Monday, October 3, 2011

Confusion and missed connections/shitty timing.

I've had feelings all over the map.

One of my friends that I've known on a purely friendship and lighthearted level, who also has a girlfriend, confessed having feelings for me for the past five years last night. He leaned in to hug me, and kissed me instead. With this person, I felt the same way. There was a physical attraction that neither of us did anything about.

He's just my type, physically. The kind I usually find myself attracted to. Tall, dark, handsome.
He's creative, a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.
He's my age, but he's not the type to run around. He's had a few girlfriends since I've known him, but his main lover has been the music itself.
For birthdays of mine that have required that I needed someone to rescue me, he's stepped up to the plate and always been my knight in shining armor.
In all the years I've known him, he's never treated me with anything but respect and honor.
He gave me a New Year's kiss in 2007 - an innocent peck on the mouth, when I realized that it was my first New Years in a long time without anyone to kiss.
He's got his shit together and comes from a family that has their shit together. I like his dad and know him well.


We still haven't. When I asked about his intentions, he was honest and told me he had none but that he just was tired of keeping it a secret from me. I could understand that.

I am emotionally involved with someone, but this kiss threw my little world into a complete tailspin.

It was that good.

Here I am, still pondering the entire sequence of events ... and I think it will continue to be that way for at least another couple nights.

Damn it, my timing always seems to off.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Ya Know...It's the little things...

It's the little things in life that can really make your day... I've had a phenomenal few days.

1. All this going through old material of mine has really inspired me and gotten my creative juices flowing again. Lots of writing lately, lots of thought.. and even lots of painting.

2. I had to make some room for some new things and ended up pulling out a bunch of clothes that I used to be able to wear a few years back when I was super skinny. Now, I haven't really been *trying* as hard as I could be to be losing this extra weight, but I have been eating smarter and moving more... anyway, I tried some of the clothes on, and even though some of them were tight, they went on and buttoned! For a girl, this is HUGE excitement. I was even able to wear one of my favorite jean skirts the other day.

3. Sometimes it's nice to feel appreciated or *remembered*... and that's happened a few times in the past few days for me. Even again tonight with a message from an old friend of mine... just makes a girl feel good.

Lazy Sundays are awesome, by the way. :)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Spring Cleaning & Poetry/Book News

It's time for a little spring cleaning. Not just my house, but my mind and soul too. My hurts, my experiences, my joys- all of those are like the leaves that fell last fall. IN THE PAST! As spring blooms around me, I am reminded that I am in bloom again too. I am reborn... Every day is an opportunity to grow, change and look forward. Nature doesn't dwell on the past, it strives for the future. I shall do the same.


I'm feeling REALLY positive today. There's just SO much potential within me - that is being unleashed today towards some GREAT things moving forward in my life. Life is a gift, folks... it's to be appreciated for every moment we are given. 
----------------


Poetry.


I was going through my desk, in an effort to clean it up, sort it out, and do some cleaning... and I began paging through all my (many) notebooks that I've written in over the past six or so years and carried around with me. I've scribbled lines of thought, beginnings of songs, full pages of journaling, etc. in these pages, documenting my state of mind at various stages before, during and after my divorce, financial free fall and re-discovery of myself. I've also rediscovered my spirituality and found a faithful resolve. After picking up one of my hard covered journals, I recalled a conversation I had with a Nashville visual artist who inspired the then pricey for me, $18 hard cover journal purchase. He read through some of my works, saw pictures of some of my art, and responded with an email to me that included the following text: "You're a great writer, don't waste it on the music industry." 


A lot of what I had begun to write, started off as song ideas, and morphed into poetic verse instead. I guess you go with what you know at the core... While some of my writing can most certainly and has been morphed into song form, I almost always appreciate the original best. At present, the book is in the process of being compiled and hopefully the poetry and words I've written over the past several years, as well as the art I've created will be able to be appreciated- and possibly help others going through their own journey of self discovery after a major life change. The working title is "Reflections from a Scattered Mind".


Here's a snippet: 




On Taking Chances 




I allow myself to fall
Faster.
Deeper. 
There's no parachute
It's a free fall
I willingly took the step
I leapt from the cliffs
Trusted.
My soul knows that when
Opportunity knocks
I'll open the door
God shows me a way
I have faith in Him
I'll jump every time
And fall.
If you don't catch me,
hold me tight and
love me forever,
He will.


----------------



Thursday, April 7, 2011

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What the hell am I doing?

I'm thinking, more than ever, about why it is that I don't write as much as I used to. Songs, poetry, random rambling... I know time has been a major issue, but I wonder if some of it is just my unwillingness to share my thoughts with the general public. Have I become more hermit-like in the past year?

