The Wisdom of Dogs

Our new 'puppy',Chuck, teaches me many thing every day. Granted, sometimes I forget to pay attention and listen to what he has to say. But I try. He reminds me to slow down and have patience and play and breathe. Seeing him play with the kids warms my heart. He can be a handful, yes, a big 8 month old, 60 lb handful, but he is all love. Got this little bitty in my vet e-newsletter today and I thought - so perfect! So here it is to share and a picture of our Chuck - or Chuckles as we call him.

Things We Can Learn from a Dog

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When loved ones come home, always run to great them.
• When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.

Stewing...

Wanna write, wanna write...wanna write something. But I fear my day full of writing for the website, tweaking a press release, some email writing and lots of Facebook research have me a bit melty. But it is tapping at me...write something silly! It's in you..let it out..let it flow in the clink clack of your keyboard keys.

But what?

Not even I want to hear how much I miss the kids (they have been with their dad since last Tuesday). Or about how much I have to do for Halloween. Or how I always (always) seem to screw up my check book. Blah! I am sure that some out in cyberspace take solace in knowing that I too share these angsts - but I want to inspire! *enter singing birds here*

Hmmm.....

Maybe next time...

What about you? What do you want to write about or hear from me on? Silly or divine?

New Book & New Writing

The first sentence of the book beautifully sets the scene...

"This is what I write to her: The clouds tonight embossed the sky."

Just started to read a new book - "March" by Geraldine Brooks. I also read "People of the Book" by her a few months ago. I really enjoy her use of language. She brings the senses of her stories to you- sight, sound, smell, touch - making the emotions of her characters that much more. "March" is about the father of "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. It is his story. I am embarrassed to admit that I never read "Little Women" - I will be right after I finish this which should add an interesting perspective.

I will report back with my review of March soon, as well as "People of the Book". And I know you are all excited to see my posts again. Me too in fact. Taking the time to put it down is good for me.

Coming back to me now

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose" - Kevin Arnold

Cannot exactly say why...but many things are coming back to me in the past few days. At first they were a trickle but in the last two days it feels more like a flood of good and bad and I am having trouble sorting through to make sense of it all. I will parse through and report back. Right now I have dog vs kid issues...

This phenomenon call Facebook

Vivox, Inc on Facebook

The Summer of my Youth

"All we need is the truth in our hand. Someone to call a friend. Never fear the darkness. All we need is just the sun in the sky. And the hope of a summer to come with the meaning of love.”


Time is flying by...I am buying a house, no - a HOME with Boo Boo. The kids are out of school after a spectacular year and onto 1st & 3rd grades respectively. Work is busy but good - I am up for the challenge and enjoying the balance I promised myself I would strive for this year and for all my life. Summer comes with so much love and promise.

I cannot put into words what this new home means to me - what Boo Boo means to me. It will be a wonderful summer indeed. In fact, he just pulled into the driveway - I have dinner in the oven and my heart is filled with joy.

Happy Birthday Buffy!

Today marks the birthday of my best friend, Buffy. Happy Day Buffy!

It is no secret that I hold my friends in very high esteem and am not shy about expressing how much I care about them. Today is no different and I may even jump the shark on this one because Buffy is worth jumping sharks for.

Buffy, in a word, is amazing. She came into my life about 15 years ago. I came to know her through my ex-husband. (actually that is how I know most of my closest friends now). After college it is difficult to make those long lasting friendships, but I was blessed. Our closeness grew when I wasn't even paying attention. I was in her wedding party and we had our boys 6 months apart from one another. We share a lot of the same interests (cooking, motherhood, reading, adventures, black jack, pina coladas, gaming to name a few - we even won fantasy football one year when we partnered up) We are a good balance for one another - her sexy blonde and my curly top auburn. Sums us up right there :) Drop in our other sister friends, the 'laotong' and we can cause some trouble. When we do not talk or see each other for a few weeks we miss each other.

