We celebrated my birthday with my mom and sister at the Cheesecake Factory. I love that place. I always make sure that we get there before 5pm. That way we get the lunch portion, which is still HUGE.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sharing a Birthday
Yesterday, I discovered that I share a birthday with one of my favorite artists, Sarah McLachlan. I especially like that she is five years older than me. Happy Birthday Sarah!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lexi Turns Five
Today, Lexi turns five years old. I was in bed this morning when the kids woke up. I listened to their usual banter and wondered when she was going to remember that today is THE big day. She has been telling everyone about for the past several months. Surprisingly, it took about five minutes. She got excited and suddenly announced to Jordan, "I am five today and ready for kindergarten!" I couldn't help but laugh. I am ready for her to go too.
We don't have anything huge planned. We took brownie bites to the YMCA for her to share with the kids and teachers. She also has her annual physical this afternoon. This evening, we're making her favorite dinner - lasagna, which will be followed by a Tangled cake. She can't wait to taste all that hair. She is also excited to open presents of course.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Going Gray
About a year ago, my mom started considering letting her hair go gray. She even selected the book, “Going Gray” by Anne Kreamer, for her book club meeting. The ladies showed up and seemed to have an interesting discussion about vanity and aging. My mom announced to them that she was going to try it. She planned to start by lightening her hair a few shades and then cutting it short once the roots grew in.
To be completely honest, I thought it was a horrible idea. She looks young and has plenty of energy so why would she give up this fight? Mainly, I also couldn’t imagine red hair sprinkled with gray. I just thought it would kind of clash or something. She argued that she just wanted to try it and if she discovered that she didn’t like it, she would start dying her hair again. In our family, we give our opinions but do not get emotionally invested in the outcome and certainly never expect each other to take it.
My mom did exactly what she planned to do and guess what… it turned out just fine. In fact, I actually think her natural red goes very well with the new blondish-gray hair. Plus, she has quite a bit more red than I expected for someone approaching 60 years old.
A few months ago, I was surprised to find out that my aunt (dad’s sister) had also taken up the same quest. Today, she was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune: Silver Sisters Lead the Way in Gray Roots Movement.
She is the one in the middle named Barb Shelley.
The interesting thing is that I am actually glad they did this little experiment. They have paved the way for me. I have never dyed my hair, although I did lighten it once or twice in college. I have always planned to cover up gray hair once they start taking over, but I never ever considered the alternative. At this point, I still only have one that I find once or twice a year. I mentioned it before here: Gray Hair
I saw my little gray hair the other day and promptly plucked it out. One day though, when it comes with lots of friends, I will probably just leave it and not worry about dying it. I'll just be happy that I can spend money and time on other things.
To be completely honest, I thought it was a horrible idea. She looks young and has plenty of energy so why would she give up this fight? Mainly, I also couldn’t imagine red hair sprinkled with gray. I just thought it would kind of clash or something. She argued that she just wanted to try it and if she discovered that she didn’t like it, she would start dying her hair again. In our family, we give our opinions but do not get emotionally invested in the outcome and certainly never expect each other to take it.
My mom did exactly what she planned to do and guess what… it turned out just fine. In fact, I actually think her natural red goes very well with the new blondish-gray hair. Plus, she has quite a bit more red than I expected for someone approaching 60 years old.
A few months ago, I was surprised to find out that my aunt (dad’s sister) had also taken up the same quest. Today, she was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune: Silver Sisters Lead the Way in Gray Roots Movement.
She is the one in the middle named Barb Shelley.
The interesting thing is that I am actually glad they did this little experiment. They have paved the way for me. I have never dyed my hair, although I did lighten it once or twice in college. I have always planned to cover up gray hair once they start taking over, but I never ever considered the alternative. At this point, I still only have one that I find once or twice a year. I mentioned it before here: Gray Hair
I saw my little gray hair the other day and promptly plucked it out. One day though, when it comes with lots of friends, I will probably just leave it and not worry about dying it. I'll just be happy that I can spend money and time on other things.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Type Casting for Romance
In theory, I believe it is a little sad and confining to type cast an actor or a person for that matter. However, I realize that I don’t like movies where Robin Williams is a bad guy. I refuse to see them because even the idea sickens me. This week, I’ve discovered that I also don’t like to think about Enrique Iglesias as a cheater. I finally got around to looking up one of his most recent videos on YouTube:
I don't even consider myself a big fan, but he does remind me of Miami and I can't help but smile. The video doesn't. It definitely does not give off warm fuzzy feelings. After watching it, I had to go watch his older videos that are much more romantic (albeit stalker type love):
Friday, January 14, 2011
Excuse #4 for Not Dating
Excuse #4:
I guess this one is mostly about not feeling quite whole/having self-doubt. Right now, I don't have a lot to offer.
