Finished Painting Alexander's Room!

After about 20 hours total of work... We finally finished the wall. Angie and I painted Mickey together. Leonard worked a little on Minnie and I finished her off... I did Donald by myself. And Leonard's sister painted the perfect Pluto...

July Already...

I cannot believe it is July already... We have been married for a little over a month, now... Everyone keeps asking us, "How's married life?" We always reply, "Good." But, ya know...life was good before we were married... I really don't see much difference. The biggest difference is the actual "title" and hearing or saying, "Heather Campanelli." That's actually really cool. But, for the most part, we don't love each other any more, (or less...for that matter,) than we did before we took our vows. I've known since we started dating that I could marry Leonard...and the more and more time we spent together, I felt as if we were already totally committed to each other. Needless to say, life IS good. I know I sound like a broken record when I say this, but I am the happiest I've ever been in my adult life. I feel like everything has finally fell into place.

We had a little painting party on Sunday to begin painting Alexander's room. It's going to be really neat once we have finished. A few folks were upset with us becuase of the colors we chose...they are pretty much brown and light brown. lol I think it's fine. But, Angie is really creative and had some good ideas aboout desgin/detail that we are putting to use. We are getting out of work a little early today so we will be finishing that up today. I ended up wearing a mask (just as a precaution) and it was the silliest looking thing! All in all, it was a good time...we had my sister and her kids, my brother and Leonard's sister, as well as Angie over. Everyone got some painting time...even Tatyanna. We ordered pizza and sat around and laughed. This is truly the fun part of expecting. Leonard and I ordered the crib, mattress, and dresser combo on Saturday so we'll have another day of putting that stuff together.

I still can't believe I'm 7 months pregnant. (And according to everyone else, really don't look the part, either.) The time has truly flown... Alexander will be here before we know it! To read more about my pregnancy adventures, check out my latest post in my pregnancy journal: http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464&start=20.

Work has been as busy as ever, but I plan on taking some time to myself in the next couple of days. Really looking forward to the time off. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Words Can't Describe...

Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now. I am officially a married woman! Married to the man of my dreams...my best friend...my confidant...my lover...and the father of my soon-to-be son. I'm on a natural high. I am genuinely happy. There is nothing I can say to convey what I felt two days ago...it was such an overwhelming feeling of love, happiness and peace. And certainly I cannot forget my amazingly wonderful friends, to which my perfect day can be accredited. I keep telling my family that I don't even know what I can do that could possibly express my gratitude and appreciation. There just doesn't seem like anything I can say or do that would be good enough. But, trust me, I will come of with SOMETHING.........................................

11 Days and counting...

So yeah... Obviously, things have been hectic. The wedding is in 11 days. Can you believe it??? I can barely keep my head on straight. Thank goodness for my AMAZING friends. They have been keeping me on top of things and sane. (Thank you so much!!!) So much has happened...and really not very much time nor energy to write about everything. But, I'll try to give a brief overview..................................................

First, let me remind you all that I am marrying the most wonderful man in the world! I feel so loved and each day my love for him grows stronger (something I was sure it could do.) Leonard takes such good care of me and I trust him with my life...(and that of our growing baby!) He's been traveling a lot lately for work...and that makes me sad. Last week he was in Wyoming from Monday - Thursday. I whined so much about him leaving the Sunday before that he sent me a dozen roses...with a beautiful card that made me tear up. He basically told me that he misses me every time he goes away and to think of him whenever I looked at the flowers while he was gone. (The card is still sitting on my desk in my office.)



Anyway, in the past month, I've had 2 wedding showers that have reminded me how great the people are that I have grown to know in the past 10 years and longer.

I've been working hard and resting much... I've gained about 18 pounds. Body image issues are haunting me...but I realize I must learn to accept the joys of pregnancy.

Most importantly, we just found out we're having a boy! His name is Alexander Lee... We're both very excited. The details of the ultrasound are here: http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464

The baby is constantly moving...always reminding me that he is there! It's great...but at the same time, it's very distracting! :)

Sleeping has become an adventure... I can never seem to get comfortable. Sad thing is, I'm not even that big yet!!!

I can't wait until the wedding has passed... I'm really ready to start preparing for Alexander's arrival.

Engaged Encounter

To satisfy our Pre-Cana requirements for our Catholic faith we were required to go to a day long seminar or a weekend long retreat for engaged couples. We opted to do the weekend as we thought we would get more out of it an intimate weekend with 19 other couples than a hectic day with about 40 or so... So, on April 13th Leonard and I headed off to St. Therese's Retreat...right down the road...for our Engaged Encounter weekend. We actually even got into an argument on the way there because I had Leonard get off at the wrong exit...and I was already a little unhappy that we had to go there. Little did I know what was in store of us...

The retreat was to be held from Friday - Sunday afternoon...ending with Mass. We were not told what to expect with no agenda of the weekend. We were told that the sleeping arrangements were dormitory style and to bring a robe because the showers were down the hall. We were also informed that we would have 3 meals on Saturday and 2 on Sunday...and to bring a 2-liter of something to drink and a snack to share as there was no meal for Friday night. That was it. The evening began promptly at 8pm, with registration and time to get settled at 7:30pm. Here I'm thinking we would be introducing ourselves, given an agenda and head off to bed. Boy was I wrong! We were led by a team of couples and a priest. There was a senior couple and a junior couple. They all introduced themselves and briefed us on the particulars of weekend. We were told that the basic format for the weekend would be a talk by one of the couples and the priest on a specific topic, a time for individual reflection/writing and then a time for we to meet up with our fiances for a discussion on our individual reflections. We did this 3 times before the night was over...heading to bed around 11:30pm. I was EXHAUSTED. I usually am in bed by 9pm half the time...it was so hard for me...but I always looked forward to meeting back up with Leonard and talking with him about my thoughts.

Of course we had separate sleeping quarters and I found myself hiding my pregnancy all weekend long. In the back of my mind lingered the thought, "I wonder if anyone can tell?" (Sleeping without Leonard actually was the worst part of the weekend.)

The next day started with a meeting in the chapel for prayer and breakfast. At breakfast Leonard noticed I was hiding my left hand because I did not have my ring. (My ring was at the jewelers getting having a mold made from it for my wedding band.) All of these women had such BEAUTIFUL rings and I didn't have mine! :( It sucked... So, in addition to the pregnancy...I ended up covering up my hand every moment I was aware of it.

After breakfast started a couple of more rounds of listening, reflecting, and discussion... And just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, we played a game. We actually did a couple of activities that were outside of the normal format and it made the weekend more bearable.

