Frog Blog...Some in Hand, One in Cleavage

     Today we reached temps over 90.  It was a tad bit toasty at work.  But I got to do some new things like glaze our little frogs.  It is always fun when I get to try my hand at something new at work.  I thought that was it for the new thing today and was relieved to know I was off the hook.  It's hard to be creative in this heat!  Sometime around 6:30 and after eating a quick dinner I couldn't take it anymore and decided we HAD to head to the pool.  Emily was peeking at the filter intake spot as she often does to visit with the sweet little frogs that hide in there.  This one decided to come on out and say hello by jumping at her.  She was quick to rescue her little buddy and get him safely to the side.  He had other ideas.  One swift jump later he landed right on me...right in my cleavage.  We all immediately thought about a new thing being "had a frog jump on you while in a pool".  I said, "No...I already have my new thing..." and before I could finish the statement I found the whole thing even funnier.  I had TWO new things and they both revolved around frogs.  He hung with me for a little while.  I found it way too funny to move him.  We got him back to his little cave where he hovers over the water and occasionally croaks out a tune. 
     ...and just like that the Friday Frog Blog was created.  Thanks to JoAnn for the instruction and to little Hopper for making me giggle. 

Magnetic Nail Polish

     Back in the day I had time to do  "girly" things.  It doesn't happen so often anymore.  But things like nails aren't a priority either so it's a rare treat to find me donning polish of pretty color.  The hours spent creating my French manicure are long gone.  Now, I'm lucky if twice a year I am something other than dry and raggedy.  
     My daughter is all over the map with her style as well.  She is one part Barbie fanatic and other part karate queen.  She plays gorgeous classical music and plays with bugs.  I like that about her.  So some days I have to nudge her to put on something just right for an occasion and other days she has matched her earring to her headband to the stripe in her top.  I guess I have passed along the quality of not being defined.  We keep people on their toes.
     That doesn't mean every here and again we don't find a little something sparkly to wear...or a fun new nail polish to play with.  Suddenly, their is a wave (no pun intended) of magnetic nail polish.  You put it on and immediately hold the magnetic cap over your nail which then pulls at the tiny little particles in your polish creating a wave of 3D effects.  She spotted this phenomenon in an ad and has been bugging me about it ever since.  Part wannabe scientist...part girly girl...I obliged.  We found a bottle the other day and each day since there has been a reminder.  "Mom, can you do our nails???".  Finally, we applied the metallic purple color.  It works.  Of course it doesn't look like the ad but there is a technique to be perfected.  I often joke that my world of youth had simple toothbrushes compared to now.  Our big decision was what color we would have.  Now the world of toothbrushes is like planning for a major purchase....size, angles, devices, stickers, lights, characters, timers, sheesh...we're just brushing our teeth.  Nail polish seems to be getting crazier as well.  Nothing is simple anymore and I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.  I guess the bottom line is a girl and her mama spent some time together.  Time that is rare.  If magnetic nail polish helps to create a pocket for us I'll take it.  Now,  as I'm typing this on my laptop all I can hear is my six year old asking if it will damage the computer because of the magnets...what in the world will I do with that one? 

Forbidden Broadway

     When Sandi is an usher at a show at the adorable little Shawnee Playhouse she gets two tickets to see the show.  Sometimes I get to be her date for the evening.  Tonight we took in a night of song.  Four cast members, a ton of parody songs and a million costume changes later we had quite the night.  I laughed hysterically through most of it.  I will probably never be able to listen to those songs again without a giggle. 
     Thanks, Sandi!  I'll never look at a little broom in quite the same way! 

Recipient of Friend Threads

     My mail makes me sad.  While others run to their mailbox in the hopes of great catalogs, post cards of world traveling chums and bank statements to make them swoon...I don't even bother.   My mailbox brings me sadness and anger.  Some days it's the things that STILL come in my mother's name even though I have tried so hard to slow them down.  Other days it is full of notices and letters about the things that aren't being paid on time if at all.  If a catalog does come it shows me what I can't buy so I simply throw it in the recycling bin.  Occasionally there is a magazine that still comes for Sally Pugliese because she paid so far into the future.  I thank her as I stand in the kitchen glancing through the pages...the little smile turns into sadness.  Then there are the post cards that come for a man who no longer lives here to remind me of the freedom he has chosen and the traveling he gets to do.  Even at holiday time the once adored cards from friends and family have become little hurts.  Like I said...the mail isn't a fun thing for me.  A far cry from the enjoyment it got me back in the day when pen pals were a plenty and the other bits were good. 
     But yesterday there was an envelope with the most recognizable writing ever....Jenne's.  I wondered if I had forgotten an upcoming birthday event or what she could possibly be thanking me for.  She is known for her thank you cards FOR thank you cards.  She is typically my one good thing in the mail every once and a while.  But this time it was special.  It wasn't a thank you card or an invitation.  It was one of the coolest little cards I have ever seen.  Only she could find one that spoke this way...

The cover read:
     "You are the lucky recipient of friend threads!"

