Been M.I.A.

I've missed a couple of Feel Good Fridays since Thanksgiving. I apologize.

I've had posts that I've wanted to post... but I've been busy with work, life, and family.

The biggest thing is that I've mostly been really tired, nauseated, and well... You know... Pregnant. :)

We found out a few weeks ago that I'm "great with child" (that expression has always cracked me up). It seems my due date is sometime around August 6th. I'm not very far along, but I'm far along enough that I'm really feeling like crap.

Constipation, vomiting, tiredness... Let me tell you... Pregnancy is GLAMOROUS. But, even with all of that, I'm ecstatic. My husband is overjoyed. And my step-son is.. There are no words to describe his excitement.

Feel Good Friday: Giving Thanks

thank·ful 

–adjective
feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

With the American Thanksgiving just a week away, it's that time of year when most people in the U.S. start thinking of things they are thankful for.

I don't want to really do that typical thing where I list off obvious things that I'm thankful for. Family, Friends, Pets, and Livelihood. But, to be completely honest, I can't think of anything that would be really appropriate for my Thanksgiving post.

I am of course thankful for all of the wonderful things that I have in my life, but what about the bigger picture? What am I thankful for outside of myself and my family? Basic things like having paved roads, grocery stores, living in a wealthy country where I have freedoms. Sure, I'm thankful for all of that as well. But bigger? What else is there that I can be thankful for?

This lovely planet that I share with billions of people? Sure, I'm thankful for the nourishment it provides and the stories it tells. The stars that I get to see occasionally through the thick clouds that usually cover my city? Absolutely... But what more can I be thankful for?

Well, I have no real answer... but I do know this. Today I will be thankful for everything that I have and everyone that I love...

But above all.. I'm thankful for all the hugs I'll receive from today until Christmas.

What are you thankful for??

Say 'Thank You' to a Veteran

I'm not one for parades. In fact, that's quite the understatement. I really dislike parades. I hate standing in one spot and watching people walk by super slow. I hate the traffic that they cause. And for some reason, I've never attended a parade that wasn't during some freezing part of the day.

I just don't like parades.

But... when I found out my stepson would be marching in the Veteran's Day parade, I knew I had to go. Not just to support our veterans, but to support the great choice that my stepson has made.


As parents (and stepparent) we seem to have gotten a little bit of flack letting our son join the Young Marines. I can see how some people might be turned off by the initial idea of such an organization, but I can honestly say that it's been a positive thing in his life. He is learning leadership skills, discipline, team work, and respect for adults and his peers. They really push a "say no to drugs" policy, and are big on making the kids feel proud of themselves.


I digress. I'm proud of my stepson. I think he's making good choices in his life, and as long as he's not out there hurting himself or others, I will always support him. Because it's true. I love the little man. And I'm damn proud of him.

So, while my stepson was off fulfilling his duties as a young marine, I made sure to try to snap a few pictures of the great service men and women of my beautiful country. Unfortunately, due to the early morning and lack of coffee prior to leaving the house, I forgot my camera and was left taking pictures with my cell phone. Thank you technology.



And while I watched our veterans (and my stepson) march in the parade, I couldn't help but find myself enjoying myself. It's different when you're standing on the sidelines supporting your family, friends, and country.

So, to all the men and women who take the oath to protect my country and who go out there and make a difference in this world, no matter how grand or small... Thank you.

Feel Good Friday: D'oh

Due to the fact that Friday is near the end, and I have no real subject for today... I'm gonna have to just go ahead and skip the "Feel Good Friday" post for today.

In lieu of "Feel Good Friday", I leave you fluffiness.




Stay tuned, friends... there will be a photo heavy update of the Veteran's Day Parade I went to yesterday coming this weekend.

Until then... Smile!

Feel Good Friday: Science is Fun Afterall!

Now, it's not often that I find myself interested in science or reading the science section of the news, but when I saw Katie Couric reporting this last night, I had to learn more.



Spacecraft snaps close-up images of comet

A spacecraft survived the closest encounter ever with a comet on Thursday, tracking it just 435 miles from the comet's nucleus.

Mission control at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, broadcast live coverage of the event on NASA Television's Media Channel. Controllers broke into applause after hearing of the success.

The agency's EPOXI Deep Impact spacecraft was expected to use two imagers and an infrared instrument to acquire data about a tiny comet named Hartley 2 as it traveled at speeds of more than 27,000 miles per hour.

Scientists are still working to determine whether there was any damage to the spacecraft as the peanut-shaped comet passed by.

