Thursday, October 31, 2013

Come on!

Who is going to do this with me in November?


I did the 30 day squat challenge last month and I'm feeling pretty good!

Trick or Treat


I hope you have a great Halloween!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Words of Wisdom, part 2




Chicago Fire is on hiatus for two more weeks (sigh), but I got my weekly fireman fix when my funny and somewhat inappropriate friend, Jen, made my afternoon by sending me this....

THANKS, JEN!!!!!!'



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

It's Tuesday!

Wow!

We had quite a weekend. Little Miss had her recital Friday and Saturday nights. She had two dance pieces and a poem to recite. She did a great job at all of them! I am not a stage/dance mom. I struggle to get her hair up and in place, she has started doing her own make up, but I am not cut out for it.

I worked at the library all day on Saturday. Our Huskies won...AGAIN!!!! That's right, the undefeated Huskies!

Sunday, Mr. and I went put for breakfast while Young Mr. was judging karate belt testing and Little Miss was at my in laws. I got a nap in and felt better after that. We went with Young Mr. and his girlfriend to see Gabriel Inglasius (aka "Fluffy") and friends. I have never seen live stand up comedy...what a fun evening!

Thank you all who have commented and sent your support regarding the potential confrontation. My boss handled it and things went as expected. I am the enemy, BUT let me say...I am ok with it because I will be back to doing what I like in my job. Life is too short not to be happy, especially at something you have to do.

Soooo, here's hoping for an uneventful Tuesday.

What did you do this past weekend?

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Words of Wisdom

Food for thought!

I am not a confrontational person and there is a confrontation I must face today. I hate drama and am going to address it today.
Praying for strength and the right words....

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

For fun!

What State Do You Belong In

Take the quiz and see.

I belong in  GEORGIA

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

8 Months Ago....

I never would have guessed that my annual routine doctor appointment would lead me becoming a cardiac patient - and at the age of 38!!!!!  WHAT?!

In hindsight, I am grateful that the problem was found and that I have a FANTASTIC cardiologist. But it was a scary couple of months while going through all the doctor visits and tests and blood draws and pamphlets and brochures, while keeping it as quiet as I could until we had firm answers.

For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in February of this year. This lead to cardiac monitors, echocardiograms, blood draws, lots of driving to appointments. I was diagnosed with an ASD (atrial septal defect) - commonly known as a hole in the heart. It is believed it is something I was born with and was just found then.

I had surgery in May to repair and close this. I think being wheeled into the O.R. was probably the scariest part of that day (you know, letting go of my husband's hand and thinking terrible things might happen...). Oh and having to lay perfectly flat and  still for 12 hours afterward was not much fun either, BUT - it was successful. It was a slow couple of months after that. I can't even begin to tell you how much better I am feeling now - my energy is higher than it's probably ever been. I had to be on some nasty medicine for about 3 months that really messed with my stomach too, but that is gone.  I am down to an aspirin a day and I can see the bottom of the pill bottle - the end is VERY near!! (insert my crazy happy dance here)

I have 2 more cardiology appointments before the end of this year, then it will be an annual check up for the rest of my life. I no longer have any activity restrictions and am working hard to get myself back into shape. (There are some races I want to run next year)

I am officially a cardiac patient for life!
(and I'm ok with that...)
 


I have started to take a different outlook on life. My problem was fixable and I feel fortunate that it was! (Believe me, I KNOW there are a lot of people in a lot worse shape!!!!) However, I know it could have been different. There are a lot of things on my bucket list that I want to do before my time does come...  40 comes knocking next year (and that's NOT old!!! - it's just need to start work on having fun and enjoying life more) and I plan to accomplish some of those things.  Stay tuned, I hope to have some of those "adventures" next year.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Book Review-The Right Hand

The Right Hand
by Derek Haas
I give it 5 out of 5 stars

Publisher's Synopsis:
Meet Austin Clay, the CIA's best-kept secret. 

There has always been a need in the spy game for operations outside the realm of legality-covert missions so black no one in the American government, and almost no one in intelligence itself, is aware of their existence. The left hand can't know what the right hand is doing. 

