Welcome to the crazy life of Kelso

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm still here and surviving, just not blogging. I do have some good news though - my brother is moving to OH after being in Guam for the past 3 years. I can't wait to see him at the end of the month!!!! He is married and has 5 kids ages 2, 4 and 6, with the 2 and 6 year olds being sets of twins. I have really missed seeing him and have really only talked to him via email for the majority of it. Not any more!

Happy Easter everyone!

Despair

2006-10-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

I have come to the realization that I don't have everything in my life that I want. I don't like where I live because of the commute every morning and because I am so far away from everything that I used to do that I don't do those things anymore. As a result, I feel like I have abandoned myself because I feel like I don't have any friends around. Nobody likes to drive out to where I live because it's so far and after work, if I do anything, I have to make sure I pick up Little Miss first, so I have no desire to come back towards work to go shopping or even hang out with my friends. E's schedule is so unpredictable that I can't ask him to do something because he might have to leave while at a job. His mom told his sister that because E and I aren't married, Little Miss isn't her granddaughter. Thankfully his sister stuck up for me, but I have no tolerance for his mom anymore. I have no desire to even go over to her house for Thanksgiving. I'm sure all of this is adding to my stress, making things the way they are at home, and preventing me from getting better. I just feel really lost right now and feel like there isn't anyone I can count on. Everyone asks of me, but I can't ask anyone to do something without being given a hard time. It makes me feel like giving up a lot of times.

Wedding Night

2006-10-17T22:31:00.000-04:00

Mildred and Chester knew each other from childhood but were in their Seventies when they got married. They had to wait for Mildred's mother to pass away first. Back in those days there was no hanky panky before marriage so Chester and Mildred were both still virgins.

Needless to say Chester was pretty excited on their wedding night, having waited so patiently all these years. However, Mildred was very apprehensive as she had developed a heart condition and would have to tell Chester that they could not do it. Chester is now sitting on the bed wanting Mildred to hurry up. He detects a little reluctance on her part. Thinking that she is shy, he sends her off to the bathroom to get undressed. When she reappears in her silk satin nightie, he gets her to sit next to him on the bed.

Not knowing how to get things started he pulls the first strap on her nightie. She blushes just as red as her silk satin nightie. She isreally concerned about telling Chester about her heart condition. In the meantime Chester is looking at the first breast he has seen since his own mother's. It is hanging there down to her belly button: gravity having taken it's course over some sixty years. He realizes her anxiety but figures she is going have to be helped a little more. Now he pulls the second strap and sees the second breast unroll downward before him. Poor Mildred is now beside herself. She is going to have to tell Chester about her heart.

With a quivering voice and mustering up all her courage, she says, "Chester I have acute angina.

Chester says, "I hope so. Cuz you've sure got ugly boobs."

Sick of being sick!

2006-10-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

So for the past month and half, I have been miserable. I had bronchitis, got put on anitbiotics which didn't work and then some steroids to relieve me of my cough. Still didn't work. I was fine for a couple of days and then got hit with this major cold. I thought it was breaking up because of constantly blowing my nose, until this morning. I woke up and my throat was so sore. I swear that if I had my tonsils still, they would have been swollen. I looked in the mirror and saw all this white stuff in my throat and new that I would miss my training today. They swabbed me for strep (hurt like hell!) and it came back negative, but he is treating me for trhush. I am on 4 prescriptions along with tylenol sore throat and advil, and put on bed rest for the next two days. The cough medicine that he gave me pretty much knocks me out for about 3 hours and then up for an hour before my next dose. I don't think I have ever slept this much in one day!!!! I would much rather be at work than have this and feel so horrible....

On a positive note, I am going to Vegas for work. Never been there before, so the fact that I am going with my boss kind of sucks, and we are in the conference all day, so I don't know how much I will get to site see until the last day we are there... I'll have to start saving my money so I can experience the full effect!

The Friday Joke

2006-09-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

No offense meant to anyone on this!

My flight was being served by an obviously gay flight attendant, who
seemed to put everyone in a good mood as he served us food and drinks.
As the plane prepared to descend, he came swishing down the aisle and
told us that "Captain Marvey has asked me to announce that he'll be
landing the big scary plane shortly, so lovely people, if you could just
put your trays up, that would be super."
On his trip back up the aisle, he noticed this well-dressed and rather
Arabic looking woman hadn't moved a muscle. "Perhaps you didn't hear me
over those big brute engines but I asked you to raise your trazy-poo, so
the main man can pitty-pat us on the ground."
She calmly turned her head and said, "In my country, I am called a
Princess and I take orders from no one," to which (I swear) the flight
attendant replied, without missing a beat, "Well, sweet-cheeks, in my
country I'm called a Queen, so I outrank you. Tray-up, bitch."

