Musings and Mutterings: December 2013

Goodbye Old, Hello New

As 2013 winds down, I find myself remembering the year with many emotions.

We started the year off in a new apartment. We all loved it. There was only one challenge at the time. We had to switch school districts for my girls mid year. And that turned out to be a good thing. Both girls did so much better in the new school, despite being in bigger classes.

The rest of the spring went very well, despite my health issues. I was still able to work enough that I wasn't really worried about my job. Not yet. I kept hoping that things would change and my migraines would get better. I know they will never go away completely.

Then summer hit. That's when things went downhill. My migraines started coming more and more frequently. I progressed to a headache every day. Then in July, Ted's mom passed away. While it wasn't completely unexpected, it was still hard.

In August, Shannon had her tonsils out. It wasn't an easy thing, on any of us. She can be a bit anxious at the best of times, so she was very nervous about all of it. Her pre op lab work had to be drawn twice. That was not fun. The recovery just sucked. For almost 2 weeks she was a whining, crying mess. Everything hurt. At first, it was her throat. So we kept pushing water and medicine. The water went fine, but she hated her medicine. Then the pain moved to her ears. That was worse than her throat. Nothing helped. The doctor told me to give her gum, but she wouldn't chew it. I was never happier than when she started laughing and playing again.

In September, we decided that my migraines were causing too much stress for everyone. I was stressed out by the pain, the missing work, the low paychecks, and especially by the missing time with my family. Ted was stressed out from all of it as well. That was causing tension between us. I quit my job and we moved in with Ted's dad.

This has been mostly a good thing. It's hard being further away from both Ted's girls and my girls' dad. However, the school here is fantastic. It's so small that 2nd and 3rd grade are combined (as are K & 1st and 4th & 5th) and there are still only 12 kids in the class. It's also been good for Ted's dad. He's had some health issues come up and Ted has been here to help him with them.

I've been able to see a headache specialist and I think I might be improving. I still have headaches every day, but they aren't constant. I still have a migraine every day, but I don't always have to hide when it hits. I have found a few things that I'm enjoying to occupy the time I have now. I'm hoping when the weather warms up, I'll be able to get out more. I know that will help my mental state if not the migraines themselves.

I guess, while things haven't been all rainbows, things have worked out. I'm looking forward to the continued improvement, for all of us, in 2014.

Labels: 2014, New Year

New Year's Resolutions

It is now the 2nd to last day of 2013 and as I sit here wondering where the time has gone, I realize I haven't made any resolutions for 2014. I guess I could list a few of the things I want to do and see what happens.

Get my weight under 200. Actually, I want to be back to a healthier weight in general, but I know that small goals are better. I'll start with getting under 200.
Get out of the house more, for something other than obligations. Right now, about the only time I leave the house is for doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, or trips involving the children.
Do more than just homework with my children. I haven't been the best mom lately. I know, logically, that my health has made that difficult, but they deserve better.
Maybe take up photography. I love looking at the photos that Ted takes. I've thought about taking his camera for a walk around town to see what I can get.
Become a better writer. I know this is pretty vague, but that is on purpose. As long as there is progress, I think I'll be happy.

I think that all of this stems from wanting to be healthier. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time. I also know that being healthier will make for a happier me, which will be better for everyone.

Labels: New Year, Resolution

My Lack of Patience

The subject for today's musings is brought to you by The One-Minute Writer.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Patience

It isn't easy to come by these days; and it is rare to meet someone with unending patience. Once in a while we do surprise ourselves though...either completely losing it or retaining our patience more than even we expect. What do you think?

I used to be a very patient person. I very rarely lost my temper. I miss that person.

Now, my temper is a very short fuse. Chronic migraines tend to wear you out. I also have 7 year old twin girls and 2 step daughters, ages 7 and 9. We are currently living with my father-in-law since my migraines have forced me to quit working. As you can imagine, this makes things a bit rough sometimes.

I am currently working on being more patient with the girls, as they don't deserve my temper. Most of the time. As most children are, they can get a bit loud. As long as I don't have a migraine, I can usually handle it fairly well. If I have one brewing, however, I can get very cranky.

It doesn't help when I'm trying to talk them into being quiet and the words just won't come out right. They find it funny, which just annoys me further. That's when I have to send myself to my room. Otherwise, I might blow up.