Buffy' has quite literally gotten me through the darkest periods of my life. Her honesty, compassion, humor, loyalty, intelligence, strength and determination are inspiring. There is not enough that I can say about this woman's beauty - inside and out. There is nothing that I would not do for her. I look forward to growing old with her and experiencing all that life still has to offer us and our families - together.

So Happy Birthday Buffy!! I hope you have a wonderful day. Here is a poem by Maya Angelou for you...Phenomenal Woman!

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Note to self...

Find book - "Mrs. Somebody Somebody"

Something Amiss

"One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important." ~ Bertrand Russell

Something has felt a little amiss to me this morning. Like I forgot something at the house or am forgetting to do something. I looked in my bag, examined my calendar and checked my to-do list. And there it was....between my to-do list and my calendar I noticed it. No deadlines. No must-do or die things at work or at home for today. What?! What is this?! OK - so I have things to do at work (some writing hell) and my laundry needs some sorting and putting away and some dishes need to be done but other than that - I got nada. Holey gamoley!

What is a gal to do? Well I have an amazing plan for today...I am going to take a walk at lunch. I am going to leave at 5. I am going to get home by 6:30. I am going to get my chores done. I am going to make myself some dinner. I am going to take the bunny out to play and watch American Idol. I am going to go to bed when I am still awake and read my book. I am going to live a slow life today with no pressure or worry.

I say again...holey gamoley!!!

I have an idea....

I always wanted to write a book. I am going to write a book. I am going to write a book for my son.


That is my crazy for today....

Good Friday

I kind of never understood why it is called 'Good Friday'. I mean, it really sucked for Jesus. That whole crucifixion thing. Not good in any way shape or form. Or maybe it is a reminder to be good. I have to look back and find the origins of the Easter bunny. Pickle asked me today and I got nothin'. Should be an interesting Google. My own little easter bunny, PJ, is hopping around while I am working from home writing some marketing fluff. He is big enough to hop on and off the couch. He is cute! Just have to make sure he does not get into any wires that he might find tasty. Ever see a bunny try to hop on pergo floor? funny the way their back legs slip out. I am so easily amused.

Anymahoo - here is our Fu Lion dressed for the occasion and season. He needs some love on the paint side after the winter, but he truly enjoys being decorated :)


And a picture of Pickle with one of her many pom pom creations. Now I ask you...are those the eyes of a girl who sings Queen in kindergarten? :)


And lastly the kids snuggling with Cooper - the 95lb black lab. oh my Mo - the shirtless wonder. He has caught onto the benefits of being a man early...




And a picture of them with their Godfather Erik. I love this shot - I need to get an 8x10 of this one.


Oh! And we all have bikes now. Can't wait for a trail ride soon! mmm...Happy Spring!

Mommy Moment of Pride

Pickle got sent back to her table from 'rug time' in Kindergarten for leading a round of Queen's 'We will rock you".

*sniff* I am so proud :)

Repeating Dream - Haunted House

" Dreams are illustrations...from the book your soul is writing about you" - Marsha Norman

For the past few weeks I have been having dreams about haunted houses. It is never the same house and different people are in each of the dreams - like last night it was the cast of Battlestar Galactica. (Edward James Olmos is a very nice man, btw and helped me through quite a bit last night). Though not the same house, they have similar characteristics - older manor like houses with multiple levels with large hallways. Mo & Pickle are usually not in the dreams physically - I have a knowing that they are somewhere safe. If the dream goes through a long cycle of me not waking up I usually find myself trying to keep the haunting away from them - like insisting that they not sleep in a certain room. The feeling in the dream is always the same...no one else sees or feels what I see and I am trapped trying to prove it to people. The 'trapped' feeling is like the air in the room having disappeared and I cannot breathe, the feeling of someone watching me. I often find myself looking out a window at people unable to see or hear me, with the feeling of someone behind me.

Good stuff huh?! I have been having this 'dream' consistently now every night now for over a week. Today I remembered to remember it and I did a little Googling. This is what I found on dream interpretation...

