with my parents, my mom informed me that my niece, age 6, is starting piano lessons. She went on to tell us that Buggee will be having several piano recitals throughout the year. After a lengthy explanation of how it works, my mom says to me "And you will be expected to be there."
This is where I had to bite my tongue to avoid family drama. Which I do quite often unfortunatly.
For starters, going to her recital would be something I would choose to do on my own to support my niece. I spent every saturday morning for 2 months going to my nephews soccer games in Miami when he was 5 years old and playing YMCA soccer. I did it because I wanted to be there and be supportive. I have gone for gymnastics demonstrations. I make it to all their birthday's even when I have to drive over and drive back 3 hours later due to my own schedule.
My son has been playing soccer for over 5 years. The last 3 of which have been at a competative level. We travel the state alot and are often on the east coast of Florida within 50 miles of them. In those 5 years, my sister has been present at TWO games!! And that was due to her being in town here staying at my parents and we had home games.
And my mom had the nerve to say that I am "expected" to be present!!
grrrrrrrrrrrrr
I love them, they are my family. But that doesn't mean I have to understand them.
Ok, so I am a newbie around tblog. But I am far from a newbie when it comes to the web. I am a self taught web/graphics enthusiast with probably above average knowledge. That is due to my curious nature. If I see something cool or interesting, I investigate. Figure out how to do it myself etc etc.
Today I was surfin my stats here at tblog. I like doing that because then I go visit who has been visiting me (great feature) Anyway, I see on my stats a referring link for a sex site. I won't post the site cause I don't wanna give em any business hehe But it is obviously a sex site.
Now it is my assumption that the site listed next to the user name or [outside user] name is the page in which they accessed my blog from. Am I correct in that assumption??
If that is correct, then how the hell did someone access my blog from a sex site????
I mean I know that my halo is held up by my well worn horns...
I was surfin blogs this morning and visited jennirae269 She got me to thinkin about my biker moments. Thought I would share how I fell into the biker chick role.
My hubby has always had a thing for motorcycles. I enjoyed riding also, and was happy to take the "bitch" seat. I enjoyed the wind in my face, the scenery and not being responsible for keepin the tires on the road. In Feb 1992 I gave birth to my daughter, and Bri (my hubby) celebrated by purchasing a Harley. What a birthday gift huh? I was happy for him because I knew how much he loved it. I rarely rode with him as I seemed to be constantly attatched to the baby AND when my daughter was only 5 months old, I got pregnant AGAIN! (So much for the old wives tale that nursing mothers can't concieve) Not real easy to ride 2-up when you have a basketball for a belly.
I really started enjoying going with Bri once our son turned 1 (Sept 1994) We joined the local HOG. Made tons of friends. We went on group rides every week. It was a very nice way for us to spend time together and since we didn't have a side car, we were forced to get a babysitter and have some adult fun. The catch here was in finding a "reliable" sitter. NOT an easy task. Very often we would get someone to agree to sit with the kids for 2 hours on Sunday morning, and come Sunday morning, the sitter wouldn't bother to show up. Gotta love that! So being the nice understanding wife I am, I would force Bri to go without me. This went on for months. I didn't know how to ride on my own, so I had to rely on these get aways for my chance to enjoy the bike. I became frustrated over missing out all the time.
After about 6 months of this hit and miss ride time for me, I found myself at the Harley dealership one day with my sister. Think I was there to drop off the recent edition of our chapter newsletter that I helped publish. For some odd reason that day, I was feeling kinda gutsy and adventurous. So I started scoping out the bikes in the showroom. Now, I am a bit deficient in the height department. So finding a bike I felt comfortable on was no easy task. I had never rode solo. I had absolutly no clue where the gas pedal and the brakes were. But for some reason on that day, I decided it was time for me to take the hog by the horns and buy myself a bike.
I remember my sister encouraging me between giggles. I had no idea if I could even get a loan or worse yet if I would ever be able to learn how to ride. But I was determined. I found out that the Hugger883 was built for us height deficient types. Both my feet laid flat on the ground, the bars were comfortable and I could close my eyes and feel myself navigating this machine down the open road. It just so happened they had a pretty bronze pearl model that some guy had just traded in. He had owned it for about 3 months and made a bunch of modifications to it before deciding he wanted something bigger. Seemed to be my lucky day!
