I am truly, truly blessed.
*I have a husband who loves me and who I am madly in love with.
*I have family who will forgive me all of my (many) flaws.
*I have parents who are happily married, and who have provided a strong model for my husband and I to follow.
*I have sisters who are my very best friends and confidants.
*I have nieces who carry my heart and soul.
*I have a great relationship with my in-laws.
*I have a dog and a cat who love me unconditionally.
*I have friends who welcome me with open arms, even when I have pushed them away for long periods of time.
*I have a roof over my head and food in my cabinets.
*I have a car that takes me where I need to go.
*I have a job that supports me.
*I am (relatively) healthy.
*I can see, taste, hear, smell, and feel all of the gifts that God has sent me.
For all these things, and so much more, I am sincerely Thankful.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Prayer
I saw this prayer in today's Dear Abby column and it really hit home. I hope all of you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Oh, Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for food and
remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and
remember the sick.
We thank thee for freedom and
remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir
us to service,
That thy gifts to us may be
used for others. Amen.
Oh, Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for food and
remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and
remember the sick.
We thank thee for freedom and
remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir
us to service,
That thy gifts to us may be
used for others. Amen.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
My TWILIGHT review!
If you don't want to read spoilers, STOP HERE!
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Ok, I warned you!
So I went to see Twilight last night with the girl who got me into it. I think we were both just a little disappointed, though.
First of all, we got there an hour early and were the second in line to get seats, so we got perfect seats! There were some annoying people who snuck in somehow before the doors opened, but whatever. The show was sold out (of course) and we only counted 8 males in the room. pretty funny.
As far as the movie itself.... it's so hard to put that kind of story into a 2 hour movie and not make it seem forced and sped up. I understand that a lot of things needed to be condensed and edited, but for some reason it changed the feel of the story. (ie- when Bella first figures out what Edward is, she asks a ton of questions and then he needs to take his turn. It made her seem more interested and involved. In the movie, Edward is the one asking all of the questions, so it almost seems like Bella doesn't care or something.) If I wouldn't have read the book, I would have been completely lost, I think.
The thing that killed it for me, though, was the casting! Billy, Jacob, Charlie, and most of the Cullens were perfect! (There wasn't enough Cullens for me in it, though. They were VERY underdeveloped. I think they totally could have made the movie an hour longer. People would have sat through it, and it would have helped A LOT.) HOWEVER, I still couldn't quite get into RP as Edward, and most importantly, I couldn't relate to KS as Bella. The thing that sold me in the book is that Bella is so "everygirl" In the movie she's just so... I don't know how to describe it.... uninvolved, maybe? It almost seemed like her character was completely different in the movie than in the book. I was really distracted because of her line delivery and her body language. Maybe it was just bad directing? I dunno. It seemed like she was always breathing hard and talking through clenched teeth and shaking. She's very shaky.
The thing that killed it for me was the scene in the woods/meadow. When she told him she knew what he was she was breathing really hard and shaking and giving absolutely every indication that she was scared to death..... which kinda defeats the purpose of the scene, I think, as far as her character is concerned and as far as their whole dynamic is concerned. I always thought that she was supposed to be completely confident in the fact that she knew what he was and she didn't care, because he was Edward and that's all that mattered. That scene was TOTALLY unconvincing for me, and it's my favorite scene, so I was really really disappointed. Also, I always pictured the sparkling as like looking at an opal, with the rainbow colored flecks. He kinda looked like they covered him in body glitter. If I were to see him in the sun, I would just think "Hey, that guy's crazy. chill on the body glitter, man" not "Hey, that guy isn't human."
The redeeming things, though, were the prom scene in the gazebo (no stuttering or shaking or heavy breathing. She was the Bella I imagined in that moment.) Alice and Emmet! Not enough screen time, but TOTALLY perfect :) Edward the first time he drove her to school (got out of the car all cocky and cool and happy as opposed to the rest of the movie where he's all broody all the time). Charlie! (I almost cried when she stormed out on him and he was trying to convince her to stay)
The thing that made it all worth it: the collective gasp/sigh from the audience the first time Edward stepped on screen. I did it, too, and I TOTALLY didn't think I would.
I'm definitely going to see it again. With all its flaws, it's still really good entertainment- and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.
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Ok, I warned you!