1. I have some debts to pay off. Divorce isn't exactly cheap and child support hasn't been steady. I am scraping by some months.
2. I am living with my mom and step-dad, which isn't something I feel like explaining to a potential partner (just the internet world here - whole other post).
3. Giving my time isn't even easy. One of the most productive blocks of time for working is in the evening after the kids are in bed. The rest of my time is devoted to them.
4. It is tough to have meaningful telephone conversations when the kids are always getting into something or bickering in the background. If it is difficult to talk to my friends that are moms, how would it work with a guy that I am interested in?
5. Being a single mom is exhausting and leaves little energy for anything else.
I could probably come up with a long list, but basically it comes down to the fact that I would like someone very special or nobody. I don't feel like I have a lot to share or the ability to attract the right guy at this time, so I'd rather be alone.
I guess this one is mostly about not feeling quite whole/having self-doubt. Right now, I don't have a lot to offer.
1. I have some debts to pay off. Divorce isn't exactly cheap and child support hasn't been steady. I am scraping by some months.
2. I am living with my mom and step-dad, which isn't something I feel like explaining to a potential partner (just the internet world here - whole other post).
3. Giving my time isn't even easy. One of the most productive blocks of time for working is in the evening after the kids are in bed. The rest of my time is devoted to them.
4. It is tough to have meaningful telephone conversations when the kids are always getting into something or bickering in the background. If it is difficult to talk to my friends that are moms, how would it work with a guy that I am interested in?
5. Being a single mom is exhausting and leaves little energy for anything else.
I could probably come up with a long list, but basically it comes down to the fact that I would like someone very special or nobody. I don't feel like I have a lot to share or the ability to attract the right guy at this time, so I'd rather be alone.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Excuse #3 for Not Dating
Excuse #3:
I don't meet dateable men in my daily life. My normal week involves entertaining the kids, working from home, a little grocery shopping, and working out at the YMCA. Plus, the best time for us to go to the YMCA is 10 am to noon. The only other people there at that time are stay-at-home moms and senior citizens. Of course, I see single dads at the zoo or Sea World when I take the kids on the weekend. For me, it doesn’t feel right to flirt or show interest in those circumstances.
The only other option is online dating. Although I have a few on-line profiles and get some interesting responses, I just can’t get excited out it. Mainly, I realize that you can tell a lot about a person within minutes of meeting them in person. Exchanging e-mails, telephone numbers, and texts before you even know if you are interested is a slightly uncomfortable method. I am not opposed to it, but just not motivated to do it at this point.
I don't meet dateable men in my daily life. My normal week involves entertaining the kids, working from home, a little grocery shopping, and working out at the YMCA. Plus, the best time for us to go to the YMCA is 10 am to noon. The only other people there at that time are stay-at-home moms and senior citizens. Of course, I see single dads at the zoo or Sea World when I take the kids on the weekend. For me, it doesn’t feel right to flirt or show interest in those circumstances.
The only other option is online dating. Although I have a few on-line profiles and get some interesting responses, I just can’t get excited out it. Mainly, I realize that you can tell a lot about a person within minutes of meeting them in person. Exchanging e-mails, telephone numbers, and texts before you even know if you are interested is a slightly uncomfortable method. I am not opposed to it, but just not motivated to do it at this point.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Excuse #2 for Not Dating
Excuse #2:
California is just a pit stop in my life. Ok, so it is two years in limbo land. I don't plan to stay here and really have no desire to make strong ties with anyone. I realize that two years is a long time for a pit stop, but there it is... I see it as temporary.
Along that note - This morning, I got a call from my tenant in Texas. They are looking for a house and would like to know if I would be willing to let them out of their lease early (6 months left). I would LOVE to, but the timing isn't right at all for me. I am sure that my company isn’t ready to talk about full time yet. I want it & they want it. How torturous is that?
California is just a pit stop in my life. Ok, so it is two years in limbo land. I don't plan to stay here and really have no desire to make strong ties with anyone. I realize that two years is a long time for a pit stop, but there it is... I see it as temporary.
Along that note - This morning, I got a call from my tenant in Texas. They are looking for a house and would like to know if I would be willing to let them out of their lease early (6 months left). I would LOVE to, but the timing isn't right at all for me. I am sure that my company isn’t ready to talk about full time yet. I want it & they want it. How torturous is that?
Excuse #1 for Not Dating
Recently, I have become friends with a few people that are single parents. While part of me completely loves this status more than I should, I also recognize that there is a small amount of loneliness in always being surrounded by two beautiful kids and not having someone to truly share our lives with. I just can't seem to get excited about dating though. I tried it for a few months about a year ago and decided to hold off. Lately, I feel the need to explore my reasoning. I plan to post some of my excuses (lame or not) over the next few days.
