I Have No Name

So where were we?

2009-08-24T20:42:00.004-05:00

So how ya been Dear Internet? Are you still here??

Sorry I've been MIA for a few weeks/months. I'd like to tell you that I've been spending my summer in the Hamptons and partyin' with Diddy, but that's just not the case. Somewhere in May/June I got this brainiac idea that if I took 16 credit hours for summer session and worked a full time job it would be really good for me. I'm not sure what I was thinking because it was very stressful on me [and my family], but it's over and here we are-with summer vacation officially coming to an end tomorrow and the return of school starting. I'd like to tell you I'm excited that August 25th has finally arrived, but if I'm being honest with you, tomorrow brings waves of sad emotions. Tomorrow starts Adam's final year in high school and with that comes the realization that in less than one year he'll be moving on to college and starting his big boy life. He did commit to a major (for now that is) and I'm pretty excited for him. He's chosen Pharmacy-mainly because I keep preaching "There will always be sick people and there won't always be a need for sports analysts in the world!" We shall see...Whatever he decides he knows I've got his back.

Football starts Friday and I'm so excited!! I love me some high school football!! I love the cool crisp air and wrapping up in a blanket and drinking hot cocoa watchin' my girl Abbie ....oh wait Dear Internet...hold the mother freakin' phones I forgot to tell y'all....Abbie made varsity cheerleader!! Did I tell you that? I think I forgot to tell you. She did! So excited for her! So now she'll be cheering for Adam on Friday nights! There will be cowbell you can count on it!!! heh heh.

Jamie's good. He's been doin' his thing and spending as much time on the motorcycle as possible. I didn't get on the back too much this summer with school and honestly, it's been kind of cold around these parts. I like it hot and well, apparently Ohio didn't get the memo that summer = heat because we've had temps. around the 70's for weeks now. Sucks.

Guess that's about it for me. I did join Facebook again if anyone wants to be my friend just look me up by my email if you have it otherwise leave me your email in the comments and I'll try to friend you. I just ask that you not mention my blog as a vast majority of my family is on my FB and I'd like to keep the two seperate-I'm sure you understand.

Okay that's about it for me...off to make my rounds. I have a feeling I have a lot of catching up to do.

I Sometimes Wonder...

2009-06-14T15:49:00.007-05:00

...What little kids think about when their parents are scolding them.
...When I see an older couple holding hands if that will be me someday.
...What my children will remember about their lives growing up.
...If someone just out of the blue thinks "That reminds me of Kim!"
...If it ever gets any easier.
...Why people who seem to have a strong faith core seem happier than others.
...How I got here and is this it?
...If I'll ever be able to put myself first.
...Who comes up with some of the gadgets hanging on the wall at Bed Bath & Beyond?
...Are you still out there Slickster?

I Would Never Leave You Dear Internet

2009-05-24T09:10:00.002-05:00

Update

2009-04-29T19:42:00.004-05:00

Hi dear internets.
I figured since I've had nothing to tell you I shouldn't waste your time and ramble, but today I have news....

Dan went to surgery this morning and he did well. They found that he had ruptured a disc and it fused to his spine-that was causing all the pain and inflammation. He is resting comfortably at the hospital and will be coming home in two days. The next six weeks are going to be quiet....

Abbie's dental dilemma is underway to being resolved. She's excited and I'm excited for her. I can't wait to see her new smile.

My aunt is still in the rehab. facility, but up and moving around. The docs think she'll be home within the month.

Everything else is what it is. That's my new favorite expression/saying. "It is what it is..."

That's really about it. Tonight I'll finally get some rest since I won't be up every hour and a half taking care of Dan. I think I'm going to need my rest these next two days, because once he comes home it'll be back to sleepless nights.

I hope you've been well dear internet. I've still been reading but not always commenting-Like my mom always says "Sometimes its better to be seen and not heard." G'nite out there and thank you for the positive thoughts and prayers.

Quieting The Voices

2009-04-16T21:40:00.013-05:00

I don't know when I became the type of person who worried so much. Maybe it was when I delivered Adam and it just got worse after I had Abs, I'm not sure. All I know is that there are a lot of things happening in and around my life that are causing me a lot of worry and stress and I think it's why my sleep is nonexistent.

Dan is still limping around-he seems to go two steps forward in getting back to his old flumpy self playing and shaking his tail, then there will be moments like tonight all I will hear is a yelp and he'll be standing there like Eeyore with his head down. I called the vet and they up'ed his medicine (again) and told me it could take up to six weeks for his back to heal. How do you keep a dog down for six weeks? Maggie is beside herself. She will just walk around him and whine wanting him to play. So for now, I sleep on the couch with Dan and watch and listen for his every move.