A lot of the topics/questions were items that were on our FOCCUS questionaire. It was nice to be able to sit with Leonard and discuss them in more detail. Our discussions never lasted long...and we usually had time left over in the 20 minutes or so they allotted for the rendez-vous. At those times I would take advantage of being alone with my love and just laying in his arms or joking around with him until they ring the bell for us to return.

Saturday night was about an hour long group discussion over questions we anonymously put in a box and a prayer service for us couples before heading off to bed.

One of our last exercises was to write a bethrothal to our future spouses...a love letter of sorts as well as a promise or contract for our future marriage. This was the easiest and the hardest thing I had to do all weekend. It was easy because I knew exactly what I would write...but hard because I couldn't write it without getting emotional. I was crying as I wrote it because it made me so happy to know that I had someone like Leonard in my life...and to tell him how much I love and adore him. As I read it to him, I broke down even more...bahling like a baby. (As I did when he read me his...) And they had the nerve to ask us to read them at mass? LOL No way. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle it... Alas, it was perfect close to a perfect weekend.

Overall, we learned so much about how in tune we are with our relationship. I believe we had a good understanding of each other as individuals...but never really acknowledged how solid our comprehension of our relationship was. We have such a deep connection and our weekend was literally a confirmation of how genuine our love is...and how we truly are meant to be together.

Weird Day

For the past few days I've had a pain in my back...closer to my neck than anything, but I can't pinpoint the cause nor how to remedy it. I just know it hurts!! It's pretty much where my cervical vertebrae ends and my thoracic begins. (For those who don't know much about anatomy, that a little lower than my shoulders.) I could barely move last night...and getting dressed this morning was horrific. Moving my left arm in any direction/position sends a shooting pain through my upper back. I really don't know what to do. But, by time I got to church, I actually started feeling sick...not sure if it was nausea or what, but enough to take my mind off the pain. Since it is Palm Sunday today, the Gospel was the reading of the Passion and that's an awful long time to be standing. Normally, I would be fine. Today...today I broke out in a cold sweat and actually had to sit down. From that point forward I felt miserable...sweating, dizzy and uncomfortable.

So, Leo went to the gym and I stayed home to rest.

This has actually been the most restful weekend I've had in months. I got to sleep in for the first yesterday (a Saturday) since January. (And I still was up by 8am!) But, I didn't HAVE to do anything...no school, no work, no show. It was great. I made breakfast and cleaned the kitchen.

Wedding plans are coming along, slowly but surely. There is still much to do! My bridal showers are getting coordinated...(one is for work, the other for family.) I ordered the wedding favors on Friday. Last night I organized the wedding music and took it to our music director at church. I sent Leonard the information for getting their tuxedos. We still need to find a photographer...because the more and more I think about it, I want a pro. Also, we need to get the decorations and programs together. Most importantly, the production of the invitations is on hold until we can be sure that we can marry in the church. The Catholic Dicoese of Columbus is still reviewing my petition for the Pauline Privilege... My witnesses have been served letters and at this point it's a waiting game until all of their responses are in... I really don't want to speak much on that because it gets me really stressed, but I'm not really happy about that situation.

I'd much rather be doing baby stuff and preparing for our new addition. **sigh** But, first things first...

Can we say, Busy?

I've been so swamped lately it's not even funny. I'm actually too tired to write, but felt I was neglecting blogger over my pregnancy journal. :) So, as a quick update. I had my first ultrasound on Friday. It was amazing! The details are in my pregnancy journal.... (http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464) The cool thing is... I'm further along than I thought. A little over week further... So, I'm a little over 3 months now. Can you believe that?


Anyway, work has been hectic. I've been working really hard...and with me being the only tech person in the office last week, I was swamped. The system needed to be updated to meet compliancy for the Daylight Savings Time change and it meant a lot of work for us. I was at work last night until about 10pm (took a Happy Hour break, of course,) and then pretty much all day today. I got there at 9:30am, went to class for about a half hour to do my labs and turn in my project (of which I got up at 4am this morning to start and finish,) and then got home around 7pm. Tomorrow will be another long day as I will have to finish working on updates in the morning, (after mass, of course) and then go shopping for a wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses. And just found out a couple of hours ago that tomorrow evening is a birthday party for Leonard's brother...so I guess we'll have to be done by 5pm. I have a little more work I want to do online tonight and then I'm calling it a night. Next week will be another busy week...

The good news is, I got a raise! A really big one too... I was really surprised, because I also got a bonus. Insane. What a blessing!!!


I'll be so glad when things slow down...

Our Baby

Not so "Sunny California"...

So here I am in Napa Valley on business. It's been cloudy and rainy the past 3 days. The sun is trying to come out, but quickly gets covered. I'm just finishing my lunch...and it's 3:30 pm EST. (12:30 GMT - Pacific) I'm not getting used to this time at all. I'm really tired and don't feel like I have enough energy to get me through the days.

I will not even go into how bad my travel day was...just know that it was probably the worst travel experience I've ever had. (Aside from the ride back to Ohio from visiting my sister in FL on a Greyhound....)

The landscaping of this area is really nice. I'm sure it's a BEAUTIFUL place when the sun is shining etc. My department is pretty much everything I expected. The people are really nice and driven... (Mainly driven crazy by the SVP, but otherwise...they're pretty much on task.)

I am staying in the River Terrace Inn in Napa. It's a REALLY nice hotel. My room is very comfortable and the bed is a very good substitute for my "sanctuary" at home. I have a cool view of the Napa River from my baclony (pictured above) and they have a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The bar looks pretty cool, too... Very unfortunate that I cannot partake................

So some things I've noticed:

1. On my flight from Columbus to Vegas, I was the only black person on board.
2. On my flight from Vegas to Sacamento, I was the only black passenger on board...one of the flight attendants was black... lol
3. Out of 212 employees of my company's Napa office, there are probably a total of 10 black people.
4. When I went to Target last night, I saw no black people... LOL

There are a lot of hispanics and asians, but hardly any African-Americans. It's actually pretty interesting how drastically the demographic can change from one part of the country to the next. Being the person I am, I notice these things... I can't help it.

The SVP's assistant it taking me out to downtown Napa so I can check it out and do a little shopping. I'm actually looking forward to that. 3 hours to go...

Well, I have another meeting to attend in 10 mintues...so I best get prepared.

I plan on writing in my pregnancy journal later tonight.

T.G.I.F.!