Haunted
To dream that you are being haunted, indicates early unpleasant traumas and repressed feelings or memories. You are experiencing fear or guilt about your past activities and thoughts.

Hmmmm.....that makes sense with the type of anxiety I have been feeling lately. But how can I make it go away? Dreams and indicators? There lies the rub. I will have to noodle on this a little more.

In other news...it is Easter this weekend. Yay! Our Fu Lion is decked out for the holiday and spring in general. I will post a picture soon. The kids have new bikes and I love to hear them giggle outside while they play. This weekend will be much Easter bread baking on Saturday and Easter Sunday with Boo Boo's family in Maine hunting eggs and shopping for baby chicks, ducks, geese and turkeys for the farm. Fun stuff!

Resolutions Update

Going into the 2nd quarter of the year it is time for us to review our goals and progress thus far...


1. Simplify. Keep it simple. Don't over plan or over schedule.
check! I have been making a very conscious effort on this and it has helped me a lot. I still feel like I have no time to accomplish things, but I am making better choices.

2. Keep it close to home and heart.
Check check!

3. Get more active! I had a good kick start with this over the summer/fall of '08 - '09 will bring a gym membership and twice a week trips and more biking and hiking with the kids.
OK - so I joined the gym. I have been a couple of times - it's a time thing people. BUT now that the weather is nicer I am walking 15-20 minutes per day at work and bikes are in the shop for tune ups and such.

4. Lose 15-20 lbs. Pretty reasonable I think. This will help my blood pressure, my mood, my overall good looks and well being.
Back off man! It's only April 1! Obviously this one needs work...

5. Focus on work - get fresh with programs and stay positive. And with that keep work at work. Minimize the overflow into my home life.
Check with a capital C! Work feels better - home feels better.

6. Hang the bedrooms blinds.
I am an exhibitionist apparently....maybe this weekend.

7. Organize the basement and a play area in the basement for the kids.
Done. And it will be re-organized in the coming weeks when the yard stuff goes outside.

8. Organize desk and files for neatness/de-clutter factor and also not losing important documents.
Yep. But I feel like it needs more. I need some better storage in this area. I have my eyes peeled for low cost solutions. IKEA road trip perhaps?

9. Fix finances - pay down debts, SAVE, make better money choices
Debts are being paid down, making better money choices but saving? That's funny! Just when I think I can save an unplanned for bill arises. *sigh* Oh well. But I am being more conscious for sure and am very happy to be paying down my debts.

10. Look ahead, not back.
Ya know....this sounds really easy...but it ain't. Though I try, some days are just not as fruitful in this area. But seeing where I have come in the last 5 years, I am doing brilliant work. Sun, exercise and the great outdoors will assist with this too. I think winter effects me a little more than I thought cause when we were in FL I felt amazing all around.

I would like to amend with a #11 that I accomplished this week....a dentist visit. All is good - but after 4 years I had my worries. Boo Boo turned me on to a great dentist and my 6 months check up is Oct 2nd. Look at me go with the dental hygiene. But sssshhh! Don't tell the kids! They are always on schedule...I just blow it off. ssshhh.

So far so good with 2009 I say. How you doin'?

How quickly they fall out of grace

Adam....Adam...Adam....Duuuuude! I don't know about you now. Which kind of makes me sad. Danny Cokey has my heart. Anoop is a close second with Allison. *sigh* OK, country ain't your thang...but really? Ring of Fire sung like a dying cat? Not so much. Poor Mr. Cash is turning in his grave. And let's talk about your make-up - or more accurately - spackle. Blech. And just cut to the point - have sex with the mic stand on the stage. Though if that is your foreplay....lordie!

I have to ask one of my 2 loyal readers...Willow...when you watch this...do you see a Trent Resner/NiN type of artist like Randy said? Am I missing something? Please enlighten me.



now discuss....

QoTD

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." - Anais Nin (1903-1977)

I like this quote. I like the images it gives me of who I am. Usually I see the positive in things, I see the richness of colors, the nuances of shapes and how it relates to my world and how I am feeling in the moment. I relish in my interactions with people and the landscape of learning and love that I have on a daily basis with my children.

