Today was a great day! The sun was shining and I had decided while I was still laying in bed that I was going to ditch the gym this morning and just have a laid back day with the girls. No school, no commitments, just whatever and wherever the wind would blow us.
It always amazes me that as long as Reese has been on this planet...4 and a bit years...and all the days I have prepared her breakfast, she still seems to think she needs to remind me to make her meal as soon as she wakes up. I can't even wipe the crusties out of my eyes without her screaming at me that its breakfast time and that I should not forget about it. I tell her all the time, "Reese...mommy knows its breakfast time and trust me, you will not starve today!". So breakfast it was, cleaned that up and got the girls dressed and we headed outside.
We played all morning on the front lawn. The girls are getting to a great age to play together. I think Reese is finally glad that she can play with her baby sister. We told her the moment we were pregnant with Marli that she was getting someone to play with...so finally after 2 years...she can. They pushed each other around on scooters and push toys. Played ball, and with chalk...great morning! I had needed dish soap so I decided that we would take a hike over to the corner store to get some and maybe add in a little treat. Left the stroller at home because, well, Marli is a big girl...she can walk...or so I thought! Reese took her scooter and ditched it as soon as we rounded the corner of our street. Marli screamed at me every two seconds to pick her up, and I had to drag a scooter along with me...all the way to the store. A gazillion light years later we finally reach the store...raid it of candy and apple juice and jet back on our journey home. Get half way home only to realise I forgot the damn dish soap...FRIG ME! Not going back...decided, I will borrow some from my lovely neighbour. I turn around to tell Marli to keep up with us only to notice she is hacking on one of her candies...Swedish Berries to be exact. I run over to her when the berry comes flying out of her mouth onto the ground.
Me: "Yucky now Marli...you can't eat that candy...let's go"
(let me just say it was her very last one she had shot onto the ground)
Marli: "Nooooooo!!" she whacked my hand away as I was trying to pick it up...swooped in and picked up the candy and put it right back into her mouth.
Marli: "Mmmmm...gooood!"
Ah shit....what can I do?? Not a damn thang! Two second rule right???
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Love the Skin You're in!!!
So...30...is the time when you feel like there is no time to turn the clock back! The damage is done! I have bowed down and am trying Oil of Olay.
I feel like the wrinkles that are starting are just going to keep getting wider and longer. The dark circles under my eyes are just going to get deeper and darker...like the dark depths of the ocean. So I turn to products!! In my younger days...I looked at these products as things "old people" use. Well now...I am that "old person".
My get young again squad...which compiled of myself, Reese and Marli went on a mission to Wallmart to get my collection of secret potions to get my face back to the younger years. I was feenin for this crap! I was reading labels and directions...urning for things that said, "firmer, smoother, lightening!". I do look in the mirror these days and see another person. I see a woman that is more confident, more sure of why I am here on earth, more accepting of all the curves God has given me. But I also see things that I never knew would happen to me. I thought I would be 25 forever! This is not the case.
I will age in a way that is like no other. I am okay with that. These products I have bought to make me feel younger is just that. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel your vibrant self. Wanting others to know you are taking this next step in your life with acceptance and vulnerability.
If a small bottle of eye serum makes me walk out of my front door with my shoulders back and my head held high...well...I will dot that cream on ever so delicately and face the world with a smile from ear to ear.
I feel like the wrinkles that are starting are just going to keep getting wider and longer. The dark circles under my eyes are just going to get deeper and darker...like the dark depths of the ocean. So I turn to products!! In my younger days...I looked at these products as things "old people" use. Well now...I am that "old person".
My get young again squad...which compiled of myself, Reese and Marli went on a mission to Wallmart to get my collection of secret potions to get my face back to the younger years. I was feenin for this crap! I was reading labels and directions...urning for things that said, "firmer, smoother, lightening!". I do look in the mirror these days and see another person. I see a woman that is more confident, more sure of why I am here on earth, more accepting of all the curves God has given me. But I also see things that I never knew would happen to me. I thought I would be 25 forever! This is not the case.
I will age in a way that is like no other. I am okay with that. These products I have bought to make me feel younger is just that. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel your vibrant self. Wanting others to know you are taking this next step in your life with acceptance and vulnerability.
If a small bottle of eye serum makes me walk out of my front door with my shoulders back and my head held high...well...I will dot that cream on ever so delicately and face the world with a smile from ear to ear.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Great Mashed Potato Debate
So...your thinking...mashed potatoes...ugh they take sooo long to cook! Maybe I should just try instant?? Well, I put this question to the test...in a not-on-purpose kind of way. Get ready for a great story! My family will be telling this one to my grandkids.
Reese has this event at her school called "Turkey Lunch". They have it every year, where the entire school gathers in the gym and enjoys a nice hot turkey lunch. All the kids wear green and red for the season, sing carols and just have a ball with all their friends and teachers.
When they asked for volunteers I was up for the challenge. I wanted to take part in something at her school and thought this was a great idea. They needed helpers for set-up, the day of help, cooking mashed potatoes, and clean-up afterwards. I signed up for the whole canoodle! The more helpers, the quicker it goes right?
Well, last week was crazy! I mean holy shit balls crazy. I had Reese's birthday party on Saturday morning, a family Christmas dinner Saturday night, and Disney Princess's on Ice on Sunday. Plus I had volunteered to help out on Wednesday and Thursday for this turkey lunch.
Wednesday set-up was great! Went quick and effortless and I was on my marry way. Thursday was another story. Do you ever have those days when you are running around like your a crack whore running from your pimp, that you feel like you are going to throw up? That was Thursday. I had to be at the school for 11am for the lunch to start at 11:30. Before this time I still had to wake my ass up, cook the potatoes, go to the market to pick up meat for Saturday's birthday party, pick up wood for the fence cuz my loving husband thought that one more thing on my list was not a problem, and get back home to drop Miss Marli off to be watched by my fairy god friend...Ashley:)
I woke up at 7am and cooked the potatoes but did not have time to mash them as Reese had to be at school for 9am. No problem, I will mash that shit when I get back home after my running around. Riiiiight! I zoom home, pull in the driveway...time 10:45am...rush into the house and start to mash the potatoes. They are wallpaper glue...straight up wallpaper glue!!! WTH!!!! I think to myself, "Holy shit! I will be that mother at the Turkey Lunch with mashed potatoes in my hair, not wearing green and red, and no mashed potatoes!". Cue the instant mashed potatoes! Book it over to the corner store...clear out their supply of instant mashed potatoes...12 boxes, (that is going to be a bitch on Christmas, they might want to put another order in pronto!) get home to cook the fastest mashed potatoes man has ever seen!
Ashley and I should have a reality show contract signed, sealed, and delivered to viewers all over the world. You want suspense, comedy and fear?? It was all here on December 17, 11:10am. We cooked that mess up and it was alright. The taste is a bit cardbordy...but you know what! it will have to do when your in a bind or stuck...like glue...literally. I got to the school just in time as food was being served and no one even knew the difference. Well except that all the other mothers nicely smoothed out their potatoes and mine looked like squirrels had gone on a acorn hunt!...dah well!
Lesson here my friends! Never cook potatoes, drain the water, let them cool and then decide to mash them up. Martha would not be impressed...not at all.
Reese has this event at her school called "Turkey Lunch". They have it every year, where the entire school gathers in the gym and enjoys a nice hot turkey lunch. All the kids wear green and red for the season, sing carols and just have a ball with all their friends and teachers.
When they asked for volunteers I was up for the challenge. I wanted to take part in something at her school and thought this was a great idea. They needed helpers for set-up, the day of help, cooking mashed potatoes, and clean-up afterwards. I signed up for the whole canoodle! The more helpers, the quicker it goes right?
Well, last week was crazy! I mean holy shit balls crazy. I had Reese's birthday party on Saturday morning, a family Christmas dinner Saturday night, and Disney Princess's on Ice on Sunday. Plus I had volunteered to help out on Wednesday and Thursday for this turkey lunch.
