50 Years

I am very excited and proud to say that I am able to celebrate my grandparent's 50th Anniversary this Saturday. Not just one set of grandparents, but both sets of my grandparents are still happily married. These days you don't see that a lot anymore. It seems like everyone just gives up on marriage and takes the easy route out... divorce. I am sure that they have had their differences, but they have always over came them, must have or they wouldn't still be happily married.

My parents, and my aunt and uncle are throwing the party for them. I am proud to be able to help as well. My brother, and my cousins and I ordered some beautiful flower arrangements for them as well as a personal flower for each of them. I have to pick them up tomorrow, I am excited to see how beautiful they look! My grandparents are aware of the party we are having for them, but I don't think they know how much work we have done. They wanted it simple, which we did respect, but we also have a few suprises.We have invited about 60 people/couples to the party and we have about 50 attending. So it will be a nice size party. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, even though we will be in doors, it will still be nice.

I just keep thinking about being married for 50 years, when you think about it, that is a long time! Some people don't even live to be 50, unfortunately. I must say that I hope my husband and I will be able to celebrate 50 years! It's a proud moment for my grandparents and for us as family. They set the tone for all of us to follow and so far my whole family is on the right track!


So my one piece of advise to all who are married or getting married, or want to get married, is to work hard. If you truely love someone, you can make it work! It does take work to keep a marriage strong! Don't give up!

What is normal?

So what does it mean to be normal? Have you ever really sat down and thought about it's meaning? Of course we could look go to dictionary.com and find that normal is define in 11 different ways, but when we usually think of normal we think of the dictionaries first definition: conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural. Ok, so what does that mean- usual? regular? natural?

We all have our own definitions of normal. Some may think living a simple life and having a job and family is normal; seems normal, right? Some may think that normal is meaning that you aren't taking any medications, don't need to alter your mental state, to me, that is normal. Have you ever had a day when some says to you, are you ok? You aren't acting normal. First reaction usually is, what do you mean, not acting normal? Nothing is wrong, I am fine! I like this type of normal!

Everyone perceives normal to be something different. Who is normal? That's another good one. Normal, when you say the word after a while, it sounds funny. Normal doesn't sound so normal anymore! We can look at normal in a psychology way which is approximately average in any psychological trait as intelligence, personality, or emotional adjustment. free from any mental disorder: sane. Hmmm. Just because we haven't been diagnosed as abnormal, doesn't mean that we are normal. This word can lead in so many directions, I could go on all night.

But, if I'd go on, I'd probably end up on another topic! So, let's let normal be what it is.... normal. For all that is said about the word, it's our opinion that usually defines the word. So, I am going to wrap this up because it's a normal Thursday night and I have to get to class! Something to think about.....

A School Bus

I am not sure what it is about a School Bus but I recall when I was younger that I thought a Bus was the coolest thing. I remember that I couldn't wait to be big and ride the bus. But what is it about a bus that we think is so cool? Right now my 2 year old is obsessed with School Buses. Every time we are driving to school to drop off her brother, she gets excited when she spots a bus.

It's actually pretty cute at first, due to the fact she can't talk that well yet. It sounds more like she is shouting "Stool But", but of course I know she is talking about the "School Bus" that just past us! After a while of driving and no more school buses it gets a little annoying because she keeps saying, where stool but? She eventually grows angry because she wants to see one and its to late in the morning. I usually tell her the buses are sleeping now!

I really think it's funny how when we are young we are so excited about going on a bus. But once we actually step foot in one, they stink. Literally the bus stinks when you are driving behind it and when you get inside it smells like rubber, especially on a hot day. There is nothing exciting or pleasant about these things! Not to mention the bumpy ride that usually make me nauseous and the annoying sound of the squeeky breaks!

This wonderful "School Bus" theory we all get in our minds is pretty sad. Once we experience a bus we usually prefer not to ride the bus. To be honest I don't sing to her "The Wheels on The Bus Go Round & Round" I don't want to encourage her that a bus is a wonderful vehicle. I think I may make up my own song about the bus, but it wouldn't be child appropriate!

But because she is my daughter and I don't want her to fear the bus, I will allow her to think they are the coolest thing ever!

Dog Poop

Every spring brings a wonderful old pile of dog crap. Yes, we all hate picking up dog poop in the winter and then once the snow melts it's great fun. So, this week it's been my mission to get all of our dog poop/lawn raked. I can not believe how much poop is in our yard. I know gross, what a thing to type about. But it's the truth.

