A Goal of Books

I used to devour books by the handful, all at one time usually. I used to go to the library a few times a month, get 4-6 books and read them all in one setting. Then life happened. Motherhood happened, and I found myself {too} busy to actually sit down and read a book. Even with all the new found devices (smart phones, my Nook etc) that allow me to carry an entire library in my purse, I still haven't managed to average more than 1 book a year for quite a few years....

I've set out to change that this year. I'm starting with a manageable goal of 12 books for the year. That's one a month. I can manage that, right?!? I should be able to do. I know the key to my success is going to be setting down the devices (unless it's my Nook, of course, but only for reading purposes), turn off the television and MAKE time for myself. The last one is the most important to me....making time for myself.

Wish me luck! I may need it, as the electronics in my life are incredibly enticing and the young folk {read children} insist on being paid attention to and fed. I mean, really? I gave them birth, they expect me to continue to maintain and sustain them, really!?!

These are a few of the books I've chosen for the year. No judging for the odd, peculiar or random selections. I read for enjoyment and escape. I'm a firm believer that books should take you on an adventure and introduce you to new "people".

*for the record, I recognize the importance of my children, but it's all much easier to digest with a dose of humor and laughter. I truly don't view them as nuisances or unimportant objects.

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2 Costumes. Part 1

This year, at work, we decided it would be fun to pick a theme and dress as a group for Halloween.

The theme? Pirates. Argh Matey!

Due to my current status of having only one good leg, they have dubbed me Sal "One-Legged" Curnow.

And we can't be without our ship, so we transformed the office into our very own pirate ship....

 

Everything was a huge hit, and we are already looking towards next year.......one word..Hogwarts!

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A Set-Back and Some New Wheels

No sooner had I hit publish on my last post that things changed. The doctor assures me that this change of events is a blessing in disguise, which I believe, but these first few days of adjusting have been difficult.

My foot was healing well and the doctor had even given me the green light to spend a few hours a day OUT of my walking boot. Monday morning, however, I stepped down on my bootless/shoe clad foot and felt a 'Pop' {it felt like a water balloon exploding beneath my arch] followed by excruciating pain {a hot searing pain like nothing I've ever experience before, short of child labor}.

A call to the doctor and a quick diagnosis over the phone (until he can see me in person tomorrow), the doctor is almost certain I ruptured the my plantar fascia (the ligament that just underwent surgery).

What this all means? I'm back to the walking boot, with an added element of fun...in the form of crutches until it doesn't hurt to put weight on the booted foot.

 

A  very sweet, very kind, and dear friend, however, could hear my cries of pain behind the brave face I was showing the world, and outfitted me with a sweet new ride.

....at no small expense either. My new ride made it's way from over an hour away- via a third-party transport/ride and was hand delivered by this sweet friend of mine. (Just in the knick of time too. My hands were already beginning to callous and bruise).

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Hottest Fashion of the Season

Because nothing says fashionista like pre-op apparel.

I had surgery on my foot this past weekend. A long over-due surgery. I've experienced years of pain in both my feet. 5 doctors later, and more failed therapies than I can count...I Finally, FINALLY found the right doctor. The doctor that could see my desperate need and performed a much needed surgery. So far I am healing well and already have plans to have my other foot fixed as well.

I don't love the boot. It's a real pain some days, but I've grown to be comfortable in it. I also try to be grateful for it. As I came out of my surgery completely and totally pain free. The first time either of my feet have been pain free in 3 years. That's a long time, and the inconvenience of the boot is nothing in comparison.

*The surgery is what they call the Tenex FAST procedure. They made a small incision on the heal of my foot, and used ultra-sound guidance to laser out damaged plantar fasciitis tissue. Sounds painful, but I came out feeling good and completely pain free.

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October is here!

In true me fashion, I've got our Halloween costumes started!

I found these cool 'Ghost Pumpkins' while at the supermarket. I had never seen such a thing. Not new, just new to me! {Now if I can keep them from getting stolen, all will be well}

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A Sense of Time

Photo Credit

We've all had those days that painfully drag on, hour by hour....

Have you ever noticed that those around you will tend to feel that same sense of time, dragging slowly by? While the same can often be said for those days that sail by quickly, gone in a blink of an eye.

I've always been taught that the Lords "time" is not equated in the same manner that we are accustomed to.

Which makes me wonder.....is it "his time table" that tends to distort our sense of time? Is there something in the work, beyond our comprehension, giving us the sense that the day is dragging on, hour by hour? When in reality there is just much work to be done, for which he needs those extra few minutes.

Illogical? Most likely. Possible? We may never know..until the day are eyes are truly opened.

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Learning To Love To Read

I've always been an avid reader. For as long as I can remember I've been a library card toting, book devouring creature.