Does it ever stop raining??

2006-09-20T08:12:00.000-04:00

I swear, it rains at least one day over the weekend, and if not then, it's a couple days during the week. It has been raining since last night, and because of all this crappy rain, we STILL don't have the roof done on the house.... At least the tar paper is on and is just waiting for the shingles on part of it. During this whole project, I have helped out as best I could. Over the weekend, we moved the stink pipe since the valley he created on the new roof was too close to it. I also helped put the tar paper on and even helped with the OSB boards being put on. Not something I want to do often, but I had fun learning the whole process. I can't wait until this project is done and we can have the room back and put stuff into it rather than storing all that in the garage rather than the vehicles.

Anyway, not much else going on - I'm too tired from being sick to even care about much.... Hopefully this time around they will give me some medicine that actually works.

May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down.
~Sarah June Parker

First Day of School

2006-09-08T09:18:00.000-04:00

Well, Little Miss has been in school for a couple of weeks now. This picture was taken when she got off of the bus. She was very excited, if you can't tell...

Ho Hum

2006-08-25T12:12:00.001-04:00

I'm in a color mood today....

Well, I am back from my vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things at work. For the most part, the trip went well. I was supposed to take off at 6:40 PM, but at 7:30 they unloaded us because there was a leak on the tail where there shouldn't have been and said they were going to try and get us out on different flights. Well, I stood in line for 2 hours before coming close to the ticket counter, where one person was rebooking the whole plane, and was told that if we were just flying to MSP, they weren't going to try and get us on another flight and that we would be taking off at 10:00 on a new plane in a new gate. By now, it's 9:00 and the shops are all closed and I had been at the airport since 4:30 PM, and only had a Cinnabun (yummy!). They didn't compensate us with any dinner vouchers or anything. By the time my flight landed, it was 12:30 my time. I think we finally took off somewhere around 10:30. Little Miss was so excited to see me that she couldn't wait to get out of the car (or me to get in), and she climbed OVER my niece to get out. I was so happy to see her! A month is a long time to not see my baby!! So... While I was there, I got my hair cut (short!) and also found out that my mom has to have open heart surgery again. She had a valve replaced 5 years ago, and now that valve and another one are going bad. The one that they replaced shouldn't have gone bad.... She has an appointment today to plan her surgery. Things are so bad that they want to get her in ASAP. I hope I don't have to go home on an emergency flight like I did with my dad a couple of years ago. The best part of the trip was the night that I hung out with my sisters. We played a couple of card games and a board game and just had a good time. We were laughing so hard we were crying. We were up until 3:00 AM - thankfully the kids slept through all the noise we made! That night made me realize how much I miss my family, but I have no desire to move back to WI. I would only do so under dire circumstances. The winters aren't that great in OH, but they are much colder in WI and I don't want to deal with it. I want to move south where it's much warmer....

On a side note, I have a good quote for some things going on in my life and wanted to share it with y'all:

Some think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go.
~Sylvia Robinson

Have a great weekend!

One More Week!!

2006-08-08T14:01:00.000-04:00

I can't wait to fly home and see my little girl. She is having fun with my family, but I still get the guilt trip that I'm not there.... My sister said that Little Miss has all my time planned for me, for example, the night that I fly in, we're having Chinese for dinner; another night we are having sloppy joes. The two things that she is enjoying the most are being able to go swimming and being able to take a bath. We only have a corner shower stall right now, but a second bathroom will be in the house hopefully by the end of the year. While I am gone, E is going to put a new roof on the house and the room that the boys use will be ours since it is a much larger room. I am looking forward to that! Then, a week after Little Miss is back, she starts school. I can't believe how fast summer has gone by! I hope you all are enjoying your nice warm weather, too!!!

Locks for Love

2006-07-26T10:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the way this posted. I tried to fix it, but couldn't get it to save the right way...

It has taken me a while to get these posted since I have been working on getting the house clean. So far, in 3 days, I have only gotten the play room clean. THAT was an awful job!!! If the room ever gets that bad again, I will have to take some drastic measures. There were a lot of things thrown away. I told all of them that if they wanted to keep it to put it away or it would be gone. Last night while going up on the roof to measure it, there was even a toy up there that got thrown away! I can't wait until the roof is done and that becomes our room... More space, bigger closet, my own bathroom - sounds like a dream.

Anyway, back to Little Miss. Here is her picture before having her hair cut:

Holding the pony tail:

Look at those dimples!! You can see them much better now:

I really like the cut on her and she said that she wants to do it 9 more times. I have talked to her since then, and she is enjoying her hair cut so much that I don't know if she is going to want to grow it back out! I am very proud of her for doing this, even if it is a one time thing. It took 2 years to get it to the right length, but her excitement about it was all worth it!