I asked my friend Rich, the salesmen, for an application. His response was "Don't you want to call Bri and ask him about it first?" WELL... that just about pissed me off! How dare he assume I need permission to buy myself a toy. Even more determined then ever, I grabbed the pen out of his hand and started filling away. About 20 minutes later I walked out to go finish my shopping. I don't think I really thought it would all go thru, let alone go so quickly. Within an hour my cell phone rang. It was Rich, calling to tell me I could come pick up my bike. O M G !! My Bike!! What on earth had I done?!? lol
I took a deep breath and told him I would have to wait until later that night or the next day, when I could have someone come with me to drive my car home. Keep in mind here, I can NOT ride a motorcycle. I couldn't have made it out of the parking lot pushing it without wrecking it lol The truth was I had to wait until later when I could get Bri to ride it home for me. But over my dead body was I going to let Rich know that LOL
I made a stop off at the DMV to pick up the motorcycle handbook. My next task was to get the permit I needed to be able to ride my new bike, if I ever mastered being able to keep it upright and rolling. That night I studied like a mad woman possessed. I was going the next morning to take the test and I WAS going to pass!! Which I did (only missed one question too) I impatiently waited for Bri to get home that night, proudly showed off my new permit as I was pushing him to the car and off we went to get my ride.
The next day I got up bright and early. I had spent the evening listening to Bri's tips and hints on how best to attack learning how to ride. I knew everything there was to know about the make up of the bike. I know knew that there was no gas pedal, but a throttle. (Important knowledge) Much like with life though, book smarts doesn't always make you an expert. Putting text into physical motion is a whole nother ballgame. We had a 150' gravel driveway. My goal was to walk the bike out to the road and position myself so I could go straight. Our street was 3 miles long, that gave me time to get used to the feel before I had to think about making any type of turn. Long story short, that first day I never made it to the end of the driveway. I laid it down at about 100'. Sugarsand is NOT a bikers best friend! Lesson #1 I learned on my own.
I'm not sure how much my bike weighed but it felt like a brass elephant when I tried to right it. It took all my energy to get it back on the kickstand, but I did. And when Bri returned from work that night, that is exactly where it sat !! My arms felt like wet noodles and my spirits were in the dirt. I mentally beat myself up. What kind of fool was I to think I could master this? How was I going to face the shame of having to take the bike back to the dealership and explain what a huge mistake I had made? The bike sat in the garage for 2 days while I worked up the guts to try it again.
Sunday morning, before anyone was up I had gotten mad at myself for giving in. I took that energy into the garage, I started that bike and slowly worked my way down the driveway. I made it out to the road and away I went. Slow and ever so unsteady but I was rolling. I even managed to make it to 2nd gear. It is a very bizarre sensation to be at the controls. The force of the wind was greater, the fear of failing and smashing this pretty new bike. And OMG if a car had pulled out in front of me, I would have been a goner. Slowly I gained some confidence. I managed to turn around in a driveway. Going back to the house I found 3rd gear. Whew, maybe I was going to make it after all.
At that time I was working 4p - midnight. So for 2 weeks I would have Bri ride my bike to work when he went in the morning, then he would come to my work, leave the bike and take the car home. At midnight in my town the streets are all but deserted. It was the perfect opportunity for me to hone my new skills and I quickly became comfortable riding.
That has been many years ago, and now I ride without thinking about it. I guess it becomes 2nd nature like everything else. Knock on wood I have never laid a bike down since that first scary day. And Lord willing, I hope I never have to. I never forget how vulnerable we are on a bike. I assume no one is going to see me and that everyone is looking to run me over. Makes me a defensive driver I guess. Once you ride solo, it becomes like an addiction and I absolutly love it!
This is an interactive game that I once hosted on a message board. (I know tons of games, so if it goes over well...lQQK out :twisted:) Here is the game premise.
I will pull 6 words randomly from the dictionary Your task is to use the 6 words (along with any other words you want) in a creative sentence, story, poem or paragra ph. The words may be used in any order you choose.
You can post your response via comment or even better yet on your own blog :D and just leave a comment here to let us know you participated and we will visit your blog to see your creativity. If enough people participate, in a few days I will tag someone who responded to pick the next 6 words and so on.
My answer: He fondles the paperclip in his hand absently. Focused with intensity on the babe who can gyrate on stage before him. Where did she get those sapphire stillettos? He wonders if her shoemaker can procreate them in his size.
Is it possible to be a wicked sports fanatic without having a "favorite" team??
I love team sports. Hockey, football, soccer even racing. Seems that sports has always been a big part of my life. In high school I was huge on team spirit. Didn't matter if our team was losing every game or traveling to State Championships, it was important to me to show my support.
I have above average knowledge of rules and stratagies on most sports. I think that is the part of the game that intrigues me the most. Knowing why someone gets a penalty before it is announced. Knowing why some cars chose to take a pit stop when others choose to stay out during a caution flag. These are the things that fuel my love of the game.
Today is a big sports day. And like alot of people, I will be avidly watching the 4 best teams in football fight it out to earn their division championships and their way to the Superbowl.
The big question flying around this week has been, "Whose your team?"