Inside went on to say:
"behold this ribbony bracelet
of friendship!
made from only the finest threads
of unicorn mane,
sparkling glitter, and love,
its 2 knots
are a most dazzling
symbolic statement
of sunshine and sisterhood.
is it fashionable? yes!
incredible? of course.
meaningful? absolutely.
to wear it is to proudly say,
"hello,world! i. have. friends."

(unicorns, glitter and sunshine...c'mon now...she knew those printed words would get me!)

It goes on to say:
"totally cheesy? yes
but come on, you kinda love it."

and she is right.

It's 6:55am and I just put on my little threads.  It is a simple string tied in a bow and reminds me of the days I used to save the bakery twine to make a bracelet.  Other days the pizza string complete with stripes could be a new accessory.  Because if you give me a simple string I will turn it into a bracelet.  

She is thoughtful beyond measure when others don't bother to try.  She always has been.  I am lucky to have her in my sisterhood.  Today's new thing is to wear my friend threads...you know you want one!

(A quiet little P.S. - I will mention that my awesome cousin, Christy, did send a post card from Italy and it is STILL on my fridge because I love it and it makes me smile.)

Here a New, There A New

     Some days I struggle to find something.  Budgets are tight.  Time is an issue.  Work and chores come first...etc.  Today, however, was not only a full day of ample productivity but I also found time for the good stuff.  And a whole lotta new...

1.  Bunheads
     I recorded the show as per Jenne's suggestion and this morning we got to watch it.  We realized at 11:00 am that we already had packed in a home cooked breakfast, Em's piano practice and a bunch of chores and could sit and chill a bit before lunch.  The show is fast and witty and funny and touching all at once.  Just like with it's cousin, the Gilmore Girls, I find that I am sad when it is over.  We watched a second episode tonight.  We love it.  Love it. 

2.  Date at the Mall
     I realized after watching Bunheads I was missing my buddy, Jenne.  So I threw out a text asking if she would like to have a little visit at the mall so we could share a pretzel and just hang for a bit.  We met up and did precisely that after a short visit with the blow up dogs and a few taps at the little frogs. 

3.  New Sandals
     I was a shoe girl.  Always.  I like the ones that are a bit different.  The last few years found my dogs barkin' a little extra loudly.  I realized I've been standing on my feet with job after job since I was in my mid-teens.  Plus, when I am home I almost never sit down.  This was ok when I had good shoes to support me.  Slowly but surely my shoes have all been dying.  I have thrown many away because they are shot.  I am down to just a few and they are old and worn and less than supportive.  Now I believe they are actually making things worse.  My good hikers ended up becoming work shoes because my work shoes died.  My hikers died causing me to use my good sneakers at work...you get the picture.  Last year I remedied some wicked arch pain with a good pair of flip flops.  This year the pain has spread from my arch to my heel and by the end of the night my leg hurts right up to my knee.  Ice has been my friend along with a nightly dose of tylenol.  All of the exercise and walking on top of the standing has made my feet oh so tender.  Today I said, "Enough!" and headed to the outlets.  It was there I feel in love with many a shoe but decided on one particular pair of Merrells.  Ice, tylenol and some foot love and hopefully it will start to improve.

4.  Playground Time at the Outlets
     I'm not sure how long the little play area has been at the outlets but since it's been a long time since I've been there it was new to us.  I took a rest and placed my lovely new kicks on while the kids played in the sunshine.  The air was cool and the rest felt nice.  I took in the moment and enjoyed the peace. 

It was a full day...the kind that feels like you've squished a week into one day.  I like those days. We go to bed exhausted from living.  We feel full.  I feel a balance between hard work and fun and everything that comes in between.  And though today had lots of new...they aren't rollover minutes so tomorrow I will have to find a whole new thing.  Now...back to my ice packs...for tomorrow is another day. 
    

Late Night Chat with Colette

     There is a new round of friends finding each other on Facebook.  These are not just friends you met in camp one year while you were a teen.  These are the kids you grew up with.  Some of us went through eight years of elementary school together.  Others went through twelve years together because we continued on the same path at the same high school.  Plus we all lived in a ten block radius of one another which meant birthday party celebrations, sleepovers, pool parties and countless nights hanging out with our friends.  It also meant paying respect at funerals and being there for some major tragedies that we all lived through as a family. 
     Some of us were lucky enough to see each other last year at a reunion but some of us have not seen each other since the 80's.  It's a strange feeling to be pulled away from the place that was home for so long and for almost all of us who grew up in the Bronx we have all experienced the "loss".  I think if you get to stay where your roots are it allows you to grow better.  A plant is usually not the same if you continue to move it around and I think the same goes for a person.
     Colette Dolan is the "mayor" of our crew.  She knows who is doing what and where and why and how.  She stays in very good touch with us.  You can feel the love of her little elementary school each and every time you talk with her.  She also finds everyone.  I think she secretly works for a group with initials that we aren't allowed to discuss...but she'll never admit to it.  This weekend we got a message that she found another member of the crew.  Immediately, we started a thread to say hi to one another and to find out how to connect.  We are all celebrating or have celebrated the big 40 this year and now we are planning a little gathering.  Who knew one little message would turn into a chat that went on for hours.  We caught up and dug deep.  We found the roots to our plants...each story bringing you just a tad bit closer.  We cracked up a few times too.  Similar styles of sarcasm and wit...Colette and I always "got it" when others seems to miss things.  We also spent twelve years together.  Twelve.  That is more than some people even know a person let alone share so many milestones with.  Time and distance took us all away from one another for a few decades but I think we are going back the other way.  As the chat would wind down and thoughts of shutting down the computer would flow in... a new topic would come along and keep us there for just a bit longer.  I realized at 2 am that only a few hours into Sunday and I already had my new thing of the day.  There was one major difference in staying up late with a girlfriend to gab though...we aren't kids anymore...so in our heads we were at a sleepover AS kids but in real life we are old and WITH kids.  It meant one long sleepy Sunday of exhaustion.  It was worth it though...all of those little attempts at cat naps brought me to the playstreet where little kids found there way through childhood.  Thanks, Colette, for being our mayor.  Hope to see you soon!!!