Sure, I'll share random thoughts with little substance, but the sad thing is that I don't even write from my core any longer- even for privacy's sake... which is dumb. I should. It's through writing and art that I tend to figure things out for myself and make sense of the jumbled thoughts in my mind. It's through writing and art that I've been able to make it through the past oh, 29 years or so (yeah, I started kindergarten at 4)... I've been painting a little bit, but not near as much as I should.

Oh, little creative soul, you're just spinning away, frustrated with me not taking the time to respond to you. I've sensed that my little angels are surrounding me and encouraging me to keep up my creativity. I often wonder what it is that I might be able to offer the world that may be of value to someone, or appreciated by someone. Some would say that my kind heart is enough... but I'd like something a little more permanent to be left behind when I'm finally gone (hopefully at least 50 years from now).

I find myself able to think of all these profound things, then when I sit in front of a computer screen or with a pen and my journal... I seem to hit a wall. It's a mental block, mostly of the "do I want to really write that down?" sense... I hate being indecisive or guarded with my words, but the reality is that in the past year, I've seen that when you're in a good mood or you're finally smiling - there are people in this world who just want to put that little light out... and will adopt methods that are less than admirable to do so.

I've also learned that jealousy is a cruel and heartless beast surely sent straight from the Devil's belly. Even with all the prayin' and light sendin' and angel callin' I've done... it's tough to not feel the sting of someone's else's jealous behavior. Here's how I see jealousy- there's no need for it. If you're feeling like you have to fight to keep someone in your life by pushing them away from others or being cruel to them or say cruel things to tear them away from other people that bring them joy, then you shouldn't be in their life to begin with.

My belief is that I'm here to help build people up. That's one of my life goals. I'm here to help others see the good in themselves when they can't see it at the moment. I'm here to help them until they can shine brightly on their own. That goes for my children, that goes for my friends, my family, and even random strangers. If I can give of my time, I will. So often, simply a smile, a kind word or a hug and a shoulder to cry on is just enough to help someone through a tough time.

More importantly, after you help people, you can't have a hold on them, or expect something in return. The best option is to pay the kindness forward to someone else who needs it. I've seen far too many examples of people who help someone when they're down, then put a list of demands on them (whether a physical list or a mental mindfuck) to make them feel like they owe the person something.

The correct way to share love and give love and TRULY offer support to someone is to do something with NO expectation of a return.

I've pondered writing a book about divorce for several years. My mother was the one who actually gave birth to the idea floating around in my head. She was the one who mentioned that I had an interesting perspective, and had lived through my share of a divorce situation, especially with kids- and also that I had a unique style of writing- that I might be able to help others get through it by sharing my story.

I've shared my story verbally with friends, acquaintances and such. I like to think I'm helping them process things, move forward with their lives or even more so, feel like they're not utterly alone after years of being part of a couple. Divorce does rip people apart. It tears you limb from limb. For those of us who got married thinking it was going to be a one time deal, it not only devastates you financially, physically, emotionally... but spiritually as well.

Putting Humpty Dumpty back together again is about as easy as lining up Rubik's Cube (without the instructions). It takes time, patience, work and healing. We'll never be the same, but instead of feeling broken, we can begin to heal and feel renewed.

So there, again, no intention of an actual post and bam! Something came out. Gotta love my free-rambling posts...

I pray every day for grace. God, please grant me patience, grace and the ability to seek out the good in all people, even those who have hurt me.

That's all I've got for now, folks.

Monday, March 14, 2011

I got nothin'

I have been sitting here trying to think of somethin' to write, and even a topic, but I got nothin'. I just wanted to visit the blog and at least try to write. Chalk this one up to a big fat day full of writers block.

Awesome.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

I'm In Love With You, Joy Williams

Just found this song... one of my YouTube click and finds- Holy hell, it's gorgeous. I love the words, and I love Joy William's voice. I'm going to have to see what I can find of hers on iTunes.

Songs like this make me cry.... and songs like this make me feel lonely... but I love songs like this, because they make me FEEL something. Maybe one day I can dedicate it to my very own someone special...

Lyrics:


I've been waiting all my life for this morning
Just to wake up next to you holding me
And your head is resting gently on my shoulder
Like you're whispering to me

I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
So glad I found you
I'm in love with you

When we're leaving dreams and rolling back the covers
All at once we're getting ready for the day
It's when you look at me in the mirror while you're shaving
Before I go on my way, you say

I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
You're the one I choose
'Cause I'm in love

Love is joy and love is pain
It's kissing in the rain
It's doing dishes when it's late
Isn't it, baby
It's the art of compromise
It's hellos and long goodbyes
It's the picture of our lives
Isn't it crazy

So I'll call you when I get to where I'm going
And I'll tell everyone we know you said hello
And without fail they'll ask me if I miss you
Of course I do, you know I do

'Cause I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
You're the one I choose

I'm in love
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
I love you just the same as I did the day
I fell in love with you



Saturday, February 19, 2011

Creative Escape

I've been hiding again from the blogging experience, but I've also been really busy. February has been jam packed so far with a lot of events, my birthday, guests and just kiddo activities too!