T hank G od I t's F riday! There are some days when that phrase takes on more meaning than it does on others... Today is one such day! This week has been long and trying for me... There has been much to get done at work and my Accounting class continues to be a headache...not to mention it was the last week I had to teach for the show. I ended up holding a pure dance rehearsal on Sunday for 2 hours to teach 2 dances and review the others. Last night was more review and I taught 1 more...and we cut 1, so that helped! 2 nights ago I left my portfolio with my W-2s and other important documents at class and so I was stressing about that. In addition, the test that was scheduled for that night was moved to Monday...when I am out of town on business. My only option is to take it in the testing center, which I assumed would be prior to Monday. Well, my professor wrote me yesterday and told me that I can take it tomoBy the grace of God, it turns out that one of my classmates picked it up for me...so I will pick that up on my lunch. And now, it's FRIDAY!

I am so in need of some rest... I still have a test for my "workstation configuration" class tomorrow, but plan to go to bed as earlier as I can tonight. I fly out to Napa on Sunday and totally plan on sleeping on the plane to Vegas...and getting some early rest on Sunday evening.

Too bad I can't have that well deserved Jack and Coke.......................... C'est la vie!

Early Valentine's

So the night that I made my last post, Leonard came home with a ring! It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! He was really smart and took Kim and Julie with him. I had such a bad day and it was the best surprise ever! Obviously, with the pregnancy, I expected it at some point, but not this soon. And Kim reassured me that he had come to her at the beginning of January (before we even ever found out) to ask her advice. But, I knew we were going to get engaged EVENTUALLY, regardless of the baby...

Our friends had probed me for information about what kind of gold and size and stuff the Friday before, and I truly thought nothing of it. In light of everything else that is going on. They had me trying on their rings and all kinds of stuff. I was truly oblivious.

So, his proposal was really cute. As I said, I had been home sleeping before I had rehearsal while Leonard went to the gym (and apparently to pick up the ring, too.) When he got home, he acted like he was going to get into bed with me and picked up this pillow his sister made for me for Christmas... (The pillow has a digital cloth photo of us sewn onto it.) [Well just the past weekend I was joking around with him about how I didn't have a ring... And the pillow represents are love... So, I picked up the pillow and said, "Do you know what this is? It's love without a ring!" And I threw it across the room. We totally laughed about it and that was the end of that.] So as he picked up the pillow he says, "You know, baby, I think something fell out of this pillow when you threw it the other day." And, as a total sucker, I say, "You think so?" as I start to shake it and said, "Yeah, it does seem a little flat...maybe some stuffing or something fell out." Then he says, "I think it was this..." as he hands me the box with the ring. All I could say was "Are you serious??" And then he had me turn on the light and open it up! It was so cool... And he looks at me and says, "SO, what do you say??" To which I said, "Of course I'll marry you!" Needless to say, I'm a very happy lady!!!

The ring is unbelievably unique. I can't find it anywhere online to get a good picture of it...and taking one has not done it justice. But, it's designer is Christopher Slowinski...with his patented "crisscut" diamond. It looks very antique and I doubt anyone will ever have a ring like mine! It's so very cool...and it's white gold! To describe the setting I will give you the actual description from the appraisal: "One crisscut center with pave' set diamond trim, pave' set diamonds down shank."I've always wanted a white gold ring! So here are the pictures I took of the actual ring. And here are also pictures of what the crisscut diamond looks like...and I actually found the same detail on my band on another ring from the Christopher Designs site.

Just not "right"... It's COLD. And I'm tired.

So today was a bad day for me on the pregnancy side... I posted that in my pregnancy journal. Long story short, I'm just not right. Other than that, it's cold... The picture is from my weather bug, I snagged this morning from my PC. Can you believe that? -3 degrees. Insane. I do NOT like the cold. Needless to say, I'm going to take a nap before my rehearsal tonight. I have been so exhausted lately...which is totally expected. I just wish I could magically find some energy somewhere. Doing a little too much right now. After the middle of March, things will slow down.

BIG NEWS!

So now that we have told our nearest and dearest friends, I can post my news here in my blog! This past Saturday Leonard and I found out that we are expecting a baby... I'm so unbelieveably excited. It's all that I can think about... It's literally consuming everything I do. It was so hard to work this week and I fear it's only going to get worse. Although I am really early in the pregnancy and it's a big faux-pas to tell folks this soon, we just can't keep the excitement in...and keeping it from our friends was killing us. We have decided, however, to wait to tell our parents until we have the first prenatal appointment on Monday, February 12th. We just want to make sure everything is okay and going well before we get their hopes up. I'm cool with that, and telling our friends was probably the best thing we could do for support right now.


I have started a pregnancy journal on pregnancy.org and I plan on maintaining it. Here is the link to my journal: http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=664464 It is also located in my "LINKS" section to the right.


I will continue to post here in my blog about everything unrelated to my pregnancy and some things related, but the for the most part, the plan is to keep them separated.


I wake up every morning and thank God every day for this blessing...

I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO HAVE A BABY!

2007

I can't believe it's the end of January already. I have been meaning to post an entry about the new year and what I hope comes to pass. Hoping not to sound like a broken record, but I'm not one to make "resolutions", in the sense that society usually defines. When most people set out to make resolutions, they usually are resolving to make a change... Change is really hard for me and often times I find I am set in my ways. A resolution is more so a statement or expression of a formal decision...(to many...a decision to make change.)

I much rather like setting goals for the year. This year I don't have too many goals... Last year I was successful at achieving most, if not all, the things on my list. I lost weight, I went back to school, I grew deeper spiritually and completed my catechism...

So this year, I have a list of HOPES, if you will:

• I hope to at least get engaged before year's end...


• ...so that I can hopefully start a family soon.


• I hope to continue my studies and not allow my lack of motivation discourage me.


• I hope to maintain my fitness habits and also incorporate an even more healthy diet.


• I hope to exercise my faith with stronger intentions.


• I hope to keep my sanity through the changes at work, (resulting from the recent acquistion of the company for which I work.)


• And last, but certainly not least, I hope to stay in contact and spend more time with my family and those that I love.

I'm praying these things will come to pass. God willing...

It's looking a lot like winter...

Looks like Old Man Winter has finally made his grand entrance! Today it snowed. Although this isn't technically the first snow we've seen, it is the first snowfall of significance. As usual on a Sunday morning, I get up at 7:45am to get ready for 9am mass. After I have taken my shower, I get Leonard up. Since I was still feeling under the weather, he actually made it downstairs before I and as I'm finishing getting my gym bag together I hear, "Midnight, you're a reversed Dalmation!" (This is what happens to Midnight when he goes out while it's snowing...he comes in with white spots. Too bad I didn't get a picture of this.) We both eat some breakfast and head out to a nice coating of snow on the road. As we pull out of our cul de sac we began to realize how slick it actually is... By the time we reach the main road, we are surprised that it really isn't any better. Hopeful that the I-70 and I-270 would be more clear, we proceed to the freeway. The on ramp is just as coated as the road...and as it turned out, the freeways were no better. As we got to 270...at a 25mph crawl we decide that we're not making it to mass today and it's best to turn around. So, to the first exit we go...

