Look at those eyes
they tell the tale
it is not just what is said but what is done.
Trust is given, not taken
Through love and time relationships are built
Relationships are give and take
Patience and kindness keep the claws from coming out
Enjoy the loves and curdles along the way
As the school year comes to a close I begin to think about the summer. Summer break always feels like it takes forever to get here and then when it does it goes by in a flash.
Between the sleep overs, picnics, BBQ’s, and camps some days it seems just as busy as the school year. So much for a break! So here are a few tips to keep you from going crazy and you kids from saying “I’m bored”.
Swap kids
As adults with kids if you don’t already, work at making friends with other adults that have children. This may be single parents or even other couples. But one thing as a parent is that we all need a break from time to time. So develop friendships (we all need those) and work with people who you trust to swap kids. This may be for an evening for a dinner out, or another family is just planning on having fun.
Free activities – local and regional activities
– Go for a hike
– Check out your local library
– Visit your local parks
– Go for a swim
– Play in your sprinkler
– Birdwatching
– Read
– Bike riding
– Take a tour – a variety of businesses have free tours that are fun
– Get involved in your church
– send your kids to vacation bible school in your area
– play board games or card games
– climb a tree
– go Geocaching
Low cost activities
– Go fishing
– Visit a museum
– Concerts in the park
– Work on art and craft projects
– Have a water balloon fight
– go to the beach
– paint ball
– visit a local university
– go roller skating or roller blading
– miniature golf
– go to a fair
– check out websites for your state
Coupons and Discounts
– check out Facebook for local businesses and activities
– visit websites for coupons
There are tons of things to do you just have to be proactive and get involved. So I encourage you to get into your community and start living this summer!
This news story ticked me off! No only is this mother young, but apparently she is doing drugs and drinking. She is only 19! Where are her parents? Isn’t this a great example of not communicating very well with your child.
Mother drives off with baby on the roof
Thank God that the baby was OK. Thank God that the car seat did its job! Thank God for people who pay attention and the cops that did their jobs.
I am not saying that young parents are the problem. However, when you are young I know from experience that your emotions can be a major influence.
It is pretty apparent that this young woman is pretty self absorbed and should have thought twice before becoming a parent.
Food for thought: If a woman is going to become a mother maybe a parenting class should be taken. Young parents and most first time mothers are clueless about the responsibility that it takes to care for a child. Alcohol and drugs have no place in motherhood.
It is interesting to me that there are so many women out there that have no business becoming parents and yet have several. And yet there are so many couples out there that are unable to have children. Which seems fair? Neither. Unfortunately life is not fair, I have learned that as I have gotten older.
But to recap where does this young girl get off putting her child in danger that way?
I hope she gets the full measure of her punishment.
Doesn’t this look like the face of a responsible mother!
Internet dating? Words that most Mothers hate to hear! At least that was my experience a few years ago. Now, things are changing…at least a little!
We as Americans are way to busy with work, friends, family and fun to even think about dating! Ever notice that from the time we get up in the morning we are running? It doesn’t matter if we are getting ready for work, or meeting friends, or have an excursion planned. The average 20-40 something is in a hurry. By the time we get home we are exhausted but still have chores, so we do those then fall in bed around 11pm. So who has time to join a club, go to a mixer (what are those), or a bar, to find “the One”? Not many! If you are one of those few it’s not necessarily a good thing. You may be the one that we don’t want to find lol! By the time many of us consider internet dating we feel rejected, desperate, doubtful, and uncertain.
Before you spend time and money on a dating site figure out what your purpose for dating is and what do you want out of dating? If you just want to check things out and get a feel for it start with a free site. Click here to view the Top 10 sites!
Make a list of things you are looking for (longterm or short term relationship, friendship, bootycall, travelbuddy, etc.) You will want to get a picture that you can add to your profile on whatever site you use. Also, there will be an About Me section. This is where you have to write something about yourself, Duh. What do you want to tell others about you? Be descriptive and creative that way you have stuff to talk about on the first date. As a friend of mine states “dating is all about salesmanship”. This is not the time to beat yourself up! What are the positives about yourself and why would someone want to date you. Most importantly BE HONEST!!! Many times internet dating fails when people describe who they want to be (or who you will like) not who they really are! That’s a problem!