My husband and I have 2 chocolate labs, so I'm not talking about little piles of poop here, I'm talking like Twin Tower high! So, anyways, I get a little cranky when I have to pick up my own dogs poop, but what is worse is having to pick up the neighbors dogs poop. We live in a neighbor hood that everyone seems to own a dog. It's almost annoying how many animals we are surrounded by. We have 3 behind us, two directly next to us on the north side, and 1 on the south side, and the MOST annoying one across the street.

I don't know if people think that we aren't going to notice if there is a little extra poop in our yard or what. Take our neighbor lad, she always walks her cocker spaniel up and down the block. Funny thing is she holds a "pooper scooper" in her hand, and guess what, she is never carrying any poop!!! So today when I was out, I noticed all of these little piles of poop, and I KNOW, that my dogs do not poop that small. I seriously want to start walking our dogs across the street past their front lawn and start teaching them to take steamers on their lawn. I don't know if she thinks we won't notice it or what! But come on!!!

So, I am sick and tired of raking up poop, but to have to scoop up the neighbors, AGH. Let me tell you it's not a fun job! Can't wait until our kids get a little older, because they will be so happy when mom tells them to get out and rake the poop! What fun spring cleaning is! That's all the poop I have right now! See ya later gators!

What a week

So, this week my mind has been gone. For some reason I keep having mind blocks, I can't write, I can't think, and I can't remember anything. I guess you could say I am having some blonde moments. I don't know if it's due to the change in my NEW schedule that has been created by our wonderful economy or what.
So I am now working part-time (instead of full-time) and have off in the mornings, which is nice to a point. I am able to keep up with the house, keep the dogs brushed, play with my daughter, and of course have some time to do my homework. Or so I thought! I can't get any homework done at all. My husband has the computer and my daughter keeps touching all of my stuff- she even spilled my coffee on my papers!! AGH!
I figured I'd get ready for Easter, not thinking. I put together the kids baskets, well DUH, after we do eggs on Saturday they are going to want to put them in their baskets and put them out for the Easter Bunny. I don't know what I was thinking, but I wasted 20 minutes, I was trying to make them really cute and now I'll have to take everything out!
Anyways, my new week has sort of has been the week from hell. I could never be a house wife, I need to be out working, keeping my mind busy. I almost feel now that I have time, I don't know what to do. I am going to put together a new schedule for myself to stay motivated and take my mind off of other things. I do know one thing and that is I have a lot of work to do this weekend with my paper!! See you on Tuesday!

Eating Healthier

As I sat on my couch over the weekend, for once I didn't have homework or have to work at my second job, I realized that I was starting to see alittle pudge going on in areas that I haven't in a few years. For some reason I seem to gain 5-10lbs between February and May, why, I have no clue. You would think it would be from November to January?! Anyways, I told myself that I wasn't going to let that happen this year and of course I did. So, being smart and not waiting til May to start doing something about it. I decided to start this week.
So on Sunday night I told myself that I was going to put myself back on Weight Watchers, which I have all of the materials from because after my Freshman year of college and gaining 30 lbs!!! YIKES, I joined WW! So, I took out all my stuff and brought it along with me to work on Monday. Let me tell you, I struggled yesterday, since muffins and brownines were still in the kitchen from Friday. Still fresh- suprisingly! Anyways, I did not eat any of them, just drooled at them. I felt hungry all day, I think because I knew I was trying to watch what I eat! I looked through my books again so I knew how many points I could eat and what had what points.
I am only allowed 22 points a day. Which for me, someone who usually eats everything in sight, and it's not that I am fat, it's I eat unhealthy, is hard! I know that I went over a little yesterday, but I still ate healthy. Today I am so proud of myself. I have eaten all of my meals and have 3 points left. I am planning on stopping before class to get a fruit and yogart parfait from McDonald's, which is only 3 points. I figure I deserve a sweet little treat, and I will still be in my range.
So, I am excited about my new journey, I am not looking to be super model thin, but I want to look good in a swim suit this summer and also feel good. Weight is only a number to me and it's not that number I care about, it's about feeling good about myself! I really plan on sticking to my new- eating healthy kick and getting ready for summer. Not only will this help me get in shape for summer, but it will get me ready for the softball season that starts in mid-May! So wish me luck and no temptation to fall back into old habits. Habits are hard to get rid of. You lose the H and you still have ABIT, you loose the A and you still have BIT, and you lose the B and you still have IT! :) To healthy lifestyles!