Fortunately, it is Sunday...all of our grocery shopping is done and we have no where pressing to be. These are the days when it is best to just stay off the roads until something has been done to improve driving conditions. Driving in this weather always makes me a little nervous.

I actually wasn't even expected all of this snow... An hour later the back yard was covered and it continued to snow for a couple of more hours straight. I am certain there is a good 2 inches out there (if not more)...almost out of nowhere.

Back to Blogging

Today I am sick. I've actually been sick for the past few days. I'm not quite sure what's going on, just that I'm not getting any better because I'm doing a very bad job of resting. Presently, I have lost my voice...yet, I keep trying to talk so it's only getting worse...

I usually try to write blogs when I have something great to say...but today I just have some time to type. I actually did have some cool things to write about...like my 30th birthday, New Year's Eve and my recent trip to New Orleans, but time has dearly escaped me. But to sum a few of those events up:

• My birthday, the 29th of December, was unforgettable...to say the least, spent with good friends and overall had a good time. I also must say I am very content with being 30. (before dinner on my birthday...)


• I took it easy on New Year's as I had my fill of partying just 2 days prior, yet rang in the New Year with those I consider to be my most genuine friends. I've always believed that the person (or people) you are with when the clock strikes 12, those are the ones with which you will spend the entire year. (So far, it's been true for me...)


• New Orleans was yet another wondeful experience! I believe that everyone should get down to the French Quarter at least once in their life time. It is filled with such great culture, music and FOOD! (The Mississippi in the morning)

At this point, I'm trying to sit back and relax...so hopefully I get well. My life is a little busy at the moment as I am once again taking class for the quarter, trying to maintain my fitness regimen and work has once again made me its slave. (The company I work for was recently acquired and with the merger comes many technological changes...in which I will have a great part.) I actually decided that I'm going to take a breath and not let it stress me out too much.

I will have another blog really soon!

Long time... No blog.

**I started this blog on December 18, 2006, as it is so dated**

A friend of mind recently got all sentimental on me and reminded me how important friendships are. I turn 30 next week. "...30 next week." How odd does that sound? At this point in my life, I realize more and more each day how much it is a blessing to be alive...and to have the friends that I have. There are many people in this world who don't make it to 30. I have no complaints...but, unfortnately, few regrets. My friends get me through the days...most times, unknowingly. I can think about the relationships...(life long friendships...) I have formed over the past 10, 5 and even 2 years and it makes me happy to know I have such good people in my life. I find myself looking forward to our next outings...and even the times where I can run to their desks to vent..beacause, even if they don't care or are tired of hearing me whine...they still listen as if they do care. :) And there are also the times when they support the things I do, and even the things members of my family do by showing up to events and what not. It's unreal. There are a lot of folks in this world who don't have any people they can truly call friends...and barely acquaintances. I am one of the blessed few that can honestly say, "I have friends." These are the folks who would go out of their way for you...do things for you when they are tired...or make exceptions to their plans... Some times, to me, it seems surreal. But, at the end of the day, I know what's up.

So, cheers to you my dear friends... You all know who you are. Thank you som much for being such an important and necessary part of my life. Here's to my serenity as made possible through my relationships!


Here are a few pictures of me and my FRIENDS:

~ Me and one of my "most favorite people in the world," Nick. (The friend who inspired this blog.)
~Sarah, one of my longest and dearest friends with whom I didn't go to school.
~Kim, although I have only known her for a short period of time...it seems like it's been a life time.

((I have more pictures to add! For some reason, now that I am editing it 2 weeks later, I can't add them...but when I do it will include, Julie, Peter and of course, Leonard!))

It's been 2 years...

...since Leonard and I started dating. What a marvelously, wonderful 2 years it has been! I have never been happier in my life. I know in my heart of hearts that I am going to spend the rest of my life with this man! How grand it is to be so certain of something...

We celebrated, once again, in a cabin in Hocking Hills. Appropriately, it is named "The Anniversary" cabin. We were there for our 6 "monthiversary" and returned for this milestone. I didn't want the weekend to end. It was totally about "us." We did nothing but relax and enjoy each other's company...cuddling, endulging in a varitey of alcholic bevearges, hanging out in the hot tub, watching movies...and even got to watch OSU beat Michigan!

And the best gift yet...was a card. I nearly cried when I read it. It was so unbelieveably sincere and I could tell that he put his heart into choosing it and composing the genuine message inside. It was perfect. (Almost better than getting a ring... LOL)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

When I was younger we rarely celebrated Halloween. And it really wasn't like it was something we weren't allowed to do...more like something we just didn't do. We always participated in the school costume parades and on rarest of occasions, we would pass out candy... But we NEVER went trick or treating. At some point in my childhood I used to think it was because Halloween was "evil"... As I got a little older that theory didn't make any sense to me...seeing that we would still dress up for school...and never seemed to miss "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!" That's when I figured the trick-or-treat thing was just our parents being overprotective (as usual...)

By the time I reached my teens, however, I started to wonder whether or not it was an "evil" thing to celebrate. A lot of that was brought on by my highly religious grandmother, and my uncertainty about my own spirituality. Now that I am an adult, I have come to believe that there is nothing wrong with it...as long as I'm not worshiping the devil or anything...I'm free to do what I please in terms of acknowledging the day.

I recently received and article from About.com, (to where I have a subscription to "About Catholicsim...",) that gave the Catholic point of view of Halloween. Without pasting in the entire article, it basically reinforced my new found belief. The day of Halloween was actually determined by a Roman Catholic Pope in association with All Saints Day, November 1, 2006. All Saints Day is a Catholic Feast day in which we celebrate those who have died. The eve before the celebration was dubbed "All Hallowe'en." During the 15th century in the days of the Black Death, people started wearing costumes...to remind them of the own mortality. Americans later added in "trick-or-treating."

http://catholicism.about.com/cs/holidays/a/halloween02.htm

Needless to say, I celebrated to the fullest this year...as the "Bride of 'White Trash Dracula'"! :)

BUSY

I have been unbelieveably busy lately. But I really can't complain. I don't mind being busy. After all, Merriam-Webster defines busy as "engaged in action." So, it means I have something to do...and I'm not bored. At this point, I'm not too busy that I'm losing my mind, but busy enough to be classified as such. Presently, I am taking 3 classes at school, working full-time...and quite some over time, planning my high school class reunion (pretty much on my own) and planning my boyfriend's birthday bash. The only thing I wouldn't possibly mind adding is a choreography gig... At that point, I would probably loose my mind. LOL So, I okay with it. Just really haven't had the time to write any blogs worth reading...............

