Sleep At Last!

Wow...it's amazing how ya feel after getting a really good night of sleep. And of course follow it up with some morning java. Despite the overcast morn' I am feeling pretty good....for now. WARNING!!!! Mood subject to change without warning! lol

I made a pretty amazing meal on Sunday night at work (if i do say so myself). I sauteed (sp?) chicken in seasoned olive oil, added steamed broccoli and cauliflower and placed it atop a bed of pesto laced fettuccine. Yum!

I am into coming up with inexpensive meal ideas since I am now supporting 2 boys on my meager salary. Their favorite is something similar to the above concoction, but with ramen noodles and sugar snap pea stir fry. Inexpensive AND healthy! I have decided to become a ramen noodle connoisseur. lol How can you go wrong with a product that costs 10 cents!?!?!? Do you have inexpensive meal ideas? Please share!

A Break In The Action

For 90 days we are in transition (and I am sure there is more drama to come...there always is). We were awarded our divorce, I get my maiden name back but we still have some issues on the table....mostly custody which was not something we were truly fighting about. Due to some unwise choices by "him," the judge has awarded me sole physical custody with the minimum visitation. What a change to our lives. I am hopeful that during this time the right choices for our kids can be made by "him" and we can get back to our original plan for the kids.

Things That Don't Suck

*Karma

*Baking peanut butter cookies with Scotty

*Waking up to the sound of the laughter of my children

*My dad and his help with some "man-stuff" around the homestead...lol I just don't get the whole wall anchor thingies.

*Storage units....gotta move some o' the clutter!

*Wii cow racing & bowling....funfunfun!

5 Days To Go

On a nostalgic note:
Thanks to my friends for their support AND wishes for a happier year to come. We are on the BIG countdown and I must say it comes with a sense of relief as well as loads of fear. I never thought I'd be a single soccer mom doing laundry at the laundromat on a Friday night...lol. EVER! And here it is...the ugly truth of what my life has become. But what would I do without my boys. They keep me strong, focused and centered on those days when I feel I cannot get out of bed. They are the true blessings in my life. And I am so fortunate to have a loving and supportive father. I truly don't know what I would have done these past three years without him.

On a positive note:
I started getting a little artsy again the other night at work. I am fascinated by art journals. I have never been much of a journal-keeper. I remember my dear friend Sara (who I have known since 1979 and my first friend when we moved to Newark) always seemed to have deep thoughts/desires, etc. hidden away in journals. I always tried to emulate her....it lasted a couple of days. So anyway, back to my latest attempt...I busted out my beautiful set of colored pencils, ultra-fine tip black sharpie and a great spiral bound water color "notebook" and started writing/creating. I like that there are no rules in an art journal. I am sure I will be doing a little more work in it VERY soon. I need to experiment with materials other than colored pencils.

Things That Don't Suck: Part Deux
1. My little b-day celebration last night. While Alex was at a b-day party, Scotty and Scott G. created adorable, delicious AND sugar-free parfaits complete with candles. When Alex got home they gave me cards and then I made a wish and blew out my candles. I took a picture so you could see, but it's on my camera and I don't know how to get it from there to this crappy-assed computer (yes, Dell still has my laptop).
2. The beautiful winter view from my patio. We have a pair of cardinals who visit our birdfeeder, as well as a couple of fat squirrels we have named (I can't remember the names, but the kids sure can).
3. Snow days spent with my two favorite guys...Alex and Scott!

7 Days and Counting

Wow...November was the last time I posted. Lazy, preoccupied and just damned tired and fed up! A few updates on my daily/weekly routine (I am one exciting chick!) And yes, in 7 days I will be a single mom...wild and free...poor and desperate! lmao

• Sunday - sleep all day after dropping the kids off to Paul (and his girlfriend and her daughter - talk about FUN!) Then work all night (obsess about the fact that there is part-time live-in girlfriend in my husband's bed).
  
• Monday - sleep all day then work all night (and obsess about the fact that some chick has her clothing in MY closet in MY house).
• Tuesday - sleep all day and then work all night (still obsessing). Some excitement this past Tuesday though....I gave myself a concussion! My blood sugar plummeted and I passed out face first (or probably head first) onto my floor. I should have suspected something was amiss when I was feeling "blurry" while talking to Diana. She probably thought I was on crack.
  

