Waiting...is the hardest part

My husband is having surgery today.  And I'm sitting in the waiting room....waiting.

That is truly so difficult.

I'm thankful for the free wi-fi connection and also that my laptop has such a great battery.

Send happy and good thoughts his way.  I'll update as I can later on.

UPDATE:  Surgery was VERY successful and he did GREAT!  (phew)

Stress....SUCKS!

One thing that remains that ALL of us can relate to is that

STRESS SUCKS!!

Yes it certainly does.

However, stress relief (when one can get it) is wonderful.  However when you on an extremely limited budget and your time is filled with many different things to do with very little down time....that relief is not so common.

Doing things that make you happy...shopping, hanging with friends, working out, reading, surfing the net, getting a massage, manicures/pedicures,  etc... are some of the most common solutions.

BUT...

What if you are on that budget?? What if you don't have time??  What do you do then??  How do you relieve the tension in your shoulders? the headache behind your eyes? etc???

A few simple things you can do that don't cost a thing.....


1. Breathe, when you feel tense, take 10 slow, deep breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth.

2. Touch, hug someone, hold hands, stroke a pet, make non-sexual physical contact with people, brush your hair.

3. Communicate, be honest with your Self and others. Ask for what you want. Express your true feelings when they occur.

...those things are easy (for the most part).




What do you do when you have no place to turn, no one to vent to, no where to get relief??  Life is hard enough, when stress is added in things can get overwhelming.

RIP Whitney

At first I was hoping this was just someone playing a joke that had gone viral saying that Whitney Houston was gone...but so sadly she has passed.

No one will ever (in my opinion) compare singing the national anthem like she did.  I get chills every time.

RIP Whitney Houston, you were taken way to soon.  We will miss you.

March of Dimes walk

I have decided to join "Teamie Premie" in the March of Dimes walk,

I have set a preliminary goal of raising $300.  I'm hoping to get more.

This will take place on:

May 6, 2012 at 10am starting at the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA!


Please feel free to donate (if you can) or even better yet, feel free to join me in the walk.

Aflac totally ROCKS!

I've said it once...and I'll say it again.  Aflac totally ROCKS!!

I've had it now for over 3 years (almost 4) and I cannot tell you how much of a life saver it is.  The extra costs from visits to the emergency room to a whole cycle of physical therapy really adds up and what Aflac gives back makes it all break even (or in some cases gets you ahead of the game).

Here is the link to Aflac's website.....

I highly recommend looking into it and/or suggesting to your employer (if they do not already have it).  It is making it able to get the things we truly need with our tight budget.

So thankful.  I had to sing their praises and share how wonderful they are.  Everyone should have them.

If you'd like the name to my representative...he's awesome too.  Just let me know, I'd be happy to share. (sometimes the amounts coming back from the claim sounds too good to be true...but guess what it's NOT....they really take care of you).

Happy Groundhog Day 2012

For those of you in the USA...

Happy Groundhog Day 2012!!

Well if you follow Punxsutawney Phil....he says "6 more weeks of winter"

Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow - read more here

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Buckeye Chuck says it's gonna be "an early spring"

Read what Buckeye Chuck predicts HERE

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General Lee thinks it will be "an early spring" too

General Lee give his orders for the weather....see it here.

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I don't know who you follow or what you read/watch...
but I think it will be an early spring (especially since it was 70 degrees just a few days ago).

Who do you follow?? Does your area have a groundhog or a specific mascot that predicts the weather??  Tell us about them or better yet post a link.

What every person should know about their son/daughter

So many people in this day and age have opinions on how to raise or treat or even know about kids.  And to be honest, it's true...kids today are growing up a LOT faster now than even 30 years ago.  Technology and resources are a tremendous help...but nothing takes the place of one on one interaction and affection.

I found 2 different blogs that just stuck out in my mind.  They are totally worth the time to read.  Even though they are themed for moms and sons and fathers and daughters...it truly applies to any parent of a boy or a girl. 

What every father should know about their daughters

"What every father should know about their daughters" is a really good and quick read about just general attitude towards your little girl (or boy).

Next....

25 Rules for Mothers of sons

"25 Rules" blog entry is really a good set of guidelines too for either a son or daughter. 



I really enjoyed reading both of those, and even though I already knew OF those things...it is so easy to lose sight of them.  Especially in the long run.  If being a parent isn't hard enough already.

Also a good thing about these is that even if you DON'T have kids it's a good resource for people and it can help in how you or the advice you can give others on how to treat/get along with kids.

Please feel free to share, or even add a link if you've found a better posting somewhere...I'd love to read it.