So I went to see Twilight last night with the girl who got me into it. I think we were both just a little disappointed, though.
First of all, we got there an hour early and were the second in line to get seats, so we got perfect seats! There were some annoying people who snuck in somehow before the doors opened, but whatever. The show was sold out (of course) and we only counted 8 males in the room. pretty funny.
As far as the movie itself.... it's so hard to put that kind of story into a 2 hour movie and not make it seem forced and sped up. I understand that a lot of things needed to be condensed and edited, but for some reason it changed the feel of the story. (ie- when Bella first figures out what Edward is, she asks a ton of questions and then he needs to take his turn. It made her seem more interested and involved. In the movie, Edward is the one asking all of the questions, so it almost seems like Bella doesn't care or something.) If I wouldn't have read the book, I would have been completely lost, I think.
The thing that killed it for me, though, was the casting! Billy, Jacob, Charlie, and most of the Cullens were perfect! (There wasn't enough Cullens for me in it, though. They were VERY underdeveloped. I think they totally could have made the movie an hour longer. People would have sat through it, and it would have helped A LOT.) HOWEVER, I still couldn't quite get into RP as Edward, and most importantly, I couldn't relate to KS as Bella. The thing that sold me in the book is that Bella is so "everygirl" In the movie she's just so... I don't know how to describe it.... uninvolved, maybe? It almost seemed like her character was completely different in the movie than in the book. I was really distracted because of her line delivery and her body language. Maybe it was just bad directing? I dunno. It seemed like she was always breathing hard and talking through clenched teeth and shaking. She's very shaky.
The thing that killed it for me was the scene in the woods/meadow. When she told him she knew what he was she was breathing really hard and shaking and giving absolutely every indication that she was scared to death..... which kinda defeats the purpose of the scene, I think, as far as her character is concerned and as far as their whole dynamic is concerned. I always thought that she was supposed to be completely confident in the fact that she knew what he was and she didn't care, because he was Edward and that's all that mattered. That scene was TOTALLY unconvincing for me, and it's my favorite scene, so I was really really disappointed. Also, I always pictured the sparkling as like looking at an opal, with the rainbow colored flecks. He kinda looked like they covered him in body glitter. If I were to see him in the sun, I would just think "Hey, that guy's crazy. chill on the body glitter, man" not "Hey, that guy isn't human."
The redeeming things, though, were the prom scene in the gazebo (no stuttering or shaking or heavy breathing. She was the Bella I imagined in that moment.) Alice and Emmet! Not enough screen time, but TOTALLY perfect :) Edward the first time he drove her to school (got out of the car all cocky and cool and happy as opposed to the rest of the movie where he's all broody all the time). Charlie! (I almost cried when she stormed out on him and he was trying to convince her to stay)
The thing that made it all worth it: the collective gasp/sigh from the audience the first time Edward stepped on screen. I did it, too, and I TOTALLY didn't think I would.
I'm definitely going to see it again. With all its flaws, it's still really good entertainment- and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.
Friday, November 21, 2008
MY HUSBAND ROCKS!
My Husband Rocks because of the following email conversation:
HE: so just made a calendar for a girl I used to work with at Giant Eagle back in da day, had a thing for her..she dissed me when I asked..now I look at her and say man what was I thinkin! :)
ME: Because I’m so much better, right?!
HE: well DUH! I thought that was already figured in but I guess not…
Every once in a while, I girl just needs to hear it, OK?! I’m really glad that we can email each other at work. It’s those little gems that help me make it through some days…..
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Jon&Kate&IF&Us
I know, right? You’re thinking 3 posts in 3 days?! It has to be some sort of miracle! Honestly, I think I just had to admit to myself and to the world that I’m in a rut, and then the floodgates of communication opened up. Amazing how that happens….
You know that commercial on TLC where it’s Jon and Kate and they’re holding hands and they look up and smile at each other? Why does it affect me so much? I bawl like a baby every time I see it, and it makes the Hubs laugh. I know I’m not the only one…. I’ve read your blogs. I know you cry too! What is it about that commercial, though? I mean, I know it was all staged, but it just looked like we stepped in to a real, perfect moment, right? I usually fast forward through commercials ( DVR is the world’s best invention- aside from indoor plumbing) but this one I stop and watch every time!