Adam and Abbie's birthday's are coming up within the month and although Adam isn't asking for anything Abbie is (secretly) wanting a big sweet sixteen birthday party. The only thing is if you remember last year Abbie got hurt. Since having root canals her teeth have started to discolor. (I will catch her covering her mouth lately so no one sees her teeth...it breaks my heart when I see her do that) and to top it off, I feel bad because when Adam turned sixteen we bought him a car. It's either a car, her teeth or a party...Unfortunately for Abs, I have to do what's best for her and new chicklets are in order.

My aunt is doing much better, but my mom worries so much that she (my aunt) is just going to up and die like my other aunt did last week so she calls me and wants to know what I think about everything the doctor is doing. She'll call me when the doctor is in the room with my aunt and make me talk to him and then reassure her he's doing the right thing (as if I know?!?) and I find myself mothering my mom.

My niece is going through things I can't even begin to understand. So much has happened in that girls life all because her mom (my twin) seems to have lost her mind. I don't even know where to begin to help her but someone needs to. I took her to dinner tonight just to talk to her and she's so sad. Sad like empty. I don't know how to fix her without killing my sister in the process.

Thankfully life at home with my own family (Jamie and the kids) is great. Jamie's job interview went really well yesterday-"knocked the bottom out of it" is what the text message said...hopefully we'll hear something soon.

I know that I am blessed...I have healthy children in a home that is filled with love, but it's everything else up there that is swirling around in my head that seems to keep me awake at night. Last night I got three hours of sleep and the night before about the same. I need to quiet the voices (as Booster says) and so that's my plan. Blogging will take a backseat...because everything else is more important. So if you don't see me it's because I am taking care of business and helping those I care about most heal. By no means am I trying to play the part of martyr or whatever, I'm just looking for a way to get a few hours of sleep and quiet those voices in my head.

Clearing Thoughts and Making Room

2009-04-12T17:13:00.016-05:00

A few months ago I was given the Twilight series to read. I didn't have the time to read them so they went back to their rightful owner. Today Abbie talked me into watching the movie. I fear this will be like Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter--I'm be anxiously awaiting the follow up movie(s).

I don't understand Twittering. All I'm gonna say about that. (I get it, I just don't get 'it'.)

Took Adam shopping this weekend for his tux for prom. The whole night he kept saying "Are you sad that your baby boy is growing up?" He knows I'm already having a difficult time coming to grips with these "milestones" (of sorts)...he can be such a brat, but oh does he look handsome.

I'm (still) not sleeping at night. When I put my head on the pillow I'm out, then about an hour later I am awake and my head will be spinning with all these random thoughts. I'll lay there, toss and turn then fall asleep again then wake up two hours later. Move from the bed to the couch and wake up almost hourly. I've tried taking a warm bath, drinking decaf. tea, reading and even taking sleep aids-nothing is working and it's starting to take it's toll. I'm exhausted. Any suggestions or remedies would be appreciated.

I ate a Reese's Peanut Butter egg today. It wasn't as good as I remembered. I passed on the Cadbury Egg and thought I would keep our special relationship intact and not tarnish it by eating one.

I hate when that happens.

Jesus Loves Me This I Know

2009-04-10T19:09:00.005-05:00

I have no major plans for this holiday weekend. Sunday I will attend Mass with the kids then home for dinner with the family. After which I plan on totally violating a Cadbury egg beyond recognition and quite possibly a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup too. Jamie has to work which boggles my mind. He works for the state and oddly enough the government recognizes Easter has a religious holiday therefore not giving them the day off, yet Christmas is not a religious holiday and they get it off with pay. Jamie says it's because Christmas is so commercialized and Easter isn't. Guess they never heard of the Easter bunny, huh?

So what are you doing this weekend dear internets? Whatever you do I hope your surrounded by love and family...and chocolate bunnies. Happy Easter! *bawk bawk*

Random Vacation Stuff

2009-04-08T13:28:00.005-05:00

~~Jamie got a speeding ticket in the great state of Tennessee. One seventy four fifty please. Thank you and come again!
~~Abbie sliced the heel of her foot open on a rock while snorkeling. When she said in a panicked sort of voice, "Mommy, look what I did" holding her foot in the air as to not get sand in it all I could think of was "poor sanitation. hospital. cut her foot off. great." sometimes I have a flair for being melodramatic.
~~When we were at the Mayan Ruins Adam saw a big lizard and screamed like a girl. And just so you know, his scream scared me more than the lizard.
~~Can one ever really get sick of IHop? I think not.
~~Sally met a new "friend" while on the beach in Mexico (notice the burn to her nose and hand). I will be watching these two very closely as I overheard him ask Sally if she wanted to see the worm tucked in his bottle.
~~I loved not having access to a cell phone or a computer the whole time we were gone. My children on the other hand thought they were going to die without text messaging or IM'ing. For six days I had my family to myself...that my friends is a good time and I don't care who ya are.

