"You have to figure...if the world's fattest twins can find love, there's hope for all of us. Somewhere out there is another little freak who will love us, understand us, and kiss our 3 heads and make it all better" - Carrie from 'Sex in the City'
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Letterboxing
"Only the curious have something to find." - unknown
Here is the Wikipedia description of Letterboxing: Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art and puzzle solving. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly-accessible places (like parks) and distribute clues to finding the box in printed catalogs, on one of several web sites, or by word of mouth. Individual letterboxes usually contain a logbook and a rubber stamp. Finders make an imprint of the letterbox's stamp on their personal logbook, and leave an impression of their personal stamp on the letterbox's logbook — as proof of having found the box. Many letterboxers keep careful track of their "find count".
Friday we went and got our little journal and ink pad and compass (which I need to learn how to use). The kids were still not fully convinced of the fun of my scheme, but they were playing along. They are good to humor me.
The first one we went to was Gilson Rd. Cemetery in Nashua. I read the web sites and apparently this cemetery is suppose to be very haunted. Now, before you call DSS on me for trying to scare my kids, please note that I did not mention this to the kids. No words of haunted or ghosts ever came out from my lips. Not to sound like a quack, but I do believe in that stuff and have had a few of my own 'encounters'. I sensed that this place had something, but it did not scare me. It was 12 noon after all. Far from 'witching hour'. Pickle sensed something too for as time went on with our search she got less comfortable. Anyways...we'll discuss my daughter's and my uncanny psychic abilities some other time (haha)...we followed the directions and the only thing that threw us was reading the compass for 280 degrees. Huh? We read the rest of the instructions and tried to see if we could do without that small detail. Well, by Mo's amazing Scooby like skills he found the rock the box was hidden under and we were victorious!
The kids, and I, are hooked! Mo demanded we do another one right away. So off we went to Silver Mines Park in Nashua.
At the next park we met up with a family on their own quest. We chatted and they too had been to Gilson Rd. Cemetery. Apparently their compass went haywire spinning! I would now like to blame ghosts and not my inept compass abilities. They seem to be having a great time with it and told us of other places in Nashua and the area. The three of us cannot wait now to get our own stamp to leave behind as our mark and search out other places. What fun!
Here are a few pictures of our adventure today...and I will say it again...I love New England!
Here we find our first box at the cemetery. The kids liked how we had to stay low and try to keep our finding it a secret, in case others were coming to find it themselves.
The custom stamps people do are quite impressive!
Box #2!
Pickle is victorious with a Bunny stamp!
And my favorite part of our adventures today? Spending time with my kids in the outdoors.
We are planning on a big day of letterboxing in a couple of weeks. Can't wait! Have to get it in before the snow all comes. We'll figure out some new adventures for those days when they come.
The kids and I have discovered a new fantastic hobby, Letterboxing. D mentioned it to me and I checked with another friend that has done it as well. She turned me onto the website and, well, we're hooked!
Here is the Wikipedia description of Letterboxing: Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art and puzzle solving. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly-accessible places (like parks) and distribute clues to finding the box in printed catalogs, on one of several web sites, or by word of mouth. Individual letterboxes usually contain a logbook and a rubber stamp. Finders make an imprint of the letterbox's stamp on their personal logbook, and leave an impression of their personal stamp on the letterbox's logbook — as proof of having found the box. Many letterboxers keep careful track of their "find count".
Friday we went and got our little journal and ink pad and compass (which I need to learn how to use). The kids were still not fully convinced of the fun of my scheme, but they were playing along. They are good to humor me.
The first one we went to was Gilson Rd. Cemetery in Nashua. I read the web sites and apparently this cemetery is suppose to be very haunted. Now, before you call DSS on me for trying to scare my kids, please note that I did not mention this to the kids. No words of haunted or ghosts ever came out from my lips. Not to sound like a quack, but I do believe in that stuff and have had a few of my own 'encounters'. I sensed that this place had something, but it did not scare me. It was 12 noon after all. Far from 'witching hour'. Pickle sensed something too for as time went on with our search she got less comfortable. Anyways...we'll discuss my daughter's and my uncanny psychic abilities some other time (haha)...we followed the directions and the only thing that threw us was reading the compass for 280 degrees. Huh? We read the rest of the instructions and tried to see if we could do without that small detail. Well, by Mo's amazing Scooby like skills he found the rock the box was hidden under and we were victorious!
