Isn't life funny

The Cure

2012-01-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

Not sure where to start so just going to jump right in. December 20th I was taking 45 units of insulin three times a day. I started a clean way of eating and am now taking zero, zip, nada, none units of insulin!!! Waking up in the morning and checking my insulin puts a smile on my face.

My energy is back! Gone is the constant ache all through my body. The neuropathy is still there but every day I have new feelings coming back. The retinopathy is all but gone and I am surprised everyday at how clearly things are. Gone are the days of my sugar spiking or plummeting!

I call this eating clean; free of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, hormones, preservatives, and free of processed things. Instead of eating chemicals I am eating clean foods; veggies, fruits, cheeses, yogurt, beans, whole grains, and protein.

The cravings all left within a matter of days. Along with all of the great loss of the junk and pain I am losing the weight that I never thought I could! Not going to stress over the weight right now and just enjoying not having to give myself three shots each and every day!

All this came from a book called "The 30 Day Diabetes Cure." Paul is following because I am doing the cooking and out of curiosity. His blood pressure is coming down so I am convinced that it's the change in his eating but he is convinced its a liver cleanse he is doing Either way his pressure is going down.

convinced th

What Year Is It?

2012-01-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

What year is it for you? This year is THE year for me! No new year resolutions were made but goals are being reached.

Speaking of goals......the biggest was to get my health under control. I am happy to say it's well on its way! A great friend directed me to the book "The 30 Day Diabetes Cure" and I found this to be my lifeline! Not only is it one of the easiest diets to follow but the side effects are astounding!!

I am trying to multi-task and am finding it very difficult. So, I think I will sign off for now and blog more later!

ttyl

Rain, Rain Go Away

2011-09-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again!! Hurricanes!!! Every time the tv is put on we are hearing about another hurricane. On top of that the actual weather is 10 percent sunny and 90 percent wet, wet, wet. All this rain and dreariness has worked its way into my attitude lately. The people who are walking around claiming this is so good for our water levels and our temperatures can keep their opinions to themselves!

Now That's Different!!

2011-07-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Thoughts have been rolling around in the head to do something different with the mop on my head. I have a problem when it gets to a length that I can pin it up. That's all I do! Can't stand it just hanging there like a mop. When perms were all the rave it was easier to leave it down. My hair is so mousy brown and thin that it looks so stringy even after running a brush through it. SOOO a little color boost here and a little snip snip there I feel there is a stylish do on my head. I told Theresa, a friend and salon owner, I picked a fall color with a summer do! I think we shocked the two other friends, Pam and Susan. This was the first time I went with them to spend the morning getting beautified and it was fun. Paul knew we were going and from past experiences of my salon adventures knew to expect anything. He didn't miss a beat when he saw it and said he really liked it.

Even though I am considered "retired" I have begun to think what am I retired from? I am working on a book and want to be an author. There are still part time gigs that I can do to feel I am contributing to the household until the "author" starts contributing. At Home America is fitting that slot for now. Its an exciting company with beautiful housewares that would be filling up my home so I thought why not become a design specialist and see if I could get paid while filling my home with their beautiful things.

I watched my grandbabies Saturday and loved it! Should say grandchildren because they are growing so fast and they are not babies anymore! Ashton is talking up a storm and has not problems telling anyone what he wants. Asylia is three going on thirteen. We had fun watching a little cartoons, drawing funny pictures, eating McDonalds, and playing basketball.

ttfn

2011-07-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

July is my birthday month and I used to make it through the whole month celebrating my birthday. This year turning 47, or as I say, "I am 22 times 2 plus 3", I plan on celebrating the whole year! Not really celebrating but just being thankful for everything and everyone in my life.

Paul and I actually went with every resident of Cape Coral to the bridge and watched the fireworks. This was the first time for me since 1991 because of the crowds. Paul would always take the boys to see the fireworks or we would get with family and friends to set off our own. We were with friends at the Remax tent and enjoyed the food, drinks, and the tented seating area. We really enjoyed ourselves and there was no claustrophobia battles for me!

The fireworks left me speachless! My intention was to take pictures of every one but I lost myself in looking at them with my eyes instead of the camera.

When I was a little girl I thought the fireworks were set off every year to celebrate my own birthdayt. After someone educated me I still felt honored that The whole country was celebrating our independence along with my bday.

Well, being that I am another year older there is the feeling that there is something else I wanted to write in this blog but the brain is not letting me in the files of memory this morning. After publishing this there is a trip I have to take to collect my cell phone from Strawberry Fields Scrapbook Shop. Totally forgot to put it in my bag yesterday after scrapping with friends.

ttfn

KW Key West

2011-07-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

These sharks were eating right along with its prey. The guy who was feeding said they all swim in the little cove together peacefully.

Another view from our third floor room. That hammock symbolizes so much.

At the Bass Pro Shop they fed the birds and the fish. The fish can come and go whenever they like. It was amazing to see the wildlife up close. This bird actually posed for me and would not leave until I put my camera away!

There were banana trees all over the place. Taking pictures of the surrounding foliage has become a favorite of mine.

We went out to eat beside the first Bass Pro Shop in the Keys. This was where we waited until our table was ready. I could really get used to the island time.

This was the coolest pirate ship ever! We sat at the dock and made up all kinds of stories about it. The pirate flag at half mast really got me thinking wildly and made me want to take a small boat out to investigate. We didn't but continued to tell the gastly story of the damsel in shackles stuck on the ship.

Found this t-shirt place on Duval Street that had just a tad more than t-shirts. Paul and I had a blast taking pictures of everything we liked until we had to buy a couple of t-shirts for the grand babies. We were planning on buying them anyway but it was fun pretending we were tourists fresh off the boat and ooh and ahh at everything.

I want to make this picture a poster to put on one of my bedroom walls.
There was a time (before this past year) when I would look at this picture and feel absolutely NOTHING! Now, I can look at it and after a couple of calming breathes, a feeling of total calmness enters and stress rolls off.

Paul and I should really be food critiques. When we love something we try to figure out why. The same works if we don't like something.
This was the best keylime pie we both have ever tasted!!! How appropriate being that we were in the Keys and all. The crust was perfection and the rest just made you want to have the taste roam on your taste buds forever!

I really love this picture!!!! Oh, and the other thirty I took while he was trying to get out of the hammock. His relaxing was all of ten seconds at this time.
The memories we are creating after 24 years of being married are just as special to me as the ones when we first started our lives together as husband and wife.

This was the view outside our room! What a relaxing and calming sight to see. I could of taken a million more pictures and never tire of it. It didn't really matter that the sun was not shining. The overcast and hazy day made it so easy to get outside and enjoy the sights.

For some reason the pictures loaded differently than planned. Not a problem, I will be writing about them randomly.
We had lunch at Cracker Barrell in Naples and Paul bought me this hat to wear out in the sun. Little did we know the sun would not show itself until we were leaving. In hindsight it was a good thing the sun wasn't a constant factor while sightseeing.
Not sure if I will wear this hat anytime soon but it is holding down part of my dresser just in case.

Organization One of My Strong Points?

2011-06-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Since I have been home there has been some organization going on. This is still new to me so once I organize something there will come a time when there is the urge to re-organize and possibly make it even better. So this will go on for a while until I have to walk away.
Do you remember the old saying, "An organized room is an organized mind?" Well, trust me, it only happens in the old saying. I get the entire room organized and have to spend hours messing it up to look for something that I have organized away!
On another note entirely different I took Asylia to her very first movie theatre movie! Robbie came along and all three of us enjoyed watching The Cars 2. When she sat in the folding chair she tried so hard not to be folded in the chair but couldn't do that and eat her gummies at the same time. I held the chair down for her until she decided to sit in my lap. All in all, we enjoyed the movie and have decided to do this again sometime.
Enough chit chat. It's time to get back to a tad bit more organizing before night night lights out!
ttfn

Asylia's Third Birthday

2011-06-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day for a pool birthday party!!! Ashton went around testing all the pools and loved his job. He took some time out to enjoy the toys as well. Puppy (yup, that's his name) enjoyed the party but felt a little lonely when Ashton went to work.

The birthday girl was a cross between being a Tinkerbell mermaid. She acts older than three but it's still hard to believe she is only three.

Even though I didn't make the cake for her birthday I still enjoyed it. It is a full, fun filled time to be a grandma! It's made easier when you have these two wonderful children as your grandchildren.

ttfn

Fixations Have Taken Over!!!!

2011-06-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

There has been a fixation movement in my life ever since I could remember. I have gone to many a therapist and without saying anything they figure this out. It must be a classic side effect of one losing one's ability to act normal.
It starts out as a rational thought and ends up taking over my every waking moment. Sometimes even my sleep. I remember learning how to sew. A pillow, a hair ribbon, and a blanket. It soon moved on to a little quilting and quickly went into clothes. My closet became a place where you could find any kind of fabric and boxes of patterns. I moved on to other fixations but came back to the sewing when I got pregnant and even when Paul Anthony was born. He endured his homemade shorts and shirts without a care. Thankfully I stopped when he was two!
Cooking was never a total fixation for me. As long as there were ingredients to throw together to make a meal I was happy. Baking has become yet another fixation that has taken over. Cupcakes are the latest craze. There is a local cupcake place that is trying to stay afloat. There cupcakes are not tasteful at all. I cannot help but wonder if my cupcakes could outshine theirs. Would my dessert store be more successful than theirs?
Believe me, there are a ton of fixations between the sewing and cupcake ones. I just don't have the energy to write them all down. There is this great fixation of writing and it has taken over any free time there might be in my already crazy life.

Haven"t seen you here in ages!

2011-06-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

OK, not going into a blow by blow of whats been happening since my last post!! It would take way too long and its not all that exciting or enjoyable to read.
I walked into Sonrise Academy Too for the last time this morning. Phillip and Megan helped me move out the last of the school items left behind. The only thing left for me to do is call and cancel a few things and send out for a change of address. Today is the first weekday day of my "retirement" and just relaxed and watched the tube most of the day. Had great plans of jumping right into the book and knocking off a chapter or two. Didn't feel it today and am so hoping this is not a sign of things to come.
I think the important thing for me right now is to get a schedule going. Not that I want a schedule so tight and rigid but I think there needs to be one that I can fall back on. In order for me to reach my goal there needs to be a schedule. Maybe not call it a schedule but a routine. A list of things to accomplish throughout the day without a time restraint.
The list might look something like this:
walk with Rocky and Peanut
tend to the plants
check sugar, take insulin and meds
do the neccessary research
do some writing
scrapping (organizing at studio, visiting at Pam's, organizing pics, or scrapping)
make and eat lunch
walk with Rocky and Peanut
do some baking
Thinking about baking.....it has become theraputic for me. There is a cupcake place near Pam's and they can't seem to bake a cupcake to save their store!! Of course, my brain automatically starts thinking about a take over and all the delicious things I could bake and sell. It is hard to retrain a business brain......

Princess, Turtle Man, and Monkey

2010-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Time has flown by me once again! My blogging usually gets the last bit of energy I have left of the day. Today I am determined to give it the attention it deserves!

Lets start with the ever dreaded word "DIET". I have tried everything there is out there to get rid of this unwanted weight and lower my sugar numbers but to no avail! Skimming the world wide web I discovered a french doctor and his studies on dieting and found it interesting. Then to my shock and surprise I find him in the Woman's World magazine I try to read! Lets just say that its been two weeks of sort of following and I have lost eight pounds and went from three shots of 50 units each a day to one shot of 40 units! This insulin stuff has wreaked havoc with my weight and I am tired of it. I have lost and gained the same 40 pounds over and over. This time my sugar is going down with my weight so I will stick with this diet!!

My little turtle man (grandson) will be turning a year old this October and he is going to have a monkey party! It really is a slice of heaven to be a grandmother to two of the most precious children in the world. Ashton is taking steps more and more every day and will be walking sure footed real soon. Its so hard to picture him as a one year old toddler instead of the pudgy lil baby.