At this point you are saying to yourself...."Wow! How does that bitch stand all the excitement!"

• Wednesday - sleep until bus-time then spend the afternoon and evening with the loves of my life...the boys! Basketball in the evenings and praying that Paul won't show up with his girlfriend and the kid. He actually planned to this week....how humiliating would THAT be?!?!?! But since a power greater than myself saw to it that school was canceled there was no game and no humiliation. PHEEEEEW!
• Thursday - get the kids to school and party like a wild woman at the Laundromat. I know...I sure know how to have a good time. No school again.
  
• Friday - kids off to school and then housework and playing catch-up with all of the things I've neglected to do all week. And of course try to squeeze in a nap (my NEW favorite hobby). And I just saw there also is no school tomorrow!
  
• Saturday - every other Sat. I get to spend with my boys. On the off Saturdays I sleep.

On a bright note, I talked with my dear Kathy R. I whined about my life while interrupting her family's dinner. It was probably a downer for them, but can you believe it....the 'ho made me laugh.....and laugh hard! Boy, did I need that!!!!! We decided I may need to post some pics on our blogs.....we are soooooo naughty (please don't ask). So a HUMONGOUS "thank you" to Kathy! Love ya, ya 'ho!

Changes and more changes!

It seems our lives are always in a state of flux. Not that change has to be a bad thing. We have been very busy with house improvements....mostly cosmetic; paint, patching, reorganizing, packing. We are busy with my crazy work schedule; I am working as much OT as I can. Basket ball takes up 4-5 days each week. We have decided to take a break from indoor soccer this winter. My work partner, Scott G., may be relocating to the Boulder area. It is a great opportunity for him...and gives me a great place to visit. Dad is in FL for the winter. But the boys and I will be visiting for Thanksgiving. We found a great apartment for when we are ready to move. So things have a way of working themselves out.

Things That Don't Suck

After spending an entire day in tears I am exhausted and look like shit! I'm sick of feeling like this.....so I thought it was time to make a list of things that don't suck.

1. My adorable and super great kids. Not only will they still snuggle with Mom, but they are such fun to take places and so well behaved (99.9% of the time).
2. Friends...what would I do without your kindness?!?
3. Kathy's blog....always full of insight and humor!
4. S.F. caramel soy lattes.
5. The dinner table scene from Talladega Nights (soooo very wrong ya gotta love it!)
6. Books...what a great way to escape.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to add to and/or change this list at any time, without any notice - so there!

Covered Bridge Festival

On Friday, we went to the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. The weather was perfect, the leaves were semi-colorful (not too much color to be found this year) and there was allot to see and do. We visited 4 bridges and the festival in Bridgeton. The kids ate ice cream, Scotty sampled beef jerkey and we found some little doo-dads to purchase. It was a long day but lots o' fun!

He Made It!

Alex made the basketball team at school! He had been so nervous all week. It feels so good to have a "positive" in out lives. I had really gotten into a rut of expecting all things to suck. Good things can, and still do, happen!

So as I sip my first cup of coffee this morning, I can sit and smile....look forward to the day and know that there is good yet to come!

Just The Eggs

Yes, it's us...."just the eggs." Alex, Scott and Mom. The word is out and here's the scoop; Paul wants out of our marital contract, so to speak. The divorce is in the works..moving slowly but steadily. The kids are, of course, devastated....as am I. But we have great friends who have been so supportive and kind. My dad is also being just great! We are lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thanks to you....we love you!

Brrrrrr.....

I love Fall! I love the crisp, cool air, crunchy leaves and bright sunny mornings. I was lookin' hot this morning in my bus stop attire: black yoga pant, cozy hoodie and my beloved sock monkey slippers. Dont' forget the pony tail and cup of coffee. I am sure the kids were mortified that I wore sock monkey slippers to the bus stop, but that is one of the joys of cold weather. And these days, I have to find those simple joys where I can.

Tomorrow, the boys and I are going to Apple Works. I have never been....but the boys have. I think we'll make apple crisp in the evening (sgar-free of course).

Highlights O' The Past Few Days...