But this quote, this truth, also scares me. Because sometimes I see things darkly. I get sad, I can be pessimistic. It does not last long (not any more). This truth reminds me of who I want to be and how to live that life. The scary scary thing though is what I witness of some people's perceptions - what that makes them. It makes my stomach turn thinking of how it may also linger upon the light that grows within Mo & Pickle. Today I experienced how very 'off' some people's perceptions are and how deep the poison they feed upon may run in their blood. THAT scares me.

Nothing I can do about it though but have hope in who I am and trust that my truths are the right ones in the long run.

Or one can simply say...some people are whacked and need a good beeyotch slap upside the head.

Right Faith? ;-)

From the mouths of babes

"Mommy, you worry too much." ~ 'Mo', 2009 - age 8

The boy is catching on and calling me on it. I worry too much. About wearing a jacket, wearing socks around the house so they do not catch a cold, walking off the ledge, staying close in the mall, eat a fruit or veggie with every meal, etc. Gosh, if he only knew of the bigger things I worry about! My job, balancing my job with the kids, balancing the kids, job and BooBoo, dealing with Mo's dad, paying off bills, trying to get in shape, staying connected with friends, making sure Mo & Pickle are strong and confident and good people, serving my God, burying the past, how I look, how do people perceive me, making sure the correct color is used at all times for my company logo, checking that all fonts match the style guide, staying on budget, not driving off the road from sleep deprivation, making sure all of my friends and family know that I love them, my parents, my sister, dealing with their dad (yes I know I said that twice), cleaning the house, grocery shopping, laundry, yard work, getting enough sleep, car maintenance ...

Yep, Mo knows me...I worry way too much.

American Idol

OK, I admit it. I am hooked into this season. I have been watching from day 1 for the first time. I think that there are a couple of gems, but so far my favorite is Adam Lambert. I finally put my finger on why I like him so much. He reminds me of Simon Lebon from Duran Duran. Oh yeah baby...the goold old days of D2. *deep cleansing breaths*

See for yourself....



Now, I am not sure if he will go all the way. But it will be a fun ride I think. I have a couple of others I like, so we shall see. Anoop and Jorge need to go though. :P

Eat, Pray, Love

I am presently reading a fantastic book by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love. These are tenants that I try to live my life by and I feel as if this woman somehow stepped into my shoes of the past 5 or so years and shared the journey with me. Her path to healing allowed her to spend a year traveling to Italy, India & Indonesia. My journey has not been so grand, but I did go to Atlantic City, Old Orchard Beach & Disney World. That counts for something ;)

I will have more to say about this book on a whole once I am complete, but one, of many, bits I have highlighted is as follows- I love it!

Dal centro della mia vita venne una grande fontana...
"From the center of my life, there came great fountain..."

Coffee

"Actually, this seems to be the basic need of the human heart in nearly every great crisis - a good hot cup of coffee." ~ Alexander King

Ever notice how coffee never tastes as good out of a to-go cup with a plastic, toddler like sippy cup lid than when it is from your favorite mug? I think this says something about society on a whole...we are always so busy and rushing and on the go - but when we can slow down and savor the sweet aromas that are life, the healing warmth and richness it all tastes better.

That is my deep thought for the day.

Lots of big blue hoo hoo's

Well, well, well....this was a weekend of communication. Who woulda thunk that being honest and open would work so well, even when it is about the ugliest and most painful parts of ourselves. BooBoo (fromerly known as BB, but BooBoo is a much better nickname in the yogi bear and constant woundings sense) is quite an amazing man and I really have to stop under-estimating his love and friendship for me. We talked about some things this weekend that needed talking about and in the past I would have just shoved them somewhere to poison me at a later date. So THIS is what a functional relationship is?!!! ah hah! I am starting to catch on.... In all seriousness I am very blessed. (yet again)