I haven't felt much like writing lately, but I think it's because I've been so busy, I'm just trying to rest when I can. I made a batch of soap last night, and painted a whole bunch too. There's an art show coming up next weekend that I'm participating in.  I'm trying to get all these pieces that I want to include finished so that they can be available for sale at the event.

Life's good otherwise, I just spent a small fortune between Victoria's Secret and Frederick's of Hollywood. I needed (desperately) new undergarments, and it had been a while since I had truly re-stocked the unmentionables drawer. My favorite black push-up bra broke last weekend, and I knew it was time to go ahead and make the necessary purchases. Thankfully, there were decent sales and free shipping involved.

I bought the kids Bendaroos (they had wanted them for ages) and I woke up to find a love note on my bedroom door this morning in bendaroos. It says, "I <3 Mom" with happy faces and hearts and peace signs. That's always a great way to start your Saturday morning!

We were supposed to go to Louisville Science Center today, but the kids vetoed that idea this morning and want to go tomorrow instead... So we'll pack up the car and head out for Louisville tomorrow mornin'.

I'm about to hit the showers and relax a bit..

Friday, February 18, 2011

Painting again...

This is still in progress. Started off as a mixed media piece with scrapbook paper and magazine clippings, buttons, tags... A whole lotta stuff. Now, the paint layering begins....

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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

All's Well that Ends Well...

It was a great night at the Sweethearts Gala. My painting was up for auction, as well as a gift basket from Lady Luna Luxuries. I was treated to a fun night of conversation and cocktails followed by an amazing dinner at the Hutton Hotel. Crabcakes, Mini Filet... and the decadent raspberry truffle dessert. Yum!



 My table


With Joey and Rory - the celebrity Sweethearts of the event... they put on a great show for us!



I hit Losers and Rebar after the event. It was a great night out! Got to see Manuel again at Rebar- forgot to take pictures... but for a Friday night out on the town, I got to dress up, I got that great dinner, I got to see a lot of friends - and make some new ones and mostly, I had a wonderful evening altogether!

Friday, February 11, 2011

I'm going to have to think about it.

A friend canceled on me for an expensive dinner I was looking forward to last night. With zero explanation. Via text message.

Really? I'm sorry, but it's not a date, nothing romantic, and it's been planned for weeks. AND - there was no obligation to this person to pay a cent. I just wanted someone to sit across from me and enjoy the really good food and conversation- because I didn't want to go to dinner there to sit by myself.

In addition, our friendship is such that I do a lot of things for this person. Just because it makes me happy to do them. This is the first time I've asked this person to do something where they weren't getting paid to be there- and I'm not going to lie. I'm a little pissed.

Now, I'll give this person the benefit of the doubt. My phone died last night, so possibly there was a text message that I didn't get... but every other one came through this morning... so.. we'll see. I'm going to have to think about this.

Anyone else wanna dress up and go out on the town? I'm hell bent and determined to recover this bullshit of a planned night out.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

This makes me smile.

From the movie The Proposal. There's this whole scene after the hilarious naked scene, where they are heading to bed for the night... and it's incredibly personal, Margaret shares a bunch about her personal life with Andrew... and they are all sorts of giggly.

I find that to be one of the most heartwarming scenes in the entire movie.

That is all.

Side note: I really need to stop watching romantic movies before I go to bed.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

You'll Never Know

This song was on Big Love this past week, towards the end in the background and on the credits. Of course, once I heard it, I had to find it.  This song was sung in 1943, and this particular version by a lady named Vera Lynn. It was very popular, sung right in the middle of WWII as there were many women missing their men, and sending their love and prayers across the miles. 

For your listening pleasure, and again, simply beautiful and timeless music and lyrics...



YOU'LL NEVER KNOW

You'll never know just how much I miss you,
You'll never know just how much I care...
And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you,
You ought to know, for haven't I told you so,
A million or more times?

You went away and my heart went with you,
I speak your name in my every prayer.
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
I swear I don't know how...
You'll never know if you don't know now.

You went away and my heart went with you,
I speak your name in my every prayer.
If there is some other way to prove that I love you,
I swear I don't know how...
You'll never know if you don't know now.

To Make You Feel My Love...

I just felt like this song was so beautiful that I had to share. I've heard the Garth Brooks version, but I stumbled across this version thanks to my Pandora account. I listened to the words again, and then again... This is the kind of love I've got to share with the world...

