I am a serial re-arranger! Living in an apartment with three kids has its challenges. I am always trying to find ways to have more open space on some pretty limiting square footage and tonight was no different! I had just moved furniture around in the living room about a week ago. I thought it looked pretty good, but it definitely took up some of our free space, so I wasn't sure if it would stay. It didn't.
Today I was at it again, putting the couch back against the wall it was at before, sliding the television and its stand to another wall and down a bit, flipping the chaise lounge to the other side of the room, and moving the end table back next to the couch by the door. It isn't easy, but I really like the way it is now. We have our "extra" space back despite my adding a new large, square seat/foot rest to the room.
Daddy left for work and the living room looked one way, then came home and it looked different. I think he likes it too. Our little man is definitely a fan, he was running around being loud. The smile across his face showed that the changes met his approval. I think I am going to leave it like this for a while, even though it means my desk being somewhat shoved in the corner. I suppose I could have moved the couch down a bit more to give me more room, but that would mean shifting the pictures and sconces above the couch and I wasn't up for that challenge, at least not tonight.
So, for now, I will sit back and relax. I am looking forward to sitting down and having dinner with Daddy. I love when he cooks for us. It looks delicious! I can't wait to wrap up this day snuggling up together on the couch watching a movie.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Bad, Bad Service
Ever heard of the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That seems to come to mind when I think about our dining experience this evening. Normally, when we go out to eat, we go to Cheddars. The food is very good, the service is great, and I can't think of a time we had a negative experience. I used to wait tables so I know how much hard work it is, how tiring it is on the feet, and how sometimes, no matter how nice you are, you get stuck with unappreciative guests. My point is, it takes a lot to NOT get a good tip from me.
It is extremely rare for me to give less than a twenty per cent tip. Tonight, I didn't give a dime and it was even on a $75 check. I know it sounds horrible, but if I could have given a "negative" tip, I would have considered it. The only positive thing was that we didn't have to wait for a table. It was all downhill from there. On several occasions, our server and other members of the staff, when dropping things off to our table literally plopped them down on the table without saying a word and just kept walking. Whether it was a cup of gravy, an ordered drink, a straw, they swooped in, plopped it down, and swooped right back out. Unacceptable.
I don't just go out to eat for the food. Sometimes it is to get out, enjoying a different atmosphere, but mainly it is to sit down with my family and have a nice time. Granted, we still had a good time, but the service and the food left much to be desired. The fish was bland even with a parmesan crusted topping, the mashed potatoes were cold, and a drink came with suds and floaties in it.
Next time it is my turn to choose a place to eat, it will not be Chili's!
It is extremely rare for me to give less than a twenty per cent tip. Tonight, I didn't give a dime and it was even on a $75 check. I know it sounds horrible, but if I could have given a "negative" tip, I would have considered it. The only positive thing was that we didn't have to wait for a table. It was all downhill from there. On several occasions, our server and other members of the staff, when dropping things off to our table literally plopped them down on the table without saying a word and just kept walking. Whether it was a cup of gravy, an ordered drink, a straw, they swooped in, plopped it down, and swooped right back out. Unacceptable.
I don't just go out to eat for the food. Sometimes it is to get out, enjoying a different atmosphere, but mainly it is to sit down with my family and have a nice time. Granted, we still had a good time, but the service and the food left much to be desired. The fish was bland even with a parmesan crusted topping, the mashed potatoes were cold, and a drink came with suds and floaties in it.
Next time it is my turn to choose a place to eat, it will not be Chili's!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Picky, Picky, Picky
You would probably be surprised to hear about the every day foods I have never eaten. Well, "never" until SOMEBODY kind of made me. A couple years ago, I couldn't tell you what a grape, apple, orange, pineapple, or even lettuce tasted like. I have always been an extremely picky eater. As a kid, there were a few things I was "made" to eat, gross things like baked beans, polish sausage with sauerkraut, and even venison. That's right, Bambi. Yuck. Needless to say, I did not explore with food, spices, or anything of the sort.