The kids, and I, are hooked! Mo demanded we do another one right away. So off we went to Silver Mines Park in Nashua.
At the next park we met up with a family on their own quest. We chatted and they too had been to Gilson Rd. Cemetery. Apparently their compass went haywire spinning! I would now like to blame ghosts and not my inept compass abilities. They seem to be having a great time with it and told us of other places in Nashua and the area. The three of us cannot wait now to get our own stamp to leave behind as our mark and search out other places. What fun!
Here are a few pictures of our adventure today...and I will say it again...I love New England!
Here we find our first box at the cemetery. The kids liked how we had to stay low and try to keep our finding it a secret, in case others were coming to find it themselves.
The custom stamps people do are quite impressive!
Box #2!
Pickle is victorious with a Bunny stamp!
And my favorite part of our adventures today? Spending time with my kids in the outdoors.
We are planning on a big day of letterboxing in a couple of weeks. Can't wait! Have to get it in before the snow all comes. We'll figure out some new adventures for those days when they come.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Definition of Family, Meaning of Friend
" Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about." - Trey Parker & Matt Stone, South Park, Ike's Wee Wee, 1998
I am one lucky woman. I have an amazing immediate family, but I am blessed with an extended family that is still intact after my divorce. Yesterday I was thrilled to attend the 90th birthday party for my ex-husband's, step-father's mother - Nana Nellie. She is a spry Yankee who is sharp and witty and pretty good physically too for 90. It was fun to see pictures of her as a young woman - so glamorous in the 40's! And it was very nice to catch up with 'family' that I have not seen in several years.
Divorce not only effects the husband, wife and children of the divorce - it ripples to the relatives and friends that have built a community around that couple. I knew that with my actions and it saddened me knowing how many people would be effected. And I would be lying if I said it did not make me sad to think how I may lose some people that I had come to care about a great deal over the years. But, in my case, that family I can still call part of my own. It has been made very clear to me that, like the mafia, I cannot get out that easily. This warms my heart and also makes keeping them involved in the lives of my children (which is VERY important to me) that much easier.
At the party I visited with cousin-in laws and aunt-uncle-in laws and extended family from there. We oohed and aahed over how big the kids were getting and how old we all are. My former mother-in law kept introducing me as her daughter in law. We laughed that that title may get touchy if my ex re-marries. She said, nope I always will be. Cool! I will finally be 'Wife #1' - I joke...I joke....
Everyone is doing well, some trials and tribulations all around, but such is the ride of life. And we all gathered around Nellie for a family photo. I got pulled in too. It was a wonderful feeling too when, with true sincerity, family told me upon our farewells not to be a stranger. I promised I would not. (With all due respect to my ex of course. Sadly, he never established the same relations on my side.)
And one person in particular stands out amongst all of this. My 'sister in law', my friend, my college roommate - Ericka. I have a blood sister, but Ericka is my sister too. We have not seen each other for almost 6 months, though we talk several times a week. This weekend we got to spend some much needed time together with our kids together and alone. It was wonderful! I love her so very much. She keeps me on the straight and narrow and is a constant reminder of my 'fighting spirit'. If I was ever going to box, she would be in my corner psyching me up to kick someone's a$@. And, well, she actually does that all the time anyways. Here's a fun shot of us from today at the pumpkin picking hay ride (note: another GORGEOUS New England Autumn Sunday afternoon!)
And here's a shot of horses from the hay ride, Ben & Jerry. Sooo pretty! Even they are part of the family being owned by my father-in law's cousin! (it never ends I tell ya!) ;)
Family, some God has chosen for me, some I have chosen for myself, some have chosen me for them. Anyway you slice it - I and the kids are very blessed.
Happy 90th Nellie! I pray to God I am as spry as you are at that age and I look forward to your 100th!
I am one lucky woman. I have an amazing immediate family, but I am blessed with an extended family that is still intact after my divorce. Yesterday I was thrilled to attend the 90th birthday party for my ex-husband's, step-father's mother - Nana Nellie. She is a spry Yankee who is sharp and witty and pretty good physically too for 90. It was fun to see pictures of her as a young woman - so glamorous in the 40's! And it was very nice to catch up with 'family' that I have not seen in several years.