With all of my sporting knowledge, that is the toughest question of all for me. I don't have a team. Not in football or any of the other sports I enjoy so much. I guess it is normal for people to root for a team based on where they live, or where they grew up. Some choose by where they went to college or maybe by knowing someone who knows someone who used to play on that team.
In my 20+ years post high school, I have not gotten attatched to any particular team in any particular sport. I tend to be the one who roots for the underdog, or will temporarily jump on the band wagon for a team my friends are rooting for. I enjoy good competition. I love to see the passion that people have for "their" team. Maybe I am missing out by not having a favorite. Or maybe I am secretly shielding myself from the disappointment of my team not making it hehe Who knows.
I don't think it makes me any less of a sports fanatic then the guy on the couch with his face painted sporting his team jersey rubbing his lucky team icon. And it certainly hasn't stopped my passion for watching a good game.
My job is about as un-physical as they get. But what it lacks in a physical sense it makes up for in the mental realm.
7:30am this morning. Driving along enjoying the sun rise, humming my favorite tune or probably the one I last heard on the radio before exiting my car. Half way thru my elementary route. One of my 2nd grade boy riders (I will call him Dennis. As in, The Menace well cause it fits hehe) says to me...
"Miss Chellie....Do kangaroos fart???"
Supressing hysterical laughter I am thinking where the hell did this come from, when I glance in my overhead mirror to see Dennis sporting a brand-spankin new Outback Steakhouse t-shirt with a big ole happy kangaroo on the front. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before I reply knowing that it may be a trap of some kind.
Go with the safe answer or so I thought. "Well Dennis, I would think that Kangaroos do fart."
Dennis then proceeds to tell me that Barney (the 1st grade boy sitting next to him) thinks they do fart, but that he is wrong. Because only mammals fart and kangaroos aren't mammals. He learned that in science. So they can't fart, right?.?
2nd grade was along time ago, but I am fairly certain mammals ;have babies and wean them themselves, so I believe kangaroos qualify. How to explain this in 2nd grade terminology without risking losing my job. I can hear Dennis now. "Mommy the bus driver told me that kangaroos breastfeed." Good Lord it is a trap!!.
As a person of authority in these kids lives and someone they grow to trust, I spend time listening to them no matter if it pertains to my job or not. So often kids go unheard because the adults that surround them don't have time to stop and pay attention. If giving them 5 minutes of my time encourages them in some way, then it is well worth it to me. Even when it involves kangaroo farts! I ponder my reply knowing that it is important or they wouldn't have asked. So what do I do?? I went for the safe comical answer.
"Dennis, you might want to ask your science teacher to help you look that up when you get to class, but if I were to take a guess, I would think that if we ate nothing but grass, leaves and berries and hopped around on 2 legs all day and night...we would probably fart ALOT!"
Why is it that no one has come up with the idea of a HEALTHY fast food joint??
I had to run errands after the first half of my day and due to the fact I can't eat when I wake up because it is so flippin early, by 10 am I am starving big time. As I drive around I consider my options. Hmm lets see McDonalds? NOT no where in any language does that word fit into any form of healthy. They do have a decent salad but who can drive and eat a salad without causing a major traffic accident? Not I !! Same goes for Burger King and Wendys. Wendys does the baked potatoe and chili thing but again, not errand running food. If I had time to go in and order food and sit down to eat, I would have time to go home and eat some left over stew or make a nice veggie sammich. I need food to travel with and there are Zero options.
How difficult would it be to make a fast food place that sold fresh deli sandwiches?? Or how about a veggie platter?? Finger food but good for ya. Maybe a nice fruit smoothie or some hot tea to go with it.
With the hip thing being to live a healthy lifestyle, you would think someone would jump on the ban wagon and help us out.
Sure I know, when I brought up my concerns to a doctor/nutricianist friend of mine, she suggested that I get up earlier and pack a cooler with all my families food needs for the day. I laughed in her face. As if there is "earlier" then 4:30am !! As if I can keep a cooler in my trunk everyday all day filled with fruit and veggies and the makings of a healthy meal to get us thru until 8pm when we finally roll in from training and school functions. As if I could afford to do this!! As if it isn't tough enough to make sure we have clothing changes, paper and pencil to do homework on the road, training equipment and anything else that is needed on any particular day.
In a perfect world I would have a personal assistant on hire. I could send him <he would need to be easy on the eyes too> to fetch us food from wherever we were. Make him help with homework and be responsible to pack for the day. And when those chores were done, I would send him to the house to attack Mt. Laundry and pull out the necessities for the next day. And don't forget to run my bubble bath before I pull in. Loads of bubbles and light a few candles while your at it. Maybe even read me a few chapters from a romance novel to take the edge off my busy day.
