This week I had my annual physical at the VA clinic. I was very anxious about it. The anxiety started a few weeks ago when I had my labs drawn in preparation for the appointment. My biggest worry: Cholesterol levels.
At the annual physical, it's lab work, a consultation about your general health, any vaccines that are needed, women's health, eye exam, and anything else that is needed, including referrals to specialists. Most of that was no problem for me. I keep up with my Women's health appointments, Counseling, and I'm waiting for my optometry appointment. The only thing that I wasn't prepared for were my cholesterol test results.
I was afraid of the results, to be honest. I was afraid that they would be horrible. I have been trying to make "lifestyle changes" recently, but that's just recently. It's been a long year and a half. . . So I didn't think that the changes I have made would be enough to make a difference in the numbers (especially since I don't feel any difference).
As it turns out, I had nothing to be afraid of.
Total Cholesterol, should be less than 200 points. In 2008, it was 216. Now down to 187.
Triglycerides should be less than 150 points. In 2008, it was 112. Now down to 103.
LDL (bad cholesterol) should be less than 160. In 2008, it was 169. Now down to 134.
HDL (good cholesterol) should be greater than 40. In 2008, it was 25. Now up to 32.
Improvements, for sure. Could still be better, and I plan on it. I am taking another test in six months.
Here is where I want to hold myself accountable. I want the numbers to get even better. I am starting to feel better. I am working out more often. Still not every day, but I am getting there. I am eating better, most of the time. The kids don't help with that, but I am trying to help myself. The biggest improvement? I am happier. Much happier. Hold on for six months. I look forward to see what else I can do. Better numbers, not just in the Cholesterol test, but on the scale and in body fat, too. I'm ready!
Goodnight, all.
Peace, and a trip to the gym!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
More A to Z fun . . .
Okay, so Heather thought that the A-Z survey needed a little pizzazing. *jazz hands* So she made her own categories... and here I go. . .
A -Appointment TV in your house: The Biggest Loser (aka Fatties). There are other shows I like love- House, Army Wives, Trauma, 60 minutes, Deadliest Catch -- but they are all watchable online. TBL doesn't come online until a week later, so it's the one night a week that I actually camp out in front of the TV for two hours.
B - Best meal someone ever cooked for you: Not a specific meal, but family dinner. I love family dinners and M & D's house. Everyone hanging out, visiting . . . and when the main course is ready, everyone pitches in to get dinner on the table. Good food, Good conversations. Then everyone pitches in to clean up. Good times, good times.
C - Canned veggies, frozen, or fresh?: I love fresh vegetables . . . but I do rely on frozen and canned as well. They come in handy, and they can be cheaper - especially since they do last longer. Good, fresh vegetables, though . . . Mmmm! I can't wait until it's time to start visiting the Farmer's Wife again . . .
D - Dad's influence in your life: Medicine. I just remember always being interested in medicine. I didn't realize it until recently . . . but my dad always knew what they did, what medicines worked for what problems . . . and it amazed me, even though I didn't know it. I'm currently working towards (and almost finished with) an Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology. Someday I'll go higher . . . further, smarter. More patient care and more money . . . but it starts here, and it started with Dad.
E - Eating philosophies: You can have anything, in moderation. A great philosophy, right? It works . . . if you follow it, and exercise regularly. I'm working on that. I've gone back to eating on a kid-size plate (most of the time) and not eating kid food. The exercise is coming back to me . . . slowly.
F - Flower you love to receive: Any . . . flowers say something. It doesn't matter if it (or they) dies in a few days. There's just something about the gesture. Unfortunately, it happens so rarely, I hardly remember. Um, can I insert a hint here? *wink*
G - Good old movie you'd recommend: How old? Hmm. Have to think about it . . . *five minutes later* . . . Is it cheating to say Gone with the Wind? It's classic, and covers so much. Has so many good lines in it, too! Frankly, my dear . . .
H - Heaven for you is: A good book, a snack, and a cozy place to sit and snuggle. Or take away the cozy place and take the book and a drink to a bubble bath. Oh, I miss having a bathtub in my room!
I - Ice cream flavor that rocks your socks: Cookie Dough or Cookies and cream.