The 70's and Today

2006-07-18T08:22:00.000-04:00

On Friday night, I went to the greatest concert: Lynard Skynard and 3 Doors Down. Eric and I weren't on the best of terms a few days before the concert, but we went to the concert and had a great time - until I had to drive home in the pouring rain that flooded the streets in the dark. I hate night driving and the rain just made it worse. It took us 2 hours to get there and about 3 to get back since he told me to take a wrong turn which took us in one big circle. The place was awesome - so many people in the lawn seats that they were all standing and it was packed! I wish that I had taken a camera.... Both bands were great in person - I've seen some where they sucked live.

Today, my Little Miss is leaving me for a month to visit my family. My sister is flying back with her so I didn't have to pay $40 more per ticket for her to fly alone since she isn't 15 or so yet. She is also getting her hair cut for Locks for Love today, so I will post some before and after pictures.

Have a great day!!!

Quickie

2006-07-07T09:21:00.000-04:00

The only way to pull off a Sunday afternoon quickie with their 8 year old son in the apartment was to send him out on the balcony with a Popsicle and tell him to report on all the neighborhood activities. He began his commentary as his parents put their plan into operation: "There's a car being towed from the parking lot", he shouted. A few moments passed ... "An ambulance just drove by" A few moments later," Looks like the Anderson's have company", he called out. "Matt's riding a new bike....." A few moments later, 'Looks like the Sanders are moving" "Jason is on his skate board...." A few more moments, "The Coopers are having sex!!" Startled, his Mother and Dad shot up in bed ! Dad cautiously called out, "How do you know they are having sex?" "Jimmy Cooper is standing on his balcony with a Popsicle too."

Pain vs Joy

2006-07-06T09:18:00.000-04:00

The trick is not how much pain you feel...but how much joy you feel. Any idiot can feel pain. Life is full of excuses to feel pain, excuses not to live, excuses, excuses, excuses.

~ Erica Long

I like this quote from my meeting this morning... Makes me realize I should change a few things, but who knows when I'll be able to do that. I have wanted to change many things, but not able to. It's just easier to stay the way I am and not have to be questioned about it.

Company's coming!

2006-07-06T07:37:00.000-04:00

Well, next Tuesday, my sister will be coming in to town for a week. After that, she is taking Little Miss back to my home state with her for about a month before I head out there to visit friends and family. I was talking to Little Miss about it the other night, asking for big hugs and kisses since I won't be getting any in a couple of weeks, and she goes, "Don't get me started or I'm going to cry." It was cute, but I really am going to miss her like crazy! We did the same thing last year for the first time, and it was hard on both of us since she was my main focus before E. She called me after a week and said that she wanted to come home. I cried right along with her, but tried to hide it in my voice. Don't know if it worked or not, though. I really am looking forward to going home since it has been a couple of years since I've been there, even though it is really small compared to Cleveland. I'll be flying in right by the Mall of America - shopping anyone??

For Anyone having a rough time

2006-06-19T07:41:00.000-04:00

This came in a chain mail, but I'm not posting it as one....

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

I'm still here!

2006-06-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

I tell ya, it has been crazy since the last time that I posted. I have been busy at work, which is where I usually post from, and at home I have been trying to clean the house for a party (http://tastefullysimple.com/). I love food parties, and I will have to say that their dips are really good! I can't wait to try all the stuff tomorrow! If the party goes well enough, I will start selling it, so if you're interested, let me know. Anyway, since we won't have any kids, I probably won't be posting at all this weekend. Tonight, we are going to dinner with his boss, who I really don't care for, but will tolerate. bye!

Ruby Dee Quote

2006-05-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, dignity.

This was on a report for our meeting this morning and I really liked it. Most of the quotes that I put out come from this meeting. Some of them are so easy to relate to.

Ready for the Weekend

2006-05-24T19:51:00.000-04:00

I am so glad that this is a long weekend. The only bad part is that we have all the kids, so no time to myself at all. This weekend is Little Miss' b-day, she'll be 8. She wants to spend the day with me and not have a party. She is too sweet.

Here she is modeling the outfit my mom sent her in the mail. She was very excited about the clothes. She also got a puzzle of kittens, so she is happy.

So anyway, off to get stuff done before Lost comes on. Have a good night everyone and enjoy the long weekend!!!

Dreams (Nightmare)

2006-05-20T13:39:00.000-04:00

So I had a dream this morning that my daughter's father showed up at my house and he and Eric were talking and getting along. I don't remember much more than that, but it bothered me. Does this mean that he's going to be in contact after 5 years? That was the last time that he saw/spoke to his daughter. If Eric was the same way, I would push him to be involved with his kids. Instead he raises two kids that aren't his own. That's what bothers me the most. So if he does call, I don't know what I'm going to do. He has already shown that he can't stay involved in her life, and I don't want her hurt by him coming in and out of it as he pleases. That was part of the problem before. I just hope it was a dream and nothing comes about from it.