Wednesday set-up was great! Went quick and effortless and I was on my marry way. Thursday was another story. Do you ever have those days when you are running around like your a crack whore running from your pimp, that you feel like you are going to throw up? That was Thursday. I had to be at the school for 11am for the lunch to start at 11:30. Before this time I still had to wake my ass up, cook the potatoes, go to the market to pick up meat for Saturday's birthday party, pick up wood for the fence cuz my loving husband thought that one more thing on my list was not a problem, and get back home to drop Miss Marli off to be watched by my fairy god friend...Ashley:)
I woke up at 7am and cooked the potatoes but did not have time to mash them as Reese had to be at school for 9am. No problem, I will mash that shit when I get back home after my running around. Riiiiight! I zoom home, pull in the driveway...time 10:45am...rush into the house and start to mash the potatoes. They are wallpaper glue...straight up wallpaper glue!!! WTH!!!! I think to myself, "Holy shit! I will be that mother at the Turkey Lunch with mashed potatoes in my hair, not wearing green and red, and no mashed potatoes!". Cue the instant mashed potatoes! Book it over to the corner store...clear out their supply of instant mashed potatoes...12 boxes, (that is going to be a bitch on Christmas, they might want to put another order in pronto!) get home to cook the fastest mashed potatoes man has ever seen!
Ashley and I should have a reality show contract signed, sealed, and delivered to viewers all over the world. You want suspense, comedy and fear?? It was all here on December 17, 11:10am. We cooked that mess up and it was alright. The taste is a bit cardbordy...but you know what! it will have to do when your in a bind or stuck...like glue...literally. I got to the school just in time as food was being served and no one even knew the difference. Well except that all the other mothers nicely smoothed out their potatoes and mine looked like squirrels had gone on a acorn hunt!...dah well!
Lesson here my friends! Never cook potatoes, drain the water, let them cool and then decide to mash them up. Martha would not be impressed...not at all.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
I Swear when I have children....
I was watching Julie/Julia the movie and there was a part where her mother was questioning why she was doing this blog thing...I thought to myself, "Why are mothers always on their daughters ass?" They are a woman...we are women...WTF!
I have a great mom...worked her ass off for her children as a single mom and I think we all turned out pretty darn well. But that doesn't mean that there are times when my mother is on my ass! Questioning my every moment...what I did during the day...why I decided to have my kids on a schedule or even breastfeed. Shit...when I told my mom I was using a midwife she nearly hit the floor. I always have to explain myself to my mother, why I feel passionate about something or that I know I am doing a good job whether she thinks so or not.
Why do mothers do this to their children? Do they not remember what is felt like to have your own mother hound on you every second of the day? I like support, but what I don't like is the questioning. I am 30....30!...I think I am doing well for myself and I am pretty damn smart. I mean she was the one who instilled these qualities in me. Should she not be standing up on the mountains and shouting, "I did that!!!". What an accomplishment for her. But no..mothers like mine always have to question your every move.
I really do wish that when my girls are older that I am on their side. No matter how crazy their ideas are, that I am really with them. Ideas are just ideas. You have this life to try all the ideas you want. We are given this gift of life, why waste it just one one idea? If one fails, move on to the next. My husband is the best person to know about these ideas. I always have a new one, wanting to try this or that. He always stands by me, no matter how crazy they are. If I fail..oh well, on to the next! I want to be this supportive mother for my daughters.
My mother really means well. I guess as a mother you don't want your child to fail. You have lived your own life and know what mistakes you have made or mistakes that others have made and I guess you want to derail your child from these heartbreaks. I don't think of it as heartbreaks, I think of it as lessons. Please if you know me when my children are teenagers and I want to break their necks, that you tell me to remember these lessons. I wish for my girls to want to try everything...dig in deep with their heels...and not worry if they fail. What better than to be at the end of your life and know you tried everything and failed than to never had tried anything and be bored.
I have a great mom...worked her ass off for her children as a single mom and I think we all turned out pretty darn well. But that doesn't mean that there are times when my mother is on my ass! Questioning my every moment...what I did during the day...why I decided to have my kids on a schedule or even breastfeed. Shit...when I told my mom I was using a midwife she nearly hit the floor. I always have to explain myself to my mother, why I feel passionate about something or that I know I am doing a good job whether she thinks so or not.
Why do mothers do this to their children? Do they not remember what is felt like to have your own mother hound on you every second of the day? I like support, but what I don't like is the questioning. I am 30....30!...I think I am doing well for myself and I am pretty damn smart. I mean she was the one who instilled these qualities in me. Should she not be standing up on the mountains and shouting, "I did that!!!". What an accomplishment for her. But no..mothers like mine always have to question your every move.
I really do wish that when my girls are older that I am on their side. No matter how crazy their ideas are, that I am really with them. Ideas are just ideas. You have this life to try all the ideas you want. We are given this gift of life, why waste it just one one idea? If one fails, move on to the next. My husband is the best person to know about these ideas. I always have a new one, wanting to try this or that. He always stands by me, no matter how crazy they are. If I fail..oh well, on to the next! I want to be this supportive mother for my daughters.
My mother really means well. I guess as a mother you don't want your child to fail. You have lived your own life and know what mistakes you have made or mistakes that others have made and I guess you want to derail your child from these heartbreaks. I don't think of it as heartbreaks, I think of it as lessons. Please if you know me when my children are teenagers and I want to break their necks, that you tell me to remember these lessons. I wish for my girls to want to try everything...dig in deep with their heels...and not worry if they fail. What better than to be at the end of your life and know you tried everything and failed than to never had tried anything and be bored.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Shop till you.....
Drop right??
False. Why is it whenever you have the chance to go shopping solo, it always turns into this rush/panic as to what is going on at home?
I take my girls anywhere. Really, I am not afraid of slugging it out with the rest of the stroller crazy moms at the mall or hittin the local festival sans a husband with two crazy kids. I will do it. Groceries every week, the market on Thursday's, some crazy ass kids club..like I mentioned, I do it. But I do enjoy the time on a Saturday when I can bust out of the house early in the morning to get some shit done.
I enjoy getting dolled up, which mean actually showering and doing my makeup. I get dressed up, again which means not wearing jogging pants and a tank top...braless. So yes, jeans and a nice shirt without any stains...hopefully. I like to get a Starbucks and hit the stores that I really would rather do alone. I am all good to go and ready to pull a Q-B sneak on the hubby just to see that face, "When are you going to be back...and are you really going to leave me with these kids...I really have work to do" look. WTF!!!
Then I get out of the house only to be gone about an hour to get a phone call as to when I will return and "save the day!". Really? Is this rrreally happening?? I would love to have a couple of hours where I can get my shit done without feeling rushed and have to get back home because the house is burning and I am the only one that can fix it!
I went out this weekend to get some Christmas shopping done just to get that type of phone call. Now my husband is very capable of changing a diaper, feeding the children (fish crackers and pickles of course), and making sure the kids are doing something productive (taking all the wipes out of the package and throwing them everywhere in an art like fashion). He is a great father, helps me out more than most men. But I get a phone call in the middle of doing stuff just to hear Reese screaming and Dave not understanding what is going on and how to fix it and asking when I will be home. I don't need to hear this!!! I don't care if I told you I would be home at 1pm and its now 2pm and I am still not home. Just deal with it!!
Mayyyyybe if he would stop trying to be a 4 year old's best friend....he would gain some respect?? Mayyybe???
False. Why is it whenever you have the chance to go shopping solo, it always turns into this rush/panic as to what is going on at home?
I take my girls anywhere. Really, I am not afraid of slugging it out with the rest of the stroller crazy moms at the mall or hittin the local festival sans a husband with two crazy kids. I will do it. Groceries every week, the market on Thursday's, some crazy ass kids club..like I mentioned, I do it. But I do enjoy the time on a Saturday when I can bust out of the house early in the morning to get some shit done.
I enjoy getting dolled up, which mean actually showering and doing my makeup. I get dressed up, again which means not wearing jogging pants and a tank top...braless. So yes, jeans and a nice shirt without any stains...hopefully. I like to get a Starbucks and hit the stores that I really would rather do alone. I am all good to go and ready to pull a Q-B sneak on the hubby just to see that face, "When are you going to be back...and are you really going to leave me with these kids...I really have work to do" look. WTF!!!