They hope to learn to more about comets from five images detailing the close approach.

"Those early images may not be the 'money shot,' but we on the science team will prize them just as well, as they will help us further understand the nature of comets," said EPOXI principal investigator Mike A'Hearn of the University of Maryland, College Park, in a NASA statement. "We certainly have our hands full. The images are full of great cometary data, and that's what we hoped for."

The images are expected to depict the comet nucleus as little more than a point of light with a fuzzy coma, a gaseous cloud, surrounding it.

"It was just incredible," Ed Weiler, associate administrator of the Science Missions Directorate for NASA, said of the encounter.

Five years after NASA launched an 800-pound projectile into a comet in an effort to study its contents, the same spacecraft that launched the missile tracked Hartley 2 on Thursday.

It is the first spacecraft to have visited two comets.

NASA officials expressed hope that such missions will inspire young people to get into the field of space exploration.

Project manager Tim Larson, left, and deputy project manager Don Sweetnam celebrate as the first images from the NASA Deep Impact spacecraft come back

Another Article!!

If that picture doesn't make you smile, then you have no heart to feel good on Fridays!

This whole news story just kinda makes me feel like dancing. There's a whole world out there that is a complete mystery to even the smartest people in the world. I just want to tell them something.

Duh! This world we live in is an ABSOLUTELY confounding place. Weird, strange, and full of beauty. I can't wait to see what other beautiful things lay out there in the stars. Keep up the good work, Mr. Scientist Dudes!

2010 Election!

It's 7:30pm here in Oregon. Only another 30 minutes to place your vote here.

In Oregon, we do not have voter booths. Instead, we have mail in ballots. If you're a procrastinator and you don't get it done in time to mail it, there are boxes you can drop it off at. Very convenient, very quick. Turns out that it bumps your voter attendance up as well.

Now, I've waited this long to post about election day for one reason. I'm not here to tell you to vote.

I'm just here to brag that I did.

Women have only had the right to vote in the United States for 90 years. It was a big deal back in 1920 when the skirts hit the booths. Ever since, huge things have happened for women in America.

I just wanted to take a moment and give some acknowledgment to the women and their supporters who have made sure that my generation and many to come are treated equally and fairly. Thank you!

Feel Good Friday: Halloween

"There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin."

I thought this week was going to be a challenge for me. How do you find a topic about Halloween that makes you feel good and happy, and not spooked and scared? I mean, dressing up and being ghoulish is, of course, fun. But how do you make it "feel good"?

Thank you, Charles Shulz.

Each and every year, I've made it my own little tradition. I know that many other people share this tradition, but I like to think it's mine. I curl up on the couch with a blanket, I snuggle down with Linus and his big beautiful believing heart, and I wait for the Great Pumpkin to make an appearance.

I love this season. Fall is probably one of my most favorite seasons of the year. The vibrant colors and the cold nippy fresh air. Knit sweaters and knee socks. Living in the Pacific Northwest means that Fall doesn't really begin until Halloween.

This Halloween I'll only be dressing up to pass out candy to the little kids. My adorable step son will dress up as a name tag and go door to door begging for free candy. Who knows what my husband will do, but I'm sure it'll be entertaining.

And as I look out my window at the reds, yellows, oranges, and browns, I look forward to Sunday night when I get to hang out with Linus, drink hot cocoa, and pass out candy to the neighborhood.

What is your favorite Halloween or Fall tradition?

Feel Good Friday: Parents

My last post got me thinking about my parents. My dad was a gruff man with sage advise. His sense of humor was slightly twisted yet subtle.

My mother is a generous, caring, loving woman. She's hilarious and cunning.

Often times I think of the negative attributes that I've inherited from my parents. I have little to no patience with things. That's from Dad. I tend to let people walk all over me. Thanks Mom! I have my mother's mustache and my dad's weird hammer pinky toes. (Thankfully I don't have Dad's ears or Mom's big toe).

It's rare that I sit back and think about the positive impacts that my parents had on me. But clearly, they've done something right to make such an awesome person. Yeah. I'm truly awesome.

Dad gave me my artist abilities. Albeit few abilities... they're still there. Mom gave me her generous, empathetic heart. My thick, wavy hair is Dad's. (I wont be going bald anytime soon). And my big blue eyes are very much Mom's.

As I embark on the journey of (step) parenting, I find myself thinking "What would Mom/Dad do?" and usually picking what I think they would do. It's strange. I hated those rules and chores and being told to clean my room. But damned if I'm not saying the same shit now.