Statistics show that 74% of us have tried online dating. So no matter what other people say there is a good chance they have tried it.
Now just like normal dating there are losers out there and people who will take advantage of you, so be careful. You may also have to weed through a lot of toads before you find your prince charming. The nice thing about online dating is the fact that you don’t have to get dressed up, put makeup on, do your hair or even leave your couch. You can be in your pj’s at 2am at home surfing the site.
Now when I was dating I heard several horror stories. I wasn’t sure if they were just trying to protect or make me a nun? But do you want to hear a positive story? Well if you don’t just stop reading, but if you do I have one for you.
Almost six years ago I was single, had been divorced and not real keen on the man seen. I lived in a rural community by myself, but had moved home to take care of my father who had another heart operation. So in other words I didn’t have many prospects, I was getting older, and I figured I was going to be single for the rest of my life. Unfortunately being home so much I was also board. So what did I do? I joined Yahoo.com match site which is now Match.com. I didn’t know what to say about myself, i wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for but I took the plunge anyway.
Over the next month I went through hundreds of profiles (not all at once lol). I emailed several guys and even talked to some, and went out on a few dates. Over that time I also filled out a compatibility profile, the idea was that when I met someone I was compatible with it would let me know. Well, it was the end of the month and I didn’t have many days left on my subscription and I received a wink. It was to let me know someone was interested in my profile and had sent me an email. So I opened it, the email was sweet and cute. Now, before I responded back I wanted to check the compatibility thingie. Oh no, it said we weren’t a match! Well I figured what the heck I would take a chance anyway! So I emailed him back! We started emailing each other over the next few weeks. Since this wasn’t my first rodeo I grilled him. I figured I wasn’t playing games anymore and I wanted someone honest….. So what did I do? I sent him about 20 questions that were very difficult and straight forward. For example “Have you ever cheated on someone? If so why? Will you cheat again? Of course if you ask my husband he would say it was about 20 pages of grueling questions! But he answered every one!
Now I would say that our relationship is not typical, but it has always been honest. Our first date was July4th, he asked me to marry him on September 4th, and we were married November 4th. So to say the least it was a whirlwind. For us it has worked. It has been difficult at times, what relationship isn’t, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This November we will celebrate our 6th anniversary. I can honestly say I love him more today than I did then the day we got married! Some days I still feel like a newlywed!
Our Engagement Picture
I hope that this little story gave you hope. There is someone out there for you. Don’t give up, keep working on yourself and putting yourself out there.
If you would like more information leave me a comment. I would love to get your input about your internet dating. I look forward to getting your stories about your dating triumphs and failures.
This picture was taken many years ago. A snapshot in time! Two are now gone, two of the couples are no longer together and the youngest is now an adult. Of the kids above there are more than 10 children between them.
This is family, this is what happens as time goes by. For many years most of us did not even talk. There has been a rift between brother and sister. Division can happen so quickly and last for so long.
Recently, there has been a change. My Grandmother began to die a few months ago. Due to the situation a brother and sister began to reunite. Over many visits and many talks they have been able to see the changes in each other. Many moments were spent reminiscing of their youth and family members that had been lost. It was wonderful to remember the good times!
Due to the passing of my Grandmother many of the family came together. We have grown up and grown older. Many of us now have families of our own. For another brief moment we came together. We all remembered the good times and had a chance to laugh as well as cry.
Over the last few weeks I have been pondering this situation. What caused the problem in the first place? Was it worth the impact it is has had on the family? No.
We have all admitted that we each share the blame. There is no point in going backwards! Instead, we are working on building our relationships today and for the future. Family is so important! Don’t squander it!