If anyone wants to "borrow" Sally for a bit, let me know...I think those two need a little bit of space if you know what I'm sayin'.

Honey I'm Home!

2009-04-05T22:32:00.010-05:00

Spring Break Recap--Ready? Set? Let's Go!

Memphis: (click for pictures)
Stopped here on the way down to N'awlins to eat at Dyer's Burgers. Jamie saw this on the Travel Channel as one of the places ya gotta try-so we tried. I was a little put off by their claim of using 100 year old grease to fry their burgers and fries in. I took one bite of my burger and passed it on. The fries on the other hand-they were yum. We tried to walk around Beale St., but it was cold and crowded with people for the final four (?) so we didn't stick around too long down there.

New Orleans: (click for pictures)
The French Quarter is a site to see. All of it-very cool. The feeling you get walking around is a completely laid back sort of vibe. Definitely a city I would like to travel back to. It was hard though at times seeing "landmarks" such as the highway that you saw on the news where people waited for help, the Superdome, the houses with markings on them with body counts and the empty shopping centers with boarded up windows-all reminders of Katrina. It was sad, but they're gracious people and very welcoming to their city...I'd definitely go back.

The cruise:
Monday-out to sea. Didn't see much floating down the Mississippi. I gave a shout out to you crazy asses in Texas...did you hear me?!?!
Tuesday-rough seas. We all spent the entire day in the room in bed sleeping. We got up for 2 hours to go to dinner and I couldn't make it through and had to leave. Bad day.
Wednesday-Stopped in Progeso Mexico. Visited the Mayan Ruins and got a feeling of "real" Mexico. Very interesting. I just wish I could have got out and about town with my camera more, but there's a lot going on down there so we didn't venture too far off our path.
Thursday-Stopped in Cozumel. My morning didn't start off too well-my camera bag went "missing" after breakfast. Yeah...that didn't go over well. I stayed behind and didn't get off the boat because I couldn't leave without my camera, so Jamie and the kids got off the ship and went into Cozumel to go snorkeling. Thankfully someone "found" it and returned it to me as I was on the phone with lost and found, so I rushed off the ship just in time to see my family coming back up the pier..."We came back for you!" Can I just say-my family rocks! We had a great day snorkeling and hanging out on the beach all day.
Friday-Spent the day reading on the lido deck and soaking up the sun. I finished my book "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards. It was a good read all the way though, but I wasn't too happy with the ending, but it's the first book I've read other than a textbook in two years so that made it okay. Abbie read three books while on vacation-she's such a bookworm.
Saturday-Back to New Orleans and then home.

Today we had to take Dan to the emergency animal clinic. His back is all out of whack or it's his hips, we're not sure. They gave him a shot in the butt and back on muscle relaxers and steriods. Tomorrow he goes back to the hospital and they're going to do x-rays. It's easier when you have sick babies cause they can sort of tell you where it hurts but dogs? Not so much. He's in a lot of pain and its breaking my heart. He's been on the couch with Jamie for the past twelve hours.

My aunt is doing tons better. She left the hospital on Friday the 27th and is currently doing rehab three times a day and they said she should make a full recovery. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers.

For those of you that sent those healing vibes for my aunt, ya think you could send 'em out in the great unknown for my Dan? I know he would appreciate and so would I. Thank you in advance.

Guess that's it...they say there's no place like home...I truly believe that with all my heart. It doesn't matter if you go here or there, nothing beats that feeling of walking in your door and sleeping in your own bed.

On Vacation

2009-03-27T08:30:00.006-05:00

Hitting up The Big Easy for a few days then catching a boat to Mexico. (for mah birt-day!)

Be back in ten days.

Be well dear internet...I'll be thinkin' aboutcha...

A Collage of Thoughts

2009-03-23T21:08:00.007-05:00

~Spent the weekend helping my children organize their bedrooms. Abbie's room took five hours on Saturday and Adam's took three on Sunday. Teenagers...

