Celebrate Yourself - The Inaugural Edition...

I am introducing a weekly theme post.  I'm calling it Celebrate Yourself.

We as mom's/women/men/people spend a lot of time working, playing, giving of ourselves to others, and we rarely are recognized.  I want to open up to a weekly forum to tell us what you did this past week that you are proud of.  If you potty trained your child, or you restrained yourself from flipping the bird while driving, or just got something done that you'd been meaning to do, tell us.  Come here and shout about yourself and what you accomplished this week.  Also, if you'd like to build on that accomplishment, and tell us your goal for this week - we'd love to here it!  Please link up, and talk yourself up today!

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I've been talking for the past year or so about the weight I've lost.  But that is not the accomplishment that I have for this week.  This week, what I am proud of, is not only that I have been working out 6 days a week, but also that I have been able to do this working out with friends.  

I have a couple of girls that I work with, and everyday, instead of going to lunch, we lug ourselves to the fitness center and work out.  Once we're done, we go back and eat lunch at our desks.  The funny part about this is that this workout, in only two weeks, has become the highlight of my "at work" days.  It doesn't matter how stressed I am, how annoyed, irritated, angry, or even happy, I still am able to go downstairs, get sweaty, and really enjoy that part of my day.

It's been a great kind of stress relief.  And also gives me time to think about things that are going on in my life, make decisions on how to organize, or on what I need to change.  I can't stress enough how much I am enjoying this daily exercise.

I'm also excited that I have been able to help influence my friends.  I really enjoy the time we have together, and since work has a tendency to get in the way of our socializing, taking the time to "lunch" together, has become special to me.  Thanks, Girls!

Please link up below, or share your celebration in the comments.  I can't wait to hear how awesome you have been this week!

Some "day in the life" shiz....

Here is my first photo back at Instagram.  I can't imagine what I'm going to do when someday I have to move on.  I may have to go to Instagram Instarehab.  Anywho, Mia didn't think that her hair looked pretty up in a ponytail.  So, I took a picture and showed her.  Then, she decided that I was right, she is pretty.

 

We had an unexpected day together last Friday.  We got less than an inch of snow, and apparently couldn't hang.  This is what happens with two rather snow-less winters in Chicago - you lose the ability to deal.  So, after a two-hour round trip to get about 12 miles from my house, and back (one way commute is 36 miles), Mia and hung out at home.  I got some snugly time because I am a lucky mama.

 

A picture while stopped on our snowy drive last Friday.

 

A little later on, my blond snow angel had a blast running through the little bit of snow we had.

 

This is what happens when a 4 year old dresses herself.  Although, I have to say, she matched the skirt and the shirt perfectly to the stripes on the pants.  I loved the look and so did she.

 

You may or may not know, but I really love to cook.  I had found a site (www.punchfork.com) that was like a search engine for food bloggers or food websites.  I have been unhappy that punchfork has recently been acquired by Pinterest, mostly because I didn't use Pinterest for food.  Now, I have moved all my punchfork likes to a board on Pinterest.  You can find me here on Pinterest, if you are interested. This is a chocolate cake, with chocolate chips and chocolate butter cream.  Yummy!

 

This is what I do every weekend.  I plan the meals for my family, then put it in a note on my phone so that I always know what we will be eating and can create the necessary shopping lists as well.

 

Lastly, this is what greeted me when I opened my bedroom door.  Hello Kitty in her birthday suit.

Linking up with Gfunkified for iPPP today.

Apparently fun things only happen at the grocery store...

I honestly don't know what to write about right now.  I've been feeling good lately, so no real need to let my emotions out through writing.  Isn't that funny?  I write when I'm emotionally wound up, so if I'm not writing, that probably means things are just ok to good. 

I'm just going to start with some things that have been going on around here.  A new grocery store opened up down the street.  Within about a 2 mile stretch - of the same road - we have 2 Jewel's, Tony's Finer Foods, Aldi, Dominick's, Super Wal-Mart and Target w/grocery.  So, this new grocery store (Tony's Finer Foods) opens, and you'd think that this was something brand new.  I mean, the parking lot has been so full that I didn't even stop the first weekend.  We finally went this weekend because my weird kids were begging to go here like it was frickin' Chuck E. Cheese or something.  So, we tried the new grocery store.