Then I get out of the house only to be gone about an hour to get a phone call as to when I will return and "save the day!". Really? Is this rrreally happening?? I would love to have a couple of hours where I can get my shit done without feeling rushed and have to get back home because the house is burning and I am the only one that can fix it!
I went out this weekend to get some Christmas shopping done just to get that type of phone call. Now my husband is very capable of changing a diaper, feeding the children (fish crackers and pickles of course), and making sure the kids are doing something productive (taking all the wipes out of the package and throwing them everywhere in an art like fashion). He is a great father, helps me out more than most men. But I get a phone call in the middle of doing stuff just to hear Reese screaming and Dave not understanding what is going on and how to fix it and asking when I will be home. I don't need to hear this!!! I don't care if I told you I would be home at 1pm and its now 2pm and I am still not home. Just deal with it!!
Mayyyyybe if he would stop trying to be a 4 year old's best friend....he would gain some respect?? Mayyybe???
Monday, November 30, 2009
30 and Feeling Great!!!
Last Thursday I went to the gym for a work out and decided I'd take the treadmill as my first exercise...do some cardio...read a mag. I logged all my info in and for the first time I had to enter 30 under the age category. 30....really??
Right then and there I felt this new feeling. Like its my responsibility to be a little more mature. Take care of myself. I have read magazines in the past where they tell you how to take care of your body at 20, 30, and 40's. I could keep myself in the 20's category...since I was in my twenties. I could take my time about washing my face, moisturizing...I had time on my side...right? Now that I have turned 30, I feel like I have no time left. This is where it all starts going downhill. I need to moisturize or lines will set in. I need to start eating right because weight won't come off as easily. All this pressure hits you like a ton of bricks when you turn 30.
But I do feel great! I have more security than in my 20's. I have great friends who I love and would do anything for me. My family is healthy and happy. What more could I ask for? Well maybe a tighter ass and that those dark circles under my eyes don't get worse with time.
Here is to being 30 and experiencing the next great things that are set forth for me:)
Right then and there I felt this new feeling. Like its my responsibility to be a little more mature. Take care of myself. I have read magazines in the past where they tell you how to take care of your body at 20, 30, and 40's. I could keep myself in the 20's category...since I was in my twenties. I could take my time about washing my face, moisturizing...I had time on my side...right? Now that I have turned 30, I feel like I have no time left. This is where it all starts going downhill. I need to moisturize or lines will set in. I need to start eating right because weight won't come off as easily. All this pressure hits you like a ton of bricks when you turn 30.
But I do feel great! I have more security than in my 20's. I have great friends who I love and would do anything for me. My family is healthy and happy. What more could I ask for? Well maybe a tighter ass and that those dark circles under my eyes don't get worse with time.
Here is to being 30 and experiencing the next great things that are set forth for me:)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Speed Demon
Yes I got a speeding ticket...FIRST ONE!!!!!
I always thought if I ever got pulled over by a cop, that I would break down and start crying and shaking. But that was not the case on Saturday night. I knew I was speeding and the last second when I noticed the man in blue, I knew it was too late and the lights had already come on. I just pulled over calmly and answered all his questions firmly. He knocked down my speeding from 28 over to 15 over...no points and only $52. He then thought it would be funny to ask me what my "MushMush" licence plates stood for. Hey, here is a funny story, how about you just rip up my ticket! Well I guess we can add this to the things that happened to me before I turned 30....Hopefully this is not a appetizer for what comes after 30.
I always thought if I ever got pulled over by a cop, that I would break down and start crying and shaking. But that was not the case on Saturday night. I knew I was speeding and the last second when I noticed the man in blue, I knew it was too late and the lights had already come on. I just pulled over calmly and answered all his questions firmly. He knocked down my speeding from 28 over to 15 over...no points and only $52. He then thought it would be funny to ask me what my "MushMush" licence plates stood for. Hey, here is a funny story, how about you just rip up my ticket! Well I guess we can add this to the things that happened to me before I turned 30....Hopefully this is not a appetizer for what comes after 30.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Best and Worst of MushMush
I thought that a countdown of stories from my life to my 30th birthday would be fun and embarrassing at the same time. A little trip down memory lane of things that I am glad I don't ever have to do again and lessons I have learned to get me to my next milestone. Grab some cookies, a blanket and a spiked cup of hot chocolate friends...it may get crazy!
My first entry I think will have to do with one of the things I am happy I never have to do again...well maybe once I hit my Golden Years I will try it again or I will call up my grand kids and make them drive my wrinkly ass around town!
I have to say I am glad I no longer have to rely on the good ol' Kitchener Transit or as it is called today...Grandriver Transit. I will not miss those morning where I would wake up realising that I didn't set my alarm clock the night before...rushing to get dressed, get my backpack, dial 888-..... and hear the annoying lady say, "Route....3....Downtown Terminal....comes in....(holy shit lady just tell me how much time my half black ass has to get to the stop that is 5 min away!!) 2 minutes. Tearing up the street as fast as I could...JUST! to see the friggen bus drive right passed me. Frig me I hated those mornings!!
Nope can't say I will miss those times in the winter, standing at the stop with no bloody shelter, snow gusting all around me, freezing my ass off. Looking at my clock and seeing the bus is 30 minutes late!! Won't miss the days of wanting to go see my friend on the other side of town and have to take 3 damn buses to get there and 90 minutes later.
Can't say I will miss it. But I will tell you this of the great transit system. Memories. Good and bad, happy and sad. Most of my memories from my teenage years is from taking the bus. Sitting at the terminal with my friends laughing at random things and people. Getting on the bus with all the regulars and "kickin" it. Using the old transfer system by stocking up on transfers then handing them out to your friends like it was drugs and you ran the business. Going to a party on a Saturday night...sleeping over to realise that their bus doesn't run on Sunday's and your ass is stuck way the F out in Chicopee and you need to call upon a friend to come pick you up:)
I really could go on forever...but the bus helped me in many ways. I could really go wherever I wanted (just had to wait for it), but I didn't need my mom. I was growing up! And for that! I thank you Grandriver Transit System...Thanks for the memories!
My first entry I think will have to do with one of the things I am happy I never have to do again...well maybe once I hit my Golden Years I will try it again or I will call up my grand kids and make them drive my wrinkly ass around town!
I have to say I am glad I no longer have to rely on the good ol' Kitchener Transit or as it is called today...Grandriver Transit. I will not miss those morning where I would wake up realising that I didn't set my alarm clock the night before...rushing to get dressed, get my backpack, dial 888-..... and hear the annoying lady say, "Route....3....Downtown Terminal....comes in....(holy shit lady just tell me how much time my half black ass has to get to the stop that is 5 min away!!) 2 minutes. Tearing up the street as fast as I could...JUST! to see the friggen bus drive right passed me. Frig me I hated those mornings!!
Nope can't say I will miss those times in the winter, standing at the stop with no bloody shelter, snow gusting all around me, freezing my ass off. Looking at my clock and seeing the bus is 30 minutes late!! Won't miss the days of wanting to go see my friend on the other side of town and have to take 3 damn buses to get there and 90 minutes later.
Can't say I will miss it. But I will tell you this of the great transit system. Memories. Good and bad, happy and sad. Most of my memories from my teenage years is from taking the bus. Sitting at the terminal with my friends laughing at random things and people. Getting on the bus with all the regulars and "kickin" it. Using the old transfer system by stocking up on transfers then handing them out to your friends like it was drugs and you ran the business. Going to a party on a Saturday night...sleeping over to realise that their bus doesn't run on Sunday's and your ass is stuck way the F out in Chicopee and you need to call upon a friend to come pick you up:)
I really could go on forever...but the bus helped me in many ways. I could really go wherever I wanted (just had to wait for it), but I didn't need my mom. I was growing up! And for that! I thank you Grandriver Transit System...Thanks for the memories!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Peer Pressure
The countdown to 30 is on!! People ask me how I feel, and I really do feel okay with turning 30. I am very strong in knowledge of myself, it has taken me this long to really get to know the real me inside. I have a great bunch of friends I know I can count on. I big family that is crazy but wouldn't change them for the world! I am happy with the life I have lived so far and I am very excited for what is next.