Made the Effort

     MudWorks celebrated one year at its newest location in Effort.  It was a big day that included a delicious cake, many photo ops and many new friends! Congratulations to the whole crew!

New Shift at Work

     First it was: Tuesday and Thursday 9-12
     Then it was: Tuesday, Wed, Thur 9-12
     Then it was: T,W,TH 9-2
     Then Monday was added.
   
     Summer is here and kids are out of school and adjustments were made once again...

Now it's Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11-5.  Today is the first time I have been at MudWorks on a   Friday.  It was extra special because we prepped for the ONE YEAR in Effort celebration that is happening tomorrow!!! Congratulations to the crew at MudWorks!!!

Papa's Freezeria

     There is a game designed for kids to practice time management and math skills.  They play it at school from time to time and would come home talking about new customers and levels they had reached while selling virtual ice cream.  I woke up early and found myself having the urge to give it a try...ya know...for research.  ;)
     I made it to level 8.  Just sayin'. 

Aha! Moment

     This one sent me straight to my computer.  Might be the biggest one yet.  I'm sure most of you are familiar with the concept of the Aha moment.  It's when a light is turned on.  When things become obvious.  When clarity becomes realized.  It's momentous.  It might even stop the rotation of the planet for a millisecond.  This one did for me.
     I was having yet another huge discussion about choices and reactions.  I was discussing issues, rules, challenges and plans.  Analyzing and collecting data as I do.  See, we go to therapy to talk things out long enough to have the light bulbs flash above our heads...not because a person with a pen will "fix" us.  The light bulb illuminates what we have needed to see.  I had been going to therapy off and on for years.  As a couple and solo.   After the death of my mother I started up again....weekly.  I found myself talking about the same topics...missing her as well as my failed marriage.  Week by week I noticed I talked less and less about them and more and more about me.  What I needed.  Wanted.  What caused my behaviors.  How I was responsible for many of the problems as well.  There were lots of moments of clarity.  Some sessions left me skipping...others battered but they were all productive.  Back in March I started a new temp job that would take "therapy" day away.  I was on my own for the first time in a long time.  I was scared as if the training wheels were being taken off of the bike for the first time.  My friends have also been swamped with their own lives.  My family has been sort of busy as well.  It leaves a girl with just herself.  So I take each day and try to tackle another thing.   I realized that my goal to lose weight this past year wasn't working.  A 20lb loss turned into an 8lb gain and I was simply maintaining. 
     Today as I sat and talked about where lives were headed it hit me.  I HAVE been going to the gym and working out like crazy and dieting and making healthy changes...but NOT for my body...for my spirit, my heart, my soul and my head.  I have been hitting punching bags and taking classes and running marathons.  I did a Tough Mudder.  A triathlon.  Wow, just like that it all made sense.  You can't possibly work that hard in one place and then go to the real gym to do real exercises when you are utterly exhausted.  These aren't your average  self-help cute little challenges...these are the biggest I have ever dealt with.  So as I was feeling weary and exhausted I would try to muster the energy for a "real" workout and just couldn't.  Weeks later I felt a switch.  I was doing ok without the weekly session and was using the positive vibes from teaching little kids as my fuel for the week.  Things that were hard were getting simple.  Just like when you do the first crunch and it's impossible but before you know it you can bang out a bunch.  Things that were simple weren't even slowing me down for a pause.  Sometimes unnoticed.  Who sees the pebbles when the boulders are ahead...you just keep walking.  Now, narrow down this journey to the last few weeks.  All of a sudden another switch happened and I felt lighter and needed to get back to the gym.  The one with classes and weights.  I did things I had feared for a long time.  I was enthusiastic and excited.  Today it hit me as to why.  The heart, mind, spirit and soul have lost the weight.  They were obese.  They were riddled with issues.  I ate to fill them.  I worked out hard.  Each day.  So I wasn't being lazy after all...I just simply didn't realize the kind of working out I had been doing.  These huge challenges facing me...well...they were the next level of exercise class.  The heavier weight at the end of my bar.  Aha! Aha! Aha!
Now it is about maintenance.  Little exercises to keep me there.  Never forgetting where I came from and how hard the journey has been.  Feeling lighter is beautiful.  Feeling comfortable in my being is becoming the norm.  It is honest.  I was lucky to have "walking partners" through so much of this.
     I was sitting there asking why I had to go through these things again and again....and it hit me.  The workouts needed to get harder as I reached the plateaus of each level.  This is why I have a sudden surge in REAL EXERCISE...because I have the energy and heart to do it.  This girl hiked in the morning and walked three miles that night.  That was more than I was doing in a whole month.  I am excited to swim in the pool, walk in the mornings, meet up with friends on the track and the last two classes taken at the Y (Zumba and Bodypump) were the highlights of my week.  I am finding my way back to the other parts of me as well and exercise was crucial throughout my entire life. 
     So on this regular old Wednesday...wait I take that back...I believe it's the first day of summer... a wondrous feeling brewed up within.  A second Aha! It's the first day of summer.  The longest day of the year and I will have my children with me to celebrate.  I feel lighter in the head, heart, spirit and mind and soon enough in the body.  Happy Summer everyone...may the longest day of light bring you a light you've never known!

Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis

     I have loved Jeff Lewis since I first watched his show, Flipping Out.  He is a brilliant designer and brutally honest.  Add to that some biting humor and a touch of crazy and you have a really interesting man.  His staff and clients and remodeling challenges wrapped up one entertaining show.  I've been watching less television lately and have missed many an episode but when I heard he had a second show I had to check it out for myself. 
     Interior Therapy takes Jeff right to a client's home.  He spends days there remodeling and designing but it ends up going much deeper.  There is a disconnect in design when a person is feeling a disconnect from their life and he finds it.  He digs where it is uncomfortable and begs you to trust him.  At the end you have gorgeous design and people who finally feel understood. 
     When I purchased my first home over a decade ago it was nice to create spaces that were mine.  Room by room I chose colors and painted.  Room by room I moved furniture and placed accessories.  With little to no budget I learned creativity.  I also got bold in some spaces with crazy color combinations and bold statements.  I guess two years in a beige apartment will do that to a girl.  My Dad was crucial in the process.  Together we fixed windows, put up wallpaper and repaired things.  We were a great team.  I also managed an American craft and art gallery and had access to some wonderful items to add to my home.  It was mine.  Though I couldn't afford the second bathroom or the major renovations that might have made it better...I did what I could and was appreciative.  I loved the twist in the staircase each time I went up and down.  I adored my bay window each time I watered my plants.  I smiled each time I tucked my gorgeous huge wooden pocket door into the wall.  I kept my french doors polished and placed colorful bottles in my big paned window to the outside world.  I had my babies there.  I had parties and game nights there.  I had holidays there.  Sure, there were issues but what house doesn't have them.  It reflected the people that lived there and we cried as we said goodbye. 
     I have been living in this house for years now.  My parents took a lifetime of stuff and threw it in with mine.  The two worlds clashed.  I compromised.  I settled.  The funds ran low.  The partners grew too old to work.  And here I am years later not feeling connected to my own house at all.  I live here every day but I am merely a guest in a space that has never felt like home.  I have tried to make spaces better but the disconnect is always bigger than the creative burst.  Now I have clutter to clean, molded basement things to haul and more purging necessary than my time permits.  I have memories to move and growing children to adapt for.  When I see the people struggle because Jeff wants to change things I get confused.  I would love that.  Jeff Lewis...take it all...paint it any color...put in anything you want.  I'm open.  Open for anything.  Jeff?  Hello? Jeff...where are you????

Mama Monday Work Out

     Mama Monday can't always be crafts, projects, games, movies, books or whatever else we come up with.  Sometimes you find a moment when you can take other stuff to the next level.  And what a great way to slip in some exercise.  Today's Mama Monday moment presented itself when I mentioned something about how to do a proper crunch.  Then a demonstration was requested.  Which turned into a whole workout right on the floor.  I showed the kids my old daily routine from back in the day.  The one that I would do each morning if I wasn't going to make it to the gym that day.  I taught them technique and form.  We counted and laughed at ourselves.  We did enough reps to hear some groans.  I am thrilled that my excitement is becoming contagious.   A lifestyle is a whole lot easier when the whole crew is doing it!

On a side note I would like to say thanks yet again to my closest buddies who are making it so much easier to keep up!  As the wave seems to be hitting all of us it's nice to know there is always a walking buddy or hiking partner or crazy new classmate a text away!!!

Tested "Stronger" at the Track

     I have mentioned Kelly Clarkson's  "Stronger" is one hell of a song to push you when you are down.  Tonight, for the first time, I got to put it in my ears on way-too-loud volume and walk the track.  Turns out the pace is pretty good when matching the beat.  Three miles good.  Tonight I became a little bit stronger. 