My littlest blond daughter is such a little love bug.  She is very into 'goodbyes' right now.  She must say good bye multiple times, in many different ways, with many hugs and kisses.  She also will tell you she loves you.  And then, just when you think you're done, she runs back for more.  God forbid you're in the car, and she needs to say "goodnight" to the sitter.  She had a huge emotional outburst because we couldn't go back.  But, don't think that you are special.  Because she shouts "I love you!" to strangers at the grocery store, instead of saying hi.

Speaking of grocery stores and the little: when we were at the new store, trudging up and down every lane to familiarize ourselves with the store, she rode in the cart.  As a bag boy passed us down the aisle, she cranes her neck around me, and starts to sing "Call me, maybe."  We are gonna have troubles with this one.  She's 4.

Here's a story that doesn't revolve around the grocery store.  I've found out why they say dogs are more work.  It's the vacuuming.  Apparently, I will need to vacuum everyday to keep on top of the shedding balls of hair.  I'm sure that our bugs will not be happy.*

Don't forget to think about the new link up I'll be starting this Thursday.  Think of things you want to celebrate, or put down on paper some goals to accomplish.  If you don't want to link up, leave them in the comments.  I'm excited for Thursday!!!

*I really don't have bugs in my house.**

**At least none that we can see

Emotional vomit...

Did that title capture your attention?  I don't know where it came from - nor if this post will contain emotional vomit.  However, it's been awhile since I've written, and I may have uncontrollable bursts of typing, trying to get my thoughts out, so you may be surprised.  Or, I may be surprised.  Either way, I tend to like surprises.

First things first - an Instagram update.  Instagram is odd.  The owners/help did not help me, nor did they seem concerned that I was having an issue.  I was unable to post captions or comments since just after Thanksgiving.  I deleted the app and re-installed 4 times (I know, I know - 5th time would be the charm, right?).  I posted 3 times to their Facebook for help, and also Tweeted to Instagram to help me.

Nothing.

So, I deleted my account, and deleted the app.

But, I love Instagram. Mostly, because this is my way to connect with other bloggers, especially when I can't always read other blogs, and I'm not really Twitter-functional (as in, I don't get it, and am still non-confident on how to best use Twitter).  And, it gets me out there, using the eye that I have for light and pictures and pushes me to take and share said pictures.  I love being proud of my pictures, and enjoying them.  So?  I re-installed the app, and created a new account.  AND IT WORKED!  I can now caption my pics, and leave comments.  So, if you want to find me, I'm at "lapinskaslands".  I have a whole one picture up right now, but it's winter and I'm more focused on staying warm than on pictures of our blue toes.

Ok.

Now that that's out there - let's move on.

I have a number of emotion-filled posts that are swirling in my head.  But, swirling is where they will stay.  I can't talk about some things, so there - they won't be said.  But, why, you ask, are you telling us about this?  Mostly, to understand why I don't always write a post - or to be more exact - share a post.  Sometimes it's cathartic to get things out, but sometimes those things would do more damage than good, and I'm not out to damage.

Speaking of not damaging, I've got an idea for a weekly meme post/link.  I'm super excited about this and am working on the details of this.  But, I want you to start thinking about what you would write about if you were to link up.  I'm thinking this would be best posted on Fridays - or Thursday evenings.  I'm thinking of naming it....well....too many ideas.  I'm working on that.  It's going to be a weekly celebration.  I want to hear what you did this week that you are proud of!  I've learned that it can be difficult to sit back and watch others be recognized, and lauded, and I've decided that if I want to celebrate what I do well - why should I have to wait for others to notice that?!  I did it well, I'm proud of myself, and I'm going to shout about it!  But - we can't only talk about what we did well, but also, what do you plan to accomplish this week?  I want to hear about the small steps to bring you closer to that bigger goal, or how your child is finally (or easily) potty trained.  I want to hear that you made a dinner this week that wasn't hot dogs or macaroni, and everyone loved it!  I want to hear that you were able to walk up a flight of stairs without needing oxygen - or just that you were able to walk up stairs.  I want to hear everything from the smallest to the largest accomplishments, and I want to celebrate you with you!  Stay tuned for more updates on this "meme", and hopefully we'll get some links going soon.  What? Tomorrow? Hmmmmmm.....the possibilites......

iPPP...

