******

~First and foremost I MUST blog this. It should have been blogged last week. I don’t know how days pass so quick anymore. I joined a group of awesomeness that is writing a story-blog. Each person takes a chapter and the story evolves in a fun and random fashion (yup, love me some random). So, please visit us over at …And What Happens Then… I’ll be the last person to post in this first story, but come on over and enjoy those before me! (P.S. Full credit for the idea and getting us all moving goes to the awesome Tara!)

~Last week I pulled a classic klutz move.  In trying to be helpful I fell into our crawlspace entrance hole.  I damaged myself. It didn’t feel good.  So I spent a weekend pissing and moaning. Yup, I did. Got over it and am almost all better. Still have a lingering bruise on my knee, but seeing how it started, it’s not a surprise.

~ I was doing really well on an exercise kick, but then I got a cold and then fell into the hole…so it sort of went by the way-side.  Going to try to get back on that this week.  Kick start my 200 sit-ups challenge and work w/ my Wii Fit.  I didn’t sign up for my yoga class again this time around.  Money was tight and the deadline has passed.  Plan on putting some aside for the next go-round.  I really enjoyed that. Maybe I should start walking. I’d bike, but I don’t have one. I’d like one (I know, this is where hubby tells me again to use his…)

~ Two of my three kids started school yesterday.  Brandon is now a 7th grader w/ AP Math & English, a full period for Band, and did I mention SEVENTH grade? How is that possible?  Boy do I feel old.  Riley started kindergarten.  That’s all I’ll say about that (one of the hot-button issues around here).  Instead, I’ll show these pics of her first day.

~ I’ve already started Christmas shopping.  Almost makes me sick.  But, considering the past several years we try to get it all at once and then we have no money…I figure a little here, a little there in the next few months will make it less painful in the end. I hope.

~ I’ve been continuing to write.  On that note, my husband has started as well.  He’s good. I’m jealous.  Not that I’m horrible, but he’s GOOD.  *sigh*

~ We gave Brandon our old desktop.  He’s already lost use of it (less than a week in).  Instead of coming to us to say there was an issue he randomly hit keys, then unplugged it and decided hitting F11 (restore) was a GREAT idea. So everything got wiped off the computer…AGAIN. So, until I actually get around to sitting down and fixing it/restoring lost programs, he’s w/o a computer. Then new ground rules will be set.

~Bored yet?  Yeah, I know…sorry.

~I’ve been knitting. A lot.  I go through phases…this one has hit again.  Not complaining, just always catches me off-guard.

~ We got Netflix again.  Between having it on the Wii, the DVD player, and our computers…we may never get cable again. All cable packages suck anyway and every show I want to see can be found online in some way anyway. Why pay so much?

~ I’m so into doing my girls hair now that I can.  I’m dreaming of the day it is thicker (They both have very thin hair thanks to their past/current growth issues), but we’re getting by pretty well even as it is.  It’s so much fun

Okay. I will stop boring you for now.  I have to check out my assignment lists for MamaKat’s again.  If I remember my email I don’t remember anything that REALLY caught my fancy this week. I may have to pull out one of her past ones…maybe I’ll make a bucket list this week.  I’ve always wanted to do that anyway.

So how have you all been?  You look fabulous.  Although some of you look a little groggy still…were you partying too hard at BlogHer again?  Tsk tsk…aw hell, I would’ve done the same.  You still look fabulous!

All taken w/ Canon Rebel XTi.
For week 7/12-7/18/10

This week was crazy bad (see previous post), but it also had some good things. Today is my birthday and I want it to be good, so I’m trying to remind myself to just breathe and remember the good things. These pictures help.
I did attempt to re-start project 365 this week, but I forgot on Thursday (worst day) and decided to try again next week, so hopefully that will be happening in the next few weeks. I want to get ahead of the game by a week.
I also got a new photo-editing/managing software program this week. I’m wishing I could afford the pro version when it’s time to buy, but I’m afraid it’ll not be happening this year. Either way, I’m loving my new editing software and will tell you more about soon. It’s my new best friend.

