6 Random Things

I've Been Tagged

The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you: I don't know how to link it, but Manda tagged me.
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up!

_____________________________________________________________

6 things about me...

1. I was a nail biter ALL MY LIFE. On my 31st birthday this year, I was getting radiation, and the tech was horrified when she saw my nails. She encouraged me to quit biting my nails and went on to say how nasty of a habit it is. I told her I tried to stop many times and just couldn't. She told me that if I could walk through the door and let them put radiation in my spine, I could quit biting my nails. I left that room and never bit them again. It's only been 7½ months, but I don't anticipated going back to nail biting now!

2. I suffered through YEARS of infertility and had five miscarriages. When I reached 22 weeks with Jacob (the longest I made it with a pregnancy), I started wearing maternity clothes even though I didn't need to. I was just so excited to be pregnant and have things going so well that I wanted everyone to know it.

3. I am the youngest of four kids in my family, and I'm the only girl. Yep--I have THREE older brothers...which made dating really hard! I'm actually the only girl on the entire side of my Dad's family, so his mom spoiled me rotten!!!

4. I don't have a best friend, and sometimes that makes me really sad.

5. I'm 31 years old and worry that I won't be able to get insurance soon because of all my liabilities. My insurance carrier paid OVER $500,000 for my medical services last year--so that was BEFORE my radiation this year.

6. My son has ADD, but you wouldn't know it to meet him or have him in class. We work REALLY hard on behavioral modification techniques, and he takes NO medication. It's been very difficult, but SO worth it. I am very grateful that we had a PHENOMENAL kindergarten teacher who was so willing to work with us. She informed the 1st grade teacher of methods she used that work, and we were able to continue working together with the school to keep him focused and learning. Some nights I feel like pulling my hair out, but when I see him learning and loving school, I'm so glad we chose this route. His teachers are very open about any issues we've had along the way, but I'm happy to say that he does NOT disrupt class and is reading way above the rest of his class, despite our choice not to medicate. I've so proud of him.

And I'm tagging.... Cathy, Diane, Traci, Brandi, Julie, and Kaye.

The End.

My soccer season is over. The boys did great and learned a lot this year. I was so proud of them, and they were even proud of themselves. We won our last game, which really made the season end on a great note.

After the game, one of the moms handed me a card, but it was cold and dark, so I didn't open it until we got home. In it was a gift certificate for a local restaurant. That was so thoughtful, and I appreciate the gesture very much. We have our banquet Monday night, so I can thank them in person there.

I Made the Appt.

I have an appt. with my neurosurgeon for tomorrow. I put this visit off for months, literally, but I can't avoid it anymore. I'm in such severe pain that I can't function normally anymore. My life is suffering, my kids are suffering and my HOUSE is suffering! (LOL!)

I'm pretty nervous. We're going to talk about another laminectomy, which I DO NOT want to have. I honestly don't know how I can recover from that with Ron living in a different state. We're also going to discuss more drug options. I've tried nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to help with the inflammation, but neither worked. I've tried Neurontin and Lyrica for the nerve pain, and those didn't work out either. Well, the Lyrica could have worked if I had some help with my kids, but I was too loopy on it to continue. The Neurontin did nothing for me.

Anyways, if you're the praying kind, please say a prayer that all goes well tomorrow. I'm HOPING for some kind of miracle drug or cutting edge technology that will be offered so that I don't have to have surgery OR radiation again.

Decision 08

I'm voting Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and
I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers
and thieves.

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry
whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a
gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of
gas at 15% isn't.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better
job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody
is offended by it.

I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the
bad guys will stop what they're doing because they will then know we're
really good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if
it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt
away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be
allowed to make profits for themselves They need to break even and give
the rest away to the government for redistribution as IT sees fit.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the
Constitution every few days to suit the liberal fringe kooks who would
NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

A Liberal is a person who will gladly give away everything they don't own!

Scary Times

This is just a big self-pity whine. No need to read--I just needed to get this out.

WOW. Chrysler is cutting another 25% of their workforce. This is on top of all the cuts that have already been announced. Industry analysts say this means they are closer to a sale or merger, which will be another big blow to this area. Every week I read the depressing news of the auto industry and wonder what will be left of Metro Detroit when this is all said and done.

All these announcements are just plain scary to those of us in this industry. I mean, it's been bad for a long time. I can't even remember my last raise. My benefits have gone up in cost and down in coverage over the last five years. With the increase of everything -- food, gas, heating bills, etc. -- I've been working with a pay cut every year since 2003.