Paul and I took our little Princess to see Disney Princesses on Ice. She was so excited and watched the whole show with rapt attention. She was dressed as Cinderella and when Cinderella came out on her horse drawn carriage she clapped and said, "That's me! That's me!" We had such a blast and can't wait to do it again. I am making her her very own picture book so she can look at them whenever she wants.

We moved out of our house and into the condo. We are officially living in an overside dorm room! After doing some major and minor changes we are beginning to feel like its home. Peanut seems to enjoy it and the exercise she gets going up and down two flights of stairs twice a day.

I am finally getting my scrapbooking and chocolate studio in working order!! Paul has said many times that I have a serious issue with organization. I am setting out to prove him wrong!

ttfn

Making New Habits & Out With the Bad!

2010-07-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have a picture in my head of me at around 12 years old, sitting on my bedroom floor, and crying my eyes out. My dad told me I couldn't leave my room until it was clean. Not that it was dirt dirty just an explosion dirty.
I knew I had a problem with clutter then but had no idea there was a name for it! Now at 46 I know the name and now have a whole house to fill instead of just a bedroom. One would think that I would of used my time wisely and figure out a sure fire way to control and organize, but no.
I also remember my dad constantly telling me that I should finish one project before moving on to another. Never figured out how to do that either.
So, back to me sitting and crying on the bedroom floor. I had no idea where to start this 'cleaning' project! Where to start......the clothes? There are so many piles and some are clean mixed with the dirty. Glancing over to my dresser I see the drawers bulging out with even more.....do they multiply like rabbits when I'm not looking? Speaking of rabbits.....that's another story.
That is how any of my cleaning projects would start. But all I would accomplish was folding ALL clothes or hanging up as many as I could. Throw all shoes and boots onto the closet floor. Pile all toys, stuffed animals (they also knew how to multiply), and games in a corner. Shove all paper stuff into the already full desk drawers and hope that no one would open them or yet another explosion would ensue.
Now, I know that cleaning and 'organizing' in that manner is not correct but a bad habit gone bad! I have been told by a habit expert (yes, in fact, there is such a person who wears that title proudly) that it takes a month to break a bad habit and create a new one. Being the clutterer I am I have continued to keep the bad habits while creating the new ones. As you can imagine......explosions of massive porportions!
TO BE CONTINUED.........

Asylia's Princess 2 Year Old Birthday Party

2010-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

I put the pictures out of order so I am just going to leave them this way and tell you how Asylia's party went (backwards.) Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the cake! Asylia promised to share the rest of it with her next door neighbors.

Ashton got to eat his very first piece of birthday cake! He loved it and can't wait to dig into his own in October. He even tried the little flowers and leaves that I made as decorations. He has the taste for the lovely sweets!

Grandpa really loves to chill with this little guy. We were looking at Paul's pictures when he was about Ashton's age and they look so much alike! It is amazing how you can see yourself in your grandchildren.

Asylia was truly the princess and ruler of her castle! She was actually asking if Cinderella dropped her flip flop (glass slipper.)

I am getting braver and having more fun in making and decorating cakes. I take great pleasure in creating something that I know everyone will enjoy.

Eight More, Come on Keep Going!

2010-05-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Paul and I joined a gym together and have been going almost everyday for the last two weeks. He had his first work out with a trainer last week and I spent the rest of the week teasing him because he was sore in his arms. He was so sore he could hardly bring them up to his face. Of course, I thought of all the reasons to make him bring them up to his face. Well, this Wednesday was my turn with the trainer and I made sure I was not going to feel sore after that workout! I was a little sore in my right arm but do you think I let Paul know?
I wish I took some pics of us in our workout clothes when we first started. Paul looks different all ready. We both needed this both for physical and mental reasons. I look forward to our new bodies and the new outlook!
Our eating habits have been changing as well. We are trying to stick to eating just protein, fruits, and veggies. So far so good. I am sure I will be squeezing in a few chocolate chip cookies here and there. I managed to stock the freezer full of the fundraising cookie dough from Little Lambs. They have the best cookie dough I have ever tasted! (talk about changing the subject! It went from working out and eating great to the best cookie dough ever)
I have also joined a great company called Southern Living at Home. In August the name will be changed to Willow House. I am so excited because everything they have in the catalog goes great with the furnishings in my house! This business gets me out and talking with adults as apposed to the little ones that I am with for twelve hours.
ttfn

It's Okay to Laugh While Crying

2010-05-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ashton, our grandson, is now a proud owner of a tooth! This seven month old knows the true meaning of laughing while crying. So glad they go through this tooth thing while still a baby because the pain has to be constant and hard to go through. He is always smiling and can cry and laugh simutaneously. He is my little turtle man!

Asylia continues to be a sweet ray of sunshine in my life. "I love you too, Gamma." just melts my heart.

A group of friends are going to shop at Chico's Warehouse tomorrow! While planning this first of a kind event for me visions of the big bridal dress sale comes to mind. You know the one where all the brides go crazy and grab as many dresses as they can and then strip down and try them on. I am not sure how this will all play out but was told to bring a large trash bag and go to the shoes first and then jewelry and lastly the clothes. Don't think my body is in shape to tackle anyone in my way but sure as I am writing this I will use my size to get to something that interests me. After my trash bag is full I was told that it was time to go through it and see what I want to keep and the other items can be traded. Not my usual shopping style but it should be interesting and give me a fun workout.

Paul and I have date nights and are really enjoying each others company. This week is my week to plan an activity for us to do. We have signed up at a gym so I'm thinking it would be interesting to go in the hot tub and swim in the pool and maybe go walking in a park afterwards. Would it be all in vain if we end up at an icecream shop? Probably......

This is "Big Mamma" our hamster that resides in the 2&3 year old classroom. He is named after a radio show host and we are sending him a picture of his namesake soon. Big Mamma loves to escape from his home and travel accross the school to nest in the infant room. The first time he escaped we couldn't find him for three days. It was over the weekend so he had time to travel and investigate every nook and cranny. When we found him in the corner in between the cabinet and wall he had made himself a big nest of paper and such with Cheerios he had found!

ttfn

Remember

2010-05-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Still haven't gotten the hang of turning the pictures right side up yet. I will remember someday! This picture was taken at my favorite haunt, Strawberry Fields Scrapbook Shop, which is owned by a good friend Pam.
Let me set this picture for you.... Pam's shop was having its third year birthday and she wanted to celebrate it by having an Alice in Wonderland theme. Some of us took the Facebook quiz that told us what character we were. I was the Cheshire Cat and it suited me just fine. I created a costume made out of paper and a swim noodle. Paul, being just as mischievous himself, took the time to find the Cheshire Cat clip art and wrote, "we are all mad here", went to the store and bought cat litter, and rode his motorcycle to the shop. All the girls were jealous and a few wanted a ride on his motorcycle and I was really pleased. Needless to say, I was on a high for the entire three day crop including the all niter we pulled! I will remember this one for a long time.
If you've been reading my blog you will notice a few big gaps due to a major bout of depression and trying to get my life back on the healthy track. Almost dying really set me back for a while. To be honest when I thought I was dying I was really excited and anxious to meet my Lord and when I woke up in the hospital I felt so rejected beyond belief. I sought counsel and really let everything out. She helped me to put things back into perspective and to fight for what I needed to have a healthy relationship with everyone including my husband and myself. I had to remember why God wanted me down here on earth for.
It has been hard work and continues to be hard but Paul and I figured out together that being married for 23 years doesn't make a good marriage. We didn't want to continue on the path of just living together, just being friends, or just being. We mutually decided to see a marriage counselor and it was the healthiest thing we could do for us. She has taught us to remember back when we were dating and first married and it has worked! It's not that we fell out of love but it's that we were so busy working side by side that we never stopped to turn to each other for support, companionship, or friendship.
The other areas of my life have definitely improved and I have noticed that my health has gotten back on track. Now I remember why the Lord put me here, right here, right now and I am at peace with that!
ttfn

I'm Alive!!!!

2010-04-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since my last post! I have visited here often in the past few weeks but have a hard time figuring out where to pick up.
Coming back from literally the brink of death I wish I could sit here and tell you that life is wonderful and God gave me a wonderful gift of a longer time here on earth. The fact is I am going through so much emotions and thoughts throughout every hour of every day. I am eternally greatful for the time I get to spend with my grandchildren. But I also feel so tired and drained for having to be here and learn to sort through what is important in my life and how to live the rest of it to the fullest. It has been hard for me to put any of this into words for anyone to understand. The doctors all told me that this is typical for anyone in my shoes to be going through. I even went to see someone on my own to make sure that I was "normal" in the way I was feeling. Bottom line is my life changed dramatically when an infection took hold of me and God let me know how little control I really had on this thing called living.
Have you ever studied for a test? You knew that you needed to pass this test in order to go on further in your endeavor. So you study everything you can possibly study and cram every fact into your memory. Maybe the thought even crossed your mind about when you would ever need to use any of this information after the test was done. You take the hundred question test and celebrate the A you feel was deserved. A month later you find yourself taking the same exact test over but this time without any warning or chance to study. All the facts you committed to memory were just that committed to memory. Sure, you might come up with some of the answers because you were able to relate to them in your life but the majority you would draw a blank and have to guess.
Right now I feel like my second chance at this test is here and I didn't have any chance to review or study. I know some of the answers that were not just committed to memory but were used and come from that. Most of the answers were just head knowledge and I seem to be drawing a blank.

Where did the time go?

2010-02-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

It seems like my days are getting shorter and shorter! Either that or my to do lists get ridiculously longer by the minute. No matter how I try to figure it out and fix it there is no cure! I'm not one to complain or get negative but it seems like that might be the way to go.
There is sooooo much that needs to be written here to catch you up but of course I have major work to do and the guilt of not doing it is weighing heavily on me.
The grandbabies are growing and fast. Asylia is talking up a storm and still working on that potty training thing. Ashton is such a sweet natured baby! It doesn't take much to make him laugh and smile and you have to work at getting him to cry.

Pottay Anyone?

2010-01-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

So sorry for this picture being sideways! Yes Asylia is almost potty trained! Nineteen months and is doing wonderful getting her self potty trained. I bought her a potty chair in October and we just let her sit on it. She tried everything to make it chime. Even put Peanut's ball in it and sat on it with no luck. It made Peanut nervous to not see her favorite ball and it didn't help when Asylia said, "Go, bad goggie!" I had to show Asylia that it had to be something wet to make the music go, after rescuing Peanut's ball. Asylia proceeded to try to open her non-spill cup and pour the juice in her potty!
She has finally figured out the whole bathroom issue and she loves being a big girl! We reward her with jelly beans or smarties and loves it. Now I'm thinking of what I want to be rewarded with. Jelly beans still sound good.
UPDATE: Asylia was refusing to eat some raisins for snack this afternoon. I think she was planning on saving some for later because her mother found one safely tucked in her left ear!
ttfn

Teaching an old dog new tricks?!