At work today someone said to me, "It is so nice to have our "Perky" girl back." Wow, I'm known as the perky girl. Could be worse I guess. lol Could be Bitch broad or Grouchy girl. I did inquire about the title to which I was told that I am always smiling, making jokes and having fun. So hey, I guess I am perky girl.
Made me curious what else I might be known as. My friends might call me Silly Crazy chick. Cause I tend to be the one making fun of life, finding humor in humanity and basically trying to put cheer wherever I go. Some might see me as Daredevil Diva. Since I have this adrenaline addiction that I quench via skydiving, scubadiving and riding coasters like a school girl. My kids might call me the meanest mommy in the universe at times. Comes with the territory.
It is nice to know before the ulogy what people think of you as a person, at least the good stuff anyway.
Well it has been 2 weeks give or take since the start of my research on the "other" blog options. I could go into great detail about the pros and cons of each service. Here are the ones I have moved my content to...
Blogdrive, blogger, blog-city, Solis, MSN Blog, and a couple others that I never got beyond signing up with because they didn't allow template freedom.
Here is the bottom line. In 2 weeks I have gotten 0 comments, little to no traffic, and met NO other bloggers on any of these formats.
Despite tblogs annoying evening lag and occasional brainfart server down issues, this place is great for meeting people and forming a community type atmosphere. None of the other optional blogs out there offer this.
I suppose if you have a big reader base and know they will follow you, or if you just don't really care if anyone ever stops by and don't care to meet people in the process, then one of the others may be the answer for you.
For me, I choose to remain. Endure the occasional glitches and reap the benefits of this community.
If anyone would like specific information on any of the other blogging options out there. Please feel free to ask. I have learned alot in this process, would be nice to share some of it.
Oh and on a side note, I also do pro-bono graphics and love helping people create web sites and such. So if you have a need, just ask. If I can help ya, I will.
"...that a man approached the players' bench at Chesswood Arena and started yelling at the Junior Canadiens coach because his son was told to sit out a few shifts after missing practice. The man then allegedly reached over the Plexiglas and grabbed the coach's throat. Several attempts to stop the attack by witnesses were unsuccessful, and coach Mark Teskey collapsed on the floor, police say. Bradley Desrocher, a 47-year-old hockey dad from Toronto, was charged with choking. He was released on $2,000 bail after appearing in court Monday." Canada.com
"...an alleged incident at a hockey game in Mississauga where an irate mother of an 11-year-old minor hockey player apparently taunted parents and fans of opposing players by lifting her blouse, revealing her bra and shaking her breasts "from side to side." canadiancrc.com
All I can say is O M G !! What were these people thinking??
I feel like crapola. This frickin cold has kicked my booty!! It's C O L D as hell. I know I shouldn't whine about 40* but when it's 84* one day and then 40* the next, it literally throws ya for a loop. The drivers on the road this morning were Whacked!!! Season has arrived in full force and brought the snowbirds in flocks. BEWARE of cars with out of state license plates. I swear I dont know how people miss a 50' bright yellow monster bus with black stripes and big flashing lights, but it happens everyday 20 times a day! And everyone is in a bigger hurry then I am and goes to whatever lengths necessary to keep from being behind me. I can't get a parking spot in front of my own building anymore. With what I pay for this place I should have my own spot!! But Nooooooo I gotta park and could use a freakin shuttle I am so far away. No fun when I have a trunk full of groceries. I wanted to make Beef Stew for dinner. I started it yesterday and had to stop to go to my moms and tonight I have a field trip that I won't be home from until after 10pm. Which incidently is past my bedtime due to the ungawdly hour I have to wake up in the morning. Normally I would be excited about my field trip, extra hours is always a good thing. But since I feel like dookiebeans I would rather come home and sleep. I need to take a nap today cause I haven't been sleeping at night. Wasting my only quiet alone time on sleep ticks me off but is a necessary evil.
I feel out of sorts lately. Just kind of out of control of my life. I get like this every now and then. I know this too shall pass, just wish I knew what to do to make it happen sooner. I need to balance my checkbook, clean out my car, pay bills and get rid of the wicked sickies.
I will take one moment at a time like I always do and have faith that soon I will feel like myself. Until then whining and venting feels kinda good.
My addiction, my fuel, my go go juice. I have sustained life without food for hours and hours on this stuff. I credit it with my college education. 2 full time jobs and a full credit load for 3 years. It kept me awake and alert when sleep was not an option. It cures a tension headache better then half a bottle of tylenol. Nothing else can take the edge off a stressful long night quite the same.
Back in the days of youthfully naive lifestyles, I never would have considered kicking my addiction. As I have gotten wiser and fallen into the age of being healthy and all that crap lol The time has come to free myself of this 20 + year addiction.