J - Your jam (bread topper and on the radio): Strawberry . . . and I don't know! Old jam or new jam? How about a country jam . . . There are a few right now. Bonfire and Hillbilly bone will make me stop everything and turn it up. I also jam to Party in the USA!
K - Kids that do this crack you up: One thing? I don't know. Just the things they say . . . and on-the-spot, I can't think of a good one. But that's the best part. Maybe I need to write some of them down . . .
L - Your legacy: My kids. So far, they are it. That's why I'm trying to hard to turn them in to good people. If I can pass something on through them, then I keep going, even when I'm not here anymore..
M - Most Friday nights, you're typically: in "comfies" as soon as I pick up the boys from school. We have a laid-back, whatever dinner . . . Then it's PJs, movie, and bed. Unless E comes up for Friday night. I stay in regular clothes later, and cook a better meal!
N- Nightly habits: First I have to fight my way through dinner, cleaning up, and getting the boys in to bed. Then it's waiting for the boys to settle down and go to sleep. . . logging off of Facebook, reading for a little while or talking to E on the phone . . . then it's lights out, and I'm out.
O - On your kitchen counter: I have a lot of counter space! On one side of the sink is the microwave, with fruit bowl and loaf of bread on top. On the other side of the sink are my canisters and my spinning spice rack. (A really cool one that was a gift from M&D a few years ago) On the other counter is a recipe box that matches my kitchen pattern, and an organizer that has spatulas, ladles, can opener, etc. There's also randomly mail, a toy, or food on the counter. It depends on the time of day and the stress level in the house.
P - You're protective about: My kids! I try hard to do what I think is best for them. I take advice, and sometimes some constructive criticism, but most of the time I think I'm doing the best that I can do, and I don't want to be told that I've done something wrong, or that there's something wrong with one of them!
Q - Question you have for the universe: What is on the other side of your belly button? I've had answers to this, but none of them are satisfying. I think someday I need to see it. Or a picture of it. -- This was Heather's answer, but I am curious, too. Heather, if you ever find out, let me know!
R - Running, biking, walking, or driving?: If I had a bike, I would bike everywhere! Short trips to the store, nice meandering rides through the neighborhood . . . it would be my preferred method of exercising. I also want a scooter. Razor makes a grownup version. . . and I was going to buy one with my tax return - too bad I'm not getting one this year. Anyway. . . Santa Claus, if you're reading this, even though your big day is eight months away, that's what's on my list.
S - Spa treatment: Pedicures. . . . and really, I wish I could have one more often! I haven't ever had any other spa treatments in the US. I had a few massages overseas. One (I believe) was in Dubai, and the other was in Malaysia. After each one, I ended up feeling much worse - and in pain for a few days afterward. That's why I'm not crazy about the idea of trying again. I love pedicures, though . . . and haircuts. Well, no one's cutting my hair these days, since I'm growing it out. But just sitting there and having someone play with your hair - the brushing, the cutting, and most especially the washing (and head massage). Makes me want to go see my stylist just thinking about it!!
T - Talent you use to freak people out: Um, I don't think that I have one. If anyone who reads this wants to leave a comment, let me know what freaky talent I have. I'm curious . . .
U- Under your bed, we'd find: An underbed box of duffel bags. A storage tote of Navy uniforms . . . and a spare case of soda.
V - Vampires, your opinion?: Retarded. Seriously. Maybe it's because I don't get it, but I think you should all stop reading about them. Or at least stop acting like it's the best thing you ever read. That just means you haven't read anything good. Or maybe just stop talking about it so dang much. Those novels are for 12 year olds, anyway. Okay, so maybe Harry Potter was technically for kids and young adults, too, but whatever. I started reading them when I was a "young adult" and had to finish the series. Basically, I just can't stand vampires, and will probably never "get it". If I see someone with a Team Edward shirt on, it will take me a while to know who Edward is, and even then I won't care. I'll just think that you need to grow up.
W - What you would tell your 16 year old self: It doesn't matter that you're not popular. Enjoy everything you can, anyway. Love the friends you have, and don't worry about the ones that you don't. Those other people won't matter in two years when you all move on, anyway.