2010-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Can it be done? Can you possibly teach an old dog new tricks? While I don't consider myself a dog I certainly consider learning new things a challenge. So the question still stands, can I learn new tricks?
The older I get the more I realize they write directions for us to follow. Can't say they are easy to read even with my bifocals but at least I can say I try to read and follow those folded pieces of paper with every language available and printed so tiny even a magnified glass doesn't enlarge it enough. Tried the class telescope once but the paper couldn't all fit. I digress......
I am writing yet another book and hope this one gets published. Can't say I put the others out to get pasture either. This one is a diet book and it seems different than any I have ever seen. I am very excited about it and have been living it for a while. Lost 17 pounds so far and it seems so simple to follow.
The grandbabies are doing great and growing more every day! When the day gets hectic and stress creeps in I run, yes run, to their classrooms and grab them up! It's the best cure to all my troubles and woes. It is so refreshing looking at life through their eyes.
News on the homefront is same ole same ole. One of our two houses might be sold. We will find out in a week or so. The one we are living in is still on the market but we got an offer on it. It will be so exciting if we become homeless! Now don't take me wrong, I still want to live in a house and have a place to put all the things we have collected over the years. I'm just not sure I want us to own it right now in this market. Maybe it won't be so bad becoming renters once again. I am looking for a warehouse to put my scrapbooking, chocolate store, and writing materials in. Paul thought it would be great to find one with a garage so he and Paul Anthony could work on cars and motorcycles in. I told him a firm NO! Not really interested in having my things smell like automotive and gas!
ttfn

New Grandbaby on Monday!!!!

2009-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

It feels just as excited as when Asylia was born! I am so in love with that little child and already have room in my heart for her brother. Mom is going in on Monday and her c-section is scheduled for 8:00 in the morning. Asylia gets to have a sleep over at our house Sunday night and I will be taking her in to see Mom and the baby brother in the morning,
ttfn

Organization follows Procrastination

2009-09-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

My desire to write is overwhelming at times. If you were to walk into the house it wouldn't take you long to find snippets of paper with thoughts and ramblings hurriedly written on it. Don't get them confused with Paul's snippets; his are receipts and lists of things to do.
It is hard for me to consistently be organized but there is no time like the present to try. I have signed up to take college courses in creative writing and I have started to gather all the materials throughout the house that pertain to writing. There will be a ton of short stories to write but my ultimate goal is to write the three or four novels that I started. No time like the present!
ttfn

2009-09-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Being a grand mother I often think about things in my life in relation to my grand child. Next month there will be two wonderful grandchildren to enjoy and love on. In every area of my life I make sure it wraps around my grandchildren. For example, my car was a crossfire two seater. I bought this car when I had no grandchildren and loved to ride around town with the top down. My son married and they even enjoyed the car when they could. When Asylia was born and could travel I loved to put her beside me and bring her home during the week. Alysa even used it to go to school at night. I joked around that I was the hippest grandmother around! I also said I would trade the crossfire in for a grandma car when the time was right. Well, the time must be right because Alysa is due to have our second grandchild next month.
Paul has been the car person. I gave him total control and I told him I wanted a four door car that I can put grandbabies in. So after looking for awhile he came home one day with a lincoln ls. Can't say I'm jumping with joy but I can say its a nice car. I am thankful that he took into consideration what I wanted and came back with a nice easy riding vehicle. Now all I need to do is test drive it with Asylia and we are good to go!
ttfn

Thursday Night Excitement

2009-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

My routine for Thursday night is very predictable. Eat, usually a bowl of cereal; watch a reality show, either Big Brother or Survivor; walk the dog; read in bed until sleepy; and drift off to a blissful and uneventful sleep. That's the normal run of the mill for me and I like it!
Not so last night...sure it started off normal until I took my dog out for her nightly constitutional. She did her usual little nosey walk; checking every nook and crany. I was trying to get a bag out of the bag holder just in case she decided to do more than tinkle. Thats when I heard it.....the low moan of a drunken man followed by a couple of pleas for help. I took a look around and focused my attention on the empty house accross the street from our house. The thought of a drunken homeless guy needing help did a number on my brain while I was getting dressed for bed. Phillip was taking out our other dog so I told them to see if they could hear anything and told Lucky and Phillip to under no circumstances go help this guy if they do hear him. They came in and told Paul and I that they walked by the house accross from us and saw a shadow of a person at the front door.
Paul immediately goes out to investigate with a flashlight and I call 911. We waited out front to see if the policeman can find this man. Not one but seven police men and cars came to our little street! After they went through the house and found nothing I told Paul he probably scared the guy away with his flashlight investigation. Having the police there was not a total wash because they did catch the speed racer who goes at least 70 mph down our street. He chose to pick this exact time to speed down into our gathering and was shocked to be swarmed by the police.
I couldn't really go back to my normal average Thursday night schedule after all this excitement. I felt rather foolish this morning taking the dog out. My neighbors must think they are living next door to an old woman who lacks any excitement in her life and has to invent some. Paul said they will get over it and my life is exciting enough. ( I am going to ask him about this at a later time) I also feel that its better to have seven police officers spend a few minutes on our street than to wake up in the morning and find the coroners parked accross the street. I can live with myself and Paul can live with me so I guess thats what counts.
ttfn

Tea Has Become My Drink of Caffeine

2009-09-02T07:03:00.005-07:00

I have tried every caffeine beverage there is out there and either can't have it because of the sugar content or don't like the taste of it. A lady behind the Starbucks counter told me I should try the Awake tea and I have been hooked ever since! Those of you who know me know of my addictive personality. Lets just say that this is a win win situation; I get my caffeine fix and it is good for me and my addictive personality. Maybe not so good if I have more than a few venti cups but I try to limit myself.
Well, this morning I wanted a double venti tea but knew the drive to the nearest Starbucks was out of the question. Settle for the Dunkin Doughnuts variety was the school of thought this morning. I left the house a tad bit early and knew I was going to have to go slightly out of the way but thought it would be worth it. So I am driving on Santa Barbara and run into a bunch of construction. I manouver my way through the whole mess and then I can see the intersection to take me to work. The road splits and I have to make a quick decision on which lane to get into and yes, I get in the wrong lane. This takes me way out of my way and I land at the school ten minutes behind schedule. Thinking I can get over this because I have my tea to show for the wild ride I gather my purse, keys, and tea.....gather my tea....uhmmmm about the tea. It seems I actually forgot to stop and purchase the tea!
ttfn

I can Take It!

2009-08-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

My prayers for Sonrise Too sounds like a baseball song, "Put me in coach I'm ready to play". Hearing that God gives us only as much as we can handle doesn't make it any better. Right now I am thinking the opposite way....His 'wicked' sense of humor steps in and He teases me much like I tease Asylia with her grapes she wants. She sees the grapes in the bowl and knows they are all hers. That doesn't matter, she wants them all in her hands or mouth. I know she could choke on them or drop them all on the floor so I give her one at a time and watch her bite it and chew the half before I give her the other half. Of course, she gets impatient and tries to grap at the rest and whines. I think she feels I am teasing her and holding them away from her just because I can.

Do you see where I am going with this? God sees the future of Sonrise Too and all I can do is stay the course. I, like Asylia, thinks that God is holding the students just out of my reach and giving them to me a few at a time but I want them all right now and a full school next week. He knows whats best for me but its hard sometimes to follow His time line. Sure, as the school grows I can and will look back and understand but for now I just want to whine and pout and maybe throw a little temper tamtrum.

Speaking of Asylia, she is in the er with her parents because of this contact dermititis rash and another rash that is covering her body. Poor baby looks so rashy but it doesn't effect her personality any. Hopefully they can find something that works on the itchy rash and she can go on with her fun loving way.

Asylia spent the day playing with me at Sonrise Too and barely took a nap. Mommy took her home and after feeding her supper Asylia crawled up into Daddy's chair and fell asleep instantly! If you look closely you can see the rash on her legs and arm. Yuck! We have tried every cream the doctors have told us to use to no avail. She is a trooper though and she tries not to scratch it too often.

ttfn

I'm Tired

2009-08-12T04:46:00.002-07:00

As I sit and try to type this my fingers keep hitting the wrong keys and backspace is my favorite friend. If I start to ramble and you can't make sense of anything I am writing you can skip this entry. Though I encourage you to trudge through because I tend to write about good stuff when I ramble.
My desk has a glass of oj sitting by my arm and on the other sits two 24oz diet Mtn Dews. They are not helping. I have discovered as I got older my body requires at least 8 hours of sleep each night. I am slowly being deprived of sleep by only getting five to six hours each night. You would think that I would play catch up on the weekend. My body does not work that way. My eyes pop open at five every morning no matter what day it is.
Now on to another subject.....before I doze off again. Paul and I encouraged Phillip, who turns 18 in September, to get his permit for driving before he gets his license. I know how Phillip's brain works so was expecting him to have a harder time on the written test. He has surprised me and passed it on the third try. His dad is braver than me and lets him drive all over Cape Coral for practice. Phillip convinced me, or should I say badgered me, to let him drive my little crossfire. I have let him behind the wheel once. I still am trying to get my finger dents out of the dashboard. He didn't do that bad but I trust no one driving but myself.
Well, I feel a snore coming on and need to get up of my comfy office chair and shake it off. The kids put on a cd in one of the classrooms so I think I will join them in their eight oclock dance time. Could use the exercise anyway.
ttfn

I Cannot get my Brain and Fingers to Work Together

2009-08-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

I'm so Tired

2009-08-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Six Comes Too Early

2009-08-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have had to open the school @ 6:30 in the am. Those of you who know me know that my best beauty sleep comes between 4 and 10. Not getting this everyday has set my beauty regiment back severly. I was standing in front of the mirror this morning trying to scrub the dark stuff from under my eyes. This went on for a few minutes and then it dawned on me that I wasn't wearing eye makeup and the dark stuff was not coming off no matter how I scrubbed. It is now almost ten and I just checked......the dark rings have taken up permanent residency under my eyes.
There is no alarm clock sitting on my nightstand. I have claimed for years that I would get up whenever I needed. Not so now! My cell has become my alarm clock. I set it and gave it a pleasant ring.....I'm not finding it pleasant at all in the morning. I am now having dreams of choking and drowning my cell. I even told Paul that our cell numbers are the mark of the beast..... He calmly told me that I have an imagination that is mind bending?. After explaining my whole theory to him and spooking him out his cell went off and he paused briefly before answering. I should give you my theory on Oprah Winfrey and her financially backing the anti-christ. Thats a different time....
ttfn

Hello from Sonrise Academy Too

2009-08-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

Why did you call it Sonrise Academy Too, Kelly? I am so glad you asked. It all started when Paul found the location and wanted to open another day care. I wanted to open a chocolate salon and was just encouragement for his fun and wild ideas. Instead he convinced me that I was needed to help his vision come to reality. With hesitation I finally agreed to be on board. We then set about to come up with a name that we both agreed on. Having used Sonrise Academy before on another day care we opened and sold I thought why not this center be called Sonrise Academy too ( meaning as well.) Paul took me literally and said he liked the play on words. Not wanting to sound like I didn't know what he was talking about I whole heartedly agreed. Hence, Sonrise Academy Too is now open!!!
This is the infant room. The infants are from six weeks old to 18 months. We started this week off with a seven month old. He is a cutie patutie. As you can see we snuck over to Sonrise to get the furniture and toys that they weren't using. We can only take seven infants so only six more to go!

This is the little kitchenette we put in. It used to be an office but it is better for us as a kitchen.

This room is for our 2 1/2 to three years old. Right now it is sitting and waiting for someone to come and play.

This room is as tall as it is wide. This is our 3 1/2 and pre-k room. We have one little girl in this class who thinks she is a princess. Until the room gets a little fuller I am going to let her think she is the only princess on earth. We are going to be doing VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) here and hopefully we will fill up fast by the end of this month.

The one room not shown is the 1 1/2 to 2 year old room. Asylia comes and uses this room. Actually, she uses whatever room I am in at the time. She has become my little shadow and I absolutely love it.

We opened on Monday with pure excitement. It is Thursday and my excitement has dimmed a little because of the enrollment. When we opened the other center we opened with twelve kids and grew rapidly from there. Here we opened with two and we have had only one visitor per day. On the bright side most of the phone calls and visitors say they heard of us from our website.