The question remains..How?? How am I going to resist the cravings? When its hotter then Hades and nothing quenches my thirst, how will I manage without it?
That icy cold sweetness that soothes and quenches will certainly be missed. But I shall survive. I will resist the temptation for a healthier me.
After a well deserved nights sleep, time to look back on the weekend.
The weather was the only uncooperative aspect. We had sunshining 80* on Thursday and 60* drizzling rain with wind Friday thru Sunday. Luckily we were prepared. As prepared as you can be to be wet and cold for 48 hours. We opted to cancel one of our 2 nights in the hotel. At $169.00 a night, it was mostly a financial decision. I was more ready to wake up at 5 am after 5 hours of sound sleep in my own bed to drive, then to drive and arrive at 10 pm pay a fortune for a bad nights sleep and a cold continental breakfast. $169. for a freakin Fairfield Inn. How rediculous is that?? Supposedly it is due to all the hotels that were damaged and still out of commission from the Hurricanes. I thought there was a law against price gouging. Nothing at all fancy about this hotel. I have stayed at nicer Comfort Inns for $68. a night. But enough witching about all that.
The soccer facility was gorgeous. Man I wish we had a place like that at home. I happen to live in Stuck Up central. Conservative rich old people run our community. The kids pay the price. Has changed alot in the 15 years I have been here, but still not much focus on the ever growing youth population.
Saturdays games rocked. Game one score 6-1 Game 2 score 5-1 (in the rain no less) Put the team into a 3 way tie for 1st place on Sunday. My son seems to have fought and won his battle of late with his loss of love for this game. He was on fire. Back is the boy with the big grin and the bigger self confidence. His team places alot of pressure on him because he has such talent. When things don't flow well for the team he takes that burden upon himself. We have been focusing on helping him deal with the emotional side of things. All the work paid off this weekend and it showed all around. His team feeds off his energy which is alot of pressure for such a little man. But he handled it like a champ.
We were all asleep by 8:30pm Saturday night after a quick trip to the laundry to dry our clothing lol I tried to watch part of the dog show and never made it thru the first group. Sunday morning was dry but windy and colder. Thank goodness for no rain. Game #1 of the day was against the "supposed" shoe-in winners of this tournament. At half time we were up 3-0 2 of the goals scored by yours truly #9 !! Start of 2nd half 3 minutes intot he game the drastic had happened. Ops had scored twice. Both goals coming from the same swift little attacker. Our coach changes his stratagy. He asks Boo if he will give up his beloved Attacker position for the game saving task of defending the kid that had scored twice in 3 minutes. Needless to say the game score ended 6 - 2 in our favor. Once again Mom is beaming with Pride!! And we progress to the finals.
This is season #3 for this team. They have come so far as a team in those 3 years. Boo joined the team half way thru the first year. They never won a game. They struggled with basic team skills. Season 2 we saw the birth of victories. More and more as the season wore on. The team progressed so much that Coach decided to move them up in an attempt to gain more competition. After winning the 2nd consecutive Wide World of Sports Championship in June last year, the need to go up with the powerhouse teams presented itself. We all prepared for focusing on development more and not getting the victories. The boys shocked us all including themselves by proving themselves to be as competative as the teams they had all looked up to over the years.
Region up is fast approaching the end of Feb. Last year they took 3rd in Division 1. The top 2 teams advance in each division. Even though they did not advance, 3rd in this pool of teams is a very impressive accomplishment. Time will tell how they fare this year.
We have a few weeks of closer to home games. A nice break for mom and dad indeed. Might actually get to hang out with my non-soccer friends for a change, and not live out of a suitcase for awhile :wink:
At 4 :30am even hehe Road trip this morning. This is for an East Coast soccer tournament this time. Get to stick my toes into the Atlantic Ocean <prolly only my toes too its cold!!>
When I get back I will start posting my blog research. With all the recent hype on tBlog being down so much and everyone talking about moving, well I have copied my blog to 6 different blogging sites this week. It has been an interesting journey. I will go into detail upon my return.
I am a loyal employee, I do my job very well, I am always punctual and always willing to help pick up the slack from our ever short handed profession.
Yesterday I called in sick, because well I am sick. Daily I am responsible to safely deliver 240 kids from home to school and back again. Catchin cooties is a job hazard. Happens to all of us due to exposure. This is my 2nd bout of cooties this school year. 2 weeks after school started was the first time. <happens every year> We were so short handed that I went to work even when I knew I shouldn't have. I was sick and miserable for 2 straight weeks. Ended up with Bronchitis and a hefty doctor and Rx bill to boot. I attribute that to not getting enough sleep and my inability to take any type of medication to help my symptoms due to the nature of my job.
