Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you

This one was easy in a sense. There is one woman who has been the biggest influence in my life. Past, present and, I know, future. This is a woman whose advice I always ask for even if I don't end up taking it.

But first, the runner-ups. In no particular order:

My Seester. Ah, what Blog Post would be complete without my seester in it. As previously stated she is the (second, as I am the first) best seester anyone could ask for. She left a comfortable life in Canada to move to Thailand to teach English. She went, the first time, without knowing how it would be, whether she would find her niche. She went half way around the world knowing no one. And she has been back and forth to Thailand on and off for the last 7 years. She is currently Head Teacher at her school.



My Bamma. My Bamma passed away 8 years ago Thursday. She was.. I don't have words to describe how much she meant to me. She was a second mother to me. When I was around 10 or 11, my Bamma and my Poppa converted my parents mud room into a separate house for themselves and moved in full-time. For thereon in we had live-in grandparents. Myself and my three siblings got to see Bamma and Poppa whenever we wanted. Bamma taught me how to play cards. Taught me how to cheat at cards. She was one of the smartest women I knew. My family loves to play Trivial Pursuit but you could never get Bamma on your team, she would give answers to whoever asked tho. She raised 11 kids with my Poppa. 11. The last pregnancy was twins. I can't even imagine. I have problems with the one I've got sometimes. She raised 11 kids and worked a full-time job.

I will always miss her. Always. It hurts that she will never know Ricky, even though she wouldn't have approved of him since he was a boy :D




I'm sure you all saw this coming: My Number 1 inspirational person-

My mommy. Oh my mommy. My mom is the best mom (even better than me). She inspires me. She may have only raised us four kids, but she did an amazing job of it. As the oldest of 11 (seriously..eleven..) she may have had some practice tho. As I reflect on mine, and my siblings adolescences I can't imagine why she didn't drown us all. We were pains in the butts. We are all now responsible independent adults. I credit her (and dad) for that.

Now that I am a mom myself, I am even more inspired by her. She teaches me something new all the time. I call or Skype her all the time for advice. Ricky will and already has benefit from having her as a Grandmer.

Mom-I love you and I appreciate you more than you can ever imagine. Thank you.




And just to annoy mom and Mel, here is a picture of my Top Three Influences (Bamma wouldn't be impressed either but she can't do anything about it! ...is that thunder I hear...?)

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die

Can you imagine the feeling of plunging through the air with just a giant elastic cord attached to you? I can't. But I kinda want to. I have a fear of heights, not a severe fear, just a 'ugh' feeling. I think if I can actually make myself bungee jump then I will conquer that fear. I keep saying I'm going to do it and never do. I honestly don't know if I ever will now, but if I do then I expect people to buy me a beer afterwards!

Day 14 – A picture of your favorite store

I admit it. I love Walmart. There is a Super Center walking distance from our place and Ricky and I have done many a stroll over there. Lots of variety for reasonable prices...whats not to love??

So now you may judge me :)

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist

I'm not really 'into' music that much. I can take it or leave it. Unless it's country...I can pretty much always leave country. Ick.

I have certain songs I adore. And I suppose there are musicians I listen to that I would say I like all of their music..Bing Crosby is one. But I decided to go for more of an ensemble.

We (Ricky and I) went and saw the latest Muppet Movie about a month ago. LOVED IT! It was so awesome! So, my favorite 'band' and 'artist' is The Muppets. Jim Henson was a genius. He brought much joy to many peoples lives. Both children and adults. RIP

Day 12 – A picture of something you love

OooOoo, almost forgot!

Since I have limited time I am taking the easy way out for today. I love cheese. Not weird smelly cheese, but nice normal mozza, cheddar, Parmesan, feta, haloom. Just tasty tasty cheese. And because of this and my utter lack of self-control--I have quit cheese. The deal I made (with myself) is that I get one 'cheese cheat day' a month, outside the house. I was going to just quit it totally but I think it would be an empty life with no cheese. So far I have gone since December 8th, except for my cheat day which was yesterday. Mmmm, Auntie Liz's macaroni..

I need to get healthier. I don't want to be a fat mom. I want to be able to be more active with Ricky as he gets older. If it takes quitting cheese then that is the price I am willing to take. After a year then I will reassess and see if I feel comfortable adding cheese back into my diet.

Oh, and come New Years I am quitting junk food (chips, cookies, candies) except for three cheat days a month.

Two Day Weekend

Blog will return Tuesday, December 27th. Closed due to holiday busyness :)

Day 11 – A picture of something you hate

Seriously. It's always gonna be Zombies. Its more I am terrified of them. I can trace my fear/hatred of them back to my early 20's. I was at an after-the-bar party, so may have been a tad intoxicated, and someone had the brilliant idea of throwing in the original, from the 70's Dawn of the Dead. O.M.G!! For poor, drunk little me that did it. Since that day I have dreaded the Inevitable Zombie Apocalypse. Both my sister and my brother have bought me books on Zombie fighting...I'm too scared to read them. One of the reasons I started dating Mike was because he had a Zombie Fighting Plan. Seriously, Zombies are NOT okay!


This pic of one seemed appropriate given that it is Christmas Eve.