I made the sign for the school, as well as, the sign that sits at the end of the road. I put balloons on the mail box and the sign at the end of the road. Paul bought four huge open flags and we put them on the fence and sign. I even made waving signs and have Phillip standing out at the busy street for a couple of hours in the morning and evening. Now, we just wait and try to enjoy the quiet time. This is walking in faith for me....

ttfn

Saturday Swimming

2009-07-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

The kids came over on Saturday and Paul & I got to spend a few hours with our grand baby. We tried to get in the pool when they first came but the weather would not agree. It clouded up and grumbled so we went inside to play. About an hour later we all went in the pool and had fun.
I had all of her pool toys blown up at the beginning of the week and couldn't wait to see her playing with them. She loves them! She kept throwing the little turtles out and watching Grandpa and Daddy get them.

Her vocabulary is growing every day! She was saying hi to the dogs and went up to Sandy and said, "Good dog". She knows that Mommy has a baby in her tummy and she will walk over and rub it. She will give it a hug and then wrinkle her nose and run. What a ham!

It was a fun afternoon and can't wait until the next one.

ttfn

Slipping Away on a Saturday

2009-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we slipped out of town and went accross Alligator Alley to visit with family. Their daughter Kenya is a superb dancer and she had competition the week before. They were relaxing before packing their car to make the trip back to NH on Sunday. Karen (& family), Paul, and I decided to take a day trip!

I have great pics of this whole trip but for some reason my computor has decided to be a royal brat and not let me post any of them! I will try again some other time.

It was a great day and we walked to a couple of restaraunts. It was great to see the kids getting along and enjoying each others company. All the adults talked about getting together more often. Pete and Crystal were talking about buying a home down here and Karen and I were talking buying homes back in New Hampshire. Justina and Miah really didn't care what we were talking about. AAHHH young love!

Kenya said she didn't know how she placed in her dance competition but we all know she placed in the top 15. She is so hard on herself. It was her first competition in the new class so she should cut herself a break.

Wow! I just tried my pics again and managed to upload this one. Brennan and myself are the only two missing from this photo. Me because I was taking the pic and Brennan cuz he was too short and no one picked him up.

This is Brennan! When it was time for us to leave he started grabbing anything he could find and giving it to one of us as a goodbye present! We would all say thanks and when he turned we would throw it on the bed. He never caught on.

Here's all the kids enjoying Philly food in Fort Lauderdale on a sidewalk. The only one missing is Kaytie; she was shipped over to her daddy's table because she peed on my lap! It was not her fault (the peeing was her fault but her doing it on my lap wasn't) I picked her up from her stroller when she woke up from her nap. She had a swimmy diaper on that got confused about what to absorb and what not to absorb. Anywho my dress did not want to absord the pee for a shocking moment but then said what the heck. I drove all the way home that night thinking of my itty bitty neice!

Yes, this is the itty bitty peeing machine! You gotta love her! It was hard to leave but we all made plans to meet again. After all the hugs & kisses and goodbyes we had to go on the horrible elevator ride down to the parking garage. Did I tell you I hate getting into closed in spaces with other people. Its not the elevator itself - I'm great in one with myself and another person but put more than one other person then I'm climbing the walls! The ride home was uneventful. I talked and made Paul talk so he would stay awake. We made it home and passed out cold after taking the three dogs for their nightly walk. ttfn

A Doctor's Note

2009-07-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I had to have blood work done last Thursday for my doctor's appointment this morning. It was fasting blood work so I had to stop eating at midnight the night before. Did you ever notice when someone tells you that you can't eat at a certain time you are starving? Well, I had no problem not eating after I went to bed at 11:00 but the strangest thing is I woke up at 12:06 with my stomach growling like no tomorrow! I kid you not! I was actually hungry! Anyway, I went back to sleep and woke up early to get to the lab so I could eat a big breakfast afterwards. Starving tummy and all. There were no problems and I was breezing through all the hoops they throw at you until they handed me a cup and said the dreaded words, "Give me a urine sample". If they asked me that a year ago I could pee a bathtub full on demand because of all the water I would drink. Now that my sugars are under control I am lucky if I drink an 8 ounce glass of anything. I was there waiting for my bladder to work for two solid hours!!!! I became the hostess of the waiting room!!! Finally, I had to show my bladder who was boss and we (bladder & I) came to an understanding. The nurse that I handed the container to gave me a questioning look and all I could squeak out was, "Name's on the side", as I ran from the lab.
I was kind of nervous going to the doctor's appointment thinking they were all coming together (lab techs & drs) and telling stories about me. Not so. The doc said whatever I am doing keep doing it. He did recommend joining Weight Watchers and that is what I did. Of course, my addictive personality has fallen in love with this point system and now I am obsessing over points. I only have 16 out of 27 daily points left. Is that enough to feed me or do I need to use the extra they give for the week? Will I have used up the whole weeks worth by eating at Dairy Queen? Should I look up the numbers first or eat and then look up the numbers? See where I am going with this?
ttfn

4th of July

2009-07-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

This was Asylia's first 4th of July. Her first one walking around and having fun, that is.
We all came together at Karen's house for the 4th. Peter, Crystal, and four kids came down to celebrate with us. Well, really they came down for Kenya's dance competition in Miami but drove our way first. Jami and fam also came down. Jami is getting ready to deliver her second child this month and all of us who have had to endure pregnancies in this 100* temp. can sympathize with her.

This is Asylia's new look. You like? She bites the sides of her lips and stares off in the distance. This is only if she is not walking all over the place or dancing her tootsies off.
She also went into the pool with Grandpa and was fine until Uncle Doug set off some firecrackers out behind the pool.

Then it was a dance off! She came complete with all the props! She won and celebrated with her own version of the hoola hoop.

We are still working full steam ahead on our two schools. Now that our house situation is almost done, we can concentrate on opening the second one real soon. This week all the little annoying things need to get done so all the final inspections can be done.

The house that we are living in has a list of repairs that need to get done but they can wait. The wailing baby gets the bottle first. I still am working on my craft room and its taking forever to organize everything. I'm itching to scrap and told myself to wait until everything is organized and put away. Its a good thing I listen to myself (sometimes).

ttfn

Did you know June is half over already?

2009-06-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

This was Asylia's cake. Yes, her very own cake. She ate one bite and saved the rest for later.

This was the cake for everyone else. Okay!!! So I get a little carried away!!! I can't help it. Anywho, everyone liked it. It took me a little while to do the two Strawberry Shortcakes but once I followed directions it became easier. At first she looked a little wierd to me and I almost gave up but didn't have time to order one from Publix.

She really got into opening the presents. It was so funny how she would hand over all clothes to her mom and start playing with her toys. Just wait til she gets older- that will switch.

This was by far her favorite present. Her Nana Amy got it for her. After she opened it and sat in her chair she didn't care about anything else. Thank goodness she had only one present left. Her mom had to open it for her because Asylia was too busy destressing.

Asylia fell in love with Preston her second cousin. She kept making googlie eyes at him. Preston said he felt a little strange but I noticed he kept smiling back at her.

The party was a success and she received a ton of toys, clothes, and the rocking chair. Her Grandpa and Nana did the cookout with watermelon thing and we did the decorations and cake thing.

The moving is going on and Saturday will be the big move. The guy came and took pics of the sparkling clean and ever so neat house. Paul came home tonight and called to say we have a big FOR SALE sign on our front lawn. I think I am going to go online to see if I can find the pics the guy took.

The school is the second project left to finish. Everything is almost done (at least, everything I can do.) Now its the waiting game for the kitchenette and fence to be finished. The Sonrise main academy is going semi smooth. There is a couple of hitches that need to be tweaked and then we will be right as rain. (I think Grammy used to say that.)

My doctors office called yesterday and said that my diabetes is back under control. Amen to that! He put me on a couple of pills instead of the ever dreaded needle. My belly thanks him and my wallet thanks him more! I can't wait to get my blood work done next month to see if all this work with my diet and meds has paid off.

well, no rest for the weary, so, back to work I go!

ttfn

What time is it? What day is it? What month is it?

2009-06-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

This computor has been giving me a hard time lately (or is it the user) so lets see how much I can get blogged before it shuts me out.

For me things always happen in threes. Not sure when that started happening but it seems normal to me. When something happens to the car (once again check the user) it doesn't stop at one thing. If I get sick just give me three days. Can't sleep... it will happen 3 nights. Not three in a row thank goodness! If something good happens I can usually find two other good things happening and group them together.

Okay, so you get the picture, right? Well this month you can cancel out three or just multiply that by 6!!!!!

Paul and I get up in the morning and push each other out the door and try to compete on who can get the most done on their 'to do' never ending, 20 pages long, need to get done asap lists. It feels great when one thing can be crossed off and yet when the next thing on the list screams for some of your precious time you can't help but moan......

We have a goal to take some time off in September to go back home to New Hampshire for a relaxing visit. Right now it doesn't seem possible but we are keeping our eyes on the prize.

One of the good things that is so exciting is our grandbaby is turning one this Friday!!!!!!Asylia is having her first birthday at a park on Saturday. She is our little Strawberry Shortcake so guess what her first birthday theme is? I get to make her cake and, as usual, went way overboard. Its the only time she is going to turn one so you can't say too much. She is walking around everywhere like the princess she so is.

My biggest hurdle this month (one of the major out of 10) was to finish our school's new website. I am happy to tell everyone to take a look at it and give me your feedback. It took me at least 50 hours to complete but I'm sure a professional would of fiinished it in half that. So go to www.sonriseacademy.com and let me know what you think.

ttfn

New Entry

2009-05-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just spent thirty minutes writing a new blog entry and my computer shut down! How maddening grgrgrgrrrrrrrrrrgrgrrrrr!

Well, here it is in a nut shell.... Alysa is having a boy in October. Yes we are excited!.....school is almost over.....Sonrise Academy Too will be opening in June......Justina graduated from high school and we are so proud of her.......Phillip is taking a trip to New Hampshire this week......we are moving to our other house and selling this one.....my sugar numbers are down to normal.....and now I have to battle this weight thing!

ttfn

I didn't ask for this!

2009-05-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever prayed for something, like patience, and wished God never answered your prayer?! Well, I learned real early to never pray for something I knew would be impossible to handle. God also has this wicked sence of humor and sometimes it catches me and throws me to the ground (so to speak).
I have had a desire to have God work in my life and to let Him take control. Our church showed this small clip of a woman telling Jesus He could have control of her life but she kept trying to take the seat. Well, that clip keeps playing in my head and the more I SAY He can have control the more He shows me where I am still sitting in His seat. Wow! I knew I was a control freak but this is ridiculous!!!!!!!
There is such a great fight going on and I don't want to give up now! I can't tell you the many areas that He has shown me; all I can say is pray for me! This all is bringing me closer to that healthy life I've been seeking for so long. The mission is to be healthy spiritually, mentally, and physically.
ttfn

I Love 100 Calories at a Time

2009-04-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know its just another diet. But you have to keep eating and if there is a way to eat and lose weight as well as get diabetes under control then sign me up. I saw this diet in Woman's World mag. and decided to try it. My sugar numbers have dropped so much that my doctor says he's dumbfounded. It took me awhile to learn to add up the calories in a meal and break it down into 100 calorie bowls. Now that I got the hang of it and discovered all the 100 cal goodies in the grocery aisles its a breeze.
News on the Sonrise Academy Too adventure. Slow is not a word I use in my vocabulary. I really dislike that word. Its what is now my life. It seems like we move forward two steps and either stall or go back one. I hope we can open in June but the breath I will not holding be. (Ooooh, sorry, a little Yoda slipped out)
ttfn

Easter

2009-04-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Easter......everything about it......remembering the reason why we can be called God's children.......being thankful, once again, for what our King did for us. I always try to put everything I know and learn about Easter into a lesson for the children. This year I sat back while they taught me all they knew about Easter and the Passover. It is so true, they are such sponges. They are also great teachers. My heart swells with joy to know that these very same children will be the Lord's missionaries.