~My mom was raised by her aunt and for the past ten years my aunt has lived with my mom. A month ago she broke her hip and has spent the past month is a rehabilitation facility. Over the weekend her blood pressure was out of control and she is now in ICU. She's improved over the past two days and I pray she continues because honestly I don't know that my mom is strong enough to deal with losing her.

~We leave on vacation in four days and although I'm excited to leave and spend some quality time with my family I'm afraid to leave my mom and my aunt.

~I'm going to be forty-two in seven days. Funny thing, I thought I was forty two already. I'm not sure if I should be excited or upset about all that.

~I watched Grease with Abbie this weekend. I still love that movie! Favorite part is when the hotdog jumps into the bun when they're at the drive-in. Did you ever go to the drive-in when you were a kid? Oh my gosh how fun was that?! My mom would pop popcorn (on the stove in a pan) and we'd take it in brown paper bag and sit in the back of our station wagon and fall asleep watching movies on the big screen. Man those were the days. My parents never went to the movies in a theatre, it was always a drive-in. I remember watching Apple Dumpling Gang, The Rose, Smokey and the Bandit, Grease and The Shining growing up. We took the kids a few times when they were little before they closed the theatre close to my parents house. I wish they still had those around here. Such good times.

Guess that's it for me. If you're the praying kind dear internet put in a good word for my aunt. I probably won't post again til I get back from Mexico so I hope that you and your family are safe and take care of each other. Sometimes they're all we have...

Oh How I Heart Thee Whole Foods

2009-03-20T10:24:00.006-05:00

I spend a lot of time on the couch these days watching The Food Network Channel and every now and then I get these wild ideas that I can actually cook. So far some things haven't been too bad, other times? *crinkles nose* Not so much.

So yesterday I'm out and about hitting up the store with the big red bulleye and PetSmart or is it PetsMart? anyways, I'm out shopping and I decide to hit up Whole Foods across the street. It's normally not the store I shop at because well, it's kind of pricey, but I'm telling ya dear internets, when the doors parted it was like I heard the angels sing. I just stood there in the produce section for what seemed like ten minutes just taking it all in. It wasn't til some girl offered me fresh pineapple that I snapped out of it. I could totally have sat there all day and ate pineapple, not their bananas, but pineapple...yeah. So I'm wheeling my little buggy around the store and I think this where I swallowed my gum I can't remember. It was like the store went dim and a bright light shined down on the little olive bar. $8.99 a pound. Are you kidding me with that? I could not imagine trying to explain that purchase to Jamie. "But I love kalamata olives Jamie!"

i heart thee whole foods
with your fresh produce and bread
and your hummus too

Bustin' out the haiku for ya there dear internet. Sometimes these things just come to me.

So yep, that's been the highlight of my week. Boring I know, but it's the little things like shopping trips to Whole Foods that brings me joy and these are the things I share...with you. That is until something ubber exciting happens and then you know I'll share that with you too. Cause...I'm a sharer and a giver don'tcha know.

Hello Sunshine

2009-03-18T14:53:00.015-05:00

I woke this morning to a text message from Jamie that read "morning sunshine". It's the same message I've woke to for the past three weeks. Such a great way to start my day.

Once I put my feet on the floor I realized the sun was shining and I could hear the birds singing. I can't tell you how nice it is to wake up to that outside my window and not the white stuff I'm use to this time of the year.

Seventy-two degrees.

Yesterday Jamie and I took a ride on the motorcycle and ate lunch here. It felt good to have my face in the sun and even though it was kind of chilly, it still felt good.

My front door and my kitchen windows are open. It feels good to air the house out after its been closed for nearly four months. Reminds me of when I was a kid, as soon as it was nice outside all the doors and windows were open and the smell of Pinesol permeated the air. My mom would yell at us "It's too nice to be indoors get outside and play!" All I wanted to do was watch Luke and Laura was that too much to ask?!? Apparently so, but the anger quickly faded as we'd find something to keep us occupied til the sun set. I didn't get it then, but now? Totally get it. Being outside in the fresh air is good for the soul.

That's kind of why I'm looking forward to this move in the next two years. If it takes us where we think we are going, they'll be sunshine and warm breezes all year 'round. I can only hope...