X - Extreme for you is: Buying new clothes - whether it's underwear or pants - and not feeling guilty about it. Actually, whether it's clothes, groceries, or something for the house or the kids, I feel very strange spending anything over 100$ in a single transaction. That's extreme. I don't know why, it just is.
Y - You'd relive this moment from your life if you could: Well, I've had a lot of bad moments . . . but so many good ones, too. Part of me wants to pick something really cool . . . a Navy moment . . . like standing with the Honor Guard, music playing, and coming down into the hangar bay on the aircraft elevator. Yeah, that was awesome. But another, bigger part of me is telling me to pick a kid moment. For that, I think it's coming home from deployment. Either one, really. I was so overcome with emotion. People who are not in the military just can't imagine it. Yes, we signed up for it. It's our job, and we do it with pride . . . but it still hurts to leave your family. There's just nothing like coming home. And coming home from a deployment, everyone's in dress. The ship is playing music, there are flags everywhere, and there, in the middle of that sea of emotion, are your children. It's huge. The first deployment, my ex was there, which took away from it a little bit, but there were my children (six months later) and my mom, dad, and aunt. The second deployment was only 3 1/2 months, and waiting for me were my kids, RL, and AM. They were my friends, turned live-in nannies, turned life savers, turned lifelong friends. Still love you guys! Okay, anyway . . . . getting a little caught up in the moment.
Z - Zodiac sign--true or crap?: Hmm. I'm inclined to say crap, but sometimes the descriptions do ring pretty true. I am a cancer. Okay, so I'm going to go with crap, but every now and again, I am a little curious. I do think the concept is interesting . . . . I just don't understand the people who live their lives by them, or want to know someone's sign before even getting to know them. Like that really tells you what kind of person they are just because of when they were born. . . .
Whew! That took a while . . . I've worked on this on three separate occasions. Finally done, but that was fun! Thanks (if anyone actually read it all) . . . and if you answer the questions, too -- either on Facebook, your own blog, or just in an email -- let me know!!
It's time for sleep now . . .
Peace and bed everyone!
A -Appointment TV in your house: The Biggest Loser (aka Fatties). There are other shows I
B - Best meal someone ever cooked for you: Not a specific meal, but family dinner. I love family dinners and M & D's house. Everyone hanging out, visiting . . . and when the main course is ready, everyone pitches in to get dinner on the table. Good food, Good conversations. Then everyone pitches in to clean up. Good times, good times.
C - Canned veggies, frozen, or fresh?: I love fresh vegetables . . . but I do rely on frozen and canned as well. They come in handy, and they can be cheaper - especially since they do last longer. Good, fresh vegetables, though . . . Mmmm! I can't wait until it's time to start visiting the Farmer's Wife again . . .
D - Dad's influence in your life: Medicine. I just remember always being interested in medicine. I didn't realize it until recently . . . but my dad always knew what they did, what medicines worked for what problems . . . and it amazed me, even though I didn't know it. I'm currently working towards (and almost finished with) an Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology. Someday I'll go higher . . . further, smarter. More patient care and more money . . . but it starts here, and it started with Dad.
E - Eating philosophies: You can have anything, in moderation. A great philosophy, right? It works . . . if you follow it, and exercise regularly. I'm working on that. I've gone back to eating on a kid-size plate (most of the time) and not eating kid food. The exercise is coming back to me . . . slowly.
F - Flower you love to receive: Any . . . flowers say something. It doesn't matter if it (or they) dies in a few days. There's just something about the gesture. Unfortunately, it happens so rarely, I hardly remember. Um, can I insert a hint here? *wink*
G - Good old movie you'd recommend: How old? Hmm. Have to think about it . . . *five minutes later* . . . Is it cheating to say Gone with the Wind? It's classic, and covers so much. Has so many good lines in it, too! Frankly, my dear . . .
H - Heaven for you is: A good book, a snack, and a cozy place to sit and snuggle. Or take away the cozy place and take the book and a drink to a bubble bath. Oh, I miss having a bathtub in my room!
I - Ice cream flavor that rocks your socks: Cookie Dough or Cookies and cream.
