Family makes me wicked happy

There is something about being away from family for both the distance far away and for those no longer here. Such a sadness that comes over me for not being home in Massachusetts to see smiles, feel hugs and listen to the laughter. But the great news I will be going home for a visit very soon. Every moment will be cherished until we meet again...

I am so excited to meet my great nephew Gabe, who I only saw in nursery when he was born 4 years ago. And new great nephew Tobias who already brings me big toothy smiles when I see his picture on Facebook. 

Life is too short not to share the love. I am singing "I'll be Home for Christmas" at the top of my lungs. 

Angels All Around

It might of been Halloween with ghost around but it is now November. Not ghosts but Angels.
My Mom's birth month and the month my parents got married in 1955 along with family holiday memories. 
I feel Angels all around me. The simplest things sometimes seem like a whisper from above. I know they are watching over me and I feel their love all around.  Its not easy losing grandparents, parents, brother or nephew but knowing that I have a "team" of heavenly spirits helping guide me along and still sending their love. 

Shes always there saying a little prayer for me...

Baby Holding and missing my family

Tears come easy to some people. I am one of those people. The feelings I have in my heart are so deep that things touch me and tears begin to flow. Holding a 3 week baby...tears. New mothers at work would bring their newborn bundles of joy in to show everyone. The baby would be passed around to all the gushing coworkers. Inevitably the new mom would ask if I wanted to hold the baby. I would always say no. Two reasons. First, I never wanted to "feel" the baby in my arms. It is a indescribable feeling that when you really want children and then you hold a baby that it is beautiful but there is a hurt inside of "why not me"? The second reason is I don't think passing around a baby among too many people is a good thing. Maybe 2 but 5-8-10 people at such a young age.. That's too much stimulation and anxiety on the baby.
I had tears holding him but I also had big huge smiles.

I held my best friends 3 week grandson for a good half hour. There really is no better feeling than holding a baby or hugging someone close to your body. That bond, even for a little while, felt so awesome. He slept so peacefully and I knew as I rubbed my hand back and forth down his back, that he felt my love. Jaxson broke my 7+ year streak of no baby holding.
I know I would of made a great Mom but hope I made a half way decent Aunt. Now I just need to find a way home so I can hold my great-nephew Tobias in my arms, who is "Cool Like His "Great" Auntie!!

Just call me Fishy Chrissy

It was on my bucket list.  I wanted to learn how to SUP, Stand Up Paddleboard.  Yesterday was Paddle-Fest at Lake Blalock in Chesnee, SC.  I belong to a MEETUP group and saw it advertised last weekend so I signed up for a "Gilligan's Island" 3 hour kayak tour in the morning and beginner paddleboard class.  Ever since my best friend, Bridget who lives in Destin, FL and has her own SUP,  told me I would love it since I love the water so much... I have wanted to try this. I am so glad I did! I took right to it! Not to boast but it was piece of cake and yes I did fall off and got wet.  I was testing my feet/stance and it wobbled too much so I went over.  It's ok... I wanted to learn how to get back on it out in the open water.  Now I want to take a trip down to Charleston (Charleston SUP Harbor tours ) or take a trip to Destin.  Great weekend and for my next bucket list item....horseback riding.
(Ps just noticed that I must of gotten on quick seeing the canoe timing in background)



praying: Dear Lord, help me up!

whooaaa



Nailed it!

 

Hair

Left pic is summer of 2012 when I was losing a lot of my hair from post GB surgery.
The middle picture I love...why is it that my hair looks so good pre-haircut?  I didn't wear the same shirt or earrings from 2012 on purpose.  Nor did I replicate my smoky eye makeup.  It is just that this goes good with my Fleur de Lis shirt. I have been told that a smoky eye looks good with my blue eyes.
The picture to the fah right is from Coco's cell phone at Express'd after Ashley cut it.  Notice my right side is shorter and the overall length was trimmed.  Nothing too drastic but one of these days I want to go as short as when I had a "Flowbee" vacuum back in 1980's.