I just love them, and I love their kids, and I love how they’re just so real with each other all the time. I think, too, that I love how they struggled with infertility. I wouldn’t wish IF on anyone, but it makes me have hope that we can get to the other side of this struggle. (Hopefully not with 8 kids, but whatever it takes, I guess.)
What amazing episodes that have had lately, too! San Diego! HAWAII!!! How amazing and beautiful! (I’ve always dreamed of going to Hawaii. I actually cry when I see pictures of it, because I have no idea when/if I’ll ever make it there. I was watching Jon & Kate +8 with the Hubs and said “I WILL make it there before I die.” My Husband, who never wants to put us in unnecessary debt - and a vacation is always seen as unnecessary debt - said “I will get you there someday. We might be 70, and I might have to put us in debt up to our eyeballs, but I WILL get you there.” ::sigh:)
I’m so glad that they always mention how grateful they are to have the opportunities that they are given because of the show. I know they probably sit back every once in a while and say “I have no idea how we would be able to survive if it weren’t for the show.” I mean, can you imagine?! I know from seeing my sister raise twins that multiple infants/ toddlers are expensive. Can you imagine 6 of them?! I just have no idea how anyone could handle that. I’m sure they see it as a prayer answered x 100.
Wow, that was a lot of rambling about a TV show, huh? As far as our IF struggle is going…. I’m now up to 1500mg of Met, but I’m not really losing any weight. I haven’t been able to get out and exercise much, though, so that might be part of it. I’m not sure if I ovulated this month. I had a temp shift (but I slacked one weekend and didn’t temp- of course that’s when I should have seen the shift) but I didn’t have any cm, and fertility friend didn’t mention anything about an O…. however, I started spotting this morning, so that’s a good sign (I’ve been sick most of the month, so I was 100% sure that I wasn’t pregnant. AF would mean that the met is working, right?! I mean, how do you really know that it’s working?) We can’t really afford any treatments until after the holidays, so I’m going to call after the first of the year to get in for a consultation with the RE, so that the Hubs knows what he’s getting into when he agrees to do IUI…. I guess we’ll go from there!
I want to thank everyone who responded to my last couple of posts….especially the one where I mentioned our rut. Those responses really helped me get my mind going in the right direction. I missed you all, too!
You know that commercial on TLC where it’s Jon and Kate and they’re holding hands and they look up and smile at each other? Why does it affect me so much? I bawl like a baby every time I see it, and it makes the Hubs laugh. I know I’m not the only one…. I’ve read your blogs. I know you cry too! What is it about that commercial, though? I mean, I know it was all staged, but it just looked like we stepped in to a real, perfect moment, right? I usually fast forward through commercials ( DVR is the world’s best invention- aside from indoor plumbing) but this one I stop and watch every time!
I just love them, and I love their kids, and I love how they’re just so real with each other all the time. I think, too, that I love how they struggled with infertility. I wouldn’t wish IF on anyone, but it makes me have hope that we can get to the other side of this struggle. (Hopefully not with 8 kids, but whatever it takes, I guess.)
What amazing episodes that have had lately, too! San Diego! HAWAII!!! How amazing and beautiful! (I’ve always dreamed of going to Hawaii. I actually cry when I see pictures of it, because I have no idea when/if I’ll ever make it there. I was watching Jon & Kate +8 with the Hubs and said “I WILL make it there before I die.” My Husband, who never wants to put us in unnecessary debt - and a vacation is always seen as unnecessary debt - said “I will get you there someday. We might be 70, and I might have to put us in debt up to our eyeballs, but I WILL get you there.” ::sigh:)
I’m so glad that they always mention how grateful they are to have the opportunities that they are given because of the show. I know they probably sit back every once in a while and say “I have no idea how we would be able to survive if it weren’t for the show.” I mean, can you imagine?! I know from seeing my sister raise twins that multiple infants/ toddlers are expensive. Can you imagine 6 of them?! I just have no idea how anyone could handle that. I’m sure they see it as a prayer answered x 100.