Bob Dylan wrote this song, but this version is sung by an Irish artist, Mick McAuley. I very much like the simple strumming of the guitar with this, and his voice is so smooth. It's the type of song that I'll listen to as part of my "sleepy time" playlist. Surely this voice, the guitar strumming and these words would inspire many nights of pleasant dreams.

Enjoy...



When the rain is blowing in your face,
and the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
to make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
and there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
to make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
but I would never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
no doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry; I'd go black and blue,
I'd go crawling down the avenue.
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
to make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
and on the highway of regret.
The winds of change are blowing wild and free,
you ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.
Nothing that I wouldn't do.
Go to the ends of the Earth for you,
to make you feel my love



----



Sunday, January 23, 2011

rumi; wise sage

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi


After watching "Valentine's Day" today with the kids, I heard one Rumi quote and decided that I needed to go read some more of his writing. As it turns out, I'm quite impressed with a lot of what I read. It also goes to show you that good advice stands the test of time. He wrote the above over 700 years ago. 


So it had me thinking. What are my barriers to love? 


In a general sense, I don't think I have many. When it gets closer to the heart on an individual basis, I'd say that I probably have to bring out the sledgehammer and start dropping walls. 


I had an interesting thing happen to me the other day. A guy that I went on a few dates with, nothing serious, and remained casual friends/acquaintances, was talking to me about relationships while we were catching up. We talked about our current lives and kids and the entire conversation was fairly lighthearted, then he switched gears. 


He told me that he knew that I wasn't really looking for a major relationship when he met me, because I did express that to him, but that he thinks that he held back a larger part of himself because he didn't want to seem to smother me with affection. He's a really nice guy, but honestly, there's a fairly larger age difference than I would like and I just didn't "feel" a deeper connection- or the potential for one. 


Then he asked about some of the people in my life now, and asked me point blank how I felt about each of them. When he asked me about one person, my eyes softened when he asked me, "Do you love him?" 


He caught it, and I'm not sure who was more surprised, him or me, that the words, "Yes, I do love him" tumbled out of my mouth with such speed and assurance. 


I'm not the sappy type, I guess, but that marked a first for me. Admitting it to someone else. 


Of course, that knocked down a pretty large and significant barrier within me. I was forced to admit just how much he actually means to me. And forced to live with that realization. So here it is, I do love him. Maybe one day, he'll love me in return again. Until then, I'm kind of happy just with the realization itself.





Little Life Lesson

I've been sick this week. In my congestion, I figured that the icy hot stick in my medicine cabinet could double as a vicks vaporub stand in.
The answer here is NO.
I now have a rash on my chest where I rubbed the icy hot.

Lesson learned.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Odd dream/spiritual experience.

Last night I had a dream that really threw me for a loop. I'm not sure if it's in a good way, or in a bad way just yet.

I was me, but in two ways - one as an active participant in the dream itself and also then again as an observer.

In the dream, I met an adorable 9 month old baby boy with bright blue eyes. He was given to me. Yes, given to me. In the dream, someone physically gave him to me. The odd part about this, was that I also knew he was mine.  I was able to have full conversations with this nine month old (mental conversations) where he was speaking to me without speaking to my observer self, while the active participant self carried on about her day with him. I hope this makes sense to someone.

I was being told all about him. Things he liked, things he didn't. But what struck me most was that he had a name that he was most definite about. Thomas Aiden. Then, he told me that I would understand the significance later. That he was the proof that I was right.

When I started to try and put more pieces together about why he was mine- when I was explaining that I was very much done having children and had no plans for more- and funnier than that, no "baby daddy" on the horizon, his response was very clear. "You're not in charge".

I woke up in a cold sweat.

I spent the better part of the morning trying to shrug it off on the fact that I re-read the Breaking Dawn novel yesterday, in which Bella does conceive and deliver a child. Then I thought maybe it was also because a friend and myself were discussing our children last night before bed as well, so I had kids on the brain.

This afternoon I left the house for a while because I just couldn't stand to be at home alone with my thoughts and needed a distraction. But no matter what, all day long, I couldn't shake the image of this blue eyed cutie-pie in my head. Here it is, nearly 24 hours later and I'm afraid to fall asleep for fear I'm going to get more of his story. I'm afraid the dream is going to repeat and I'll be incapacitated in thought for another day.

I don't know what's scarier, actually enjoying seeing him or being told point blank, "You're not in charge". For little Miss Planny-McPlannerson, that didn't quite go over so well.

I even went so far as to look up his name meanings online, figured maybe it would help me understand something. Thomas means "twin", Aiden means "fire/flame".

