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.

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.

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: 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.