J - Your jam (bread topper and on the radio): Strawberry . . . and I don't know! Old jam or new jam? How about a country jam . . . There are a few right now. Bonfire and Hillbilly bone will make me stop everything and turn it up. I also jam to Party in the USA!
K - Kids that do this crack you up: One thing? I don't know. Just the things they say . . . and on-the-spot, I can't think of a good one. But that's the best part. Maybe I need to write some of them down . . .
L - Your legacy: My kids. So far, they are it. That's why I'm trying to hard to turn them in to good people. If I can pass something on through them, then I keep going, even when I'm not here anymore..
M - Most Friday nights, you're typically: in "comfies" as soon as I pick up the boys from school. We have a laid-back, whatever dinner . . . Then it's PJs, movie, and bed. Unless E comes up for Friday night. I stay in regular clothes later, and cook a better meal!
N- Nightly habits: First I have to fight my way through dinner, cleaning up, and getting the boys in to bed. Then it's waiting for the boys to settle down and go to sleep. . . logging off of Facebook, reading for a little while or talking to E on the phone . . . then it's lights out, and I'm out.
O - On your kitchen counter: I have a lot of counter space! On one side of the sink is the microwave, with fruit bowl and loaf of bread on top. On the other side of the sink are my canisters and my spinning spice rack. (A really cool one that was a gift from M&D a few years ago) On the other counter is a recipe box that matches my kitchen pattern, and an organizer that has spatulas, ladles, can opener, etc. There's also randomly mail, a toy, or food on the counter. It depends on the time of day and the stress level in the house.
P - You're protective about: My kids! I try hard to do what I think is best for them. I take advice, and sometimes some constructive criticism, but most of the time I think I'm doing the best that I can do, and I don't want to be told that I've done something wrong, or that there's something wrong with one of them!
Q - Question you have for the universe: What is on the other side of your belly button? I've had answers to this, but none of them are satisfying. I think someday I need to see it. Or a picture of it. -- This was Heather's answer, but I am curious, too. Heather, if you ever find out, let me know!
R - Running, biking, walking, or driving?: If I had a bike, I would bike everywhere! Short trips to the store, nice meandering rides through the neighborhood . . . it would be my preferred method of exercising. I also want a scooter. Razor makes a grownup version. . . and I was going to buy one with my tax return - too bad I'm not getting one this year. Anyway. . . Santa Claus, if you're reading this, even though your big day is eight months away, that's what's on my list.
S - Spa treatment: Pedicures. . . . and really, I wish I could have one more often! I haven't ever had any other spa treatments in the US. I had a few massages overseas. One (I believe) was in Dubai, and the other was in Malaysia. After each one, I ended up feeling much worse - and in pain for a few days afterward. That's why I'm not crazy about the idea of trying again. I love pedicures, though . . . and haircuts. Well, no one's cutting my hair these days, since I'm growing it out. But just sitting there and having someone play with your hair - the brushing, the cutting, and most especially the washing (and head massage). Makes me want to go see my stylist just thinking about it!!
T - Talent you use to freak people out: Um, I don't think that I have one. If anyone who reads this wants to leave a comment, let me know what freaky talent I have. I'm curious . . .
U- Under your bed, we'd find: An underbed box of duffel bags. A storage tote of Navy uniforms . . . and a spare case of soda.
V - Vampires, your opinion?: Retarded. Seriously. Maybe it's because I don't get it, but I think you should all stop reading about them. Or at least stop acting like it's the best thing you ever read. That just means you haven't read anything good. Or maybe just stop talking about it so dang much. Those novels are for 12 year olds, anyway. Okay, so maybe Harry Potter was technically for kids and young adults, too, but whatever. I started reading them when I was a "young adult" and had to finish the series. Basically, I just can't stand vampires, and will probably never "get it". If I see someone with a Team Edward shirt on, it will take me a while to know who Edward is, and even then I won't care. I'll just think that you need to grow up.
W - What you would tell your 16 year old self: It doesn't matter that you're not popular. Enjoy everything you can, anyway. Love the friends you have, and don't worry about the ones that you don't. Those other people won't matter in two years when you all move on, anyway.
X - Extreme for you is: Buying new clothes - whether it's underwear or pants - and not feeling guilty about it. Actually, whether it's clothes, groceries, or something for the house or the kids, I feel very strange spending anything over 100$ in a single transaction. That's extreme. I don't know why, it just is.