Onto the pictures!

Waiting on a train

Spanning the distance

Bridging the Gap

Lines Across the Times

Tying it all Together

Lost along the Way

Pretty Hair for a Special Day

JUST B-R-E-A-T-H-E
(This was the test that determined if she stayed home or was checked in. She just had to breathe well. She didn’t, but she breathed better than last time.  That’s my Angel’s RT in the picture with her. She always makes it fun for Angel!)

It’s a lot this week, I know…but Sunday was a good photography day. I ran out and took a little photo walk, thus the railroad theme for most of it.

Go over and visit Lotus for some more great WW’s!!!

I’m in the middle of one of those weeks.  Coming about 4 weeks after one of those months…which is turning this into one of those years.

Let’s focus on this week.

My birthday is coming up (this Sunday).  For the past several years my bday has not been anything spectacular, and in some cases it’s flat out stunk. Not sure why, I just haven’t had the birthday Gods on my side or something.  This year is proving to be no exception.

In one week we’ve had a trifecta of appliance crap, been overcharged by WalMart Eye Center, and lost the ability to finish my deck for my bday (all I wanted for it), oh and the plants I purchased for it are pretty much dead (my fault, I shouldn’t have bought them until it was done.).

First, over the weekend the fridge died.  Freezer worked fine, fridge wouldn’t cool.  Appliance repair guy came on Wed.  Assured me w/ the statement, “It’s a $45 part.”  Then proceeded to charge me an hours labor for a 30 minute job (that’s $60, mind you), AND $40 to defrost my fridge with what sounded suspiciously like a hair dryer.

Thursday morning I went to give my two little stinky angels a bath. Oldest was washing dishes.  All of a sudden, there was no hot water. Well, crap.

I pull open the utility closet and the pilot’s out on the water heater.  At least, I think that’s the problem.  If it wasn’t, it sure became the problem when I turned the whole thing off.  Archie came home and re-lit the thing and we have hot water again.  We just aren’t sure how or why the pilot went out and hope it’s not going to crap out again all too soon.

Not four hours later I stepped outside and the Air Conditioner sounded really loud. Thinking it was odd I walked on over to find the fan not spinning.

GREAT.

On our side for that one is our neighbor is an AC guy and he came over to take a look.

But seriously?

Why does Murphy hate my birthday so much?  Or, for that matter, me?  I didn’t do anything to him.

Well, he can go to Hell.  I’m taking my birthday OFF.  I’m not going near an appliance, a vehicle, my computer, nothing that can break. I’m staying in bed and pretending it doesn’t exist.  I’m really tired of this crap storm.

*******************

P.S. For those who haven’t seen me on twitter or FB, here’s the Angel update -

SHE’S HOME!!  No hospital stay for us!  Just as suspected, we are now officially, 100% w/o a doubt a CF family. You do not get psuedomnas if you don’t have CF.  The culture results will NOT send us into the hospital, but if they are positive we will be starting a lifetime regimen of one month on/one month off on the TOBI (inhaled antibiotic through nebulizer – very expensive stuff)…but we won’t know that for a week.  I’ll keep you posted!

P.P.S. I’ve been trying to get back into 365 by getting a week in advance done.  I’m afraid I missed yesterday w/ all the stuff going on…so it’ll be another week or two before I get those started again – but I will be participating in Weekly Winners again this week. Have a few pictures to put in once they’re edited. I have a trial version of a new photo manager/editor that I LOVE and plan to buy once we have the money. I’ll tell you about it later.

P.P.P.S. I actually have a bit to post about…but have been trying to skip days until I got more to write.  I may just blow off that idea and do a random post of stuff. Who knows….

I’m a homebody.

A computer/internet addict.

I’m well aware of my problem, and even though the first step to recovery may be admitting you have a problem…it didn’t help me.