A day off in the rain

2006-05-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

So, I am off today rather than driving Eric's truck to work and going broke doing it (70 mi round trip). My car had a bad tyrod (sp?) and the guy made it sound like I got it fixed just in time because it was so bad. Thankfully we bought the exteded warranty for it or it would have cost me about $600 to fix it. So, since I can't go outside and do anything, I have gone to the store and got stuff to make chicken enchiladas (which will go on the I like to eat! blog). I don't like to cook that much, but we had a cooking contest at work and these won! Anyway, I have also done laundry and cleaned out the oven. I am trying to do a little spring cleaning at a time. I know how to live on my day off, don't I! I don't know that I can stand the excitement!!! As for the rain, it is supposed to continue through the rest of the week. I am so tired of seeing the rain that it isn't funny. Plus, Eric can't go out and mow the lawns to bring in the extra money we need.

Rain, Rain
Go Away
Come Again
Some Other Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-14T11:28:00.000-04:00

My neighbor gave me this....

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here." Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse. For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T. This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes. This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors. And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football, hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it. This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens. This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words. This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat. For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "just one more time." This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for velcro instead. This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot. This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home - or even away at college. This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away. This is for mothers whos children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them. For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green. For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TV's in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely. This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war. What makes a good mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad Hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear from the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?The panic years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying? The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation.. And mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married mothers. mothers with money, mothers without. This is for you all. For all of us. hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray. Please pass this along to all the Moms in your life. "Home is what chatches you when you fall - and we all fall." Please pass this to a wonderful mother you know.

Today's Quote

2006-05-12T13:22:00.000-04:00

Work is not always required.... there is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.

~George McDonald

Crazy

2006-05-11T20:35:00.000-04:00

Well, again, it has been another crazy week. Work is driving me absolutely crazy!!! We sent out a note on a process and I have gotten so many phone calls about what they need to do to get things approved. READ YOUR NOTES is what I want to say to them, but I calmly tell them what they need to do. It's a nice rainy day in Cleveland. Yesterday, it was beautiful and in the 80's. I want yesterday's weather back and to stay year round!

This summer, my daughter is going to fly out to visit my family in WI. I am looking forward to having some time to myself, but like last year, I will miss her terribly. This is my little girl. Not sure why her eyes are glowing, and the red eye wouldn't work....

Anyway, the day is coming to an end, so I hope you all have a good night and if I don't make it on again tomorrow, have a great weekend!

Where does the time go?

2006-05-03T18:13:00.000-04:00

So all week, I have been busy at work and at home. I can't belive that it's already Wednesday evening! This past weekend, though, I got to go riding on my bike and put 100 miles on it. I would love to go again tonight, but I can't take Little Miss with me and wouldn't want to yet anyway since I'm still new to this. Hopefully you all are having a good week!

Pregnant Blonde Joke

2006-04-18T11:37:00.000-04:00

My wife, who is blonde, came running up to me in the
driveway, the other day, just jumping for joy! I
didn't know why she was jumping for joy but I thought,
what the heck and I starting jumping up and down along
with her.
When she said, "Honey, I have some really great news
for you!"
I said, "Great. Tell me what you're so happy about."
She stopped jumping and was breathing heavily from all
the jumping up and down, when she told me that she was
pregnant!
I was ecstatic!
We had been trying for a while, so I grabbed her and
kissed her on the lips and told her, "That's great! I
couldn't be happier!"
Then, she said "Oh, honey. There's more."
I asked, "What do you mean 'more'?" She said, "Well,
we are not having just ! one baby. We are going to have
TWINS!"
Amazed at how she could know so soon after getting
pregnant, I asked her how she knew. She said.....
(You're going to love this!)

"Well, that was the easy part. I went to Walmart and
they actually had a home pregnancy kit in a twin-pack. Both
tests came out positive!"

Wanna go for a ride?

2006-04-17T15:48:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, I put a few more miles on my bike. It was a little chilly - my bike has no windshield, and I don't have a lined leather coat.... but I still enjoyed it! I can't wait until it is wamer for me to not get so cold while we're out riding.

This is my bike

Eric's bike

So.... Everybody enjoy the rest of the day and hope you all had a good Easter!

So True

2006-04-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them.

Robert H. Updegraff

Who knew??

2006-04-11T15:26:00.000-04:00

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana
in the same way again!