I am hoping that getting my migraines under at least a little bit better control will help with my patience and temper. I know I will need it more than ever in a few years, when they all hit puberty.

Labels: One-Minute Writer

Church Bells

The subject for today's musings is brought to you by The One-Minute Writer.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

FFF: Church Bells

Welcome to the latest installment of Friday Flash Fiction. Enter your short work of fiction (under 1,000 words) based on this prompt by midnight Saturday to be eligible to win! The best entry will be published on the site, along with a short author bio; bringing you fame, fortune and bragging rights. Winners also receive a small prize. Entries may be posted in the comments or emailed to theoneminutewriter@gmail.com. If you post in the comments, please be sure to leave us a way to contact you in case you are our winner. Good luck! In many towns, Church Bells are a focal point. They ring loudly for all to hear at designated times throughout the day or play a pretty song on the hour. Write today's Friday Fiction with church bells as your focal point. Have Fun!

Church Bells

She could hear the church bells ringing across her little town. She ignored them. She already knew what they were for and didn't want to face it.

“How could you leave me?” she cried.

It should never have ended like this. Yesterday, everything was perfect. They were just starting their life together. Today, it was all gone.

Yesterday, it was all the beauty. The white dress. The flowers, cake, music, love. Now, that was all just a memory. Less than that, as she no longer had the man who shared those memories with her.

And it was her fault.

If she had never decided she HAD to have a soda, he never would have felt he HAD to get it. If she hadn't sent that message telling him how much she loved him, he never would have been reading it. He would have gotten out of the way of drunk driver.

And now he would never know what had caused the insane craving.

She cried again. “Why?”

--------------------------------------------------------------------

And then my brain froze. :(

Labels: One-Minute Writer

Today is My Christmas

Merry Christmas, again!!

Today will be my Christmas. In about an hour, we will be making the 3 hour drive to pick up all the kids. After making the 3 hour drive back (with a stop at Walmart on the way home), we will get to watch them open all their presents here. As crazy as it might sound coming from me, I am looking forward to it all. The anticipation during the drive down. Actually picking up my girls, as I have missed them. The drive back as they get to tell me all about their time with Daddy. The stop at Walmart so they can all use their gift cards from Gammy Janie. The joy as they get to pick out what they want. The rest of the drive home as their excitement builds. And all of the crazy excitement of opening the last of their presents.

Today will be crazy. But, oh, so much fun!

So, Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of you!!

Feeling Scroogish

I love Christmas. I have always loved Christmas. Today being Christmas Eve, you would think I would be excited. I'm just not feeling it this year.

I'm pretty sure it's a combination of a lot of things.

All of my family, with a few exceptions, lives in Kansas. Other than a grandpa in Australia, another in Arizona, and an ex-step mom (who is still a mom to me and Nana to my kids), they are all there. Add to that, my best girl friend is there. I miss all of you!

While we will have all 4 girls here for most of Christmas break, we won't see any of them today or tomorrow. We get them all on the 26th. That means I won't have little ones waking me up tomorrow asking if we can open presents yet. While I have enjoyed the last 2 days of peace and quiet, I'm bummed to be missing out on tomorrow's excitement.

This is also the first Christmas without Ted's mom. This doesn't really affect me as much as it does Ted and his dad. I talked with Bunny a few times, but I only met her once. I feel bad now that I didn't know her as well as I would have liked to.

All in all, I'm not feeling it this year as much as I would like.

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Family, Scrooge

My Children

While I was searching for the picture of Sammy being used for a pillow, I came across some photos of my children that I haven't looked at in a long time. What a trip down memory lane!

I'll start with my 2 favorites.

In this first one, Fiona is almost smiling at me. It was a big deal at the time. If you look closely, you can see what is called a hemangioma between her nose and mouth. Because of it's placement, she had a hard time eating for awhile. Add to that, she couldn't use her binky. It has since healed up to the point where all she has now is scar tissue, but it was scary at the time.

In this next one, you can see Shannon staring off into space with a very thoughtful look on her face. Not really something you would expect from one so young, but it looks great.

These next few are just random shots of them cuddling in a variety of ways.

My Pets

The subject for today's musings is brought to you by The One-Minute Writer.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Pets

What's the cutest thing you've ever seen you pet do?

POSTED BY SONNET FITZGERALD AT 5:00 AM

I've had quite a number of pets in my life. I've loved them all.