My Current Events

2009-03-15T21:36:00.002-05:00

Watched Jamie play football this weekend. It's ever so (crystal) clear to me where Adam gets his temper. Jamie's team played three games and I saw Jamie in someone's face at least five different times. Sometimes his temper worries me.
Jamie's work situation is changing. If things go his way, he'll be living in the Southwest within the next few months. (the kids and I will stay here til after they graduate)
Saw my parents this weekend. I haven't seen them for almost two months-it was a good visit.
Abbie's driving is getting better, yet she still gravitates toward the right side of the road. Sadly at times, there are cars on that right side of the road and I am constantly reminding her to move it over before she takes someone's mirror out. Oh, and if I hear the words "Mom, turn the radio up louder I can't hear it!" one more time I'm gonna beat her with her temporary permit.
I took Dan to the vet a few weeks ago and he seemed to be on the mend, but today after a long walk he's all whiny again. The vet thinks he's a little too chubby and needs to lose some weight. That combined with his love of jumping off the deck doesn't seem to be helping his back and neck. A call to the vet will be in order for tomorrow.

So yep, not alot happening in my world these days. Kind of hard for anything to happen when days go by before you leave the house. Oddly enough, they've all been pretty good days.

beep beep beep Parental Discretion is Advised

2009-03-10T22:27:00.008-05:00

I Thought These Questions Were Funny For TMI Tuesday, which I normally do not play.

TMI Tuesday
1. Are you pro-marriage? Why or why not?
I'm for whatever works. If you're happy then I'm happy you're happy. If I'm happy well then that's all that matters to me.

2. Have you ever invented or thought you invented a sexual position?
Hey now...this is a family blog. Sometimes though I think we do things that other people only dream of. Like sometimes I get to face the tv and...*wait for it*...hold the remote! I'm so kidding. HA! I'm crackin' up typing this dear internets. Too bad you're not here to laugh with me.

3. Do you like to be tied up? Always or sometimes?
Tied up? What?! Are you crazy?! You can't cage a wild animal. It's unrealistic. *one eye wink and a rawrrr*

4. Do you consider online cybering adultery?
I think it's crazy business. Who can sit there and type googley eyes at someone from behind a keyboard? Although, I've sent some pretty nasty text messages in my day. *heavy sigh* Oh wait! Those were to my honey, nevermind. *snap!*

5. Do you prefer masturbation over real sex?
That's like askin' if I want margarine or real salty butter on my baked potato. Are you kidding me?? Pass the buttah baby!

6. Do you want sex more times a day than your partner?
What the heck did you just ask me?! I'm sorry, I got laundry to do, dinner to cook and productive members of society to raise. If I had to give it up as often as Jamie wants it, I'd be so far behind on my chores I wouldn't know if I was washing or drying a chicken or throwing laundry in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

7. Do you get offended when your partner openly flirts with others or are you okay with it?
I don't think I've ever seen Jamie flirt with anyone. I can appreciate a pretty girl. Infact, many times I point them out and say "Hey, she's pretty look at her boobs!" But in all honesty, if I caught him flirting I'd give him a roundhouse kick the throat, take his wallet after he fell on the floor and go home...alone. (Jamie is probably reading this going..."would not!" Oh yes I would. *runs finger across throat and makes that slashy sound*)

8. Do you think you are flirty by nature?
I don't flirt. Or I don't think I do. Jamie and I just had this conversation today in the car. I hardly ever look at another man and think "He's hot!" I just don't. I don't even like people for the most part. I like you though dear internets, I like you alot. *bats eyelashes and blows a kiss*

Scattered Thoughts

2009-03-09T12:28:00.011-05:00

The kids have been going to sweet 16 parties lately. They're all formal wear parties where new cars are given at the end of the night. Abbie turns 16 in about 2 months, I asked her Saturday what she wants to do for her party and her voice was all "I don't know..." It was that tone that says she wants a big party, but knows buying a new car just is not in our immediate future. Mtv has ruined the excitement of turning 16 for parents.
Went to the grocery store this weekend and wouldn't you know...those lil' hookers in the green dresses were there selling crack. What are ya gonna do, tell 'em no? I couldn't, so I went home with 3 boxes of Thin Mints, 2 boxes of Samoa's and a box of shortbread cookies. I heart those lil' girls...
I forget what it's like to sleep for four straight hours. I'm exhausted most of the day, but can't seem to fall asleep. The other night I took two sleeping pills and a Vicodin and laid there staring at the ceiling for what seemed like hours.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing and this morning there was a cardinal in our yard-hopefully spring has sprung.
Do you like cooking giveaways? Here's a good one y'all should enter.
Last but not least, thanks for the kind words on the post below. I guess it is what it is and that's my life.

Have a good day dear internet.