Y - You'd relive this moment from your life if you could: Well, I've had a lot of bad moments . . . but so many good ones, too. Part of me wants to pick something really cool . . . a Navy moment . . . like standing with the Honor Guard, music playing, and coming down into the hangar bay on the aircraft elevator. Yeah, that was awesome. But another, bigger part of me is telling me to pick a kid moment. For that, I think it's coming home from deployment. Either one, really. I was so overcome with emotion. People who are not in the military just can't imagine it. Yes, we signed up for it. It's our job, and we do it with pride . . . but it still hurts to leave your family. There's just nothing like coming home. And coming home from a deployment, everyone's in dress. The ship is playing music, there are flags everywhere, and there, in the middle of that sea of emotion, are your children. It's huge. The first deployment, my ex was there, which took away from it a little bit, but there were my children (six months later) and my mom, dad, and aunt. The second deployment was only 3 1/2 months, and waiting for me were my kids, RL, and AM. They were my friends, turned live-in nannies, turned life savers, turned lifelong friends. Still love you guys! Okay, anyway . . . . getting a little caught up in the moment.
Z - Zodiac sign--true or crap?: Hmm. I'm inclined to say crap, but sometimes the descriptions do ring pretty true. I am a cancer. Okay, so I'm going to go with crap, but every now and again, I am a little curious. I do think the concept is interesting . . . . I just don't understand the people who live their lives by them, or want to know someone's sign before even getting to know them. Like that really tells you what kind of person they are just because of when they were born. . . .
Whew! That took a while . . . I've worked on this on three separate occasions. Finally done, but that was fun! Thanks (if anyone actually read it all) . . . and if you answer the questions, too -- either on Facebook, your own blog, or just in an email -- let me know!!
It's time for sleep now . . .
Peace and bed everyone!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Me . . . from A to Z.
You know me. Can't resist a questionnaire or a survey. This one is from Heather, and even though I am behind in my blogging about life, school, boys, E, and the stress that comes from all of the above . . . here I go!
A - Age: 26. 27 in July, and since last year was pretty low-key, I plan on celebrating this time!
B - Bed size: Queen. I've had the bed since I moved to San Diego - a present from M & D. Still plenty comfy, and plenty big.
C - Chore you hate: Laundry. I put off doing the dishes, too, but once I get started, they're easy and not so bad. I like having clean clothes . . . I just hate the folding, sorting, and putting away.
D - Dog's names: No dog. I wish . . . but we did recently get a guinea pig. A baby girl that I named Nala. Everyone seems to hate the name. I wanted something Disney-ish. . . but she's not a Lady or a Tinkerbell. So I went with Nala. The boys like it, and it's growing on me. E will have to either get used to it, or get over it.
E - Essential start your day item: A shower. Seriously, even on a day off, I don't do anything without a shower. I guess that's not an item, though. I love clean, fresh socks.
F - Favorite color: Blues and greens. My kitchen pattern is blue and green, my bathroom is blue and green, and I think my favorite sheets and blanket were, too . . . before they were ruined. Don't ask.
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: I'm old school. GOLD.
H - Height: 5'4" . . . And I usually don't mind being short.
I - Interesting fact about yourself: When I was in the Navy, I was on my ship's Honor Guard. I think I am more proud of my service on the Honor Guard than I am about anything else that I did in the Navy. The experiences, the feelings, the pride, and the people . . . you just can't top that, especially in the civilian world. I just wish I had more pictures! Why did I never have a camera on the ship, at practice, or in port? HUGE regret . . .
J - Jewelry you wear everyday: My mom's anniversary ring, given to me last Christmas, and my watch. I only wear necklaces on rare or special occasions, and I don't have pierced ears.
K - Kids: JR and Z. JR is also known as "Molasses", "Jakeroo" and "J.R." . . . Z is also "Doodle-O", "Doodlebug", "Zackadoodledoo" . . . and sometimes I even still call him "baby" . . . When I'm mad at either of them, sometimes I just say "boy" . . . I bust out with their middle names, but that's not as bad as it gets. When I pull out their last name, then they know they're in serious trouble. I think it's because I hate their last name. It's my ex's last name . . . so.