Austin Clay is that right hand, executing missions that would be disavowed by his own government were he ever to be compromised. His team consists of only his trusted handler and himself. His missions are among the most important and dangerous in U.S. history.

Clay is sent to track down a missing American operative, a man who was captured outside of Moscow, in the Russian countryside. Soon he discovers the missing officer is only the beginning of the mission, and finds himself protecting a desperate woman who believes a mole has penetrated the top levels of the U.S. government, throwing the international balance of power into jeopardy.

My thoughts:
I picked this up with no expectations, at all. This book grabbed from the first page and didn't let go until the last page! There was constant action and twists & turns through the whole book. I began to trust no one in the agency while reading this and was praying Clay was going to live to the end. Did he.....? You'll have to read it to find out!
The writing is fantastic and well thought out. The characters are fantastic, complete with those I loved and those I hated.

I can't wait to read more of Mr. Haas' books.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday Fun- Halloween edition

Happy Friday!




Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The one where...

I FREAK OUT!!!!!!

The spelling bee is tonight. I am a nervous wreck this morning. The silent expectation from our co-workers is that we win. (I guess being library employees, we should...)

Deep breath....

Monday, October 14, 2013

Reading Challenge

I'm a couple of weeks behind the eight ball on this, but I decided to jump in and give it a go. Megan at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life is hosting an Autumn Book Challenge.

Here is my prelim reading list for this challenge:
5: Read a book that does not have "the," "a" or "an" in the title.  Beautiful Ruins-Jess Walters (337 pages)
10: Read a book that has been featured in Oprah's Book Club. This list includes all the books up until 2010. (Submitted by SCSBC13 winner Erin.)  The Measure of a Man-Sidney Poitier (272 pages)
10: Read a book that takes place in the state where you currently live. If you do not live in the U.S., read a book that takes place in the country where you live. (Submitted by SCSBC13 winner Megan.)  Storm Front-Jim Butcher (322 pages) (Illinois)
15: Read an epistolary novel, which is a book written in letters, emails, diary entries or other documents. See this Goodreads list if you need an idea, but make sure it's actually an epistolary novel first! Goodreads lists aren't verified, so non-epistolary books could have snuck their way on there.  Life on the Refrigerator Door-Alice Kuipers (220 pages)
15: Read a book first published in 2013.  The Moon and More-Sarah Dessen (435 pages)
15: Read a book with something spooky in the title. (Submitted by SCSBC13 winner Bev.)  The Year of Fog-Michelle Richmond (369 pages)
20: Read a book with "air," "water," "earth" or "fire" in the title. (Submitted by SCSBC13 winner Gypsi.)  Like Water for Chocolate-Laura Esquivel  (224 pages)
20: Read a book on which a television series has been based (e.g. Orange is the New Black, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Friday Night Lights, etc.).  MASH - Richard Hooker (219 pages)
25: Read a fiction book that has someone’s first and last name in the title (e.g. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridget Jones's Diary, etc.).  Maisie Dobbs-Jacquieline Winspear (309 pages)
30: Read two books by the same author. They can be in the same series, but do not have to be. Co-authors do not count (i.e. the author must be the sole author of each book). All Together Dead (323 pages) and From Dead to Worse (359 pages)-Charlaine Harris
35: Read a fiction and nonfiction book about the same topic. (Example: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Woman Who Wasn't There are both about 9/11. I'm planning on doing a whole post with a list of ideas soon, if you care to submit any!) Killing Lincoln-Bill O'Reilley (315 pages) and The First Assassin-John J. Miller (386 pages)

So, we'll see how this goes....



It's Monday...again...

Hello readers!
I hope you had a good weekend! We did, although they are always too short. Some of us do not get Columbus Day off....

I worked at the library on Saturday. Then we had pizza with our former neighbors. Yesterday we went to the orchard, did a little apple picking, fed the farm animals and enjoyed the beautiful fall day.

Our Huskies are 6-0, ranked 23 on the AP poll! Keep it up!

On the keeping myself accountable front, I have been working on two 30 day exercise challenges:

I've stuck with them and see a little difference. The plank is a tough one....whew!