This year is particularly hard, and I don't know how we're going to make it through the winter. Heating costs are expecting to rise. Both kids needed new coats from growing, and I couldn't find any to fit them at Goodwill/Salvation Army. I bought them on sale, but it was still a HUGE blow to the budget. Add to that the hat/gloves and clothes Jacob needs. Not to mention snow pants, which I just can't afford to buy this year. If the Salvation Army doesn't have any to fit them, they won't be playing in the snow this year. I'm going to have to figure out how to buy boots for them -- not sure where that money will come from either -- but they go outside in the snow at school, so I have no choice.

Jacob knows times are very tough for us, and he keeps asking if Santa will still come. I'm starting to think he knows. I mean, why else would he think OUR financial hardship would cause Santa not to come?! I keep reassuring him that Santa will be here, yet I'm trying to figure out how in the world to get the kids things they actually want from Santa. I've been buying things all year (little things), but I always wait to buy the things from Santa until closer to Christmas--so that they can get SOMETHING on the list that they send Santa. Unless I can convince them to put things on the list that I've already bought (which would be hard because they know what they want), I'm worried they will be totally disappointed. And please don't leave me comments about kids not needing everything or that. They don't. I just want them to have SOMETHING that they love from Santa.

There. I said it. I put it on paper. We're broke. We can't afford winter, much less Christmas.

It's Friday! It's Friday!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. I made it through another week. YAY! I know it's sad that I focus on Fridays all week, but what can I say--I need the weekends. And Ron hasn't been here in two weeks, so I am looking very forward to having some help with the kids this weekend. And of course they are very excited to see him.

We are doing A LOT this weekend. Tonight, I'm taking the kids to a Halloween party at their school from 6:30 - 8:00. We'll come home, get them to bed and then I'll watch some shows from the DVR.

Tomorrow morning we're going to see High School Musical 3, though the kids don't know it yet. Clarissa will be SO excited, and Jacob won't be...but he's going anyways. LOL! After the movie, we'll go to lunch and then go home and get ready for more Halloween activities. Our city has Trunk or Treat this Saturday at 5:00pm and then our church has it at 7:00pm. The kids are THRILLED with all the Halloween activities.

Sunday, we have church and lunch and then Ron leaves again. :( Jacob has swimming in the evening, and then we get ready to start the week all over again.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Puggle

I'm just helping my doog friend make a decision. :)


















pug·gle (pŭg'gle) n.
a small mixed breed of dog created by mating a pug and beagle; thereby producing an energetic hound having: a thickset body; a short-haired, smooth coat of fawn, tan, and black coloring; a deeply wrinkled forehead; short legs; a curled tail; and drooping ears.

Size
Puggles grow to be 15-30 lbs. and approximately 13-15 inches at the shoulder.

Coat
Their coat consists of short hairs. Puggles come in a wide range of colors. Fawn/Tan puggles are the most common, but some are black, white, or tri-colored. Second generation puggles take on more of the white and tan or black, tan, and white coloring.

Character
Puggles are sweet-tempered, playful, energetic, intelligent, social, and affectionate. A puggle is a great companion. They are also very curious dogs.

Temperament
This breed gets along well with children, other dogs, and other household pets. Puggles are very friendly and like to show you.

Care
Puggles require low grooming maintenance. Daily walks or a nice size area to play is advised. They do need to get their exercise as they have energy.

Activity
Puggles have a good amount of energy and love to play. They enjoy going on walks and running around. Puggles also love their downtime. They love to cuddle up to you on the couch or in bed.

Training
Puggles are also fairly easy to train. Puggles can learn all basic commands including: sit, down, stay, settle, take it, leave it, fetch, roll over, and come. Potty training can be challanging at times. The best way to train a puggle is with reward and repetition as they can be stubborn.

Shedding
Puggles do shed moderately. Their short hair and smaller size seem to help. It is advised to brush your puggle to remove excess hair.

Barking
Most puggles do bark like any other dog breed. Some are very quiet and don't bark much. Some young puppies bark when they are left alone in their crates.

Allergies
A Puggle is not a hypoallergenic dog. If you are allergic to another type of dog you may be allergic to a puggle.

Howling
Some Puggles do howl on occasion. They can inherit this trait from the beagle. They can do this when they get real excited.

Controversial Survey

[01]Do you have the guts to answer these questions and re-post as The controversial Survey?
Sure -- that's why I copied this.


[02] Would you do meth if it was legalized?
No. I've never done an illegal drug and don't intend to start now.


[03] Abortion: for or against it?
While I'm pro-choice (because let's face it--it's not the government's business to legislate a woman's body), I personally believe abortion is morally wrong, except in cases where there is a plausible medical reason. I know people who have used abortion as birthday control more than once, and that, IMO, is despicable. If you don't want kids, don't have sex.