I ate lots of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, pizza, tacos, burgers, grilled cheese, and spaghetti. My go to lunch that I would pack for school was a cheese sandwich. Yes, that's right. Nothing fancy. Bread -- Cheese -- Bread, then pack it in a sandwich baggie and I am ready to go. Eventually I think I threw some bologna into the mix. Oh, and don't let me leave out spam. Yes, I ate spam. That was a "special treat" when we got to eat spam. I can't tell you how many times I would cut myself trying to twist that little key around the metal can to get to the spam. Fry it up and it is good to go! Delicious! The only yogurt I would entertain was Dannon Lemon yogurt. I was convinced I wouldn't like any of the others because they had fruit in it, and I didn't eat fruit. I am really not even sure why. I just didn't think I would like it.
Even as a adult, I didn't venture out beyond my go to foods; there was a lot of chicken, burgers, pizza, and pastas. Oh, how I love the pasta dishes!
My guy and I have been together for almost two years. Since the start of our story, he has "made" me try new things. Not by force, of course, but he can be pretty darn persuasive. I am a very textured eater, so grapes still freak me out a little bit when the water squirts out into my mouth, but I do like them and I deal with the texture. I try not to eat them in front of people because I am pretty sure I make a goofy face. I really like apples and eat them on pretty regular basis. They are delicious! I have been missing out on some really good stuff. Probably my favorite new experience that I pretty much beg for every time he is home is Curry Chicken. It is amazing. My taste buds go crazy for that stuff! I have now eaten watermelon, but I am pretty sure I make the same face as when eating grapes. I still don't do oranges, but I will suck the juice out of them. Today I had some bites of a chicken, bacon, ranch sandwich. I didn't think I would like the ranch part. It was really good.
I still can't tell you what a banana tastes like. That is one food I will never eat, pickles too. I can't get past the smell of either of those vastly different foods. Neither of those will every look, smell, or (I can only imagine) taste good, but at least I am exploring more. He has opened me up to so many new food choices, most of which I end up being a big fan of.
I ate lots of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, pizza, tacos, burgers, grilled cheese, and spaghetti. My go to lunch that I would pack for school was a cheese sandwich. Yes, that's right. Nothing fancy. Bread -- Cheese -- Bread, then pack it in a sandwich baggie and I am ready to go. Eventually I think I threw some bologna into the mix. Oh, and don't let me leave out spam. Yes, I ate spam. That was a "special treat" when we got to eat spam. I can't tell you how many times I would cut myself trying to twist that little key around the metal can to get to the spam. Fry it up and it is good to go! Delicious! The only yogurt I would entertain was Dannon Lemon yogurt. I was convinced I wouldn't like any of the others because they had fruit in it, and I didn't eat fruit. I am really not even sure why. I just didn't think I would like it.
Even as a adult, I didn't venture out beyond my go to foods; there was a lot of chicken, burgers, pizza, and pastas. Oh, how I love the pasta dishes!
My guy and I have been together for almost two years. Since the start of our story, he has "made" me try new things. Not by force, of course, but he can be pretty darn persuasive. I am a very textured eater, so grapes still freak me out a little bit when the water squirts out into my mouth, but I do like them and I deal with the texture. I try not to eat them in front of people because I am pretty sure I make a goofy face. I really like apples and eat them on pretty regular basis. They are delicious! I have been missing out on some really good stuff. Probably my favorite new experience that I pretty much beg for every time he is home is Curry Chicken. It is amazing. My taste buds go crazy for that stuff! I have now eaten watermelon, but I am pretty sure I make the same face as when eating grapes. I still don't do oranges, but I will suck the juice out of them. Today I had some bites of a chicken, bacon, ranch sandwich. I didn't think I would like the ranch part. It was really good.
I still can't tell you what a banana tastes like. That is one food I will never eat, pickles too. I can't get past the smell of either of those vastly different foods. Neither of those will every look, smell, or (I can only imagine) taste good, but at least I am exploring more. He has opened me up to so many new food choices, most of which I end up being a big fan of.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Frustration sets in...
To be honest, I contemplated whether or not to approach this subject in my blog, considering this blog was created as a school assignment. That having been said, this blog has become more than just a requirement; it is a way for me to get my thoughts and feelings out, often allowing me to free my stresses of the day and lessen the amount of things spinning around in my head as I prepare for sleep.