How wind therapy calms me

I did go work out tonight and was able to press 100lbs on the thigh machine. I always knew I had voluptuous thighs. Dancers and swimmers and I've heard soccer players usually have nice thighs.

I need to get on the motorcycle and ride. I was able to take the bike out for about an hour.

The way the wind feels against my body is amazing.  It is not just the wind but the smells, the heightened sights because you are wide open to everything.  I enjoy the simple things in life. All it takes is the smell of sweet fresh cut hay to make me smile. Just don't smile long on a motorcycle or else you might catch a bug between your teeth.  I honestly smile constantly when riding on bike.  It calms me and makes me at peace.  :)

song

MKTO "Classic"

Free time

I like having free time by myself. My husband's work was shut down last week for 4th of July. He went to visit his friend Ken in Jacksonville and the two of them were going fishing. He hasn't seen Ken since before he met me back in 1998. It was good to have the house to myself, especially the remote (flickah). I could watch all the sappy movies or better yet...Hallmark Channel had Christmas movies on.
I admit that I also had a solo dance party when I heard one of my new favorite songs come on MKTO "Classic" (posted below or above this post)

I did get to spend some time with friends I haven't seen in a while. Saturday was at Jodi's to see her son Jeremy turn 20. Kyndall made him a delicious looking New York cheesecake that she was so proud the top never cracked. I played Left, right, center and whoever lost had to do a shot of Fireball (one of my favorites). I heard about a recipe to mix Woodchuck Amber beer with Fireball and then add some vanilla ice cream in blender. I will have to try this sometime since I love Angry Orchard and Fireball together to make Angry Balls.

On Wednesday, last week it was a beautiful day outside and I had wished that I was riding the bike that day. I had stopped at Waffle House and had my favorite with extra pickles.  A end of a nice week that I got a lot done in the house like caulk the tub.

It was great to have him home. I was worried about him driving home during hurricane Arthur which was coming up the coast the same time he was due to come home. He loves to go out during storms or bad weather. The beautiful sunshine days, he is in the house. A bad storm- it is adventure time to go explore places.

Now back to watching hunting and fishing shows or COPS because I don't have the remote. He would also ask where I was going if I just up and left to go on my own adventure to some far away place...like QT in Duncan for a hot pretzel with some Gahlic buttah...MMmmmmm It's 9pm Friday night. If he goes to bed early...I might just hop in my Kia Sorento Cheese and go to Duncan or Dunkin! (he did just go to bed...9:20pm and I'm going out for dessert.)

Me and sister Janet with sleeping photo bomb Adam on hammock

Marco Island for Donald and Karen's wedding

Back Row: Brother David & his wife JoAnn, Husband Rick, Me!, Sister Janet, Michael on end with his wife Sandy in red next to him. Front Row: Janet's daughter Colleen, Brother Donald, his wife Karen, and Donald's daughter Jessica. Picture taken at sunset on Sunday May 25th for Donald & Karen's pre-wedding Beach BBQ at Marco Island Marriott. Missing from Picture is Sister Maureen, her husband Jean-Pierre, Niece Molly and Nick with newborn great-nephew Tobias. Sister Janet's husband Patrick and my other niece Bridget with Paul and my great nephew Gabe. Also missing are David & JoAnn's children Lauren and Austin.

Me and brother Donald

Twenty Things about me....