[04] Do you think the world would fail with a female president?
No.


[05] Do you believe in the death penalty?
Absolutely.


[06] Do you think Marijuana should be legalized?
I'm still undecided. And this isn't a wishy washey answer to try and avoid the question. I truly can't decide what I think about it. On one hand, part of me thinks it should be treated just like alcohol. On the other hand, I think there are a lot of scary implications about making it legal.


[07] Are you for or against premarital sex?
I'm not really for or against it. I just think people should choose their sexual partners wisely and protect themselves from disease and unwanted pregnancy. Refer to my abortion answer above.


[08] Do you believe in God?
Yes I do.


[09] Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?
No. I've changed my mind on this issue so many times over the last eight years or so. Ask me in a month, and it might be yes.


[10] Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?
Yes I think it's wrong because of the key word in the question--ILLEGALLY. If anyone wants to come to the USA to contribute as a positive member of society, I'm all for it, as long as it's done legally.


[11] A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?
It's a family decision, and I can't comment on another family's situation I know nothing about.


[12] Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?
No.


[13] Should the war in Iraq be called off?
No. You don't just "call off" a war. I think we should put together a solid exit strategy and start moving troops as soon as we can, but I am against a quick withdraw because I don't believe it's in the best interest of the USA.


[14] Assisted suicide is illegal do you agree?
Another tough one because of the implications it brings, but I think I'd say the decision should be left to the individual. The hard thing is, how do you determine if someone is capable of making this decision for themselves? Where are the lines drawn? I think it would turn into an ethical nightmare, yet I don't think people should be forced to suffer if they are coherent and choose not to live.


[15] Do you believe in spanking your children?
My kids would most definitely tell you that I do.


[16] Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?
No way!


[17] Who do you think would make a better president? McCain or Obama?
McCain


[18] Do you think Obama will be killed?
No, though I know several people who have legitimate concerns that will be attempts made on his life. I've been told to expect "a decent attempt" in less than two years. I'm praying that doesn't happen.


[19] Should child predators be forced to wear signs identifying themselves?
Yep. I think it should be branded on them for life, however short that may be.


[20] Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
No. I don't expect everyone else to feel the same way as I do. I just hope they have the same respect toward me and my answers and don't "bash" me about it. But if they do, that's fine. I have thick skin.

Single Parenthood Sucks

I tell ya, the last two years of my life have made me realize that single parents and military families deserve A LOT of respect. I just wish Ron would realize the same!!!! I don't work at my paying job or at home for a pat on the back, but it would sure be nice for him to acknowledge how hard I'm trying once in a while! I know the house isn't as clean as he'd like it to be, but dammit--the kids are wearing clean clothes, they're fed and loved, and they are learning to be productive citizens. I don't think that's all that bad, considering I'm managing a STRESSFUL full-time job, two kids, two dogs, a house and kids' activities (including coaching Jacob's soccer team.) And our house isn't dirty, by any means---it's just not as organized as we'd like. Is that SO bad in the grand scheme of things?! GAH!!!!

I despise being a single parent, and I'm starting to feel resentment about it--A LOT of resentment. The problem is, I'm resenting Ron, and it's not his fault. He didn't ask to lose his job, nor did he want or expect not to find work here for TWO years!!! I just try to focus on one day at a time, but I also have to try and figure out plans for the future. Today I looked at the school calendar. I have all the days off planned for this calendar year, but then I look at the rest of the school year for 2009 and panic. Who will watch my kids on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? What will I do with them over Spring break in April? I have NO idea!!!!

I live every week day focusing on the weekend and then spend every weekend wishing that it would just slow down! I need some help around here. I cannot keep going like this. It's hard, and it's frustrating. I HATE it, and I want to either live with my husband or live near my family!!

O.K. Whine over.

Halloween came early

Our city has a Farmer's Market in our City Square every Sunday. Periodically, they do themes. This week, it was Halloween. They had a costume contest, pumpkin carving contests, crafts, face painting, an entertainer and trick or treating. The kids were really excited to put their costumes on and go over.

Here is DD. She wanted to be Annie "more than anything else." So, I found a costume on etsy and got her a wig. We already had black shoes, so she was good to go. She was really excited, even though I didn't have any makeup to give her freckles. I will use my neighbor's makeup pencil on Halloween.





DS chose Star Wars. He's never seen it and only knows what classmates have told him about it--but that's what he had to have.



DS was chosen as a volunteer during the show with the entertainer. He was so excited when he stepped up there, but even more so when the guy instructed him to hit him in the back of the head.