What I am not ready for is to live it all over again. I thought that when I had kids I would have the opportunity to live life again through my child's eyes, with the innocence that I forget from dealing with bills and cleaning all day. But what I failed to remember is that I will have to live the uncomfortable feeling of always being accepted in the "cool" crowd again. This is what I have been dealing with my almost 4 year old...ALREADY! Reese constantly is reminding me that she is "cool" not "cute". I will comment on her hair or her clothes or even something she did as cute, only to be screeched at that I am wrong. She wants to be cool around her friends already! She questions what I pick out for her to wear for fear of looking silly. She doesn't want the other kids to call her baby, and she wants to be friends with everyone.
I am not ready for this. I have finally let go of that heavy weight on my chest of preforming for others and now bounce to my very own groovy tune and love it! Now I get to relive this feeling all over again through my daughters eyes...ugh! Its very difficult when you think about it. No matter how I react to the situation ,I change the way she thinks about things. That is serious pressure! I was prepared when I became pregnant with Reese. I read books on the first year, I kept up with the latest products for development...all that! What I was not prepared for was the responsibility of raising a human being!! Helping her through all her tough times, learning to count by twos and tie her shoes, to roughing it through her first friend fight, to being outcast by mean kids! I am not ready for that. Since she has started school there has been this learning curve that I have been on and I am not sure I am handling it all too well. I feel as though I have to take a step back and really be on her team...yet still the parent.
Ohhhh this parenting thing is harder than I thought. Maybe I should go back to the sleepless nights and tons of diaper changes?? At least I knew I couldn't screw that up!
What I am not ready for is to live it all over again. I thought that when I had kids I would have the opportunity to live life again through my child's eyes, with the innocence that I forget from dealing with bills and cleaning all day. But what I failed to remember is that I will have to live the uncomfortable feeling of always being accepted in the "cool" crowd again. This is what I have been dealing with my almost 4 year old...ALREADY! Reese constantly is reminding me that she is "cool" not "cute". I will comment on her hair or her clothes or even something she did as cute, only to be screeched at that I am wrong. She wants to be cool around her friends already! She questions what I pick out for her to wear for fear of looking silly. She doesn't want the other kids to call her baby, and she wants to be friends with everyone.
I am not ready for this. I have finally let go of that heavy weight on my chest of preforming for others and now bounce to my very own groovy tune and love it! Now I get to relive this feeling all over again through my daughters eyes...ugh! Its very difficult when you think about it. No matter how I react to the situation ,I change the way she thinks about things. That is serious pressure! I was prepared when I became pregnant with Reese. I read books on the first year, I kept up with the latest products for development...all that! What I was not prepared for was the responsibility of raising a human being!! Helping her through all her tough times, learning to count by twos and tie her shoes, to roughing it through her first friend fight, to being outcast by mean kids! I am not ready for that. Since she has started school there has been this learning curve that I have been on and I am not sure I am handling it all too well. I feel as though I have to take a step back and really be on her team...yet still the parent.
Ohhhh this parenting thing is harder than I thought. Maybe I should go back to the sleepless nights and tons of diaper changes?? At least I knew I couldn't screw that up!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Would you like to Supersize that??
Tell me if I am wrong....what is wrong with the customer service at stores lately??? Horrible I say!
No one seems to be going out of their way for a customer. Its like we are a burden as soon as we walk in the door. I find that going to stores and restaurants lately, the staff is not willing to dot all the i's and cross the t's just to make you feel a bit special.
I have been trying to locate an added part to my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, so I decided to call some stores instead of packing up the kids and looking for the item, just to find they don't have it. So calling I went. The first 2 stores did not even want to figure out what I needed.
Quote from girl fat The Bay, "ohhh that is on the other side of the store....ummm what was the part again??
Me: "the fruit and vegetable strainer"
The Bay Girl: "i have never seen that part here, so no, we don't have it"
WHAAA?? No checking your computer? No saying hey one sec let me run and check? Nothing! I hung up to call other store...no such luck anywhere. I would have waited a half hour on the phone while you looked after other customers, took a while to run to the other side of the store, I am okay with that. What I am not okay with is being an inconvenience when all I want is a product!
Trick up my sleeve...online shopping. Found my item on a Canadian website, ordered it and it will be shipped right to my front door tomorrow. Now how is that for customer service???
**after I re-read the post it seems as though I am entering the old part of aging where I bitch about customer service. I think my next post should be about how music have been flushed down the toilet...who is Soilder Boy anyway???**
No one seems to be going out of their way for a customer. Its like we are a burden as soon as we walk in the door. I find that going to stores and restaurants lately, the staff is not willing to dot all the i's and cross the t's just to make you feel a bit special.
I have been trying to locate an added part to my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, so I decided to call some stores instead of packing up the kids and looking for the item, just to find they don't have it. So calling I went. The first 2 stores did not even want to figure out what I needed.
Quote from girl fat The Bay, "ohhh that is on the other side of the store....ummm what was the part again??
Me: "the fruit and vegetable strainer"
The Bay Girl: "i have never seen that part here, so no, we don't have it"
WHAAA?? No checking your computer? No saying hey one sec let me run and check? Nothing! I hung up to call other store...no such luck anywhere. I would have waited a half hour on the phone while you looked after other customers, took a while to run to the other side of the store, I am okay with that. What I am not okay with is being an inconvenience when all I want is a product!
Trick up my sleeve...online shopping. Found my item on a Canadian website, ordered it and it will be shipped right to my front door tomorrow. Now how is that for customer service???
**after I re-read the post it seems as though I am entering the old part of aging where I bitch about customer service. I think my next post should be about how music have been flushed down the toilet...who is Soilder Boy anyway???**
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Guilty As Charged???
Guilt...apparently a lot of moms serve themselves up a double helping of this feeling. Lately I have talked to some of my friends and this word keeps popping up.
Guilty for going to work while the kids are dropped off at daycare, guilty for disciplining their kids, guilty for not being a good wife...guilty guilty guilty!
Why are we so hard on ourselves?? Why should we feel guilty to get away from the house on our own for a couple of hours or even a weeks vacation?
I really don't feel guilt when it comes to these situations. If I have been stressed out and feel I need sometime with my girlfriends, I jump at the chance and enjoy every second I have. I feel getting away for some time with myself gives me the extra boost to take care of a melt down or wash up the milk Marli has spilt for the tenth time. Taking those special moments to realize that yes I do have kids, but I am still me, I am still Nicki (er..MushMush). Having the chance to get away with my husband and have our own conversations without breaking up a fight or doing rock, paper, scissors on who is going to change the shitty diaper. I cannot wait for these moments. We had them before kids...why does that have to stop?
I just wish women would be easier on themselves. We work very hard at raising kids, whether we stay-at-home or work full time...we all have lots on our plate. I was flipping through a magazine not long ago and it was a Campbells ad. It listed basically what goes on in a brain of a woman. All the details we think about, all the tasks that we need to accomplish, its really exhausting even thinking about it. We deserve time to do what we like and remember ourselves for that minute or hour or week.
So please moms...stop feeling guilty, we are not bad mothers. Do you beat your children and not feed them or bath them? No, well I hope not or I will be coming to knock on your door. Taking time out for yourself or doing what you think is right for you and your entire family should never make you feel guilty. We are smart women and we do a good job...stop being so hard on yourself!
Guilty for going to work while the kids are dropped off at daycare, guilty for disciplining their kids, guilty for not being a good wife...guilty guilty guilty!
Why are we so hard on ourselves?? Why should we feel guilty to get away from the house on our own for a couple of hours or even a weeks vacation?