1. What brings you the greatest joy? Smiles and Laughter 2. What are your vices? Lionel Ritchie....LOL just kidding has to be Booze!! 3. What is on your nightstand? Lamp, iphone charger, earplugs, sleeping mask, "Laughter of God" by Sr. Miriam Pollard, my 4. What is your secret talent? I cannot reveal my secret talent or else it wouldn't be a secret 5. What is your greatest indulgence? goes with my secret talent!! but if I could eat it again, it would be Vienna Mocha Chunk ice cream from Friendly's 6. What should every woman try at least once in her life? To be alone and get in tune with all the things that make you who you are, and what brings you happiness and get closer to God. Also think a woman needs to try to be self sufficent without parents, partner or children. 7. What makes you laugh? I love to laugh and some of the stupidest things make me laugh out loud. Love the Geico Camel commercial, "Mike Mike Mike". Not a day goes by without some form of laughter- medicine for the soul. 8. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am so shy and introvert that I have to force myself to meet people. Most people think I am outgoing and talkative. Nay Nay I say... Break my shell and I ooze out. 9. What is on your bucket list? #1 would be trip to Ireland but then I think a trip anywhere would be nice. Even to Georgia would be a dream come true. #2 would be horseback riding since my last experience was as a big girl and not as enjoyable as I thought, #3 scuba diving again to experience something I loved as big girl but want to feel it at this size. #4 go to a top of a moutain and sit in quiet and feel closer to God. #5 get my own motorcycle. (there is more but those are my top five) 10. What is on your feet right now? slippahs 11. How did you make your first dollar? Babysitting for the Nelson's. Sean, Kathleen and then Andrew who was just a baby. I did not have much experience with babies so think that is why I only did it for a little while. Use to cook stovetop popcorn and Lenders bagels while watching Dukes of Hazzard with them. 12. What superstition do you believe in? Bad mojo if you walk over a grave and still never put my shoes on counter, table or sink but think that was more Mom's rule than superstition. 13. What items in your closet do you wear the most? anything Red! at least once a week...on Friday's 14. What is the best gift you’ve ever received? I won an award one year around Christmas for a $500 Visa gift card and it was a Christmas that I had no money to buy gifts for family. Best gift for winning the award and for sharing with family. Cherish all my Irish Christmas ornaments from my brother John. And a special birthday surprise a few years ago. 15. What is on your liquor shelf? see #2

16. What is on your kitchen counter? starting from left to right: Olive oil, 2 pepper mills, salt box, all wooden spoons are in round cannister, all cooking utencils in another cannister, round Boo's block, coffee can with grease drippings, coffe can with coffee!, sugar, coffee pot, Palmolive dish detergent, rose plant on shelf with coffee mugs, toaster oven, knife sharpener, cutting board, chips, crackers in wire basket, another Boo's cutting block with all our bills on top. Too much crap!! 17. What would you never leave home without? keys. wallet. phone. Oh and clothes would be essential. 18. What movie has the greatest ending? Sixth Sense left me scratching my head...what did I miss...HUH??? Worse ending was Lassie- hands down!! 19. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? My sweet angels to see them one more time, Michael Buble and Blake Shelton for their music and quick one liners, Jesus to turn the water into wine- just kidding but seriously would be EPIC dinner party. Julia Child for her wisdom, voice and to help me cook! 20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger? How to invest money, stock market, and that every moment spent loving someone is a precious gift to not take for granted.