My mother-in-law had a cabin in a christian conference group in New Hampshire. This Easter Sunday she lost her cabin with 39 others to a fire. She not only lost the cabin but a ton of memories and momentos. The pictures of the fire on the news are horrific but I am so glad to hear that no one was seriously injured.

This little girl is such a wonder. She has grabbed our hearts and tugs at them every chance she can.

ttfn

And Now the Work Begins

2009-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

We are signing on the new daycare tomorrow! Paul worked his magic with the realtor and we never thought it would go through. It did and now the real work begins. We went by the building today and started getting everything figured out in our heads. We make a pretty good team! Who would of thunk it!
We told Phillip we are going to hire him to be our sign twirler. He didn't sound excited but I have great plans for the sign. I am also working on the building sign and so far so good. Now for the advertising. Not going to be so bad but I want to rework and improve some of our older ads and see if it will catch some attention.
I am still working on healing this ulcer on the bottom of my foot but every time I go to the foot doctor he takes his scalpel and cuts it open again. I think he just needs to keep busy. Not really but it feels that way.
Tried out my new stationary bike and love it. Sure I won't be saying that after a while but right now the newness is exciting. I burned off 100 calories today and plan on 200 tomorrow and so on. Sounds good on paper or here in the computor.
Went to the diabetic doc this week and he is letting me try stronger oral meds for two more weeks to see if they can bring my numbers down. They have a little so I am glad. Not looking forward to trying the insulin shots again. I am also working on a new diet. Trying it out starting tomorrow. Will let you know what it is and how it is working next time I visit.
Getting ready for Asylia's first Easter and I think Paul and I are more excited than she is. Of course, being only nine months she really hasn't any idea what she is in for. I bought her a Bible and couldn't wait for Easter to give it to her. I read a little of it each day to her and she loves to be read to.
Alysa would like a Strawberry Shortcake cake for Asylia's first birthday so I am trying to become a baker and make the best and most beautifully decorated birthday cake. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
ttfn

Crappy Nachos Anyone?

2009-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Paul, Phillip, Lucky, and myself all held down the furniture. Okay, we all decided to watch Twilight. I shouldn't be up walking around still so I have become a couch potato not by choice.

Lucky has been with us for about eight years. I taught him in fifth grade when his mother brought him back from the Philipines. He has become my adopted son and life would be so boring without him around. At this moment he is living with us and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Grandpa bought Asylia a highchair for home but we had to try it out first. I like it so it looks like we will be buying a new one for Grammy. Asylia is trying to talk and she has her own opinion. We are all so happy that she has such a sunny personality.

Now lets move on to something I call crappy nachos! It all started when my boys were four and five years old. I put refried beans, taco seasoning, onions, black olives, green peppers, ground hamburg, and shredded cheese into a casserole pan. I was waiting for the oven to heat up when Paul Anthony walked by and started to pout and whine. He asked me what I was making for supper. I told him we were going to have nachos and he shouted, "Mom is making crappy nachos and it looks really crappy!" From that day on that is what the boys call my nachos even though they eat the whole batch. When the bean mixture comes out of the oven I add more shredded cheese. I top it off with a thick layer of sour chream and small chunks of avocado.

ttfn

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

2009-03-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that I am fine and going to be fine. I started this blog with trying to lose weight and get my diabetes under control. Well, for those of you who know me know I like to do things my way. My way is not quite working out so now I have to listen to the docs and they have a ton to say.

My foot doctor can say he started it all. I can say you won't be seeing me on 'Dancing with the Stars' none too soon. I lost 30 pounds by getting off the insulin shots. I know it was not the best way for me to get rid of the pounds and it may have damaged my feet and eyes. Learning the hard way is the only way I learn.

Straying from eating the right things and not exercising was done so easily and has become such a habit for me. Okay, so now I am back on the wagon again.

This is what we ate Monday evening. Cooked some of my favorite veggies such as onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spinach and topped it off with sweet potatoes.

Tuesday supper was my version of veggy beans and rice. I really liked the fresh tomatoes even though the guys didn't.

Tonight we ate breakfast food. I ate cereal with a ton of fiber. So now that my eating habits are getting back on track I was told not to walk as a form of exercise and look at swimming and biking as the new way to get my sweat done?! Paul wants to attach something to my stationary bike (not yet) and let me run electricity to the tv and fan in the living room. He's so silly.

The last time I blogged there was this little mention that we were starting to pack. Well, I told you I would explain later and now is later. We have decided to sell this house and the one Paul Anthony and his wife are living in. They need to find a place to call their very own and we need to move closer in the middle of the two daycares. Have I mentioned I hate packing? I HATE PACKING!

I have also decided to put my store 'Just Desserts' on hold for another six months. Paul has asked me to help him in setting up the new daycare. I see his vision and do want to be a part of it so I have agreed to train a director and set up the daycare. The chocolate salon can wait and my new goal is to have it opened before December.

This foot ulser has pretty much healed so now I have been working a little on my candy making skills. Yeah, I know, what is a woman with diabetes working with a chocolate fixation? One candy at a time is what I say.

Asylia is growing leaps and bounds. She tries to sing and if you are not paying attention she will growl rather loudly until someone joins in singing. What a turkey butt!

ttfn

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can

2009-03-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Going on the third week of sitting on my duff......going crazy.......wanna make chocolate........can't stop myself......talk to you later..........

I Am Bored!!!!!

2009-03-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have been sick in one way or the other since Wednesday and I am sick of being sick! Paul and Phillip went down to Naples to celebrate St. Patricks Day with Doug, Karen, Justina, and boys. I had to stay behind in case I decided to explode. This foot of mine is really a drag.
So.......laying around for three days have left me utterly bored out of my mind!!!!! After scouring the internet for this and that I decided to start a facebook page. I have no idea what I am doing and there is a sense of being totally lost. I am going to have Phillip help me when he gets back home.
My Peanut is really sick of me being on the couch. She has tried to kick me off the couch several times. She sits on the floor and grumbles at me. I have started to grumble right back.
I am going to attempt at cooking and making chocolates tomorrow. I'll leave the laundry, dog grooming, paper grading, toilet cleaning, and packing for another day. Yeah I said packing. I'll talk about that next time I blog.
Jami, I hope you feel better girl. It's hard enough being pregnant and having pregnancy sickness (I don't like calling it morning sickness because no one ever gets sick just in the morning) but to get the crud as well? We are praying for you and hope you feel better soon.
ttfn

Getting Ready To Hop Into Spring!

2009-03-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

This sissy went to the foot doctors on Tuesday. He said I could not do any walking on this foot until it healed. It actually was so funny how he said it that I couldn't help but laugh. After he chewed me out big time all I could say was "yes sir" and hop out of his office feeling like I just went to the principal's office!
He put me in a boot contraption to keep me from walking and told me to find a way to the bathroom on my own. He also informed me not to walk as a form of exercise but he wants me on a bike. (Evidentally he never saw a three legged elephant ride a tricycle) Now I am on a mission to find a super duper stationary that will do all the little magics I need so when I get on the contraption it takes me to my happy place and when I get off a tad bit later I have the svelt bod I knew I had. Wow, what a run on I am!
I am getting ready to temper some chocolate so don't tell the guys that live here, they might not let it become candy! Yeah, I know, I'm supposed to be off my foot. There's this high back stool that fits into my kitchen and lets me work while sitting on my duf. You can't believe how hard it has been this week not making some yummies.
Paul came up with the name of my chocolate salon "Just Desserts" and it fits.
Right now I am watching the cooking show on tv (trying to stay off my foot) and this chef is making the most wonderful beef stew and I am wishing I had smellavision. Maybe I'll make it for supper........I'm gonna start a list of ingredients for Paul to get!
ttfn

Pros and Cons

2009-03-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

Pro--I have saved so much money on gas Con--My car has had a flat tire for a week & will not be fixed until next week.

Pro--I am still opening the chocolate salon Con--My financial backer isn't there yet.

Pro--I have had a couple hours of my head being clear! Con--I laid in bed since Friday with exhaustion and a migraine like no tomorrow!

Pro-My son, Phillip, got baptised Sunday! Con--I don't have a con, my son told the world that he is one of God's children!

Pro-I might get a special scooter to scoot around doing my little special things Con--I have to go to the foot doctors Tuesday and they want to scrape, peel, and dig into the medium sized hole that showed up in the bottom of my foot.

Pro-I am almost done with the SAT testing for 3 k-fivers, 1 first grader, 3 second graders, 2 fourth graders, 1 fifth grader, and 2 sixth graders. Con--We are only half way through the SAT tests.

Pro--There are three more great recipes I can work on this week. Con--This cold garbage is keeping me down so far and the thought of the doc saying six to eight weeks with the foot up is making me sicker.

Pro-Paul might stay at Sonrise. Con---Paul might stay at Sonrise because Sonrise Too looks like its a no go.

Wouldn't change my life for anything in the world! Well, maybe a little change might be interesting.
ttfn

chocolate addiction

2009-02-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have to start this post by showing of my 8 month old grandaughter who is the blessing I didn't think I would ever receive!

Hey, remember me? It's been so long that I actually had to try and remember my password!

Let me start where I left off.... that couch is still trying to travel. See the small area of tile? It wants to be on the rug in the worst way! This is Phillip filling in for me. At the other end you will find my dog peanut holding down her end.

This is why I need to stop by here more often. Now I have to stop and remember all that has happened since last post. Okay here it goes.... my niece, Autumn, had her baby the beginning of January. Her boyfriend is up to his no goods and she is still living in her dream world. Paul went to his doc appointment and we found out he has three meigiomous (not how its really spelled). So he tells everyone that the good news is his cholesterol and blood pressure is down to normal but the tumors press on his brain so he doesn't remember how he got them to go down! He is going to a neurosurgeon next month and an opthoneurosurgeon. Another niece, Jami, told us she was pregnant again with her second child before Christmas and we just spent the weekend with her. We went with her and her parents to a 4-d ultrasound. We were there when she found out she is having a girl! Her son is going to have a sister! Needless to say we were all so excited. Paul and I found out last week that our grandaughter is going to be a big sister sometime in October or November. We couldn't be happier!

Okay, pictures speak a thousand words.... let me say that the sixth time IS the charm! I have moved on now but I was a proud candy maker when this brittle came out the way it was supposed to .

I made 24 of these tea cups and packaged them with a rasberry tea bag inside. Then I made 36 packages of chocolate and caramel covered animal cookies for a Noah's Ark baby shower. I then moved on to making chocolates for my niece, Jami, who is craving chocolate.

Paul and I had a meeting with my parents who are also part owners of Sonrise and broke major news. Paul is looking at another building and considering opening up his own daycare. I then broke the news to them that this being my last year as the school teacher I am going ahead and opening a chocolate salon (snazzy way of saying chocolate store). They haven't said too much but I think they have resigned themselves to the fact that we want to step out on our own. We still will be part owners of Sonrise but will not actually take an hourly paycheck from Sonrise.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, my husband planned a relaxing and romantic getaway at The Inn on the Lake. We left on Friday and came back on Monday. We spent our 22nd anniversary (Valentines Day) there and he had 36 roses sent to me. This is the first time in seven years that he spent our anniversary with me. He normally is at Daytona watching nascar racing and watching Jeff Gordon drive around a track 500 laps. I am glad he remembers our anniversary and who he is married to. He said his sometimers kicks in every once in a while.

Speaking of nascar racing, that is what we are watching now and I have to see where Tony Stewart is in the race. While I am at it, I will have to take my turn on holding down the couch.

ttfn

Third Times a Charm, Nope Not Me!