Once everyone is in bed, this is still my escape.  I come here every night in the quiet of my house. I write into the wee hours of the morning. Not blog posts, obviously since I’ve been so lax around here.  I write stories. Dream of publication.  All while ignoring my blog. I’ve sort of tied my avoidance of posting into the appearance of my parents on facebook, and everyone and my brother knowing my blog exists. A very public form of stage fright, if you will.  I’m trying to get over it. I miss my blog. I hope to be back here more often. That’s why I prettied the place up (loving my new layout ).

My husband doesn’t like my computer, or my internet. For many years it’s been the cause of issues.  Because my BFF is online. Because I spend so many hours on it. Because I don’t make my escape to the ‘real world’. The relationships I formed with other bloggers or non-bloggers online did not count as socialization.  He doesn’t get the camaraderie. He might not ever understand. But that’s another post entirely.

In an effort to get along better with my husband (and rest my eyes and carpal-tunnel’d wrists), and to ‘get a life’ – whatever that means, I have started to venture out of the house.

I’d joined a playgroup when the girls were young – but always balked at taking out two young’uns together w/ diaper bags and such…it was always SUCH a hassle.  Well, guess what.  They are now 95% potty trained – diaper bags are no more! (We only wear diapers at night) So I don’t go to every playdate, but we get out.

I’ve been stepping away from the computer to hang out with the neighbors.  My neighborhood is one I’ve raved about before here, on FB and twitter. It’s great for the kids, and it’s great for adults.  I’ve made good friends with my neighbor across the way, and that works for me.  Sometimes I spend the whole night away from the computer just chatting with the neighbors.

But I’ve also started to have ME time.  Not w/ the kids, not w/ Archie.  Just me.

I’ve reconnected with an old friend from high school and once a month we get together to eat, drink, and be drinky…er, merry. It’s been great to find out that even after losing touch a few years ago we still get along good and can talk for hours.  One of these months I’ll be abandoning my family for a whole night to stay at her place.

My neighbor that I connected with and I started going to Zumba together (and are now talking about going to a wine tasting together – much yummier than Zumba).  It about killed me, but it was fun. It was a six week session and I vowed to not re-sign up for it again.  I had a few issues with it (false advertising for one)…and it just wasn’t my favorite.  So now, I no longer go to class with her because she signed up for boot camp and I said “Um…NO.”  I picked two classes…sooo…

First is Yoga.

I’ve been wanting to take a yoga class for a while.  I’ve done a little in my house when we had FitTV, but I’ve wanted to do a full class session.

So on Tuesdays, for an hour and a half I’m in my Yoga class.  I had my first session on Tuesday and loved it.

My body is sore, but it was great.  The four week session is far too short, and I’m already planning on signing up for the next session once it’s posted.

Then I signed up for Body Sculpt.

I haven’t had my first class yet, and I’m a little scared.  They’re calling for 5lb weights, which I have but never used.

I’m looking forward to it. Getting back in shape is something I’ve wanted to do. I’ve bought DVD’s like crazy – but making myself do them doens’t work.  With these classes, I pay for them, I’m far more likely to do them.

So for me, I’m still using my computer – but I’m trying to not be so dependent/addicted – but I’m also trying to step out.  To get away and back into real life.  My girls are older, it’s getting easier – it’s getting harder.

I’m taking time for me.  Time away from the stresses of family. Time away from the stress of being attached to the computer.  My blogging has suffered, my writing has slowed…but I think in the end it’s better for me.  My blogging and writing will improve because of it.  Being a shut in doesn’t give you much fodder, after all.  Life experience does that

(I make this post as I plan to sit in front of the computer and pre-write nearly 5 blog posts.)

I had no intentions of ending up disappearing for this long.  I have at least a dozen half-baked and sometimes half started posts in my head and on my dashboard waiting to be written.  I have no good explanation except…”oh hai, I have blog?”  Yeah – I could just never hit publish or wrap my head around actually completng a post.

On a good note – real life has been absolutely packed with stuff.  Our October calendar was packed full of activites of which we’ve only done about 1/2…because we also had some illness creep through and things like cruddy weather getting in the way.

Instead of blogging I’ve been driving my wonderful husband Archie nuts with the crafting supplies now absolutely overflowing out of their previously neat and tidy corner.  I’m making presents and decorations for the upcoming Yule/Christmas season! 