Helping

I have this thing that I feel better about myself when I help others. That is not a bad thing, but sometimes it puts a strain on my heart when I cannot help MORE. There has been this stray dog (yellow lab mix) that has been hanging around my work. A week ago Friday, I heard him barking while I was leaving for the weekend. When I got to work this past Monday, I saw him. It was pouring rain out and he was hanging around a grassy patch out across the street. I had asked others where I work if they saw him on Friday but they said they only noticed him that day. I went to Family Dollar and got him some wet and dry dog food. He ate the whole bowl. He had been wandering around between our building and the abondoned one across the street. He wasn't really annoying anyone so I left for the day. He was there again Tuesday and Carmen fed him two plain burgers for lunch. The security guard across the street said he called Animal control. Josh from the warehouse said when Animal Control came, the dog ran in the other direction. Smart dog!! LOL My husband showed up after his work to see the dog and it was barking at every truck so he said no. I tried to tell him that is his only fun is barking at trucks. So Wednesday was a gorgeous day and I fed him in the morning and again before I left for the day. Same thing on Thursday except there were three police cars across the street. I thought they were there for the dog! I told Josh I was going over to the cruiser to tell them to call Animal Control. Josh said, "why don't you just call them?" I said, "because I want to check out the cop!" I walked over and showed the police officer the wandering dog. Of course the dog follows me now that he knows I give him food, cookies and water. The cop was not cute but actually looked like he was injured in his face. Anyway....another day and still the dog was wandering around. Friday I called Animal Control myself and told the girl that they dog comes up to me and is not too agressive. She said if I can get a leash on him, she will take him. When the van pulled up, the took could sense something (maybe the smell?) but when I shook the bag of dog food, he came running. I tried to put the leash on him, but he turned his head and walked away. I didn't want to scare him since he has been well behaved all week. The Animal Control officer said if I could put a leash on him, that I should take him home. I told her that if I took him home, I would be divorced since my husband and I had an argument earlier in the week when I told him I really wanted to bring the dog home. One last dish of dog food and I said goodbye for the weekend. Or so I thought... Today was raining and the temperature was dropping. I was out with a friend so I bought more wet and dry dog food and went up to see if dog was still there. As soon as I pulled in..he ran over and when I lifted my truck, he was wagging his tail happy to see me. I talked to him and gave him food. I went in to use the bathroom and then came out to say goodbye. Feel so bad for this poor dog but I will keep helping him as much as possible. Only wish I could do more... What else can I do? Update on dog was that the Dog catcher came last Friday and picked up the dog...hope it found a good home.

Pistachio Sour Cream Cake

I made this Pistachio Sour Cream Cake for my co-workers birthday's. It is a tradition to bake it around St. Patrick's Day due to the color. My niece Molly's birthday is March 2nd and my Mom use to make this cake for her. Not only is it delicious, but it brings back lots of memories. I see her handwriting on the recipe and it brought tears to my eyes. Lots of love went into writing out that recipe. She knew I would be making this recipe and thinking of her. It was her special love that make it WONDERFUL. I miss her

Missing my Dad...

I know I was his baby girl. There was a special bond between us that I still feel is with me. He was the first man I ever loved and have loved the deepest. He was affectionate when it counted. Hugs, kisses and I Love You were felt. The soft eyelash butterfly kisses and forehead kisses are what I miss the most. He was 52 years old and I was eleven when he died of massive heart failure. He had triple bypass a few years earlier so he became frail after that surgery. In my eyes, he is still the 6'2" tall, strong and skinny man who worked very hard supporting the seven children and Mom. Last Tuesday on radio a girl was talking about how her Dad would tell her everyday she was beautiful. My co-worker Carmen said her father never did that. I told her mine neither but he was a sweet caring father. I told her how he would sing Tor-rah-Lora Lora to me when he tuck me in at night. I came home from work and there was a package waiting for me. Actually two of them but I'll tell you about the second package another time. It was from my sister Janet. She had a nice card on top when I looked inside. It said, "hope you enjoy these in South Carolina". I opened it up and took two of my Dad's Norweigan woolen sweaters out. I cried... Balled. I was rectly thinking that I had nothing of his. Now I did and as I put on the sweater, it was as if he was in it with me giving me a hug. Priceless!! Memories of hugging him when he wore it came flooding back. I posted pic on Facebook and ate supper. Later on after my husband went to bed, I was flipping through channels on the remote. I stopped on TMC to watch what else...."Bells of St. Mary's" with Bing Crosby who played Father O'Malley. This was the movie that he sings (you guessed it) Tor-rah-Lora Lora. Anazing and WONDERFUL to have such a great day of memories of a great man. I love you Daddy.

A weekend gone

It was such a wonderful weekend weather-wise. Lots of sunshine and warmth that the heat was turned off in the house and the windows were opened to air it out from stale winter air. I did a few "spring cleaning" chores but wish I had a "dumbstah" to throw all the extra things I have accumulated through the years. My friend Shelley from Rhode Island is flying into to spend a week. She is such a great friend that I had the same "shell" tattoo done on my leg as her. It also is a scallop shell so means something extra special to me. I am looking forward to having fun and maybe even taking a trip down to MB- Myrtle Beach next weekend. I only hope the weather is as gorgeous next weekend as it was this weekend. Next weekend fo' sho I won't be stuck in the house all weekend.

