Oy vey on my way

Okay, so I can barely breathe this morning and to fight with a new blog at doesn't want to participate is not on my schedule.  I swear I want to blame the internet, but I seriously think I have some chemical reaction with electronics.
You may laugh, but I'm totally not kidding.

I seem to be the only one who HATES her Iphone, because of all the malfunctions and dropped calls.  My husband SWEARS he doesn't have half the problems I do (thanks for the support babe) and I'm left scratching my head in total frustration!!!

Years ago, I got a gift from an old boyfriend.  It was a BIG gift; a $400 Bulova watch.  It was a small and delicate looking watch that was beautiful.  Within days on my wrist, the watch stopped working.  I took it back and asked for a replacement; he said they would 'fix' it.  So they did....supposedly.

Within a few days I was back in the store asking what the heck?  I told him my grandfather had this same issue with watches; could it be my body kills watches?  The guy dismissed me before I even finished my sentence.  I asked for a refund and he said they don't refund, but they will empty the guts of the watch and start over.  A week later,  I went back during my lunch hour, to pick up the watch.  And by the time I got back to my office, the watch stopped working.

I simply went back to the store and looked at the guy, who didn't even acknowledge me; he simply looked at his co worker and said, "Give her a refund".

So, though you may think I'm joking with this stuff, I am clearly not.

But the problem is, I don't have time to mess with it either!! 

I'm leaving for Vegas in less than an hour and I'm very nervous about this journey.  I have overpacked and probably forgot something simple like my toothbrush (which I just now remembered, thank you).
It's only for one night, but I am so excited for my very humble friend to walk the red carpet.  I want to make sure to capture his journey.
He hasn't told many people about it, because he is actually quite private.  But I told him today that I will be revealing his face, because he deserves all the recognition he can get.

Just yesterday as I was at the studio, he had a film guy following him around documenting him.  Yet he's still pretty shy about it.

I totally get that, because in crowds, I get overwhelmed and flustered and usually start crying.  He's sensitive in much the same way.

But, my dear Mookie; you deserve these great moments as you are a great man.  And I am grateful that I get to be on the Red Carpet documenting this amazing day for you.

It's going to be a great day of celebration and I know this is just the beginning for you!!!!!  I know I speak on behalf of all the MVDPAC family (and there are a LOT of us).  We LOVE YOU and are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!  (You DID say I could tell people, right???)

Happy Thursday!

Uncontrolled laughter

Oh my goodness..... I just laughed so hard that my whole lower abdominal area is sore!!!  Have you ever done that?

There are too few times that I laugh that hard and can't control myself.  Unfortunately, it usually happens at church.  I'm not proud of this fact; and when I meet God I will likely ask him what is so enticing about laughing when you aren't supposed to.  But until then I will do my best to maintain my composure.......

But sadly, it comes at the most inopportune times...... 

Many years ago (before marriage before children) a friends mother passed away.  It was very sad for my friend, but as I remembered, she didn't get along with her mom.  And as I didn't know her mother, I was simply there to support my friend.  So when we walked into the church we sat in the back.  It was me, my friend Kim (we should never sit together in church) my friend Tonia and Tonia's mom. 

As the service went on, everyone talked about what a loving kind woman this was....

Now, let me just say that I don't feel funerals are always an honest depiction of who people really were.  Because I have been to funerals of some really crabby nasty people and all that is ever said about them after they pass is how great they were.  So I tend to listen with a grain of salt....

I'm not trying to be insensitive, but as I sat in the service for my friends mom, I was trying to put the pieces together of this woman that my friend didn't totally get along with, and the woman they were all talking about.  So my mind was wandering to begin with.  And the service played on and on and on....

It played on so much that the little white haired lady in front of us started nodding off and lo and behold, started tipping over as if to fall onto the church pew into a lazy afternoon nap.

At this time, my friend Kim (who's not much bigger than a peanut) decides she was going to 'catch' this lady in front of us.  Only, in my mind at that time I started doing the calculations  of how this could be done without disturbing the rest of the service.  My eyes got big as I watched Kim's hands gesture towards this woman, and at the very second Kim looked like she was gonna go for it, the lady snapped out of it and woke back up.........

And that's all it took..... I burst into laughter, completely forgetting where I was or why I was there and as I tried to stop myself from laughing, I was doing my best to plot my escape.  Only I was wedged in the corner of the pew with no escape but to pass over my friend Tonia and her mother and the only problem with that was if I took my hands off my face; those around me would  know I was laughing instead of crying (which I was doing my absolute best to disguise myself). 

I'm shaking my head and rolling my eyes at myself as I write, but the bottom line is there is nothing you can do with my mind when it gets quiet. 

If you follow my blog at all, you know I'm always in my head making up stories to sounds and filling in the blanks with make believe stories to pass the time.  It should be no surprise that I can't control myself in a funeral.....