So this time I decide to try a different approach. I called off yesterday and doped myself up on anti-hystemines and attempted to sleep the day away. Good plan I thought. Maybe I can avoid getting so sick this time.
12:00 pm my phone rings waking me up, it is my dispatcher calling. Asking me to come into work. Yep asking me to come to work. Mind you I have been a walking coughing stuffy mess since Monday and she knew it. The desperation was obvious in the tone of her voice. I hesitates for a good 45 seconds pondering the idea of actually going in. I can't believe I actually considered it!! But then I said to myself "What the hell are you thinkin?" I mustered up all my nerve and said No, I am sick and I don't feel I can preform my job safely at this time. I did the right thing. We are given sick leave for a reason. To use when we are sick, right?
So why then did I feel guilty for my decision? Shouldn't my loyalties lie with ME!! Is it not my right to properly tend to my health and well-being? I should have stayed home today as well. I feel worse again because I can't take the meds to help manage the symtoms. But as I paced the floor this morning after a restless night, I couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone and make that call. It was easier just to suck it up and go to work.
Apparently there is a hot selling Valentines Bear onthe market. The bear is sporting a straight jacket with a big read heart and is being affectionatly called the "Crazy for You" bear. He even comes with commitment papers and is meant to convey out-of-control love, or so "most" of us would think.
"We recognize that this is a sensitive, human issue and sincerely apologize if we have offended anyone," "That was certainly not our intent. This bear was created in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and as with all of our bears, it was designed to be a light-hearted depiction of the sentiment of love." The Virginia Teddybear Co.
Cute concept, right?? Well apparently not such a cute concept with a bunch of folks with way too much time on their hands. When the world is facing natural catastrophies of epic proportion, some righteous idiots have to strike up a protest that something created without malicious intent is "a tasteless use of marketing that stigmatizes persons with mental illness." Just who are the crazy ones anyway???
Yep, I got em again. 2nd time since school started. Can't imagine why.
It's not like I am exposed to approx. 240 kid cooties a day in a confined space lol Ok so yeah I am! All that coughin and sneezin with recycled air = recycled cooties!!
It still amazes me that technology can clone, cure, test tube and stem cell etc... But they can't make a decent medication to combat cold symtems. I would just like to be able to sleep for more then an hour at a time.
And to make matters worse, tomorrow is another road trip day!! No rest for the weary. The good news is 48 hours and I oughta feel much better
I'm sharing this graphic picture of an overdose victim not for shock value, but rather in the hope that you will have a frank discussion with friends and family about respecting moderation, understanding limits, and knowing when to just walk away - especially now that the holidays are coming up.
Why does it seem to take tradgedy and sadness to make me remember how precious every moment of every hour of every day is??
To lose a friend who was too young to pass, who left behind a young family and a slew of friends. To stand at a memorial service and realise that it could be me that people are mourning.
I understand death. I have my ideas of what happens. It is the grief and sadness of the living that forces it home.
Today... I will hug my children extra tight. I will love closer. I will smile more and I will absorb the moments I am blessed with now. For this moment, could very well be my last.
I had an inservice for work today. Always 5 + hours of sheer boredom. But they pay me for it and serve coffee and bagels, so who can complain.
Much to my surprise they introduced us to a new work philosophy. Based on a video from a Fish Company that uses 4 basic princip als to improve business, maintain loyal staff and encourage return patronage. The 4 steps are easy. Fun, Make their day, Be there and Choose your attitude. They call it F I S H ironically.
Most of these I put into motion in my own life. I try to always have fun via humor and interaction. Being a people person makes it easier to try making someones day. It can be as simple as a heartfelt "Nice to see you". Being there is simply living in the moment, paying attention when your interacting with someone and trying not to daydream or plan dinner in your head while interacting. Listening and eye contact conveys this real well. My favorite step in this philosophy is the Choose Your Attitude part.
It is so easy to get sucked into feeling blue when life isn't rolling the way we like. Or losing patience quickly when we didn't get enough sleep last night. Or how about taking out frustrations of a mundane job on a co-worker, just because we can. The guy behind me in traffic feels it is his duty to take his anger out on me by cutting me off or even fliping me off, not realizing that the traffic is no more my fault then his.
When I wake up in the morning, I make the choice to be happy. Despite the stresses and frustrations I encounter. *an boy do I have my share* Worry solves nothing but making me feel lousy. The outcome will be the same no matter how much I fret over something. So why not put on a smile and share it? Smiles are more contageous then yawns I think. And way more fun to share.