Love is in the Air

I feel it in the air. Yes it is also everywhere you look when you go in the stores. It's been in the stores since the first of January. The color red and Valentines cards, stuffed bears, balloons and of course..chocolates are everywhere. The most we do is give each other a card and maybe one of those small hearts filled with four chocolates. I am usually not expecting anything more. We are suppose to show each other love everyday of the year and not just one certain day. And it all stems from God... GOD is love. He loves us and has shown that he is a loving God. The first miracle was at a wedding...a loving ceremony. HIS greatest gift is LOVE. My gift this year that I did not buy in a store, is my love. It's worth more than anything you can buy in a store anyway. 143

Redhead Moment defined

Redhead Moment defined: "A momentary and intense display of irrationality, bad temper, insanity, or any combination thereof." - Urban Dicktionary Yes are lots of moments like that in my life. Bad temper is not very often but when I do have an outburst- WATCH OUT!! What pushes me to have one of these outburst.... stupid drivers. I swear (curse) the most when I am behind the wheel of my cheese. I don't usually curse much or have a mouth like a sailor but you will hear a MO-FO come out of me every now and then. I am not proud of it. My irrational side wants to just take off and never look back but my rational side says stay put and keep your feet grounded. My insanity...well that shows itself often. Remember I am a crazy weirdo lunatic who can be scary sometimes and seem COCO LOCO!! But if I ever get too crazy, you have my permission to call me out on it. I promise to not dance on any tables, go-karting or bungee jumping- that's just crazzzy!!

Missed a Red Shirt Friday

I have missed a red shirt Friday. I forgot that the day after Thanksgiving was a Friday! I had black on instead of red. But as a very good friend told me, I wear red everyday on my head. So see.. "I was wearing my red hair!" LOL

Expectations

I don't expect much out of life except to be happy. Maybe that's not a good thing. Maybe I should be setting my expectations higher. Expecting to have it all! Nah...that is not me. I guess coming from a large family, you get to cherish the little things. Going out in the backyard with a red kickball and that was all we needed to have fun. I know I grew up in a different time, before XBox and Wii, which I still don't own, but even with the latest and greatest toys I don't think it would make my life better. All I want is to be happy. There are some people that might think I need more in my life to be happy. I have family and friends that I love dearly. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and clothes on my back. I have a great job and feel blessed to have love in my life. I do not expect anything else...just hope it continues. WOW- Now I know why I haven't posted in a while...I have all these drafts I started but never hit "publish". Be prepared for a few more posts from me today except these were written since December.

You can say I'm a dreamer...

I do dream and although it maybe wacky dreams of Patrick Duffy or wolves chasing me through the woods...I do dream. Although I have dreams that sometimes scare me and wake me up, I have lots of peaceful loving and WONDERFUL dreams. I find myself dreaming of places I'd like to visit and sharing those new experiences together. We could be walking along a cobbled-stone sidewalk in a small town in Italy. If we stop at a local street cafe and have a glass of wine with a delicious antipasto and pasta to share. Or I sometimes dream of a log cabin up in the Smokey Mountains that has an outdoor hot tub. We would be running out to the hot tub in the cold winter snow and hop right into the tub laughing as we try not to get too cold. Keep your winter hat on and don't get your hair wet. Lesson learned. Kinda fun running through the snow with just boots and ski parka on. I have been dreaming of riding a horse again. There is a beach in Georgia called Cumberland Beach that I would love to ride a horse on the beach. Yeah Lady Godiva-like might cause a stir but If I am dreaming then Lady Godiva I will be! Oh wait...she had long flowing blonde hair...hmmm will have to rethink that dream.