Zumba

    I can't express how much fun I had at Zumba.  I know there was some hootin' and a-hollerin' in between crazy dance moves.   I know there was more sweat in that one hour than I think I have ever released in any one given hour in my entire life.  It was an entire gym packed with people dancing away.  We were exercising our asses off and loving it.  Tina and Leigh Ann by my side made it even better.  The instructors were so awesome that I wish I could go every single day for an hour of that.  It would be expensive to be able to join the Y or attend these classes and I can't do "cheap" right now let alone expensive but as I danced and spun and jumped all I could think about was what I could sell to be able to keep doing this.  It is THAT good.  I felt strong.  Proud.  Soggy. Exhilarated.  I realized somewhere halfway through WHY it is so perfect....I love to dance.  I scanned back to my entire life.  If you know me at any stage of my life I bet you know me for dancing.  High school...I went to any dance or club that I could.  Didn't matter the high school - I went.  When I moved to PA the "Under 21" club was all the rage.  Guess who was there sweating every weekend??? College?  It continued.  When there is a wedding I usually break the dance floor ice.  Heck, if I'm brushing my teeth with the kids I dance.  So to do an hour of it with awesome choreography, fun blasting music and instructors who push you to live big is truly a gift.  I miss dancing.  I need to exercise.  Just seems like a match made in exercise heaven! Thanks Faith and Fitnezz for a great way to start my Saturday but more importantly for inspiring so many people!

1/2 Mushroom, 1/2 Ricotta

     Another crazy day that included:

-the final day of a 12 week run teaching math enrichment to wee ones
-lunch with the kids at the Firehouse Subs
-a private lesson at karate where my kids further developed some kicks in need of help
-running to the store for craft supplies for an upcoming project
-a little time at the pool on one of the few nights that they stay open late
-an icy cold Corona by said pool
-some laundry and other chores

All been done before.  So when you need a new thing and your 6 year old who typically ONLY wants plain pizza asks for "Mushroom!!!" you take it and run with it.  Emily got the other side.  And one phone call from one parking lot to another we ordered up a great new thing.  Delicious.  Fast.  Just what we needed.  Pizza makes everything better.  And because I'm behaving I cut each type in half and had 1/2 and 1/2 of the 1/2 and 1/2...if you can't do the math it means only one slice!  One last lesson for the math lady.  Lol. 

Me

I would panic at the gas light.  It would come on and bam...a rush to the station. God forbid it came on while someone else was driving.  I would nag.  Now, I drive to and from work with the gas light on quite often.  He's my little friend.  He hangs out with other lights.  There is one with an airbag warning that's pretty. 

Laundry came first.  I had a to do list that had to be to DONE.  It came first.  I had to schedule time to be free and relaxed.  Now I live for the moment.  Today, after work and before karate the kids asked if we could run up to the pool.  This would've been a ridiculous request years ago.  Seems silly to do all of that work for an hour or so.  Not now.  Swimsuits are put on in record time and towels are grabbed with gusto.  A book is read peacefully while confident little fishies play water games with new pals they met moments before.  Last year I worried about their safety and now I leave that to the lifeguard a few feet away and know that I did my work last year.  Now, I read my book.  The charts live on because let's face it...they rock... but the rigidity has crumbled away never to be seen again. 

My Dad is my Dad.  It hit me just today that maybe he isn't doing much because nobody is telling him to.  I mean the youngest of nine was probably always given directions.  Then he went to school where they told him how to behave and which hand to write with...a lefty's nightmare.  Then he followed blueprints and directions of architects.  To the 16th of an inch.  Then my Mom.  He thought the army gave him direction....ha!  So it hit me....just this morning.  Be specific about what to do today as he had to watch my kids for seven hours.  A chart was created but this time it laid everything out for all of them.  Worked flawlessly.  Turns out he needed more direction. 

Take the dog out myself.  When we first got the puppy things were calm.  Things were nice in fact.  I could spend time every few hours walking her and training her properly.  Then it all got complicated and tricky.  Time is spent differently.  There are a team of us taking care of her now.  It's not just me.  But somewhere in between being a good dog walker and a resentful pet owner with one more burden I stopped walking her.  Tonight, I just grabbed the leash and headed to the yard.  Instant success...she remembers what it means when I walk her. 

I received a few emails tonight. One was about a job opportunity, another was a nice message from an old friend and yet another for a task I would have to follow through on.  All three got a quick response and a positive attitude.  I am jumping at the chance to do something new.  I look for the moments to be honest with those that support me.  I am appreciative of good friends and family.

I looked at Facebook tonight.  Some friends are: going on a cruise, swimming with dolphins, packing for vacations and celebrating their engagement.  Other friends are finished with the school year and have a whole summer to enjoy life.  Yet others are buying new cars, new houses and new tickets to fly around the world.  There are gorgeous little babies being born, exciting new careers blossoming and momentous birthdays being celebrated.  As I look at these things I think....Wow, I am so happy for them.  I will admit I was Ms Sunshine for forever but the recent times and changes and past few years were starting to make me a tad angry.  I was starting the "What about me?!?!" pity party.  I stopped.  I have been working on my old ways of being truly happy for the blessings that fall upon the people that I love.  Today was a true test that I have switched my thinking back.  I was tested.  I passed. 