Now what is this about big blue hoo hoo's? We went to see Watchmen this weekend. I must preface this, I did not read the book. But I would like to now because for me the movie was...meh. There were some spots of good and almost great, but I found it overshadowed by gratuitous gore, sex and in more your face gore. To me it felt like some elements of the film were thrown in to please producers or a focus group. Elements of the story that actually looked very interesting to me were lost in those directorial mis-steps, imho. I do want to read it now and understand the mythos, maybe then I will understand the choices better. One character - Warshek (sp?) was fantastic - everything about him I loved. So they did great there and I applaud that character and what he brought to the story. *clapping here* We did see a lot of big blue hoo hoo (which is the technical term for penis...It is! go look it up for yourself!) Dr. Manhattan, you cheeky monkey you! I was glad to see him wear a cup/thong/diaper in the field of battle however. I would have been uncomfortable watching otherwise I think. *shiver*

Spring is sprunging. Woot! But I hear tale of a wintry mix of a storm tomorrow. Poo I say! But BooBoo and I are dreaming of our little garden in the backyard anyways and decided on mulch in the front as opposed to stone.

Oh! That reminds me! I need to get bunny ears for the foo lion....Easter is on its way after all. Naturally, pictures will be posted.

So how was your weekend? Any big blue hoo hoo's?

QoTD

"I'm not upset that you lied to me. I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you." ~ Friedrich Nietsche

This quote sits quite perfectly with some things I have been thinking on and feeling as of late. I really dislike this feeling of not being sure, not having blind faith, always having that question wondering if something is being kept from me. I feel a bit paranoid, and truthfully paranoid does not look pretty on me. (truly it does not).

But how to move on...that is the pickle. Sure, open communication and asking the questions - that is an easy route. Gets straight to the issue and may very well relieve any and all concerns. But how do I open that discourse without seeming like a baffoon? An untrusting shrew? And is there anything so wrong with being untrusting when you have evidence in the past that does indeed make you the littles untrusting?

hmmm....I'll let you know how it works out....

Choices

"Life is a sum of all your choices." - Albert Camus

I have been thinking a lot lately about choices I have had to make in my life in the past 5 years. Amazing, 5 years. Not all of these choices were good, not all of the choices were presented to me by my free will and the consequence of some of these choices have not been the most splendid, while others have proven to be splendid indeed. But choices were made and my life is on this path. I am trying to not dwell in the 'what if's' but my mind is caught, at times, in the events that brought those decisions to my doorstep, so yes, I guess I am pondering the what if's. What if I stepped left when I should have stepped right? What if I left 5 minutes earlier? What if I was braver? What would today, this moment be like if I said 'yes I am'?

Amongst all of the what if's, which are not very productive at all, let's be honest here, one question - who does all of this make me now?

THAT is my question that I have no immediate answer for. Perhaps I am afraid of the answer, of being that person. Perhaps I am just scared of the new, of the empowerment it would give me. Sometimes it is easier to just be even if that place you are being is grey and shallow as opposed to a deep brilliant blue.

I do know that all of these choices are mine, and mind alone. Who that makes me will be the process I do not see an end to. But all good things are long term growth processes are they not? That hope keeps me going.

Happiness is...

New pets!



A parakeet named 'Party' with bright yellow & green feathers.











A lop eared bunny named PJ Funny Bunny
(from the book Honey Bunny Funny Bunny)














And a Star Wars themed fundraiser event that garnered over $3,000 for a friend in need. Of course the kids dressed up! Pickle won best costume as Queen Amadal. Sadly I did not get a full costume shot (bad mommy!) But I did get a shot of her asleep in the car. And yes, that is a Dale the chipmunk hat on her head...


And his dark side lordship....Battle Damaged Darth Vader...

I now leave you with this challenge...can you spot the bird? Or are they all bionicles?...hmmm...