I really don't feel guilt when it comes to these situations. If I have been stressed out and feel I need sometime with my girlfriends, I jump at the chance and enjoy every second I have. I feel getting away for some time with myself gives me the extra boost to take care of a melt down or wash up the milk Marli has spilt for the tenth time. Taking those special moments to realize that yes I do have kids, but I am still me, I am still Nicki (er..MushMush). Having the chance to get away with my husband and have our own conversations without breaking up a fight or doing rock, paper, scissors on who is going to change the shitty diaper. I cannot wait for these moments. We had them before kids...why does that have to stop?
I just wish women would be easier on themselves. We work very hard at raising kids, whether we stay-at-home or work full time...we all have lots on our plate. I was flipping through a magazine not long ago and it was a Campbells ad. It listed basically what goes on in a brain of a woman. All the details we think about, all the tasks that we need to accomplish, its really exhausting even thinking about it. We deserve time to do what we like and remember ourselves for that minute or hour or week.
So please moms...stop feeling guilty, we are not bad mothers. Do you beat your children and not feed them or bath them? No, well I hope not or I will be coming to knock on your door. Taking time out for yourself or doing what you think is right for you and your entire family should never make you feel guilty. We are smart women and we do a good job...stop being so hard on yourself!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Like Mama Used To Make
In my case, its more, Like Oma Used To Make. If I can tell you a story about a courageous yet somewhat timid woman...it would have to be my Grandma. Coming from Germany to Canada being young as well as having a two young children herself, not speaking a speck of English and dropped into a society all by herself. She managed to survive, learn English and raise her family to what we are today. If all her blood and sweat and most defiantly tears never happened, I would not be here today.
I have been very fortunate to grow up with my Grandma, not too many people get to know their elders in a way I did. From a very young age I have always spent lots of quality time and lots of snuggles with her. I loved going to her house, with the smells of cooking and lots of love. I feel very close with her and I feel a little bit of her old fashioned ways have really stuck with me. I have always loved having people over to entertain and filling their tummy's with good things. Which has led me to this interesting part in my life. I have always wanted to do canning like my Grandma. From pickles to jam, beets to peaches...she did it all. I admired her for working hard over the stove on a hot day...just to make homemade goods for her family. We would literally fight who got the last jar of chili sauce or dill pickles. Cabbage rolls...damn that was another good one. She would make hundreds of these rolls and freeze them, only to be yanked up with visits from her own children and then the grandchildren. Every chance I get I try to make whatever she made. The tastes of my childhood I cannot let slip under the carpet. She has since stopped making her jarred goodies, hence my turn to grab the bull by the horn and do it myself.
This year I have tried to make jam...successful and gave myself 2nd degree burns in the process. Last night I tried my Grandmas pickled beets...again successful, no burns this time. This weekend my mom and I are trying the dill pickles. The girls and I went to the market yesterday and bought bushels of cucumbers and they are sitting in the cold basement ready to be transformed. Reese always asks when we go to the grocery store, "Mom! Mom! can you get some pickles pleeeease?". She is a feen for the green monsters. I always tell her that we are going to make them ourselves...and now we will. I have also gone as far as learning from other families. Last year I learned how to make tomato sauce right from the perfect source. My Italian family! They opened their arms and took me under their wings. Teaching me every step of the way their very own traditions. I also did my sausage with them, cutting up a whole pig and tasting homemade prosciutto. I love the fact that each family has their own traditions and it really is all about family. Everyone pitches in and has a great time in the process. I hope to make more delicious tomato sauce with them again this year.
I had also started a small vegetable garden in pots this year to see if I had a green thumb before I upgraded to a large scale garden. Each day I show Reese the new tomatoes or green peppers growing and I see her appreciation for it seeing food grow. All those times my grandma would sit with me and show me the secrets to her spaghetti sauce or other dishes I would sit intently and listen. Now I see Reese doing the same thing. I want her to grow up and realise she can do anything she wants, whatever her heart tells her. I think about my Grandma when I have finished up some canning and think how I can make her proud and I think I do. I think the thought of someone carrying on her tradition really makes her happy. I also like that I am able to share this with my own daughters...I really wanted daughters. (After TONS of brothers you really don't want to go down that road again)
Thank you Grandma for sharing your love for food to me and the rest of your family. It has truly made me who I am and I am grateful for being able to have had you teach me everything I know. I promise to carry on this tradition and always always think of you in the process.
I have been very fortunate to grow up with my Grandma, not too many people get to know their elders in a way I did. From a very young age I have always spent lots of quality time and lots of snuggles with her. I loved going to her house, with the smells of cooking and lots of love. I feel very close with her and I feel a little bit of her old fashioned ways have really stuck with me. I have always loved having people over to entertain and filling their tummy's with good things. Which has led me to this interesting part in my life. I have always wanted to do canning like my Grandma. From pickles to jam, beets to peaches...she did it all. I admired her for working hard over the stove on a hot day...just to make homemade goods for her family. We would literally fight who got the last jar of chili sauce or dill pickles. Cabbage rolls...damn that was another good one. She would make hundreds of these rolls and freeze them, only to be yanked up with visits from her own children and then the grandchildren. Every chance I get I try to make whatever she made. The tastes of my childhood I cannot let slip under the carpet. She has since stopped making her jarred goodies, hence my turn to grab the bull by the horn and do it myself.
This year I have tried to make jam...successful and gave myself 2nd degree burns in the process. Last night I tried my Grandmas pickled beets...again successful, no burns this time. This weekend my mom and I are trying the dill pickles. The girls and I went to the market yesterday and bought bushels of cucumbers and they are sitting in the cold basement ready to be transformed. Reese always asks when we go to the grocery store, "Mom! Mom! can you get some pickles pleeeease?". She is a feen for the green monsters. I always tell her that we are going to make them ourselves...and now we will. I have also gone as far as learning from other families. Last year I learned how to make tomato sauce right from the perfect source. My Italian family! They opened their arms and took me under their wings. Teaching me every step of the way their very own traditions. I also did my sausage with them, cutting up a whole pig and tasting homemade prosciutto. I love the fact that each family has their own traditions and it really is all about family. Everyone pitches in and has a great time in the process. I hope to make more delicious tomato sauce with them again this year.
I had also started a small vegetable garden in pots this year to see if I had a green thumb before I upgraded to a large scale garden. Each day I show Reese the new tomatoes or green peppers growing and I see her appreciation for it seeing food grow. All those times my grandma would sit with me and show me the secrets to her spaghetti sauce or other dishes I would sit intently and listen. Now I see Reese doing the same thing. I want her to grow up and realise she can do anything she wants, whatever her heart tells her. I think about my Grandma when I have finished up some canning and think how I can make her proud and I think I do. I think the thought of someone carrying on her tradition really makes her happy. I also like that I am able to share this with my own daughters...I really wanted daughters. (After TONS of brothers you really don't want to go down that road again)
Thank you Grandma for sharing your love for food to me and the rest of your family. It has truly made me who I am and I am grateful for being able to have had you teach me everything I know. I promise to carry on this tradition and always always think of you in the process.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Summer Sensations
Last week I saw a commercial on t.v. for the new promo at Swiss Chalet. Summer Sensations! Wow...chicken and fries annnnd ice cream! Chocolate sundaes are my favorite dessert...especially when they are topped with whipped cream and a cherry! So I decided that I would round up the family and we would have a nice dinner out.
Now we don't dine out with the kids that often. I mean we eat out....but its either me and Dave or we just get take out. Marli is young so she doesn't do well in restaurants yet, so we rather just eat it at home. But tonight we decided to dine in since you can only get the ice cream when you do so. This was my first mistake.
Let me break it down for you....