• Venti S.F. Caramel Soy Latte....yumm-alicious!
• Sleep (I just love my cozy bed with tons of fluffy pillows....next purchase: a feather bed topper!!!!!!!)
• Hugs from Alex and snuggles from Scotty (what would I do w/o those adorable boys?!?!??!)
  

OK..a little pouting.

But I am trying not to let myself get dragged down into the muck. Soccer was fun....the kids played their butts off. It was much warmer than I thought it was going be. My wind-damaged umbrella isn't going to last much longer.

Highlights o' the day are lame:

• It's "Nacho Sunday!"
• Scott got the dvd for Weeds: Season 3!
• Lovin' Diana's new tattoo!!!!
  

I Am Tired Of Pouting!

I guess a brief sabbatical was all I needed to see the world from a slightly different perspective. If there is one thing I have learned over the past 6 months it is that there are just something things over which you have no control....no matter how badly you want it. So...the pity party is over for now (but I do reserve the right to bust out the pity party without any notice).

So we have had this tree dying in the front yard for about 4 years. Each year it gets a little worse. This year it is, for the most part, a goner. Our neighbors were having some tree trimming done and their tree dude made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So now my house looks naked! This gives me yet another project for spring.....what to put in the empty space. I have some scraping and painting to do around the garage and sunroom in Ocotber. Then I am going to paint OVER the wallpaper in the house. I know....I know....you are probably screaming "Don't Do It!!!!!" Well, I am going to. We have been here 8 years and "no one" has bothered to help me get the REALLY high areas figured out. So painting it will be! I mean c'mon.....it can't look much worse!

And yes...there actually were some highlights o' the day:

• talked to an old friend and that brightened my day
• made some new computerized artwork for my bedroom wall (nothing fancy...just some wise words of wisdom)
• getting ready to make valances for my bedroom out of my favorite Longaberger fabric (I'll post pics when it's done. It will brighten things up a bit!
  

I am on a blog-free sabbatical. My life has gotten completely crazy and close to unmanageable. When things become straightened out and settled, I will be back to share. Hugs to you!

I've got a fever and the only prescription is......More Cowbell!

Today was one of those days that I thought was going to be relaxing, productive and enjoyable. WRONGO! I did manage to get a pot of coffee brewed. The kids kind of got themselves to the bus stop. I had planned a little housework, some soccer planning and relaxing Di-time. That's not how things worked out. I spent most of my day working on soccer stuff. The uniforms are still unfinished...the game times I was given are wrong...and I had to send out email to the parents. I knew there would be repercussions. I finally managed to get out of my nightgown and into the shower before 4. I had a meeting at 5 and another at 6:30. Paul helped me out by meeting with the uniform guy to pick up our missing gear. I didn't get home until after 9:30 only to discover I had to go to the grocery store to get a lunch together for Alex's fieldtrip. After packing the lunch I checked my email and sure enough, there were displeased soccer parents. My head, by this point, was thobbing. ENOUGH ALREADY! BUT.....I have managed to come up with......

Highlights O' The Day:

• I made caramel custards....delectible!
• I baked bacon & swiss mini crustless quiches
• I picked up an iced s.f vanilla soy latte....two down, one to go!
• I laughed my a$$ off watching these clips I gotta have more cowbell! and Will Ferrell Montage
  

Still Holding!

This must be some sort of world record....one Starbuck's latte so far this week! Keep in mind, I drink allot of coffee at all hours of the day and night. So for me, this is a gargantuan accomplishment! I am making my own....quite delish! Hot AND cold. Yesterday was an iced s.f.caramel soy latte. A nice change from mocha and vanilla. And the ice cream making is coming along quite nicely....cookies-n-cream this afternoon (s.f. Oreos!) I know...I sound obsessed with lattes and ice cream. But gee Wally, they are so good!

Today's Bright Moments:

• The weather is gorgeous today...nice a cool....sunny with a slight breeze!
• I got out my favorite pair of jeans to wear....and they fit just right!
• Hugs from my wonderfully amazing children!
• Getting my CPR renewal out of the way (and yes, I passed again and can now go out and continue to save the world....lol)

I had a great quote o' the day from the infamous Bobby Brown, but lost it. It was a classic!