The first one that comes to mind is Cleo. My dad came home with a fluffy bundle of puppy excitement. I was in 1st grade. Cleo was a collie/german shepherd mix. We all loved her. As a puppy, she would fall asleep in her food bowl. As an adult dog, she would pull our little red wagon around the yard by means of a robe in place of the normal handle. She would carry soda cans around the yard, usually before chewing all the way through said cans. She also like to scare the neighborhood cats by carrying them around the yard, usually with their head fully inserted into her mouth. She is also known for nursing at least one kitten along with her litter of puppies. She was quite the guard dog. I remember Mom having to shut her in one of the bedrooms if she needed to scold/spank one of us kids. Cleo did not like it when we got in trouble. Sure, we deserved what punishments we got, but she didn't know that. She had to put down due to tick fever.

Festus was my dog. My grandma got him from a no kill shelter shortly after my grandpa passed away. This was also during a time when we lived with Grandma. He became pretty attached to me. The summer after 6th grade, we moved about 2 hours away. Grandma made us come back and get him because he was pining. I loved that dog and he loved me. I came home one day to find he had disappeared. We still don't know for sure what happened to him.

My dad found Sammy at the pound. We were all missing having a dog. Sam was the cutest golden retriever/sheltie mix I have ever seen. He had the golden coat of the retriever, but otherwise was all sheltie. He loved to jump everything. He would eat almost anything! I remember trying to give him radishes once; he had eaten everything else we gave him, why not? He lived a very long time. Dad had gotten him when I was 12 or 13. He stayed with Dad until he had to be put to sleep due to old age. I was 25 or 26. My girls got to know him, very briefly. As you can see, he made a very good pillow.

I've had a number of cats as well. DC, Callie, Monkey Boy, Houdini, and Killer were all fun cats. I miss them all. I have Mama Kitty, Cuddles, and Pandora to keep me entertained now. Mama Kitty is a bit old and likes to sleep most of the time. She can be counted on for a good cuddle. Cuddles, much like her name, loves to cuddle. Most of the time. You have to wait for her to come to you. Trying to pet her when she isn't in the mood can leave you with scratches. When she has her eyes open, she looks at least half feral. Wide eyes and watching everything. Pandora can't be more than 2 years old, I think. She has been known to lick walls and carry around plastic eggshell halves to play with. She also likes to nose her way under blankets to snuggle up next to your legs. You will both be very warm.

I've had a number of wonderful pets. I find myself a much happier person having at least one.

Labels: One-Minute Writer

Coal?

The subject for today's musings is brought to you by The One-Minute Writer.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Coal

Who in your life deserves a lump of coal in their stocking this year?

(If you're not familiar with this tradition: Hundreds of years ago, Santa Claus was said to bring food, toys, money, or small gifts for good children to fill their stockings hung by the fireplace to dry overnight on Christmas. But children who had been naughty that year received only a lump of coal in their stocking!)

Someone else put it very well. "I cannot think of a single person this year who deserves coal in their stocking!"

My family has been through a very trying year. We have moved twice, lost a family member, one had surgery, and we have all had to adjust to a new life dealing with my health issues.

The first move was a good one. New place to live, better school district, closer to where I worked, closer to my kids' dad, closer to Ted's kids. It was a good move. We were all pretty happy with it.

In July, we lost Ted's mom. It wasn't as much of a shock as it could have been, as her health wasn't the best. It still was not an easy thing, for anyone.

In August, one of my girls had her tonsils removed. Shannon can be a bit anxious at the best of times. The pre op blood work about did her in. The after surgery part about did Ted and I in. When her medicine was working, she was her happy, normal self. When it wasn't, she was whiny and more than a bit clingy, which is NOT normal. When her throat didn't hurt, her ears hurt. She didn't want to swallow anything! Not water, not medicine, and, most especially, not food. It was almost a full 3 weeks of this. We were all glad when that all stopped. I'm even more grateful, as she hasn't been sick since. Not even once. (knock on wood)

In September, my migraines progressed to the point where work was impossible. We decided that it was time for me to stop working and try to get them figured out. Because of finances, we moved in with Ted's dad. This has been hard on all involved. We are 3 hours away from Travis (my kids' dad), Ted's girls, and more than a few friends. We are also not close to much else. There is a grocery store about 15 minutes away, but it's small and expensive. The closest decently priced grocery store is 1 1/2 hours away.