L - Living arrangements: A 2/2 condo in Carmichael. It's close to my school and the boys school. Less that a quarter mile from the hospital. . . but also forty-five minutes from M& D, and almost an hour from E. Not quite perfect, but for now it works.
M - Mom's name: Joan.
N- Nicknames: I don't have any. Haven't ever had any nicknames. It used to bother me, but I don't really miss it now. Just call me by my name, and I'll answer.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: JR's birth, Z's birth, and when Z was about two, he woke up in the middle of the night with a 103 fever and had trouble breathing. I grabbed a book and a blanket, told my nanny I was leaving, and went to the hospital. We were there for about 36 hours. They kept telling me that I could leave and a nurse would stay with him. Yeah, right! A.D. brought us clean clothes and toys because she knew that I wasn't going anywhere! I guess technically Jacob's broken arm was an overnight hospital stay. . . we left home just after ten, and got home almost five-thirty. It was a very looong overnight in the hospital . . . so let's not repeat that anytime soon, okay?
P - Pet Peeve: People who repeat things over and over again. My kids do this all the time - especially JR. I hate it. It also happens in class, in the news, Ugh. Everywhere. Just say it and be done. I also hate people who can't drive . . . . and those who can't write / type English correctly. Please, people, pay attention in class! There are lots of words that sound alike, but have different spellings and different meanings. Punctuation is important, too. Thanks.
Q - Quote: This is where I go nuts trying to pick the right quote. It's hard to pick one, mostly because there are so many great ones! I like this though: "It's not a perfect life, but it's our life". Okay, maybe I cheated. I know it's also the title of my blog. But I do like it, and it helps me to keep things in perspective. Okay, how about this one: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars."
R - Right handed or left handed: Righty.
S - Siblings: One sister, M. I used to hate it when people said we were alike . . . and she hated it more. If someone told me that now, I'd be flattered. She's smart, successful, and confident. She has a good job, a great place, and she's in great shape, too. She's always had more friends than me. I'm usually the type to have lots of acquaintances, but just a few close friends. I know I'm smart, but if I could just have some of her confidence, I would know that I'd be okay.
T - Time you wake up: Hmm. Weekday or weekend? On a weekday, I'm up around 5:45. Fridays I sleep until about 6:30, and weekends I get up between 7 and 7:30.
U- Underwear: Well, let's just get personal here. I like comfy underwear, and I like new underwear . . . but I'm not particular about brand or fabric. That's all the info you're going to get on that.
V - Vegetable you dislike: I can't think of any. I like most all vegetables . . . and I love fruit! If I had the money to stay stocked, I'd eat fruits and veggies all day long! Oh, I just got it. Eggplant. That's a vegetable, isn't it? Can't stand it . . . and I don't like bell peppers, either. Everything else is fair game, even brussel sprouts :)
W - Ways you run late: I get ready early without any problems . . . and then I have to get the boys ready. They lag behind. . . . always whining about being tired, and never realizing that they're tired because they don't go to bed. I hate being late for school, but it's the worst when we're so late that JR doesn't get to eat breakfast before getting on the bus to kindergarten. I try to keep something in the car just in case, but I also keep thinking that he's going to get the hint. It'll be more important (and probably earlier) when I'm done with school and start working. Just saying . . . it's time for them to get back on track!
X - X-rays you've had: Not very many. I had an X-ray of my hand when I broke my middle finger in high school. You want to know how? Not very interesting. It was during PE. . . . and I didn't catch the football. OUCH! Um . . . X-ray of my hand in boot camp when a not-so-smart person on the top bunk dropped her locker drawer - I was sitting on the floor getting things out of my locker on the bottom. Nothing broken, but man, it hurt! There was one on the ship, too. My ankle, when I took a spill down the a ladderwell. It wasn't broken, just sprained really badly!