I have made several of the decorations. Two adorable little pettiskirts, and overskirts.  I’ve got the materials nearly completed for two twirly skirts for which I’m making my own pattern and hoping to let them both be free and overskirts for the pettiskirts.  I’ve also started other gifts, but I can’t say what they are on this public area

Brandon has been going forward in school like wildfire.  He has been doing his afterschool program and loving it.  His grades are (mostly) holding on great and we went to his first band concert this year!  I actually got to go on a Field Trip with him this year – to the zoo!  It was great finally meeting some other parents in his grade and getting to the zoo. I’m getting ready to go in a few weeks to the formation of the new parents group that’s forming along the lines of a PTO…I’ve been painfully aware over the past few years that I’ve never been involved enough in these things – so I’m trying to be now.

Today I finally got the girls to the new homeschool group.  Riley got stung by a bee, but it didn’t hold her back.  They had a blast and I had a nice time socializing with the moms….and being able to come home and tell Archie about the large group of (successfully) homeschooled kids from the girls age up to 17!  I think I can learn a lot from these women and look forward to going again next week!

I’ve also been really busy doing some behind the scenes stuff online…I have a lot more work to do in that area, but hopefully I won’t forget this place again!!  Or any of you!  I feel like I’ve gone to no blogs at all lately…and it’s time to rectify that right now!!

I had no intentions of ending up disappearing for this long.  I have at least a dozen half-baked and sometimes half started posts in my head and on my dashboard waiting to be written.  I have no good explanation except…”oh hai, I have blog?”  Yeah – I could just never hit publish or wrap my head around actually completng a post.

On a good note – real life has been absolutely packed with stuff.  Our October calendar was packed full of activites of which we’ve only done about 1/2…because we also had some illness creep through and things like cruddy weather getting in the way.

Instead of blogging I’ve been driving my wonderful husband Archie nuts with the crafting supplies now absolutely overflowing out of their previously neat and tidy corner.  I’m making presents and decorations for the upcoming Yule/Christmas season! 

I have made several of the decorations. Two adorable little pettiskirts, and overskirts.  I’ve got the materials nearly completed for two twirly skirts for which I’m making my own pattern and hoping to let them both be free and overskirts for the pettiskirts.  I’ve also started other gifts, but I can’t say what they are on this public area

Brandon has been going forward in school like wildfire.  He has been doing his afterschool program and loving it.  His grades are (mostly) holding on great and we went to his first band concert this year!  I actually got to go on a Field Trip with him this year – to the zoo!  It was great finally meeting some other parents in his grade and getting to the zoo. I’m getting ready to go in a few weeks to the formation of the new parents group that’s forming along the lines of a PTO…I’ve been painfully aware over the past few years that I’ve never been involved enough in these things – so I’m trying to be now.

Today I finally got the girls to the new homeschool group.  Riley got stung by a bee, but it didn’t hold her back.  They had a blast and I had a nice time socializing with the moms….and being able to come home and tell Archie about the large group of (successfully) homeschooled kids from the girls age up to 17!  I think I can learn a lot from these women and look forward to going again next week!

I’ve also been really busy doing some behind the scenes stuff online…I have a lot more work to do in that area, but hopefully I won’t forget this place again!!  Or any of you!  I feel like I’ve gone to no blogs at all lately…and it’s time to rectify that right now!!

* Just a few days into school, Brandon came home with a note.  It was an invitation into his schools “Odyssey of the Mind” program.  It’s a Talented and Gifted program that focuses on Literature, Art and History.  Only 15 students are in this program.  After 3 years of advanced math and science programs – this kid is just rocking school!  I’m so proud of him!!

* My aunt came in to visit from Buffalo.  She’s the “Cool” aunt we had when we were growing up…6 years younger than my mom and always was about keeping the kids happy – no matter what the parents say.  Nothing’s changed. Not that I ever fight her when she wants to do things w/ Brandon…but sh emakes it seem like I’d object *lol*  It was so wonderful seeing her again!!