While I understand the significance of the name, I'm still baffled by the idea of the child itself.

I should add that I'm freaked out slightly more because before I had Madelyn, years and years ago, I met her in a dream before I even became pregnant with her. The dreams continued through most of the pregnancy, on and off, and I knew what she was going to look like, and that she'd be a girl, before she was born. Of course, she was three in most of the dreams I had of her, and used to laugh a lot. She actually looked just like I knew she would when she was three. Her laugh was the same too...

I don't know what this means, and it could very possibly mean nothing. But, I'm still freaking out. The only "good" news is that I don't know how old I was in the dream. Maybe it was just a dream. Maybe.

For now, I'm sticking to my "I'm not planning on having any more children" mantra. I can be in charge of that just plenty.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Brown Eyed Girl Olive Oil Soaps from Lady Luna Luxuries!

On the drying rack, smelling delightful! Brown eyed girl has the scent of chestnuts and brown sugar.
Each bar is made with olive oil, water, sodium hydroxide and fragrance. The pure olive oil base leaves skin feeling ultra soft and moisturized.
You can get your own- or any other scent- at www.ladylunaluxuries.com
Pamper yourself. You deserve it!

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Testing!
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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Whatcha got to lose?

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer's always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."

I'm in an emotional war with myself. Trusting or believing in something that has emotional value for me tends to be difficult for me. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I've hurt before, or if it's because despite my stature, I have issues with confrontation. I'm a peacemaker. A lover, not a fighter...

There's nothing to fight about and no one really to fight with, but I feel sometimes like maybe the reasons I haven't found what I'm looking for in life are because sometimes I don't take that next step to truly go after something. When it comes to business decisions, I have no problem applying the above quote. When it comes to emotional decisions, I freeze.

I've had a few thoughts lately about changing the way I react to some situations. Instead of being sweet and polite, I'm going to just let a comment rip without thinking about it. Instead of bottling up my emotions, I'm going to find the strength to face them and be open about them. I can't drive myself crazy sitting here in neutral. It's time that I throw my emotional self into gear, drop the pedal to the floor and let those wild horses run free. It's only then that my scenery is going to change.

It's interesting how some people come into your life and make such an impact without them even knowing how deeply they've touched your soul. I am grateful for that. I am. I try to show people close to me that they make a difference in my life. I hope I convey that well enough.

My ex-husband once accused me of being an "emotional ice queen". It's really not true. I've got this river of emotional lava running through me fast and hot. Little known facts: I cry at sappy movies, I love with all I've got, I keep my passions about life and love close to my heart. I don't like to cry in front of people.

I'm not an ice queen, I'm just very adept at putting up walls around me when I feel like I'm going to be hurt. I'm great at putting walls up just because I think I have the potential to be hurt. I'm going to change that this year.

I'm not complaining. Not at all. I feel so "emo" for writing the above. Next on the agenda, I'll be wearing skinny jeans and buying black nail polish and lipgloss at Halloween Express. Ha. Like they even HAVE skinny jeans for curvy girls. What a hoot.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Back from the gym

I took it easy today, and only did two miles on the treadmill, followed by a half-hearted attempt at abdominal work. I just didn't want to over-do it and then not want to go back. Next time, three miles. I also promised myself to find the yoga DVD that's packed away in a box and actually stretch it out tonight. I called my girlfriend Rhonda to see if she had anything I could use.

Food-wise, I'm going to cut back on some of my carb intake, and increase my protein and leafy greens. More fresh fruits/veggies, less bread and noodles. Which means, basically, that helushki for me is going to be off limits, unless I primarily eat only the cabbage and skip on the noodle pieces.

I weighed myself too. Gah. Let's just say I have 51 lbs to lose to get to my target weight.

Even though I had guessed about 50 lbs, I was sad to realize that it was quite the reality. Now, for the execution of the plan to drop this dead weight.

All I can think about is how cute I'm going to look rocking out that pair of jeans that I love so much... it's a motivator. I'm contemplating hanging them on the wall behind my bedroom door. I need to find myself a workout buddy too, I'm incredibly self motivated, but I know that on days I'm feeling lazy, depressed or pre-menstrual, I probably won't want to do anything but lay around- and I need a buddy who will deliver a swift kick in the ass on those days.

That's all for now. Time for me to do my daily housework dash, in my sneakers... I think that some of this should count as aerobic exercise.

Even Online Shopping Gets Me Down

Julia Childs Complex

I watched the movie Julie/Julia and I had to chuckle a little bit when Julia Childs mentions that she likes shopping for food in Paris better than dress shopping, simply because there's no store that carries her size anyway.