On Word

I stole this from Brynn. I don't know how to link a blog, though.

*Use the 1st letter of your last name to answer each of the following with ONE word... *they have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial

1. What is your last name?.....................................Lezon

2. 4 letter word...............................................Love

3. Vehicle: ...................................................Lemon

4. City / Neighborhood: .......................................Lurid

5. Boy Name: ..................................................Lance

6. Girl Name: .................................................Lucy

7. Occupation:.................................................Landscaper

8. Something you wear:.........................................Lace

9. Food: ......................................................Lamb

10. Found in a bathroom:.......................................Lint

11. Reason for Being Late......................................Lights

12. Something you shout........................................LEAVE!

13. Animal:....................................................Lion

14. Body part:.................................................Leg

What the Hell was I Thinking?!

I have a water problem in my basement, so I decided that I had to find the source--which includes knocking down a wall. I can't afford to hire anyone right now, so I thought I'd do it myself. What the HELL was I Thinking?! I've only got two panels of dry wall ripped off, and I'm in so much pain that I'm in tears, literally. My entire back is sore, and I'm having the pins and needles tingling all over from irritating my tumor too much. CRAP!!!

I was really hoping to get the entire outside wall ripped out this weekend, and I really don't think it's going to happen. I've already taken a Lyrica, and I'm going to take a pain pill in a while. If I can recover alright, I'll try again tomorrow, but I'm just not sure that's possible. THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am tired of this tumor ruining every aspect of my life. I am tired of being a single mom and trying to take care of everything in this house while also keeping everything normal for my kids. I would really like to crawl into a hole and hide. Forever.

Failed Attempt

Well, John McCain had one last chance to come out and show the country what he's made of. And he blew it. I swore I wasn't going to stay up to watch the debate, and I set up my DVR so that I could watch it later. But, as usual, I couldn't resist. I watched. I was horrified at this performance.

Senator McCain needed to come out full throttle and attack the issues. He needed to stay focused on HIS campaign and tell the voters what his plans are. He did very little of that. Instead, he kept saying "Senator Obama wants to..." You know what??? People know what HE wants to do because HE IS TELLING THEM!!! This was McCain's chance to come out and really drive home how he plans to change the country. It was definitely a failed attempt.

One comment I will make about the moderator is that he asked a couple DUMB questions. As a voter, I don't need to watch them discuss the negativity of the campaign. We can see the ads ourselves. We know what they mean. We are used to them from all the years of negative campaigning. But to waste time discussing that when we could have discussed energy, health care or education longer was plain stupid. I was actually a little perplexed when Senator Obama insisted that 100% of John McCain's ads are negative. Huh?? But what I remember most is how McCain looked like a cry baby because Obama wouldn't apologize for not addressing negative remarks about his campaign.

I'm glad the debates are over, and I can't wait for 20 more days to pass. I want this election behind us so that we can move forward together as a nation. And I've said for months that I knew McCain wouldn't win, so I'm preparing to move forward under President Obama. I hope he can deliver the change he has promised.

Wordless Wednesday

PSA: How NOT to spend your money

Listen very carefully because I'm going to give you a very important tip on how NOT to spend your money. Whatever you do, do not have radiation. It costs approximately $21,000/week. Can you say GULP?! That's what I said when I saw the bill. I've been trying to negotiate my portion with the hospital, but so far they aren't budging.

I am very blessed to have medical insurance because I'm only have to pay half of that amount. That said, I owe the hospital more money than I can even sell my house for right now. Very depressing. And even more depressing...they want me to do this again!

Hell no, I won't go. Hell no, I won't go. Sorry. That's what's going through my head though.

Crop Success!!

I attended a 12-hour crop yesterday at a local church. They hold this twice a year to raise money for their youth program. It's always a lot of fun -- good fellowship, good classes and GREAT food!

I was originally going to take supplies to make cards, since my scrap room is a MESS. But, I decided to sort some photos and organize some paper and embellishments to get some pages done. I completed 18 double page layouts yesterday. WOOHOO!!! Well, some of them need titles since I didn't take my Cricut, but that won't take long. I am so impressed that I got so much done.

I now have through the summer of 2006 complete. YAY!

Politics as Usual...

I hate election time.

But I do like political humor.

I received these from my grandfather. They are good for a laugh. Click on them to enlarge them.

Alphabet of Me

Saw this on Sherry's Blog. Sadly, I don't know how to link her blog. She's Midnight Scrapper over on the left under SS blog roll.