Bananas: Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose
combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial
boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit
with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also
help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions,
making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in
the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the
help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you
suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese
were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help
the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,
"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off
a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

Wonderful Friday

2006-03-31T13:03:00.000-05:00

So, I am off today, doing what I want to do. Eric asked me if I was going to clean the house - my response was NO! I have caught up on the laundry and cleaned out my car. I know that doesn't sound like much, but I am relaxed and enjoying the time to myself with nobody at the house. I haven't had that in so long that I forgot how much I do enjoy spending quality time with myself sometimes. If he gets off of work early and it isn't raining, I'm going to beg him to go out riding. he has ridden his bike to work the past two days, but not today with the threat of rain. I can't wait to get out there on mine again! I'm still nervous about riding, but I want to overcome that fear and ride my bike to work on "bike day."

Spoiled

2006-03-19T15:19:00.000-05:00

Can someone please tell me how letting my daughter go online to disney or pbskids is spoiling her??? Colorado is looking REALLY good right now!

What's going on??

2006-03-19T03:11:00.000-05:00

Here I am sitting at work. I've been here since midnight and can't leave until the systems at work come up. I didn't get any sleep today and it's going to be a rough drive home. They brought in Tony Packo's from Toledo for us to eat, and it was really good. The chili was a little hotter than I care for, though. Anyone out there still up at the horrific hour of 3:15 AM?

Decide already!!!

2006-03-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

So why is it so hard to make a choice???? I'm happy, I'm not happy, I don't know where to go. Lots of things going on in my head! I am considering moving to CO for my job. The opportunity is there and it would be a good move, but am I ready to leave everything here behind? It means starting over again and I don't know if I am up for that. I have my daughter to take into consideration in all of this. That would be a big move for her.... I know she is young and will adjust, but I would still feel really bad for making her leave her friends. Not that I mind putting her feelings before mine, but I do that for everyone else too. I just want to be me and live my life, but can't seem to do it very often. I need a vacation!

Other People's Blogs

2006-03-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

You know, I have been reading other people's blogs to just forget about how things are going. I'm glad they are there to take me away for a little bit. So to those of you who I have posted to and those I have not, thanks. Things are probably going to get a little less crazy for me in the next few months, but not because of anything good - depending on how you look at it. Is moving on supposed to be a good thing? If it is, why is it so hard to do? Such is life I guess, and there is no way around it.

My top 100

2006-02-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would put this out here since I FINALLY finished it:

1) I moved to OH from WI at the tender age of 19 all on my own
2) I became pregnant at 24
3) I have lost track of how many apartments I have lived in
4) I met one of my best friends at my previous job
5) we tried to start rumors about each other at the job - never worked
6) I met Jax after I came back from materinty leave and have another best friend
7) Jax and I would have the WIERDEST conversations!!!
8) I miss my 15 minute drive in to work
9) I now drive 45 minutes in to work
10) I hate car pooling
11) I met Eric on a blind date
12) He got me a ring after 6 months
13) I met his ex wife by myself when he got called in to work and I had to pick up his kids for Thanksgiving dinner
14) I love CSI, Lost and Gilmore Girls
15) I went through a major depression state when I turned 30
16) My daughter is really good at guilt trips
17) I don't get home as often as I would like
18) The last time I was home was a couple of years ago when I almost lost my father
19) I had a sister that died at the age of 6 months
20) She would be in her 40's by now and I sometimes wonder what she would be like
21) My brother lives in Guam - he is in the Air Force
22) He has 2 sets of twins and a singleton in between
23) I want to live on a lot of land
24) I want a big house
25) I don't like my job
26) I hate cooking
27) I love to bake
28) I miss talking to Jax every day
29) I miss going to bed at 9:00 PM
30) I hate getting up at 6:00 AM
31) I love to read
32) I like making my own cards
33) I love that my daughter likes basektball
34) I think she will be taller than me
35) I don't know if I can handle being a full time mom to 4 kids (3 of them are Eric's)
36) Sometimes I think I made the wrong decisions in a lot of things
37) I usually follow my gut instinct
38) I follow my heart not my head
39) My boss thinks that I am confrontational
40) This year she told me she wishes she could handle some things like me (my confrontational ways in a positive light)
41) I would love to move to a warmer climate
42) I just bought a motorcycle in the summer of '05
43) I love riding on it
44) I still love riding on the back of Eric's bike (easier to sight see!)
45) I plan on riding my bike to work this summer
46) I want to cut my hair short again so I don't get helmet head!
47) I have never been outside of the US
48) I am thinking about moving to CO for my job
49) I have little tolerance for people that refuse to learn
50) My favorite movie is "Sliding Doors"
51) My favorite author is Dean Koontz
52) I like most kinds of music
53) I wish that I was more successful
54) I want to get toned up for summer and look good on my bike and on the back of Eric's bike
55) I hate shopping - it's hard finding clothes for taller women
56) I'm not that tall (5'9")
57) I traded in a 2001 Escort for a 2005 Dodge Ram w/a quad cab and a hemi (LOVE IT)
58) Eric traded in his BMW 740i for a Caddy (CTS) that I drive more than the truck
59) I easliy feel guilty about a lot of things
60) I want to live in the country again
61) I miss home sometimes
62) I miss my family a lot
63) I'm glad that I live far enough away that my parents can't live with me (like they have done to my sisters!)
64) I hate carpooling - have I mentioned that?
65) I have never been to Vegas
66) I drove to KS for the weekend when my niece and nephew were baptized
67) I will NEVER do that again!!!!
68) I have drivin to VA for the past couple of years to see my brother when he lived there
69) I miss driving to VA
70) I am amazed at how much things have changed since being in a relationship
71) This is hard!
72) I love Italian food
73) I need Summer to get here NOW!
74) I don't talk to people as often as I should
75) My daughter joined Girl Scouts and basketball so that is one more thing I have to do
76) Sometimes I just feel completely overwhelmed
77) We did not get custody of Eric's kids
78) I think that is a good thing
79) I love getting money back from taxes
80) I hate paying the city taxes
81) I am working on getting a promotion at work
82) That will mean a $5000/yr raise
83) That would really help a lot!
84) I like to go sledding - haven't gone for a couple of years
85) I found a new drink that I like - White Russian
86) 4 of them give me a good buzz
87) I want to go out on dates with Eric again
88) I want to paint the kitchen, but can't until the addition gets done (haven't even started it yet)
89) I need to buy a dishwasher
90) I have clothes I need to iron but have no desire to
91) Winter is my least favorite season
92) I am not a morning person
93) I hate carpooling - not sure I mentioned that yet : )
94) I don't always feel like I am a good mom
95) My daughter told one of my friends that I am the best mom
96) My daughter has a great imagination
97) She used to play "hide 'n seek" with the sun (I don't understand either)
98) She wants to donate her hair to "Locks for Love" and is almost there
99) It takes a lot to get used to someone other than her living with me
100) I made it!!!