I'm not ridiculously obese, by any means, but I'm a tall girl with an overly ample chest size and about average size in the waist and hips. For me, clothes shopping can often be ridiculously frustrating. I love dresses, but can't find many that will accommodate my large breasts, and often times, I'm pretty much stuck to a v-neck to have it look remotely flattering.

I've only wanted a breast reduction since these things grew in, when I was about 16. They've served me well, and served my babies well, but now, they're fairly obsolete in the usage department.

As I crammed on three sports bras this morning to layer for enough "hold", I realized that I'm so tired of always having a sore back & sore shoulders- and I really wish that I could afford the breast reduction.

Plastic Surgery?
I'm really not the type of girl who likes needles, much less the thought of being sliced open, but in the past few years, I've tried to keep my eyes open for opportunities to sign up for TV shows or something that would allow me to get this surgery done without being financially in the hole. I've had insurance look at it before, and of course, they denied it- I would have had a substantial co-pay that I wouldn't be able to afford.

So maybe this is the year. After I lose the weight in my 50 day challenge, I think it's time to talk to someone about a marketing opportunity. I have enough tools in my own toolbox to make a deal with a plastic surgery office. For one, I'm extremely experienced in SEO - so I could always offer some of my services in exchange for some of theirs. I've been a marketing girl for long enough that I would and could offer myself up on the marketing table as well, in return for being placed upon the surgery table.

Surely there's an experienced doctor out there who needs website work or a marketing plan that goes beyond the typical "get yourself bathing suit ready" campaign.

Vanity
I'm not even ashamed to admit it. I like to look good. But what's so frustrating, was that I spent an entire hour and a half on Modcloth.com looking at really adorable dresses and I knew that the majority of those, I wouldn't be able to fit in, thanks to the twins. I have this fascination with all things 1940s, but a lot of the necklines that cut across the collarbone aren't flattering to a chesty woman.

I'm not saying I would expect to NOT have boobs, I would probably enjoy being a full C or even D cup. At the moment, I'm topping out at the DDD/F area. If some were to measure, I'm scared I might even meet up with Mama G.

I guess the next thing is to just keep working out and talk to people and see if this can be a reality rather than a dream. I'm so tired of carrying these girls around. Beyond the obvious weight of them, once I lose weight, it garners me even more of the attention I don't wish to seek. With the weight on, I still get it, but once I'm in shape again, it's worse- which is another reason I think I have allowed myself to put on the weight- I can stop some of the crass comments or men hitting on me. A subconscious sabotage to my own health for reasons of not being pursued so directly.

That sounds lame, but it's really something worth thinking about. It's not the only reason, but it sure is one of them.

Well, off to the gym. The treadmill and I are going to finally meet each other and I'm off to listen to Pandora while walking along- the snow has subsided enough that I can get out of my house.

At tax time, I may very well invest in a treadmill of my own again. I lost the last one I had in a storage unit fire.


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Fifty Day Challenge

I've had it. It's time to change.

I'm issuing myself a 50 day Challenge. I'm going to actively try to get myself back in shape in the next 50 days. I'm going to work out in SOME fashion each day, resting only on Sundays.

I'll document it here, since I also mentioned working more on writing... and that kind of kills two birds with one stone.

The last time I committed myself to a project like this, was about 5 years ago. I ended up changing my life so dramatically that I was in better shape than I was when I was in high school.

With my separation, divorce, moves, children, job stresses and financial stresses, I have let myself go a bit. I think it was all too much for me to keep up with my exercise routine. But now, things are changing a bit. It's just time for me to be a little more healthy. I know, because of my past experience, that even the little changes can make a big difference.

So, challenge issued. Tomorrow, my happy rear end has a date with Pandora, my new headphones and the treadmill. :) Then I'm going to dig out my Yoga DVDs and get myself on a schedule. It tones and relaxes at the same time...

What's my biggest motivation? The first weekend in March is when I get to see many of my friends in Nashville again for the first time in a long time. I've got a couple pairs of jeans that I'd really love to wear... and some new dresses that I'd like to look my best in.

Vanity? Absolutely. It's one of my easiest forms of motivation. I want to look good this year. Drop, dead gorgeous...I know I'll feel great and look great. I can't wait. :)

The biggest part of any weight loss plan is drinking plenty of water and getting a decent amount of rest. So, on that note, I'm signin' off and heading to bed. :)

Monday, January 10, 2011

I'm not so tough

Everyone seems to think I'm strong
Because that's what I seem to be
But the truth is on the inside
there's a frightened little me

I spend my days and nights
praying someone will come along
Asked God to help me through
the Darkest moments I ever knew

I'm not that strong
I'm not so tough
Behind my smile
I hide so much
I hurt too, I feel the pain
I cry at night
Tears on my pillowcase
I need you to hold me
Promise me I'll be alright
I'm not that strong

The left side of my bed has never been so appealing
You're laying there, asleep, rhythmically breathing
The warmth of your skin warms my sheets and my heart
If I had it my way, we'd never sleep apart...