These are just a few of the many ways I have felt a shift.  A change.  The next growth spurt.  Heck, I am even admitting to liking really bad pop songs and being damn proud of it.  I am finding that my voice is the only thing I truly own and I should stop selling myself short.  Are there more changes?  Yes.  There have been tons.  I feel them, see them and think them every day.  But today was a lightbulb-over-the-head kind of day.  Today's new thing was ME...and because of that it might just be my biggest new thing yet!

Tanked

     There is a show about a company/family that creates custom fish tanks.  Amazing fish tanks.  This episode focused on two projects.  One was an orthodontist's office.  The tank was set up in the middle of the space and included a shark with braces.  The other was an appliance store that wanted something to grab your attention when you walked into the place....they got it alright...a fridge converted to a tank complete with "food" on the shelves.  For a girl who has a dream of making a tank inside of an old console tv this show is right up my alley. 
     Lately, there seems to be a reality show about everything...well...almost everything. ;)

Bodypump

     My arms needed time to heal so that I could type again.  I've wanted to get to a Bodypump class with Frank for a long time now.  Finally, the friends, funds and planets lined up and we all found ourselves at the Y on a Tuesday night.  Jihan was super helpful and told us how to set up.  Seems you need a step with risers as well as a bar and weights.  You also need room because you are doing lunges ...some of us needing more room than others ;).  With Tina at my side and Leigh Ann and Jihan in front the class started.  Frank is an awesome instructor.  He is funny when needed, inspirational if necessary and yells at you when you are weak to just finish the round.  We worked legs, biceps, triceps, back, shoulders and core....oh and the thousand little tiny muscles that you NEVER use.  Today we are feeling all of them.  In fact, the pain started last night.  I have discovered that some muscles are stronger than I thought.  I actually could've used a slightly heavier weight on the bar for the arm portions.  As for everything else...wow.  It was obvious I haven't done a sit-up or push-up in quite a while.  The lunges...OH...the lunges.  I hated them when I was rockin' the gym for hours a day and I hate them even more decades later.  It was hard to believe I used to spend an hour in that very room concentrating on just my abs.  Last night I was lucky I could lift the pen to sign the sheet.  In fact, I was very grateful that I didn't have to as I think Frank himself did it for me.  Walking to the car hurt.  Driving hurt.  Texting hurt. 
     Today,  Leigh Ann and I exchanged grunting noises as we moved from sitting to standing.  We know tomorrow will be worse and we can laugh through the pain together.  Did I love it? Yep! Was it worth it? Of course.  I have always loved the feeling of soreness after a workout.  Are we making plans for more?  Rumor has it that some Zumba is next!!!
     Thanks to Frank for kicking our asses and making it fun! Also to  Jihan, Leigh Ann and Tina for a fun night of kicking ass!

Rip Up the Target Thermometer

     So as you know I joined WW last year.  I had lost up to 20 lbs at one point.  Some have found their way back to me.  Instead of seeing it as a failure I am taking the angles of "Hey, I didn't GAIN any weight this year" and "Look at me maintain a loss!".  But the sad truth is I'm pretty bummed that for my big 40 in a few months I won't have the new body I promised to myself.  Today I am trying another round.  It is starting with ripping up the old target chart.  I had one up on my wall near my bed for inspiration.  Kind of like the ones you see when a group is fund-raising.  I used a red marker to color in the goals.  Each goal had a reward.  The achievements slowed down and the goals were unattainable and therefore no longer an impetus to lose.  I was mad at my chart for what I couldn't even afford should I lose the pounds connected to that goal.  I was never the eat the whole container of ice cream kind of girl but I have learned something...when you feel pressure from every angle...the only comfort you might have in a day is that extra dollop of something fatty or going back for seconds.  That large coffee is bad enough in the morning but needing a second one on the way home from work is just bananas.  Also that mental fatigue drains you of energy so I need to find ways to relieve stress.  I also need friends to help inspire me because frankly I am pretty beat.  I have analyzed a great deal about myself this year as well as last year.  I also look back to when I felt I was at my best a long, long, long time ago.  I was rockin' it all and all at once.  I have to find the pathway back to that.  I also have to get real.  We fool ourselves in the hopes that others might be fooled as well.  Even if I am having salads everyday at work worth only a few mere points I am not moving enough.  So a new chart will go up.  This one will have dates broken down week by week.  It will have a specific timeline goal as opposed to being open to taking the next 27 1/2 years to lose it.  I will also not fill it up with goals that will just frustrate me.  I will be more sensible this time.  More of my new things will be about the good habits that come with the lifestyle I want and need to be living.  Mentally I am stronger and now physically I need to catch up.  They are tied to one another.  I need to feed my soul because it has been starving and for some reason no amount of rice seems to satiate it.  Today I am under points.  Here's to 364 more days just like that!!!

Biscoff Spread

     Ever give a baby a teething biscuit?  Did you try it because you were curious? Well then you've tasted this flavor.  It's in a jar like peanut butter or Nutella and tastes like a cookie paste.  Sugar is listed three different times in the ingredients. Three.  Yes, tomorrow I am starting a whole new wave of eating better and exercising but for today it was cookies in a jar!!!