Wow, that was a lot of rambling about a TV show, huh? As far as our IF struggle is going…. I’m now up to 1500mg of Met, but I’m not really losing any weight. I haven’t been able to get out and exercise much, though, so that might be part of it. I’m not sure if I ovulated this month. I had a temp shift (but I slacked one weekend and didn’t temp- of course that’s when I should have seen the shift) but I didn’t have any cm, and fertility friend didn’t mention anything about an O…. however, I started spotting this morning, so that’s a good sign (I’ve been sick most of the month, so I was 100% sure that I wasn’t pregnant. AF would mean that the met is working, right?! I mean, how do you really know that it’s working?) We can’t really afford any treatments until after the holidays, so I’m going to call after the first of the year to get in for a consultation with the RE, so that the Hubs knows what he’s getting into when he agrees to do IUI…. I guess we’ll go from there!
I want to thank everyone who responded to my last couple of posts….especially the one where I mentioned our rut. Those responses really helped me get my mind going in the right direction. I missed you all, too!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Winter, you suck.
I don’t know if this is something you all know about me, but I HATE winter! Most of all, I hate driving in the snow. Maybe hate isn’t the right word…. LOATHE is more like it. The person going 20 on the highway and driving you crazy? That’s me. Yes, I live in Ohio, and yes, I should be used to it by now, but I’m not. I probably won’t ever be used to it. I hate the fact that it takes me an hour and a half in the winter months to get to work, and at least that long to get home. I get so tense behind the wheel that by the time I get to where I’m going, I’m shaking and crying as soon as I stop the car. Its borderline traumatic. I’m not kidding. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way, right?
Now let’s talk about the fact that it’s snowing before Thanksgiving, and I’m getting in the mood for Christmas. I’m not ready for that yet! I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time, thanks. Now I feel like I’ve missed Thanksgiving all together, and that’s not fun. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! I love just getting together with friends and family and actually spending time together. I love fall decorations and the warm colors and the cozy feeling of the not-yet-too-cold. I like looking forward to Thanksgiving. Don’t take that away from me, snow! Not yet! I’m not ready! Let’s compromise- hold off until the day after Thanksgiving from now on, and I’ll let you snow as much as you want until April. Then you have to stop, because April means spring. You don’t get all of the months of the year, you know……….
Now let’s talk about the fact that it’s snowing before Thanksgiving, and I’m getting in the mood for Christmas. I’m not ready for that yet! I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time, thanks. Now I feel like I’ve missed Thanksgiving all together, and that’s not fun. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! I love just getting together with friends and family and actually spending time together. I love fall decorations and the warm colors and the cozy feeling of the not-yet-too-cold. I like looking forward to Thanksgiving. Don’t take that away from me, snow! Not yet! I’m not ready! Let’s compromise- hold off until the day after Thanksgiving from now on, and I’ll let you snow as much as you want until April. Then you have to stop, because April means spring. You don’t get all of the months of the year, you know……….
Monday, November 17, 2008
Let's have a Pity Party!
Pity party for one, please.
Some random complaints:
~ I hate snow, and it’s been snowing since yesterday. And sticking a little bit.
~ The mascara I just bought (Maybelline XXL Volume/Length- I think that’s the name of it) is the WORST mascara I have ever used. Even worse than the stuff in those $10 makeup gift sets that I used to get from my mom for Christmas. It neither lengthened or volumized my lashes, the makeup is hard to get off of the wand, and the brushes are really stiff and pointy. They won’t be coming near my eyes again. I wonder if I can return it.
~ Last Thursday, there was a pipe leak above my department. My desk, and the desk of 3 other co-workers were drenched. I lost a bunch of stuff, and had to move to a desk on the other side of the floor while they clean the mess. As of today, the smell is better, but there’s still about 6 fans blowing and some dehumidifiers running. Also, the carpet on my floor looks like an elephant peed on it. I don’t see it being fixed any time soon. In the meantime, my work life is incredibly inconvenient, as my printer and all of my files are still over there.
Last:
The Hubs and I are in a really deep rut, almost Grand Canyon proportions, and can’t figure out how to dig ourselves out. I think we’re in too deep. We can’t afford to take a vacation, although I think that would help. We don’t even have enough extra money to go away for a night. How do you reconnect when you get in a rut like that? I’m open to any/all suggestions!
Some random complaints:
~ I hate snow, and it’s been snowing since yesterday. And sticking a little bit.
