Surviving and Why

I asked this question often, as the child of an elderly parent who has managed to make all my years of growing up complicated and difficult. Most people say, he's 82, he's a widower, blah blah blah. I thank you for just trying to say something to make me or the situation better. Unfortnately, nothing will work. I often think about a book I might write, even though I'm sure a million have been written already.....but a book on growing up with parents with various mental illnesses (which names were not invented until recent years) and that it means despite all that, you can still grow up to be a good person, law abiding and most of all, a loving and devoted parent. Are there times that I ask....why me? Sure. Doesn't everyone? I could think of worse things, and others have lived far worse lives. So what do you do? You make the best of each day, vent to those caring individuals who will listen and understand, pick yourself up, make someone else happy, give extra hugs and kisses to your kids, and just be happy that you got up, have a roof over your head and can make as little or the most out of your day(s) ahead. No matter how hard another individual tries (and no matter how long) to complicate your life, you have a choice. Either let them or prove to yourself, you can be who and what you want. If you live with any type of torment in your life, hold on to something in your life. Believe in something if you can't believe in yourself. Be there for someone if you can't be there for yourself. Give your life meaning. You count. Don't let anyone tell you differently. God gave us many gifts and internal powers, let him guide you and show you the way. Pray. Believe. Survive.

Dedication to the Mouse

I was sad to learn that there was another passing of "the mouse". Wayne Allwine, the actor who voiced Mickey Mouse for more than 30 years, has died. He was 62. Allwine joined Disney in 1966 when he took a job in the mail room. He went on to work in the sound effects department and began voicing the company's main mouse in 1977. Allwine was the third man behind Mickey's voice.

Who would have thought, start out as a mail room clerk and end up as THE MICKEY MOUSE! Goes to show you, anything is possible.

"My only hope is that we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney

Giveaways and winners

I hope some of you entered the amazing giveaways. I managed to win the Sees Candy. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE chocolate so that was the perfect win but I'm sure my blood sugar won't thank me. Of course, the digital camera or beautiful jewelry would have been a cool thing to win. Some how, it's the candy that seeks me out. Where it can adhere to me - especially my butt. Why is that? Of all the amazing things on that list to win, I win the candy. I even said that as I was entering the contest....I bet I will win the candy. Regardless....as I have said before, winning giveaways is my new way of shopping. Whether its candy or a really cook birdhouse or beautiful wrapping paper (almost too lovely to use) or a Hannah Montana DVD....I'll take it. It makes me feel special and I LOVE getting packages in the mail. Bring on the giveaways!!

Beautiful Memories

When I saw this posting on Techsavvymama, I couldn't help but immediately think of my mother and grandmother, who both passed before their time and leaving a void in my life. What a beautiful way to keep a memory close to you. If you would like a chance to win one of these necklaces - go to http://www.techsavvymama.com/ or just go to this sight to read about the jewelry, you may want one for a gift for someone you love or yourself. Thanks again Tech Savvy Mama for sharing.

The Tree of Life Charm is handmade by Mark and Carla Mead of Black Mountain Jewelry Company. The jewelry is made from 100% recycled metals and fair trade gemstones. They also give 5% of each sale to Children’s charities. This collection was designed to help people find strength, feel connected and to celebrate life in a way that becomes possible when you have a tangible talisman, a physical reminder you can touch and be reminded of what touches you. www.blackmountainjewelry.com

Free Fabulous Giveaways

I follow a bunch of different blogs, some that have fab giveaways from time to time. If you have a few minutes to spare, go to www.techsavvymama.com and check the latest giveaways - must enter by May 6th! I've won a bunch of different things - I like winning stuff - its my new method of shopping!!

Just my luck

I haven't posted for a while, been run down, coughing, under the weather....thought maybe I could have mono. Nope. Pneumonia. It's springbreak. Must be my luck. Then there was the craziness of trying to get tickets for the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. I tried every 5 minutes, all day long. Even got through to the very end at the checkout several times...when I clicked confirm, did I get a confirmation? No. Did I get tickets? No. What did I get? "Sorry, no tickets available". What kinda crap is that - They say I have tickets, they are checking me out and then - nothing?! What a horrible day and a waste. The White House internet service sucked. Then Holly Madison got booted off Dancing with the Stars early. Just my luck. Okay, I admit, she wasn't very good...not at all. But I still was rooting for her. Now she is gone and I've lost interest in another season. Then there is son #3 who has had strep 3 times in 8 weeks. Dr. says "it happens". Yeah right, just my luck. I think I have spent more time on the phone trying to find a sub to work my hours than anything else this winter season. I'm sure there are some other things that have made this past month less than desirable - just too tired to think of them right now. Taking my guys and nieces to Imagination Stage for the show Heidi this afternoon. Just me and them. Them and me. Them laughing and giggling about EVERYTHING - even if there isn't anything. Me - dreaming of sleeping. But it's spring break, and sitting around not doing anything just doesn't sound fun. So off we go. Even though my luck seems to be in the toilet - and flushed, when I have bursts of energy, I feel quite lucky to have my guys and nieces to spend a wonderful afternoon at the theater, enjoying a great show, eating pizza and listening to all the jokes that preschoolers can possibly makeup....and continue to laugh and giggle at them all!

Dancing with the Stars

Okay, I am not ashamed to discuss my addiction to reality shows. I think my days are so crazy hazy that watching anything other than mindless TV gets me through the day (note my comments on TV in previous post). So what kind of reality shows do I like or love....well, ones that have captivated me from time to time and on a regular basis (please, no comments and I have no reason why so don't ask) are Jon & Kate plus 8, 18 kids and counting (okay, I like ones with big families), Little People, Big World, Dog the Bounty Hunter (don't even comment!) and lets not leave out "The Girls Next Door". Okay, so now I've let you in on my shame (or enjoyment, depending on how you take it). So where is all this blah blah going....well, another favorite show of mine is Dancing with the Stars. I didn't watch last season because no one interested me. However, the season before I was cheering Marie Osmond big time!! Now the new season started tonight. I wasn't very thrilled with the original line up. BUT THEN, the unthinkable happened, someone got injured and replaced with HOLLY MADISON from "The Girls Next Door". Now I know what you are thinking. Why on earth would I even watch a show about Playboy bunnies and about a woman of 26 sleeping with a man 80???!! I asked myself many times over. First thinking I might need therapy to figure it out. I thought Holly was the biggest idiot alive. Okay, she still might be, but after you watched the show for a while, she grows on you. You may not be able to understand it, but you also start to accept her immense love for Hugh (who she has since broken up with because he wouldn't marry her and couldn't father a baby). Holly is just searching for love, happiness and fulfilment in life - like many of us do on a daily basis. So I am thrilled to say, I will be cheering Holly on this season. Get those phones out, start dialing...Holly, Holly, HOLLY!! (p.s. no I'm not drunk while writing this)