♥A is for age: 31
♥B is for beverage of choice: Water or decaf tea
♥C is for career right now: Sales Manager
♥D is for your dog's name: Buster and Patch
♥E is for essential item you use everyday: Computer
♥F is for favorite TV show: Brothers and Sisters
♥G is for favorite game to watch: The Match Game reruns
♥H is for Home town: Marion, OH
♥I is for instruments you play: None now, though I used to play clarinet
♥J is for favorite juice: Pomegrante Blueberry
♥K is for a favorite keepsake: A ring from my paternal grandmother
♥L is for last place you ate at: Home
♥M is for marriage: 11 years
♥N is for your name: Brandi
♥O is for overnight hospital stay: TOO MANY!!
♥P is for people you were with today: My kids and my co-workers
♥Q is for what's your best quality: Integrity
♥R is for what are you currently reading: 50 Moments - Scrapbook the Pages That Matter Most by Lisa Bearnson
♥S is for relationship status: Married, but living in different states.
♥T is for time you woke up today: The first time? 5:08am. When I finally crawled out of bed? 6:25am5:25am
♥U is for the type of underwear you have on: Cotton ones. That's all you need to know. LOL!
♥V is for vegetable you love: Lima beans, but since some say they aren't a veggie, I'll also say cauliflower
♥W is for worst habits: Getting on SS!
♥X is for x-rays you've had recently: Chest x-rays
♥Y is for something candy : Homeade hard candy at Christmas--cinnamon flavored
♥Z is for favorite zoo animal: Any of the cats

Gooooooooooooooooooo Spitfires!

I coach U8 boys soccer. I'm not sure if I've blogged about that or not, and I'm too lazy to go check. When the season started, I had two boys that were pretty good, four that showed some promise and six that had no ability (or desire to play) at all. I was really dreading this season, and I've definitely had my share of heartburn. Granted, most of that has been the parents -- one in particular that is a thorn in my side -- but it's been a rough road nonetheless.

Until last night. Something clicked with them. With the exception of the two kids with "THE" dad, they all played beautifully together. They stayed in their positions (BIG accomplishment for this age group), they made great passes and they played TOGETHER. It was so wonderful to see. I was so incredibly proud of them.

We won the game last night 5 - 2. What kind of mother would I be if I didn't mention that Jacob had 3 of our goals? Of course, I'm even more proud that he had one assist and several FANTASTIC passes, too. He's not a ball hog, and I'm very proud of that. We've won other games, too, so it's not like this is a first. I'm just so proud of how they played last night. It was nice to see them finally start understanding the importance of standing where I tell them to, staying spread out and making great passes.

YAY, team!!!!

I Hate Halloween

There. I said it. I have never been a fan of Halloween. I didn't like it as a child and usually didn't go trick or treating. Now that my kids are into it, I deal with it but just cannot get overly excited about it.

So, what's my problem this year? DD wants to be Annie. You know, the orphan. I can't find a red dress anywhere, and I don't sew. I'm wishing more now than ever that I would've taken the sewing machine out of the box to learn how to use it. How stinkin hard can a red dress be to make?!

I have found a few online but don't want to pay $50+!!!

I hate Halloween.

There must be an end...

I had a really great weekend, and I was sad to see it come to an end. Diane arrived Saturday morning, and we went out to see Tiffany. We took her for lunch, hung out and talked and then went back to her place and talked. It was so nice to visit, and Tiffany looks GREAT. She is mostly following her doctors orders, and she's feeling much better than she was last week.

We left her place around 4:00 and rushed home so that I could get out of my sweatpants and ready for dinner with more friends. Diane and I got ready very quickly and then rushed off to the pub to meet more friends. We had a nice dinner with great conversation, a few drinks and then went to Starbucks to visit for a while. It was such a nice evening -- I LOVE meeting up with old friends.

This morning, Diane and I just sat around and chatted for a while. We went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch, and she's now on her way home. Booohooooooo!!! And though I'm disappointed that it had to come to an end, I'm grateful for the chance to have such a great weekend. Thanks, Diane!! (and Sue and Amy and Kathy)

Friends are the Flowers of Life

Can I just tell you how lucky I am?! Diane is coming to visit tomorrow. I've been waiting for this for a month -- I can't wait. We were going to try and organize my scrap room, but there won't be time now. Why? Because we're going to see our bed-ridden pregnant friend, Tiffany. YAY!! Then, we're going to go to dinner at a pub and see four other SSers. Double YAY!!

I am so excited for this weekend!!!! Seriously, I feel like a giddy little girl. I plan to enjoy some much needed girl-time, and I'm exited to see so many friends. I hope you have a great weekend, too!

Wordless Wednesday