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Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
1 week ago
Monday, January 17, 2011
The break . . .
I think I may be done blogging. I feel like I have nothing of importance to say. I stress about writing and no one being interested enough to read. I feel like others have far more insight on raising FAS kids than I. Others are far more eloquent. Others have a far greater following. Perhaps my small voice in the big pond will not be missed. . .
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tucson Tragedy . . .
There are far more informed and eloquent posts floating around these inter-webs about the tragedy that happened at the Safe Way grocery store in Tucson Saturday. I just feel the need to purge my thoughts and write a small post about it. It may not inspire or be truly insightful, but I feel the need.
I think we all agree it is a senseless tragedy and for once it was surreal hearing neighbors and acquaintances saying "he was a nut-job" instead of the common "he was so nice, we would've never suspected this". I think I deal with a certain level of crazy in my world, and I can identify with the unknown. The ability to see that you are unaware of what might come next. You cannot fathom the things that could happen in the future in the minds of crazy people but sometimes you just know it will not end well.
Let's ponder the political element for a bit. I believe that our political environment is far too divisive. I have talked about our country being torn down the middle before. I think that people look at each other with disgust and anger when they don't agree. I think people result to name calling and hate speech when they cannot see a common ground. It scares me and has for some time. I have stopped being any sort of political on here and in my life over the last few years because to me it makes me ill. It turns my stomach. It makes my OCD go off the charts. I am completely unable to make people see that my side could be viable, and if not that I have the right to think it is without angering them. It always seems it is either one way or the highway. I think we have long since removed the ability to agree to disagree for the most part. I understand arguing your belief, but I think the ugliness is absolutely unnecessary. I am thankful I live in a country were I can disagree with you and still respect that you have that same right. I think far too few of us exercise that right.
So what do I do now? I don't share opinions politically unless asked. I don't argue points. I try not to get drawn into discussions that seem to be heading south. I don't even insert my opinions at family functions anymore even when I believe what they are saying has no factual basis. We have stopped watching all the talking heads at home, we don't surround ourselves with the divisive world of politics. It was making both my husband and myself angry and obsessive. We decided it was too much. We try to keep informed, but limit the opinion factor.
While I will say that there is ugliness on both sides, I will say that the terminology that has been used both in some of the Republican party and the Tea Party is just plain irresponsible. Things like "Don't Retreat, Reload." "We came unarmed, this time". Some of these quotes literally make me ill:
"I hope that's not where we're going, but you know if this Congress keeps going the way it is, people are really looking toward those Second Amendment remedies and saying my goodness what can we do to turn this country around? I'll tell you the first thing we need to do is take Harry Reid out." ~Sharon Angle
''Our nation was founded on violence. The option is on the table. I don't think that we should ever remove anything from the table as it relates to our liberties and our freedoms.''
—Tea Party-backed Texas GOP congressional candidate Stephen Broden
'I'm thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I'm wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. ... No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out.''
—Glenn Beck, May 17, 2005
"I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous on this issue of the energy tax because we need to fight back. Thomas Jefferson told us 'having a revolution every now and then is a good thing,' and the people — we the people — are going to have to fight back hard if we're not going to lose our country" - Michelle Bachmann
Really? Just wow!
Now, do I believe that these people and those like them are responsible for Jared Loughner's actions. No. He bears the brunt of his actions. He alone will have to atone for those sins. But did rhetoric like the above help to form his warped views? I think that could be absolutely possible. I understand that we are a nation that is founded on the premise of Free Speech. I get that you can talk about "Second Amendment Remedies" in a political speech but what possesses us to stand up and cheer for that? When did this become normal. When did it become alright to put gun cross hairs over a congressional district with a directive to "take down" the opposing incumbents? Really? When did we become so okay with violent imagery and rhetoric? These political opponents are real people, not avatars in a video game!
If indeed rhetoric like this shaped the Arizona Shooter's views and possibly caused the crazy that lives inside his head to carry out the plan on Saturday, then we as a nation are just as guilty for allowing it to continue. We nurtured it by tuning in to it. We groomed it by repeating it. We made it blossom by cheering it on. We made it okay by not standing up and saying "This is not okay!"
If Palin, Angle, Beck, Bachmann and countless others need to rethink their choices in the wake of this tragedy then we all need to rethink our inaction. ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
I think we all agree it is a senseless tragedy and for once it was surreal hearing neighbors and acquaintances saying "he was a nut-job" instead of the common "he was so nice, we would've never suspected this". I think I deal with a certain level of crazy in my world, and I can identify with the unknown. The ability to see that you are unaware of what might come next. You cannot fathom the things that could happen in the future in the minds of crazy people but sometimes you just know it will not end well.