Dream a little dream - II

Gisele Bundchen was in my dream last night. I congratulated her on her recent nuptials to Tom Brady.

odd

Growing Old Together

"Let us live and move in harmony. Let us grow together. Let us cherish the wisdom that we have acquired together. Let us live in complete harmony without any misunderstanding." - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

One of the most beautiful things I saw on my trip to Disney was turning to see where my parents were behind and saw the picture of them walking together, hand in hand. My parents have never been too outwardly emotional with the love for each other or other emotions for that matter. How I got to be so outward is a bit of a mystery. (lol) It is in their older years that I see their bond in small moments and big, like when my father burst into tears at the news that my mom's tumors were benign. It makes me smile. It makes me want that for myself. I know that their relationship has not been perfect, but I want all of that too. How wonderful to grow old with someone and make a life and be a partner and love one another in every sense of the word. What a wonderful lesson my parents have taught me. Something true and string to aspire for.

A quick shout out to my Mommy too - Happy Birthday! You are my best friend and I love you. You only get better with age!

Lent

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire. Let the truth be your delight...proclaim it...but with a certain congeniality." - St. Catherine of Siena

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and it marked the beginning of the period of Lent on the Christian calendar. I, as many of you know, am a recovering Catholic. It is an ongoing process for me as I try to reconcile my deep adoration for God and his lessons, the traditions of the Roman Catholic church that are ingrained into my very DNA (i.e. knowing when to kneel or stand during mass, or when to cross myself.) with my real life - i.e. I am divorced and I am sure have also gone blatantly against tenants of the Catholic church. *gasp* My son's godfather is a homosexual! *double gasp* And for you who know what else will be sending me to hell, please feel free to contact me offline ;)

I find peace in my faith. But I also find chaos as I try to find the balance. It is not as easy for me as it is for some. I have thought about 'changing' religions. But I like 'my' God. I like the big guy with white hair, I like his son, Jesus. Mary has always been a sort of hero to me, and this Holy Spirit - well, one day I hope to be filled with it because it seems like a really great deal! It is not the rules or structure of the church that has been established over these years that holds me, but the lessons and, what I believe to be, the original purpose of religion - faith, hope, family, community, tradition - that makes my heart calm and my vision clear.

So Lent is upon us. This year I have decided that I will take upon me two old traditions I have not practiced in quite some time - eat no meat except fish on Friday, give something up for Lent. BB said he would join me in this. (I love being in a relationship with a shared faith...more than you know...but that is for a different post). I am going to try and give up cursing. For everytime I curse, I will put $.50 in a bucket and donate it to a charity - let's say St. Jude's Children's. I am going to let the kids in on my plan so that they can keep me honest. And maybe they will give something up as well. If they want to. We'll see.

By bringing these two traditions back into my life I am hoping to bring God back into my life a little more, keep him more at the forefront of my mind. Seek his peace and guidance as we leave winter behind and welcome spring and all of its colors. And yes, I meant that as a metaphor.

Now I am off to find fish recipes that I think the kids will eat :)

The Mouse, the myth, the legend

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. " - Walk Disney

We had the most brilliant time at DisneyWorld last week with my parents, sister and her husband. Stresses of 5 adults & 2 children traveling together aside, it was a memorable week and one that I will not soon forget, as I also have 400+ pictures from the trip. To see my children 'meet' their favorite characters, watch their faces as they discovered new things and hear their laughter mixed with the laughter of their grandparents is a gift I will hold in my heart forever. I will try and follow-up this post with more detailed ones with some travel tips and reviews, but for now here are some pictures of our times at DisneyWorld and SeaWorld. (which, btw, was just as fantastic. The shows were breathtaking and we saw a manatee poop...they call them cows of the sea for a reason!)

At SeaWorld! (thank you Brendan!)
You can see the killer whales in the background. The kids later went down closer with their auntie so that they could get wet. Pickle realized her error and quickly came back up shivering. We were warned! They keep the water at about 52 degrees F!



The whole gang! Breakfast with Mickey is a must to meet the major characters without waiting in line at the parks. Plus the buffet is delish!!! I have to figure out how to make the corn beef hash with cornbread topping.
nummy nummy.