2009-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

So......there is this recipe of peanut brittle that I am working on. The process is like this........I find a recipe and write it in my black book.....I get all the ingredients together and follow the recipe to a T......my first batch...failure.....second batch......failure....but tasted okay if you like the brittle stuck to your teeth.....I thought third times a charm.....it's not.....failure. So, I go back to the internet and find yet another recipe. This recipe tells me to use a candy thermometer sooooooo I am off to the store to gather yet another batch of ingredients and I will succeeeeeeeeeeeed. I will let you know how it turns out. I might even try to figure out my camera and laptop attraction and get pics of all the yummies!
While trying to make peanut brittle I made a wonderful batch of english toffee! This is how I stay from eating anything that is not good for my diet. I make huge batches and let everyone eat it! The teachers at Sonrise just love to be taste testers and hold nothing back on the taste.
My order for 24 white chocolate tea cups will be finished for delivery. I have twelve more to go! I got another order for Valentines Day so no one is waiting for the store to open!
Those of you who are following the couch saga.......I have been neglecting the couches since Friday and they are bemoaning this fact. The large one sits next to the window wall that goes out to the pool. It will not keep any of the 20 afghans on it at all! I need to get some kind of tape under its feet because it is constantly sliding accross the little bit of tile to get to the rug. I will get pics of this as well.
Right now I am off to the store for those ingredients to make that elusive brittle. I will win and make the best brittle in the state of Florida!!!!!!!!!!!
ttfn

Another Day Off After the Last Day Off!

2009-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, I can say I am lazy a little. I love to sit and be lazy and any chance there is I relish in doing absolutely nothing.
Then there is the rare occasion when I HAVE to get up and go to the bathroom and thats when it hists. That crazy little voice starts in and says its okay to do a little something...........so much for getting back to that couch!
It was all yesterday's fault. I started out with my schedule and what a schedule it was. I was so proud of myself in getting all that work on paper. Then I finished soaking my foot and reasoned with myself that I had to pencil in some of that lazy time.
My couch has a hard time with me being home all day and not paying attention to it. I kid you not! While walking by it that couch will slide on the tile and bump into me!
Around 11:30 yesterday IT happened.........I sat on the couch and it felt absolutely right! Needless to say I fell into the trap. My husband came by the house 3 times and told me I didn't need to couch sit....it wasn't going to go anywhere. After briefing him on the couch situation he told me he had to check out the bed and see if the bed was trying to run around with the couch. It wasn't but I let him take a quick nap.
This all brings me to today. I got up and prepared myself for another day of work. Took the 3 minute drive (my family walks it......I drive) to the school. After talking with the staff and seeing that there were minimum attendance there I shuffled everything around and decided I needed to complete that list of things I needed to get done.
Wouldn't you know it, as soon as I got home that dastardly couch started its antics again! So far I have put my blinders on and have avoided it and all its laziness.
I have also put my son to work and asked him to sit on the couch and i just looked up to see him curled up and snoozing! How sweet and a little envious.
I just finished browsing my blog favs and My friend who trips down the narrow lane is also at home.......waiting for it to snow! It's kinda cold and windy here......trying to reach the 60s. My niece's blog has informed me that she is in need of chocolates and so I have schedule in some to make. She is pregnant and whatever a pregnant woman wants she gets.
ttfn

Another Day Off

2009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have been here. After checking all the blogs I love to follow there was a slight twinge of guilt. I had a two week winter break from school and took advantage of it. My schedule consisted of relaxing, thinking about relaxing, trying out every angle of relaxing on every relaxable piece of furniture in the house, finding all my relaxing clothes, and waking myself up from relaxing way too much. Now some of you might mistake this schedule as being lazy but let me tell you it was hard work.
Today, being Martin Luther Day, is another day off for me. Its a little warmer today than it has been last week. Those of you who live where winter is winter and there is a huge difference in your seasons will not understand the type of cold we have. The humidity in the air stays thick but when it gets cold that humidity goes right through you.
My schedule today is just a day without being in a classroom. Its not a day off. I have dishes that I am working on a little at a time, The laundry is being done as I write this and its not just laundry from the house; the nursery laundry finds its way here as well. My left foot is soaking in a bucket of epsom and water. Being diabetic makes any cut or sore on my feet a major production and this hole is no different. My Mother-in-Law came down for a visit and a check on the health of Paul so the guest bedroom needs to be taken care of . My scrap room slash chocolate room needs some serious attention and I have an order of 24 white chocolate tea cups and saucers to make. If I can touch base with everything I just mentioned it will be a great day.
Oh, before I forget, yesterday I stepped on the scale and it didn't scream for me to get off! No, really I lost another pound.....25 pounds lighter! I don't care how long it takes to lose 60 more pounds but its coming off!
ttfn

2008-12-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

Precious Asylia has accomplished so much this past month! She has cut two bottom teeth and is now working on four more. She learned how to crawl and is trying to stand up. The very next day she figured out how to sit up on her own and get back down to crawl.

Her eating habits have changed so much now and she seems to like anything you give her as long as she can hold it herself.

Her hair has touches of red in it and she still looks adorable! We tell Grandpa that it was his touch cuteness that makes it all worth while.

Asylia is not afraid of trying anything. She didn't like the combination of squash and applesauce but other than that she is not picky.

This was a picture of Asylia eating her very first jar of baby food. Green peas could not be eaten fast enough.

The Last Day of 2008

2008-12-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

My Gramma used to say my my my where did the time go! How true it is. The last two weeks didn't tick away it picked up and ran! Sonrise put on its first annual cookie exchange on the Friday before Christmas. I can't believe how well it went or how many people didn't know how a cookie exchange worked. I really enjoyed being a part of this and getting to know more about everyone. The hardest part for me was my claustrophobia kicked in when everyone came into the cookie room and got ready to pick up cookies. I said what I had to say and ran out of the room. It was so much fun (other than the claustro stuff) and a great way to get to hang around a bunch of interesting people.
Christmas week was extremely hectic but I enjoyed every second of it. I spent the month before getting all the crafty ideas for this week all on paper and had almost everything together to pull it off. The Christmas card books came in and then signed and sent out, the cloth covered and paper filled picture books were all made for the neices and nephews, the candy making ( chocolate covered ritz peanut butter crackers, caramel and chocolate covered potatoe chips, reindeer droppings, and chocolate covered oreo cookies on a stick) went well into Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Then we delivered the goodies in the morning. After a small rest we packed up the rest of the presents and goodies and drove to Naples to gather with the rest of the family. My best friend (sister in law) Karen, Doug, Jami, Justin, Jaydon, Justina, Zachary, Preston, Alysa, Paul Anthony, Asylia, Phillip, Paul, and myself enjoyed our annual Christmas gathering. Normally, we would all gather for New Years and pass out the presents but this year Karen wanted to do a big Christmas dinner. She outdid herself and put out a pluthera of her favorite dishes.
This New Years week was no slacker either. I spent the first part of the week making thankyou candies for the teachers. They all got together and bought Paul and I gift cards to Carabbas. I made them Grandma Kelly's peppermint hearts. After delivering them this morning I quickly gathered the rest of the snacks and such for the New Year Eve's festivities. Paul and I are staying at home this year and bringing in the 2009 with Alysa, Paul Anthony, Asylia, Lucky, and Phillip. I am so ready to relax and enjoy the few hours left of 2008.
I don't usually make New Years resolutions but I try to keep a teachable spirit. This year I want to work on relaxing more and enjoying the precious time with my family. We all move at such a fast rate that I have to look back at the pictures to remember what happened.
Well I normally sign off ttfn but tonight it is ttny.

Getting That Christmas Spirit

2008-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Its been hard to accept the end of this year but it keeps coming no matter how hard I try to slow it down. Getting into the holiday season has been hard for me. We have never been much on decorating at the house. We like to keep it simple and enjoy decorating a tree or two. The school is decorated for the children and its fun to see their faces light up. Their excitement makes it hard to teach anything new before Christmas.
Back to my house; Paul went out and put up our red and green lights then declared the house decorated. Phillip put up the sports tree in the livingroom but has neglected to put anything else on it. Today Paul and I are finishing up the homemade gifts so we can send them out. We are also working on our homemade cookies for the school's first cookie exchange. The last item on our to do list is to finish up the Christmas cards. After our to do list is complete I just might have time to do some Christmas shopping and finish the crafts that scream to be completed.
Don't know for sure but I think the Christmas spirit just might be sinking in. I don't mind it winning.
ttfn

Life Goes On

2008-12-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

This week was a "in your face" kind of week. The children were all there and having a great week so I can't blame them for anything. I guess it was just everything else that could be thrown at me made it that kind of week. Without boring anyone on the great stressed details let me just say that I have almost had enough! That cabin in the woods of Maine is calling me non stop! Hibernation is the only answer to all of this and I would do it in a hear beat if I was by myself.
Okay, I'll take a breath and give you a run down on some of this weeks good points...........I'm still taking that breath and trying to remember the good points..........my son, Paul Anthony, might have a full time job.....YES I SAID J-O-B! Asylia has two beautiful shiny new teethies and knows how to use them. I lost another pound-a total of 21 so far. And I am thinking about switching my career!
Yes, I said I am thinking about switching my career! I want to still own my own business but just by myself. My husband wants us to open up another daycare by ourselves but I am thinking totally different. I want to open up Grammy Kelly's Sweet Creations. Totally different than what the last twenty years have been for me. I got the idea from my sister-in-law Becky. She owns a candy company but it is very upscale chocolates geared for adults. My store will be geared for children first and adults second. All of this is running through my head and now I need to write out my business plan and make it a reality. I know some of the people around me thing I am going off the deep end but I think I like this side of the pool and don't mind the deep end.
Paul is doing fine lately. He is taking his meds religiously and thinking positive. His eye is looking almost normal again. He says its so stressful trying to make life less stressful. I tend to agree with him. He goes back to the docs in a couple of months to hear how everything is going. My prayer is that the two tumors are gone. Don't laugh, it could happen!
ttfn

Just Like That

2008-12-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

I took Paul back to the doctors and we found out he had paralyses of the third nerve?????? The doctor said it was not a stroke (thank God) but after looking at his mri and mra the doctor said he has two tumors that are malignent but needs to be watched. If they grow or change they will need to remove them. They are not in the brain but on the outside of the brain. The doctor does not want them to grow and press on the brain. This all sounds kind of way out there to me but I know our God will only give us what we can handle. Paul has taken the news fairly well but the meds that the doctor has him on (four kinds) cost over 500 a month. Kind of hard to keep the stress at bay with that news.

On the brighter side of life, we found out that our neice, Jami, and her husband are expecting their second child! I sometimes get the feeling that someone close to me is pregnant and all the fertile ladies run far away. Well, I guess Jami didn't run far enough. Jami, if you read this, Alysa is so glad she can stop taking pregnancy tests now! She is sooooo excited for you guys and will be calling soon.

Have you ever used shrinky dink paper before? I got hooked last week when a parent brought some in and we made Thanksgiving place cards. What fun! I went to ACMoore this weekend and bought some for myself. Now I am tracing, coloring, cutting, and shrinking to my hearts content! I can't get enough of it.
ttfn

What a Shocker!!!!