Hockey...a way of life

For those of you familiar with hockey (on any level) or maybe not even at all, this video really does explain how hockey is truly a way of life. 

Here is the link if the embeded video doesn't work.

Please watch...it really is well done.

For once, our voices were heard

SOPA has been delayed, for now. The House has agreed to revisit the issue next month, but they now know the White House will veto any bill that’s not more narrowly focused.

US President says so long to SOPA

So glad Wikipedia  and Google did what they did yesterday.  The public has spoken.

Way to go!!

Do your part and make your voice heard

Two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, would censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American business. Millions of Internet users and entrepreneurs already oppose SOPA and PIPA.
The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let them know how you feel. Sign this petition urging Congress to vote NO on PIPA and SOPA before it is too late.

Google link to take action
or go to

Wikipedia's home page
they are blacked out today (full 24 hours) and there is an area to fill in your zip code to get the name of your local reps in Congress so you know who to contact about your views on this.  Even includes a contact form.



BE HEARD!!!

What ever happened to.... a courtesy wave??

You know...I was wondering the other day and even this morning on my way into work, as someone cut me off.  What ever happened to the courtesy wave people used to give while driving??  Don't get me wrong, some people in fact, DO still give one.  But that has become so rare, especially around where I live in the Washington DC/Virginia area.

When in traffic usually it was a nice way to say "thank you" for letting me merge over or if someone was nice enough to stop and let you turn in front of them.

Yes, I do admit that I do not always give a wave.  But usually I do try to and I have found myself lately saying "YOU'RE WELCOME!"  in a sarcastic way to those that just cut me off in traffic or even to those I've stopped for and they just go thinking it was there right to begin with.

I know this is not really that important...it's just a random topic.

Is the courtesy wave alive and well where you are??  Do you give one??  Tell me.

Taking your own advice...not easy

You know how you can give someone (a friend, family member, etc) some really good advice and you are so proud of it. But turning it around and doing it yourself?? Not easy at all.

Have patience.
Take things slow.
Don't forget to breathe.
Do something/take time for yourself.
Take a step back.
Stay in bed (if your ill or sick).
Ask for help.

....etc...

I wish sometimes I could just kick myself to remember the advice I give to other sometimes, because when you are reminded of your own words don't you just feel like "I should've known better"  UGH.

What are some words of advice that you've given others lately or whenever that you have needed to remember for yourself?? (interesting perspective isn't it)  Share them.

Doing things for yourself = therapeutic

Now that the new year has begun and the resolution warriors are out in force. Those who impact your normal routine, don't worry. Give it a little time and things will more than likely go back to what you are used to.

One little thing you really should not forget is to do things for yourself. No matter how little or how large. Something as simple as taking a longer than normal shower/bath or buying a special treat for yourself at the store; to as large as making a major purchase for yourself (car, house, etc). It is completely therapeutic to do this on a regular basis.

Don't focus on the things you don't have or want...just look at the things that you CAN obtain or do for yourself. If you focus on the others too much that would be enough to depress ANYONE and EVERYONE.

Do your best to keep a positive outlook, no matter how hard things may be. (yes, I know most of the time that is truly easier said than done) It will certainly be in your best interest and when you look back on it you will be glad that you did.


For myself the thing that I do for myself is putting on make up. Yeah I know that doesn't sound like much but for someone like me with two little toddlers at home, that is HUGE.

So what have you done for yourself lately? (tell me)

From me to all of you!!

Closing statement for 2011 and my thoughts on resolutions

A lot of people get very profound in thinking about the past 365 days and what has either happened or not happened. This is my attempt at it, or at least my view of my year. Don't worry it's not going to be long at all (at least I hope not).

2011 started out actually rather well to be honest. Camryn was finally adjusting to having a baby brother and was getting over the fact that Santa won't come back until next year. Hunter was growing like crazy (and still is to this day). Camryn turned 2, friends had babies, other friends got married.

We had our first Mexico trip with the kiddos, boy was that an adventure. Hunter went with 4 teeth and came home with 7. We are going to wait another few summers before we go back, just to be on the safe side.

Hunter turned 1 and began walking that same week too. We became a 1 income family thanks to Congress. Just hoping for the right opportunity to find my dear husband and get the offer that will take a tremendous amount of stress off of our shoulders. I'm tremendously thankful for such an amazing boss and a kick ass group of people I work with at the office. I could not have made it through some of the rough times without them, even if it was just an ear to listen. I'm very grateful for you.