Y - Yummy food you make: I don't make nearly enough yummy stuff. I like everything that I do with chicken, but I don't do it enough. The boys are so picky. I'll rephrase. Z is picky - the pickiest kid I've ever known. He is slowly getting better . . . but most nights he has something different from what the rest of us are eating . . . it's very frustrating. I eat more "kid" food, or fast easy stuff than I should . . . but it's for the convenience. JR often doesn't want to eat grownup food if Z is having something that he wants (chicken nuggets, pigs in a blanket, etc) so then it would just be for me, which is ridiculous. That's why I eat kid food, or eat prepackaged, ready-to-go stuff. Very soon, Z is going to learn to eat real food or start going hungry. I want chicken, steak, potatoes, and salad -- much more often!
Z - Zoo favorite: Hmm. In San Diego, our favorites were the koalas and the elephants. Neither of them are here, where I guess I would say that our favorites are the giraffes.
Guess that's it for now. I'll have a real blog in a day or so. Time to get this night over with now. They're telling me that it's not nighttime yet. Ha! All I have to do is close the curtains, turn down the lights, and put on their pajamas. Someday they'll be able to tell time, but for now, all it takes is "Bedtime" . . . . With all the activity of the weekend, and today's storm, they're ready - even if they don't want to admit it!
Peace . . . and good night to all!
A - Age: 26. 27 in July, and since last year was pretty low-key, I plan on celebrating this time!
B - Bed size: Queen. I've had the bed since I moved to San Diego - a present from M & D. Still plenty comfy, and plenty big.
C - Chore you hate: Laundry. I put off doing the dishes, too, but once I get started, they're easy and not so bad. I like having clean clothes . . . I just hate the folding, sorting, and putting away.
D - Dog's names: No dog. I wish . . . but we did recently get a guinea pig. A baby girl that I named Nala. Everyone seems to hate the name. I wanted something Disney-ish. . . but she's not a Lady or a Tinkerbell. So I went with Nala. The boys like it, and it's growing on me. E will have to either get used to it, or get over it.
E - Essential start your day item: A shower. Seriously, even on a day off, I don't do anything without a shower. I guess that's not an item, though. I love clean, fresh socks.
F - Favorite color: Blues and greens. My kitchen pattern is blue and green, my bathroom is blue and green, and I think my favorite sheets and blanket were, too . . . before they were ruined. Don't ask.
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: I'm old school. GOLD.
H - Height: 5'4" . . . And I usually don't mind being short.
I - Interesting fact about yourself: When I was in the Navy, I was on my ship's Honor Guard. I think I am more proud of my service on the Honor Guard than I am about anything else that I did in the Navy. The experiences, the feelings, the pride, and the people . . . you just can't top that, especially in the civilian world. I just wish I had more pictures! Why did I never have a camera on the ship, at practice, or in port? HUGE regret . . .
J - Jewelry you wear everyday: My mom's anniversary ring, given to me last Christmas, and my watch. I only wear necklaces on rare or special occasions, and I don't have pierced ears.
K - Kids: JR and Z. JR is also known as "Molasses", "Jakeroo" and "J.R." . . . Z is also "Doodle-O", "Doodlebug", "Zackadoodledoo" . . . and sometimes I even still call him "baby" . . . When I'm mad at either of them, sometimes I just say "boy" . . . I bust out with their middle names, but that's not as bad as it gets. When I pull out their last name, then they know they're in serious trouble. I think it's because I hate their last name. It's my ex's last name . . . so.
L - Living arrangements: A 2/2 condo in Carmichael. It's close to my school and the boys school. Less that a quarter mile from the hospital. . . but also forty-five minutes from M& D, and almost an hour from E. Not quite perfect, but for now it works.
M - Mom's name: Joan.
N- Nicknames: I don't have any. Haven't ever had any nicknames. It used to bother me, but I don't really miss it now. Just call me by my name, and I'll answer.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: JR's birth, Z's birth, and when Z was about two, he woke up in the middle of the night with a 103 fever and had trouble breathing. I grabbed a book and a blanket, told my nanny I was leaving, and went to the hospital. We were there for about 36 hours. They kept telling me that I could leave and a nurse would stay with him. Yeah, right! A.D. brought us clean clothes and toys because she knew that I wasn't going anywhere! I guess technically Jacob's broken arm was an overnight hospital stay. . . we left home just after ten, and got home almost five-thirty. It was a very looong overnight in the hospital . . . so let's not repeat that anytime soon, okay?