Excited!

Out of all of my close friends, I am the only one that is married. Granted I married young, NO, not because I was pregnant, but because I found the love of my life. So, for the last few years I've been so eager for my friends to get engaged. AND- now finally my best friend of 15 years is engaged.

I am so excited, and of course standing up. Even though her wedding isn't going to be until next summer 2010, I am still excited. I promied her I wouldn't be pregnant! The only 2 weddings that I have ever stood up in I have been pregnant. My brother and my brother-in-law were both married in the same year. I was only 3 months at my brothers wedding, but still wasn't able to drink and then I was larger than a hot air balloon and due in 2 months at my brother-in-laws!

Even though I really want another baby- I can wait. I talked with my best friend- who's name ironically is Kristin yesterday! I told her that if she needed any help that I would help her! She doesn't have a date or place or anything picked out yet. Told her not to stress. That is one thing I did not do- STRESS- what for? It's your day and if other people don't like it- oh well.

I have been at so many weddings where I am friends with the bride and they were completely over-whelmed and then when it was over- I'd get a call. Your right, what was I so stressed about! So that's my piece of advise- it's your day and your wedding- you do what you want. Don't worry if something goes wrong, just go with the flow!

Dazed

I usually have something interesting to blog about, but I feel this whole week has been a daze for me. Do you ever have those weeks that you feel like you didn't do anything? Or you think to yourself, I was completely useless this week. Well, I am feeling like I am having one of those weeks. Every afternoon at work, I feel like I've been running into a brick wall. I don't know what has gotten into me this week.

Tomorrow I am so excited to have the day off. I would really like to sleep in, but I know that is not going to happen. I have to get up to get my step-son off to school and I am sure that my husband will be putzing around the bedroom making all sorts of noises. So, just thinking about that right now, irritates me! But I know I'll enjoy the rest of my day!

Anyways, besides knowing that I won't get to sleep in, I am looking forward to meeting up with a past co-worker for lunch. I am planning on spending most of my morning at home with my daughter, who's 2. Then I am going to pack her up and take her along. We are only going to Culver's, so nothing fancy. I am sure we'll catch up on the gossip and what not.

After lunch I am planning on stopping in at my mom's work in Manitowoc, she doesn't get to see Gretchen as much as she'd like, so I know she'll be happy to see us! Maybe stop at the mall or something and possibly head to Two Rivers- where I grew up. If we do end up going to TR, I plan on stopping in by both sets of my grandparents.

Well- even though I am off, I just looked at everything and it seems like I want to do a lot. Hmm.. guess I'll see how I feel in the morning. Maybe I'll sit on my couch all day and do nothing- that's if my daughter allows me to!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Last night after class I went home to relax for a while and try to un-wined from the day. I did write another page of my paper, but my daughter was craving for attention. So, she sat on my lap and my husband was watching a show on ABC called "What Would You Do"? It was a program that highlighted different scenerios, one was about sororities and the hazing theory. The hired actresses to go out in public and haze the pledges. The pledges would be crying or asking for help, to see if any passer-bys would stop and help. Of course some did and some didnt'. The next scenerio, which had me in shocked, were three people walking during noon hour on a highly traffic sidewalk purposely falling and laying there to see how long it took someone to stop and help them.
The first scenerio was of a blonde, mid-aged women, dressed in a business suit with a jacket over. When the lady fell it took an average of 6 seconds for someone to stop and see if she was ok. The subjects were asked to lay still and not respond, this also was a test to see if people would call for help, which in all the cases, 911 was called. I was still suprised that more people didn't stop. It appeared to me that if someone was already helping her, the traffic continued to flow around her, acting as no one even saw what was going on.
The next scenerio was of a man- a homeless man. I could not believe what I saw, it took an average of 3 minutes for someone to stop and help this gentelman. People continued to walk past him, of course, they would look at him, but not even stop!!!! I was so mad at these people, even thought he's homeless, he could be laying there dying!!!! No one cared! Ok, so I was steamed at this point, but the next scenerio is even worse!!!!
Now, they put the homeless man on the sidewalk with a beer can in his hand. It took over 19 minutes before someone even stopped to help him. And get this! It was another homeless lady, she stood there and asked over 26 people to call him an ambulance. People must have assumed that he was passed out because he drank to much. Un-believeable! That's all I can say.
Put yourself in the shoes of these people, would you want someone to stop and help you? I mean, these actors/actresses pretended to be unconcious and still, some people did not care. I must say to the people that pass by and don't care: SHAME ON YOU! Just remember, put yourself in their shoes! It's our duty as a humans to protect and help others!