Health had some interesting twist this year as well. Both hubby and I injured our leg (2 weeks apart too). Hubby hurt his ankle and I hurt my foot. I popped 5 tendons in the top of my left foot (ouch) and hubby has torn 2 tendons in his right ankle (and possibly worse). My injury with the help of physical therapy has healed and I'm pain free. As for dear hubby...one tendon has healed and the 2nd (probably) not at all. We're hoping his gets better soon after the 2nd cycle of physical therapy and wearing Das Boot for a good while. I'm pulling for ya sweetie.

As for me with another issue at hand, I'm just hoping the Dr's are able to control my heart and such with medications. I'm seeing a cardiologist in the middle of January and I will hopefully have some more answers then too, (here's to hoping).

Resolutions.

I'm really not a fan of them, because what usually ends up happening is people set their sights sooooooooooooooo big. And the moment they fail or stumble in any way on the road to making it there...they give up or just stop trying. I wish people would just remember to keep the big sights in their mind but set their goals/resolutions small so that you can add to them as the year goes on. People also don't realize you can adapt/change a resolution at any time. I love the ones who think that they are cast in stone and made a rule and once deviated from it, it's over. Lighten up people. Remember your resolutions are your own, you put more stress on yourself when you share them with others. Just chill out and take your time to get there.

I hope you all recover well from the craziness that was 2011 (at least it was crazy for me). Wishing you and yours a Safe and Happy 2012. See ya on the flip side.


~Chelle

Track Santa with NORAD!!

Here ya go, if you didn't already know...or even if you didn't care. Above is a LIVE view of where Santa is right now in the world dropping off toys and presents to good little boys/girls AND adults this Christmas. Track Santa this Christmas Eve with the USA's NORAD!! I want to give a personal Thank You to all of those who volunteer each year to make sure that this is a success. Thanks so much. Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday.

An amazing and powerful post from SDL

This is too much of an amazing blog post from Single Dad Laughing (SDL)
Post Titled: I'm Christian, Unless you're gay.

It took an amazing amount of courage to write something like that.  It is true not everyone will agree with what he has to say, and everyone has that right.  As much of a right as he has to write it.

I'm so thankful for the supportive people I have in my life and I do my best to reach out to those (when I can) to help/comfort/support them.

Tis the season (to be....)

You know, there are so many things to be thankful for (for all of us). 

But there are also so many things that makes this time of year a complete roller coaster of emotion.  Things you are happy and thankful for.  Things you are sad about.  Things you want and things you need (never the same thing, usually). 

When asked what I wanted for Christmas, I couldn't answer.  I truly can't think of anything I 'want' for Christmas.  Yes gifts are nice, but there are so many things we need right now that those material things just don't matter to me. 

I just want my kids to be happy and smiling.  For the roof to stay over our head, for all of the bills to be continued to be paid on time.  For our fridge to have food for the kids.  For my hubby's foot to get better and for an employer to give him a call and a job.  For my doggy to be the great doggy she is.    That is what I want.

I've been saying a lot of little prayers for friends that are in need and for those who have time much harder than ours.  Tis the season, to think about what is truly important in life.  I'm so thankful for all of my family and friends. 

I hope you all have at least the opportunity to have someone or many people in your life who can help and support you in a time of need, especially during the holiday season.  Remember, it is never too late to give back or pay it forward.

Suffering in silence

Suffering in silence.

It's rough in any context really.  You could be sick, or fighting an illness, living in pain from an injury, depression, anxiety, sadness, etc.

This is not a good thing, especially if you do not have to. Myself just like many others I know I am one who tends to do my best to suffer in silence.  An illness yet to be diagnosed with symptoms that are just awful but with medicine can be treated are a savior. 

Some who are bullied usually keep things in to themselves until it becomes too much.  And even trying to talk to someone isn't enough release for the amount of energy that has been stored.

Persons with pain or any kind of physical injury..the hardest part is waiting.  It is true time (with treatment) does heal all wounds but it's the damn TIME that is the hardest to bear.  Some times don't you just wish you could skip ahead in time (like in a video game) and be all better?

Another question is WHY??  Why do we choose to suffer in silence?

For myself, there are more things that I consider worse than my problems and I would rather try to help others if I could.  My problem isn't going anywhere and some times I really REALLY don't like the negative kind of attention that brings (to myself or anyone).  On occasion I do mention it, because just like others a few words of encouragement does lift the heart, and that really helps.


(my son Hunter at 6 months old)

Do your best to smile when you can.  Smiling and laughter are a fantastic medicine.  As hard as it sometimes can be.  Even a small one helps in amazing ways.  Besides Smiles are contagious.

What do you do to get out of a funk? Or what do you do to get yourself out of something rather difficult?