I need to rage for a minute.  A rage against Instagram.  Yes - I'm upset that they have decided to change terms on us.  But, I have a more serious problem. My problem is that every time I post a picture, I put a caption on it.  But, I refresh my feed, and the caption disappears!  If I share to FB, or Twitter, caption shows up in FB or Twitter - but not Instagram!  Now, it looks like I post these random pics, with no explanation or anything.  Second, I have the same problem with comments.  I comment on your pictures.  I respond to the comments on my pictures.  But once again, I refresh my feed, and the comments disappear.  This is aggravating to a point that I tried to get help.  The help in Instagram will not let you contact anyone.  I tried to report a problem.  But, my problem is not in their list.  So then, I googled how to report an issue on Instagram.  I was able to submit something via Facebook.  I was supposed to get an email back.  Nothing.  I have no idea if they received my report or not.  If they have, I'm even more angry because I haven't heard back, and I still can't post a comment or caption.

I'm weighing my options as to whether or not to keep my account.  I like Instagram.  I love the community and getting to see other wonderful photographers.  And even though this is a free service, it would be nice to get some service.  I know that the terms of service/privacy policy go into effect on January 19.  This gives me about 10 days to determine if it's worth keeping this account or not.

P.s. I love anyone that likes one of my pics, and if you have left a comment, I responded, I swear!

Ok.

Rant over. (for now *shakes fist - vehemently!)

Since this is the first iPPP of the new year, I thought I would take a minute to show you some pictures of my kids.  One from last year, one recent.  It's kind of fun to see how they've grown and changed this year.  Olivia's has come more into herself.  She's gained some independence and confidence.  She is funny and wickedly smart.  Mia is still cuddly and needs that assurance that she's loved.  Sometimes, I think she is vocal about her love to make sure that her sister hears her.  She's crafty that way.

Olivia

Mia

Here's Mia, working hard on coloring.  Something she couldn't care less about a year ago.

And because I love this picture, for the shoes, for the lighting, and I don't care how fat my legs look.

Linking up with the cool people, Gfunkified and Mamamash.

2013...

It's been awhile.  I have been feeling like I am neglecting you and my blog.  I even came on and wrote two different posts the other day, but, disliked them and deleted them.  I thought it best to give a recap of the last month to 6 weeks of the craziness.

Miss Mia found mommy's hat

December was a crazy month, starting right from the gunshot of Thanksgiving.  We had my sister here for Thanksgiving, 2 celebrations, much cooking, eating and giving thanks.  That catapulted us right into December and Christmas shopping, baking, parties, and everything else.

Union Station

Tony had a car accident in December.  The insurance company decided to total our car.  Now, we had to figure out what to do.  We needed a second car, but really couldn't take on a second car payment.  After weighing decisions it came down to the final two: 1. buy the Nissan back and fix it ourselves, take a salvage title, only liability insurance.  Or 2., buy my sister's '96 Mustang, get it here from Mississippi, and use the money to fix it up.  We decided to go with option 2.  Tony's had the Mustang for about a month and has fixed a number of things on it already, most notably being the odometer, which had been stuck at 186,000 for the past 6 years or so (according to the CarFax).  P.s. Tony is fine, he wasn't hurt in the accident.  I should have noted that first - sorry.

Mia and Tony on the stairs, Union Station

Olivia is having an 8 year-olds Christmas.  She got many gifts.  Has been trying to figure out if Santa is real or not and is routinely calling us out on our Santa-rific stories.  She had a blast having her aunt, uncle, and Grandmother here.  She has been obsessed with a new tracing board from Uncle Mike. 

Olivia and Mia

Mia, in typical four-year-old fashion had a great Christmas.  She has been playing with all of her toys, and like her sister, was so excited to have family here for Christmas.  Both kids are healthy and happy and have been getting along pretty well.

Aunt Cari and Mia

In family news, we also got our first family dog.  The girls are smitten, as is Tony.  He's a good boy and we are really glad to have him here.  The cats are less than thrilled and have been in the basement since he came home.  We've tried to socialize them, but because the dog wants to play, the cats want to hide.

Upset, yet alert kitty

For me, I spent the Holidays shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping.  I have been playing with makeup and hairdos, thinking about what things I can change about my appearance soon.  I have bought some clothes and shoes and can't wait to wear them (starting tomorrow).  We went to have Christmas at my aunt and uncles' house and were thrilled to spend the holiday with my grandparents and cousins that we rarely get to see.  We've had very little snow, but, it's been cold and getting colder every day.

Snow!

We did take our tree and decorations down.  We took them down before New Year's, mostly because the time was available.  I hope you had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or any other holiday that is celebrated, as well as a Happy New Year.

Here's to 2013!

Happy New Shoes!