And the history between Kim and I?  Let's just say there aren't very many serious moments.  This was a recipe for disaster from the get go....She was laughing just as hard as me.

My friend Tonia was onto us.  She looked over with complete disgust.  She knew we were a lost cause and didn't bother to yell at us in the service.  And when Tonia's mother leaned over and asked, "Are they okay?"  Tonia simply stated without flinching..."They're fine".  I'm guessing (or rather hoping) that her mother bought into our "sob" story and didn't realize the truth!  (God is good).

After the service, Tonia fired us from the "support" club.  Kim and I bowed our heads.  Sad for our inability to control ourselves - but maybe also a little grateful.  We aren't old enough to control ourselves yet.

I tell you this not because I'm proud of it.  But because I can't be trusted.  I burst out into random acts all the time and I don't know why.

One morning I was at home and one of the carpool kids came up to our house to wait with Aspen for carpool.  She did this every morning.  And when she got to the door, she would ring the doorbell.   One morning as she walked up to the door, I screamed from inside the house, "DON'T RING THE DOORBELL!!!!!"  She stood there and paused, not knowing what to do.  Then very lightly she knocked on the door.   In a completely improved moment, Aspen opened the door so only her face would poke through she simply said, "Shhhhhh" and shut the door on her friends face.

We burst out laughing so hard!!! 

I honestly don't know where it comes from and I don't know how to stop it, so please don't ask me.
Just be warned that I'm not always appropriate and I can't always control myself.  So if you can't deal with it; just be prepared to forgive me a bunch of times.  I YAM who I YAM....... 

Happy Thursday

There's an App for that!

Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday.......

I'm looking for new ideas.  I'm trying to switch it up a bit. My old system of remember stuff isn't working, so this morning I Googled "Time Management". 

I remember years ago I got a book; "Time Management for Unmanageable People".  I think it was a "gift".  But how do you say Thank You to someone who is basically insulting you.

That said, the book was awesome.  It was totally for Right Brainers like myself!  (For those who don't know, I'm left handed).  

Although I would like to totally buy into the Left Handed Artsy-scattered thing, I have a friend who is left hand and uses both sides of her brain. Though I would like to think she is an anomaly, I have a feeling I'm just a cliche left handed person.  You know....like the "Blond" cliches.....

But I digress......

The book was actually very helpful and I really enjoyed it.  As I'm a visual person, the pictures were great. But as with anything, it's been years since I have put the book into practice and therefore time to re-vamp.

This morning on Google I found a couple of fun App suggestions.   Every time I find a new App, I laugh and here someone saying, 'Ya...there's an APP for that too!"

I'm here to tell you; it's true!!  There is an App for that and that and that!!

The problem is, sometimes I forget I downloaded them, or I am not sure how to use them, or best yet, I wasted a bunch of time learning it only to 'learn' it wasn't the right app for me.  So now, it's wasted space on my phone.

As I write, there is only one tried and true thing for helping me to remember.....  Sharpie on my hand.  Right now, there is 11 and 3 on my hand and that is to remind me of the two meetings I have that I can't forget!

I don't have "Siri" and I don't have a calendar that I stare at every day, so I write the necessary (I'm afraid I'll forget) items on my hand and go from there. 

Sad I know..  But if it ain't broke; don't fix it!!!!

But that said, I never give up trying.  So this morning when I found the Apps, I decided to give them a try.

One is Epic Win.  It's a game related chore list.  You get points for every task completed.  And though I'm NOT a gamester, I got to choose an avatar called "Warrior Priestess".  Now, how can you go wrong with that???  I'm feeling energetic and powerful already!!!

I typed in my first task which is the highest priority for me to finish.  As it is the first and most important task; it gives me 300 points if I finish.

The second App I downloaded is ReQall.  It's supposed to be like "Siri" I suppose.  I've already issued my first reminder and it's been 'typing what I said' for over a minute now.  Either I didn't speak clearly enough, or some aged and blind person is hunting and pecking on an old IBM Selectric.    It's not looking good this far; will have to keep you posted!!!

My biggest problem is I'm like a dog.  Dog's never progress mentally over 2 years old.  They can be trained to do things, but they will always get distracted by what's around them....you know....like a squirrel or something!!!

Not to say I'm a dog.  I'm not putting myself down per se; I'm just very aware how easily I get distracted.  So if I can find something fun to keep me on task, then I say go for it.

I actually think the first app would be fun for the kids to play.  It looks easy enough for them to set up and if they get 300 points for putting away their clothes, don't you think they would be a little more apt to participate?  And if it works on the kids then what about the husband??  How many points might entice him to put the toilet seat down?  (Well, okay, mine does that but some don't!)

Anyway, you see my point.  Life is full of mucky things to get done.  If there is an app to make it a little more fun and help keep focus, then I'm all in!!