As you can see, there have been more than a few changes to our lives this year. Everyone has dealt with all of them fairly well, all things considered. I can't see that anyone deserves coal this year.

Labels: One-Minute Writer

A bit behind, sorry

I haven't felt very good the last couple of days on top of a long drive to take my girls to their dad's yesterday for Christmas. I'll have to try to make up for it soon.

On the plus side, day 4 of no caffeine has started. Wish me luck!

Favorite Ornament

The subject for today's musings is brought to you by The One-Minute Writer.

Today's Writing Prompt: Ornament

What's your favorite holiday ornament or decoration? What makes it so special to you?

This one is a lot harder than one might think. I love all of my ornaments. Since they are all in storage this year, I am missing all of them. There are a few, however, that come to mind.

The first one is a little mouse on a holly leaf. He has been with my family since my first Christmas. When I left home, my mom gave him to me to put on my tree. So, there are 2 of the reasons he's so special. The last one is that he is a mouse. My nickname growing up was Mouse. As you can imagine from that name, I was a quiet and shy person. There are times I miss that person.

The next is a pair from my twins' first Christmas. I wanted to start early on getting them their own ornaments every Christmas, but I was on a tight budget. Finding ones I liked that weren't out of my price range was not easy. Finally, I found the perfect ones. I can't remember now where I found them, but I still love them. They are of the globe variety, but have a picture of each girl on them. The picture is, in fact, my favorite baby picture of each of them. The thing that makes them just a little bit different is that you actually connect them to the lights on the tree. They then glow from within, highlighting the picture that is etched beautifully on the outside.

The final one that comes to mind is my little snow globe ornament. This one has my favorite Disney character of all time inside of it, Eeyore. I think that part of my fascination with Eeyore comes from the fact that I've wanted a horse for Christmas since I could actually ask for one. Most years, I get one. I've received calenders, books, toys, stuffed animals, and pictures of all kinds of horses. I even received a candle carved into the likeness of a horse one year. As an adult, I still love horses. I've become a little more reasonable in my request for one. I usually stick with Eeyore, usually a stuffed one. My favorite Eeyore that I've been given is probably the one that was dipped in vanilla scented candle wax. That was just cool!

I seemed to have veered a bit off topic with the last ornament, but it's hard to explain why I like that little snow globe so much without telling you about my love of all things Eeyore.

Labels: Christmas, Eeyore, Mouse, One-Minute Writer, Ornaments

Migraines

Today's thoughts are brought to you by my first visit to a neurologist, scheduled for today. The reason for the visit is my steadily worsening migraines. You can find everything I've written about it by clicking on the tab above titled Mind Over Migraines.

I've had migraines since the age of 9. I would get them maybe 3 or 4 times a year. Painful, especially that young, but doable. As an adult, they increased to maybe 6 times a year. A little more, but still doable. However, about 3 years ago, they increased to about once a month. Not too much more, but still quite a bit when you think about having to miss work because of them.

In the last 2 years, they have increased even more dramatically. I would get one at least once a week. No matter where you work, this will not be looked on favorably. I finally found a way to go see a doctor and was promptly given 2 prescriptions to help control them. A month later, a 3rd prescription was added.

To date I am taking 4 daily prescriptions, with one of them being twice a day. I also have a painkiller specifically for migraines and an anti-nausea for the times when I would rather spend the day in front of the toilet, just in case. Add to that my allergy medicine and vitamin D (since mine was found to be quite low), and I find myself very annoyed. Taking that much medication for one thing, and not having any of it really help, is quite frustrating.

When my migraines got so bad that work became pretty much impossible, Ted suggested that maybe we should see if we could move in with his dad so that I could quit work and focus on finding out exactly what is wrong/find something that will work. Since I had already had an MRI and "nothing was found", I was ready to try something new.

I'm glad that we did. Shortly after moving here, my migraines have gotten much worse. I am now in a state of near constant headache with a migraine every day. I can't continue like this. I've been waiting impatiently for this appointment today. I'm hoping that we can, at the very least, find something that will make the pain just a bit more bearable.

Labels: Migraines

Fear

I came across a journal prompt the other day titled "I'm Afraid Of...". I can't remember now where I found it, but I thought it would be a good thing to use some day.