I am an online student this semester and I am growing more and more frustrated with some major differences I have experienced when I compare my current experiences with past experiences in seated classes. Tonight I am going to let it all out in hopes that I can come up with a positive, proactive way of figuring out what, if anything, I can do to improve my current outlook on this semester.
We are going into our sixth week out of a sixteen week semester; that is a pretty good chunk of time. I have yet to receive instructor feedback on several assignments that have been turned in, some of which date back to mid January. This was never a problem in the many seated classes I have taken, which leads me to believe that perhaps this is what is to be expected of online classes. It leaves me with little direction and almost no chance for improvement. Unfortunately, this is the case in the majority of my classes and I am not sure why, nor do I have a clue how to fix it.
Several times in multiple classes I have submitted assignments as instructed only to find a "0" under my grade with little to no explanation why. In one keystroke, I went from an "A+" (100%) to a "D" after having earned ten points on an assignment worth thirty points. This assignment spans three weeks of submissions, each worth ten points. Two of the weeks aren't due yet. One was due Wednesday that got extended to Friday, which is tomorrow and the third part is due next Wednesday. I submitted the first part on time (which I can only assume is where the ten points came from), I submitted the second part on it's original due date. Frustration is definitely setting in.
Okay, so I feel a little better getting that out without any use of profanity. Go me! I am going to see if I can go into work late tomorrow so that I can drop by campus and see if I can catch up with some instructors. Maybe putting a face with my name will help and I can show, in person, how important schooling and feedback is to me.
I am an online student this semester and I am growing more and more frustrated with some major differences I have experienced when I compare my current experiences with past experiences in seated classes. Tonight I am going to let it all out in hopes that I can come up with a positive, proactive way of figuring out what, if anything, I can do to improve my current outlook on this semester.
We are going into our sixth week out of a sixteen week semester; that is a pretty good chunk of time. I have yet to receive instructor feedback on several assignments that have been turned in, some of which date back to mid January. This was never a problem in the many seated classes I have taken, which leads me to believe that perhaps this is what is to be expected of online classes. It leaves me with little direction and almost no chance for improvement. Unfortunately, this is the case in the majority of my classes and I am not sure why, nor do I have a clue how to fix it.
Several times in multiple classes I have submitted assignments as instructed only to find a "0" under my grade with little to no explanation why. In one keystroke, I went from an "A+" (100%) to a "D" after having earned ten points on an assignment worth thirty points. This assignment spans three weeks of submissions, each worth ten points. Two of the weeks aren't due yet. One was due Wednesday that got extended to Friday, which is tomorrow and the third part is due next Wednesday. I submitted the first part on time (which I can only assume is where the ten points came from), I submitted the second part on it's original due date. Frustration is definitely setting in.
Okay, so I feel a little better getting that out without any use of profanity. Go me! I am going to see if I can go into work late tomorrow so that I can drop by campus and see if I can catch up with some instructors. Maybe putting a face with my name will help and I can show, in person, how important schooling and feedback is to me.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Extra Tight Squeezes
There is only one thing on my mind tonight, so here goes...
Something devastating happened very close to where I live yesterday, just before 5pm. A beautiful little 10-year-old girl, who I can only imagine was full of life, was taken off the street. She was walking the two blocks to get from her friend's house to home and a man in a truck stopped and asked her for directions. He lured her in close enough to grab her and did just that. A man who happened to be out in his garage saw it happen. He chased the truck, but of course, the truck was out of sight in mere seconds. Thankfully, they did get his plate number and Amber Alerts went out quickly. My understanding from reports published online this evening is that he was captured within three hours of the incidents onset. Unfortunately, that wasn't fast enough for little Hailey Owens, whose body was discovered in his home.
I can't help but to think of my babies and having to imagine my life without them is incomprehensible. I can't do it. Tragedies like this happen and it just reminds me that our worlds can change in an instant. We aren't guaranteed anything in this life. I have been talking to my kids a lot about being aware of their surroundings, staying away from "strangers." The truth is, it may not be a stranger. This man was a football coach and a teacher's aide. I understand that he did not work at her school, but again, it just reminds me that horrible people with evil intentions can come in all shapes and forms. They can be our neighbors, our teachers, our friends and God forbid even our families.
