10.01.2013
Today is bitter sweet. I am so excited to wish Brandon a happy 16th birthday. But pieces of me are really sad that I am not part of his celebration. Rather than dwell on that with this blog post I will share some really awesome and one not so awesome memories we shared over the years. ...
I met Brandon when he was 8 years old. I met him probably a little too soon, in hindsight. The day after his dad and my first date. We had dinner probably sloppy joe's and played a board game. He was a pretty sweet kid. I really wish I had a picture from that evening. I would love to hold on to him at 8 years old forever.
A little over a year later the decision for his dad and I to move in together was made. During the week of the move his dad was admitted into the hospital for an unexplained illness. That left me playing "mom" and taking Brandon on the tour of his new school. Of course the vice principle assumed I was his mother, so Brandon put her in her place and said "My parents are divorced. This is my dad's girlfriend. She will be my step-mom one day" Just remembering that hurts my heart. The vice principle didn't skip a beat and said "My parents are divorced too. Isn't it cool having two Christmas's?!"
I don't remember how old Brandon was, but it was during Christmas break he curled up next to me on the couch and watched hours of Lifetime movies. It was a great afternoon. Really peaceful.
Brandon's elementary promotion ceremony will always stand out in my mind. He was so handsome in his dress clothes! I am so happy I was able to attend. Promoting from 5th grade to 6th grade ... Such a big moment.
An entire summer we went to Six Flags almost every weekend. Brandon was like me; a total chicken! He didn't want to ride The Ninja with his dad. It turned into him crying and being inconsolable. I have a soft heart and stood up for him later causing a fight between his dad and I taking him to get Dippin' Dots. Which was a total mistake because they melt as soon as they touch your lips and are NOTHING like real ice cream.
Never take a child ice skating unless you are drunk! Jess and I took Brandon ice skating the first winter his dad and I were together. It was AWFUL! No matter how many times I showed him what to do or tried to help him, he just wasn't getting it. And blamed me for his lack of coordination! Needless to say we NEVER went ice skating again. Sad since that is one of my favorite things to do even though I am terrible at it!
I was so scared for Brandon to start high school. I didn't want him to get bullied or labeled a nerd. I think his dad and I scared him more than we should have with all the stories of how he could be picked on. He was fine though. He made it through Freshman year unharmed!
With all good memories there are the bad. Like the first time he yelled back at me "YOU ARE NOT MY MOM" and slammed his bedroom door. You are right Brandon, I am not your mom. But I have always loved you and cared for you as though I was. Deep down I think he understands how my presence made his life that much better.
I have many memories throughout the last 8 years and could go on forever, but I will end here with HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON! You are an amazing kid. I love you kid!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
High Five for Friday ...
09.20.2013
Last week I totally forgot to post my H54F. So you all get a double dose.
Last week I totally forgot to post my H54F. So you all get a double dose.
1. Hi-Ho "Cheerios" with A and B. There is seriously nothing better than hanging out with these two characters. A was annoyed with me because I made her play by the actual rules and not HER rules. Apparently she thinks that the world revolves around her.
Hmmm ... Wonder what gave her that impression. ;-)
2. Surprise J. Crew gift card. Thank you G's!
Even though I would watch the tiny ones for nothing, I do appreciate the gift.
Now what to buy?!
3. Coffee mornings. Lisa is probably my favorite person I work with.
Not only is she a co-worker, but we have become friends. I love hearing stories about Josie and Kimber. And it is great to have someone to confide in that has an unbiased opinion of situations.
Photo Courtesy of Shannon Egger
4. Shannon and Matt are MARRIED. Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Egger for inviting me to your little shindig. Next time though ... make it classy. I mean really!
5. Pagelly keeping me grounded.
6. Impromptu lunch with Jen. Congrats on the job girly!
7. Note from Tony
I. Love. You. You annoy the hell out of me with your logical mind,
but you are one of the best friend's a girl could ask for. You, my friend are good people.
8. Chanel decided to help herself to the cat treats.
Chanel photobomb
9. So who is surprised that I bought these sexy heels?!
10. I will not share a picture of the text conversation between Jess and I,
but I wanted to publicly thank her for being totally amazing and understanding me this week.
I truly believe that people are put in your life for a reason, I just didn't realize that 15 years ago the girl with awesome nails would be the one person that no matter what would "get me". I love you Jess!
Thank you for your words of clarity and letting me have "today".
What exciting things happened in your world this week? I want to know ... Post below. I am nosey like that.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Happier than a Camel on Wednesday ...
09.11.2013
I have been totally down this week. So when a work friend played the 'Hump Day camel' I really needed the laugh. In case you need a laugh today ...
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Today is not the day ...
09.10.2013
Today should be a great day. It's Tuesday! My favorite day of the week ... At least until the end of December. Tuesdays bring fun and entertainment to my ordinarily boring life. Hanging out with two of the coolest kids on the planet can totally do that for a person!
Of course there is always something that has to bring my mood from high to low. Today and most days is stupid people. I don't understand why people have to ask the same questions over and over. Hello! Do you not own a notebook?! Write that shit down the first time I tell you! I also do not understand why people think I am a mind reader or the people that tell someone but not you information that is important to your day to day functions.
Frustrated is an understatement of how I am feeling. And yet I can't really get into it all because I am the genius that told EVERYONE about my blog. So the parties that are really annoying may or may not read my blog.
... Is it too early to start drinking?