Let's ponder the political element for a bit. I believe that our political environment is far too divisive. I have talked about our country being torn down the middle before. I think that people look at each other with disgust and anger when they don't agree. I think people result to name calling and hate speech when they cannot see a common ground. It scares me and has for some time. I have stopped being any sort of political on here and in my life over the last few years because to me it makes me ill. It turns my stomach. It makes my OCD go off the charts. I am completely unable to make people see that my side could be viable, and if not that I have the right to think it is without angering them. It always seems it is either one way or the highway. I think we have long since removed the ability to agree to disagree for the most part. I understand arguing your belief, but I think the ugliness is absolutely unnecessary. I am thankful I live in a country were I can disagree with you and still respect that you have that same right. I think far too few of us exercise that right.
So what do I do now? I don't share opinions politically unless asked. I don't argue points. I try not to get drawn into discussions that seem to be heading south. I don't even insert my opinions at family functions anymore even when I believe what they are saying has no factual basis. We have stopped watching all the talking heads at home, we don't surround ourselves with the divisive world of politics. It was making both my husband and myself angry and obsessive. We decided it was too much. We try to keep informed, but limit the opinion factor.
While I will say that there is ugliness on both sides, I will say that the terminology that has been used both in some of the Republican party and the Tea Party is just plain irresponsible. Things like "Don't Retreat, Reload." "We came unarmed, this time". Some of these quotes literally make me ill:
"I hope that's not where we're going, but you know if this Congress keeps going the way it is, people are really looking toward those Second Amendment remedies and saying my goodness what can we do to turn this country around? I'll tell you the first thing we need to do is take Harry Reid out." ~Sharon Angle
''Our nation was founded on violence. The option is on the table. I don't think that we should ever remove anything from the table as it relates to our liberties and our freedoms.''
—Tea Party-backed Texas GOP congressional candidate Stephen Broden
'I'm thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I'm wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. ... No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out.''
—Glenn Beck, May 17, 2005
"I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous on this issue of the energy tax because we need to fight back. Thomas Jefferson told us 'having a revolution every now and then is a good thing,' and the people — we the people — are going to have to fight back hard if we're not going to lose our country" - Michelle Bachmann
Really? Just wow!
Now, do I believe that these people and those like them are responsible for Jared Loughner's actions. No. He bears the brunt of his actions. He alone will have to atone for those sins. But did rhetoric like the above help to form his warped views? I think that could be absolutely possible. I understand that we are a nation that is founded on the premise of Free Speech. I get that you can talk about "Second Amendment Remedies" in a political speech but what possesses us to stand up and cheer for that? When did this become normal. When did it become alright to put gun cross hairs over a congressional district with a directive to "take down" the opposing incumbents? Really? When did we become so okay with violent imagery and rhetoric? These political opponents are real people, not avatars in a video game!
If indeed rhetoric like this shaped the Arizona Shooter's views and possibly caused the crazy that lives inside his head to carry out the plan on Saturday, then we as a nation are just as guilty for allowing it to continue. We nurtured it by tuning in to it. We groomed it by repeating it. We made it blossom by cheering it on. We made it okay by not standing up and saying "This is not okay!"
If Palin, Angle, Beck, Bachmann and countless others need to rethink their choices in the wake of this tragedy then we all need to rethink our inaction. ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Canvas People and Shutterfly a cautionary tale . . .
Okay, so remember my post about The Canvas People, I wanted to tell you that the very same day I posted this, my mom called and said she had received ANOTHER canvas. Apparently, when Canvas People got my complaint via email, they sent another canvas to her. Great, you may say. Boo, I say. Why? This canvas was not shipped in the box like the other two, with protective paper, plastic sleeve, instructions for hanging and hardware, it was shoved in a large manila envelope. Because of the cold, shipping etc the frame of the canvas was all whopper-jawed and split.
If they would've responded to my initial email I would've told them I received the first canvas and they could've kept their crappy attempt at sending a replacement.
Seriously.
On another note, I have been NOTHING but pleased with Shutterfly. I organized a photobook for my step-dad's family to give to the grandparents this New Year's Day. I thought it would be something they both would enjoy and treasure. I had never use Shutterfly before and I would very highly recommend them. The book was easy to lay out, uploads were fast, the directions were clear and precise. The options for customizing were many and beautiful. The book was relatively inexpensive with some coupon codes and I got a great deal for the quality of the finished product. They delivered the product quickly and it was fabulous!
The only problem we had is that when we gave it to them, everyone began passing it around and looking at it. After about 6 people the binding began to split and the perforated pages began to pull away. About 5 pages were coming out of the binding. I emailed them yesterday along with a crappy phone photo of the pages. They responded within 12 hours and assured me that another photobook was already in production and would be mailed to me asap.
Now that is what I call customer service! Kudos to Shutterfly!
If they would've responded to my initial email I would've told them I received the first canvas and they could've kept their crappy attempt at sending a replacement.
