Many hats one day

Today I learned what it meant to be many things. This is one of those days where life lessons were taught, given and learned. What an amazing day it was.

I was a superhero to my youngest child because I was able to find a swimsuit so we could go swimming.

I was a cool aunt because I went when my girlfriends daughter called. All she wanted was someone to watch her favourite show with her and her mom was sick. I stayed and watched her show with her. I was sure to tell her before I left that I was glad she called and that this is what family and friends do. This was a neat experience for me because I am an Aunt by choice not blood.

I learned that being a heart sister means that no matter who else is in your life they are the ones that will be there at your brightest and darkest hour. I also learned that when I choose not to call in my darkest hour feelings can be hurt but forgivness is also quick to be given.

I got to be a good wife to my hubby tonight when I told our oldest that he would have to find a ride for his girlfriend because my hubby was too sick to go out. My hubby would've gone had I asked but he really appreciated not having to go.

I also learned what it means to be a true cousin. This is the most interesting to me. My cousin Tasha is getting married and is being given some grief over the fact that kids are not invited. I for one totally agree with her. We have a cousin who has said he will not be at the wedding because his youngest will be too little to be left with a sitter. Her wedding is in August. This weekend on FB we find out that he left his little one for the night with a sitter so him and his wife could go out. Tasha was very hurt over this and I totally get where she is coming from. So I told her I have her back sent her a virtual hug and him a virtual kick in the butt (we live too far from each other for them to be real). The interesting part is the cousin I gave the kick in the butt to used to have no faults in my eyes but I am learing that he is not perfect and that Tasha needs all the love and support she can get.

What a crazy but educational day. These are lessons I will keep and pass on.

Amazing new artist

I listened to this great CD last night(Little Smile). This woman is amazing her lyrics are very simple and so true for girls/women of all ages.

The best part is she is Canadian and so down to earth.

I have had the privlege of seeing her perform and she is so powerful.

http://jodiking.com/video.php

Take the time to check out this video it is so powerful.

Living with mental illness

I was equipped when I got married or so I thought. We took the marriage classes and they talked but all the relevant topics again so I thought. What they don't ask is do either of you have a mental illness (mild or not). This should be a required question and if the answer is yes they should give you coping skills.

You see I live with a great man when his moods are balanced. When his moods are not balanced things are not quite so great. He can hold it together at work and with our youngest but the rest of us are not spared. Now he doesn't get violent or nasty but he gets real quiet, very impatient and the littlest comment can start him on a tirade about how unfair his life is.

I have been with him for 13 years so I have learned how to handle the swings but there are weeks like this week that I just want to throw in the towel and have the husband that doesn't have to battle this monster but then I remember all the good things and remember that this is just a small piece of who he is.

It is very tiring emotionally and physically. I have learned to just let things slide when he is on a downswing but there are times that I think this is not fair I can't share the good or bad with him during this period. I am so glad that I have this blog so I can vent and it so helps with coping.

I am glad that he is my husband and I know we have a rock solid marriage but there are days that make it hard because mental illness is not talked about so there is nowhere to turn to get support when needed.

Thanks for letting me vent and put things in perspective

Unplugged continued

I am still mostly unplugged (would love to figure out what word to use). So far I have stopped watching almost all of my shows, I actually turned off the ringtone on my phone for my FB updates so now I actually only check FB a few times a day.

I am still amazed at how refreshing this all is. I have friends that did this years ago and told me how rewarding it would be but I was not so sold or ready to give up my shows or FB.

I am still a fan of FB it is a great way to be in touch with my friends and family but now I have a life outside of FB.

My hubby and I have actually found other things to do instead of watching hours of television every week. Now when we do watch tv or a movie we enjoy it. It no longer feels like a dreaded homework assignment. Yes that is what it was starting to feel like. I was a clock watcher because I had to get everything done so I could cram in my shows. No wonder I wasn't sleeping very well.

I am enjoying be able to sit down and read a book or just flip through the channels to find a fluff show if I choose.

Looking forward to where this path will continue taking me.

Old friends and good times

I went out Saturday night with friends old and new. What a blast it was to get caught up each other's lives it was like it hadn't been 20 years since we were all together.

The one guy that showed up was the class bully as my memory had led me to believe all this time but as the night went on and stories were shared it was revealed that he was not so bad after all so all is forgiven.

Then my girl Kit Kat her hubby and brother showed up. Well I forgot what a crush I used to have on her brother and I am happily married and would never cheat but damn that boy is still hot. Well as alchol began to pour stories began to be told and one particular story that was shared I had figured I would never have to relive that story or moment again. My girl was shocked that after all these years she had no idea that her cousin and I had hooked up in high school I had actually totally forgotten as well but that skeleton is now out of my closet.

As I stood listening and looking around the table I was amazed at how many of these people were just as gorgeous/sexy or even better then they were in grade/high school.
And yet I don't recall there ever being a popular group or jealousy amongst us girls. So I have realized that I was blessed to have known these people and it would be great if we all keep in touch.

Heart breaks and heals

I have been helping a very close friend for the last little while deal with her marriage issues and I am still surprised at all the things I am finding out about the life she has been living. I am so glad she has found the strength to finally stand her ground and demand love and respect.

I do hope that it is not too late for them to work things out but I am finding it harder and harder to believe that at the end of this road they are going down that they will be together. I watched her completley crumble and also her oldest child.

It breaks my heart to watch a family fall apart like this and not to see any good coming from it. I don't agree with just throwing your marriage away but I do believe that there are times when it is the best solution and I am starting to think that this is the best for them.

I was shocked to find out that out of the people that know everything there are only two of us supporting her and everyone else figures she should just put on a happy face and enjoy the comfortable life she has. Well I am sorry but money and a nice house does not replace love, respect and partnership.

Last time I checked it is almost impossible to have a good marriage without love, respect and partnership. I have to come to realize how truly blessed I really am in my life. Yeah my hubby drives me crazy but I know that he loves and respects me. I have also realized that I so made the right choice by leaving my older boys father all those years ago.

I am so glad that I have my blog to be able to vent and put this stuff out there. Writing is such a good therapy for me right now dealing with all of this. You see I tend to hurt when my friends hurt and it is not healthy to keep everything in.

Unplugged for 2011 and maybe life

Not sure where this vision of unplugged will take me but I have decided that having my phone attached to my hip 24/7 is crazy. Yes I do need to leave it on all the time because it is the number my kids and some friends call me on but I do not need to answer every text or FB update when they come in. When I have company it will be refreshing to only have to answer my phone or texts when it is required.

I have decided to cut my tv time down to almost zero shows. My hubby has been busy lately and since we watch all of our shows together I had all last week to do other things and I loved it and didn't even miss my shows.

I will have more time for my blog, reading and actually watching a movie that I got for Christmas.

So I guess unplugged may not be the right word but it is the best I could come up with. We will see where this journey takes me.