We walk in and its quite busy...no wait time, but the dining room is booming. Now I used to be a server, so when I walk into situations like this I have an open mind as well as trying to figure out how I would be if I was working this shift. I tell ya I would have rocked that dining room, but let's move on. The hostess seats us and doesn't bring any cutlery to our table as well does not give Reese something to colour on. Dah well. We don't open our menus as we already know what we are going to order so we wait for the server. She doesn't come for like 15 minutes..literally. By this time Marli is all fired up. Se has this talking thing right now where she screams and grunts at you when she is trying to get your attention. Shit..she is 15 months...this is what she does. I did bring some snacks and juice for her to try and keep her busy. I notice the server jetting around her section and I say to Dave, "Our server is in the WEEEDS!!". Again..I used to be a server and I know far to well when someone is in the weeds. Think about it...someone jetting around in a lost like pattern...sweat on her face and eyes bulging so far out of her head that you think she was lost in the dark. That is the WEEDS. I start analyzing the situation and wonder where the F is her manager and why are they not helping her. After sometime we finally get our order in and wait for our food. The time is slowly passing by and its getting harder to keep the scream box quiet. Here is where it gets interesting...
I notice an old man, about 70 I would say get up and walk our way to go to the bathroom. As he passes our table Marli decides to let our another scream. Now let me say...its not like screaming crying or screaming at the top of her lungs. Its more of a yalp?? Anywho..
Old Stupid Man: "Shut UP!" - and then keeps walking towards the bathroom.
(Marli...confused look on her face as to who the F is this person and why are they all up in my shit!)
Dave AKA The Hulk AKA Uncle Roid AKA The dude about to beat up someones grandpa: "Did he just tell her to shut up????!!!!!!"
Me (scared and noticing all the other tables around us starting to looks at us) "ummm I think he did"
*this is a special note to people that don't know the other side of Dave. Yes he is a kind man, sweet and polite...but there is a switch on the back of Dave's neck...we like to call this switch the DO NOT FUCK WITH MY FAMILY switch*
Me: "Now Dave..settle down...don't get riled up. He's an old man doesn't even know what he is saying" as I am literally restraining him.
The Green Man: "I don't give a shit how old he is...I am going to kick his ASS!"
Pause.
Pause.
Then Dave flings my hand off his arm and stomps towards the bathroom. HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT!!! I am about to get arrested and head home in a cop car and they will take away my children. I wait trying to be patiently as I have watching eyes wondering what is transpiring. Then I see Dave return to the table with his switch now turned off.
Me: "What did you do?" cuz I don't see the old man anywhere!
Dave: "He was standing at the urinal and I walked up behind him and asked him if he brought a walker in with him. He said no, and then I said that he better SHUT HIS MOUTH NEXT TIME OR YOU WILL BE LEAVING IN ONE! Then I said that just because he is old doesn't mean he has to be rude"
Me:"Alrighty then"
The old man came out of the washroom and walked past our table to his and never said a peep. I mean I get he was rude and he should have never said that to Marli. She is a baby and we are in Swiss Chalet for peets sake. I don't think she was ruining your expensive dinner. But men and their testosterone just take it over the top. We had to run this by some of our friends and every guy said the same thing. "I would have kicked is ass!"
After all that we finally got our dinner...shoveled it down our throats and went home...an hour and a half later!! WTF Swiss Chalet is suppose to be like an in and out thing...
I guess I will be sticking to our take out and enjoying our meals and screams in the comfort of our own home...
Now we don't dine out with the kids that often. I mean we eat out....but its either me and Dave or we just get take out. Marli is young so she doesn't do well in restaurants yet, so we rather just eat it at home. But tonight we decided to dine in since you can only get the ice cream when you do so. This was my first mistake.
Let me break it down for you....
We walk in and its quite busy...no wait time, but the dining room is booming. Now I used to be a server, so when I walk into situations like this I have an open mind as well as trying to figure out how I would be if I was working this shift. I tell ya I would have rocked that dining room, but let's move on. The hostess seats us and doesn't bring any cutlery to our table as well does not give Reese something to colour on. Dah well. We don't open our menus as we already know what we are going to order so we wait for the server. She doesn't come for like 15 minutes..literally. By this time Marli is all fired up. Se has this talking thing right now where she screams and grunts at you when she is trying to get your attention. Shit..she is 15 months...this is what she does. I did bring some snacks and juice for her to try and keep her busy. I notice the server jetting around her section and I say to Dave, "Our server is in the WEEEDS!!". Again..I used to be a server and I know far to well when someone is in the weeds. Think about it...someone jetting around in a lost like pattern...sweat on her face and eyes bulging so far out of her head that you think she was lost in the dark. That is the WEEDS. I start analyzing the situation and wonder where the F is her manager and why are they not helping her. After sometime we finally get our order in and wait for our food. The time is slowly passing by and its getting harder to keep the scream box quiet. Here is where it gets interesting...
I notice an old man, about 70 I would say get up and walk our way to go to the bathroom. As he passes our table Marli decides to let our another scream. Now let me say...its not like screaming crying or screaming at the top of her lungs. Its more of a yalp?? Anywho..
Old Stupid Man: "Shut UP!" - and then keeps walking towards the bathroom.
(Marli...confused look on her face as to who the F is this person and why are they all up in my shit!)
Dave AKA The Hulk AKA Uncle Roid AKA The dude about to beat up someones grandpa: "Did he just tell her to shut up????!!!!!!"
Me (scared and noticing all the other tables around us starting to looks at us) "ummm I think he did"
*this is a special note to people that don't know the other side of Dave. Yes he is a kind man, sweet and polite...but there is a switch on the back of Dave's neck...we like to call this switch the DO NOT FUCK WITH MY FAMILY switch*
Me: "Now Dave..settle down...don't get riled up. He's an old man doesn't even know what he is saying" as I am literally restraining him.
The Green Man: "I don't give a shit how old he is...I am going to kick his ASS!"
Pause.
Pause.
Then Dave flings my hand off his arm and stomps towards the bathroom. HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT!!! I am about to get arrested and head home in a cop car and they will take away my children. I wait trying to be patiently as I have watching eyes wondering what is transpiring. Then I see Dave return to the table with his switch now turned off.
Me: "What did you do?" cuz I don't see the old man anywhere!
Dave: "He was standing at the urinal and I walked up behind him and asked him if he brought a walker in with him. He said no, and then I said that he better SHUT HIS MOUTH NEXT TIME OR YOU WILL BE LEAVING IN ONE! Then I said that just because he is old doesn't mean he has to be rude"
Me:"Alrighty then"
The old man came out of the washroom and walked past our table to his and never said a peep. I mean I get he was rude and he should have never said that to Marli. She is a baby and we are in Swiss Chalet for peets sake. I don't think she was ruining your expensive dinner. But men and their testosterone just take it over the top. We had to run this by some of our friends and every guy said the same thing. "I would have kicked is ass!"
After all that we finally got our dinner...shoveled it down our throats and went home...an hour and a half later!! WTF Swiss Chalet is suppose to be like an in and out thing...
I guess I will be sticking to our take out and enjoying our meals and screams in the comfort of our own home...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Weight In
Hello Ladies...and maybe for those men that are secretly tracking their success...
Weight: 164 1/2...hey its 1/2 pound!!!
I was wondering who would be in to do a workout/walk at the Aud this week. I was thinking of Wednesday night at like 7pm...would anyone like to join?
HOLLA BACK!
Turkey Ragout
Olive Oil
1 lb boneless skinless turkey breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10oz.) pkg. mushrooms, halved
1 small zucchini, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 (14.5 oz.) can unsalted diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1. On the stove top, mist a large non-stick pan with olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add turkey and brown 2 to 3 minutes. Turn turkey pieces and add garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, salt and remaining spices.
2. Saute for 5 minutes. stirring so that the meat is browned and the veggies begin to sizzle. Cover with a lid and low heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Serve with Garlic Bread
Weight: 164 1/2...hey its 1/2 pound!!!
I was wondering who would be in to do a workout/walk at the Aud this week. I was thinking of Wednesday night at like 7pm...would anyone like to join?
HOLLA BACK!
Turkey Ragout
Olive Oil
1 lb boneless skinless turkey breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10oz.) pkg. mushrooms, halved
1 small zucchini, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 (14.5 oz.) can unsalted diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1. On the stove top, mist a large non-stick pan with olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add turkey and brown 2 to 3 minutes. Turn turkey pieces and add garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, salt and remaining spices.