Seriously.
On another note, I have been NOTHING but pleased with Shutterfly. I organized a photobook for my step-dad's family to give to the grandparents this New Year's Day. I thought it would be something they both would enjoy and treasure. I had never use Shutterfly before and I would very highly recommend them. The book was easy to lay out, uploads were fast, the directions were clear and precise. The options for customizing were many and beautiful. The book was relatively inexpensive with some coupon codes and I got a great deal for the quality of the finished product. They delivered the product quickly and it was fabulous!
The only problem we had is that when we gave it to them, everyone began passing it around and looking at it. After about 6 people the binding began to split and the perforated pages began to pull away. About 5 pages were coming out of the binding. I emailed them yesterday along with a crappy phone photo of the pages. They responded within 12 hours and assured me that another photobook was already in production and would be mailed to me asap.
Now that is what I call customer service! Kudos to Shutterfly!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Frustration . . .
Okay, this little scene just happened at our house and symbolizes a common problem we deal with around here. It deals with food issues and object permanence and plain old indecisiveness. Yay for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (<--- insert sarcasm here)
Dustin came home from being with his mentor. He asked for a snack. I said certainly, you can have a snack from your basket. He did not want a snack from his basket, he wanted a couple Slim Jims, the short ones that come in the can. I agreed. I told him he could have 2.
He asked for another. I said no, but he could still have something from his basket. He said, "Nah, I'm not hungry."
He sat down in the "kid area" to watch television before bed. He is only about 20 feet from where we are sitting in the living room. I see him bending completely over and trying to get something from under the loveseat. I say, "Bring me the Slim Jim." He brings one unopened one over and says, "I'm sorry I stole, this is the only one, I swear." He is told to come over to the adult living room and have a seat since he cannot do the right thing.
I see the dog trying to dig under the couch. Lo and behold, I find two more wrappers under the couch. So he has eaten four. He sits in the living room for a total of 5 minutes and Robert asks him is he wants the rest of his soup. Dustin does and is told to go to the table. The table is about 40 feet from me in the living room and in direct line of sight of where I am sitting. He goes to the kitchen gets a spoon and sits down at the table. In his other hand is another unopened can of Slim Jims (they were on sale on a 2fer) He brings the Slim Jim can up to his lips and very noisly rips the plastic strip off the can with his teeth. I look over and see him reaching into the can, he looks at me straight faced and says, "What? I didn't do anything."
Seriously.
I then him to come back to the living room and he collapses on the floor hollering wanting the soup. I tell him I will sit iwht him if he really wants to eat the soup he can be monitored and he starts saying he doesn't want the soup. Then, he begins hooting about being tired and wanting to go to bed. I tell him we will take him upstairs and turn on the alarms and he can go to bed, then starts hollering about wanting to sleep on the loveseat in the kids area.
Nothing is ever easy.
Right now he is sitting in the only chair in the living room that you cannot see the television from. He is settled down but certainly not happy. He keeps going on under his breath about how we don't want him to eat and how we don't want him to live here. He keeps saying that nobody loves him. Every once in a while I respond by telling him I love him and he needs to be quiet and rest.
I'm pooped.
Dustin came home from being with his mentor. He asked for a snack. I said certainly, you can have a snack from your basket. He did not want a snack from his basket, he wanted a couple Slim Jims, the short ones that come in the can. I agreed. I told him he could have 2.
He asked for another. I said no, but he could still have something from his basket. He said, "Nah, I'm not hungry."
He sat down in the "kid area" to watch television before bed. He is only about 20 feet from where we are sitting in the living room. I see him bending completely over and trying to get something from under the loveseat. I say, "Bring me the Slim Jim." He brings one unopened one over and says, "I'm sorry I stole, this is the only one, I swear." He is told to come over to the adult living room and have a seat since he cannot do the right thing.
I see the dog trying to dig under the couch. Lo and behold, I find two more wrappers under the couch. So he has eaten four. He sits in the living room for a total of 5 minutes and Robert asks him is he wants the rest of his soup. Dustin does and is told to go to the table. The table is about 40 feet from me in the living room and in direct line of sight of where I am sitting. He goes to the kitchen gets a spoon and sits down at the table. In his other hand is another unopened can of Slim Jims (they were on sale on a 2fer) He brings the Slim Jim can up to his lips and very noisly rips the plastic strip off the can with his teeth. I look over and see him reaching into the can, he looks at me straight faced and says, "What? I didn't do anything."
Seriously.
I then him to come back to the living room and he collapses on the floor hollering wanting the soup. I tell him I will sit iwht him if he really wants to eat the soup he can be monitored and he starts saying he doesn't want the soup. Then, he begins hooting about being tired and wanting to go to bed. I tell him we will take him upstairs and turn on the alarms and he can go to bed, then starts hollering about wanting to sleep on the loveseat in the kids area.