Divorce not only effects the husband, wife and children of the divorce - it ripples to the relatives and friends that have built a community around that couple. I knew that with my actions and it saddened me knowing how many people would be effected. And I would be lying if I said it did not make me sad to think how I may lose some people that I had come to care about a great deal over the years. But, in my case, that family I can still call part of my own. It has been made very clear to me that, like the mafia, I cannot get out that easily. This warms my heart and also makes keeping them involved in the lives of my children (which is VERY important to me) that much easier.
At the party I visited with cousin-in laws and aunt-uncle-in laws and extended family from there. We oohed and aahed over how big the kids were getting and how old we all are. My former mother-in law kept introducing me as her daughter in law. We laughed that that title may get touchy if my ex re-marries. She said, nope I always will be. Cool! I will finally be 'Wife #1' - I joke...I joke....
Everyone is doing well, some trials and tribulations all around, but such is the ride of life. And we all gathered around Nellie for a family photo. I got pulled in too. It was a wonderful feeling too when, with true sincerity, family told me upon our farewells not to be a stranger. I promised I would not. (With all due respect to my ex of course. Sadly, he never established the same relations on my side.)
And one person in particular stands out amongst all of this. My 'sister in law', my friend, my college roommate - Ericka. I have a blood sister, but Ericka is my sister too. We have not seen each other for almost 6 months, though we talk several times a week. This weekend we got to spend some much needed time together with our kids together and alone. It was wonderful! I love her so very much. She keeps me on the straight and narrow and is a constant reminder of my 'fighting spirit'. If I was ever going to box, she would be in my corner psyching me up to kick someone's a$@. And, well, she actually does that all the time anyways. Here's a fun shot of us from today at the pumpkin picking hay ride (note: another GORGEOUS New England Autumn Sunday afternoon!)
And here's a shot of horses from the hay ride, Ben & Jerry. Sooo pretty! Even they are part of the family being owned by my father-in law's cousin! (it never ends I tell ya!) ;)
Family, some God has chosen for me, some I have chosen for myself, some have chosen me for them. Anyway you slice it - I and the kids are very blessed.
Happy 90th Nellie! I pray to God I am as spry as you are at that age and I look forward to your 100th!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Patience
"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars." - Og Mandino (1923-1996)
It is hard to believe when you feel like your life is at its lowest and bleakest that it can ever get better. Yet somehow with time, strength, courage and love it always does. It just takes a little patience.
As patient as I am with some things in my life, I am not patient with shifts or change that I am working on. I figure I made the decision and my choices are working towards this new goal and purpose, well, karmically I should be rewarded ASAP! Mmm....not so much. This is a hard lesson to swallow. But in taking the time in 'the darkness' to refer back to the quote, we can understand things about ourselves that make the journey and the goal that much more rewarding.
I will not lie and I will put it out for the whole wide internet to know, I have struggled with clinical depression, battled against post-partum depression and made my way through a couple of life choices I would rather not have had happen. And in those darkest of times I discovered things that make me see stars now more than I ever have. It's important for us all to take every experience - good, bad or otherwise - and take it as an opportunity to know ourselves better, push our perceived limits and see our true depths. Like I said, it ain't easy and can downright suck. But taking those opportunities can only lead to truer things. And you never have to do it alone - even when you feel at your most alone. I guarantee there are friends and family around you building the ladder to the star you desperately seek right now! Let them. One day you will build one for them too.
It is hard to believe when you feel like your life is at its lowest and bleakest that it can ever get better. Yet somehow with time, strength, courage and love it always does. It just takes a little patience.
As patient as I am with some things in my life, I am not patient with shifts or change that I am working on. I figure I made the decision and my choices are working towards this new goal and purpose, well, karmically I should be rewarded ASAP! Mmm....not so much. This is a hard lesson to swallow. But in taking the time in 'the darkness' to refer back to the quote, we can understand things about ourselves that make the journey and the goal that much more rewarding.
I will not lie and I will put it out for the whole wide internet to know, I have struggled with clinical depression, battled against post-partum depression and made my way through a couple of life choices I would rather not have had happen. And in those darkest of times I discovered things that make me see stars now more than I ever have. It's important for us all to take every experience - good, bad or otherwise - and take it as an opportunity to know ourselves better, push our perceived limits and see our true depths. Like I said, it ain't easy and can downright suck. But taking those opportunities can only lead to truer things. And you never have to do it alone - even when you feel at your most alone. I guarantee there are friends and family around you building the ladder to the star you desperately seek right now! Let them. One day you will build one for them too.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Daily OM
This came through my Daily OM email today and I thought it timely and finely written. It makes it all sound so simple...maybe the secret is that it really is. Wouldn't THAT be a kick in the pants?!