2008-11-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

I took Paul to get his blood tests and doctors appointment on Monday. The news just blew us off our seats. First of all his doctor was concerned with his eye closing and said it was paralyzed. He then sent him to get MRI and MrA done. He told us he was concerned that he had an aneurism and would need surgery that day. When we finally got back to his office he told us that Paul had a stroke! What a shocker! On one hand we were thankful that he didn't have to have surgery but then we were numb with the news. Today he is still on all the meds and trying to rest. We go back to the doctors on Monday and find out more info on what he is to do to prevent another stroke. Tomorrow for Thanksgiving is truly a time to reflect and be thankful for us. We wanted a relaxed and stress free day so I think Paul made sure to get all his stress out before tomorrow.
ttfn

2008-11-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

Empty Nest

2008-11-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

Paul and I have one son who is living with us. Phillip is only 17 and he is unsure what he is going to be when he grows up. His cousin, Justina, is graduating (cap and gown) this year from high school and we are all so excited for her. She is looking at colleges and trying to settle on one to attend. Phillip is choosing to take his GED this year. He doesn't really say too much on why he is choosing this avenue but I am glad he wants to finish high school. Going to school and learning in the traditional sense was always so difficult for him. Now that he is studying for his GED he is gaining confidence in himself. I am not sure what the highest score you can get on each test section but he is scoring 800 on almost all of them. The only one that he is working on is the math section where he is currently scoring 670. I'm sure he will pass with flying colors and I can't wait to see him with his diploma!
Phillip has decided to spend the weekend with my so called "adopted son", Lucky. So Paul and I have an empty nest this weekend. Its going great with one exception; Paul is sick. He has been struggling with migrane headaches and his right eye is drooping shut with that side of his face swelling. I think he is finally convinced to go to the doctors! He went three weeks ago because of a bad cold and earaches and the doctor told him to get all his blood work done and come back. He never did it and now regrets it. A couple of years ago he suffered from bells palsey on one side of his face and I am afraid its something along the same lines. I am following his lead, though, and not getting overly concerned. That only makes him more macho and stubborn. That's just the tip of the iceburg! The doctor told him his thyroid most likely has stopped working, his cholestorol is probable through the roof, and his blood pressure is off the charts! I think we should induce a coma and make him take his meds, feed him through a tube, and put his body on the treadmill with a pully system. He doesn't think thats funny but I told him that is where he is heading.
I am staying close to home and keeping busy with all my craft projects just so I can keep an eye on him. Not a fun way to spend the weekend but I'll manage.
ttfn

Who Needs an Alarm Clock

2008-11-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

A long time ago my grandparents and great grandparents never had alarm clocks. (dating myself a little) For the past four or five years my husband has been my alarm clock. That wasn't too much of a problem as long as I didn't party too hard the night before. Well, my body is following what the experts say, when you get older you don't need as much sleep. This seems to be what is happening. For the past month or so I have been getting up at 7 in the morning. My body handled that so well it is trying to get me up earlier. Last week I was waking up at 6 and I would tell myself to go back to sleep. This morning my body not only woke up at 5:30 but it got out of bed and started laundry, did dishes, and worked on some scrapping I was working on lastnight! It was 7:30 before I realized I was fully dressed for work and was planning my afternoon! Please, someone tell me that this won't happen on a daily basis! I'm beginning to act like my grandparents! It's really not that bad; I did get a lot accomplished this morning and Paul enjoyed the company. The only drawback I am seeing so far is its not yet 7:30 and I am going to get ready for bed.
ttfn

ooopppps

2008-11-16T04:44:00.000-08:00

Paul and I were reading some of my previous posts and what an airhead I am. I wrote that Shadrach, Meshack, and Abendigo whent into the lions den. What a ditz! I know that it was Daniel in the lion's den but scrambled them all in my head and came out with my version of what happened. Isn't that what we are taught to do? Okay, I'll put Daniel in the lion's den and the other three back in the fire.
We had our "business" meeting yesterday. Do you ever think about what you are going to say and have the whole meeting all planned out? I knew just what Paul and I were going to say and how the meeting was going to end. You would think that I would know better. It never goes according to what my mind played out. Instead of getting rid of some stress more has been added. Hopefully, for only a short time. Only time will tell.
On another totally different channel- Paul let the dish go for the tv and we have been without tv for about three days now. I thought we would go through withdrawals but so far so good. Last night we found hulu.com and watched my shows that I follow. It was great to watch tv without all that commercial interruption. You also get to watch the shows when you can; just like recording it. This morning Paul found a radio station on the computer so we have been listening to it this morning. He said we are saving about 80 dollars a month without the dish.
What about the tvs you might ask. Well, Paul and Phillip have plugged my laptop into the tvs and now we watch it that way. How clever they are!
ttfn

Stress anyone?

2008-11-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, stress has taken over my life and no matter how hard I try and fight it stress is winning! There are so many areas in my life that I have tried to keep the stress at bay. Three or four years ago I was winning the battle and kept it that way for that many years. Don't ask me how it worked its cunning magic and found its way back into my life but it did. My nights are now full of worry and my days are no picnic either. It would take me all night to write down all the parts of my life that is affected by stress. Its way easier to say what parts haven't been touched by STRESS, okay..............well.............ummmm............you get the picture! There is none! I am very serious when I say this. I can't go into too much detail and its killing me!
Tomorrow Paul and I are having a business meeting with my parents. Let me just say right now, never, never, never start a business with family! No matter what anyone tells you don't do it! It never works out in the long run and you end up with a crap load of stress every single day that you cannot unload. I love my parents as my parents but that is as far as I should of gone. Paul and I thought we were helping them out and setting them up for a great retirement. We busted our butts day in and day out for eleven years and for what. We set ourselves up to be kicked in the teeth at least five or six times a day and I am so ready to call it quits! Living in a cabin somewhere in the NH woods with no electricity or any way for other humans to contact me is looking like my only option right now.
That's just a little smidging of the stress that has taken over my life. After tomorrow's little meeting I might not have people that would let me call them parents. I have been the black sheep of the family before and it looks like that position is wide open for me and my name is written on the chair. At this point in my life being 44 this all sucks!
On the really bleak bright side my grandbaby Asylia turned five months yesterday and today she popped her first tooth through her cute little gummies! She makes me smile even when she is screeming and fussy and wanting nothing else but to be held by me while I am pacing the floors. Sitting down is not an option while holding her. You have to be up and switch her sitting position on you just right while rocking, singing, and bouncing her. I have quit the gym membership and joined the Asylia club. What a workout!
ttfn

Reflecting

2008-11-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day and I find myself reflecting. My live has been touched by veterans in many areas. Strangely, the men and women that are veterans have told me just enough to make me curious about their time of service. Even more strangely, these same people are more interested in what they can do in the here and now and don't really want to talk a whole lot about what happened when they were in service.
There was a man who was killed in Cape Coral by a drunk driver and we heard about how he served our country but I would of liked to of heard about it when he landed and visited Cape Coral not after his death. It was very sad and disturbing how he died but I would like to know who he was and what he accomplished as a soldier for America.
Many of the parents in our day care have family and friends who have also served. There is not a child in our care who has not been touched by someone who has served. That is an amazing thought. When I was young there were some children who did not know anyone who served for our freedoms as well as for other countries. My stepfather served in the Veitnam War and has suffered the side affects even now. He was never able to have children because of the agent orange that he had sprayed on him while trying to protect the people from being overrun with communism. He has blood in his urine and everytime he goes to the VA or family doctor they want to do a ton of tests to figure out why.
There is a boy that I taught in fifth grade who came by to thank me for teaching him. He let me know that he was going in the service and was promised that he would not be serving in Iraq. This was over a year ago and we have not heard from him since. I wish we would hear from him soon.
ttfn

A Week to Remember?

2008-11-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Monday was a day to remember. Don't know if anything really big happened. Oh yeah, I watched Asylia and gave her a bath. She is getting so big; almost five months already.
Tuesday we (Paul and I) went and voted. We tried not to watch the tv for various reasons but Paul said he turned it on before going to bed and couldn't sleep.
Wednesday I went to work and put the flag my husband put at half mast because he was mourning for our country to full mast before going in to work. All I am going to say about this whole matter is that if Joseph can work for a bad pharoah, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo did not bow to the kings laws and walked in the lions den. and many other people in the Bible had to live through terrible reigns then I can do it as well.
Thursday was work as usual. Asylia came home with me and we had fun.
Friday was work as usual with a couple of tense moments with adults but my class went pretty well. I have had a lot of my students out with various ailments so it has been hit or miss this week as far as our tests go.
Today we had to go to a three hour class of vpk and it was very informational. I hope to have us vpk ready for August 2009. We have been told we are 99% there and will have no problems transitioning to vpk.
Okay, again I ask is this a great week to remember and my answer is yes. Not for the election but what I elected to get accomplished this week. I did my part in this big election and am going to trust that God knows what he is doing.
ttfn

Still Scrapping!

2008-11-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

I know its only 11 p.m. but I have been scrapping all day and its time to hit the hay. Tomorrow will be filled with finishing up the projects I started today.
My daughter in law, Alysa came by with Paul Anthony and Asylia. Alysa made us lasagna for supper and it was delicious! She even sat down with me and scrapped some of the baby shower bags. She is very creative and she didn't really want to leave. We had a good time and maybe she will come by more often (when she isn't working, going to school, taking care of Asylia, and trying to visit with her busy mom) and continue to scrap with me.
My niece, Jami turned tweny-one this week and she is down in Naples visiting with her family. She and her husband celebratied their 4th wedding anniversary days ago as well! Gosh do I feel old! She is such a good wife and mother and its fun to see her continue to grow up. I wish we all lived closer together so we could all get together more often. Oh well, I guess we all have our dreams and desires.
I'm tired and think the bed is calling my name. I hate getting old! It wasn't too long ago I could pull all nighters and be okay. Now if I go past ten my brain shuts down! Thats even after drinking coffee, energy drinks, and mountain dew! GOODNIGHT!!!!!

I'm Scrapping all Weekend

2008-10-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Scrapping is so time consuming but fun. Being so anal I have to clean my space, organize all my tools, gather all the paper and stamps and stickers, and only then can I scrap. I will not stop until the project is done.
I plan on cleaning my scrap room for a little bit, gather my stuff for Autumn's baby shower projects, and scrap until everything is done. Autumn's shower is planned for Dec. 6th but I want to get everything done for the shower so I can work on my Christmas projects.

Its not the cold filling my head with junk anymore!

2008-10-29T15:33:00.008-07:00

I never like to talk about politics with absolutely anyone, not even my husband. But this whole election thing is really getting to me. I know who I am voting for and no matter what I hear or see is going to change my mind. My dad made a statement a while ago and I have had to use it two or three times every day. He said someone told him to vote the Bible. It took me a while to figure this out but I know what it means to me. Now, like I said I never talk politics but my head is so full of all the blah blah blah about this election my brain wants to vomit!!!! Both parties have said all that they needed to say at least three months ago and now have resorted to name calling. I would just love to get both parties in the same room and talk to them like I talk with the students in my class. I scream at the tv everytime I hear their whining ads. All the money they've wasted putting making the ads could be used for other things that matter. Don't get me started on this wardrobe crap!!!!!! What a waste of air, money, and attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!My tongue has a permanent bite mark because of the garbage that parents are talking to my students about. Some of them have a great grasp on the major points of the election but some are just clueless and don't realize that their children are listening and trying to understand it all. Its not my place to give them my viewpoint or opinion but when some come to school and say that if Obama gets to be king then they are moving to Canada I can't help but laugh! Didn't want to also let him see my head nodding in agreement.
Sometimes I just want to SCREAM at everyone that thinks I need to hear about their opinion or what they heard or know about Obama or McCain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to do my part and vote and go eat chocolate cake and wait to hear if I need to get my suitcase out from under my bed and change my citizenship or not.
ttfn

A Day to Myself

2008-10-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a day just for me. I tried to do nothing for anybody else but myself. Of course, that didn't do too well for me. I am just not happy unless there are things I can do for others. The day started out with doing laundry and the dog getting a bath and haircut. I must say the bath and haircut was for me because Peanut was a mess. Poor thing looked like an orphan dog. After that I went and had my hair colored and cut. I think MacKenzie read the wrong color notes because my hair strangly looks the same color as Alysa's. I think she put Alysa's color on me.
I don't really think this is my color but I am so relaxed and have been so many different colors that it doesn't bother me.
This blog thing has been a real release for me. Yes, I tend to be self-absorbed at times and the things I talk about tend to be light. Well, its real hard for me to let anybody know my worries or my opinion on anything. My husband tends to get the brunt of that but there has been a change in our relationship and without going into it at length lets just say I now have to put my big girl panties on and be an independent thinker and have my own things to act upon. My biggest one is not agreeing with this housing market and the choices or alternatives. We have two houses, my son Paul Anthony and his wife Alysa lives in one and we live in the other. My husband found this house we live in and had it almost bought before he told me about it. Don't get me wrong I was a willing partner and fell in love with it right away. Paul took care of all the negotiations that had to be done and we moved over a year ago. He did tell me that we would be here for five years and then we would move again. In this manner he wanted to make money. I agreed and was comfortable with the set up of living in a house I loved and we still owned the other as a rental. Well, that was all before this crazy economy we have now. I still trust Paul in what ever decision he makes but I think it sucks that we might lose not one house but possibly two. I am going to have to pay more attention and ask my own questions and be an active participant in the future conversations regarding our finances.
Okay, enough heavy stuff for now. This weekend needs to be a stress free weekend.
Next time I blog I will have to tell you about taking Asylia to the doctors Thursday.
ttfn

I'm going to bed 18 pounds lighter

2008-10-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a satisfied smug look but for right now I feel I deserve it. Okay, so tomorrow its back to the grindstone and try to lose another pound.