Excuse #1:
When you have kids, anything that isn't a great date is just a huge waste of time. I would much rather spend that time with my kids. Let's face it; most dates are just not worth it when you have something better to do. Being a mom means that I ALWAYS have something better going on.
Friday, January 07, 2011
My Dad's Brother Died
My dad's brother died this week. I am not really sad, but I am in shock. It has been five years since my dad passed away and I can't believe his parents are burying another child. Both of their sons are gone now. I think losing a child is the most horrible thing ever, no matter how old you are. Here is his obit (minus some details):
Lloyd, 62, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, due to complications from pneumonia. Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8. Burial with military honors will follow at the cemetery.
He was born in Logan, Utah, on April 9, 1948, and was the oldest child of Maurice and JoAnn. He graduated from Kuna High School.
He served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 and was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service.
Lloyd will be remembered for his passion for his cows, horses, dogs and grandchildren. His lifelong dream was to be a rancher, which he was through and through.
He had a great sense of humor and was always teasing everyone.
He is survived by his wife, four children, and his 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents and his sisters. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry.
Lloyd, 62, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, due to complications from pneumonia. Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8. Burial with military honors will follow at the cemetery.
He was born in Logan, Utah, on April 9, 1948, and was the oldest child of Maurice and JoAnn. He graduated from Kuna High School.
He served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 and was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service.
Lloyd will be remembered for his passion for his cows, horses, dogs and grandchildren. His lifelong dream was to be a rancher, which he was through and through.
He had a great sense of humor and was always teasing everyone.
He is survived by his wife, four children, and his 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents and his sisters. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Bracing for the New Year
Isn’t it odd that many of us seem to spend the first week or two of each New Year bracing to see what it will bring? We are a bit nervous about whether or not it will be a good year. If last year was particularly rough, we hope and pray that this one will be a huge improvement. If we had a great year, we are extremely anxious that the pendulum will swing the other way. Lots of people, who claim not to be overly superstitious, look for little signs that will give clues as to what’s to come. It is almost humorous that the changing of a number such as 2011 (simply mankind’s way of keeping track) causes numerous emotions.
To be honest, I can’t remember having one year that I would deem as “bad.” Sure there were years when it seemed like lots of things hit hard, but in those years good things happened too. Sometimes the good and bad things carried over into the following year. Life seems to be more of a crazy mixed up ball of uncertainty that does not pay attention to a silly thing like what month or year it happens to be. However, outward randomness is not necessarily a negative thing. At least it is always interesting.
I am not sure where I am going with this. This little post is probably just a pep talk I am trying to give myself. I am trying not to view the negative occurrences that have recently happened as signs of what is to come. It all started one day, last month. I suddenly had a feeling of dread come over me. I felt like something terrifying is going to happen, but that in the end everything would turn out better than it is now. I have no idea what this means or when it will happen.
I would like to believe it has something to do with my ex being laid off last week. Sure I will not get child support for a while, but then maybe he’ll get a better job and be able to move on with his life. Even better, perhaps it means I’ll meet Mr. Wonderful and I’ll be extremely nervous about the new feelings. Beyond those two, I start to really dread what could be coming my way. With all my heart, I hope it isn’t that my company decides they don’t have enough work to keep me employed. I haven’t exactly been busy for the last few months. Plus, I desperately hope they can put me on full-time in the late summer so that my Texas plans will be a reality.
Despite the fact that being nervous is just a useless waste of energy, I am still bracing for whatever may come my way. Please be mostly kind…2011.
To be honest, I can’t remember having one year that I would deem as “bad.” Sure there were years when it seemed like lots of things hit hard, but in those years good things happened too. Sometimes the good and bad things carried over into the following year. Life seems to be more of a crazy mixed up ball of uncertainty that does not pay attention to a silly thing like what month or year it happens to be. However, outward randomness is not necessarily a negative thing. At least it is always interesting.
I am not sure where I am going with this. This little post is probably just a pep talk I am trying to give myself. I am trying not to view the negative occurrences that have recently happened as signs of what is to come. It all started one day, last month. I suddenly had a feeling of dread come over me. I felt like something terrifying is going to happen, but that in the end everything would turn out better than it is now. I have no idea what this means or when it will happen.
I would like to believe it has something to do with my ex being laid off last week. Sure I will not get child support for a while, but then maybe he’ll get a better job and be able to move on with his life. Even better, perhaps it means I’ll meet Mr. Wonderful and I’ll be extremely nervous about the new feelings. Beyond those two, I start to really dread what could be coming my way. With all my heart, I hope it isn’t that my company decides they don’t have enough work to keep me employed. I haven’t exactly been busy for the last few months. Plus, I desperately hope they can put me on full-time in the late summer so that my Texas plans will be a reality.
Despite the fact that being nervous is just a useless waste of energy, I am still bracing for whatever may come my way. Please be mostly kind…2011.
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