Whenever you leave me, your scent lingers behind
In my pillows and blankets, it's comfort I find
Till you're home again and holding me tight
Wrapped up in your love, morning, noon and night

What the hell...

I figured I'd go ahead and just see what kind of creativity I could spew at the moment.

Do you know who I am?
The words scream from my soul
Will you hurt me again?
I've really got to know
Do I give you my heart?
Even thought it's already yours

When we lay down at night
And pillow talk
Walls come down with the switch of the light
We pillow talk

I never stopped caring
I truly love you
I've processed it all
I've felt like a fool
I've hurt worse than ever
I've missed you like hell

Don't hurt me, you said
And I replied with the same
I told you I loved you
then you held me tight
Kissed me on the forehead
and whispered Goodnight

The familiar ding of your phone
Broke through the silence
I saw her name across the screen
Silently, I began to scream
I reached down deep, closed my eyes
Guarded myself for potential lies
Grounded my emotions
I won't cry today
I have no hold on you
So what's left to say?










Maybe a little too honest?

A lot of my friends know that I enjoy writing poetry and song lyrics. Truthfully, I haven't done nearly as much as I used to of either lately. I haven't been "in the mood" to write things down. I've always got words swirling around in my head, or lines to a chorus or poem that I think up, but haven't felt much for writing it down lately.

I ran into someone I had known a few years ago, and he asked me if I was "doing much writing". When I responded "no, not really", he looked shocked and said, "Well, why the hell not?"

I think I said something along the lines of "I just haven't really made the time lately, and I've been busy with the kids", which is a complete cop-out.

His reply was, "Well, you're good and you should keep it up, make a little time to do more of it." After exchanging a few more kind words and changing the subject, I couldn't help but think about the actual conversation over and over again. Then, I started to think about my reasoning for not writing all that much lately.

The real, honest answer, after hours of thoughtful soul searching?

I just don't want to be hurt again. I write from my soul and most often, it's unabashedly personal to whatever is in the corner of my mind at the time. Last year, I really had some major losses, hurts, and one knock out blow to my sensitivity. I took some time away from being that "open" about my thoughts. I took time away from being "me" publicly, and stuck with comments about the news and weather.

The real, honest answer is that I didn't write because I didn't want to expose my already bleeding soul. I needed time to heal myself before I could ready and steady myself for being open to others again.

Am I better? No.
Am I better now than I was then? Yes.

I've learned what parts of me I'm not willing to share at this time. Truthfully, I should take the time and write things in private for only my consumption, but even that- the method of taking a pen to paper and making my thought process a reality in ink... for me, is still too personal and finite.

So that's why there hasn't been a whole lot from me, creatively, in these past few months. Maybe it's a little too honest to post? Maybe it's just the amount of honest I need to be sharing.

Time heals all wounds, right? Well for me, so do words. It may be time to get back on the creative writing horsey.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Moments of Uncontrollable Emotion

I'm a tough cookie. At least, I think I am, most of the time.

After the movie last night, I ended up in a conversation about my marriage/divorce and I realized that I definitely have more to work through with some of the pain that's still lingering there. On a day to day basis, I'm fine. I feel like I've moved past a lot of it. In fact, I've been a sounding board to friends about their emotions... and I realized tonight that maybe I'm still not back to normal. Maybe I'm not over all the emotions I've so carefully jarred and shelved.

What is normal anyway?

Some days it's just tough to be me. The juggling of responsibilities weighs heavily on my mind. For instance, it's a Saturday, and I should be sleeping... but instead I'm awake and contemplating life at 6:30am.

Another friend of mine seems to be avoiding me more than usual. It's almost as if every opportunity to avoid one on one conversation with me is being put in place. I think part of it is because we have things to talk about, and I don't think it's a subject that we're ready to broach entirely as of yet, while we're still testing the waters. Still, it's somewhat painful at times. We both had hurt feelings. Sigh. What can ya do.

The combination of all of this has me awake and unable to fall back asleep. Then I started thinking about the laundry to do, so I started a load... and I'm hoping if I stare at this keyboard for a little bit, I'll tire my eyes out enough to sleep for maybe another hour or so- before the kids get up.

I think I'll try now...

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Love. Live & Learn.

I was praying/journaling last night (yes, with actual pen and paper) and came to this conclusion about love.