2. Saute for 5 minutes. stirring so that the meat is browned and the veggies begin to sizzle. Cover with a lid and low heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Serve with Garlic Bread
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Word According to my Dad
I have had a very interesting relationship with my father pretty much my whole life. I never really understood him and as I am getting older I don't think I ever will, which I have given up trying to.
My parents split up when I was young and I was raised with the typical split family routine. Every second weekend and two weeks in the summer were spent at my father's house. As a child I was frightened of my father. His bigness, his loud voice (which half the time I could never understand him because of his thick Jamaican accent), and mostly his hand which was the size of a bear paw and you didn't want to know what that felt like on your ass...trust ME!. Every time I was in a situation where there was possible trouble, you know those ones...where you can smell the trouble and instantly have a flash in your head of how your father is going to kill you and no one will ever find your body. I just knew that I needed to get out of that situation because if I was caught...there was going to be some serious discipline going on. My younger brother never seemed to have this fear. He could get beat day in and day out and never learn and still do what he pleased.
My theory is that as my dad has aged he has lost his power. He went from the warden to the guy that sits quietly watching wrestling on t.v. all day. I am no longer fearful of my father. On some good days he is one of the funniest people I know. On other days, he drives me crazy and I wish he would grow up sometimes and let me be the kid and him the parent.
My brother and I have a bag full of jokes we continuously regurgitate. Laughing deep from the belly I don't think these stories will ever get old. Like the day he was trying to tell us about a car he seen on t.v.
Dad: (please think very Jamaican accent...like right off the boat) "Ah wha pon di name of dat car?"
Matt: "What car dad?"
Dad: "Me tink its a Mitsufeeshi?"
Mitsufeeshi??? Man that one made me tear right up!
Or the time when he was trying to tell me what is new in the entertainment world. He just watches television all day so he is on the up and up. He tells me a story about Lisa Simpson when what he really meant was Jessica Simpson. Or telling me about a t.v. show he watches called, "Man onna da Mountain". Which is actually King of the Hill. Don't ever tell him he is wrong or you will be up for a marathon of arguing. Stubborn.
He also told me about a story a couple of weeks ago about how he picked up some random chick on the street and drove her around all night and even went to Mickey D's for her. My dad may be old, but he is a pimp! No really he is not, but for all who know me closely you know my dad is a ladies man. I don't know what it is, but these women fall for my dad like he is their very own Justin Timberlake. I have been with my dad at a restaurant where he even tried to pick up some lady right in front of me!
Lady from behind the counter: (who let me explain does not know what she is getting herself into) "Where in Jamaica are your from?"
Rico Suave: "I am from Maypen...why do you ask?"
The Prey: "I just wanted to know where you were from"
Fabio: "Why you like me?? Next time I come here I will come by myself...(wink wink)"
BARF!!!! I would also like to add a side note...my dad is 75. I know I know...he just never knows when to stop.
Sitting down and listening to my father talk is defiantly going to keep you interested and defiantly keep you laughing. Even though there has been some hard times with my dad I am happy that I know him and all the things he has done for me...even if they are small. He in a twisted way with his faults and issues has made me who I am today. I really can't complain about that now can I.
Here is to always looking for the good in people! Cheers!
My parents split up when I was young and I was raised with the typical split family routine. Every second weekend and two weeks in the summer were spent at my father's house. As a child I was frightened of my father. His bigness, his loud voice (which half the time I could never understand him because of his thick Jamaican accent), and mostly his hand which was the size of a bear paw and you didn't want to know what that felt like on your ass...trust ME!. Every time I was in a situation where there was possible trouble, you know those ones...where you can smell the trouble and instantly have a flash in your head of how your father is going to kill you and no one will ever find your body. I just knew that I needed to get out of that situation because if I was caught...there was going to be some serious discipline going on. My younger brother never seemed to have this fear. He could get beat day in and day out and never learn and still do what he pleased.
My theory is that as my dad has aged he has lost his power. He went from the warden to the guy that sits quietly watching wrestling on t.v. all day. I am no longer fearful of my father. On some good days he is one of the funniest people I know. On other days, he drives me crazy and I wish he would grow up sometimes and let me be the kid and him the parent.
My brother and I have a bag full of jokes we continuously regurgitate. Laughing deep from the belly I don't think these stories will ever get old. Like the day he was trying to tell us about a car he seen on t.v.
Dad: (please think very Jamaican accent...like right off the boat) "Ah wha pon di name of dat car?"
Matt: "What car dad?"
Dad: "Me tink its a Mitsufeeshi?"
Mitsufeeshi??? Man that one made me tear right up!
Or the time when he was trying to tell me what is new in the entertainment world. He just watches television all day so he is on the up and up. He tells me a story about Lisa Simpson when what he really meant was Jessica Simpson. Or telling me about a t.v. show he watches called, "Man onna da Mountain". Which is actually King of the Hill. Don't ever tell him he is wrong or you will be up for a marathon of arguing. Stubborn.
He also told me about a story a couple of weeks ago about how he picked up some random chick on the street and drove her around all night and even went to Mickey D's for her. My dad may be old, but he is a pimp! No really he is not, but for all who know me closely you know my dad is a ladies man. I don't know what it is, but these women fall for my dad like he is their very own Justin Timberlake. I have been with my dad at a restaurant where he even tried to pick up some lady right in front of me!
Lady from behind the counter: (who let me explain does not know what she is getting herself into) "Where in Jamaica are your from?"
Rico Suave: "I am from Maypen...why do you ask?"
The Prey: "I just wanted to know where you were from"
Fabio: "Why you like me?? Next time I come here I will come by myself...(wink wink)"
BARF!!!! I would also like to add a side note...my dad is 75. I know I know...he just never knows when to stop.
Sitting down and listening to my father talk is defiantly going to keep you interested and defiantly keep you laughing. Even though there has been some hard times with my dad I am happy that I know him and all the things he has done for me...even if they are small. He in a twisted way with his faults and issues has made me who I am today. I really can't complain about that now can I.
Here is to always looking for the good in people! Cheers!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Weigh In.....
Okay so a little late...but time to update on our weekly weight loss challenge...
Nicki- 165 (same as last week...we only started midway through the week...give me a break!)
Some tips for the week ahead!
If you don't have a gym membership there are many ways to start getting fit. While you are watching t.v. and a commercial comes on...don't just sit there and wait. Turn the channel to a music channel and do jumping jacks for 2 min...next commercial do 2 minutes of crunches...next commercial do 2 min of jumping jacks again. Sneaking in exercise is a great way when your not in the mood. While cooking dinner, do some standing push ups on the corner of your counter. Or grab a can of tomatoes and do some arm curls. Get creative! Post some of your own sneaky tips for others.
Nicki- 165 (same as last week...we only started midway through the week...give me a break!)
Some tips for the week ahead!
If you don't have a gym membership there are many ways to start getting fit. While you are watching t.v. and a commercial comes on...don't just sit there and wait. Turn the channel to a music channel and do jumping jacks for 2 min...next commercial do 2 minutes of crunches...next commercial do 2 min of jumping jacks again. Sneaking in exercise is a great way when your not in the mood. While cooking dinner, do some standing push ups on the corner of your counter. Or grab a can of tomatoes and do some arm curls. Get creative! Post some of your own sneaky tips for others.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Is it Time Already?
I went to try on bridesmaids dresses again last night and decided to bring Reese with me. She is actually going to be the flower girl in the wedding, so I thought it would be cute to see in her in some dresses.
Who knew she was an instant bride! She put that dress on and then I decided to put a veil on her...she strutted all over that floor and twirled with no care in the world! Yes I did tear up a bit. I remember when she was about a month old, Dave and I had to go to a wedding. I got a babysitter and left the house with breast pump in hand (I actually pumped in my car before dinner). We watched the bride go up the aisle with her dad in hand and I started bawling! Yes I was happy for the couple, but I was thinking that one day that would be Reese and Dave walking down the aisle. Dang...what a sap I have become.
Then when I was watching her last night again...I realised once again that time just flies by and before I know it, she will be that bride. I can't wait to be planning another wedding, as well as Marli's. Fun being a mom to girls...even tho they gots lots of drama.