Today should be a great day. It's Tuesday! My favorite day of the week ... At least until the end of December. Tuesdays bring fun and entertainment to my ordinarily boring life. Hanging out with two of the coolest kids on the planet can totally do that for a person!
Of course there is always something that has to bring my mood from high to low. Today and most days is stupid people. I don't understand why people have to ask the same questions over and over. Hello! Do you not own a notebook?! Write that shit down the first time I tell you! I also do not understand why people think I am a mind reader or the people that tell someone but not you information that is important to your day to day functions.
Frustrated is an understatement of how I am feeling. And yet I can't really get into it all because I am the genius that told EVERYONE about my blog. So the parties that are really annoying may or may not read my blog.
... Is it too early to start drinking?
Friday, September 6, 2013
High Five for Friday ...
09.06.2013
It's Friday! Finally! Holiday four day work weeks seem to be so much longer than a normal work week. I guess cramping five days worth of work into four throws the whole balance off.
It's Friday! Finally! Holiday four day work weeks seem to be so much longer than a normal work week. I guess cramping five days worth of work into four throws the whole balance off.
1. St. Louis Zoo with the Carson's.
2. Hotel Transylvania and Chocolate Milk
3. Creve Coeur Lake with Shannon and Tony ... and a HORSE!
4. Yay I am in the tub - What?
5. Farewell to Jason. Safe travels and don't forget to bring me back a shot glass from the UK!
What exciting things happened in your world this week? I want to know ... Post below. I am nosey like that.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Just call me Super Sitter ...
09.04.2013
One of my favorite things is hanging out with the tiny G's. So it is completely awesome that every Tuesday I get to babysit those crazy kids. I am pretty positive most biological aunts do not spend as much time with their nieces and nephews as I do with my niece and nephew by love and friendship. Not to toot my own horn ... But that makes me pretty awesome!
Babysitting the tiny G's is always an adventure. Honestly you never know what those kiddos will say, do or try to convince you to do for them. We watched TV while eating dinner, snacked on Nutella and pretzels while watching Hotel Transylvania, jumped on the trampoline, and played on the iPad with minimal arguing. I am not going to lie ... I am a pretty fun aunt.
I can even get these kids to do chores. I think I shocked the shit out of Jess when she came home to find out her kids brushed their teeth, were in their pajamas and cleaned up their rooms. Our reward ... Tattoos!
No need to thank me ... I am Super Sitter! My cape is at the cleaners!
One of my favorite things is hanging out with the tiny G's. So it is completely awesome that every Tuesday I get to babysit those crazy kids. I am pretty positive most biological aunts do not spend as much time with their nieces and nephews as I do with my niece and nephew by love and friendship. Not to toot my own horn ... But that makes me pretty awesome!
Babysitting the tiny G's is always an adventure. Honestly you never know what those kiddos will say, do or try to convince you to do for them. We watched TV while eating dinner, snacked on Nutella and pretzels while watching Hotel Transylvania, jumped on the trampoline, and played on the iPad with minimal arguing. I am not going to lie ... I am a pretty fun aunt.
I can even get these kids to do chores. I think I shocked the shit out of Jess when she came home to find out her kids brushed their teeth, were in their pajamas and cleaned up their rooms. Our reward ... Tattoos!
No need to thank me ... I am Super Sitter! My cape is at the cleaners!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Attention Seekers and the "Poor Me's" ...
09.03.2013
Remember a time before Facebook when no one knew how you were feeling unless you told them? Wasn't that a refreshing time, since you could just avoid a conversation with the complainers?
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Mostly hate ... I spend way too much time scrolling through my news feed and getting so annoyed by stupid shit that really doesn't affect me in the least. Lately as I scroll through I want to slap the women posting cleavage, bikini, and skanky photos on their walls that have their children on their friends list. Ladies (I am using that term loosely) we both know you are posting these pictures to get a raise and comments from your male friends. I am not hating on you! I get it. I like attention too. But the difference between you and I ... My teenage impressionable child is not on my friends list.
Another issue I have with Facebook are the "poor me" posts. Not just the "I locked my keys in my car" "It's Monday and I don't want to work", but the full on depressing posts. I understand you maybe hurting, but Facebook should not be your outlet. Everyone on your friends list does not need to know the inner workings of the relationship either ending or breaking. People develop an opinion and not necessarily a good opinion of you. After all you are sharing your personal business with the world, so who's to say you wouldn't share personal information I made you privy to.
Well that's enough for now ...
Remember a time before Facebook when no one knew how you were feeling unless you told them? Wasn't that a refreshing time, since you could just avoid a conversation with the complainers?
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Mostly hate ... I spend way too much time scrolling through my news feed and getting so annoyed by stupid shit that really doesn't affect me in the least. Lately as I scroll through I want to slap the women posting cleavage, bikini, and skanky photos on their walls that have their children on their friends list. Ladies (I am using that term loosely) we both know you are posting these pictures to get a raise and comments from your male friends. I am not hating on you! I get it. I like attention too. But the difference between you and I ... My teenage impressionable child is not on my friends list.
Another issue I have with Facebook are the "poor me" posts. Not just the "I locked my keys in my car" "It's Monday and I don't want to work", but the full on depressing posts. I understand you maybe hurting, but Facebook should not be your outlet. Everyone on your friends list does not need to know the inner workings of the relationship either ending or breaking. People develop an opinion and not necessarily a good opinion of you. After all you are sharing your personal business with the world, so who's to say you wouldn't share personal information I made you privy to.
Well that's enough for now ...
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