busy busy

So we have alot of things happening at once. The most exciting thing is that I got a new car. Joe and I have been thinking about it for a while because my car has a lot of miles on it and has been needing a lot of repairs. It also tended to go just go dead with no apparent notice. Usually it chose to do that when I was late and hopping in the car at the last minute.
We also wanted to get something with 4Wheel Drive since our road is in very bad condition and the winter is almost impossible. We ending up getting a Toyota Rav4 which drives like a little car but has more room and is an SUV. Here are some pictures.





Now Joe is thinking about getting a truck because he uses his car for hauling stuff so much for work and he needs more towing abilities.

So besides that, we have the Laudadio Family reunion coming up this week. People start to get here today and will be here until Mon. It's going to be alot of fun and maybe chaos. We've been trying to avoid that by planning everything very thoroughly. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone.

I also painted my kitchen and partial living room. Right after we put the first coat on, a large wind, lightning, and rain storm came up and we were without electricity until morning. Reminds me that I need to get more emergency lighting. Unfortunately what I have is a few candles that put off very little light. It's interesting how when you have no TV and everything is dark, you realize that there is nothing to do but go to bed. I guess thats why back in the day, they would rise with the sun and go to bed with the sun. Not my ideal schedule!!!

Contentment

I've been thinking lately about how I need to change. I was talking to my Grandma Mary today, whom I am alot like, and we both worry about everything. I already worry about wrinkles and how to keep my son away from drugs when he's older.
I also don't do things because I want them to be perfect. I obsess over things because I'm not sure that it's the best way it could happen. For example: My walls in my house are all still white even though I've been talking about paint colors for like a year or so. When someone suggests we go somewhere, I have to think about all the things I need to bring, whether we should go at a different time...etc etc. instead of just being spontaneous. Maybe some of that is good but not to the extreme.

So my conclusion is that for one, I need to be content with my life and not worry that maybe I could have done something differently. I need to just jump into things sometimes, not big decisions, but little every day stuff. I need to take one day at a time. I need to trust that God is in control of my life and will give me strength to face the unknown. Worrying will only make more wrinkles!!!


Ok, so that's my lecture for myself and anyone who identifies with it.

Gilmore Girls

Current mood: sad

As I sat bored and wondering what to watch, it started to wash over me like a flood of melancholy waves.
Memories of that fateful day. When it happened. And without warning. To me anyway.

"sniff, sniff". Blows nose loudly.

Gilmore Girls ended. I know it's been a while but it's as fresh to me as if it were yesterday. I can't believe I even just typed those words. I am aghast, horrified, devastated, undone, disbelieving, without hope....

It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't end it like they did. But I guess they really can't have Rory get married. Then the "Gilmore Girls" wouldn't be the "Gilmore Girls.

I know I'm probably the only one in the world who is so upset but it has meant a lot to me and impacted my life in ways I can never describe.

It will be missed, not only in my heart but on Tuesday nights when I turn to the DVR only to find is empty, devoid of any "real" shows to watch.

My finger will never push play on a new episode, never laugh uncontrollably at something Lorelei said (..stops to think "have I ever done that?), never see Kirk's disturbingly weird stomach/chest area.

Ok this is really getting old.
Just thought I'd share.
I'm not really that pathetic, at least I hope not.

Independence day

July 4th was hot, clear skies and beautiful. We were invited to a barbecue at our neighbors and that was fun. They played volleyball and had swimming for the kids. We had to wait until around 10:30 to start the fireworks because it is staying light so late. It was like 12:00 before we were ready to head home. Martha and Maria came for fireworks and with everyone we had a nice big crowd to enjoy the beautiful show.
So we are all very tired today. I think Eric and I will try to take a nap.


Eric and Tony swimming


Eric and his friends on the trampoline


Gina and I being silly after we got home at like 1:00 am

Summer Daze

It's been very busy and hot. Today, we went to the beach, which I had never been to. It's was a nice, actual beach and although Eric didn't like the water, it was nice to sit in the sun. I will have to take him more so that he gets used to being in the water.

Lately I have been realizing how obsessed I get about stuff. Then I start worrying about being obsessed. I have a hard time being spontaneous. I want to think through all the options and make sure it's the best possible outcome. This can be good in some ways but it's certainly very tiring.

Right now I'm losing my voice because I am still fighting this cold. I have been dosing myself with zinc, vit C, probiotics, trying to avoid it. So now I've felt like I'm almost sick for days.

I hope I'm not one of those people that always complaining.

Watch your back, you never know when there is a dog ready to bite

Originally posted June 26th, 2007
Yeah, it was bizarre. I got bit by the neighbors dog yesterday. It all started when I noticed it rained and I had left my windows in the car down. So I went out, turned the key, rolled them up and forgot to turn off the key. (by the way, who does that, I mean that is pretty air-headed to leave a key on). Anyway, so I am getting in my car to take my grandma to the foot doctor and it won't start. I spot my unsuspecting neighbor talking on the phone on his porch so I go over there to ask him to jump my car. The whole time I'm talking to him this dog is growling and barking at me. I turn to walk away and he lunges at me and nips me in my upper thigh. So now I sit, with a sore leg and sore arm from a Tetanus shot. The bite wasn't bad although it did puncture the skin. The neighbor felt very bad and offered to pay for anything I needed.

The lesson I learned is to stop giving dogs the benefit of the doubt. I always think "hm, he looks and sounds like he wants to rip me to shreds but his bark is probably worse than his bite". Well, now, I will always assume they have evil intent.

Originally posted June 25th, 2007

Right now, Joe is in Idaho with his family. I miss him and wish I could be down there with him. His Grandfather passed away yesterday. It's really hard on everyone. He was a very successful man and it's very sad when someone dies and the family argues about money. I'm afraid that will happen here but I hope not. I think time with family is priceless and when they are gone, money is the least thing to think about.

Life has been a little crazy. We've been trying to get yard work done and I planted the flower-beds finally. Petunias, lilies, daisies, marigolds, miniature roses, and a bunch of little flowers I don't know the names of. We also built a gigantic storage shed on our property which is finished except for the tin on the roof. It was really neat because it was something we did together. Joe and I raised the walls all by ourselves. I'm sure he lifted more weight than me!! We have been renting a small unit for a while and it's such a pain to get to. Now we can organize our ski equipment, tools, tires etc so we can get to it. It's so nice.

The group of ladies I exercise with every week did a "Boot Camp" for the month of June. 6 AM, yep, it's way too early. But I guess I am really committed to staying fit because I've actually been getting up and going. The only times I've missed is when Joe had to go to work early and couldn't stay with Eric. We flip tires, pull a tire across the yard, run laps etc. It's hard but good. The only problem I had is that when I got home, I was wheezing really bad and couldn't get a breath. I've had a cough for several months but after this episode decided to finally go the the doctor. I've never had any trouble with asthma although it runs in my family so it was very scary for me to not be able to breath. Basically, the doctor said my lungs are irritated and inflamed from the cough and haven't been able to heal. So I'm using an inhaler for two weeks and it seems to help.

I belong to a MOPS group (mothers of preschoolers) and we participated in a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society; Relay for Life. It's a 12 hour, all night event where you walk for a cure. Our group raise almost $2,000 so it was definitely a success. It's really fun to hang out with other Moms too because everyone understands and isn't going to give you dirty looks if your child misbehaves. They have been there too.

Well, I think I'll stop for now. I love you all.