I started a new book over the weekend (The Right Hand). It is fantastic so far!!!

What did you do this weekend?

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Books

Here's some of what I've read lately and enjoyed.
What are you reading?

Friday, October 11, 2013

Friday Fun

Welcome to Friday!!! 
Is it just me or has this week been a long one? Today's post is a lot of randomness.

Thank you to all of you who read, comment on and follow my blog. I love hearing from you!

Happy
I hope you'll have time to do something with your yarn today.

Here's a taste of my Instagram lately...

I had a small touch with fame this week. 
2 of the guys from Chicago Fire replied to my tweets.
Joe Minoso plays Joe Cruz

and Randy Flagler plays Capp

in reference to this photo....
(I know...not a big deal but a small thrill for me)

If you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter, I'm cubsfan3410.

If you want to check out some awesome and entertaining writing, my brother has a writing gig here: Hooniverse

Another of my brothers can be found here: P Rood Illustration. He has artwork and books for sale.

What are your weekend plans?


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Sunshine Award


Nicole from Letters from Nicole linked me to the Sunshine Award. (Go check out her blog!)

Here are Nicole's questions:
1. What is one thing that defined your childhood? (like, for me, I would say Harry Potter or Pokemon!)  Growing up with 3 brothers and a sister - that will mold you into what you're supposed to be.
2. What is the last book you've read? All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris - I love the Sookie Stackhouse books
3. What is your favorite holiday and why? Thanksgiving!  I love the food
4. Which fictional character would you love to meet?  WOW!!! That's a toughie! I think I would like to meet the Elm Creek Quilters - that's a cool group of ladies.
5. What was your favorite activity in gym class? Dodgeball
6. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska and why? I would love to visit both but probably Hawaii, I love the beach and water.
7. What would your perfect day consist of? Laying in a hammock with a good book
8. What was your first job? Working at our local country club, setting up and tearing down parties
9. Gold or silver? Silver
10. Do you collect anything? Does scrapbooking supplies count?
11. What's your zodiac sign? Do you 'believe' in it?  Aries-- Independent, Generous, Optimistic, Enthusiastic, Courageous, Moody, Short tempered, Self-involved, Impulsive, Impatient.  I don't believe - sorry. I read my horoscope once in a great while for entertainment

I am supposed to nominate others, so here goes:
Courtney @ Air Force Wife & Our Life
Brooks @ Cotton & Boots
Katie @ Going Coastal
Nicole @ Prairie Princess
Rachel @ This Italian Family
Emily @ Sassy in Sequins

My 11 questions for you are:
1. What is your favorite movie?
2. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
3. Who would play you in the movie of your life?
4. What is your favorite dessert?
5. Do you like to read? If yes, what?
6. What is your dream vacation?
7. What is your favorite restaurant?
8. What are your hobbies?
9. Do you use social media? If so, what platforms?
10. What cheers you up when you're feeling down?
11. What have you never done but would like to?

Link me in to your posts with your answers. Everyone else feel free to jump in and answer these too!!!!!!

Happy Thursday!





 

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

#1000

I've been blogging for over 7 years [I started in June, 2006 (WOW!)]. 
This post - my friends and readers - is......
 
#1000!!!!!!!!!
(insert shocked face here).
 
My kids were 13 and 2 when I started this blogging adventure - they're now 20 and 9. What parenting and family adventures we've been through...

I struggled with what this milestone post would be. I finally decided I would link to some of my favorite posts I've had over this run.  If you have time and/or interest, here are some of my favorites (and if you're going to make the commitment - fill your cup and pop some popcorn):