* When she was here we all went down to Nashville, IN.  I love that place and really need to make an effort to get there more often.  Next time w/o the kids and a photog friend would be perfect…so many things I missed out on capturing.

* Speaking of which – I have 400+ (maybe 500+ now) photos sitting on my camera and hard drive waiting to be edited and shown off!!  I swear Ive been so blog-lazy the past couple of weeks.  Hopefully I’ll dole those out nice and slow for you…instead of bombrding you with tons of pics!!!

* I have absolutely NOTHING planned for Halloween – not even costumes…but I might let the kid have a halloween sleepover.  I’ve got some nasty Halloween recipes that are perfect for the gross out fans that are 10-11 year old boys.

* Archie actually broached the subject of homeschooling with me – something we haven’t dared discuss in months (hot-button issue in this house ).  The results of our latest discussion is that homeschooling may be the best thing for Riley – but only Riley. He thinks Angel would thrive better in a social situation – and I tend to agree.  We’ll see how this progresses.

* While I have nothing planned for Halloween, I’ve already started with Christmas plans/decorations/presents.  Tomorrow I resume sewing on the girls clothes that I started a little over a month back.  I have purchased some stuff for Christmas presents for the in-laws/parents/Archie…but that’s all I can tell you because they all read this  

* Hopefully we sell the mustang in the next couple of weeks.  It goes in the Auto/RV this coming weekend, and we know the neihbor is interested in it.  If we sell it, we will be discussing just how the money will be divided…including Christmas and something Archie wants into there along with getting our truck repaired. It won’t go far-but I’m sure it will go far enough…

* Living in the middle of nowhere does not lend well toward great craft supply shopping. I got exceptionally frustrated tonight – might have been less so if I’d gone out earlier and really been able to spend time in JoAnn.  Oh, and WalMart recently remodeled our store…it now SUCKS.  Not only is everything moved around and no longer cohesive (seriously, no rhyme or reason to how they did this)…but their stock is SERIOUSLY down – they have NOTHING. Stupid WalMart.

* I’m so excited that the fall is here. I really get my baking mojo on in the fall…and it’s already started.  I cannot wait to get to the orchard and get some baking pumpkins for this year. I have lots of pumpkin to freeze for use later.  Cookies, breads, cakes…yummmmm…

* I know I’m missing  a lot, but I can’t remember now. hopefully you’ll get a new post from my husband tomorrow…he has this week off for vacation so he has no excuse to NOT write one (*nudges Archie* HINT)

* Just a few days into school, Brandon came home with a note.  It was an invitation into his schools “Odyssey of the Mind” program.  It’s a Talented and Gifted program that focuses on Literature, Art and History.  Only 15 students are in this program.  After 3 years of advanced math and science programs – this kid is just rocking school!  I’m so proud of him!!

* My aunt came in to visit from Buffalo.  She’s the “Cool” aunt we had when we were growing up…6 years younger than my mom and always was about keeping the kids happy – no matter what the parents say.  Nothing’s changed. Not that I ever fight her when she wants to do things w/ Brandon…but sh emakes it seem like I’d object *lol*  It was so wonderful seeing her again!!

* When she was here we all went down to Nashville, IN.  I love that place and really need to make an effort to get there more often.  Next time w/o the kids and a photog friend would be perfect…so many things I missed out on capturing.

* Speaking of which – I have 400+ (maybe 500+ now) photos sitting on my camera and hard drive waiting to be edited and shown off!!  I swear Ive been so blog-lazy the past couple of weeks.  Hopefully I’ll dole those out nice and slow for you…instead of bombrding you with tons of pics!!!

* I have absolutely NOTHING planned for Halloween – not even costumes…but I might let the kid have a halloween sleepover.  I’ve got some nasty Halloween recipes that are perfect for the gross out fans that are 10-11 year old boys.

* Archie actually broached the subject of homeschooling with me – something we haven’t dared discuss in months (hot-button issue in this house ).  The results of our latest discussion is that homeschooling may be the best thing for Riley – but only Riley. He thinks Angel would thrive better in a social situation – and I tend to agree.  We’ll see how this progresses.