Nothing is ever easy.
Right now he is sitting in the only chair in the living room that you cannot see the television from. He is settled down but certainly not happy. He keeps going on under his breath about how we don't want him to eat and how we don't want him to live here. He keeps saying that nobody loves him. Every once in a while I respond by telling him I love him and he needs to be quiet and rest.
I'm pooped.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Been a while . . .
(McCartney ringing in the New Year)It's been a rough holiday season for us here at Chez Rouse. I think I have struggled therefore the whole house has struggled. I am in a weird place right now with Dustin. We have some new supports and he has been testing his limits with them. Testing like we haven't seen in a long time! We tried to switch around some sleeping arrangements and that was a complete FAIL. I am glad we did a test run before we moved tons of furniture around and over two levels of the house. It was difficult for me to accept the failure of the sleeping situation, but it is what it is. Robert knew it wouldn't work, but I am thankful he gave the chance to prove it to myself.
(Harrison ringing in the New Year)
(Bowling on New Year's Eve)
(Hanging in the WiFi section at Grandma's LOL)I have also been dealing with wicked case of strep. If you have been a reader here for any length of time, you will recall that I am a strep carrier and get hit hard with strep. This one knocked me on my butt, but I am making a quick comeback. It has allowed me to loose a few pounds and I plan to keep it off. When the weather lets up in a few weeks I plan on making the Couch to 5K program a part of my life. I am excited about it, we shall see how that shapes up for this asthmatic. I think running is good option for me since I can do it in peace and without kids! Woot! In the past the only time I have run is if someone is chasing me so it should be quite a feat if I succeed! I am expecting all of you to hold me to it.
(That smile is worth every minute of trouble!)Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas fiasco . . .
I rarely order things online. I like to purchase something I can hold in my hands. This year I have been venturing out. I decided to take advantage of the Canvas People Save $55 deal and order a canvas for my mom and stepdad of the kids. While I was on the site making my purchase I also decided to buy one for myself.
Because I am impatient, I checked the tracking info and waited on my package. They were both promised by Christmas and I was pleased to see that they were already headed to my town with 10 days left before the big holiday. Mine was received on the 16th of December. The tracking info on my mom's package was identical but her's did not come. I figured it would be delivered the next day. It was not. I forgot about it over the busy weekend. By Monday, I saw that my package had made a whirlwind trip around the US, through Illinois, Ohio and even Pennsylvania!
The problem I had was that the package was shipped FedEx Smartpost. That means all the shipping tracking is done by FedEx, but FedEx puts the package in the hands of the US Post Office and then they simply track it. I called FedEx, they would not help me and sent me to USPS. The USPS had no record of the package and sent me back to FedEx, who sent me to USPS. 1-800-ASK-USPS sent me to the local post office and the local post office sent me back to 1-800-ASK-USPS. You get the picture. After about an hour of this malarky, I finally tried to call Canvas People.
Here's where I got frustrated. You CANNOT talk to anyone ot the Canvas People. You can simply leave an email. I left 4 over 3 days. Each time they promised to respond within 48 hours. I still have yet to receive a response from them.
I finally spoke to someone at one of our local post offices and she tracked down the package in Michigan and it was delivered to my mom on Thursday the 23rd. All the shipping info was correct. It was simply a mistake in routing. I know this was not the Canvas People's fault, but the fact that their customer service leaves a bit to be desired leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. I hate inexcessible companies!
Today I received an email asking how I liked my canvas. I still have not heard from the Customer Service Department.
The canvas was beautiful, the customer service . . . Boo!
Because I am impatient, I checked the tracking info and waited on my package. They were both promised by Christmas and I was pleased to see that they were already headed to my town with 10 days left before the big holiday. Mine was received on the 16th of December. The tracking info on my mom's package was identical but her's did not come. I figured it would be delivered the next day. It was not. I forgot about it over the busy weekend. By Monday, I saw that my package had made a whirlwind trip around the US, through Illinois, Ohio and even Pennsylvania!
The problem I had was that the package was shipped FedEx Smartpost. That means all the shipping tracking is done by FedEx, but FedEx puts the package in the hands of the US Post Office and then they simply track it. I called FedEx, they would not help me and sent me to USPS. The USPS had no record of the package and sent me back to FedEx, who sent me to USPS. 1-800-ASK-USPS sent me to the local post office and the local post office sent me back to 1-800-ASK-USPS. You get the picture. After about an hour of this malarky, I finally tried to call Canvas People.
Here's where I got frustrated. You CANNOT talk to anyone ot the Canvas People. You can simply leave an email. I left 4 over 3 days. Each time they promised to respond within 48 hours. I still have yet to receive a response from them.