When I was in high school, I took JROTC. In this class, one of the things we would do is rappel off the side of the school auditorium. I was looking forward to my first try with great excitement. I love heights and the thought of going down the side of the wall was thrilling. After tying on our Swiss seats, we climbed up the stairs to the platform that would take us to the top of the building. When we got there, it was time to give it a try. After the kids who had been in the program for awhile had gone, it was time for the newbies. Most of the people were scared and didn't want to go first. So I stepped up.

After being attached to the rope, the instructor hollered down to the belay-man to get ready and I climbed over the wall edge. Time to start down.

At first, everything went smoothly. I was going down slowly, but steadily. Suddenly, I stopped. Not sure why, I checked the rope. My shirt was stuck! Well, crap. I tried to pull it free so I could get down. It wouldn't release. I was starting to get a bit nervous now and I kept trying. No such luck. The instructor finally told me to hold on, he would come down and cut me loose. Being a high school girl, that was a highly embarrassing proposition. All I could envision was my shirt being cut off of me and being exposed for the whole school to see. I renewed my efforts frantically. Finally, it came loose!

I made my way to the bottom of the rope as fast as I thought I could. Shaking and crying, I got both the rope and the seat off of me. There was no way I was doing that again today!

I have since tried rappelling again a few times and I can't do it. My hands get shaky and my palms start sweating. I get nauseous and dizzy. It just isn't going to happen.

Labels: fear, JROTC, rappelling

Today's Writing Prompt: Mentor

Today's writing prompt of mentor comes from The One-Minute Writer. The authors of this blog want you to take one minute and write down what ever comes to mind. I'm not sure I can put down all that I want to in just one minute, so I'm going to just type every person I can think of that has been a mentor to me in my life.

I'll start with the first one I can remember. When I was in 8th grade, my parents discovered a wonderful organization called the SCA. Being as interested in history as we all are, it sounded wonderful! I, however, was having trouble "clicking". In freshman year, we went to a week-long event called Estrella War. My parents were enjoying themselves and my siblings weren't having too bad of a time, either. I was bored. I couldn't seem to find anything that kept my interest for more than a few minutes. One evening, one of my dad's friends, Wilhelm Siegfried, went to a bardic circle. For those who don't know, this is a group of people hanging around a campfire entertaining each other. The entertainment can be poems, stories, or (my favorite) music. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE music. I was hooked. When Wilhelm noticed just how much I was enjoying myself, he began to teach me songs. We even participated in an annual bardic competition one year. We didn't win, as I was too shy at the time to really put myself out there, but I did win it a few years later. I was so happy to be able to show him the prize and I know he was proud.

The next pair of mentors that come to mind I also met in the SCA. I met Doreen and her husband Bill at my first event after moving to Washington state. It was an almost instantaneous click. They helped me get involved with the SCA group there as someone to go to events with outside of the general area we lived in. When I began having marital troubles at home, they gave me a place to stay and ears to listen to what I needed to say. Looking back now, I feel that I didn't appreciate either of them enough. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Another person that comes to mind is still one of my best friends. I met Alex while we were both working for CPI in Kansas. That was another almost instantaneous clicking. Alex is the kind of person that can find the joy in just about anything. Her smile is contagious. She is also someone who decided to not wait for her dream to come to her, but went out and got it. She has recorded and produced one album and is about to release her second. You can find out all about that here. Now that I'm back in Washington and she's still in Kansas, we don't get to talk anywhere near what I wish we could. I'm looking forward to the day when she is famous enough to be able to really live her dream.

My family has always been there for me when I need them. I love them all dearly and I wish we could all live closer. Hopefully, they will all move to Washington soon. (wink, wink)

Last, but certainly not least, is Ted. Ted and I met online in April of 2011. We chatted constantly. I couldn't go even a day without talking to him. We finally decided to meet in person. Breakfast at The Spudnut Shop sounded like a good place to give it a try. When we were done there, neither of us was really ready to give it up, so we walked around the strip mall for quite awhile. Though I enjoyed talking to him, I wasn't completely sure I wanted to date him. A friend at work convinced me to give it a 2nd try. I'm so very glad that I did. It's now been over 2 1/2 years. I can't imagine my life without him. He is my rock, especially now that my health isn't the best. He's always willing to give me a shoulder when I need it as well as a swift kick in the behind when I can't seem to do it to myself. I love you, Ted.