October 9, 2008
Answering The Call
Taking Responsibility For Your Destiny
October 9, 2008
Answering The Call
Taking Responsibility For Your Destiny
There are those of us who believe that our lives are predestined and that we should resign ourselves to our lots in life. Yet the truth is that it is up to each one of us to decide what that destiny will be. While each of us is born with a life purpose, it is up to us whether or not we will say yes to fulfilling it. And just like when we choose what to eat, who to keep company with, and whether to turn right or left when we leave our home everyday, choosing to say yes to your destiny is a decision that can only be realized when you take action to make that choice a reality.
Whether you believe it is your destiny to be a parent, an adventurer, an artist, a pioneer, or a spiritual guru, saying yes to your destiny is only the first step. While manifesting your destiny starts with knowing what you want and believing you can attain your goals, there are then the actions that must be taken and the decisions to be made before your destiny can truly happen. When you take responsibility for fulfilling your destiny and begin acting with the intention of doing so, you not only take fate into your own hands, but also you become the hands of your own fate. Doorways inevitably open for you to step through, and every choice you make can be a creative act toward realizing your goals and dreams. You begin to follow your instincts and intuition, recognize opportunities when they are presented to you, and seize those golden moments. You also begin to recognize the decisions that may not serve this greater picture and can more easily push them aside.
Remembering that the decision to fulfill your destiny is always a choice can be empowering. Knowing you are fulfilling your destiny because you want to, rather than because you have to, can make a huge difference. When you are freed from obligation, obstacles in your way become challenges to be overcome, and the journey becomes an adventure rather than the obligatory steps you are being forced to take. Your destiny may be waiting for you, but whether or not you meet your destiny is up to you. Your fate is in your hands.
Dating
- "Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish." - Ovid (43BC - 17AD)
Do you think Ovid would mind if I applied this wisdom to online dating? Well, for the sake of my world...let's!
I did it, I put up a profile on Match.com and Yahoo!. Let the games begin! I want to date, I want to meet new people. Trying different things to get myself out there and online is the easiest right now. Like catalogue shopping from the comfort of my own sofa. It's nerve racking though as there is always that layer of question and removed context with emails and profiles. Gah! I am looking at it as fun for now though. What do I have to lose really?
It is also a plentiful pool for humor. I am sure I will have many stories as my adventure unfolds.
Ay yay yay...what am I doing?! Any advice out there?
And for my readers who know me - feel free to matchmake!
Let the games begin!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
QoTD
"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." - Thich Nhat Hanh
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
These two quotes resonated with me this morning. Though they may seem to address different mindsets, for me they are closely tied. I have found recently how liberating the power of forgiveness is and the joy that comes from the painstaking act. Let's face it, some forgiveness is painful as the power is within yourself and you may not get closure with the other person. Forgiveness of self is important and even more empowering in fact. Though I am far from perfect, my heart has forgiven not only myself, but others in need of my forgiveness recently. (they may not know it, but they needed it). I did this not for them but for someone much more important - me. And since I have made this decision in my heart I have found more joy and others have noticed a shift in me and see the joy in me as well. I especially see it in my relationship with my kids. Joy brings more joy - of which I hope I can continue to share with those in my life and myself.
The best forgiveness I have given myself as of late, in fact, was forgiving myself for not having folded two hampers of laundry last night. Oh so liberating! Tonight however is a different story...
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
These two quotes resonated with me this morning. Though they may seem to address different mindsets, for me they are closely tied. I have found recently how liberating the power of forgiveness is and the joy that comes from the painstaking act. Let's face it, some forgiveness is painful as the power is within yourself and you may not get closure with the other person. Forgiveness of self is important and even more empowering in fact. Though I am far from perfect, my heart has forgiven not only myself, but others in need of my forgiveness recently. (they may not know it, but they needed it). I did this not for them but for someone much more important - me. And since I have made this decision in my heart I have found more joy and others have noticed a shift in me and see the joy in me as well. I especially see it in my relationship with my kids. Joy brings more joy - of which I hope I can continue to share with those in my life and myself.
The best forgiveness I have given myself as of late, in fact, was forgiving myself for not having folded two hampers of laundry last night. Oh so liberating! Tonight however is a different story...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