Before I had kids it was not uncommon for me to sail through 2-3 books a week. Since having kids a book a month, unfortunetly,  is something to celebrate. But I digress.

Aside from just having a genuine love for a good book, I come from a long line of avid readers and book connoisseurs. I remember, as a kid, both my dad and biological mother always having a book on hand. AND my blessed grandmother..she had at least one book on every end table, nightstand, and counter-top. She was also the librarian for a local elementary school. I guess you could say it's in my DNA.

Not wanting to break tradition, I am attempting to teach my children the same love for literature that I have always enjoyed. What better way than to read a book together? (No seriously, if you have a better way, I'm open to suggestions. Although, our method seems to be working so far. My only complaint is that I like to get through a book much faster. A good book doesn't usually last me more than a few days. The kids on the other hand, well, we have to pace ourselves.)

We've discovered that 30-40 minutes, each night, of the family curled up together, listening to a good book (besides our religious readings) has the ability to bring us closer, and allows the boys to foster their own love for books.

Our current reading?

Now, I know we are behind the times on starting this series. But, better late than never, right!?!

Mo-Tay is enjoying this book so much he was insistent that we attend a recent book signing, and {days later} a launch party for Brandon Mull and his most recent book, Beyonders 3: Chasing the Prophecy.


Not the greatest photo of my boys. But proof that it happened, non the less!

Mr. Mr. Getties adoration for books is evolving slower than Mo-Tays, but he sure does love to show off his signed copy of Fablehaven.

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A Memory

Photo Credit

I can't even begin to count the number of times I've heard, "You look so familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?" 

It's the same scenario..time and time again...After not being able to make the connection they walk away {or let me walk away}, discouraged, often looking over their shoulder for a second look....convinced they know me, but can't place me.

My most recent experience was earlier this week. I was with my kids, at the book signing of a well known author. I watched him as he interacted with those ahead of us. While he seemed engaged {for all intents and purposes}, it wasn't until my boys and I reached him that his focus changed. It honestly felt as those he {momentarily} forgot what he had been doing. He was utterly distracted by the conviction that he thought he knew me.....

These experiences have made me wonder: Do I have a common look? Do I have a twin? Or has a memory from our pre-existence found it's way to this side of the veil?

It's the intense conviction that they truly believe that they know me, as opposed to me simply reminding them of someone else, that makes me feel as if it's the latter.

Which begs another question....Who was I in the pre-existence? If it's true, and this accomplished author knew me, not from this existence, but the previous one, HOW did he know me? I imagine our interactions must have been meaningful, for it to spark such a intense reaction in THIS existence.

I look forward to the day that these questions are answered unto all of us!

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Life Through The Lens

 Alternate Post Title: Instagram Dump

1. I've caught the crafting bug. I made these shirts for the boys. They are a huge hit every time they wear them. The tractors are on the front and the words on the back. {Very appropriate, I might say}

2. This is afghan #5, using my grandmothers ripple pattern. Mo-Tay doesn't know it yet, but he will be receiving this one for his 8th birthday {which is coming up...much quicker than I would like}

3. Love this sign. I kept seeing versions of them on Pinterest. This is my spin on the pin. I ending up making two- one for each of the boys and their rooms {just in time for them to give up their separate rooms and move in together}.

4. It's Sunday dinner..I've got pork chops but no Shake 'n Bake...so I made my own {with a little help from Google}. Verdict? We like it better than the store bought stuff, and it's healthier, as I can limit the sodium and make it with wheat bread.

5. As always, this months Kids Workshop at The Home Depot was a hit. Although, I think us, as the parents, end up enjoying it more than the kids.

6. I can take NO credit for this cake. But, isn't it cool? Hubby has a co-worker with connections to a 'cake-maker'. She's got talent. Yes she does. {It tastes REALLY good too}

6. My washer died.  I cried a little too, when it died.

My washer was old, loud, and took on water like it was the end of the world...making it "not-legal" {due to it's non-eco friendly nature). So I had to give up my water guzzling ways for this contraption. The boys think it is "super-cool". Me? Eh...I'm learning to appreciate it.

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Being Sick..

Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday I was S.I.C.K.  I can't remember the last time I was THAT SICK.

I've decided, however, that being sick is bearable, when those that love you take extra good care of you!

In addition to making sure the kids were taken care of. I was outfitted with everything I may possibly need..just in case.

Fluids to keep me hydrated (Gatorade, Cranberry Juice, Water)

Sustenance, in the form of PB&J's, Saltine Crackers, Cough Drops and Tylenol

..and just in case I was able to keep my eyes open and stay coherent long enough to push play, something to to watch.