Those that have families often take it for granted that they will always be there. I am learning that this is not the case. I know that although my Mom has forgiven and was ready to move on I still hung back. I was polite but nothing more. Through the passing of my Grandmother I had the opportunity to spend quality time with family I did not see for years. That was precious time. My entire family enjoyed it! We worked together, played together, and laughed together.
I am so looking forward to spending more time with them and continuing on the journey of reconciliation and forgiveness that is so important in building relationships.
If you have experienced this you can appreciate it…
You wake up slowly, you’re dazed, with blood trickling down your brow and you taste it in your mouth. You try to move, everything hurts! Just blinking your eyes takes more energy than you have. After a few minutes you become aware of the sounds around you, the blinker blinking, the wind gently blowing, and the crunching sound of the glass around you as you shift your weight. What you also notice, is that you are upside down. As the waves of nausea pass over you, you struggle to contain the panic inside. You know you have to get out!
The first battle, is to undo the seat belt and with swollen tingling hands this task takes forever. After the first few tries you pause in frustration. Through the haze you hear someone trying to talk to you…. “Hang on, help is coming. Don’t move!” At that moment you freeze and your head continues to pound. Taking deep breaths to calm your nerves never seemed like such punishment before. Soon you hear sirens getting louder as they approach.
When the ambulance, fire truck, and police arrive there is instantly commotion. Through the echos of doors slamming and people talking your head begins to buzz with all the noise. You hear footsteps rhythmically pounding over the pavement, crunching through the glass and debris until you see big boots and a uniform kneeling, and then a face. That wonderful moment when you no longer feel alone. You are still scared, but God has granted your request and help is here. He introduces himself “Hi my name is Shane, I am with the fire department and I am here to help you”. As he begins to assess the situation a team of firefighters work to get you out of the car and on to a back board.
Once on the backboard they strap you down! Your head is strapped down, along with your waist and feet. It is so uncomfortable! You can’t move, or shift or anything! Of course that’s the point, but you feel so helpless and so ugly. You face is puffy, and between the blood, snot, and tears you feel like a mess! Once on the backboard they graciously pass you over to the ambulance crew. Who once again introduce themselves “Hi my name is Mel and this is my partner Shaun, we are with D.P. ambulance and are here to help you”!After introductions they begin to ask you questions. During that time they assess your airway, breathing and circulation. Then you get loaded into the ambulance and begin your journey to the hospital.
Between, the movement of the ambulance, the sound of the siren, and the questions you begin to feel relief but reality also sinks in. You were just in a car accident and were injured! As he continues to check you for injuries he also puts in an iv for fluids. Breathing is not helping at this point and the nausea starts in again. You hope that you make is to the hospital before you puke in the ambulance! No such luck, what was in your stomach comes hurling up! Through the chunks you apologize “I’m so sorry…”! The paramedic remains calm and reassuring “It’s ok, this isn’t the first time”. It’s a good thing, you would feel embarrassed but it’s to late for that. Your hair is matted, and your still pounding head remains strapped to the headboard. The blood that was once dripping is now crusted to your face, and the makeup you dared to wear is now mostly gone and the leftover bits are smeared all over your face. What a pretty site.
It doesn’t seem to matter! He continues his small talk in a reassuring tone. In those short scary moments you have developed a bond! In one of the worst moments in your life someone was there and helped you and is telling you everything is going to be OK, and you believe them!
Once you arrive at the hospital they unload you and begin to tell the staff there a myriad of numbers, which apparently are your vitals. Once they get you settled in with the nurses they say goodbye, do some paper work and are called away to another emergency to do the same process all over again.
Though this is one of the worst days of your life…it is just another day at work for them!
Here they come to save the day!
Those that work on an ambulance are worth their weight in gold! They like other emergency services are highly trained and are so important to our communities. Like any organization there are different levels of training and requirements. Two types of personnel are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and Paramedics.
No matter what your title I just want to say “Thank You” to emergency medical personnel. The jobs that you do are so very important to our communities and not acknowledged enough.