Of course, we can't go through life thinking that everyone is out to get us, because then we are no longer living, we are just surviving. I hope something good comes from such evil things. I hope that every parent out there is hugging their children extra tight this evening, as I will be, and thanking God for keeping them safe. I will pray for Hailey's soul, I know she is with God. I will pray for her family, her friends, our entire community that has been rocked by this terrible event. I hope that you will too.
"Porch Lights for Hailey Owens" was started on Facebook. There are porch lights all over the U.S. that will stay lit tonight, including mine, to show support to her family during this horrific time. There will also be a Candlelight Vigil in downtown Springfield this Saturday night on Commercial Street at 8pm.
I am squeezing my babies extra tight this evening. They will have to get over it. I am their mama and I want them to always know how very precious they are to me. I just wish my backbone was home to give me the same squeezes and tell me that everything is going to be okay.
Something devastating happened very close to where I live yesterday, just before 5pm. A beautiful little 10-year-old girl, who I can only imagine was full of life, was taken off the street. She was walking the two blocks to get from her friend's house to home and a man in a truck stopped and asked her for directions. He lured her in close enough to grab her and did just that. A man who happened to be out in his garage saw it happen. He chased the truck, but of course, the truck was out of sight in mere seconds. Thankfully, they did get his plate number and Amber Alerts went out quickly. My understanding from reports published online this evening is that he was captured within three hours of the incidents onset. Unfortunately, that wasn't fast enough for little Hailey Owens, whose body was discovered in his home.
I can't help but to think of my babies and having to imagine my life without them is incomprehensible. I can't do it. Tragedies like this happen and it just reminds me that our worlds can change in an instant. We aren't guaranteed anything in this life. I have been talking to my kids a lot about being aware of their surroundings, staying away from "strangers." The truth is, it may not be a stranger. This man was a football coach and a teacher's aide. I understand that he did not work at her school, but again, it just reminds me that horrible people with evil intentions can come in all shapes and forms. They can be our neighbors, our teachers, our friends and God forbid even our families.
Of course, we can't go through life thinking that everyone is out to get us, because then we are no longer living, we are just surviving. I hope something good comes from such evil things. I hope that every parent out there is hugging their children extra tight this evening, as I will be, and thanking God for keeping them safe. I will pray for Hailey's soul, I know she is with God. I will pray for her family, her friends, our entire community that has been rocked by this terrible event. I hope that you will too.
"Porch Lights for Hailey Owens" was started on Facebook. There are porch lights all over the U.S. that will stay lit tonight, including mine, to show support to her family during this horrific time. There will also be a Candlelight Vigil in downtown Springfield this Saturday night on Commercial Street at 8pm.
I am squeezing my babies extra tight this evening. They will have to get over it. I am their mama and I want them to always know how very precious they are to me. I just wish my backbone was home to give me the same squeezes and tell me that everything is going to be okay.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
What comes to mind when you hear the word 'Pandora' ?
I think when most people talk about 'Pandora' they imagine the free, personalized internet radio that plays music its operator selects. When I think of 'Pandora', I think about the most special gift I have ever received that doesn't eat, sleep, or poop. Sometimes I get emails and in the subject line I see this word, my eyes light up with excitement, only to find out it is about music and not my favorite store in the mall.
I discovered Pandora bracelets a few years ago. Of course, I had charm bracelets when I was younger, but nothing like the detail and thoughtfulness of a beautiful Pandora bracelet. I never bought myself one. I thought it was silly to get one for myself. I wanted it to be special. Well, a while back, my special guy sent me to the mall to get my special bracelet. He was out of town working, or I am sure he would have braved the mall himself.
My breathtaking bracelet that sparkles with magnificent beauty started off with three charms, one representing each of my children. An adorable, fat penguin, a 'lil' hanging monkey, and a horse/donkey. It looks like a horse, but I assure you, it is all donkey! I won't tell which belongs to who and why; Only the gift giver and I are privy to that information.