We made it! Mouse ears acquired we made it to the most magical place on earth! never did I think that my 'baby' boy would get this big. And yes, I got teary watching their reactions to their fairy tales coming true.

My mom's favorite ride - Small World! We all loved it.
(that's my mom, you all know Mo and in the background my dad in the white tshirt)


And finally....
The three pictures below were taken with my eyes filled with tears. I cry, it's what I do. :P I thought my heart would burst at the site of such sweet and wonderful wonder.






When I grow up, I want to be a Disney Princess too!
But now, I an autograph book that needs scrapbooking.

Donde esta Jennita bonita?

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'." - Mary Anne Radmacher

Yep, I have been a bit quiet here on 'da pig'. I have been feeling more in a quiet mode as opposed to the roar mentioned above. I have come to type about various things but I found myself pulling it back for various reasons. But Faith has a very good point - how can she stalk me if I do not post? So, here's an update for your reading enjoyment...

1. The kids & I are going to DisneyWorld tomorrow with my parents, sister & her husband. I cannot properly express my excitement.
2. Parenting has been a challenge as of late as Mo struggles with properly expressing his feelings and making sense of life. This means of course that we have had some doozies of battles. I decided it was time for some outside help. So he is talking with a therapist. It seems to be helping as I have noticed a change in dynamic with he and I. And he has no issue in telling people that he is talking with someone - which makes me happy. I do not want him to feel anything less than, well, strong and confident - hence the need for outside help. I keep my focus on him and his sister and just do the best I can in dealing with their father. Every step I think I have in moving forward with all of that, I feel half a step back. But forward I go with my eye on the prize - raising two strong and loving children.
3. Amore - things with BB and I are very good. Odd to be in a functional relationship. Do not trust it completely but every day feels better. Only thing I have to complain about is time - between our schedules time gets a little scarce. But we make it work. He is such a good friend first and foremost what a wonderful thing! And well, I could kiss him for hours and never get bored. (wink wink)
4. Work - is going very well. Business is great, especially for this economy. My motivation comes in spurts but I think that is due to all of us going at such a fast pace. Hoping this holiday brings some spark back to my work.
5. Holiday - did I mention that I am going to Disney tomorrow?
6. Books - finished the Twilight series. I really enjoyed it. Yes it is book candy- but it was fun! Reading Eat Pray Love right now. These books tend to find me when I need their story/message the most. It's about a woman's healing after a divorce. It is written cleverly and nicely which I enjoy just as much as the message.
7. Missing my friends! It always seems that after the holidays I do not see my friends for like 2 months. And this year with the bad weather I did not see much of them over the holidays either. I am thinking a dinner/game night is in order soon.
8. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day - lovely snuggly time with the kids on the plane to DISNEY!

OK, I think that covers life right now. I will be sure to keep everyone posted (Faith) of my holiday in the world of all things happy and magical upon my return.

Happy New Year!

I dub this year....Year of Simplification!

Typically I do not make resolutions as I do not want to 'fail' and not reach them. But this year I find it important to set some goals and reminders of the priorities in my life as days pass and things can get blurred. So here are my 10 resolutions for the Year of Simplification ~ 2009! (yes, I know some of these are quite simple and I may even knock them off in the next couple of days, but it is good to set easy goals amidst the bigger ones so as to celebrate the small triumphs as well) :)

1. Simplify. Keep it simple. Don't over plan or over schedule.
2. Keep it close to home and heart.
3. Get more active! I had a good kick start with this over the summer/fall of '08 - '09 will bring a gym membership and twice a week trips and more biking and hiking with the kids.
4. Lose 15-20 lbs. Pretty reasonable I think. This will help my blood pressure, my mood, my overall good looks and well being.
5. Focus on work - get fresh with programs and stay positive. And with that keep work at work. Minimize the overflow into my home life.
6. Hang the bedrooms blinds.
7. Organize the basement and a play area in the basement for the kids.
8. Organize desk and files for neatness/de-clutter factor and also not losing important documents.
9. Fix finances - pay down debts, SAVE, make better money choices
10. Look ahead, not back.