There have been other mentors along the way. Ones who have given a word of advice here and there. A big thank you to all of you who have shaped my life to this day.

Labels: Alex Cartwright, Bardic, Estrella War, mentor, One-Minute Writer, SCA

Bucket List

While looking at a bunch of different journal prompts, I came across one called Bucket List. I've always thought I should make one and this gave me one more reason to do so. I will probably add to list many times in the future, not to mention checking off the ones I get to do!

Visit every state in the US

Alabama
Alaska - check
Arizona - check
Arkansas
California - check
Colorado - check
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida - check
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - check
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas - check
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana - check
Nebraska
Nevada - check
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico - check
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - check
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon - check
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota - check
Tennessee
Texas - check
Utah - check
Vermont
Virginia
Washington - check
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - check

Swim with dolphins
Get a tattoo - check
Swim in the ocean - check
Milk a cow or goat - check, goat
Feed a koala
Horseback ride on the beach
Ride in a horse & carriage - check
Attend a rodeo - check
Attend a same sex wedding
Give blood - check
Be present at a birth - check, I got to see my nephew, Daemon, born
Get a degree
Learn the alphabet in sign language - check
Spend the day at a resort spa
Try acupuncture
Set up and maintain an emergency fund
Drink tea at a tea house
Make ice cream - check
Go wine tasting - check
Learn to use chopsticks
Go to the movies by yourself - check
Touch a famous piece of art
See a Las Vegas show
Go to a book signing
See a ballet - check
See a Broadway play
Read the book before the movie - many times check
Send a message in a bottle
Tie a cherry stem knot with your tongue - check
Climb an indoor rock wall
Learn to fence
Hit the archery bulls-eye - check
Go in a submarine - check
Ride a camel
Ride in a gondola
Take a train ride
Tour a Mayan Ruin
Visit a castle
Go on a cruise
Visit a butterfly sanctuary
Sleep in a hammock on a beach
Touch a pyramid
Escape to a bed & breakfast
Pan for gold - check
Complete a 365 day photography project
Be in a Shakespeare play - check
Pet a panda
Learn German
Be in a parade - check
Set foot on every continent
Attend a Jewish Wedding - check
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Visit Ireland

Labels: Bucket List, Things to do before I die

Music & Me

While sitting here listening to my Pandora station and flipping through various websites of Journal Prompts for something to write today, I find myself thinking more and more of the music streaming through my headphones. I love music. Very rarely do I find one I just do NOT like. There are songs I love, songs I like, and songs I don't mind listening to. If you want proof of this, just listen to my Shuffle station on Pandora. Usually, if I want to listen to it, I have to use headphones. Ted finds it jarring as it switches from one genre to the next.

Today's selection started with Counting Stars, by OneRepublic. Next up was Beyond Time, by Apocalyptica. Not so different, if you think about it. Then came Riverdance followed by Mumford & Sons. Mixed in the songs after was The Dubliners, Lady Gaga, and Shinedown. As I am typing this, I am listening to Pentatonix, a newly discovered (by me) group. I can't wait for the day I get to hear Alex Cartwright on Pandora.

I can see why this would be jarring to Ted, as he likes to pick a genre by his mood and stick with it. While I can listen quite contentedly to his music, he has a hard time listening to mine. This is not to say he doesn't like the same music that I do, he just can't bounce around like I do.

Our children are perfect examples of how much we both like music. My twins are always singing. One even sings in the shower already. Ted's girls are both in dancing classes, one ballet and the other jazz. The one in jazz is also taking guitar classes. I am both dreading and looking forward to the day when my daughters can start taking choir and/or band in school. I want them to experience the same joy I did with music while growing up. I am dreading the practicing at home on my migraine days.

To put it simply, I love music. Always have, always will.

Labels: Alex Cartwright, Music, Pandora Radio

The Wonders of the World

While searching out a topic for today's journal, I came across one about The Seven Ancient Wonders, found here.

They are, in chronological order:

The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Lighthouse of Alexandria

It really started me thinking. I love history, especially ancient history. I would have loved to see all of these someday. I find it terribly sad that only one still stands.

I also started thinking about other wonders, both natural and man-made, that I would love to see. This ties in very well with yesterday's traveling topic.