Oh, and a bell..to call for help. Because who has the strength to YELL when you're running a fever and can't breath? I know I can't!

Thankfully, we have shared the illness {because a family that gets sick together, stays together, right?!?}, and it seems to have passed..but only because the Hubby takes such good care of each and every one of us!

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Countdown to Christmas

Alternate Post Title: The Week In Review

We are on the official downhill side of the Christmas season. The countdown is on, my friends. As I type this there are 8 days, 7 hours, 2 minutes and 49 seconds {and counting} left until the big day.

In true {Me} fashion my shopping has been done for weeks. The wrapping, however, I've been putting it off. I just couldn't find the motivation to lock myself in a room, in secret, and do all that wrapping. But It commenced......

With my posse {read: mischief causing felines) surrounding me, I set in and can declare: The wrapping is done!




Although gingerbread houses are the tradition, we wanted to try something new this year...and went with Rice Krispie Treat Houses.

What!?! You don't sit on the counter-tops to make goodies? Well, then you aren't doing it right!

 

 Love the messy faces. How they manage these things is beyond me!

The verdict? They were SUPER easy! MUCH easier than gingerbread houses, and were a nice break from the norm. AND...they were edible...and got eaten {unlike the gingerbread houses of years past}.



Now...if you will excuse me, I've got some Christmas treats on the 'to-do' list, Hallmark movies to watch, and maybe some homemade ornaments for the kids to try out.

Are you ready for Christmas?

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Getting My Craft On..

I recently aquired a new friend....

{Enter}

That would be my {new to me} Silhouette SD Cutting tool. I've been eyeing the Silhouettes, Cricuts, Sizzlixs..you name it, I've desired it. The Silhouette coming in as being the most desired. So, when an acquaintace put theirs up for sale, for a VERY reasonable price, I could NOT pass it up.

Going back to the Great Remodel of 2012, I still had empty spaces that I just couldn't find that {PERFECT} piece for. Tired of coming up empty handed..I took matters in to my own hands...

Armed with two blank -white- canvases, some spray paint and my new friend I made my own wall art.

BEHOLD!

Please disregard the gray box. Imagine the canvas unblocked by that gray box and my last name printed there instead..

It's quite possible that I could break my arm patting myself on the back over this one, but I am VERY {VERY} pleased with the end result. It's everything I envisioned it to be and was even able to impress my husband with it. Boo-ya (Not that he isn't already my biggest fan, but he certainly lacked the ability to see my vision as I rambled on..telling him what I was going to accomplish).

With the creative juices still flowing (and my Silhouette still plugged in), I even made a personalized momento using the sand and rocks we brought back from our recent trip to California..

I ended this crafty streak with a sweet confection, in the form of homemade suckers and hard candy. While they aren't perfected {for presentation} and there are a few things we learned the hard way making them..they taste pretty good. Their might just be a surplus of hard candy, this Christmas season, at my house. Yum!

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I {Heart} Insurance

The makings of a possibly epic Halloween costume.

(Sure it's been done before...but not by me, and it just never gets old.)

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Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock

Where does the time go? I blinked and suddenly we are just days from Halloween.

There has been quite a bit going on around here. Specifically, we just recently returned from a much anticipated vacation to {not so sunny this time of year} California.

I consumed 8gb of memory card on my camera. That's like 1200 pictures people. 1200. We saw some AMAZING things however..

So, as soon as I can unbury myself from the loads of photos, I will start sharing them..along with their stories!

Also..I've got the makings of an epic Halloween costume in the works! Do you dress up for Halloween? What are you disguising yourself as this year?

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The Proof Is In The...Cheeks

It was said "Pictures or it didn't happen!! :)" in response to my last post....

Oh, it happened!

It's Happening!

Pictures! Proof!


  Before                                                       After 

(at just shy of 20 lb's lost)                                (at 30 lb's down and taking names)


                                                                  

You can see it in my face- chin, cheeks and around my eyes. That's right baby!

(and yes, my hair has grown that fast. Good DNA and the right vitamins work WONDERS!)

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Not my lb's, that is what's up!!

I could hear the smirking and giggling as a result of this post: My First 10, coming from the naysayers. The ones that think they know me and just assume that I would fall off that train.

Well, I'm here to report..not only did I NOT fall off that train..I'm driving it baby!

I've officially lost 30 lb's. That is not 10, not 20, but 30 big ones baby! I feel sooo good too!

I meant to post at the 20 lb mark (on July 11th), but was just too busy....kicking butt and taking names!

Considering where I was at this time LAST year (which was sick, sick, sick and missing out on life), I'd say I round-house kicked life upside the head, and I'm in control now!

Now if you will excuse me- ".....I'm ready for my close-up"  or,  in this case, my before and afters...

