Letter to Myself

Dear Sharon,
There is a lot of crap that you screw up on a regular basis. You are a work-in-progress with a bigger emphasis on the work rather than the progress.

However...

Today you made a cloud that looks pretty much like a real cloud.

(Instructions to Make Cloud Here)

And if you accomplish nothing else this week - just remember: You rocked that cloud.

Love, Yourself

Hurricane Sandy

Now, I am going to feel like a real jerk tomorrow if something terrible has happened and here I was making light of the situation.

For now, the seven of us PLUS the terribly ill behaved dog are huddled around the XBox in the basement. I am about to lose what little of my mind is left. We are all safe, however, and nobody is blowing away.

Cheers to As I See It!

Five years ago I started this blog to fight off a bout of depression.

I knew I could make my life appear prettier in pictures than I felt internally.

But time changes things, doesn't it?

I have grown up, gotten stronger, and gained some wisdom.

So join me for these next five years, ok?

Happy Birthday, As I See It.

Spoooooky

So I was just sitting here, right? Minding my own business. Just perusing the internet to bide my time when all of a sudden - out of nowhere - I got the most mysterious gust of foot odor.

And my feet don't stink. Ever.

Don't you think that is spooky?

And that is all.

Guest Post - Amy Ullum Kieffer

The life of a housewife is indeed grueling.  I have renewed admiration for you.

Friday I started my cleaning frenzy - not only did I wrestle with my carpet cleaner/steamer saturated my carpet to find that it didn't suck water anymore. I turn around and find that the 17 year old dog had relieved his bowels on the carpet in back of me as I was attempting to clean.

Today was very productive.  I vacuumed all of the christmas tree needles out of the back of my SUV (It is September).  Now that was a real accomplishment.  I changed the bed and actually washed the mattress pad (why?).  Now I have made my lunch just in time to watch General Hospital and set my drink on a coaster (yes we do have them - I found them in the bottom of a cupboard that I cleaned out amidst VCR tapes and your graduation from high school paper napkins)

I am exhausted.

Editor's Note: I might be wrong about this, but the term "Housewife" might be a little - shall we say - dated? Archaic terms aside, my life is pretty gravy - glad you got a little taste of the good life. Next time you play adorable, dutiful wife tell me ahead of time and I will send all 5 of my kids plus their curriculum to you. What is a clean house when you have smart kids, right?

What I am Thinking About...

Dear Alex Clare,
I think I am too close to love you, too.  mwah.

Give me an EPIDURAL!!

Dumb chick alert: I read People magazine.

Ah.  That hurts to admit. But I do. And sometimes, when I am bored or sick (like I am today.. both) I click on the links at the bottom of the page to see what is happening on more salacious or scandalous tabloids. Today I stumbled across this bit of crap:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/139954/model_miranda_kerrs_judgy_comments

My dad says that 'interesting people do not talk about people.' My dad also spray painted the words "Reptilian Brain" on the wall of our garage, so what does he know?

Here's the deal folks - having been around the labor and delivery block a couple (plus 3) times I feel at liberty to comment on this story.  I have done it both ways.  I have delivered three big, healthy, alert babies without so much as a tylenol in my corner.  I felt powerful, ultimately feminine. When it came time to deliver my 5th precious child, I didn't have the stuff it took to fight that battle because here's the deal folks: 

Labor sucks.

It is stressful, it is scary (at times), and it hurts like hell.  So, knowing all the information, I chose the path of least resistance.  I opted for the epidural. Truth? The medication can pass from the spinal column and over the placenta and to the baby.  The baby can be a bit groggy. That did not make one eeensy weensy bit of difference to me at all. And so you ask, what was the experience like? Well, it was peaceful. I could listen to the doctor without the mask of mortal pain and process exactly what was happening. I loved it. Was it a selfish decision, Yes. But, Lucy's birthday was indeed one of the best days of my life. Should God decide to show his incredible sense of humor and bless us with another child, I will do it the exact same way.  Groggy baby or not.

I love Miranda Kerr.  I am proud of her for sticking by her principles and choosing the path that she felt best for her child and herself. I just wish the people on the other side of the argument would own their position, as well, risks, selfishness and all.