I would love to see Stonehenge. I can't really explain why other than the fact that it fascinates me. I've always been drawn to it. So much so, that I visited the Maryhill Stonehenge. While I may never be able to visit the real thing, I can enjoy that I live so close to something that not only references that wonderful Ancient Wonder, it also is a monument to honor soldiers who died in WWI.

The Colosseum would also be something to see. I've always enjoyed Ancient Mythology. I've also enjoyed drama/performing in all it's many forms. While I'm not a big fan of all the gladiatorial contests that Ancient Rome is known for, I still enjoy the historical aspect of it. It would be something to see should I ever get to visit Europe.

Then there are the Natural Wonders of the World. The first one that comes to mind for me is the Grand Canyon. Since I grew up in Arizona, you should expect this. Right behind that is Niagara Falls. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE waterfalls. How can I not love one of the most prominent waterfalls in America.

**All images in this post were found on Wikipedia.

Labels: Ancient Wonders, Seven Ancient Wonders, Wonders of the World

Places I've Never Been

So today's journal prompt was places I've never been. Well, there are a lot of places I've never been. There are a few, however, that come to mind right away.

Disney Land - I would love to go to Disney Land. I know most people would think that is a childish dream, but I don't really care. I have always been a Disney fan and probably always will be. I want to see all the wonders of the place. I would love to take my children, too, as I KNOW they would love it.

The Grand Canyon - Having lived in Arizona for 13 years of my life, you would think I would have found some time to go to this amazing natural wonder. But I never have. I want to see nature in all of it's beauty here. There are even times I miss Arizona. Not enough to move back, but I would dearly love to visit there again some day.

Hawaii - Who doesn't want to go to Hawaii? :)

Now for the slightly farther away places.

Australia - This is a slightly different experience than most would want, as my reasoning for wanting to go here is a bit more personal. My grandparents have lived there for at least most, if not all, of my life. My grandma recently passed away and my grandpa is going to move back to the states. I would love to see the place they called home for so long.

Ireland - Anyone who knows me, knows that I love just about anything Irish. Scottish, too, to some extent. I'm a Celtic girl at heart. I mean, come on. My favorite color is green and I have a knot work tattoo. Add to that, when my twins were due on March 17th, I decided to name them Fiona and Shannon if they were girls and Seamus and Patrick or Aiden if they were boys.

Other places that might be cool to visit are Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Italy, New York City, England, Germany, China and the Great Wall, Japan, and probably about a million other places. I guess I'll just have to win the Mega Millions lottery some day and travel the world. Now that would be awesome!

First and Foremost

I haven't kept a daily journal since I was in high school. I loved writing down all that was in my mind then. It may even have helped me to sleep. Maybe I should start again.

I came across a link on Pinterest that started me thinking about it again. That pin took me here.

I loved the idea immediately. I know it will not be easy starting to journal again and I think this will help me to at least get started. I may not be a great writer, but I know that sometimes my brain just won't shut off. It's hard to put to words what is running through my head and having at least a starting point will probably help immensely.

I once took a through the mail course on interior design. I never finished it, but I've always wanted to keep playing with colors and designs. I found it! COLOURlovers is a lot of fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed adding colors to almost every design I come across on there. My girls love it, too. They are forever asking me if they can "play the coloring game" on my computer.

I think I have exhausted my brain for this round of writing. See y'all tomorrow!

Musings and Mutterings

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Goodbye Old, Hello New

Monday, December 30, 2013

New Year's Resolutions

Sunday, December 29, 2013

My Lack of Patience

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Patience

It isn't easy to come by these days; and it is rare to meet someone with unending patience. Once in a while we do surprise ourselves though...either completely losing it or retaining our patience more than even we expect. What do you think?

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Church Bells

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

FFF: Church Bells

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Today is My Christmas

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Feeling Scroogish

Monday, December 23, 2013

My Children

Sunday, December 22, 2013

My Pets

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Pets

What's the cutest thing you've ever seen you pet do? POSTED BY SONNET FITZGERALD AT 5:00 AM

Coal?

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Coal

A bit behind, sorry

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Favorite Ornament

Today's Writing Prompt: Ornament

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Migraines

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Fear

Monday, December 16, 2013

Today's Writing Prompt: Mentor

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Bucket List

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Music & Me

Friday, December 13, 2013

The Wonders of the World

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Places I've Never Been

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

First and Foremost

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What's the cutest thing you've ever seen you pet do?

POSTED BY SONNET FITZGERALD AT 5:00 AM