My Weekend

2006-01-31T07:56:00.000-05:00

My work party was this past weekend - they call it a year end event and have it in downtown Cleveland and everybody gets all dressed up. I found a really nice dress that was a burnt orange color for $30. I got a lot of compliments on it. Eric and I stayed down there rather than making the LONG ride back home after drinking. The room was so not worth $150. The room I had a couple years ago was bigger and nicer and the same price, this one sucked, and that was with a discount! On Sunday, we went to the motorcycle show and I got a new helmet that matches my bike. It is a full helmet, my other is a 3/4 one. Once I start riding to work, I wanted to have the full helmet, and I found this one for $20 - it was half price!!

My friend that watched my daughter, who is almost 8, had some funny stories about the weekend for me. Katie, my friend, just had a baby in November. While getting things ready for the weekend to take over there, she didn't want to take a movie that might scare Hannah since it scares her a little bit. When I explained that Hannah is too little to understand and that it wouldn't bother her, she looks at me and tells me that she still doesn't think it's appropriate - her words. My little smarty was telling her that babies need diapers and was even showing Katie how to hold the baby. She also said that I was a great mom and that Hannah doesn't know what she's missing by not having me as a mom. I just found out that she talks to spirits whenever something is moving. Where does she come up with this stuff! So when I picked her up yesterday, I asked her about it and she said that she only talks to the good spirits, and they are the spirits of pilgrims and other people. I love that she takes so much consideration (sometimes) in things before making a final decision. She is such a good kid and I don't know where the time went that she grew up so quick!!!

Can it be fixed?

2006-01-25T20:14:00.000-05:00

Eric got called into work this morning about 3:15 to go salting. He came home and slept along with running a few errands today. I come home after picking up his kids and he is getting in the shower because his boss woke him up and needed him to pick something up from the hardware store that closes at 5:30 (I get home about 5). So he asks me to go get it, plus I have to pick up my daughter from daycare. I have had the stuff needed for dinner tonight sitting on the kitchen table since Monday, and he asks me to make fried chicken (frozen). WHY couldn't he make it before we got home so that we could eat right away? None of the dishes got done either. So while I make dinner, he goes out into the garage and plays catch with one of his kids. Dinner took about 20 minutes to make, which he figured it would be about 10 minutes and wanted to know why I didn't call him in. I told him that he knew how long it would take and I figured if they were hungry enough, they would come in and eat. I left it in the oven so that it would stay warm. Anyway, one of his kids came up to tattle, and he said they were all going in different bedrooms. His solution was to leave his kids on the couch in the living room where they could watch tv, and put my daughter in her room, with no tv. I pointed it out to him that it wasn't a fair punishment, and he got mad and told his kids to get ready so that he could take them home. I told him to take the kids home in the car, bring it back, get in his truck and leave. I am tired of doing all the cooking and cleaning and expect some help, but he doesn't see it that way. Was I unfair to say that my daughter shouldn't have to sit in her room with no tv while his kids could watch it? I am at a breaking point that has been coming for a while now, and don't know what to do anymore. We are supposed to go to a party for my work this weekend, I don't even know if I want him to go with me. I have taken off my engagement ring on top of it all, too.

