Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

That boyish look from Wham!

Choose Life...I choose you.

Later that five 'o clock shadow.

That ass. Oh I had Faith.

My crush grew stronger over the years.

I just knew one day we'd be together.

Then I found out I wasn't your type. The dream was over.

I was ok.

There was always Boy George.

'KETCHUP WITH US' - PROMPT#2 from mel and michelle

Tell us in 57 words or less about your biggest celebrity crush from childhood. Or, you know, now. Either way.

I loved this prompt. Reading through all of the entries thus far brought up so many memories. I flashed back to my childhood bedroom, and all of the posters I had hanging up. I remembered the poster of George Michael hanging up where he was shaking his ass. It was fabulous. My hubs was looking over my shoulder as I was searching for images. He started laughing, and said "you know, he lives down by my office. His neighbor is one of my clients." This just confirms that he never wanted to be too far away from me. Wonder if he has Boy George's number? 

Challenge Excepted

Week 1: Eight Week Challenge
On September 4th, Pish Posh offered up a challenge that I couldn't resist. I excepted her challenge verbally through Twitter, but the craziness leading up to my daughter's 6th birthday I didn't write about it. However, I had Pish in the back of my head. Or maybe she was floating around. Nonetheless, she was there, in the voice that I gave her. She's stern, but nice. You see,  I too enjoy my yummy craft beers and cheese. Who doesn't? With that being said, I have essentially spent the last year and a half traveling for fun. So what happens when you travel for fun? You gain some not so fun weight. Well, not anymore. I excepted this challenge, and now it's on! Plus, I have a few more trips coming up. I'd like to slim back down before I head out for the next ones. So here's her challenge....
The challenge is to cut out an unhealthy habit and add a better one. This can be anything you want it to be. Pick something real - and stick with it. For 8 weeks.
For this challenge, I choose to replace my unhealthy habit  of sitting on my ass too much with running 5 days a week. I will ensure this happens by getting up the ass crack of dawn before anyone else even thinks about moving. I will put on some tunes, and run 2 miles every morning after I slam a cup of coffee. I will eventually increase, and get back to the days I did long distance running. 
Week 2: Friendship and Insecurity
Your Challenge from Pish Posh

• Laugh with a friend
• Give and receive compliments
• Don't listen to your crazy brain
• Let your insecurities take a vacation
• Work HARDER and no excuses

Last week started out slow, BUT I did get out and run/walk twice. I got up at 4:45 am, and was out the door by 5:15. It was awesome. I loved every second of it. Since the challenge was thrown down Tuesday, I began Wednesday morning. I ran the whole time, and could not wait until the next morning. I accomplished so much more in the morning. Getting my child up for school was so much smoother because I got to have some ME time first. However, with such a glorious start to my challenge, I was so sore the next day. I ended up not going. I ended up being really disappointed, but was determined to do it again the next morning. I had told my neighbor what I was doing, and she decided to join me. Which was great...except for one thing. We walked. I loved having a friend to do this with, but I prefer to run. I want to feel the burn, the sweat dripping, get the blood flowing. 
This morning I snuck out, and ran alone. For once in my life when it comes to buddying up with a friend, I am finding it hard to do. Now I need to run. It feels good. I loved looking up at the stars while the moon was still hiding. I loved having my tunes flowing as I felt the ground beneath my feet. I loved having a jump on the rest of the world. Alone. 
So...  I will laugh with a friend....just not during MY run. I will give and receive compliments. Giving is the easy part. I will not listen to my crazy brain...I'll listen to the floating Pish Posh where it once was.  I will let my insecurities take a vacation, but I'm still not going to let anyone see me naked...for now. I will work harder, and I will not make excuses...unless it's an excuse to work out more.  
I have found that once I except a challenge, I can complete it. My ultimate goal is to be down 20 lbs by Halloween, just in time for my second vacation from now. Hopefully 10 lbs will be done by my first trip. 

Happy 6th Birthday ~ Lizard

Can this really be happening? 

Where did the time go? 

Wasn't I just in labor for 19 hours?

Wasn't I just setting eyes on you for the first time? 

Why am I sitting here crying?

Could you really be SIX YEARS OLD?!

  

It is true. My sweet baby girl is turning 6 today. I look back and think of the how we had everything planned out. My hubs and decided we'd get married, and wait five years to have a baby. So when that five years was up, we began "trying." Didn't think much of it at first. It's just going to happen. Well six months of trying, counting days, and pulling out all the tricks, I was beginning to feel like it would never happen. So, the hubs and I decided to take a vacation. Not just a vacation, but an all-inclusive vacation to Cabo San Lucas in January. We had been looking forward to our trip. I'm a planner. So, we I had it all planned out. One thing I forgot to plan for was the dreaded on set of aunt flo. You see, my body is a planner too. It is like clock work. So days before we were leaving, she hadn't shown up. My heart started to race. I knew. I just knew. So what did I do? I took a test, and I called my sister and mom summons them over. As soon as they got there, he knew something was up. We ran to the bathroom, and well...you know, I peed! POSITIVE! I ran out and told my hubs. He didn't believe me. He said, "but we're going on vacation finally. It's all-inclusive." He was truly in shock. Once he realized he could still enjoy some Corona and drinks with little umbrellas in them, he was cool.  Then, I think it really started to sink in for him. We talked about what it was going to be like. He already had a son that was now 12, and now a new baby on the way. It felt like our plan was coming together. 