I won't, however, see my master photographer until later this week, so the anxious lookie-lous and naysayers alike will just have to wait until then.

*I'm not usually one to gloat, but I sure feel good about this achievement. I officially weigh LESS than what my drivers license claims I do! (I know we all report ourselves to weigh less than we really do-when filling out that dreaded form. You can say you don't...but I've seen enough drivers license files in my day to know the truth.)

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Take That!

This about sums things up for me! While I've managed to recover a good portion of the photos from my blog, I still have many more to pull out of the archives!

I did figure out what happened, however, I recently deleted some photos from my smart phone, not realizing they were tied to my Picasa web album {sigh}. Talk about a lesson learned the hard way.

The silver lining in all this is the fact that I have wanted to get back to my blogging and this may just be the force that drives me back to it. How could it not? Spending hours on end with my blog may just help me find my blog voice.

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Technical Difficulties

Ugh! Somehow, somewhere all of my pictures have been deleted from Picasa. Ugh! My OCD is sooo not loving this! Luckily I managed to recover my header photo. The rest, however, while I have the originals I don't know if I will be able to get them all back. Excuse me while I throw my hands up in desperation and walk away..

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A Little Thinking..

After hitting the publish button on my last post, I took a minute to go back and re-read what I had posted.

As unusual as it sounds, I was taken aback by what I had written. Although, at the time it was written, it was nothing more than and ode to my sewing machine and my way of admitting that I was foolish for thinking I needed a new one, it was obvious that my heart was the one really talking in that post.

The more I listened to what my heart had to say, the more I realized some important truths.

Truth #1
... I had convinced myself that her knobs and dials were out-dated and unreliable. Sure that my sewing experience could be better if I only had all those digital displays and sleek buttons.

While I think it's important to be open to new people in our life, and potential friends, I think we need to be careful, as we risk taking those already loyal {and worthwhile} friends for granted. Blinded by the newness of new faces, new experiences and shiny things.

Truth #2
While sleek and flashy where it meets the eye, all those smooth talking displays and sleek buttons were housed by nothing more than plastic. While the very core of the [new] machine[s], was nothing but more plastic and nylon.

It's important to remember what really matters, especially in a friendship. We {and by we, I mean me...I} need to be cautious of the insincere and those I risk being hurt by. Especially when I have important people in my life, with good solid cores {hearts}. Those people that are sturdy, reliable and will still be for me down the road, when those plastic pieces {insincere} and nylon parts have begun to break down.

Truth #3
....I began by tearing things down, opening her up, and giving her a little affection...in the form of a nice thorough cleaning and oiling. Once that was done, I took the time to read through the manual and get re-acquainted. Really get to know my machine, for what it is and not only what I can do to make my sewing projects better, but so that I knew how to make it perform it's best as well.

This reminded me of the importance of really nuturing the relationships we already have. Giving it {and the people involved} the affection they need. Also, one must remember the importance of communication. Pull out that owners manual and make sure you haven't lost touch with this person who means so much. By doing so, you not only make things better for yourself, but allow them to be the best they can be as well. Because, after-all, isn't what what a meaningful friendship is all about?

In the end, I realize that I've spent much time in my life seeking friends, being distracted by those new sleek and flashy versions of friends out there, and ultimately getting hurt.  When really, I have the ONLY friends I will ever NEED, right here with me........and they have been here all along. Because those worth keeping in your life will be there when you call on them, and that familiar face should not be misinterpreted as out-dated and replaceable, but cherished.

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A Loyal Friend

For well over a year now, I have been thinking about, wanting, and contemplating the replacement of a loyal friend.

I've had this friend for 20 years.

That's a long time, and quite the commitment to turn my back on.

The truth is, I had convinced myself that her knobs and dials were out-dated and unreliable. Sure that my sewing experience could be better if I only had all those digital displays and sleek buttons.

So the search began.....

In all my searching, I discovered something.....

While sleek and flashy where it meets the eye, all those smooth talking displays and sleek buttons were housed by nothing more than plastic. While the very core of the machine, was nothing but more plastic and nylon.

The more I looked, for a new friend, the more discouraged I became.

Because of my discoveries and discouragement, I decided rather than trade in my old, but reliable friend, I would give her a second chance.

I began by tearing things down, opening her up, and giving her a little affection...in the form of a nice thorough cleaning and oiling. Once that was done, I took the time to read through the manual and get re-acquainted. Really get to know my machine, for what it is and not only what I can do to make my sewing projects better, but so that I knew how to make it perform it's best as well.

No regrets. I'm so glad that I quit searching for that elusive greener pasture -if you will- and took the time to invest in what I already had.

I see good things in my future. Good things that I wouldn't want to create with anyone {or thing} else.

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