Flash Mob

     Did you ever try to explain what a flash mob is to an 86 year old?  Don't.  But most of the rest of us know.  It was a bucket list sort of thing for me so when my little town announced that they were having one I didn't care about anything but joining.   First of all the girl in charge is new to her teen years so I was pretty impressed with the leadership qualities displayed.  Next was the list of practice dates as well as the mandatory sessions.  It was a commitment.  It was also a great way to have guaranteed and oh-so-very-important Mom & Daughter time.  Throw in a great excuse to dance more often and some calorie burning and well...let's just say...I wish we were already signed up for a new one. 
     So we went to practices and watched the videos online.   This past and final week of rehearsals included two different nights for a total of almost four hours.  Then the big day.  We wore sweatshirts to cover our matching "I mobbed Main Street" shirts.  We gathered at the spot and waited.  Apparently many people knew it was about to happen and started to form a boundary of bystanders.  But for every person that stood waiting with phone or camera in hand to catch the dance there was another asking if we knew what was going on.  I replied, "Nope, no idea!".  It was fun and different and pushed me way out of my comfort zone.  It gave me time and an experience with which to bond with my daughter.  It also brought out some good buddies to watch.  After watching so many on You Tube it was nice to feel the event from the inside out.  It also taught us both that a complete batch of strangers can come together with a mission.  We all laughed and supported one another with prompts.  There were high fives and hugs.  One woman even said, "Have a nice life!".  We don't know if our paths will ever cross again but for the rest of our lives if we should hear "I Love This Town" by Bon Jovi I'm sure we'll all think of the crazy little something that brought us all together. 

The Burger Shack

     My burger had pulled pork and cole slaw on it.  Fresh meat.  Crazy combinations of amazing.  Stuffed burgers.  Friendly staff.  Took 4 napkins...and was worth every one. 

Dressing on the Bottom

     The other day MJ and I were talking about Pinterest.  Shocking, I know.  It was there she learned a tip about packing salads for lunch.  Put the dressing on the bottom of the container and then add your goodies.  You can mix when ready to eat and your greens won't get soggy.  I have one of those containers that has the special little pop open thingamajig.  Today I only had a regular container and I thought...A-HA! Sure enough it worked quite nicely.  This was a lesson in two ways.  First off sometimes you need to just simplify and think about something in a different way than you have ALWAYS thought about it.  Also, one little tip or trick today can make your life easier.  Find new ones.  Add them to your tools and weapons.  Start to stockpile them and one of these days life might just seem so much easier!  You know what?  Make it three ways...in the middle of a packed day find a way to do something new.  Something.  Anything.  You have no excuse.  And damn, if you have a great tip or idea share it with your peeps!

New Taylor

    I finally listened to the whole Taylor Swift album today.  I couldn't stop listening to it both ways to and from work.  I do love a good story in a song.  I knew a bunch of the songs already.  My new thing besides listening to the album is a song I have never heard before until today.  This morning I looked into Playlist and it turns out my other blog might have to fold...I'll give it some time and some hope but until then I think today my two blogs will overlap a bit. 
     Here are the haunting lyrics:

"Dear John"

Long were the nights when
My days once revolved around you
Counting my footsteps
Praying the floor won’t fall through, again
My mother accused me of losing my mind

But I swore I was fine

You paint me a blue sky
And go back and turn it to rain
And I lived in your chess game
But you changed the rules everyday
Wonderin’ which version of you I might get on the phone, tonight
Well I stopped pickin’ up and this song is to let you know why

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone

Don't you think I was too young

To be messed with
The girl in the dress

Cried the whole way home, I should've known.

Well maybe it’s me
And my blind optimism to blame
Or maybe it’s you and your sick need
To give love and take it away

And you'll add my name to your long list of traitors who don't understand
And I'll look back in regret how I ignored when they said

'Run as fast as you can’

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone

Don't you think I was too young

To be messed with
The girl in the dress

Cried the whole way home

Dear John, I see it all now it was wrong
Don’t you think nineteen’s too young
To be played by your dark, twisted games
When I loved you so, I should've known.

You are an expert at sorry
And keeping the lines blurry
Never impressed by me acing your tests
All the girls that you run dry have tired lifeless eyes
Cause you burned them out

But I took your matches
Before fire could catch me
So don’t look now
I’m shining like fireworks
Over your sad empty town

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone

Don't you think I was too young

To be messed with
The girl in the dress

Cried the whole way home

I see it all now that you're gone

Don't you think I was too young

To be messed with
The girl in the dress

Wrote you a song, you should’ve known.

You should’ve known
Don’t you think I was too young
You should’ve known.