My Baby Brother...

~ Ages 15 and 3
~(2 vs. 18) ...isn't a baby anymore. My brother, Brandon, turned 18 yesterday. 18! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday he was attached to my hip. I'll never forget the day he was born. I was almost 12 years old and had just started 6th grade. My sister (nearly 13/7th grade) and I got into a fight with a couple of girls on the way home from school. Turns out Candace owed one of the chicks 75 cents! Can you believe that? 75 cents and they're ready to kick our asses! Well, as we believed was the right thing to do...and actually sensed some urgency to get home...we kept walking while the girls (and what seemed like half the school) followed us. Long story short...we essentially got our butts beat, because we didn't fight back. The girl who Candace owed the money to got a good lick in and put a knot on her head...I came away without a scratch (the other girl who was trying to jump on my back was smaller than me and I easily threw her off a few times.) At the time, our walk was about 25 minutes from the house...the fight lasted anywhere from 10-15 minutes. The last 10 minutes we were sprinting home crying and ticked off, only to get home and find out that we were locked out of the house {we didn't have keys at the time} and a note telling us to go to our grandmother's who lived across the street (literally.) As were heading over, our neighbors told us that our mother's water broke at a bus stop downtown and that we were supposed to go to our grandmother's. We get there, Candace all banged up...and we had to tell our aunts, uncle, and grandmother the story...who were very disappointed because we didn't fight back. That same sentiment was shared by our father when he arrived a few hours later... He yelled at us unlike anything I could ever remember...(stressed maybe??) before he even told us what was going on with Mom. Her water broke around 2pm on Friday, September 16th. She ended up having some complications and delivered Brandon around 2am on September 17th by caesarian... He was 1 month premature, weighing in at only 4lbs.

From the time he was born until I left the house at 18 (he was 6) we were inseparable. I literally was this kid's 2nd Mom. I took care of him all the time...even Candace hardly participated in "babysitting." When I left the house, I know it was hard on him, but I didn't realize it until he was much older. Once he got into high school I tried my hardest to participate more in his life...even if that meant being his chauffeur at times... It was worth it. I'd do anything for that kid within my means. He's my heart. Happy Birthday, Brandon!


~ On his 18th birthday.

Old Friends

"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" ~ Stand By Me (1986)

Last night I went to dinner with some old friends. These were the friends I made in 6th grade (one of them even in 5th.) These were the friends that you would write notes to every night, even though you would see them the next day and talk to them all day long anyway. These were the friends, that in those notes you would write: "Friends 4ever"...and if you were us: "Friends Forever Forget this and you die!" Those were the days. Life was simple, yet we were in a hurry to grow up. Grow up and grow apart, apparently.

Last night was great. I hadn't seen the girl who I grew to call my "best friend" in about 15 years. I found her on classmates last year. Another girl, I had seen after she mailed a letter to my parents house with her married name on the return address...about 8 years ago. The last I had made contact with after 9/11 and I was a on big kick to find everyone who ever meant anything to me...lucky for me...the friend is a he and his last name remained the same. :) I've hung out with him about once a year since 2002 and within the last year or so have seen him from time to time as we work out at the same gym. :) My "best friend" said, "You know, although we all look different, we all look the same." It was too funny, yet so true. All of our personalities were the same...mannerisms while speaking unchanged...only time had passed. It was almost like we picked up where we left off. Such a good feeling.

At this point, I am determined to keep in touch with them and have had them all send me their contact information so I can distribute. And I believe it will happen. I actually have been successful in staying in very good touch with 2 of my friends I made in that era...one from 5th grade, Annette, (who coincidentally later becomes my sister-in-law) and another when I was 6th...my genuine friend, Peter. So, I know it can be done...

The quote above is one of my favorites, and up until recently, I believed it was a 100% true. I still believe there is a lot of truth in it, but I have been fortunate to find a group of friends, whose friendships are comparable to those of the ones I had when I was 12. There's nothing like it. I think it helps keep us young and sane.

Life

I'm writing because I realize it's been nearly a month since I've written last. I really don't have anything to say. At this point, life is what I'm making it and I am content. I'm actually more than content... I'm pretty happy. I have an AMAZING boyfriend, a family who LOVES me genuinely and everyone gets along, FANTASTIC friends, no enemies (that I know of) and I'm finally getting my life together.

There are only a couple things at this point that would make my life complete...and hopefully those things will come to pass within the next couple of years, GOD WILLING.

"You Trippin'"

Went out last Friday night with my boyfriend and a few of our friends, in addition to his ex-roommate and the folks he was hanging with that night. We actually had a blast. I absolutely love going out and "shaking my bottom," (as one of my friends so eloquently puts it.) But, shortly before we left, right after I closed out my tab and was heading back to my man, I ran into a very rude dude...

CONVERSATION:

Dude: "So what are you doing dancing all over that white boy?"
Me: "...Because he's my boyfriend." (And I smile...)
Dude: "You trippin'."
Me: "Oh, I don't discriminate... I was already married to a black man..." (And I smiled again...)
Dude: "You trippin'."

At that point I walked away...

Obviously, the "rude dude" was a black man. AND obviously jealous because I wasn't dancing "all over him..." But, I couldn't stop thinking about it and was noticeably bothered. And not really sure why? For as ignorant as it was...it's not like it hadn't happened before. I've learned to deal with it...or so I thought.

Needless to say, we all know how I feel about that issue. No need to rehash. But, it was kind of coincidental, as one of my cousins had just blogged about identity and society's views of black and white and how races mix, rather the issues and/or situations that come of that "mixing"...Etc.

Long story short, I love my man! I wouldn't care if he was green. I'd still love him. Love him, love him, love him.

~This was taken a little after I was seen "dancing all over" my man... ;)~

Morning Sky

I've always been fond of sunrises and sunsets. They all seem to have pretty unique colors and their hues. It always is interesting to me how different the sky looks when you are in different parts of the country...or even the world. And when it comes down to it...it's all the same sky. This morning when I let Midnight (my dog) out I caught a sight of one of the most beautiful skys I have seen in a while. I immediately ran in the house and got my camera and ended up wasting about 10 minutes taking pictures of it. Such a great way to start the day! What do you think?