~ The mascara I just bought (Maybelline XXL Volume/Length- I think that’s the name of it) is the WORST mascara I have ever used. Even worse than the stuff in those $10 makeup gift sets that I used to get from my mom for Christmas. It neither lengthened or volumized my lashes, the makeup is hard to get off of the wand, and the brushes are really stiff and pointy. They won’t be coming near my eyes again. I wonder if I can return it.
~ Last Thursday, there was a pipe leak above my department. My desk, and the desk of 3 other co-workers were drenched. I lost a bunch of stuff, and had to move to a desk on the other side of the floor while they clean the mess. As of today, the smell is better, but there’s still about 6 fans blowing and some dehumidifiers running. Also, the carpet on my floor looks like an elephant peed on it. I don’t see it being fixed any time soon. In the meantime, my work life is incredibly inconvenient, as my printer and all of my files are still over there.
Last:
The Hubs and I are in a really deep rut, almost Grand Canyon proportions, and can’t figure out how to dig ourselves out. I think we’re in too deep. We can’t afford to take a vacation, although I think that would help. We don’t even have enough extra money to go away for a night. How do you reconnect when you get in a rut like that? I’m open to any/all suggestions!
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Husband ROCKS!
To find out more about My Husband Rocks! Friday, click here.
First of all, I want to say that I know I’m a terrible blogger/commenter lately. It’s a combination of a lot of things, and I’m trying to write a post about it, but I just can’t seem to get the words right. Hopefully things will come together soon and I can get back to my bloggy self.
This week the Hubs rocks because he let me let my emotions fly. I’ve kinda been struggling with a lot of things lately, and I’ve had crazy mood swings. I’ve really needed to just yell and scream, or cry, or sing at the top of my lungs and dance around the house. He’s really let me do it all- and he even participates sometimes, which is great…. especially since I think everyone needs a good shouting match every now and then. I’m a lucky woman.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Proud to be an American!
We made history last night. Whether you voted for Obama or McCain, you voted. In record numbers, you voted. I am so moved by this, that I tear up just thinking about it. The people of the United States of America have a voice, and that voice was heard loud and clear last night.
I am so honored to be alive during this time in history. Yes, times are hard, and many may not agree with his policies, but Barack Obama was just elected as the President of the United States of America… and we were all a part of (arguably) the most historical election this country has ever seen. We can tell our children “I was there when we elected the first African-American into the White House.” Maybe we can say we helped put him there. Maybe we can say that we volunteered with the campaign. Maybe we can say that we attended one of his rallies, or donated a piece of our paychecks, or posted a sign our yard, or put a bumper sticker on our car. Regardless, we broke a barrier last night, and the election of 2008 will be forever marked as a turning point in our nation’s history. (For the record, the same could be said if McCain was elected into office. If that were the case, we could be proud of the fact that we helped put the first woman into the role of Vice President.)
Will Obama bring about the change he promises? I hope so. Will he be able to fulfill all of his campaign promises? Probably not. Who knows? Maybe this could be the worst mistake our country has ever made, and we’ll all be ashamed of the fact that we put the Obama family in the White House. Only time will tell. In the meantime, my hope is that this country will come together as a unified force and embrace the historical value of this day. I pray that we can all find a way to come together and rebuild what has been broken in America, so that it will be a better place for our children and their children.
I am so honored to be alive during this time in history. Yes, times are hard, and many may not agree with his policies, but Barack Obama was just elected as the President of the United States of America… and we were all a part of (arguably) the most historical election this country has ever seen. We can tell our children “I was there when we elected the first African-American into the White House.” Maybe we can say we helped put him there. Maybe we can say that we volunteered with the campaign. Maybe we can say that we attended one of his rallies, or donated a piece of our paychecks, or posted a sign our yard, or put a bumper sticker on our car. Regardless, we broke a barrier last night, and the election of 2008 will be forever marked as a turning point in our nation’s history. (For the record, the same could be said if McCain was elected into office. If that were the case, we could be proud of the fact that we helped put the first woman into the role of Vice President.)
Will Obama bring about the change he promises? I hope so. Will he be able to fulfill all of his campaign promises? Probably not. Who knows? Maybe this could be the worst mistake our country has ever made, and we’ll all be ashamed of the fact that we put the Obama family in the White House. Only time will tell. In the meantime, my hope is that this country will come together as a unified force and embrace the historical value of this day. I pray that we can all find a way to come together and rebuild what has been broken in America, so that it will be a better place for our children and their children.
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