I finally spoke to someone at one of our local post offices and she tracked down the package in Michigan and it was delivered to my mom on Thursday the 23rd. All the shipping info was correct. It was simply a mistake in routing. I know this was not the Canvas People's fault, but the fact that their customer service leaves a bit to be desired leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. I hate inexcessible companies!
Today I received an email asking how I liked my canvas. I still have not heard from the Customer Service Department.
The canvas was beautiful, the customer service . . . Boo!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
New Year Shopping . . .
Robert and I don't exchange gifts at Christmas. I don't think we have since our children were born. I don't like the pressure of trying to find a "surprise" for him so it works out okay. I like to enjoy the kids on Christmas morning so that is another plus for not giving gifts.
But, at the beginning of the new year, we tend to find something that we want for the house and bless ourselves with it. This year I really would like to see some new furniture grace our living room. Our old furniture is a leather set that we found on Craigslist a few summers ago. It has been really nice to be able to wipe it clean with young kids and dogs, but I think it is time for a new set. But, I do have some serious furniture woes in my past.
When we first moved into the house we bought a cheapo set from a large cheap-o furniture store. It lasted about 2 years til I couldn't take sinking to the bottom of the couch one more time. Then we bought a nice set from a nice furniture store from a reputable maker. It sucked. About 4 months in, one of the bottom springs shot through the bottom on the couch and into my wood floor. They repaired it. About 3 months later another spring broke and shot through the back. They replaced that couch thinking it was perhaps a lemon. About 4 months later, the frame broke on the loveseat and was repaired. By that time I was done, and we got the leather set from Craigslist.
I have been researching some sectionals and I think I am leaning towards a more sleek look. I have been looking at some modern furniture and I think we will head that direction. It is a departure for us, but I think
it would be fabulous!
What do you think?
Furniture shopping gives me hives!
But, at the beginning of the new year, we tend to find something that we want for the house and bless ourselves with it. This year I really would like to see some new furniture grace our living room. Our old furniture is a leather set that we found on Craigslist a few summers ago. It has been really nice to be able to wipe it clean with young kids and dogs, but I think it is time for a new set. But, I do have some serious furniture woes in my past.
When we first moved into the house we bought a cheapo set from a large cheap-o furniture store. It lasted about 2 years til I couldn't take sinking to the bottom of the couch one more time. Then we bought a nice set from a nice furniture store from a reputable maker. It sucked. About 4 months in, one of the bottom springs shot through the bottom on the couch and into my wood floor. They repaired it. About 3 months later another spring broke and shot through the back. They replaced that couch thinking it was perhaps a lemon. About 4 months later, the frame broke on the loveseat and was repaired. By that time I was done, and we got the leather set from Craigslist.
I have been researching some sectionals and I think I am leaning towards a more sleek look. I have been looking at some modern furniture and I think we will head that direction. It is a departure for us, but I think
it would be fabulous!
What do you think?
Furniture shopping gives me hives!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Last minute craft . . .
I decided on the way home from work today that I needed to make a couple little guys I know a monster for Christmas. I stopped at the fabric store and I picked through the fleece remnant table that was 2.99/yard and picked some basic colors.
When I got home I decided to just cut fleece and wing it! Ferdinand and Sheriff Frankie were born . . .
Ferdinand the pokey-eared monster
Could his tail be any cuter?
Then came his best buddy Sheriff Frankie and his one tooth smile.
Best buddies!
They were super easy and I think they turned out super cute! Since they were fleece, I didn't do any turning rightside out. They were just sewn on the right sides, they won't unravel and I think it added to their charm. The bug-eyed look is my favorite! I am proud of myself that I figured out how I could do that on the first try. You really should try this, the fleece is very forgiving and a they should wash really nicely. These two guys cost about $4.00 total.
When I got home I decided to just cut fleece and wing it! Ferdinand and Sheriff Frankie were born . . .
Ferdinand the pokey-eared monster
Could his tail be any cuter?
Then came his best buddy Sheriff Frankie and his one tooth smile.
Best buddies!They were super easy and I think they turned out super cute! Since they were fleece, I didn't do any turning rightside out. They were just sewn on the right sides, they won't unravel and I think it added to their charm. The bug-eyed look is my favorite! I am proud of myself that I figured out how I could do that on the first try. You really should try this, the fleece is very forgiving and a they should wash really nicely. These two guys cost about $4.00 total.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Huge weight . . .
Part one of our security system arrived today. I cannot tell you the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders. The part that has arrived today will give us some help during waking hours. The other part is very important for a good night's sleep, I will find out when it is going to be here tomorrow.
I could not be happier . . . this is the best Christmas present I could've received. I may just go outside on the front porch and scream Hallelujah at the top of my lungs!
I could not be happier . . . this is the best Christmas present I could've received. I may just go outside on the front porch and scream Hallelujah at the top of my lungs!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Great news . . .