All the times that I seem to have thought that I was in love, I think that I had part of the equation right, but not the entire thing. It was close. Some closer than others. I started flipping through the bible to one of my favorite verses, 1 Corinthians 4-7.. The one that most everyone knows about love:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

And here's what I thought: The times I have loved, I have been patient, and kind. I rarely get jealous, I don't often flaunt it and I'm usually blissfully happy. In addition, I tend to follow this whole verse nearly verbatim. I'm not the jealous type, I understand misunderstandings, I'm one of the best protectors that there is on this earth and I'm full of hope and endurance.

Now, the next few lines are what had me...

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This part made the most sense to me. I've been promised things, I've had dreams about relationships, been led around like a bunny with a carrot on a string in some instances for way too long. Sometimes, the NOT knowing where things are headed within a relationship is probably for the best. I feel this sort of love in some friendships of mine. For instance, my friend Jessica, who I've known since I was 14. We have this sort of love. No matter what we go through in life, we love each other and support each other. There's no pretense of promises, only a show of support when it's needed, a smile or a laugh when we get together, conversations that can get very deep and spiritual... That's the kind of love that's really working in my life right now. I have other friendships where it's very similar to that now as well, that I've developed as an adult.

Love isn't gender specific, and I'm thankful that while I'm waiting for God to send me the man to enhance my life, I can recognize the love I have with my friends and family. It's enduring.

I believe that love is a powerful force in this world. I see it very clearly, but at the same time, there's much yet to be revealed to me. So for now, I know in part... and I pray that I will see it fully.

Live and learn. Live and learn. Live and learn.

I've always had faith, hope and love. It's true that the most powerful and greatest of these is love. With love, all things are possible.

Go tell someone you love them today. Tell them they're appreciated, tell them you really enjoy having them in your life. It doesn't have to be a romantic type of love, just tell someone that is special to you exactly why they light up your life. Pass on the love in your life, it's multiplied when we share it with others.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!

The Christmas Trip

As I mentioned in my previous post, I spent the holidays in Fort Lauderdale, FL with my family. It was the first time we've had a full family Christmas in a few years. It was great too because the kids had the opportunity to spend time with their dad as well as his side of the extended family for the holidays.

My parents renewed their vows as well- after nearly 34 years of marriage, in a family ceremony on the beach.

Good Times with Old (and New) Friends

The day after Christmas, as a general rule, my high school alma mater holds their annual alumni Christmas party. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people that I hadn't seen in such a long time. I always enjoy that party and try to make it whenever possible.

As the week went on, it was fantastic to be able to have the chance to laugh and sing and get to know some people better. It was great to end up in deep conversations with some new friends and openly speak about some of my own dreams and intentions. It was also refreshing to hear that I wasn't alone in a lot of my desires for my life. Surprisingly, I heard similar thought processes from a man.

The week was a lot of fun, spending time with family and friends. I have a new love for the game "Catch Phrase". I forgot how much I really enjoyed being social.

The Drive

The one major part of the trip to Florida, is the drive there- and the drive back. It's about 17 hours. Four kids in the car for 17 hours, as well as sitting and driving that long alone takes a lot out of a girl. It would take a lot out of anyone, I guess. I haven't had to do that kind of driving for a long time. I wanted to be back home for New Year's. So I made it in finally around 5am on New Year's Eve- and definitely needed my rest.

Thoughts for The New Year

Many people make resolutions. Most of those fall flat. I'd like to set goals. My goals are to eat a little healthier in the new year and get back to the healthy me that I have been before. To spend more time enjoying my children while they are young and focus on family time as much as I can. To continue developing this soap and candle business with my mother because it's something I really enjoy making. I'd also like to spend more time with friends who are important in my life. The people who make me a priority, not an option. The people who value me for what I have to offer in this world, who enhance me and encourage me to be the best that I can be.

Change your conversation and change your outcome, right? This year I plan to continue to attract positivity into my life and dispel negativity. I will continue to encourage my spiritual growth, continue to encourage my creative growth and consciously try to keep all options open for the positivity to manifest itself into my life.

The Big 33

I turn 33 in about a month. This year holds special meaning for me, because I see it as a year of "transformation". Just as a caterpillar turns to a butterfly, that's how I view this upcoming year. My season is changing. As someone with Christian beliefs, I also recognize the biblical implications of the number 33. Jesus died on the cross for us when he was 33. He transformed at this age, from walking with us as a man, to fulfilling a prophecy, dying and coming back to life. His resurrection is surely the greatest transformation one could imagine.

So this year, I plan on a physical and spiritual resurrection of sorts. I feel that for me, in the past several years, I have come through many obstacles and I feel that I am ready to do what I can to be a stronger person this year to help others. That will be part of my change. Mostly, I'm open to being surprised to new or unplanned happinesses. I'm looking forward and not looking back. Life is good and this year, I intend on riding that "good" train the entire way through.

I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful 2011 as well.