Get’s your attention doesn’t it! I have lived with body image issues most of my life. I am a big girl! There is no other way to put it.
I struggle with eating too much and not the right things. I also work at a job where I sit on my butt and don’t move enough. Plus when I get home I am mentally exhausted so the thought of doing something else makes me want to cry, then eat and after all that work go take a nap!
In the midst of all those things I have found a husband who loves me for me and not my size! But the thing I still struggle with on a daily basis is loving myself even though I am fat!
My husband sent me an article today “Ten Rules for Fat Girls“! First off I kind of wanted to punch him! But then I went to the link and started to read. I could relate to what she said and I began to actually read some more. Since I want you to look at the link and not just my blog I will only recap the list:
1. You are not obligated to be thin, healthy, or pretty.
2. Don’t talk s@*t about your body.
3. Don’t talk s@*t about other people’s bodies.
4. Wear clothes that fit.
5. Demand better treatment from healthcare professionals.
6. Find a way to move.
7. Stand up for yourself.
8. Deal with your fat.
9. There are worse things in the world than being fat.
10. Don’t expect to feel awesome about yourself every single day forever.
This blog has opened my eyes and made me see. It also made me giggle and say “Hell Ya”!
I will still continue to work on myself and part of that includes moving and eating better. The biggest aspect that will impact me is the mental aspect that I am an amazing person. That’s it! No but, even, what if’s, or should’s.
I strongly believe that most people are unhappy with their bodies in some way. Well, it is time to stop judging ourselves and others and start by liking ourselves first!
So to all my Fat Girls out there “Let’s Rock It”!
When you listen to music throughout the day what does it talk about? Is there vulgar language, sex, drugs, but a good beat? Or is it slow and twangy and somehow you manage to loose your job, woman, and car all in the same song? For me I want good music and great lyrics that help me get through my day. It was a struggle for me to find that until I found a local station called Positive Life Radio (PLR).
I listen to PLR when I am in my car. Their music is a great mix that I enjoy and can sing along with. But most importantly it is uplifting and the whole family enjoys listening to it. If you don’t happen to live in the inland northwest then I would recommend listening to them live on the internet at PLR.org.
If you want music that is more edgy but still positive check out Air 1 Radio. They have great music that reaches more teenagers, and young people who still like loud music!
One of the many things I like about these radio stations is that they provide great music to get me through the day. Not just entertainment to check out and not deal with life.
So if you are looking for more in your music check out Positive Life Radio and Air 1 Radio today!
Sortafunnylady 
My Famous Potato Salad
As summer gets near we are always in need of easy food. So here is my recipe passed down through my family for potato salad. It is a great way to get my kids to eat something cold (the I don’t have to cook) and includes lots of veggies.
Now I will have to admit I don’t tend to do much in the way recipes, if you like something add as much as you like. If you don’t like something reduce the amount or omit it all together.
My potato salad Yum Yum!
Ingredients
8 – 10 Potatoes (any of your favorite kinds will do)
12 Eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
3 – 5 Radishes
2 – 4 Celery stocks
3 Carrots (thinly chopped)
5 Pickles (keep your pickle juice)
1/2 cup Mustard
1 cup Mayo +
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tbsp Ground Mustard +
1 tbsp Paprika (Hungarian is the best but any will do)
Prepare:
Peel and boil the potatoes. When they are soft and you can easily stick a fork through them they are done. Then drain the potatoes. Chop the potatoes and put into a large bowl. Chop in bite size pieces and add the following items to the bowl eggs, pickles, carrots, celery, and radishes. Once all items have been added stir until well incorporated.
Next add mayo, mustard, pickle juice (start with 1 tbsp) salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix all ingredients again.
Now here is the most important thing…taste it! Depending on what you prefer add more of any of the ingredients and spices you want more of. Enjoy!
You can eat it right away but it also tastes even better refrigerated (6 hours or overnight for best results). The salad will last for 3-4 days refrigerated, stir before serving.
My summer gift to you!