* While I have nothing planned for Halloween, I’ve already started with Christmas plans/decorations/presents.  Tomorrow I resume sewing on the girls clothes that I started a little over a month back.  I have purchased some stuff for Christmas presents for the in-laws/parents/Archie…but that’s all I can tell you because they all read this  

* Hopefully we sell the mustang in the next couple of weeks.  It goes in the Auto/RV this coming weekend, and we know the neihbor is interested in it.  If we sell it, we will be discussing just how the money will be divided…including Christmas and something Archie wants into there along with getting our truck repaired. It won’t go far-but I’m sure it will go far enough…

* Living in the middle of nowhere does not lend well toward great craft supply shopping. I got exceptionally frustrated tonight – might have been less so if I’d gone out earlier and really been able to spend time in JoAnn.  Oh, and WalMart recently remodeled our store…it now SUCKS.  Not only is everything moved around and no longer cohesive (seriously, no rhyme or reason to how they did this)…but their stock is SERIOUSLY down – they have NOTHING. Stupid WalMart.

* I’m so excited that the fall is here. I really get my baking mojo on in the fall…and it’s already started.  I cannot wait to get to the orchard and get some baking pumpkins for this year. I have lots of pumpkin to freeze for use later.  Cookies, breads, cakes…yummmmm…

* I know I’m missing  a lot, but I can’t remember now. hopefully you’ll get a new post from my husband tomorrow…he has this week off for vacation so he has no excuse to NOT write one (*nudges Archie* HINT)

* I’ve been sick the past few days.  I feel ‘okay’ in the morning and it starts to hit by about 1 every day.  Headache, sore throat, muscle aches, grumpiness, and feeling clammy-like.  After two nights of putting up with me, Archie wants me to call the doctor. I did and go in today. I’m sure I’ll be told it’s just a cold, but it’s just as well to go in w/ the sore throat and a CF babe in the house.

* Remember the Saga of the Big Toe that started in January and I thought was done in April with a big fat cortizone shot?  Well, it’s not.  After enough distractions and pain killers (thank you, gall bladder), I was able to ignore it for 3 months – but the pain is not gone.  It gets worse when I wear my sneakers for more than an hour or two.  So, I go back to the podiatrist next week.  It’s a good thing I like that man with how much I despise feet….

* Today I finally got off my butt and scheduled doctor’s appointments I was supposed to a couple of months ago.  My podiatrist for one, I called the OBGYN for my 2 year check (hooray for no parts, checks get farther apart) – only to find out I’d already scheduled it months ago…and I got Riley’s appt with her geneticist set again. 

* I’ve been sewing like mad – well, previous to my sickliness.  Trying to get Christmas presents done for the girls.  It involves working my poor sewing machine to the bone, but will be worth it…if I can restrain myself from putting the clothes on the girls prior to Christmas.

* Brandon starts 6th grade on Tuesday.  Tuesday!  I can’t believe summer is over already…but I’m relieved in a way.  We seriously need the break from each other.

* The girls old OT called today just to see how they were doing.  I thought that was so sweet of her.  It was good to talk to her again briefly.

* Had one of my ex’s actually act surprised and hurt that I ignored his friend request on Facebook.  He sent me a message asking if I still hated him that much that I wouldn’t friend him.  I didn’t bother replying – but have to say that I don’t hate him…hate is such a strong word..but really, I don’t LIKE him enough to friend him…anywhere. 

* July was a great month of visiting family…and I’m sad I wasn’t able to get to Buffalo to do the same.  Hopefully next year I will get there.

* Still wishing I could make it to Type A Mom.  No sign of sponsorship in sight, though…so that may be another I miss again.  Maybe next year.

* Have an editor actually reading my novel now.  Here’s to hoping she loves it and you’ll be looking at the latest published blogger here soon  

That’s it for now.  Hopefully soon hubs will finish his blog post for me…and yes, I’m putting this out here to help nudge him toward it

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