Marathon Mama and Her Kick Ass Kids

     Today felt like a week.  We had a nice breakfast at home and hustled off to school.  At 10am there was a class party to celebrate the end of kindergarten.  It has been a year of growth and the challenges that accompany it.    For every new word learned or math problem solved there was a hard Monday morning.  We muddled through and came out on the other side with nothing but smiles and appreciation.  The teacher created a 40 minute video of the year's events and to say I felt so proud of how far he has come would be an understatement.  I was able to thank the teacher for all of the extra effort.  Then off to pick up Emily.  I found her in the hallway rambling on about how she was interviewed for the news.  She didn't want to leave school but it was time.  It's been her favorite year yet.  When you make your kids your focus it is a blessing to have such a success story.  Two sparkling report cards later and we were off to celebrate Sweet Creams style.  In between lunch and the next episode of accomplishment were chores, to do items and piano practice.  Then we zoomed off to karate.  Today both kids had belt testing.  Emily is now a green belt with blue stripe and Ethan is a green belt.  He also showed a few boards who was boss.  Emily and I ate the second half of our lunch sandwiches on the way to a two hour flash mob practice.  Two hours of dancing and learning steps...after today?  Yep, we did it.  So here I am at 11pm exhausted.  Proud.  Beaming.  These days are hard.  There are lots of challenges. But they are a good hard.  I would rather be tired from these kind of days than the other kind.  These days make it all worth it.  Let the summer adventures begin...

Pastels and Scrabble Tiles

     If we got a nickel for every time we said "Pinterest" at work we would all be rich.  But it has good stuff.  It also helped with some fun things to do with the kids.   The other day while at the craft store we finally picked up the pack of chalk pastels.  Pinterest showed us that if you twist a chunk of wet hair and then run a chalk pastel over it...let it dry...and brush it out you get a streak of color.  It's the fun of dye without the commitment.  One shower later and it's all gone.  It will be a fun new way for a little extra color in our lives should we need it.  Emily was thrilled to wear the blue and green streaks in her pony that matched her outfit.  I enjoyed the "Is that GREEN in your hair?!?" and look of horror that came from Leigh Ann at work. 
     Next Pinterest has been showing me tons of ideas for how to use Scrabble tiles to make jewelry.   I took it one step further.  I grabbed two cheap and (on sale) frames at the craft joint and glued the letters of the teachers' names onto them.  A poem went inside the frame.  They were perfect.  These teachers deserved a little extra love for all they have done for the kids this year!  Hey Moms...summer is here...Pinterest has tons of ideas for ways to make it awesome!!!

Mickey Mouse Platy and Korean Drama

     Today was productive.  It was a very busy day of things I have done a million times...or once... so it just doesn't count.
     So what's a girl to do?  Well, I thought I had seen many a tropical fish but today I found a new one. After checking out the selection at the store we purchased two Mickey Mouse Platy fish.  They are a nice addition to the tank and I can't look at them without smiling.  They have Mickey ears on their tails...who wouldn't smile at that?
     Then I checked out my friend's blog.  Teresa posted a clip from a Korean drama that she has been enjoying titled, "Shining Inheritance".  I watched a few minutes and enjoyed the funny translations that came along with the story. 
     It's a busy, busy, oh so busy week ahead and this combination of goofy new things is making me giggle.  I'll start the week with a laugh anytime! Have a good week folks!

Candy Crush

     I woke up around 5am.  It's a new thing that has been happening.  It gives me quiet time I guess but my thoughts are usually filled with the overwhelming amount of things I have to deal with.  I stayed still for a bit but once the sun was up I busted open the computer.  I noticed someone had played a new game on facebook.  Now let me state that I've never gotten into those mad little birdies.  I also deleted my farms from the ville sometime last year because they were time suckers.  My compulsive blitz days are over...maybe once a month I get the urge to play a few times but that's it.  Oh and then there's Words.  If you know that I play then you are mad at me because I let my games sit so long that they get dusty...and then automatically resigned.  :( Sorry to those victims.  Turns out I play Words with NOT Such a Good Friend. 
     It has been at effort to not let these time thieves take me from the important things in life.  I try to do the other things instead.  But this morning (thanks to Jackie....grrrr) I found a game that is colorful, blitz-like and involves levels and challenges.  I did alright and only played until real life needed me. 
     Let me state for the record that I went on to have a nice day  involving quality time with my peeps and a day trip to the lovely town of New Hope.  I was so tired that I didn't even write this post. 
So here I am on Sunday morning...in bed...and guess what?  I had to play.  Turns out that if you lose a life you have to wait a certain amount of time to play again.  This is a wonderful little meter for a junkie.  You simply don't have a choice but to walk away.  This am with my little sidekick cheering me on I played four more rounds.  They were fast and I was successful and Ethan was excited.  But I am now stuck on level 20.  Seems that Facebook wants you to suck your friends in as well. 
     So to my dearest friends, family and FB peeps...anyone want to play Candy Crush?  Maybe you could play while:
--waiting for the load of laundry to spin
--relaxing in your lounger
--sitting in a waiting room
--lounging at your beach house
--hoping for that phone call
--thinking about your garden plans
--having trouble sleeping
--bathing in sunshine
--waiting for the pool to fill
--watching the paint dry

Here's to reaching the next level!

Hatfields & McCoys

     To sum it up..."Those Hatfields!"...."McCoys"..."Hatfields"... shootin'..."Damn McCoys"...bang bang..."Hatfields"...pow pow..."McCoys"..."Git on outta here"... shot of whiskey..."Head right on out"...horses in woods...

     I think they have said the names a million times.  It is violent and tragic.  And awesome.  Part 1 finished...2 more to go.