TEDDY

****This post was inspired by "Art Dog's Life" post entitled "dear teddy*"***

As instructed in "dear teddy*," I gave my teddy bear a hug from dogfaeriex5. :) And as the above mentions, I was inspired to take a photo of him and tell his story.

My teddy bear's name is Teddy. (Obviously, not very original for a 5 year-old.) Nonetheless, Teddy was in fact my second teddy bear and not my first. The first I had when I was 4 year's old. I used to carry him around with me everywhere...and don't even remember whether or not he even had a name. But, he was a smaller bear, that would just fit in my 4 year-old arms. At that time, we were living in a complex of apartments in Westerville (as I was told.) I remember the complex vividly...how green everything was, (the grounds were maintained well,) and we all had patios enclosed by wood privacy fences. In the days when it was safe to run around without too much parental supervision we literally would bounce around from one apartment to another and play in the yard. There were so many of us kids that everyone's parents trusted the others to keep and eye and they always knew where we were. Our ages ranged from 3 - 12. One such kid, (I believe his name was Mikey,) was much older than I and we considered him the neighborhood bully. Not recalling clearly the circumstances that led up to the horrific ordeal, but Mikey and one of his friends somehow got a hold of my teddy bear and ripped him into pieces. Literally. I remember it like it was yesterday. They took him by each arm and just pulled... I can still see his stuffing flying everywhere. What a traumatic experience for a 4 year-old! I cried and cried for days... I was devastated. When I finally got my bearings I remember asking my parents for a new bear. And not just any bear, but "A GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR." I would imagine that I got obnoxious about it at some point, and even eventually asked Santa for it. (It was summer when the other bear was destroyed...and we actually even moved that fall before my sister started kindergarten.) But, I was persistent. And too my grand surprise Christmas morning, I awoke to exactly what I had been wishing for over the past months... "A GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR!" At the time, I was 4 days shy of 5 and he was nearly as big as I was when standing (I was only a head taller than he...)

Over the years, I took him very few places around other kids, in fear of something else happening. But, on most family outings to Alum Creek or to my grandmother's, there Teddy was in tow. My mother being as paranoid as she was about us bringing ticks back from the park would always wash him in the washer...and eventually he became flat, yet with very little wear. My brother was born when I was 12 and I remember us giving him a bunch of our stuffed animals (as loners), somehow, Teddy managed to stay on my bed... Shortly after I moved out when I was 18, my mother took it upon herself to restuff him as a surprise and even made him an outfit (of a pair of my little brother's old short...and a vest made by hand.) For the past 12 years, he's been traveling with me through my "adult" life... Always in whatever room I deemed my office, with my other stuffed animals (reacquired from my brother as he got older.) There he sits to this day beside my computer desk, amongst the others and still the biggest of them all...my "GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR."

Eighteen

So my boyfriend's sister turned 18 on the 1st of August. My little brother will be 18 on the 17 of September. It's amazing how time flies. I remember turning 18 and thinking of all the stuff I could do because I was 18, but the stuff I really wanted to do I couldn't do until I was 21. Unlike my brother, I was 18 most of my senior year of high school... And Leo's sister will be 18 the entire year. Being 18 while you are still in school is the same as being 17. Didn't mean a thing to me. Only that I didn't have to take Driver's Ed to get my license...

But, did you know you can scan alcohol (if you work on a cash register) when you are 18? (I thought you had to be 21.) Some decent (non-fast food) jobs don't even let you work until you're 18. 18 is the legal age to vote...and enlist. So you are old enough to die for your country, but you can't get a drink............... In France, there really isn't a drinking age... You can pretty much drink whenever you want, especially in private. Publically, however, the legal purchase age is 16. (Although when I was there, you could order a happy meal with a beer...) In the U.K. the age is 18. Why is that such a universal number for becoming an adult? Who dictated that?

Alas, I'm still stuck on the time flying part, though. When I was 18, my little brother was 6. 6! So yeah, 12 years have gone by and the only thing I have to show for it is more responsibility and more bills. Turning 18 didn't really change my life. Living on my own did.

"The Secret Relationship"

Every Sunday from 8am - 10am they have a show on the local "Contemporary Urban" station here called "Express Yourself." This show has me laughing and cursing at the same time every week and ends up leaving me even more aggravated with society than I usually already was. (Luckily, I only catch it on my way to mass and am able to put my mind at ease once I get there.) The topics are some of the oddest things I have ever heard and the people who call in...at least 70% of them are surviving on street smarts alone. Last week's topic was "The Secret Relationship of the Black Woman and a White Woman"...as if to suggest that there is something unknown going on that could be the only explanation why the two would ever be friends. 99% of the callers agreed and basically said that there is a hidden agenda in any relationship of the sort and that the other is using the other to get what the other has. Most of the callers even believed that such a relationship isn’t genuine. WTF??? That’s insane. Needless to say, I had to turn the crap off because it was bothering me so much. At that point I thought, “You mean to tell me that ALL of the relationships I have ever had with white people aren’t real???” Come on, now…… It was disturbing to realize that there are SO MANY ignorant people out there, (even in our own city,) who just have no clue. None of those folks had probably EVER had any friends of the opposite race. But, I, on the contrary, have had many. 75% of my friends are white… (But according to the callers, those relationships aren’t real…) For as much as I was peeved, I can’t knock them for their ignorance. If anything, their only fault was that they were speaking on an issue they knew nothing about. (How could they say with all certainty that (basically) white people and black people cannot truly be friends, when they had never had a friendship of the like?)

I was totally disgusted. And as disgusted as I was, I did not have the energy to call in (nor thought it was worth my time) to bring a different perspective into the mix.

I actually felt sorry for them, amidst my frustration, because they have such a narrow minded view of the world. I think having relationships with people from various races and backgrounds has made me the open-minded person I am today. As I tell most people, “Call me colorblind.” If you are cool, you’re cool… If you’re not, you’re not. It’s that simple. I don’t care what you look like.

It’s so very unfortunate.

Cheers to all of my friends for recognizing that our differences are what make us such great companions!

The "Monthiversary..."

I now know (for a fact) that I am not the only one in the world who celebrates or acknowledges the "monthiversary." I did a search on google and it came up with 13,100, of which I would imagine more than half of those instances are contained in blogs. I wonder if people realize that monthiversary isn't even a word...(not to my surprise, but I looked it up on Merriam-Webster Online) It doesn't even show up on Wikipedia's site. Too funny. Yet, thousands of us continue to use this phrase throughout our lives. I actually did find an entry on Urban Dictionary.com, (a site that allows you to add your own words,) defining it as follows :

Monthiversary:

Similar to anniversary, but occuring every month. For people who are
overzealous about a new relationship.