There is one thing I could not plan for though...how much I loved her, instantly. From the time I found out we were pregnant, to the first time we heard that little heart beat, to the first sonograms to the next one, to the first time I felt her move, and until the day I finally laid eyes on our beautiful baby girl. I still have that first glimpse of her etched in my mind. I think of that moment often. It was like time stood still for that very moment we had planned for. I am so thankful. 

I recently ran across the email I sent out with pictures of her, and announcing that we were home. 

Well- Ryan is finally here. She was born on Sept. 7, 2006. She weighed 7.4 oz. and was 19 inches long. We finally were able to come home on Sept. 11. We had to stay a couple of extra days because she was a little jondice, and was having trouble with gagging which led to choking. So after phototherpy, an upper GI scan, and many labs results later she was given the okay to go home. She is a beautiful and healthy baby girl. I can't wait for all of you to meet her. You'll fall in love instantly!! (I know we did!)

Kari, Jason, Drew, and Ryan

This brought an enormous smile to my face because along with it, I have the responses. It reminds me of how blessed we are. The last 6 years (and 9 months) have been the best years of my life, and I could not have asked for anything more. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!! 

Here's a few of my favorite pictures from the last 6 years.

DID YOU REALLY EXPECT ME TO PICK JUST ONE? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY GIRL!

I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE ADVENTURES WITH YOU.

XOXO! 

It's a Boy~Don't change his diaper!

My sister: Isn't he adorable?

Me: of coarse.

Sister: Can you change his diaper?

Me: Yes! He's my snuggle bug!

Sister: Boys are different.

Me: Whatever! *sprays me in the face*

Sister: hahahaha! Told you.

Me: I've been initiated. Won't happen again.

Though it did. Many times. That kid peed on me All. The. Time. No matter how his diaper was on. 

Love him. Sweetest boy ever. Plus he's 10. He doesn't pee on me anymore.

Let's Ketchup with ONDT and According to Mags!

*Decided not to link up, but still enjoyed the prompt. I still have an entry over there. Go check it out! 

Trifecta~Grief

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about grief--It is crippling."

First time submission for Trifextra. What better way to start than with a short prompt on this holiday weekend.

The prompt is...

Robert Frost one said, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." We want you to do the same. Sum up anything you want, but do it in three words. Your response should mirror Frost's quote by beginning, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about--." And the last four words are yours to choose.

Thanks Coach...

I can see the path you're headed on. It's not good. You have so much to offer the world. You don't want to look back with regrets. I'm only telling you this because I believe in you.

I wish I had listened.

I'm so thankful for second chances...those words rang true. It's never too late.

 

So here are the rules for "KETCHUP WITH US"

Along with the picture will be a writing prompt. We ask that you respond to the prompt in 57 (yes, FIFTY-SEVEN) words or less. You can write a story, poem, experience, post your own picture, a song you wrote in the shower or whatever strikes your fancy. All we ask is for your creativity (and we know you guys have PLENTY of that)! We will also post a "featured blogger" each week from the previous week's link-up that poured it out on their blog. 

According to KBar...

Me: Hey Mel, I hear it's your birthday!

Mel: Yep! I'm finally 21. Can you believe it? *adjusting her tiara*

Me: Ummm....really? You're still going with that? 

Mel: What?!?!?!

Me: Alrighty then, grab your ID. Let's go get a drink. 

Mel & Me: *clink* CHEERS!


I can not tell you how much I love this girl! When you look up the definition of a friend, I'm pretty damn sure she would show up. Mel, you have been a guiding light for me. You inspire me in so many different ways in my life. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you and your family. One of the best days was when I got to meet you and the whole family...on Mother's Day no doubt! You inspire me as a mother, a friend, a wife, a writer (I use that term loosely), a human, and soon to be runner again! I'm so happy to be able to wish you a birthday in this fashion. Hell, if it weren't for you I wouldn't even have the option. Thank you my friend...I love you.

Mother's Day 2012 with Mel...aka...According to Mags

And now I leave you with this little gem.

Wait...Did you think Ryan would let me leave her out? Ummm...NO WAY! 

Happy Birthday Mel! Sending you Bright Birthday Wishes!!

Go check out Night Light Stories, and Mrs. Mel will send you birthday wishes too!

Wait! We have some more folks that want to wish you Happy Birthday. The Amatos, Amatos, Amatos, Amatos, Amatos, Amatos,  Donna Amato...Geno and Sofia too. Clink the link above to hear what I have dubbed this her theme song. Sing along with me. Won't you?


According to Donna...

This video is pure AWESOME! 

It was awesome to work with some of the really great people to put this together. Look at you, bringing people together! A special thanks to all of the following people. Go check out their "According to..... Birthday wishes. 

ElGuapo

ODNT

My Blog Can Beat Up Your Blog
The Joy of Joe
Betty Rants, and the Raggs
Sandipaints

*For those of you that read the this post on Sept 1st you may notice a few differences. I'm not pointing any fingers mostly because I'm using them, but someone erased all the contents on accident. I learned a very valuable lesson. Don't do that again. Thank god for my Mac. Thank you Apple for screenshots in your history. I just wish they went all the way to the bottom of the page, but I just had to redo this post since it was for Mel. :)