Each charm has such a special meaning to me. I have a charm that is a stack of school books with an owl in a cap and gown on one side and "STUDY" on the other side; I got this one for earning a 4.0 at OTC. I have an adorable little giraffe because it is my favorite animal at the zoo. Evey time I look at it, I think about the day we too our little boy to the zoo for the very first time. That was a really special day. I have a hanging charm that is a mini Claddagh Irish ring. I had a ring just like this when I was in high school, it was probably my favorite piece of jewelry. What amazes me is that I don't think my special guy knew that. A heart with a lock and key, a "family" charm, a Bible charm, even a charm that has my favorite color in it.
The only charms I picked out were the ones representing my three children. How do they manage to pick out the perfect charm at the perfect time? I think it is because Daddy pays attention. He invests in me, in us. The moment I put it on, I feel the love that went into picking out each and every charm. I wonder what will come next...
I discovered Pandora bracelets a few years ago. Of course, I had charm bracelets when I was younger, but nothing like the detail and thoughtfulness of a beautiful Pandora bracelet. I never bought myself one. I thought it was silly to get one for myself. I wanted it to be special. Well, a while back, my special guy sent me to the mall to get my special bracelet. He was out of town working, or I am sure he would have braved the mall himself.
My breathtaking bracelet that sparkles with magnificent beauty started off with three charms, one representing each of my children. An adorable, fat penguin, a 'lil' hanging monkey, and a horse/donkey. It looks like a horse, but I assure you, it is all donkey! I won't tell which belongs to who and why; Only the gift giver and I are privy to that information.
Each charm has such a special meaning to me. I have a charm that is a stack of school books with an owl in a cap and gown on one side and "STUDY" on the other side; I got this one for earning a 4.0 at OTC. I have an adorable little giraffe because it is my favorite animal at the zoo. Evey time I look at it, I think about the day we too our little boy to the zoo for the very first time. That was a really special day. I have a hanging charm that is a mini Claddagh Irish ring. I had a ring just like this when I was in high school, it was probably my favorite piece of jewelry. What amazes me is that I don't think my special guy knew that. A heart with a lock and key, a "family" charm, a Bible charm, even a charm that has my favorite color in it.
The only charms I picked out were the ones representing my three children. How do they manage to pick out the perfect charm at the perfect time? I think it is because Daddy pays attention. He invests in me, in us. The moment I put it on, I feel the love that went into picking out each and every charm. I wonder what will come next...
Monday, February 17, 2014
I can be SUCH a girl!
Here's the thing. MY pancakes are special! First of all, they are perfectly golden brown, fluffy, thick but not too thick little bites of deliciousness! I am by no means a chef and I am not very creative in the kitchen, although I wish I was. But, I can make a killer breakfast. It's not just my pancakes. It's cheesy eggs with a hint of pepper, it's hash browns - the little square ones - sometimes with peppers, and it's turkey sausage or turkey bacon. If I make you MY pancakes, it's because it's something I know I can get right. I know you are going to love them. So just appreciate the gesture and don't go anywhere else to get pancakes! Yes, this really is about my pancakes. I am fully aware of how silly I sound and as I type this I wonder; is this neurotic? It must be a girl thing.
I find the simplest things and make them special. In reality, it's who I am doing all these little things with that make whatever it is so darn special. I don't want to see movies without him because there is no better way to watch a movie. I want to be curled up on our couch together with him making me try combinations of snack foods that I would never think to put together. They always turn out tasty; my pancakes are better.
So, if he comes across a Denny's or an IHOP in his travels, he can order lunch, or he can order dinner, he can even order breakfast, just NOT the pancakes!
I find the simplest things and make them special. In reality, it's who I am doing all these little things with that make whatever it is so darn special. I don't want to see movies without him because there is no better way to watch a movie. I want to be curled up on our couch together with him making me try combinations of snack foods that I would never think to put together. They always turn out tasty; my pancakes are better.
So, if he comes across a Denny's or an IHOP in his travels, he can order lunch, or he can order dinner, he can even order breakfast, just NOT the pancakes!
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