We found out today that we received a grant of sorts for a security system. It will allow us to rest so much more soundly at home and will allow Dustin a bit of independence as we will be able to supervise him from a distance. I cannot tell you the relief that washed over me when I found this out. They said we should have it by the end of the month. Woot!
Our plan is to try out the system and make some bedroom changes after the winter. If this goes as planned it could mean a whole new world for us at home.
I am so pleased.
Our plan is to try out the system and make some bedroom changes after the winter. If this goes as planned it could mean a whole new world for us at home.
I am so pleased.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
I lost it . . .
Today I was not feeling so great. I feel a bit down in the dumps. I really didn't think it showed that much, but perhaps it did. We had a carry-in today at work for both the daycare and the church staff. Our office staff sets it up and mans the tables. One person after another asked if I was okay. I suppose more of my angst shown on my face than I thought. I simply said I was tired and smiled.
Most of that is true. Dustin got up approximately 20 times last night. Each time he got up, the door alarm went off and I was incredibly tired in the morning. I also found out later after talking with Robert that I had a bad dream last night and was freaking out. I don't remember it, but that apparently interrupted my sleep as well. He said I was quite upset so that could have contributed to my mood for the day as well.
Anyway, towards the end of the carry in I plopped down at a table with the children's pastor in the church where I work. He asked me how I was and I responded, "Tired." He lowered his head and looked me directly in the eyes and said, "Sheri, I know it is more than that. How's life with Dustin?"
I lost it.
I hadn't really realized how stressed I was with our current state of affairs until that point. His wife is very kind and asked genuine questions and just listened. They were both wise enough to say that they could not comprehend our life. He said, "I could not possibly understand and I probably cannot change things, but I can listen." And it felt fabulous. We talked and I cried some more. It was nice just "barfing" out the stress and having someone different listen. We talked about a book he recently read written by an adoptive family and even mentioned RAD. I totally appreciated his honesty and his caring words. It was nice hearing that he understood they probably could be of no help, but that they were willing to listen and to pray.
He asked me, "Where do you go from here?" My only answer was, "We just keep moving forward. We have no other option." That's basically how I function. I absorb all the stress, the worry, the trauma and then I dump my stress and things will get better. We can always rely on that, it does always get better.
It will get worse later, but first it will get better.
Most of that is true. Dustin got up approximately 20 times last night. Each time he got up, the door alarm went off and I was incredibly tired in the morning. I also found out later after talking with Robert that I had a bad dream last night and was freaking out. I don't remember it, but that apparently interrupted my sleep as well. He said I was quite upset so that could have contributed to my mood for the day as well.
Anyway, towards the end of the carry in I plopped down at a table with the children's pastor in the church where I work. He asked me how I was and I responded, "Tired." He lowered his head and looked me directly in the eyes and said, "Sheri, I know it is more than that. How's life with Dustin?"
I lost it.
I hadn't really realized how stressed I was with our current state of affairs until that point. His wife is very kind and asked genuine questions and just listened. They were both wise enough to say that they could not comprehend our life. He said, "I could not possibly understand and I probably cannot change things, but I can listen." And it felt fabulous. We talked and I cried some more. It was nice just "barfing" out the stress and having someone different listen. We talked about a book he recently read written by an adoptive family and even mentioned RAD. I totally appreciated his honesty and his caring words. It was nice hearing that he understood they probably could be of no help, but that they were willing to listen and to pray.
He asked me, "Where do you go from here?" My only answer was, "We just keep moving forward. We have no other option." That's basically how I function. I absorb all the stress, the worry, the trauma and then I dump my stress and things will get better. We can always rely on that, it does always get better.
It will get worse later, but first it will get better.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Laundry Soap update . . .
So, I made my laundry soap exactly one month and 2 days ago. I have used approximately 1/3 of the batch. I would've probably used less, but I am not a measure-er I kinda dump. I am trying to grasp that you only need 2 tablespoons, that does not seem like enough. I was brought up with a grandfather who believed that if some is good MORE is even better! I have to move past this.
Anyhoo, it is great. I big puffy heart it! My clothes are soft. My clothes are clean. I still use fabric softener, partially because I was given a case of chamomile-lavender Downy and partially because I will not give up the scent. I have made a little change to my routine to accommodate the powder. I will always start my wash on hot and put in the detergent. I swish it around a little until it dissolves, then put it back on cold and dump in the clothes. I found that it was not dissolving well before and this fixes that problem. I do think I will have to do a load of white's with bleach every so often as they do tend to look a little dingy ( I was warned of this! ) but truly who looks at my hubby's tighty-whities but me?!
I definitely do not see me going back to premade detergent anytime soon!