MONTHIVERSARY
http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Another thing that most people don't realize is that no one should even have to use the word "monthiversary." I'm sure most assume that it would be incorrect to use anniversary to represent something that reoccurs on a monthly basis, based on is etymology: (Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn.

But according to Merriam-Webster's definition of anniversary:

1 : the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event; broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years

How about that????

Well, I like the definition from the Urban Dictionary for the most part...less the "new" relationship part. When I was married to my ex-husband we acknowledged every monthiversary (from the time we met) until our separation...8 years later.

Personally, I think it's corny... But at the same time, I appreciate the value of the phrase. These days folks don't stay together very long, and every moment is precious. I simply love recognizing the time spent being in love.

Well the point of all this crap was to explain why I would make a mention of the fact that yesterday was my and Leonard's 1 year and 8 monthiversary. :) It's going to be 2 years before we know it! It honestly doesn't even seem like it's been that long. You know what they say, "Time files when you having fun!"

I geuninely am the happiest I've ever been in my adult life and I look forward to celebrating many many more turning of the months and the years with him...

A bunny...

This bunny was in my back yard a few nights ago... I was out there without my dog and it did not move a "hare." I decided to run in the house and take a picture of it to see if it would come out. Obviously not the best quality, but I wanted to capture it because I thought it odd for it to stay so long without running away.

I used to love rabbits when I was younger...and got caught up in the Beatrix Potter stories of Peter Rabbit for a time. I would love to visit the Lake District in England some day where she retired and was the setting for most of her stories.

It made me feel young again for a split second to stand and stare at the rabbit, who truly had a "cotton tail."

"She's on her 'thing'..."

...was the phrase used by my boyfriend's cousin to convey that his girlfriend was on her period. I just had to chuckle to myself. And it wasn't necessarily because he said it, but it was the way he said it and the fact he ended up clarifying himself after. They both originally came over together and they realized they forgot something...but he came back without her. So the point was to explain that she wasn't coming over because she didn't feel well, was bloated and just believed she looked like crap, etc. Cousin then added, "I understand she doesn't feel well. I just don't want to deal with it, so I told her to stay home." I remember thinking to myself... "She needs to get over it. It's nothing new. Life continues..."

Well, here I am, 2 days later...on my "thing." And I feel like crap. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still look good... :) After work yesterday, Leonard and I got in a screaming match...basically had a classic "Nothing Fight" (as Dane Cook would say.) And today I just want to go home and go to bed. And I'm hungry....

Thought this was appropriate:

Not too good with "see ya laters"...

So my sister and her kids went back to Alaska yesterday after being here for a month. To my surprise, (actually not total,) I didn't cry! Things were so hectic when they were here that, (awful to say but--) I was kind of ready for them to go back home. Normally, the routine is, we get to the airport, take pictures and then we wait for them to get through screening...and by the time I get to my car I'm teary-eyed and then damn near bahling before I even get out on the street. Yesterday... Nothing.

UNTIL - I looked at the pictures I took of my sister and her children waving, and I got a little sad. And after speaking with my sister today, I kind of miss her. Weird huh? Oh, well... It was time.

Until next visit...

Man, How Time Flies...

So, my baby brother graduated from high school on the 8th of June. We had his graduation party yesterday. Brandon is the last of the 4 of us siblings to graduate from high school...and he has grown to be quite the young man. He will attend Capital University, joining their Music Conservatory, in the fall with scholarships for music. He is an amazing singer and songwriter and I have no doubts that he will be doing something with his music in the future.

Yesterday at the party, the 4 of us took a picture in front of my parents' house. "Man, how time flies..." I have a picture that we took in 1992 and I compared them. Of course, we ar not standing in the same places, but we are perfectly reversed. Instead of Tanina and I being on the left side (in 2006 as we are in 1992) we are on the right. I could have sworn I had some software that would reverse them for me, but I can't find it right now...so I did the split before and after shot.

So Brandon (17) is entering his Freshman year of college, Tanina (19) will be a junior at the University of Kentucky, Candace (30) is married with 2 kids and living in Alaska, and I (29) divorced, yet happily partnered with a dog and no kids.

Time really has flown by...

BEFORE & AFTERS

Georgia July 2005 vs. May 2006

So, as mentioned once before, one of my goals for this year was to loose some weight. Well, I'm happy to report that I have been fairly successful at it! In July of 2005 I was pushing 185 lbs, easily. I was not watching what I ate...which meant eating out for lunch nearly every day, and for dinner about twice a week. Not to mention that I only made it to the gym about once a week...if that. While Leonard was going to school, he was too tired/busy to workout, so I used that as my excuse as well. It was somewhat logical as I don't have a car and so we both use his... At that point, it was unbelievably inconvenient to do things without him. In September of 2005, my dear friend, Annette, asked me to audition for a play in which she had the lead. I did, and got the part... We did publicity shots in November...at that point I was about 181. After seeing the shots I knew I absolutely had to do something to avoid looking even bigger on stage come February. (Not to mention a period of reflection on photos from our annual trip to GA in July of 2005... I was also motivated by the possibility of not to having "fat Georgia pictures" this time.) At that time, I started working out more...doing Taebo and other home fitness DVD's, as we still were barely going to the gym. Shortly there after was the cast Christmas Party...I took a picture with Annette then and I could tell I was starting to loose, but still not quite where I wanted to be.

Cast Christmas Party 12/2005 vs. @ Dave & Buster's 5/2006

By February I was "good enough" to be on stage at 171 lbs. I had lost about 10 lbs...and was content, but not even close to thinking I was done.... So I continued doing Taebo and other stuff at home and we were back into the gym because Leonard graduated in January...at which time I started doing about 10-15 min. of cardio 3 times a week. Another, very important, change we made was we started bringing our lunch to work, instead of buying out...also had more grocery food at home. By April 2006 we got on a Lean Cuisine kick and eat those for lunch every day...rarely eat one over 300 calories. In May I started eating something in the morning as "breakfast" every day, eating snacks, and taking vitamins and supplements in addition to increasing my cardio workouts to 20-25 minutes from about 12-15 minutes. Now I am 158 lbs. :D We leave for Georgia on Friday and I will NOT have any "fat" pictures!

My next goal... To get into a bikini before the summer is over.