I admit it isn't always possible or easy. But it is worth it to me to try. Not for those around me as much as for my own well being and happiness
Our team ran thru last season undefeated. Even though the boys should be playing in the U 11 bracket this year, their coach moved them up to U12 in an attempt to challenge them. They met that challenge by running thru this season undefeated, against boys who were on most cases at least a head taller and a year faster then they are. Some of their games were such blow-outs that the coach would place restrictions on them like "no shooting on goal with your right foot" this when the score of the game was 10 - 0 in our favor at halftime. We traveled along way this weekend to find competition. We found that competition, and although all 3 of our coaching staff and all the parents agreed we needed the challenge, they didn't all handle it as one would hope.
Our coach send a letter of reminder to all of us this morning. And here is the response I sent to him.
Coach,
This is a novel that might be best read not at work due to length.
The expectation of this weekend was to be challenged for a change and in that you did wonderfully. I saw the weekend as a huge success. I think we saw at region cup last year the same effect when faced with competition after a long run of being victorious that happened this weekend, except this time the boys stepped up to the challenge instead of buckling under it. A positive achievement. Walking away with every game you play is not the way to develop, which I think is the reason we all commit to doing this every weekend of the year. Or at least the reason we should be doing it.
What I was reminded of this weekend is that it is very tough to mix business and family and expect to have it go smoothly. The word family meaning our soccer family, after 3 years we have certainly become one.
Everyone brings their own unique character to this family which is what makes such a great dynamic. Just as is the case with the team having 3 coaches. Coach Jane is the nurturing mother figure to soothe the bumps and lumps when needed, Coach Bob is the tough demanding "Quit whining and play" one, and you being the positive reinforcement constructive balance to it all. I think the boys benefit from each of you in a different way as I am sure they respond to you all in a different way. As a parent, I know this first hand as I too respond to each of you in a different way.
"Where is she going with this?" you ask.
All that to say this. Immediately after the 5:30 pm Oldsmar game, my kids father was approached by coach Bob and spoken to about Our son. The jest of the conversation was that Our Son did not play up to what is "expected" of him, therefore he sat the bench when his team needed him and the game was lost. And that "HE" needs to talk to his son. These thoughts were also said to be coming from you.
At some point I am going to share my thoughts on this happening with Coach Bob as I am sharing them with you now, but this weekend was NOT the right time. For a few obvious reasons lol
As Our Sons mom, I am very aware of his ability on the soccer field. When he is on his game it is something just short of spectacular. I am also aware that attached to that ability is an inexperienced boy who is learning the ropes in a grown up atmosphere. I am smart enough to know, just as you are, within the first 5 minutes of a game or less whether he is "on" or not. Not only do I watch the game, but I pay attention to what is said to him during the game, his behavior on the sidelines and especially his attitude. I do this in an attempt to support you after the game, in a sense reinforcing the lessons you teach. With him I am focused more on helping him mentally handle things, not so much his physical game. Being that is where he seems to struggle the most. I have seen improvements. Without even having heard the conversation, my ride home conversation with Our Son was based on his not digging deep and doing what HE knows he is capable of.
None of us enjoy criticism in general and when it is directed at our kids, well that isn't easy to swallow either. I totally agreed that Our Son needed to be on the bench that second game. He was exhausted from the 60 minutes on the field just 90 minutes prior in a very intense game. He also knows why he was sitting. I did not hear the entire conversation between My sons father and Bob. I became involved when my kids father asked my advise on how to deal with it. Not so much what to do about it as how to handle the feelings that it prompted within him.
We all share giant expectations for our kids, that is our job as parents. We push them to achieve the best at all they do. When our kids don't meet those expectations, whose fault is that? The kids for not meeting them? Or maybe ours, for setting our sights so high? I take a deep breath and remind myself of this often. Much like you, I focus on the positive achievements, the lesson learned and the improvements since last time and how to help for next time.
The moral of this story is that it isn't usually the message, but the way that message is presented. My advise to my kids father was just that. Weed thru the way you receive the words and focus on the message itself. Each of us respond differently to different messengers.
Thank you for the lessons learned and for pushing us to be the best we can be.
Recreational Soccer Mom: Anyone can join, no prior experience required. 1 practice night/week, lasting 1 hour at a community park nearest you. Saturday morning games at same park. Fun non-competitive atmosphere. Parents from both teams mingle. Snack-list distributed at start of season which lasts 8 weeks. Each parent has one week to bring a post game snack and drink for the team. Season is ended with a full day tournament where each team plays 3 abbreviated games and every player receives a participation medallion or trophy. Season end team Pizza party. Commitment level is low.