So much for wineding down- I was all pumped up from the show!

It's Tuesday and I made it through my crazy Monday. I really want this week to go fast, because I am excited that Friday is my daughter's 2nd birthday. Unfortunately, it's been dragging already. Today I was able to get some decorations for her party, we are doing a Dora theme, I already have the cake ordered, it's soooo cute! I was a little bit worried, I went to Target, and then thought I'd check out the Dollar Store to see if they had any decorations, none! I couldn't believe it, so I went to good old Walmart and I found exactly what I was looking for! Thank goddness!!

Last night the finale of my favorite show was on, but I did not have the opportunity to watch it. I had to work at Kohl's last night during the hours that show was on! But good thing for my fellow SEEKer's, they texted me what was going on, so I was able to read them on my break! So, the Bachelor ended and it was really messed up. I am actually upset with the way it ended and not very happy with Jason. Jason proposed to Melissa- the end right? NOPE!

They showed the part of Jason proposing and then nice happy ending, but that wasn't the end. Jason came back with both Melissa (which he dumped) on TV, and then told Molly that he made a mistake and he can't stop thinking about her... blah blah blah. So, I guess Melissa had a few choice words for him and stormed off the set. After everything, Jason and Molly decided that they'd take things slowly see where they would go. I didn't get to see it, but this is the jist of it. I am not sure if I'll watch the show again, I don't like the way this ended.

I feel horrible for Melissa and if I were Jason, I'd really feel like a jerk. I am starting to think that Jason doesn't know what he wants. He's already proposed to 3 woman! His ex-wife, Deanna- who rejected him from the Bachelorette, and Melissa. I thought that the third time would be a charm. I guess not! Maybe it'll be his fourth time. I also here there is a show on tonight, but due to being in class I will miss that too, I'll have to ask the ladies at work tomorrow what happens!

OK... so I finally am able to get into blogspot. It's Monday and I am stressing out. I could not log in to blogspot last night, so now my blog is late. Anyways I have been so busy lately I don't know which way to turn. So, I figure if I let it all out, I will feel much better!

So, for those who don't know me, I work at SEEK Careers/Staffing, Inc. I work over 40 hours a week during the day of course and I also work at Kohl's, part-time. I usually work there between 4-10 hours a week at night. I started working at Kohl's for seasonal work, but they have kept me on since Christmas. Which is ok, but I am starting to hit panic mode when I work on Monday or Wednesday nights! Due to the fact I have school on Tuesdays and Thursday nights!

I am also married and have 2 kids. I have my daughter, Gretchen, who is going to be 2 on Friday and my step-son, Gavin, who is 7. When I am at home I am very busy with the kids and doing the whole mom thing, cooking, cleaning, helping with home work and what not. So I don't have a lot of time to do homework. That is why on Tuesday and Thursday nights before class I stay at work and get my homework done, it's impossible to do it at home!

I forgot to mention we also have 2 chocolate labs, Remington and Ranger that also require some attention! Not to mention, my daughters Guinea Pig, Izzy! I sort of have a zoo going on at home!

So, with all this going on I tend to get a little over-whelmed and last night I just freaked out because I do not like getting things done late! That is not me! So here I am at work early to get my homework done! Hopefully this week goes better than I think! Work tonight, School on Tuesday and Thursday, not to mention planning my daughters b-day party on Saturday! All the family is going to be at my house!!!