This Is MY Story and I'm Sticking To It

2009-03-06T11:25:00.013-05:00

I'm not really sure why I'm writing this post, maybe because I think it needs to be said and it's been weighing on my mind for the past few days after several conversations in the blogsphere. That being said...let's get to it shall we?

I was always a pretty small sort of girl growing up in high school and even after high school really. I didn't gain the majority of my weight til I was pregnant with Adam. I don't know what happened in my mind when I found out I was pregnant, but all I knew was that Homemade Brand Cookies and Cream ice cream became my best friend. That and those cheddar bay biscuits from Red Lobster. I'd eat a half gallon of ice cream like every two days almost without batting an eye. I mean, I was pregnant...it was all for the baby. I knew that I had gained quite a bit of weight but I was naive and thought I'd lose it all after I delivered. How wrong I was. I remember after having Adam the nurse asked me how 'big' I was before I delivered making reference to the fact I was kind of a big girl now. I remember looking at Jamie and her thinking "this is all baby weight lady!" Sadly it wasn't. I left the hospital in a size eighteen with every intention of losing the weight, but dangit! Jamie couldn't keep his mitts off of me and it wasn't three months later I found out I was four weeks pregnant with Abbie. The extra sixty pounds I was carrying with my pregnancy with Adam coupled with my new pregnancy weight and my love of glazed blueberry donuts (that my dad would bring me on the daily on his way to work) helped me gain an additional thirty pounds.

Are you doing the math? Let me help. Sixty additional pounds with Adam plus another thirty equals a whopping extra ninety pounds on my five foot two frame. Sexy, right?

After I had Abbie I tried dieting. Sure I'd walk the kids around town in my double stroller and I'd try to eat healthier and at times the weight would drop. I remember losing weight in the late nineties/early two thousand, but sadly that came as a result of depression and not really hard work. Fast forward a few years and we moved to Georgia where Jamie was off fighting in a war. My surroundings changed, but my love of [comfort] food didn't. It was always there no matter where I called home. I ate out of boredom and let's just say I was bored a lot.

Three years ago I decided to have weight loss surgery. Now some of you may think I took the easy way out but let me tell ya, the decision to have life changing surgery isn't just the act of cutting a persons stomach in half and calling it a day. There's a whole life change that has to take place, otherwise its all for nothing. Prior to surgery I had to see a counselor along with a nutritionist so that I could come to grips with my out of control eating. I had to take ownership of it and once I did then it made sense. I was using food as comfort for things and relationships that were wrong in my life. Since having surgery I've been able to maintain my weight, so I felt it was time to reward myself [tummy tuck]. Again, I know some of you out there may think I took the easy way out, and you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but really all that matters to me is that I'm happy and my family is happy. My quality of life with those I love is not in jeopardy of being cut short because I couldn't get a grip on my out of control love of all things sugar and fattening.

*shrugs* guess that's all I have to say. The end.

Maybe Something You Didn't Know About Me

2009-02-28T09:04:00.006-05:00

This week has been a trying week with my dogs. First they ate a bottle of my Tylenol PM [I sat up all night watching them to make sure they didn't die. Thankfully all they did was crunch the bottle and all the pills fell in a heap in the grass] and then yesterday Dan jumped off the deck and hurt his leg and now he's moping around. Seeing your pet in pain is like watching one of your children hurt. It's a horrible feeling.

I tend to care more about animals than [some] people. I like people don't get me wrong, but I tend to have more emotions when it comes to animals. Like when that chimp went bonkers and tried to eat that lady's face? I felt bad the owner stabbed the chimp fifteen times. I know had I known the woman, I would have felt horrible for her, but since I didn't, my initial reaction was "poor chimp."

If someone were to ask me who I felt sorrier for-a homeless person or a stray dog? I'd feel bad for the homeless person, but I'd try to get the dog in my car and find it shelter and food before I would the person.

I'm not sure what that says about me. Maybe it says I'm hateful. I'm not sure. I think I get "it" from my mom. She was always bringing home stray animals that she'd find. Or people would bring her animals to take care of. We had raccoons, squirrels, baby pigs and snakes even when I was growing up that she'd take care of til she found it a home.

I always laugh at Jamie because on his days off I'll ask him what he has planned for the day and it's always the same answer "I'm going to lay on the couch with my dogs." Today I have no plans and my couch is calling me so...off I go to enjoy a nap with my dogs.

Today...

2009-02-26T18:49:00.010-05:00

...was not a very good day.