~frustrated in OH

Eleanor Roosevelt

2006-01-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Quote by Joy Baker Priest

2006-01-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.

Quote to live by for 1/13/06

2006-01-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

Learn to value yourself, which means to fight for your happiness

- Ayn Rand

Slow Dance

2006-01-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

My sister sent me this, and I really liked it:

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

How do I get there from here?

2006-01-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

How do you change a situation that you are in when you can't afford to financially, but it really needs to be done? That is my main issue right now, and the reason I haven't posted a lot lately because I am trying to figure things out. I'm at a loss and don't know what to do anymore to change it.... It has even come down to me thinking that I need to get another job or something in order to make things happen, but then what do I do with my daughter while I am at this other job? I'm too stressed out over it all to be happy at the moment and nobody but me, and now you guys, know what is going on in my head.

It's a clean slate

2006-01-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

Happy new year everyone! I am going to try and change a few things this year, but not sure how easy it's going to be.... Rather than bore you all with the details, I'll just keep it to myself. Anyhow, the holidays were good and I enjoyed myself. For New Year's, we didn't do anything since we had all four kids, plus it's a night for the cops, so I'd rather not take any chances - that goes for all holidays. This weekend, we won't have any kids, but it's supposed to be crappy, so who knows if Eric is going to have to work now. Doesn't it just figure! I hope you guys had an enjoyable time over the holidays!

Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

2005-12-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

So, the thing in the news right now is that people have started to say Happy Holidays to be politically correct. What happened to this being a free country? Generally, if it is someone I know, I say Merry Christmas. If I am at the store or see people that I know I won't see over the holidays, I say Happy Holidays. I don't support the reason that the stores are doing it though.

My 5 bad habits....

2005-12-19T19:19:00.000-05:00

1) I get mad to easily

2) I hate cleaning house, so I procrastinate as long as I can

3) I love to eat carbs!

4) I don't work out like I used to

5) I like to watch too much tv sometimes

I don't have anyone to tag since I am so new to this....

To Carpool or Not To Carpool?

2005-12-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

The lady I work with lives about 5 minutes North of me, so we ride to work together. The drive is about 45 minutes one way, so it saves mileage on the car and money for gas. The only problem is that she is NEVER on time! If I don't ride with her, I get to work about 10 minutes before my start time. When I do ride with her, I get here at exactly 7:30. Yesterday, she had a meeting that ran long, so I was here an extra 45 minutes and still had to stop and pick up my daughter. Because I was later than what I have already paid for, I owe more money to the day care. This morning, she got here at 7:45. I just don't understand how it is so hard to be on time to work. I don't like getting here at the last minute.... Come next winter, I hope to have a different car that is better with mileage than what we already have, and then I am not going to carpool anymore!!!

Nothing Really

2005-12-09T07:59:00.000-05:00

In the promise of trying to stay positive, there hasn't been much to post about. Life is crazy and I try to deal with the day to day things. The most recent positive thing that I have to say is that after a fight with Eric, he told me that he really loves me, wants to spend the rest of his life with me and said that he wouldn't know what to do without me. I'm sure there will be more fights, but to hear him say those things makes me happy.

It is snowing again, this morning. It took me an hour and a half to get in on Wednesday. When I talked to my daughter this morning, she was saying that she wished school was cancelled. I feel the same way about work! How is it that work never shuts down? Guess that's what I get for working in a 24 x 7 company.

So, I hope everyone has a great Friday. I am hoping that Eric's mom will watch my daughter tomorrow night so that we can go out by ourselves, and we will be putting up the tree this weekend, along with lights and stuff outside. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us when we are doing the outside stuff. The house needs to be re-arranged for the tree, so that will be our biggest project. Have a good weekend!!!

Saturday's Good Deed

2005-12-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

My good for the day is done - I took 3 kids (7, 8 & 9) to McDonalds and let them play. That was their reward for behaving while I was at the eye doctor picking up my glasses. Now, I am ready for a nap since I didn't get much sleep - Eric got up to plow at 2:oo this morning, and then called me at 6 to get his oldest up to go hunting. I bought all this stuff to bake some cookies with, but don't have the energy at the moment.... That nap is sounding so good that I'm just going to have to do it!

Later!

SNOW

2005-12-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

OK, I am turning a new leaf (I know, I'm a little early for the resolutions)... I am going to be more positive about things around me - I realize that I have become pretty negative about a lot of things.