One Down...Two To Go

It's Tuesday and I finally broke down and gave in to temptation. Starbuck's. Mmmmmmm.......it was delightful, heaven in a cup, total bliss! Grande, sugar-free vanilla, soy latte. Scott G. and I stopped on the way back from Indy after totally earning a treat! We had an exhausting run earlier in the evening (but cool) and then had to take a transport WAY up north. And the best part...I still have two more lattes left for the week! Yeah me!

Daily Highlights:

• Being exhausted to the point of giddiness and getting to watch part of Talledega Nights. That movie is SO wrong in so many ways! I love it and am still giggling.
• Getting to hug my boys before sending them off to school. I miss saying goodnight and tucking them into bed on work-nights.
• Sleep! Or so I hope.....off to bed I go!

Thought for the day....The important thing is to accept the struggles as a part of the beauty of life, not as blemishes on it.

You Know I Love It But.....

Aaaaahhh.....my Starbuck's dilemma. I love it....more than love it. I need it, crave it, lust after it, desire it, gotta have it! As I am driving down the road, my car automatically veers towards the nearest store. I have no control over it....the car has a mind of its own. Even when we are coming back from a run to Indy in the wee hours o' the night I find that the ambulance does the exact same thing! Go figure!!!!! That round, green and white illuminated sign is like a beacon in the night....guiding me toward it. Yes, it's yet another addiction. But geeze o'pete, it's costly! I have a reloadable Starbuck's gift card which gives me free soy milk and flavorings when I use it. I put a certain amt. on each pay day and tell myself that I will only spend THAT much for the next two weeks. HA!!!!! That never happens. But using that card does drop my price a bit (notice the wussy attempt justification there?). But I am still spending ALLOT of dinero to get my daily/weekly fix.

A solution? I have the technology! Well, in this case the gadgets and ingredients to make my own lattes/cappuccinos (and btw....they DO rock!). I have an espresso/cappucinno maker, a huge variety of flavored, sugar-free syrups, soy milk, clear plastic cups WITH lids (almsot like the REAL thing) and groovy straws. I even have ice for those days when only an iced latte will do the trick. lol So my goal for the week? Good question.....I think purchasing three lattes from the BUX (as I affectionatly refer to it) is a good starting place. Not too lofty of a goal....but enough to get me through. Think I can do it? Well, do ya? And BE HONEST!!!!!

Hey! It's Friday!

Silly me! I had forgotten what day it was! OK....you have to check out SARK. She writes the best stuff....feel-good stuff. When I read it, it makes me feel emotionally lighter....happy, even! She has a newsletter that is so fun to read. And she gives lectures all over the country. I so want to go!!!! She just rocks! I think I have 3 of her books....one is a cute little daily activity "motivational" type book. Sometimes I do the activity...sometimes not. Just depends on my mood.

I have not made any ice cream today, but my second freezer bowl arrived yesterday, so I can make protein ice cream for myself and regular custom-made stuff for the kids. I am envisioning gummy worms, sour patch kids, m&m's....you name it, we'll make it! I know....I am totally obsessed. But hey....that's just the kinda girl I am!!!!! ;-)

The Ice Cream Obsession

Yes, the protein ice cream is becoming an obsession. Thankfully, it is very healthy! It contains a minimum of 40 grams of protein. I consider it a meal and my daily protein allowance. Since I have been back to work I've not been eating on a regular schedule and find that by the end of the day I have forgotten to eat a meal. So this kinda covers me. I've made Pistachio, Mixed Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Peanut Butter cup and Espresso. A lemony one is next on my list. Yummy! I am still keeping up with the lattes though...lol (homemade AND Starbuck's). BTW....did you see the Starbuck's oatmeal????? It looks SO good! I will have to check out the nutritional info on that. How cool would it be to have a latte and delicious oatmeal? WAY!

Soccer is getting ready to begin for Scotty. He has 2 games on Saturday in Indy. We are still awaiting jerseys..the whole club is. What a disaster! But they have been promised for tomorrow night. Cutting it a little close, aren't we??!?!?!??! Alex will have his second game on Sunday. I'll take pictures so you can see the little atheletes in action!