So... Here's to all the fantastic Mom's and Dad's out there... Remember to call and thank them for their hard work.

Dear Diary,

I feel bad. I haven't updated a whole bunch other than my Friday post. I've been trying to keep this blog upbeat and positive, but the last few weeks have been a bit stressful and well, annoying.

I know, I know... I've only been married for 25 days. It's not my marriage, or even my husband who is driving me bonkers. It's been our so-called "roommate", if that's what you can call him. What do you call someone who doesn't pay bills and mooches off of you? Storage space stealin' creepster.

I digress. I want to remain upbeat. haha.

Here's the deal. This kid has been living with us for just a shave under 3 months and hasn't paid a single bill. Not rent, power, cable, food. Not. A. Single. Bill. Husband and I were trying to be patient, help him find a job, get on his feet, get his life together. But it comes to a point when you're helping someone who simply does not want your help. And you have to give up and let them fall. That is what happened last night.

Now, I know this isn't a happy, cheery post... But I've been on a silver lining kick lately. While it sucks that we had to kick him out of the house last night in order to keep a grasp of our sanity, at least we finally get to live like newly-weds. And maybe this kid will find the motivation to improve his life. Maybe he'll see the light. Probably not... but maybe.

As with all experiences in life, we try to walk away with some new found knowledge. I have to take a step back, remove myself a little to get a better perspective. But wow. My husband has my back. I mean.. I knew he had my back, but I mean... he REALLY has my back. Also, this particular incident has brought forth some wisdom my father gave me many years ago. I didn't like... I still kinda don't. But damn if it isn't true.

Education isn't free. College classes cost a lot of money. Life costs even more. I guess I just paid for a lesson on life.

Thanks Dad.

Feel Good Friday: Chilean Miners Rescue.. and the Power of Music

It's been a fairly uneventful week in my life. Just the usual stress of work and family. Trying to keep a household together. Aside from my own mundane life, this week was actually not that uneventful.

After 70 days of being underground, Chilean miners were finally pulled from the depths of the Earth. Reunited with their families and friends, mostly unscathed. A truly beautiful and heart warming story.

One particular story seemed to reach out to me this week. The man named Edison Pena.



Chilean Miner: Elvis Got Me Through the Ordeal
Posted by Devon Thomas

Rescued Chilean miner and avid Elvis Presley fan Edison Pena has gotten a VIP invitation to Graceland, the music lrgend 's longtime home in Memphis.

Pena, who is 34 and married, was the 12th miner pulled from the collapsed mine at 10:11 a.m. Wednesday.

He told reporters it was Elvis who helped him get through the 70 days in which he was trapped underground.. He even led fellow miners in singing Elvis songs.

When Graceland officials heard about this, they sent along a care package with a boxed set of CDs and picture of " the "king" and asked that it be lowered into the mine for Pena.

Now, Pena has been invited for a special tour of Graceland where fans line up daily to see where Elvis lived for 20 years before he died on Aug. 16, 1977, and to view his gravesite.

Kevin Kern, an Elvis Presley Enterprises spokesman, says the company also sent various gifts to Chile, including a picture, DVDs, CDs and sunglasses.

Pena was reportedly among the most depressed of the trapped men and asked rescuers to send down a photo of the sun. He tried to run every day for exercise.

Kern says he does not expect Pena in Memphis any time soon, saying there are more important things Pena needs to take care of.

It seems to me that most anyone I've ever met or known has a music story. A band or a song that has gotten them through a rough patch. Clearly, Edison's go to music is Elvis. Personally, not my favorite or one that I would go to.. But I can dig it.

This week I've turned to Adele for some sort of solace in my little crazy world. What music do you usually turn to in hopes of raising your spirits?

Feel Good Friday v. 1

When I decided to trash my other blogs and restart a blog here, I told myself that I would actually update it and keep up with it. I wouldn't let this one collect dust. And although my posting has been sporadic, it has been frequent. So for that, I am giving myself a pat on the back.

In an effort to insure that I actually do post semi-regular posts, I am going to start a "Feel Good Friday" post. My intention is to keep my spirits high at the end of each week, no matter how awful work or life was to me. I figured this is a good week to start since, well this week was a little rough, what with coming off of marriage highs and honeymoon euphoria.

Introducing, for the first time to this blog, Feel Good Friday.