Anyhoo, it is great. I big puffy heart it! My clothes are soft. My clothes are clean. I still use fabric softener, partially because I was given a case of chamomile-lavender Downy and partially because I will not give up the scent. I have made a little change to my routine to accommodate the powder. I will always start my wash on hot and put in the detergent. I swish it around a little until it dissolves, then put it back on cold and dump in the clothes. I found that it was not dissolving well before and this fixes that problem. I do think I will have to do a load of white's with bleach every so often as they do tend to look a little dingy ( I was warned of this! ) but truly who looks at my hubby's tighty-whities but me?!
I definitely do not see me going back to premade detergent anytime soon!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Digging out . . .
I am digging out from an incredibly crappy life lately. Dustin is truly embracing the wango tango like never before. I am seeing glimpses of what our future could hold and I am fighting it with every fiber in my being. I will not let it happen. We will get through this. We will be a stronger family. We will give him every opportunity to excel. Teenager hormones suck.
I have been incredibly busy with my photography which is good. I really enjoy it. I am building a my client list and continue to get referrals from my die-hard families.
I broke the news to the kids this year that Santa doesn't leave the presents, we do. We are making a concerted effort to de-crapify Christmas. We are definitely spending less and making it more memorable with traditions and with giving. We are focusing on giving to others in need this season and we are not spoiling our kiddos. They are old enough to understand the true meaning of Christmas and they really don't need a bunch of junk.
We have been having some issues with the littles and their behaviors so we have also started a new behavior mod system. It is working the best of any we have tried. Each child has a small ball jar and they get pennies for good behavior, helping others, kindness, and polite behavior. They can earn anywhere from 1-10 pennies and then they go and physically put pennies in their jar. When they fill their jar they will take it to the grocery and put it in the coin counter. They get what they earn and even a date with the adult of their choice. We shall see if it continues to work.
I have been incredibly busy with my photography which is good. I really enjoy it. I am building a my client list and continue to get referrals from my die-hard families.
I broke the news to the kids this year that Santa doesn't leave the presents, we do. We are making a concerted effort to de-crapify Christmas. We are definitely spending less and making it more memorable with traditions and with giving. We are focusing on giving to others in need this season and we are not spoiling our kiddos. They are old enough to understand the true meaning of Christmas and they really don't need a bunch of junk.
We have been having some issues with the littles and their behaviors so we have also started a new behavior mod system. It is working the best of any we have tried. Each child has a small ball jar and they get pennies for good behavior, helping others, kindness, and polite behavior. They can earn anywhere from 1-10 pennies and then they go and physically put pennies in their jar. When they fill their jar they will take it to the grocery and put it in the coin counter. They get what they earn and even a date with the adult of their choice. We shall see if it continues to work.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Stuffed Chicken Shells. . .
Totally yummy and super easy!
Here's what you'll need:
Three boneless chicken breasts boiled and shredded.
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 1/2 cups of sour cream
1 box of chicken flavored stuffing mix
2 cups of shredded cheese
Box of large pasta shells
Mix together the soup, sour cream, box of stuffing prepare according to box, shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheese. (I used colby jack)
Stuff mixture into boiled shells and place into a casserole dish.
Spoon over any leftover mixture and top with a cup of cheese (I used mozzarella). Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. I made mine early in the day and cooked later.
Yummy!
Here's what you'll need:
Three boneless chicken breasts boiled and shredded.
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 1/2 cups of sour cream
1 box of chicken flavored stuffing mix
2 cups of shredded cheese
Box of large pasta shells
Mix together the soup, sour cream, box of stuffing prepare according to box, shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheese. (I used colby jack)
Stuff mixture into boiled shells and place into a casserole dish.
Spoon over any leftover mixture and top with a cup of cheese (I used mozzarella). Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. I made mine early in the day and cooked later.
Yummy!
Thumbs up from the whole family! Next time I think we will add mushrooms and perhaps some broccoli.
Thankful? . . .
So I blew my streak of Thankfulness. It has been a difficult week. Things kindof hit the fan on Wednesday and then Thursday blew up in my face. Dustin has been REALLY off and I hope I can blame it on the full moon, but no so sure.
Thursday he had the worst fit he has had since he was about 10. He was actually TRYING to physically harm us which has not happened intentionally in a LONG time. His behavior at school that day was also very difficult which is quite unusual. Friday he ran out of the house for the first time in about 12 weeks. We thought we had conquered that behavior, but it apparently has come back.
Other difficulties at home have required some careful attention. I have been laying low, taking some time for family and trying really hard to focus on the positives. I feel like I cannot blog what I wish because of this Tudu and Lisa stuff. . .
Feeling very discouraged and looking for a better week. . .
Thursday he had the worst fit he has had since he was about 10. He was actually TRYING to physically harm us which has not happened intentionally in a LONG time. His behavior at school that day was also very difficult which is quite unusual. Friday he ran out of the house for the first time in about 12 weeks. We thought we had conquered that behavior, but it apparently has come back.
