Another year older...and wiser I suppose

Well it's official. I'm one step closer to 40. I started year number 37 on August 9th. 37! Wow! It's really only just a number to me. It doesn't really prove anything...only that you've accomplished 37 years of trials and tribulations. So in honor of my 37 years, I figured I'd list 37 tid bits of wisdom. So...Here it goes: 1) Just because someone tells you to your face they like you, doesn't mean they do when you walk away. 2) Listen to your gut instinct...and know when to follow it. 3) Be someone's best friend and mean it. 4) There's always someone who has it worse off then you. 5) Love your job. If you don't then its time to move on. 6) Your dog is the only "person" that will never tell your secrets. 7) Crying is good for the body, mind and soul. There's nothing better then a good cry to work something out. 8) Know when to just let something go. You don't have to win every argument. 9) Someone, somewhere, at some point in your life, will hate you. And that's ok. 10) Quitting isn't always for quitters. Sometimes it's the best option for you. 11) Just because someone is family, doesn't mean they have your best interests in mind. It's ok to let them go 12) Live your life for you...but be willing to bend. 13) Always do the dishes before bed. There is no greater feeling then getting up in the morning and the kitchen being clean. 14) You don't always have to do it today just because you have time. Whatever it is can be done tomorrow just as easily. 15) Enjoy every day you have with your children. Before you know it they will be grown, moved away, or just teenagers who don't want to hang out with their parents anymore. 16) Love and respect yourself first. 17) People will never forget how you made them feel, so be kind and genuine. 18) Take time out of your day for you. 19) Don't sweat the small stuff. In the end...it's all small stuff. 20) If you think there's no hope, sleep on it. When you wake up whatever it was, won't seem so bad. 21) It's ok to say no. 22) When you say no, don't change your mind. 23) Don't jump on the bandwagon for every new fad that comes around. Just because Mrs. Smith next door dyed her hair green does not mean you have to. Think things out before you act. 24) Take calculated risks. Don't live your life in a bubble. 25) Fight for what you know is right. KNOWING what is right is the key. Do your homework and research and back up your findings with data. 26) Don't present a problem without having a solution. 27) We've all heard the saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer". I say bull! When we need someone, whose going to come running? Your friends or your enemies? 28)You don't have to give your opinion about everything. Sometimes people just want you to listen. 29) Every day doesn't have to be productive. Sometimes the best way to recharge is to do nothing at all. 30) Take a family vacation once a year. A true family vacation! Leave the area, stay in a hotel, eat out at least once, do something you've never done. Your kids will treasure those moments and never forget them. 31) Try something new. Whether it be a new sport, a new food, or a new perfume. Just try it. Nothing says you have to like it, or even stick with it. But at least try it. 32) Help a stranger. Simple things like holding a door, carrying a bag of groceries, or giving directions can mean the world to someone. 33) Know your neighbors. 34) Be good at your job. Know all there is to know about it. The more you know, the more valuable you will be. 35) Always strive to do your best. 36) Having a great frien is better then having a lot of friends 37) Above all else...HAVE FUN! No one makes it out alive, so lets all have fun while we are here!!

Two weeks post-op and other stuff

Well here we are...two weeks post-op. The hard cast is gone (thank goodness), the stitches are out, and a walking boot has been fitted. It has definetly been a very long two weeks. I've never had to walk on crutches before, so thats been a learning experience in itself! Though I haven't fallen, I have had some close calls and definetly some "ouch" moments. Kicking the step on my way down to the sunken living room was not a smart move on my part. And its a good think our entertainment center in the living room is just the right height that I can lean on it and not topple over. All in all it's really gone pretty well. I talked to the doctor on Friday and am now the proud owner of two compression staples and a pin, one staple right below the nail on my big toe and one staple and a pin about two inches below the base of my toe in my foot. I'm very surprised but it doesn't hurt at all! The only pain I have is not being able to do what I want! I'm a pretty active person and sitting still is really not my cup of tea. Having to have someone else do things for me is also not something I enjoy. I'm a pretty independent person and when I can't do something it makes me very angry. So, I guess I'll ride it out until I can get around on my own again...which can't come soon enough! As for the last couple of weeks on the home front, we've gotten to enjoy fresh veggies from the garden quite a bit. There is nothing better then a fresh tomato still warm from the sun! The eldest son will be turning 14 at the end of the month, but has to return to Minnesota next weekend so we bought his birthday present early. Somehow he talked us into a hamster. It is a cute little thing. I just hope he doesn't escape. The weenie dog doesn't take to kindly to furry creatures off any sort. She seems to think it is her duty to save us all from anything that has fur. Thank goodness the greatest Dad ever lives in our house so he can take care of the little creature until the son returns for a visit. School will be starting soon, so school supplies were bought. Wow!! I was not prepaired to spend $250 on just supplies!! That doesn't include book fees, band fees, chorus fees, PE clothes, tennis shoes, or school clothes! And that was only for 3 of the 5 children! I understand it's all items they will be using all year long, and yes I probably should have saved a little before so I would have extra money to spend but I didn't. This is not something new to me, I have a junior this year. But every year it floors me how much we are required to spend. And book rental fees!! I do understand the need for the schools to be compensated for my child using their materials. But if I pay $75 just for a book rental fee, then please give my child books! That's not including a $30 school activity fee (required of all students whether you attend any sporting events or not), or any band or chorus fees (which were apparently waved this year). Last year fees for two students was well over $300. I guess I shouldn't complain. They are getting an education, the teachers are WELL under paid, and I know there are people who don't get the opportunities that other children get. It just frustrates me that I pay book fees for books they either don't receive or don't get to bring home! I'll stop complaining and be very thankful for my wonderful, intelligent, caring, goofy children!