Things that made me feel good this week:

1. A friend's wife had her baby shower on Saturday. I say a friend's wife because I've only hung out with said wife a couple of times. But I adore her. And I'm currently on a mission to make her my friend as well. No more of this "friend's wife" crap. In fact, my mission will be in effect tonight as we are going to a laser show at OMSI with said friend and his wife. Anyhow, her shower was a load of fun and I walked away with a new acquaintance, whom I also plan on making a friend.

2. Although work was overwhelming and tedious this week, it has been nice to come back to my routine. Pretty sure the puppy is pretty stoked on it as well. It's been really fantastic hearing "Congratulations" and "How's married life?".

3. New crafting projects!! Look at world!! Wedding planning is over and I'm already throwing myself at some Christmas projects. Pictures, I'm sure, will follow. Hopefully. If I remember to upload pictures.

4. I found out today that I will get to see one of my best friends every weekend for the next month. Happy dance, ACTIVATE!

5. I'm totally married... and damn it feels good to be a gangster.

What are you feeling good about on this glorious Friday?

Merging Money

Last night, Husband and I sat down and went over our finances. It's shocking to me to find out how little I knew about his finances even though we've lived together for over 2 years. The entire time we've been together, we've kept our finances fairly to our selves, rarely discussing them and only exchanging money for bills.

Prior to getting married, he and I had discussed what would occur with our money once we were married. It was probably a good conversation to have looking back, because it made last nights conversation go smoothly. We've agreed to keep part of our money separate, but to merge the majority into one account.

Once we came to that agreement, we budgeted out our bills and our debts. We've worked out a plan to have our debts paid off by the end of the year (If I take charge, it will actually be completely by December), and to start saving for the future. The Nest has a budgeting tool that I was looking at last night. For some reason it seems to have a lot of bugs, so I'll probably be looking for another one, or maybe just making my own spread sheet. (If you're reading this.... and have suggestions, please leave a comment!!).

I know that Husband and I are not the only people who will have problems when it comes to money, whether it's a lack of or just in general. To be completely honest, the subject totally freaks me out and makes me fret and worry. I'll be sharing my livelyhood, my income with someone else. I just have to remember to take a step back and remember that I'm asking him to do the same. I'm worried he'll spend it all, and he's worried I wont let him have any. haha. But, I'm confident that we will be able to work through any problems we come across as long as we communicate and work together as a team.

Holding Out

I've been trying to hold out on posting an update on pictures, but I simply can not wait any longer. haha.

I've been married for 10 days, and I gotta tell you. Not much is different. But so much is.

Makes no sense, right?

We're both back to work. We still live together. We lived together before we got married. Our house is still a wreck with wedding vomit. And we're still very much in love.

But I got a new ring. And I call him husband now.

And it's effing rad. I love being married. I love having a husband whom I cherish. And a new wonderful stepson that I can claim as my family (officially). I love it when people ask me, "So, how's married life?"

It's effing awesome. That's how it is.

Also, now that we're married and no longer planning a wedding... the crafting is officially open to whatever the hell I want to do. Good Riddance Wedding Planning!!!

What's his is mine.. and what's mine is... well... it's mine! hahaha

No, not really. But kinda.

We got married yesterday, and just like everyone said, it went by really fast.

It was beautiful and everything went off without much of a hitch... again, just like everyone said.

I will have a full update on the festivities soon... but first I need some water, ibuprofen, and a blueberry muffin.

My Demise

It is said that more times than not, a bride will almost always get sick right before her wedding. Usually due to stress or whatever. Not this bride... Or that's what I thought a week ago.

Had an awful sore throat Sunday and Monday that lead into a temperature Monday evening. I missed four days of work with a raging fever and awfulness in general. Went to the doctor on Thursday to find that I have a pretty bad sinus infection. They gave me antibiotics and prescription mucinex. My doctor told me to give snorting saline solution a try.

I figured I'd just take the antibiotic and mucinex and call it a day. It's worked in the past, why the need to get fancy with saline solution up the nasal passage?

I'm two and a half days into my antibiotic and expectorant.

I still feel AWFUL.

Well... not that awful. Not since I squirted saline solution up my nose.



Around 9am this morning I finally gave in and asked Eric to go to Walgreen's and get me a Neti Pot. He returned with a "Sinus Rinse Kit". It's not the Neti Pot, but it's made by NeilMed who makes Net Pot. Pretty much the same concept though. Fill with warm distilled water, add saline solution packet, squirt up nose.

I really wish I would have had Eric take video of me using this thing. It definitely would have been YouTube worthy, but alas, he's nice.

Now, all I have to do is conquer this nagging cough by next week.