I know I know its only Tuesday

2008-10-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hey I just had to let someone know I lost 18 pounds so far! This cleaning diet was one of the hardest things to do and to follow it up with eating only raw foods was hell. Now I have been basically eating one meal and drinking shakes for two others. I still eat all the fruits and veggies I want.
This cold is still trying to get a firm grip on me but I think I have kicked most of it out of my system. Asylia just went to the doctors for her next shots but the doctor said she still has the cold and it went to both of her ears so she will get her shots next visit. You would never know she has a double ear infection.....she is bubblier than ever.
This new found pound loss is really a big deal and after talking with everyone today I guess I am the only person who should be proud. Everyone else has their own lives and hurtles to jump over but mine is mine and for right now I am going to pat myself on my own back and keep going.
Gotta go and grade some papers and get ready for a great weekend. My best friend is coming up and we are going to spend the weekend scrapping! I have not been scrapping in a long time and can't wait to get my hands on all my paper!
ttfn

Pajama Day

2008-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like living the whole day in your pajamas! This cold issue is really cramping my style today but it still feels good to spend the day in my pjs. The only other thing that would complete this day is a scary movie or two to watch. I actually slept in until 12 and could seriously take a nap now at 4;30.
My mom and dad came by today to show off my mom's face. It's not pretty but it could of been alot worse. Let me tell you what she did.... My mother works in only one speed (fast) and there is no way of understanding why she does the things she does. Friday (which was my husband's b-day) my mom was bringing in groceries from her car when she tripped over a bag and fell full face onto her tile floor. Major ouch! She called dad to come and take her to the hospital and I stayed on the phone until dad got to the house. She had to get a cat scan and four hours later left the er with stitches in her forhead, cuts on the bridge of her nose and a tetanus shot. Today she has two swollen eyes and a swollen nose because of her sunglasses she had on. Her stitches on her hairline looks good but the bruised and swollen forhead looks bad. Obviously she does not want to come to work tomorrow and I don't blame her.
Did I ever tell you about my husband, Paul? I have to give him credit, he is a great cook. I only cook when I want my comfort foods and can't get them made at a restaraunt. Today after church he made me his homemade garlic soup. I know, at first I said the same thing but it tasted soooooo good! He set off the smoke detectors because he burned the bread but he rescued them and they even tasted good. I love being his taste tester!

Saturday Sweetness

2008-10-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

For a couple of hours this morning I felt on top of the world and this little angel is the reason why!

Its Saturday and I'm sick!

2008-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

This week has gone by so fast and the stress was double. I have tried to stay upbeat and keep a positive attitude but I'm sick! I'm sick of people talking about my life so openly and giving their opinions so freely but stop as soon as they see me. Sick of people all being in a hurry and not wanting to hold on a conversation, just want to give their opinion and run off. Oh, and sick of driving with the bunch of freaking idiots in this town.
Did I mention that with all this stress I fought off this head cold for three days and am now officially sick! Chicken soup is on the menu for this evening and maybe fluffy pillows with a few dozen stacks of tissues near by.
The bright spot in this day was Asylia came by and we had breakfast together. We tried to have a morning nap and before we knew it mommy and daddy came by to pick her up. Another bright spot was Alysa and Paul Anthony showing me how to use my web cam. Now I have to keep practicing to keep it fresh in my mind.
My scale is telling me the diet is going well, I am down by 15 pounds and my blood sugar is staying the same. Can't wait to get it down to a normal rate.

Just spouting off or whining

2008-10-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

I feel stress so different now that I am older. When I was a teenager I could stay up all night and not feel anything but energetic the following day. In college I would work part time, attend classes, socialize, and stay up during the night studying. My body would react to this with little to no problem. NOW, my body reacts to the littlest change in my stress level. My eye started twitching and I look like I am giving people the evil eye.
In one of the classes a group of us are taking the teacher asked a question. She asked that if we died today what would we want to be remembered for. That question has got me thinking again about all the things I want to do. My answer was that I would like to be remembered for setting a great example of living a life that God wanted me to. It seemed kind of lame to say it without explaining myself but I knew what I meant. Now I am reviewing all that I have done and all I have started. There is nothing to change with the things I have done and I am proud to say I would not change anything. Its the things I have started but for various reasons didn't finish. My list is growing daily but my goal is to take a good look at them all and try to finish the ones that are most important to me.
As of late I have been struggling with a couple of close relationships. They are not changing or moving forward and I am having a real hard time accepting what these people are telling me. One is telling me by their actions and words that the relationship is never going to change no matter how much I try. I can accept this but the other one has been a huge blow to me personally. I guess I have to think about what I personally am going to do. I have to get over the shock and hurt of not being wanted and then the next step is to get over it and move forward in my own life. This is more stress right now and I guess I have to eliminate more stress some where else.
Okay, enough whining for now. As someone has once said, "Kelly, just put your big girl panties on and deal with it!" But I don't wanna!

It is Friday isn't it?

2008-10-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

I think its Friday because of all the things I had to get done in class today. It has to be Friday because of the way the kids acted all day. I am exhausted so it has to be Friday. I feel FRIed so it is Friday.

I spent the last couple of nights looking at other blogs and mine is so young compared to so many of the others. This is me so I guess I have to deal with it. Even my nieces blog (hey Jam-Jam) is so interesting and full of info!

I have a ton of book work to do this weekend. Making all the changes at school is going to be such a challenge while I am still a full time elementary teacher. I already feel like I am being pulled five different ways.

Part of my new position is hiring and firing which is the hardest thing to do (in my opinion). Today I had to lay off ( kinda in the firing category) one of the teachers and I actually got a hug! It seems that is what she has really wanted for about a year. It was so strange! Now its time to increase enrollment again and work the new curriculum with everyone there.

This learning thing is great and all but now I know why they try to have you do most of the learning and stretching your brain while young. My body is actually rebelling and putting all this new stuff in my small brain pushes all the usual stuff out like: asking yourself half way through the day if you remembered to put on underwear this morning, telling your students to get ready for their smelling best, and best of all when the cashier at the grocery store says that the total was $62.39 and you give her a twenty and walk away. They don't understand at all what is happening in your brain and I don't think they really care!

By the way I could try to pass this picture off of myself if I really had the where with all but what the hell........ it's my husband. NO, he doesn't really look this good, its the hat and hair my son is going to wear for halloween.

I found out why everyone hates the word diet........ you die if you do it!

The Day Before Friday

2008-10-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

I just spent the last ten minutes typing everything I wanted to say and pressed one wrong button on my laptop and erased everything. How maddening!
I usually blog on Fridays but thought I would change things up a little. I am not one to embrace change but thought what the heck lets go for it.
My diet is going okay. I lost thirteen pounds and a bunch of points on my sugar meter. After spending ten days only eating raw fruits and veggies I thought my body would change faster. You know what they say.... it takes a long time to put the fat on and it will take just as long to take it off. I don't want to wait that long!
Paul and I are still going to various classes to keep our directors title at the Academy. We have decided to make some major changes and have put our heads together. When we get it all on paper and iron most of the kinks out we will be sharing in director title at the Academy. So I will be going through another major change in my life. I have been a teacher since forever and now I will be director of teachers and curriculum. I am excited and frightened at the same time.
Asylia went to the doctors this week and she has bronchitis. Poor thing lost her voice for a while but is doing much better. She is growing into such a beautiful little girl! Alysa and I took her to get her ears pierced and mommy cried more than Asylia did! I didn't think it was possible for her to look any more beautiful!

Life worth living

2008-09-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

She makes life worth living. No matter how "hard" I feel this diet is or how unfair life is Asylia can come and change things. She doesn't even know what she is doing but she melts my heart and makes my life pause. When she smiles she makes everything okay.

Alysa gave Asylia a bath and put her in pjs for bed. Asylia was full of energy and had no intention of falling asleep. Grammy got out the camera and started snapping away. After a hundred snaps later Asylia still was not ready to snooze.

When they left at midnight I had a better perspective on life. Sure I still think I was handed a crappy body and I think eating raw foods most of the time really really sucks!

The Cheat Day

2008-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

It has been 11 days of only eating everything raw and starting the detox of my body. Well today became the cheat day. I still took all my herbs, vitamins, and minerals all day. Its just that I don't think I could put another vegatable or fruit into my mouth. I tried this morning by cutting up an apple but took one bite and almost vomited.
Well, tomorrow is another day and I intend to continue with the fruits and veggies or not eat at all. My sugar level was still in the 200s so I know I have a long way to go. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole life! I do not want to dwell on it too much but I have no other choice but to succeed at this. If this doesn't work my life doesn't look great.
I have soooo much to put down but the kind of mood I am in right now it would all be negative and rambling. Alysa is here with Asylia right now and she is trying to study for a test she is taking in the morning. Paul and I have a ton of classes and tests to do but I don't feel like looking at any of it right now. Matter of fact I don't feel like doing much of anything right now but sit with my grandaughter and rock her to sleep.

My Beautiful Granddaughter Asylia

2008-09-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken when Asylia was only 2 months old. You can see why it's soooo easy to fall in love with this little princess. The little girl beside her is 4 months old.

Thank God Its Friday

2008-09-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Yuppers!!!! Today is Friday. They seem extra hard for me because being a teacher, I want to cram everything I can on Friday. The kids don't seem to mind because they think they have all weekend to make sure everything gets done.
My last blog was a first one for me and I am still trying to get the hang of things. I am going to try to put pictures and other stuff here so I am still working on it.
I also said I was taking a big step and trying to cure myself of type 2 diabetes. The update on that is I am doing it!!!! My numbers (those of you with diabetes know what I am talking about) have come down by 100 points so I am in the high 200. The treatment I am doing is hard at times but there is no way I am going to stop. I have a lot of support from my co-workers, friends, and family.
My granddaughter, Asylia, is supposed to be with me this afternoon but I chose to come home and write this and go shopping for her. It has become a tradition of mine since she was born (three months ago) to go shopping for her every Friday.
If I could leave anything for anybody I would leave this pearl of wisdom: whenever you start to do anything that has directions........READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

The First Step

2008-09-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is all new to me! This is the first step for many journeys I am taking. It seems this is how my life is moving... I never just take one step at a time. This is an exciting time for me as well as a scary kind of crazy time. Keeping on the first step theme; first step posting a blog, first step in being a new grammy, first step in having my home life change once again, and first step in getting my health back on track.
The last first step is the reason why I am motivated to write this blog. Sharing my life and health will be the biggest part of the healing process. No one else is going to help me on this health journey or should I say no one else can do it for me. This is not just another diet! I am attempting to rid myself of type 2 diabetes in thirty days.
I am going to be on a thirty day detox program and want to blog it all. This will help in many ways and I am nervous but can't wait.