The Bachelor from Feb-16th

So another week of the Bachelor has gone past and we are now down to two girls. Molly and Melissa are the last two standing. First, let me recap Monday nights show for those who did not watch! Jason took all three ladies, Jillian, Molly, and Melissa to New Zealand for one on one dates to get to know them better.
The first date Jason had was with Jillian. The date they went on was in a helicopter which they flew over New Zealand and did some site seeing. The date went extremely well, or so I thought. They had a nice dinner and then Jason and her spent the night in a romantic suite. It's up to Jason if he wants to spend the night in the suite or not.
Next he went out with Molly. Their date was a little more spontanious, they went bungee jumping. Molly and Jason were strapped in together and dove off the largest bridge in New Zealand. After that they had lunch together and Molly asked Jason all kinds of questions, which I thought was interesting. Questions varied from what is your favorite color, what is you favorite flavor of ice cream, common questions everyone likes to know. Of course, Molly and Jason stayed in the romantic suite, but what I thought was interesting was that Molly asked Jason if he wanted to stay in the suite!
The final date was with Melissa. Keep in mind that Jason did not meet Melissa's family. Their date consisted of going to different whirl pools. Jason and Melissa did a lot of talking about the situation and about other things as well. The date wasn't very exciting! Jason asked Melissa up in the suite as well!
Jason was really emotional at the rose ceremony and he even admitted that he didn't know who he wanted to send home. But in the end, he knew someone had to go. Unfortuntely he sent home my favorite Jillian! Jillian handeled herself extremely well and gave Jason a lot of feed back, which I almost feel made him think twice! But then again, he did tell her that he wasn't in love with her. He felt that they had more of a friendship!
So next week they don't have a regular program. They have all the ladies come back that he sent home and discuss their experiences. I more than likely will not watch it! But the following week is going to be great! Deanna comes back! The previews say that this is the most dramatic ending to the season! Can't wait to watch!!

The Bachelor

I don't have a lot of time to watch TV, but when I get into a show, I am pretty dedicated to it. Since I don't have school on Monday nights I have been following The Bachelor, which is aired on ABC. I usually don't enjoy reality shows, but of some reason this program has me sucked in. I have decided to watch The Bachelor this season is because Jason is very handsome and he was also the guy rejected on last years The Bachelorette.
Anyways, to those who do not watch the show, let me catch you up! Jason is a single, divorced father, (his wife left him for another man) of a 3 year little guy, named Ty. He was on last years show, fell in love with Deanna, and again, had his heart broken, when she chose another man. That is how he was choosen to be on this years episode. So, now Jason has to choose from 25 women to fall in love with and make one his wife or he could also decided that none of these women are for him, which would be rediculous, since this is the point of the show.
On last nights episode Jason went to the homes of the four ladies that were left, Molly, Jillian, Melissa, and Naomi. I have them listed as I had liked them before last night. Jason went to Jillian's home town in Canada first, her family was very fun, very nice, and welcoming of Jason. After last night, Jillian became my pick, if I could pick him a wife; he seemed at ease with Jillian's family. Next, Jason went to Molly's house. I really like Molly, she's sweet, beautiful, and seems very intelligent. Jason met Molly's family, including her sister and her sisters husband. I did enjoy this home visit as well, Molly's parents were very fun loving and creative. She made Jason draw a picture of Molly. But, for some reason, I did feel that Jason was as comfortable with Molly's family as he was Jillians. He seemed a little up-tight, maybe because Molly told him that her parents feelings were critical!
So, lets move on to Naomi family! Wow, can we say crazy? Her mother was a freak show, she killed a Dove when she was driving and kept it in the fridge in a paper bag! Who does that?! They made Jason help give the Dove a ceremony and then dug a hole in the backyard! At this time, I did feel bad for Naomi; she did shake it off well by laughing at the whole thing. Then we have Naomi's father, he was drilling him about religion, which was making Jason uncomfortable. You could tell by the expressions on Jason's face that he couldn't wait to get out of there! Although Naomi was always very sweet, she wouldn't have made it this far if I was choosing! I didn't get the feeling that she was ready to settle down, which Jason had also commented on.
Last, but not least, we have Melissa. Poor Melissa, her family was not comfortable with the publicity of the show and refused to meet Jason. Melissa instead brought Jason to meet her friends, which went fairly well. It was not as interesting as the other home visits. During the visit he was trying to get some information from Melissa's close friends about her parents. The weird thing was, they only met her parents once, this goes to show how private her parents are.
One thing that really stood out to me was Melissa's thoughtfulness. She made Ty a present; it was a little tin for him to use when he lost his first tooth. Jason was very touched as he recalled telling Melissa about this story that Ty was very interested in and that he wanted something for when he lost his first tooth.
During the rose ceremony, (this is where Jason decides who continues on the show) Jason picked the same three that I would have picked to stay on. We have Jillian, Molly, and Melissa left, and next week they are going to New Zealand. In New Zealand they are going on individual dates, so Jason can get to know the ladies more in depth. But, there is a twist, Deanna shows up. Remember she was the one who broke his heart last year! She comes on the show to tell Jason that she has made a horrible mistake, and that she should have chose him! Now Jason is very upset and confused!

Stay tuned for an update next week on The Bachelor! Thanks for reading! If you watch the show, let me know what you think!