Intermediate Soccer Mom: Players are recommended for a mock try-out via their rec. coach. Depending on size of program, enough teams are formed so that every child that is recommended is put on a team. 1 practice night/week, lasting 90 minutes at a community park nearest you. 1 game per weekend for 8 weeks. Half on the home field and half played within 20- 30 miles of home. Friendly atmosphere, with a hint of competition. Not to brutal yet. Parents may or may not interact with oposition. Snack-list distributed at start of season which lasts 8 weeks. Each parent has one week to bring a post game snack and drink for the team. 1 Season end tournament. 3 abbreviated games with 1st place team in each age bracket recieving trophies and the rest a participation medallion or patch. Season end Team Pizza party. Commitment level is moderate.
Advanced Soccer Mom: Players are selected via coach word of mouth for a try-out via their rec. coach or Inter. coach. Each age bracket will select enough players to make one team, so not everyone will be accepted. <cuts> 1-2 practice night(s)/week, lasting 90 minutes at a community park nearest you. 1 game per weekend for 8-10 weeks depending on how many counties participate. Half on the home field and half played within 2 or 3 counties from home. Competative atmosphere from players and fans. Some parents will speak to opposition parents but it is not the norm. Season& nbsp;lasts 10 - 12 weeks. Each parent is individually responsible for the nutrition and hydration of their own player. Possible independant tournaments scattered thru out the season depending on the coach's desire to develop the team. Season end tournament day. 3 abbreviated games with 1st place team in each age bracket recieving trophies and the rest go home empty handed. Season end Team Party. Commitment level is High and required.
Competative Soccer Mom: Players are scouted and chosen by their ability to play the game. Try-outs are held when and if there is an opening. Try-outs are cut throat and brutal. 1 2 hour training session a week with a professional trainer working on individual skill and 2 -3 2 hour team training sessions with team coach at a centrally located field that may or may not be convenient due to where you live. At least one game per weekend, more often 2 games a weekend. Location of games can be anywhere within a 200 mile radius and most games are not at home. Here in Florida our Fall season lasts from late August - December. The spring season starts in late January and goes thru May. Each parent tends to their own athletes nutrition and hydration needs. Spanning from fruit wedges to power bars in large quantity. Competition is fierce. Parents are rarely friendly on the sideline. There is even competition with parents on the same team. The sidelines have a high tension level. Independant tournaments at least once a month. These tournaments last from Friday night thru late in the day on Sunday. Distance can be as much as 300 miles away requiring 2 night hotel stay. The games are full games and there is often 3 games a day per team. Championship games are played late on Sunday. Winner recieves impressive hardwear and losers go home empty handed. Season end tournaments follow the same format. Region Cup competition once a year, which can lead to District and State compe tition with winning. With a dedicated coach there will be clinics held during school breaks to develop the team. Lead by profession coaches. Commitment is Extreme and mandatory. You live for your team and your athlete.
I have ommited a bunch, like dealing with the heartache. The struggles as a parent of wondering if your doing the right thing exposing your young athlete to such an enviorment.
My son has an extreme talent for this game. His skill on the pitch is a huge asset to his team. There are expectations of great things from him on a regular basis. That puts added pressure on him and in turn on me to be mentally and morally supportive of him.
The key to this is a compassionate coach who knows how to use positive reinforcements to gain results. I am thankful that we have such a coach. I am thankful to my soccer family, for making this commitment we all go into blindly, so much more enjoyable.
I am the ultimate soccer mom...right down to the bumper sticker on my car that reads...
I have no life... My son plays Competative Soccer.
My first blog of the New Year weeeeeeeeee Happy New Year !!!
Yes, I survived the road trip. Feel like I got hit by a bus, but it was a fun time as expected.
Rang in the new year on the balconey of a hotel close enough to Busch Gardens I coulda thrown a rock at it. Talk about NoIsY!! Yikes. Found out that on January 1st theres a college bowl game in Tampa Bay so 75% of Georgia State Universities Bulldog fans were sharing the same hotel. Oh to be so young!
True to form, the strongest thing I consummed was really bad convenient store coffee. Shared some dirty jokes, relived a few high points from 2004 and met some very colorful people in the process. That's my puppies fault. Zaida the stunning Australian Sheperd. Her striking appearance and her loving personality always draws them in. If I was a guy, she would be the perfect "chick magnet" hehe
I had front row seats for the Fireworks display at Busch that lasted a good 25 minutes. Even from a mile away they were impressive. I ran out of gas about 1:30am but the city was still in full swing. I wanna send a special shout out to the gentlemen who reminded me its not wise to play with fire while intoxicated lol Those 2:37 am M80 firecrackers outside my door were a nice touch!! I left claw marks in the ceiling of room #260. Hope I don't get charged extra for that.
The weather was picture perfect, the soccer on Sat & Sun was wicked competative which is percisely the reason for our travels. But that story I will save for another blog when I am not typing with exhausted fingers and half drooping eyes!
Boo-Yah !!