Leonard and I were discussing the key to weight loss on the way back from the gym yesterday. And we decided we could write a book. It would be 2 pages. One page would read, "Don't eat like a pig." The second, "Move." THE END. It's that simple. Watching how many calories you put in versus how many you expend... If you are active and exercise regularly, you can eat fairly moderately. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle...you shouldn't be eating too much. Period.

Georgia July 2005 vs. May 2006

The Happy Hour Crew...

From Left to Right (top row) Leonard, Eric, Judy, Kim, Brian (bottom row) Sarah, Me, Julie.

So this is the happy hour crew. Some how, the lot of us from work started going out drinking for "Happy Hour" over 2 years ago,(often times at Brothers in the Arena district.) We've been inseparable since! Any social gathering outside of office hours normally consists of the people shown above (less one or two at times.) This night, Friday the 9th, we all were in attendance for the first time in a long time. (These are the folks I mentioned in my post from the beginning of March.)

Unlikely group of folks, one might think... A little over 20 years of an age difference between the youngest and the oldest of us...and all from different backgrounds. But, the honesty, sincerety and humor shared between this group is unmatched and much needed in the days in which we live. So, let me introduce you to those I can truly call my friends...

Leonard: The youngest member of our crew... Italian, ex-Marine, Indians fan, bookworm/walking encyclopedia, debator, big competitor (especially when playing pool,) somewhat vain...gym rat, thoughtful, and a comedian of sorts. Shortly after our happy hour outings began we started dating. So to that I can add, sexy, more romantic than most would think...and the best thing that has ever happened to me. :) Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper)

(Orignially, we both were/are members of the "Fantastic Four, (FF)" who frequented Applebee's happy hour on Friday nights and later various clubs...before we stumbled across our other companions. The FF also includes Brian and Sarah.)

Eric: The oldest male in our group... Patriots fan, intelligent, considerate, can put more beers away than any of us (despite his slim physique,) subtle flirt, involved in his children's sporting activities, a fisherman (still have yet to go with him,) and all-around good guy. Favorite Drink: (I've only ever seen him drink beer...) Miller Lite/Bud Light

Judy: I believe to be the eldest of us all but does not look it... Michigan Football Fan, Ex-Soldier (Army,) kind-hearted, animal activist/rescuer...DOG LOVER, Watches the Dog Whisperer, motherly, loves good mexican food, vegetarian, helpful & caring, rarely drinks, Favorite Drink: Frozen Strawbery Margarita

Kim: Mother of 23 year-old but one would think they were sisters, Starbucks Addict, can be seen frequenting E-bay and Blogger (ArtDogsLife), QVC & Dog Whisper watcher, Dog lover, sweet, creative (makes really cool art), free-sprited, generous, generaly happy, often says shocking and hilarious things, and probably the most "tell it like it is" people you will ever meet. Real. Favorite Drink: A good, (well-spiced) Bloody Mary

Brian: Father of a 6 year old who shares my birth date, one of the founding members of the FF, the rest would say he is a "tight ass" but he really isn't as cheap as people think...just frugal, self-conscious at times, great sense of humor, into reality TV (especially the Bachelor and Average Joe), and also my landlord :) Favorite Drink: Beer Drinker... Miller Lite.

Sarah: I've worked with Sarah for nearly 10 years now. We were the youngest folks working here...and I needed a friend, also one of the founding members of the FF, single...but presently not loving it, can be a bitch when she wants to be, good confidant, ol' school partier, Survivor Fan, loves to dance...and good hip-hop music, great smile... Favorite Drink: Long Island Ice Tea

Me: I talk about myself enough... Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper), but I'm also a fan of Margaritas

Julie: One of the few "long timers" at the office, nice, athletic [great softball player,] mountain biker, football fan, just like Leonard w/ knowing useless/useful facts, very generous, funny...love her laugh, probably the most "sober" drunk of all us drinkers, responsible, dependable, successful, and joins the others as a Dog Lover Favorite Drink: I usually see her drinking Bud Light...but she's good at mixing up some fruity things I'm sure she drinks!

So, with all these great characteristics in one room... How can there ever be a dull moment??? Most of the best times of my adult life is spent hanging out with this crew.

4 Days Post-Op

So... I got my wisdom teeth out on Thursday...at 7:15 am to be exact. The dentist and his assistant prepped me and then the lady told me, "The next thing you will remember is me waking you up..." How true that was... I woke up not having any control over my mouth and feeling little pain. I kept trying to fall back to sleep and she kept shaking me telling me that I needed to get up. I remember walking out to the car, but don't remember the ride home, nor getting into the house. I do remember Leo trying to give me some apple juice to take some vicodin with...that was not fun. I (we) poured most of it down my shirt and then I slept all day Thursday. Candace and the kids came into town Tuesday night...so while Leo went to work on Friday, they sat with me...but it was pretty much the same story...out like a light. Little swelling as they didn't do much pulling, but cut my teeth along with some bone... And pain is minimal when on vicodin...when I wake up in the morning it's another story. Today was the first day I was out. I went to church and took nothing before I went because I get so damn nauseated taking all that crap on an empty stomach. (I have to take 600mg of Motrin every 6 hours whether I am in pain or not...and by choice have been taking 2 viocdin pills for the pain.) Needless to say, I was hurting SO bad. Unbelieveable dull, throbbing pain. I didn't realize it was that bad because I have been taking everything so religiously... Anyone who says this stuff is nothing, had to have rarely been off the pain meds... But, I got home, ate something and took my pills...then I was out (that was at 11am...I just woke up.) I have to finish a quiz online before Midnight tonight so am choosing to do it now, while I'm still conscious and in not much pain.

Leonard has been WONDERFUL! He totally took control over a lot of things. He has been finishing moving his stuff over, when to the grocery store, mowed the lawn on Thursday while I was sleeping (for the first time,) and literally has been taking care of my every need. He even went and picked up Candace on Thursday night through some horrible Arts Festival traffic... I am truly blessed. I am so glad I get to spend the rest of my life with such a wonderful, helpful, considerate person.

My house has gone through such a comforting transformation over the past week. And while I have been "dead to the world" it has become a lovely home for me, my love and my dog. I have never felt so comfortable in my own pad... :) At this point, it's really nice to look around and see the house filled with "our" stuff. Midnight, my dog, is so happy we are home, for good. He actually has been sitting/sleeping with me during the long days and has been a great comfort to be me. (How many times have I used that word?) All I know is that it feels like a fresh start and it feels so right. I have some work to do on my office, but other than that...it's home sweet home. It's been a great place to go through recovery.