As for the snow, I really love seeing the fresh snow, with no tracks in it yet, and the way the trees look with their branches covered. It makes things look fresh and like there is nobody around. Right now, it is a combination of rain and snow, so I am hoping it will warm up a little bit for the ride home so that we make it there safely!

Have a great day and weekend, in case I don't have time to log in since it's going to be another busy weekend!

Report Card Time!!!

2005-12-01T07:50:00.000-05:00

I am very proud to say that my daughter made the honor roll for this grading period. She kept her grades up, and continues to get an A in reading, spelling and math, and an "O" (outstanding) in social studies (my worst class!). Anyway, I just wanted to do a little bragging this morning. I hope everyone is well (and awake - Jenius!).

Chicken Paprikash

2005-11-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

OK, so I decided to make a nice meal for Eric for when he got back from hunting. I look up one of his favorites and begin to make it when he calls to tell me that he and his friend are on their way home. Well, the guy he's hunting with had his two kids come along, and they left before Eric and their dad. Eric calls me about 25 minutes before dinner is done to tell me that the boys haven't shown up with their dad's truck yet, and they had smelled gas coming from it earlier, and he was afraid that they had broken down. Needless to say, he didn't make it home to have dinner while it was warm, and when he came home, he ate pizza. Does anyone understand why I'm upset? I don't think he did, because this morning he asked why I didn't make him a plate when he came home. I just let it go and got sarcastic with him - he told me I need to work on that. I would rather be sarcastic than be a rug..... I just feel like I am taken advantage of sometimes with him or not appreciated enough and it makes things hard and I get upset and start to cry. I HATE crying in front of other people so that makes me even more mad.

On a happy note, I went out to the store yesterday to make a bunch of different cookies. I love to bake, but hate cooking - explain that. So I am looking forward to doing this and my daughter is going to help. Is it bad that I am doing it on a weekend when I would only have 1 kid helping me rather than 3 kids? For Christmas, I decided that I am going to make some pecan pie squares - same thing as the pie, but made in a cake pan. YUM!!

Kid's Cartoons

2005-11-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

When did the cartoons get so stupid??? My daughter just watched one called Camp Lazlo, and it was all I could do to sit here on the computer... What happened to Tom and Jerry or Bugs Bunny and all the other good ones? My favorite cartoon is "What's Opera Doc?" How about you guys?

I'm tired....

2005-11-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

Of being a people pleaser. Why is it so hard to do things for myself? At work, when I defend myself or the group I am in because my boss won't, she tells me I am confrontational, others have just said that I am a bitch.... Why is that? Jax, did I ever come across that way to you? I just don't want to be taken advantage of anymore, and need to learn to say NO more often.

Sorry, just had to vent after a long day (but a short week!!).

How can it be Sunday already??

2005-11-20T18:39:00.000-05:00

The laundry and the dishes are done, but now I want something to eat and I don't know what it is. Eric is taking the kids home, so all is quiet now. After all the hard work on the truck (he did more today), the new car won't start. My battery has died, and I really don't want to know how much it is going to cost.... I am hoping that the charge will work on it and hold us over until pay day.

I am looking forward to Thursday. I love turkey and all the fixings. My daughter will be making the chocolate pie to earn her badge in girl scouts. We also have to bake some cookies for the badge. We will be spending the holidays with Eric's family since mine is so far away. I am wondering if there will be a 15 year reunion next year. If so, I would like to go, and get Eric to go with me. Only my sister has met him, and I would like the rest of my family meet him - before the wedding date. What does everyone else have planned for Thursday?

Happy Friday!!

2005-11-18T13:21:00.000-05:00

Lots of smack talk goin on here for the game this weekend!

Go BUCKS!!

We finally got the truck working so that Eric can use it for plowing. I have become an expert at putting needle bearings back into the right place! Last night it was so cold that even the warm water burned my hands and feet. I hate being cold....

Anyway, I probably won't have much time to blog this weekend with the kids and Eric all up and around (the computer is in the living room with the tv), so everyone have a great weekend!

Blended Families

2005-11-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

First of all, a shout out to Jags who got me started on this (and is the one that started calling me Kelso years ago). I am finally making my first post after many comments on hers.... So my first blog is going to be a tough subject. I am engaged to a guy that has 3 kids that live with their mother and my daughter lives with us full time, whose father has nothing to do with her. We get the kids one night a week and every other weekend, but we are waiting for the judge to decide who gets custody. Anyway, his younger two don't really listen to me because they get away with everything at home, according to the oldest. I feel like I am constantly yelling, and to make matters worse, my daughter has started acting that way towards me sometimes. I honestly try not to yell, but they just get under my skin, especially when the three little ones (which includes mine) start to have problems with each other. Anyone have any helpful hints?