Oh yeah... 7 more days until I am a married woman!

Showered!

I'm not quite sure how they managed to pull it off, but they totally did. My BFF (Matron of Honor) Jen and Eric managed to keep something from me for TWO MONTHS.

I had a surprise bridal shower yesterday and it was pretty fantastic. I usually hate surprises, but seriously was thrilled to see my family gathered. And cake too. I love cake.

Jen had my back and made sure there were no silly penis games. I opened really awesome gifts. I guess the theme was "Anything that reminds you of Kat."

Stoked.

Aside from all of that and having a fantastic day yesterday, I came home after festivities and crashed out pretty hard. I woke up this morning with a sore throat. Hopefully, it's just a little cold and will be gone in no time. We will see.

Stats

I found the stats tab on blogspot.

Yep. Took me that long to actually pay attention and see it.

It's quite interesting.

So, I'm not the only one who comes to this page and pets it and reads it and loves it...

well... Maybe just the only one who pets it and loves it....

But there are others who read it.

I'm beyond curious now. Please leave me some love and comments. Let me know what you think about my babble talk. Am I boring? God, I hope not.

But seriously... Readers in China and Canada?

I wish it showed me which states were coming to my page. Then I could narrow it down. Oh well.

Tangible!

Oh man.

I know I've been planning my wedding for nearly 10 months now. And I've been excited about having a marriage, and planning the future along with the thought of "Marriage". But, for some reason, in my head, wedding hasn't equalled marriage. Not until yesterday.

Let me explain. Wedding has equalled big huge party with cake and dancing. Wedding has meant to me a time when I can see all of my family and friends in one place. Wedding has meant a gathering of people who support me and Eric and our future.

Marriage has meant so much more to me than that.

We got our marriage license yesterday. And although I'm 100% committed to being with this person for the rest of my life, it finally became tangible in a way I never recognized before. Wedding = Marriage.

Holy shit.

We went down to the marriage license office yesterday. On the way over, I got nervous for the very first time. It wasn't a bad nervous... but it was definitely nerves I was feeling. A little barfy feeling and a lot sweaty feeling. Gross. But totally awesome. There I was at this office filling out things and deciding upon my last name and all the while standing next to my future. Not only am I doing this... but so is he. He's committing to be MINE for the rest of his life.

Holy Shit. That is so EFFING AWESOME.

And so it is. In 16 days, I will belong to him. But he'll belong to me as well. And although the wedding has become suddenly VERY real, as has the sudden stress of getting it all finished, the relief that I get to have this person be there for all of my milestones and stresses and fears and happiness and *sigh/gush*. This is incredible.

HOLY SHIT!

Post Alley

About three weeks ago, the family and I drove up to Seattle to get in some much needed visiting time with our "extended family". While we were up there, we had also made plans to meet up with our photographer to do our engagement/getting to know you photo session.

I've been photographed by Natasha Reed before for other friend's weddings. I do have to say it's a little bit different when you're the focus of the camera. Truth be told, I'm not nearly the cam whore I once was and over the years I've grown a bit camera shy. Natasha and her partner James did an amazing job making both Eric and I feel completely comfortable. We both had a great time and we can't wait to have her shoot our wedding.


We started out at Seattle Center, but the minute we arrived it started to rain. Good ol' Seattle never fails. It was a bummer too because it had been beautiful all day long. But Natasha and James were professional, quick, and dealt with the moody weather with the finesse only Seattle-ites can have. Luckily, Eric and I are from Portland so we weren't too surprised to see those rain clouds roll in and rain on our love fest.


On our way back to the car, James found a little hallway inside to warm up and take care of some essential needs. Natasha and James saw an opportunity to snap a few more photos of us.

Toward the end of the night, we found ourselves at a closed Pike Place and Post Alley. We joked around, goofed off, and Natasha and James really captured our playfulness. Eric and I are a couple of nerdy kids who goof off constantly. I'm beyond pleased with the way they managed to capture it on film along with the love that we feel for each other.







I can not praise Natasha and James enough. They were incredible. Fantastic. AMAZING! They put us at ease and joked around with us and the whole experience was, in general, plain good fun.

Natasha Reed Photography

Boundaries, Limits, and Boulders

I've had a few days to reflect on the past week and a half.

Yes. This past week and a half required 3 days to mule over and consider.

It's not that I thought step-parenting would be easy, or that this would be an easy transition. I just never imagined it would lead to so many hurt feelings. Confusion, yes. Anger, definitely. Obstinacy, absolutely. But hurt feelings where a grown woman and a 13 year old boy are in tears? I had no idea.