P - Pet Peeve: People who repeat things over and over again. My kids do this all the time - especially JR. I hate it. It also happens in class, in the news, Ugh. Everywhere. Just say it and be done. I also hate people who can't drive . . . . and those who can't write / type English correctly. Please, people, pay attention in class! There are lots of words that sound alike, but have different spellings and different meanings. Punctuation is important, too. Thanks.
Q - Quote: This is where I go nuts trying to pick the right quote. It's hard to pick one, mostly because there are so many great ones! I like this though: "It's not a perfect life, but it's our life". Okay, maybe I cheated. I know it's also the title of my blog. But I do like it, and it helps me to keep things in perspective. Okay, how about this one: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars."
R - Right handed or left handed: Righty.
S - Siblings: One sister, M. I used to hate it when people said we were alike . . . and she hated it more. If someone told me that now, I'd be flattered. She's smart, successful, and confident. She has a good job, a great place, and she's in great shape, too. She's always had more friends than me. I'm usually the type to have lots of acquaintances, but just a few close friends. I know I'm smart, but if I could just have some of her confidence, I would know that I'd be okay.
T - Time you wake up: Hmm. Weekday or weekend? On a weekday, I'm up around 5:45. Fridays I sleep until about 6:30, and weekends I get up between 7 and 7:30.
U- Underwear: Well, let's just get personal here. I like comfy underwear, and I like new underwear . . . but I'm not particular about brand or fabric. That's all the info you're going to get on that.
V - Vegetable you dislike: I can't think of any. I like most all vegetables . . . and I love fruit! If I had the money to stay stocked, I'd eat fruits and veggies all day long! Oh, I just got it. Eggplant. That's a vegetable, isn't it? Can't stand it . . . and I don't like bell peppers, either. Everything else is fair game, even brussel sprouts :)
W - Ways you run late: I get ready early without any problems . . . and then I have to get the boys ready. They lag behind. . . . always whining about being tired, and never realizing that they're tired because they don't go to bed. I hate being late for school, but it's the worst when we're so late that JR doesn't get to eat breakfast before getting on the bus to kindergarten. I try to keep something in the car just in case, but I also keep thinking that he's going to get the hint. It'll be more important (and probably earlier) when I'm done with school and start working. Just saying . . . it's time for them to get back on track!
X - X-rays you've had: Not very many. I had an X-ray of my hand when I broke my middle finger in high school. You want to know how? Not very interesting. It was during PE. . . . and I didn't catch the football. OUCH! Um . . . X-ray of my hand in boot camp when a not-so-smart person on the top bunk dropped her locker drawer - I was sitting on the floor getting things out of my locker on the bottom. Nothing broken, but man, it hurt! There was one on the ship, too. My ankle, when I took a spill down the a ladderwell. It wasn't broken, just sprained really badly!
Y - Yummy food you make: I don't make nearly enough yummy stuff. I like everything that I do with chicken, but I don't do it enough. The boys are so picky. I'll rephrase. Z is picky - the pickiest kid I've ever known. He is slowly getting better . . . but most nights he has something different from what the rest of us are eating . . . it's very frustrating. I eat more "kid" food, or fast easy stuff than I should . . . but it's for the convenience. JR often doesn't want to eat grownup food if Z is having something that he wants (chicken nuggets, pigs in a blanket, etc) so then it would just be for me, which is ridiculous. That's why I eat kid food, or eat prepackaged, ready-to-go stuff. Very soon, Z is going to learn to eat real food or start going hungry. I want chicken, steak, potatoes, and salad -- much more often!
Z - Zoo favorite: Hmm. In San Diego, our favorites were the koalas and the elephants. Neither of them are here, where I guess I would say that our favorites are the giraffes.
Guess that's it for now. I'll have a real blog in a day or so. Time to get this night over with now. They're telling me that it's not nighttime yet. Ha! All I have to do is close the curtains, turn down the lights, and put on their pajamas. Someday they'll be able to tell time, but for now, all it takes is "Bedtime" . . . . With all the activity of the weekend, and today's storm, they're ready - even if they don't want to admit it!
Peace . . . and good night to all!
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