I don't know what is happening, but I hope Jamie is right when he says that he thinks things are just healing. Everything is tight. Tuesday I got one of my drainage tubes removed and let me tell you, when the nurse pulled the tube out, I swear to all that's holy it went black in my head. I was just thankful that Jamie was there holding my hand otherwise I think I would have passed out. Tomorrow morning the right tube comes out and as much as I'm looking forward to having some mobility I dread that feeling again. I shouldn't bitch, I brought this all upon myself. That being said, let's move along.

My sleep is all over the place again and I find myself up all hours of the night. I did however catch an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race late last night on VH1. I love when sassy men get all dolled up. I just hate they have such great legs and booties. Bitches.

It's hard to believe March is around the corner. I'm looking forward to it this year. Not only is my birthday in March, but we are going on a five day cruise to Mexico. We depart from New Orleans on my birthday and hit the open sea for five days. I'm scared of deep water though...I saw Titanic. Not to mention how many times we've heard in the media that people are falling overboard. Like what's that about?!? The kids are excited. Adam and Jamie just want to eat til they pop and Abbie and I are excited about using our cameras. Priorities are completely divided around here.

I guess that's all the updates around here. Have a good nite dear internets.

Details

2009-02-23T16:59:00.002-05:00

I'm home. Got home yesterday. Surgery was basically a piece of cake and recovery is going swell. I won't say I'm without pain because anytime they cut you open like a fish and remove body parts, well it tends to leave a bit of a sting every now and then. I got a good look at my new shaped abs yesterday and I'm pretty pleased with the results. I'll have Jamie take a picture soon so you all can see the gorey details. The only problem I am having now are my drainage tubes (tubes that are used to drain fluid from around my abdomen) they hurt to the point that it will bring swells of tears to my eyes and the nerve pain it sends through my body will cause my leg(s) to shake like a puppy whose had their belly rubbed. It's mind numbing painful that part. Thankfully they come out within the week and I can start to heal. Moving is a slow process. I tend to walk like a ninety year old geisha girl all bent over...it's quite attractive really. My family is being so helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better support system. I am blessed.

So today I spent the day watching tv. I'm not sure how long I am going to be able to keep that up because have you really seen what they put on daytime tv these days? Don't get me started on soaps because holy hell...everything has changed on CBS. I haven't watched soaps in more than ten years so the last time I saw some of these storylines the people were infants. Now they have children of their own. Apparently time does fly. Hey what the hell happened to Oprah? I mean, whoa. I've never been one to knock anyone for their weight gain or loss, but it's the first time I've seen her in a while. I hate riding rollercoasters.

Guess that's it for me. Regarding the post J did and the picture, got a few emails asking me "is that your picture?" Errr no. Cause if that had been my tummy, I would have posed naked.

Off to the couch I go. I'll be around to see y'all as soon as I can sit for longer periods of time.
xoxo dear internets.

Kimmy's new Tummy

2009-02-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

Its guest post time again bitches!!! Kimmy is still in the 'spital recovering nicely from her surgery. For those of you that don't know Kimmy had her baby barn removed and a tummy tuck. Yes now she is an even sexier bitch!! I did try to talk her into the two for one tummy tuck and ginormous breast augmentation, but it was a no go on the boobs. But nonetheless she is still happy with her "work" she got done. For those of you that are wondering how she looks, here is a pic of her new tummy...

Usually Have Nothing...Today I Have Something(s)

2009-02-15T08:39:00.010-05:00

So usually not alot his happening around these parts, but not this week dear internets. This week I got more on my plate than I've had in a while. First off, I just wanna say as much as everyone gripes that Valentine's Day is all a "Hallmark Holiday" can I just say I love the day? I just think it's nice that people "love". Even if its a commercial sort of day, the love is out there and that's a good thing. I didn't get a box of chocolates (hey wait a minute!) but I did have a good night out with Jamie and got a killer card full of love in my inbox (see picture-click to read) and that's all I can ask for...good times.