I suppose it's been 13 days since the soon-to-be-stepson arrived at our house. Everything seemed really great. We were both overjoyed to have him back in the house. Within an hour of being home, he asked to go to the park. No big deal. "Be back before it's dark".

And so it began: The fight for who and what my purpose is in my household.

I know that I'm the person who loves her fiance. I love my fiance's son. But...

I felt like I could make no rules or have them followed if I did. I've been "just a girlfriend" for so long. But with the wedding so close, my own confusion in my own role has been a major thing for me. Once I become a "wife", where do I stand? In every decision made in our household, I have been an equal partner and I know that once we are married, I will continue to remain an equal partner. In all areas, except one. The Kid.

Dark time hit and no kid. Soon-to-be-husband aka partner aka fiance aka the kids father was busy at the grill preparing a late dinner for us to enjoy. He asked me if I would go to the park to hunt down the kid. As I walked down to the park, my anxiety grew. Usually, he's pretty good at being on time, or if anything, just a few minutes short of us going to go look for him. I get down to the park and start to walk around. Anxiety growing, I start yelling his name. I walked around the park, through the park, and around again. I think to myself, "Maybe he took the other way around and is at home right now". I get annoyed that no one has called me to let me know he's at home safely.

I get back to the house and ask from the driveway into our backyard. "Is he home yet?!". He's not home. I walk over to his buddy's house. After a panicked wait, I find out he's been there for a while. He comes out and all I can say to him is that I'm beyond angry at him right now. He knows the rules. Check in when you change places. Let us know where you're at. My anxiety has turned to red hot anger. Relief was quickly replaced. This kid never had a chance.

The three of us come to an agreement. He's grounded from the park and will do all of his chores sans allowance. He's also grounded of his brand new toy, an air soft gun.

Saturday he had a commitment to fulfill and was gone all day. Sunday he did his chores and had his gun back. By Monday, I felt like the punishments put in place were all forgotten. His tone and attitude towards us deteriorates quickly through the weekend and week. By Wednesday, I'm so fed up with his attitude towards me, I'm having a hard time looking at him. I have no idea how to address this situation. I'm not his mom, and at this rate, I'm not going to be his friend either. Telling on him isn't getting me very far, and as I feel ignored and battered, my feelings get hurt. I'm not even sure which event it was that finally just pushed me over the edge, but there I was Wednesday evening, upstairs on my bed, sobbing.

The man had had enough and pulled the kid upstairs for a discussion that I wish would have happened earlier, because then maybe our week wouldn't have been totally ruined.

The Agreement: We're all equal in this. The man is comfortable with me having as much authority as he has. I'm comfortable with this. But most importantly, the kid is comfortable with this.

Obviously, I don't plan on walking around the house, acting like I'm the Queen of the Block. But it is nice for us all to know the boundaries. It was like once they were set, the kid knew how far he could push and never went over.

This whole step-parenting thing is new and different. Not just for me, but for everyone. It's hard to remember that. I'm the one becoming a step-parent, but I must remember I'm not alone in this process. We're all confused, sometimes we're angry, and we're definitely obstinate about a lot of things, but finding our boundaries and what our limits are will surely help us find our way.

Happiness Is A Clean Kitty Box

Today is the first day we get to see Noah in two and a half weeks. We also just realized that today is the beginning of our extended visit with the kid. We get 10 uninterrupted days with him. So. Stoked.

We're 43 days out from the wedding and I still have so much to do. This weekend will be spent doing some of those things (and hopefully I'll take pictures and share some of the craftiness I'm getting into). We'll also be cleaning up our front yard this weekend. It's suppose to get into the mid-90's so it'll be perfect for brewing sweet tea in the driveway and chopping down the horrifying spider infested colonies that live within the bushes 15 ft out from my back door. (The backdoor faces the street. Love duplexes, but they're confusing in writing without knowing it's a duplex.)

Tonight we will clean kitty boxes, kitchen, and living room for our guests who will be eating yummy meat and food with us tonight. So, I suppose in order for those things to get done, I should hop off of here and help out.

Every Thug Needs a Lady

And every blog needs a direction and a sense of purpose.

This blog... has neither.

But every blog also needs a first post.

And that's what this is.

A first post.

And if for some reason, you find yourself here, reading my little words... Leave me a comment. Let me know what I'm doing wrong. Or in the off chance that I'm doing something right... Let me know that too.