I guess I'll let you know how it goes.  But if I have to spend more than 5 minutes setting it up - it will end up in my pile of useless apps on my phone wasting space and precious time for every time I have to 'thumb' over it!

Life's a journey.  You gotta take a couple of chances.  Today is my day!!!

Happy Wednesday!

Weather and such

I'm sitting here with a blanket on my lap as I write.  What a strong contrast to just a few short days ago where the air was so stagnant and hot I could barely breathe. 

Last night, instead of the air conditioner; I opened the window for cool air. 

I don't know why the turn in the weather.  It was scheduled for 90s this week.  But to be honest, I don't really care, because I'm LOVING it!!!!!

I don't want to get my hopes up and say Fall is coming; but I sure love the feeling of a chill in the air.

I do love summer, but only for the fact that it's a free and fun time and the girls have school off.  I love warm summer nights and I love sitting by the beach listening to the waves.

But cooler weather is way more comfortable to me.

There were a LOT of opinions on the hot weather we were having.  It was a LOT of days of hot and yucky weather.

I laughed the other day, because as I was doing carpool I was talking to the boys and one of them said that soccer was canceled in the afternoon.  I understand why; the weather was awful.  But I asked the boy, "Do you think they cancel their soccer tournaments in Arizona?"  He laughed and said, "You're right!"

I understand that here is different than there.  We are not used to the heat.  But the truth is; people live in all sorts of different weather and they survive.

When we have heatwaves here, we usually hear of some fragile, elderly person passing away from heatstroke. 

And last year, one of the boys in school was sent to the hospital from dehydration.

If you aren't taking care of yourself in the heat, you will be in trouble, that is for sure.

But I know thousands of elderly retire in Florida. And if you have ever been there with that oppressive humid heat, you know that what we were dealing with here is not unique, or even that bad as you look at the grander scale.

But such a change in weather, I think is more the issue. If you are used to drinking 6 waters a day and the heat changes drastically, 6 waters won't be enough.  And since you aren't sure how much you need to adjust; that could be a problem.

I think awareness is most important.  But most of us aren't aware how to adjust, so we just sit back and complain about the misery.

I complained too.  My AC wasn't working so great and I don't want to imagine what the electric bill will be when the month is up. 

Hopefully that is the end of the heatwave, but I'm not going to be too confident.  I will just love every day I have to throw a blanket on my lap.  And I will look forward to that fabulous smell in the air that October brings. 

Halloween is just around the corner.  Avery's already hitting me up for Costume Castle. 

That thought alone, gives me much to look forward to!

Happy Chillday!

You think your food choice doesn't matter?

Okay, so yes; I'm writing a second blog today.  Although, I'm gonna call it my first; because this mornings was more of a movie review.  And as this is MY blog....I can do what I want!!!

I noticed something this morning and I had to share.  I worked out with Heidi at her boot camp as I have been doing the last few weeks.  As I'm still dealing with stomach issues, because I'm just too stupid to do what I need to do, I have been getting better with my food choices but I still have a ways to go.

Life is a journey.   It's about doing something, seeing if it works, and if it doesn't - then you tweak it until it does.  I have been much better about not having coffee and I dare say, I left the house this morning without a stitch of caffeine in my system.  And I'm still awake.  I will call that a bravo!

But this morning, when I got up, I REALLY wanted cereal for breakfast.  Now, here is my problem with cereal.....  It's REALLY hard for me to control how much I eat, because I always want either a REALLY big bowl, or I go for two smaller bowls. (Thinking I can get by on the first but always pour myself more).  Am I the only one who does this????

I know it's stupid.  But I do it repeatedly.  THIS is the part that is a journey for me.  Because in the last week, I have been better about having a smoothie and I have FELT better because of it!

But this morning's decision weighed heavy on me.  Literally!!!!

I went to Heidi's boot camp and I told her going in, that I was gonna go easy on myself, because I didn't want to lose my breakfast.  She is a kind soul and didn't counsel me; which is why I always go back.

What I noticed, is not only does my body no process cereal well; but it makes working out THAT much harder!!!

On Friday, when I had a smoothie, I was bouncing on the broad jumps.  I even caught up to my friend and pinched her butt to let her know I caught her.

This morning, I couldn't catch a snail! 

What a serious difference.

Now, for me to make a better decision on Wednesday, when I workout again - I need to remember this awful feeling!!!

I'm not saying I can't have cereal ever again.  But I need to realize it is NOT good workout food for me.  And the fact that I can't seem to control my portions is a bit of an issue too.

My goal right now is to become healthier and feel like I did when I turned 40.  I was at the top of my game!!  I was running at least 3 days a week (usually 5 miles) and strength training 2 days a week. 