So this is what my week is looking like:
Monday-Final.
Tuesday-Final.
Wednesday-new class starts.
Thursday-Remember a while ago when I said I was tossing around the idea of having a tummy tuck? Well, this Thursday is the big day. I decided since they were going to be cutting me open (hip bone to hip bone..cringe) I would let 'em yank my uterus out as well. I'm anxious/scared/excited all at once. Anxious about surgery in general, scared that once they take my girlie parts, I wonder if my emotions are going to be all over the place? My hope is to keep my ovaries (cause they're still gonna need tickled every now and then, right?) and that my hormones stay intact, but what if they have to take 'em? Then I'm gonna be a raging ball of hormones and that scares me. Then I'm excited because I'll be losing some of this excess "baggage" I've been carrying around for the past three years since having weight loss surgery. I found a picture that was taken the day before I had surgery three years ago. It was kind of weird looking at that person. Maybe one day I'll post the picture, but it would serve no purpose other than to say "look at me" and as much as I am happier about my appearance it doesn't define who I am, ya know? I guess that's why I never speak too much about it, because I have a hard time taking ownership of my weight loss. I still see myself as a big girl..probably always will. I was at the grocery store the other day and some chick made a reference of "skinny bitch" when I was reading labels. Being called a bitch didn't bother me, her calling me skinny did. I thought to myself you have no idea who I am. I felt bad that she was angry at someone who was just like her. No one knows what someone else has been through-passing judgment is ugly.

Hopefully Jamie will keep you all amused by guest posting like he did last time I was in the hospital. I'll be in the hospital for a little while, I'll see you when I get home dear internets.

Be well.

The Wind Began to Switch the House to Pitch

2009-02-11T22:42:00.009-05:00

Biblical winds people. We got biblical winds.

I feel like Dorothy. I fell asleep earlier and had a dream and you were there, and you were there...and you...you were there too.

Mid February, sixty two degrees and we're under tornado watch.

Remember Al Gore? Yeah. Totally onto somethin'.

I'm going back to bed where it's warm.

Big BANG! Theory

2009-02-09T18:48:00.009-05:00

So this weekend I don't know what I was thinkin' but I got out of the shower on Sunday and decided I was going to get my hair cut. I haven't had it cut in like three years and for some reason yesterday I felt it was time. Let me just say...these types of decisions should be made with a clear mind.

I have natural curly hair so when I walked into see my girl, Mary and said "Chop it all off!" she had enough sense to reign me back in and rethink what I was about to do. "Okay, then give me bangs!" When she looked at me with that "No one has bangs Kim" look I should've known. So she says "How about here?" as she's holding the scissors at the end of my nose and getting ready to cut. "No, I think here would be good" and I shove her scissors up to the bridge of my nose. So she did what I asked and snip! they were gone. Remember when I said I had curly hair? Yeah.

Reminds me of when I was a teenager and my mom thought she'd save a couple bucks and cut my hair. She'd cut, step back and take a drag off her cigarette, lean in and make a quick snip, stand back, tilt her head to the right and eyeball her work. After about five minutes and watching my mom light her next cigarette with the one in her hand I knew my hair was jacked, but I couldn't say anything, because she'd knock me off the stool if I said a word. I remember one time she cut my hair and I was so afraid to go into my sixth grade classroom for fear of Gary O. seeing my hair (little did I know Gary turned out to be gay, so really he could've cared less about my bangs) so I stood outside until the principal called my mom and then you couldn't get me in the classroom fast enough. I didn't care what Gary thought then, I just didn't want my momma to get a hold of me, cause in those days? It was okay to beat your child down in the principals office. He'd hand over the paddle if the parents asked 'em for it.

I know what you're thinkin...and you can just fuggetaboutit.

Really About Nothing

2009-02-07T10:48:00.012-05:00

Alot has been happening, but really nothing of importance.

Tuesday Adam received a call from a recruiting agency wanting to get Adam's name out there for football scholarships. Apparently this guy from the agency has been following Adam since his tenth grade year in football. I don't know how all that works so I won't pretend to act like I do. One of the questions he asked Adam was how much he wanted to play football in college on a scale of one to ten and Adam surprised me with a "seven". The guy was all "a seven?" and Adam told him he wanted to get an education when he went to college. I thought that was pretty cool. Hard to believe Adam is going to be a senior in four short months. He's excited for his last year of football while I am totally heartbroken. I can't tell you how emotional it is for me to watch that boy on the field. He's amazing and I'm not just saying that cause I birthed the boy either. Seriously.

Had a meeting at work on Thursday regarding the economy and I expected there to be talk of cut backs, but thankfully the cut backs won't affect me right now. Our patients are [mostly] Medicare and not of the private sector for insurance so our practice is still pretty intact. The physicians have decided instead of cutting benefits or incentive programs they will take a forty percent cut in pay so that we [employees] will still get raises and longevity bonuses. I was impressed to say the least.

That's really about it. Today will be spent like every other Saturday...cleaning, laundry, homework and hopefully getting some sleep. My sleep is still interrupted and I find myself up all hours of the night either looking for cough medicine for the kids, letting the dogs out or Jamie nudging me for sex.

I'm a mom, a pet owner and a giver. It's who I am. Impressive, I know.