One of my first posts: My family
A nice weekend DH & I had in April, 2007: Chicago Weekend fun
A special zoo visit in October, 2007: Zoo Fun
The time I won a ticket to see the Cubs in the playoff in October, 2007: Cubs Survivor
One of my favorite pictures of DD from January, 2008: A smile
A very dark day for our community in February, 2008: Why?
Homecoming for DS September, 2008: Homecoming
Silly hat day October 2008: Ha ha!
My thoughts on the Grammys February 2009: Whoa...
Proud day for our community June 2009: Thank you!
Our family vacation June 2009: Tennessee
Fall fun October 2009: Photos
Almost 6 year old funnies  January 2010: DD funnies
Hearing aids September 2010: Fantastic
High school graduation June 2011: Graduation
Our Hollywood evening October 2011: Action!   PS: The scene made it in the movie, but the movie is terrible!
To marriage: Marriage
Just for fun: Jim
Another for fun: The gym
Induction night March 2012: Proud evening
Our 2012 vacation: here, here, here, here and here
A trip to the ER July 2013: Nice...

Whoo - it takes a while to wade through 1000 posts. Thank you for those who have been along on most of this blogging journey. Thank you to my 'newer' readers, I truly appreciate your comments, suggestions and love.

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

What have I done?!

So I agreed to be on our library's spelling bee team next week for the county spelling bee.  OY!!!!

I hope I don't do anything like this...
 

What day is it?!
CHICAGO FIRE DAY!!!!!
(Tuesday nights don't come fast enough...)

Have a great day!

PS: Tomorrow is a "big post", check back.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Music Monday

Happy Monday!
Have a great week!

Saturday, October 05, 2013

The Tourists-Commanders in Chief, Civil Rights & 'Cue, part 3

Yeah, so I've been SERIOUSLY lacking in posting about our vacation from....June. Yikes!  So, you can catch the other two segments: Part 1 and Part 2.

Disclaimer 1: Due to the government shut down at this time, I am not able to link or even get to the National Park Service site, so any National Park/Site I mention is not a link right now. Perhaps you can google it soon...

Disclaimer 2:  This is a picture heavy post!

Day 5: After our Sunday in beautiful Kansas (see part 2), we left Independence at 6:45 after a little retape on our plastic sheeting and duct tape van windows and headed toward Arkansas.  Hold on, there's lots of stops along the way....

We stopped at Fort Scott National Historic Site (if the government wasn't shut down, I could add a link to the NPS site, but alas....). Their Junior Ranger program was probably the most interactive and interesting of any Little Miss have done. She was given a big bag full of different items she had to use as we toured the Fort grounds. 
 Little Miss with her bag of activities
 One of the activities - how the soldiers washed their clothes
 Young Mister showing off his cannons by the cannon
We set up the appointment with the glass repair shop in Little Rock to have our windows replaced. Then, off through  a downpour to Precious Moments Chapel. I had wanted to visit this for many years and we were "that way", so we made it a stop. It was a pretty and peaceful stop.


Our next stop was the George Washington Carver National Site (again...the gov't has the site shut down right now)
(It POURED the whole time we were there, so we really don't have any pictures...)

We reached Arkansas and stopped for lunch. Then a stop at Wal Mart Visitors Center. It was pretty interesting to learn more about Sam Walton and the start of his store.

We raced off to Pea Ridge National Battlefield and made it JUST before the Visitors Center closed. We drove through the battlefield. It was a pretty drive.





We checked into our hotel, grabbed a quick dinner and relaxed.

Day 6: We grabbed breakfast at the hotel and headed for Hot Springs National Park. We took the Promenade Tour, which was a nice walk. 



Bathhouse Row has some very impressive bathhhouses - however at the time we were there, most of them were under renovation.

We grabbed lunch and decided to drive to Hope, Arkansas. What is in Hope, you ask?! One of the newest National Historic Sites - the William Clinton Birthplace.

It is well preserved and our tour guide (Aaron) was great!

We drove back to Hot Springs, checked in to our hotel, then headed to get ice cream for dinner. We stayed at the Baymont Inn. It had a wonderful view!

Day 7: We drove to Little Rock. We really hit the Civil Rights stuff here. We visited the Central High School National Historic Site. The school is still in use so you can not enter the building but they have a lovely courtyard.


 They had an exhibit of Oscar de la Renta dresses for First Ladies. Little Miss was in heaven! She found her favorite...

We drove out to the Big Dam Bridge and walked across it.


We had a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Our adventure to be continued....