Other difficulties at home have required some careful attention. I have been laying low, taking some time for family and trying really hard to focus on the positives. I feel like I cannot blog what I wish because of this Tudu and Lisa stuff. . .
Feeling very discouraged and looking for a better week. . .
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thankful Day 16 . . .
Today I am thankful for men who actually take women seriously.
We had a small issue at work today. I work for a daycare that is in very large church, the largest in our city. Today there was an auction at a house directly across the street from our property. A LOT of people turned out and began parking wherever they pleased. I had no issue with them in our lot, but they were parking all willy-nilly and not even in parking spaces. Everyone was gone today, so I was kinda in charge. I went over to the auction and found the auctioneers. I explained that I was so very sorry, but those not in spaces would have to move so that the buses that drop children off at the daycare would be able to get through. He said, "It'll be fine". I explained it was indeed not fine and they needed to move.
I went back over to our lot and stood in three prime spaces that the buses needed to swing around in our lot. The people began walking over to move their cars. I was well aware that at this point I was the "face of the church" and I really needed to be kind. As they got in their cars, I apologized and directed them farther down the lot where they were welcome to park. As they walked back passed me I thanked them for their kindness. Not everyone was as kind to me. In fact, most were quite rude. Two men told me that where they were parked was fine and they were not moving. I told them they were parked illegally and they had to move. They argued, I smiled and held firm and they hollered and argued and eventually moved. They walked past me grumbling and mumbling expletives, "Damn Women!" was my favorite.
I had to continue to stand out their in my prime spaces because newcomers kept coming and parking in the places that I had just scooted others out of. Seriously people. Do you think you can just make up parking spaces? One man hollered about having to move his truck that was actually parked in the traffic lane facing the wrong direction. His argument? There was not a NO PARKING sign posted. Really dude? Really?
I kept getting the distinct impression that I would not have been treated the way I was treated had I been a male.
Yesterday I frequented a local establishment to check into purchasing a very expensive home surveillance system and the man who was there treated me like I was a child. I informed him that I had done my homework and pretty much understood the systems and done a lot of research on line and that I wanted to give a local business my money instead of the internet, but he still treated me like an idiot. He kept calling me "little lady" and "hun" and "lil darling". It was extremely condescending. A lot of the stuff he told me I knew was completely false and he was trying to get me to spend more for less options. There is no way in Hades that I would give my man my money.
Thankfully these two examples, although close together, are few and far between. Men that take women seriously and don't make any assumptions as to what they know and don't know simply because of their sex are much more common.
We had a small issue at work today. I work for a daycare that is in very large church, the largest in our city. Today there was an auction at a house directly across the street from our property. A LOT of people turned out and began parking wherever they pleased. I had no issue with them in our lot, but they were parking all willy-nilly and not even in parking spaces. Everyone was gone today, so I was kinda in charge. I went over to the auction and found the auctioneers. I explained that I was so very sorry, but those not in spaces would have to move so that the buses that drop children off at the daycare would be able to get through. He said, "It'll be fine". I explained it was indeed not fine and they needed to move.
I went back over to our lot and stood in three prime spaces that the buses needed to swing around in our lot. The people began walking over to move their cars. I was well aware that at this point I was the "face of the church" and I really needed to be kind. As they got in their cars, I apologized and directed them farther down the lot where they were welcome to park. As they walked back passed me I thanked them for their kindness. Not everyone was as kind to me. In fact, most were quite rude. Two men told me that where they were parked was fine and they were not moving. I told them they were parked illegally and they had to move. They argued, I smiled and held firm and they hollered and argued and eventually moved. They walked past me grumbling and mumbling expletives, "Damn Women!" was my favorite.
I had to continue to stand out their in my prime spaces because newcomers kept coming and parking in the places that I had just scooted others out of. Seriously people. Do you think you can just make up parking spaces? One man hollered about having to move his truck that was actually parked in the traffic lane facing the wrong direction. His argument? There was not a NO PARKING sign posted. Really dude? Really?
I kept getting the distinct impression that I would not have been treated the way I was treated had I been a male.
Yesterday I frequented a local establishment to check into purchasing a very expensive home surveillance system and the man who was there treated me like I was a child. I informed him that I had done my homework and pretty much understood the systems and done a lot of research on line and that I wanted to give a local business my money instead of the internet, but he still treated me like an idiot. He kept calling me "little lady" and "hun" and "lil darling". It was extremely condescending. A lot of the stuff he told me I knew was completely false and he was trying to get me to spend more for less options. There is no way in Hades that I would give my man my money.
Thankfully these two examples, although close together, are few and far between. Men that take women seriously and don't make any assumptions as to what they know and don't know simply because of their sex are much more common.
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