Footnote to Dave...better start saving daddy...it might become expensive....haha.
Who knew she was an instant bride! She put that dress on and then I decided to put a veil on her...she strutted all over that floor and twirled with no care in the world! Yes I did tear up a bit. I remember when she was about a month old, Dave and I had to go to a wedding. I got a babysitter and left the house with breast pump in hand (I actually pumped in my car before dinner). We watched the bride go up the aisle with her dad in hand and I started bawling! Yes I was happy for the couple, but I was thinking that one day that would be Reese and Dave walking down the aisle. Dang...what a sap I have become.
Then when I was watching her last night again...I realised once again that time just flies by and before I know it, she will be that bride. I can't wait to be planning another wedding, as well as Marli's. Fun being a mom to girls...even tho they gots lots of drama.
Footnote to Dave...better start saving daddy...it might become expensive....haha.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Better Bootays!!!
Okay...so I got like a little more than 2 months till Vegasssss and since I am not going to be a big preggo mess when I am there anymore, its time to tighten some things up!
SO! I want to start a blogging a "Biggest Loser" style of contest. Now this "contest" really has no prize...but you will be soo fine that the stranger walking on the street will have to say to themselves, "Hot DAYUM! That girl is looking HOT!". Let's face it...that is a prize in itself. Plus I am busted and I gots no $100,000 to give you:)
Who's in?? I will post a new exercise and possibly a new recipe each week, and every week when I post the Better Bootays you will have to comment and leave your new weight. I know everyone will know your shit...but really it gives you incentive to do something about it. We are all here for each other, no judgement and some of you I don't even know or for that fact know each other. Even if you do...who cares...we are in this together to help each other and give tips etc. Feed off each others success's and help when your in a downfall. Support!
If you would like to join me on this journey you will need to do the following.
1. Weigh yourself- or get someone else to look for you if you really don't want to see that number...it can be scary sometimes...trust me I know!
2. Get a measuring tape and measure your boobies (hehe), hips, and waist.
3. Set a goal for yourself. Now be realistic...its not a race and if you really feel its a stretch to lose 50 pounds or whatever...just set the goal for something attainable. We don't need anyone researching online to buy a tape worm or anything like that. No crazyness here!
Once you have recorded all this information I want you to comment to this post with this template:
Name:
Weight:
Measurements: B- W- H-
(if you don't know what the letters mean, its B-Bust, W-Waist, H-Hips)
Goal:
Then each...let's say Sunday, I will post a new exercise and recipe as well as my new records. You will do the same but you will leave out the measurements...just the name and weight. At the end of it all you will re-measure yourself and we'll do a big finale.
Do you get it?? Who's in with me?? It will be fun to do it together...and look I will tell you my info first!
Name: Nicki (MushMush)
Weight: 165 (of solid sexiness that I am just making even better;)
Measurments: B- 37 1/2 in (Heyyyyyy) W-33 H-43 (its the bootay)
Goal: to lose about 15 pounds and tighten up my jiggly belly!
Now its your turn:)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Mirror Mirror
Yesterday I woke up and did the usual hum and hah over what I was going to wear for the day. You know it has to be comfortable yet somewhat stylish. I don't want to look like a bag lady or anything. So I pick out some jeans and a grey top. I walk into the bathroom and see myself in the mirror. "DANG GIRL! You look good!" I thought to myself. I turned around and checked out the bootay area. Another good point about turning 30 is that I have come to embrace the bootay (yes its boo-tay...not bootie. Booties are slippers for babies). I mean this bootay has got me to where I am. I am proud of it. Tough to all those boys in grade school that used to mock me because of it. Shame on them! Making me feel uncomfortable to show off my great ASSet. My bootay looked good in dem jeans and I was feelin hot!
Then I went outside, went to the plaza to pick up some things from the dollar store. I walked past a random mirror and, "DANG GIRL! what is up with your bootay??!" I thought to myself. How did it get so big from this morning and who let me out of the house looking like this! Reese needs to learn quick she is on the woman train and needs to holla at her gurl when things like this happen.
So I blame this on the mirrors the builder installed in my home. Yes they make me feel good about myself but its false advertisement! Shit! You can't make a girl feel all good and then when she sees what everyone else sees its just disappointment. I am trying to think back to when I was trying on dresses for my girl Ashley's (and Franco) wedding. I tried on a couple of dresses but settled in on this one hip, no actually ass hugging dress. It looked bangin! My ass was perfect! And now I think those mirrors are trick mirrors too! To make you want to buy the dress they have mirrors that make you look good.
In order for these trick mirrors to work they need to fix people's eyes so that they match what these mirrors make you see. If not then throw them all away!!
Then I went outside, went to the plaza to pick up some things from the dollar store. I walked past a random mirror and, "DANG GIRL! what is up with your bootay??!" I thought to myself. How did it get so big from this morning and who let me out of the house looking like this! Reese needs to learn quick she is on the woman train and needs to holla at her gurl when things like this happen.
So I blame this on the mirrors the builder installed in my home. Yes they make me feel good about myself but its false advertisement! Shit! You can't make a girl feel all good and then when she sees what everyone else sees its just disappointment. I am trying to think back to when I was trying on dresses for my girl Ashley's (and Franco) wedding. I tried on a couple of dresses but settled in on this one hip, no actually ass hugging dress. It looked bangin! My ass was perfect! And now I think those mirrors are trick mirrors too! To make you want to buy the dress they have mirrors that make you look good.
In order for these trick mirrors to work they need to fix people's eyes so that they match what these mirrors make you see. If not then throw them all away!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
No longer the Superhero to my 3 year old
It has happened....my daughter has hit her teenage years. She has somehow managed to stay the same size...but morph into a teenager overnight! Amazing! I Know!
She no longer wants anything to do with our family. She's moody when she is "stuck" with us, she sleeps late, she only comes inside to demand something to eat or drink, she is a typical teenager. The culprit...her new friends she has that live behind us. From the second she wakes in the morning, she wants to know if her friends are outside and will not retire for the evening until its dark. You can try to bribe her with ice cream and toys...no dice. She is into her friends and loving every second of playtime she has.
I get it, I do. Who would want to hang out with a boring me...and a even more boring 14 month old. But I am a little heart broken. I watch her play all day and giggle and laugh. Her skin is darkening from the sun and she is worn OUT come bed time. She just doesn't need us the way she used to and she is growing up so fast! Starting school in the fall and literally jumping for joy about it. I am happy to see my daughter grow up and experience new things in life. I am excited to see her have memories of all these things I remember as a child. Its just crazy to know how easily they can let go of their parents in lieu of a friend.
I will always be there though when she comes home. There will be a time when they don't get along and I will feel like I won the battle for that day. I will also hold her just a little bit longer when she does want to snuggle. Girls may be "daddy's little girl" but they will always need their mom, especially when she needs the recipe for cabbage rolls when she is older.
She no longer wants anything to do with our family. She's moody when she is "stuck" with us, she sleeps late, she only comes inside to demand something to eat or drink, she is a typical teenager. The culprit...her new friends she has that live behind us. From the second she wakes in the morning, she wants to know if her friends are outside and will not retire for the evening until its dark. You can try to bribe her with ice cream and toys...no dice. She is into her friends and loving every second of playtime she has.
I get it, I do. Who would want to hang out with a boring me...and a even more boring 14 month old. But I am a little heart broken. I watch her play all day and giggle and laugh. Her skin is darkening from the sun and she is worn OUT come bed time. She just doesn't need us the way she used to and she is growing up so fast! Starting school in the fall and literally jumping for joy about it. I am happy to see my daughter grow up and experience new things in life. I am excited to see her have memories of all these things I remember as a child. Its just crazy to know how easily they can let go of their parents in lieu of a friend.
I will always be there though when she comes home. There will be a time when they don't get along and I will feel like I won the battle for that day. I will also hold her just a little bit longer when she does want to snuggle. Girls may be "daddy's little girl" but they will always need their mom, especially when she needs the recipe for cabbage rolls when she is older.
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