I'm already seeing a difference in my body; and at one point, when we were doing fence runs, I could feel that I was becoming more powerful.  But I was so overly focused on not losing my breakfast, that I'm sure I cheated myself at least 30% of effort (and an hour of my time) suffering through the workout.

If you don't think food matters, think again!!!  Food IS fuel!!  And if you wouldn't put sand in your gas tank....you might think twice before working out on Cinnamon Life.  Better served as a dessert than a breakfast.

But maybe that's just my opinion!!

Happy Monday (squared)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Last night I watched a movie; Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. 

I remember when the movie came out in the theater.  I refused to watch it.
I was invited to go to the movie, but I turned it down.  It was going to be a sad movie about 9-11 and I wasn't in a place in my life where I wanted to sit for 2 hours and cry.

But for some reason, last night I saw it was on, and I decided to hunker down.

The movie wasn't exactly as I expected.  It was a variety of many things.  It was actually quite complex.

The movie started out with the dad who had died; and they flashed back to him.  The son was 11 years old and uber bright.  His dad seemed to be the one and only person who could connect with him completely.  The portrayal of their relationship brought me to tears.  It takes a special kind of parent and some serious ingenuity to create a relationship like they had.

After his dad dies in the World Trade Center, the son finds a key.  His journey in the movie is to find the meaning of the key and figure out what it opens.

Along the way, he meets many people; but his journey is what is so interesting.  His dad's purpose, when he was alive, was to help the boy come out of his shell and confront his fears.  This journey of the key was made possible by the steps his dad took when he was alive.

I don't want to give it all away, but I have to comment on how emotionally complex this movie was.  I was trying to figure out the 'story' of each character.  I was really drawn in.

This boy was clearly special.  He was extremely talented and inquisitive.  His mother did her best to pick up the pieces of their lives, but as she was going through her own grief, and because the boy was so special, she didn't have the same means as the father and it was quite a struggle.

It's hard to find a movie that makes you laugh and cry at the same time.  The last movie I found doing that was Steel Magnolias in the scene at the cemetery and the mother went crazy for a moment.  And then her friends brought her back to reality by offering Weeza up to hit. 

This movie made me think and reflect.  It hurt my heart and lifted my spirits.  It was beautifully written and though not all will connect as deeply as I did with the movie, I do believe the characters were easily able to identify with.

I'm not trying to convince anyone to see the movie.  I just think it's rare to find the unique blend of a good story, complex characters and a movie that leaves you thinking about it after it ends.

I really loved the boy.  It took me a bit to connect with him, but boy, once I did, I was in. 

I recorded it and I think I might watch it with the girls.  Though it's a complex story, I think it's a story that should be shared.  I'm sure much of it will go way over their heads, but that's okay.  Any movie night other than Disney at this point will be fine by me!

Happy Monday!

Morning Shpilkes

I think I need to start setting my clock to 5:30 and have a list ready to get accomplished, because I swear, I'm way more productive in the first hour of my day than any other?  There could seriously be something to this!!

If I just didn't like my bed so much!

But this morning I got up blended my smoothing and saw the mounting pile of dishes.  I figure in the time I drink my smoothie, I can tackle this chore and be done with it.  Well, as it turns out; having four kids in the house, even for a short amount of time yields a fuller than full dishwasher; so there are a few more in the sink.  Why didn't I finish them you ask? Because my smoothie was getting warm and I have other things to do.  Besides; the girls need to take a little accountability for the fun they had, and unbeknownst to them, they will be doing dishes later.  :)

You will be happy to know that a week later, you can still see the floor in their room and they are loving it!  I'm so glad I took those two days to power through it.

I swear, it got me thinking about the rest of the house and I'm feeling more task-oriented, which is a Godsend!!!  It's amazing how one big completed task can give clarity to smaller tasks.

It's kind of the same for losing weight.  When I think back on it, it seemed an impossible task.  But in truth, it was just a bunch of little changes that I made over and over again until they became part of my life.  And though  I still struggle with my weight (because I ADORE food and cooking and baking), the basics of the weight loss is there; exercise, evaluating and making better choices and knowing that the better choice will make me feel better in the end!).

And when I look back and see how far I came, I realized that persistence was the main ingredient.  NOT perfection. 

So today, when I head off to my busy day (three photo shoots that I'm really excited about), I will have peace of mind knowing that my early morning "Shpilkes" as mom calls it, will let me come home to clean dishes. 

Kind of like working out.  Nothing you LOVE to do, but something you are ALWAYS glad you did!!!

Sometimes you have to look ahead a bit when making a decision.  It's the light at the end of the tunnel!!  Most people dont' LOVE working, but they sure love their paychecks.  And they do a good job so they can continue to get paid. 

Think a few steps ahead - get the task done and revel in your accomplishment.  Who doesn't want to feel good about what they have done??

Happy Sunday!