tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37565027634853831462024-02-20T20:13:25.307-06:00Unconventional RandomnessA friend told me I was delusional. I almost fell of my unicorn.JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-47733379779875509852014-03-23T09:30:00.001-05:002014-03-23T09:30:07.854-05:00A year-ish.Meh, maybe a bit less. <br />
<br />
But it’s been about forever in Blog land since I've posted here. I was
tidying up my Twitter account and realized I had a link here.<br />
<br />
Not saying goodbye to blogger, who knows I may come back a raging blogger
again. But my Unconventional Randomness facebook page has been an easier way to
microblog, still vent but keep my time for other things. So until then… <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalRandomness" title="https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalRandomness">https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalRandomness</a><br />
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Blogger… thank you. For helping me survive 8 years of being a SAHM. <br />
<br />
<br />
Muah!<br />
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<br />JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-60597815463054613352013-04-12T14:17:00.001-05:002013-04-12T14:17:11.000-05:00Keepin’ It Real<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA7ZMTezkdVMn1QPvBThLVWTv-_tohKCgmK11cTsCUYjBpsK0T0wq0VauiDV_5OVoN9EfyfeMc_3P1WC-PqsrHqekrzRPMzsyq2ABcImTATZJ5bXNFYDTp8ikX7xOZsqoeWOeT3OT98hn/s1600-h/DSCN1318%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1318" border="0" alt="DSCN1318" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vhr1fHfdNv4/UWhdku_3irI/AAAAAAAACM0/2rJSX4GHiPk/DSCN1318_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Let’s keep it real. <br>On my facebook, </font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalRandomness?fref=ts"><font size="4">Unconventional Randomness</font></a><font size="4">, on of my mom friends asked if someone were to come into my house at any given time is it clean or messy?<br><br>I was honest and have to say 9/10 times it’s a mess. It’s not because I’m lazy. It’s just how we are wired around here. We do just drop things. I am in the LONG process of finding a place for everything. And we are starting to see improvements. <br>But with a bit more stuff then we have room for. The clutter often takes over. It’s a mess, we clean it up some days. And most days it sits where it lands. <br><br>Now there IS a method to our madness. Take this chair in the photo above, for instance. It’s our coat rack. Yes I have a hall closet, but it’s PACKED with Ed’s and my coats. I don’t have room for all the kids coats too. With it being April, one day it’s 30 and windy, the next it’s sunny and 70 so we’ve got 3 different coats per kid going on here. <br><br></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kwcuFnMrbh8/UWhdk9PIL9I/AAAAAAAACM8/FaYryIK5eqg/s1600-h/DSCN1315%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1315" border="0" alt="DSCN1315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6VAO2YjVeq8/UWhdlb6z5cI/AAAAAAAACNE/HGLsuVkdUCI/DSCN1315_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">The rest of the front living room is a mess too. The big stool is full of Mia’s school papers from this week. We do homework and keep simple art supplies in here. We read in this room and just hang out. <br>Oddly this room is a mess as of this week. I DO try, since this is the first room you see when you come in to keep it somewhat clean…er then you see here.<br><br></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q-4Jc1RE03E/UWhdluPMDoI/AAAAAAAACNM/_0A3sWp1fsQ/s1600-h/DSCN1319%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1319" border="0" alt="DSCN1319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKORhdVi_aL3B2tq9fs3Q7ifckrTfYw_nLUpnA4gCjb7ps_YRhBjdx4cDn8e-ZL-xlORTJP5LxJekQDD66VqJe2NE-9W9qPtc2xSSjOKEaY9bxe60pytVmcNLahj2X_Uqo2LUiF56dX5m/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Now wait, before you think of telling me to purge Mia and Alex’s school papers, I DO! I have this station right behind the front door for back packs to hang, and papers to go… I have file folders at the bottom of those stacks for each kid. Saving the purging for a rainy day… a different rainy day. <br>The crap on the floor is because I was cleaning out the cabinet. And stopped half way to go to bed. I also don’t have the best timing on my projects either.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xaNrhrC0ITo/UWhdmfbnRgI/AAAAAAAACNc/gSEF1bBFhik/s1600-h/DSCN1317%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1317" border="0" alt="DSCN1317" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o-JjpD-zySg/UWhdmjegCsI/AAAAAAAACNk/ujyUxIp2cKg/DSCN1317_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"> But wait… did you notice JUST my bookshelf. <br><br>MY bookshelf. <br><br>It’s pretty… it used to be COVERED in kids books, packing ALL my books end to end. <br><br>NOW they are all MY books. And MY decorations. Can’t wait to get this room picked up a bit better so my bookshelf isn’t the ONLY thing in here that is nice looking. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Kids books… what did I do with them all? <br><br>Took this OLD, nasty, chipped paint, white rack. Spray painted it ‘leather brown’ and BOOM. A cute shelf. Up in the loft. Holding ALL the kids books! Perfect!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eLaRn1lgh1M/UWhdm9GULRI/AAAAAAAACNs/sEs0RMtb4Yo/s1600-h/DSCN1324%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1324" border="0" alt="DSCN1324" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3UdYSVqU6Xs/UWhdnKiKNKI/AAAAAAAACN0/_9cgAARyExs/DSCN1324_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Now not ALL my rooms look like holy hell. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy09F9WV9tvsLxBN1pn56bab1lfjVmD34PuSEmftwzmkpS61o-0RJc6gS0jLmMQTLEs-oJTxfmgGoJU69-EU5CzjcZS6BW1fSpLmvwSxMVNX4AywO4gPukMHAVppCjpdMG4SJ-NjHAkq2K/s1600-h/DSCN1314%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1314" border="0" alt="DSCN1314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-32nIkPudzH0/UWhdnil5D6I/AAAAAAAACOE/IR0yonxwoag/DSCN1314_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Our family room is in good shape. AND I can keep it this way, because there is ONE toy table. To the right of the picture. It’s the coffee table. But I put it in the corner of the room. Kids love it. Make a mess. I don’t have to see it right in the middle of the room. I love it. Win win.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9zMbSDQZ6fg/UWhdoLWz85I/AAAAAAAACOM/ZyaVhzEr_PY/s1600-h/DSCN1312%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1312" border="0" alt="DSCN1312" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d2gWDZxs-GA/UWhdotAxlLI/AAAAAAAACOU/hMae6BwNGlc/DSCN1312_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Alright, I’m NOT proud of my kitchen right now. BUT I’m keeping it as real as it gets around the McHale house on this post. And we’ve got this issue about once a week. It just gets backed up. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NbL2n31XhnU/UWhdpFWy_4I/AAAAAAAACOc/F9SjP9quz3w/s1600-h/DSCN1313%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1313" border="0" alt="DSCN1313" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tcs6J3OjLkY/UWhdpkzIedI/AAAAAAAACOk/r0_VLm7FF60/DSCN1313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">One day, I skip dishes, stack them nicely by the sink, to wash the next day. Busy the next morning, and by day 2 I’ve got dishes, food and randomness ALL the way around my counters. </font></p> <p><font size="4">*Note it’s a mess. YES it’s dirty dishes. But each night the counter is cleaned off, and food is put away. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Let’s head upstairs, shall we?<br></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9d3r_S6wELj3uSxqHzSGKzXTxzx0JbGrH0zqfafkwk2CT3r4LftJTyQXXDhSvgvJiPtkvRkhnUfjB0o-dvvXKWJIKyiaHFoMwNuKBoINHIjHB-lSiQTebm9NkDeXwJbRSNFz7i3kaeCQ/s1600-h/DSCN1323%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1323" border="0" alt="DSCN1323" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WYOlkhXkw3M/UWhdqVwJIBI/AAAAAAAACO0/GRBh2YmUZw4/DSCN1323_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">The loft. <br><br>If you know what I’ve been up to, it’s this room. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I took the WHOLE desk apart. Cleaned it. Bagged all the contents of the drawers and cabinets. <br>Now going back through all the bags putting things away, going through each file. Purging, shredding, and organizing.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The one hutch is now living in the basement, for storage next to the kids tv in their toy room. Perfect. <br>This hutch is solo. And now the center piece of the desk. The once center floating box piece is now on my art room floor till it gets a home. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I had to cut this carpet piece to fit in there. (4x1 had to get cut) THAT was a bitch of a job. BUT now I’ve got carpet in my loft. And it cost me $0 nada. </font></p> <p><font size="4">*See before picture below. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vaBN-H-WEKs/UWhdqhfZopI/AAAAAAAACO8/2EptDXnEnQE/s1600-h/DSCN0177%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN0177" border="0" alt="DSCN0177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OWnEcbnjGsA/UWhdq8yHN5I/AAAAAAAACPE/BzurCJmWg94/DSCN0177_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Alright… had enough? Wait just a bit, I’m not done sharing… let’s see how my love for laundry is going… some of you may need to sit down for this. Others may cheer in the fact that you are not alone…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kr5DLMl3mLs/UWhdrnbd1ZI/AAAAAAAACPM/sNnOI4zcHVI/s1600-h/DSCN1320%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1320" border="0" alt="DSCN1320" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x97s4TmrdJs/UWhdr16Ac3I/AAAAAAAACPU/sNTKIcYPexA/DSCN1320_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"> I fucking. HATE. laundry. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’ve gotten my shit together. TWICE since I’ve lived on my own. That would be TWICE in the last 14 years. And “Shit together” as in EVERYTHING but what I was wearing was put away. And NO I don’t enjoy laundry when it’s all done and nice. I don’t enjoy the process when it looks nice. Mess or not. I HATE folding, washing, drying, and ironing is complete bullshit. I’ve had my mom, and friends try to sell me the idea of a wonderful laundry system. <br><br>STILL working on that one. Doubt I’ll see it in my lifetime. Unless I’m joining a nudist camp.</font></p> <p><font size="4">NOW I do miss knowing where my favorite sweats are. I do wonder if I own socks. Or more then 4 shirts and my yoga pants. Since I can’t seem to find a DAMN thing in this mess. So it’s to that point where I will spend a WHOLE day hating the process of putting it away. Filling two garbage bags full of clothes to get rid of. And with in a week it’ll be a mess again. <br>I. HATE. LAUNDRY. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><br>*Note my husbands clothes are on the top of the closet. His are nice, clean and organized. He does his own laundry. Because I SUCK so badly at this job. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_O17kQRa9Jg/UWhdsEOq9PI/AAAAAAAACPc/ydyiig_WOtM/s1600-h/DSCN1321%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1321" border="0" alt="DSCN1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbjtW3khpC7SgktjQrPSB4oYHLHBOn1slECaQtDJIapGjyfV8tCiDpatkVC132ox-drmY0h1qPeN3jUwa9lgQH0zDTu9EZ0B1BErHmlIM34P8wGCz7KgGSTKlD22sfR_DShH9bzZAe8Ec/?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Kids rooms… sigh. Well there is only ONE of me. And too many mess makers in this family. SO for the most part there is a path to get to their beds, in case of an emergency they can escape with out a LEGO injury. <br><br>And so in the middle of the night I can escort them BACK to their bed with out ankle breaking swearing at 2 am</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o7PzsD8ojCk/UWhdtPQtiKI/AAAAAAAACPs/YT4bOXNdCSw/s1600-h/DSCN1322%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN1322" border="0" alt="DSCN1322" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FGMdXqEn_F4/UWhdtVIJqGI/AAAAAAAACP0/cDmknwQSPaI/DSCN1322_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Now I DO attempt organization. I do my best to be a </font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFlyLady?fref=ts"><font size="4">Flybaby</font></a><font size="4"> but understand as much as I’m posting about cleaning, and organizing ALL the time. It’s what I do. BUT I do enjoy life. This mess will ALWAYS be here. It has been for the 34.5 years of my life, it can wait another day. <br><br>Happy Friday people, keep it real. <br></font><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-31360223758691085122013-04-11T09:36:00.003-05:002013-04-11T09:36:45.497-05:00Welcome.<br />
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That is for my new friends... I've been blogging since 2007. BUT not here on this blog. I've gone through about 4 blogs. Each one in a different time in my life. I know in 6 years that sounds weird. A short period of time with so many different blogs.<br />
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Well the first one was hacked by a nut job. For my own security I just started new. The second and third, well... if I remember it was because I just didn't like them. And I felt that starting over was easier then trying to fix what I had typed.<br />
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So that brings us to Unconventional Randomness.<br />
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It's like my facebook page says. It's random, unconventional and all over the place. It involves swearing, funny stories, real life and... well... me.<br /><br />I don't sugar coat things. I rant at times. I tell fantastic stories about my great kids. I tell you my opinion about everything. I share WAY too much.<br />
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I hope you enjoy this blog about me. Enjoy the adventure. Comment below, or just comment on facebook.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">JCat McGack</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*If you are new to blogger, understand that I've used fake names for people in my life. Many of you know our real names... just humor me on this. Thanks.</span>JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-17103288227582051002013-02-22T12:21:00.001-06:002013-02-22T12:21:51.561-06:00So Big and New Security<p><font size="4">After dropping Buzz off at Preschool today, I drove over to the Grade School building to register him for Kindergarten next fall. <br><br>Sigh. <br><br>I thought I’d be fine, but when the secretary said “Welcome to Kindergarten!” I got teary eyed. When did this become this?! <br></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_hq9YX6_mmY/USe3ODzZoKI/AAAAAAAACKo/Eg6mgp7RtnQ/s1600-h/DSCF0341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0341" border="0" alt="DSCF0341" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uZAKP9VTDbg/USe3OfzlURI/AAAAAAAACKw/Ov_416a8lWs/DSCF0341_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cspJw2dQ51E/USe3PM1GKeI/AAAAAAAACK4/fuOqQacHT7U/s1600-h/DSCN9982%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9982" border="0" alt="DSCN9982" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T3dxc3UzCe8/USe3Pl00JOI/AAAAAAAACLA/NnZTNXEViyE/DSCN9982_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Now if you are like my husband, you’d be thrilled. He liked the kids as babies, held them, loved them. But he always wished for them to be 6 and 4. He said THAT is when the fun will begin. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I agree, they were fun as babies, but they are SO much more individual characters now. Buzz with his Star Wars, LEGO’s, and Angry Birds. Tink and her love for dressing up, reading books, and her art. I’ve just got to enjoy the ride, take 9 zazillion pictures and take in this adventure we are on. </font></p> <p><font size="4">In other news, speaking of the school…</font></p> <p><font size="4">After registering, I saw that the principal was standing there. I went up to her and said that it’s been a few months, but I just couldn’t say anything, till now, with out being a blubbering mess. But I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. All your staff and what they do to keep our children safe here. Thank you. </font></p> <p><font size="4">She said she appreciated me saying that. And that the kids are their number one concern. And that as the staff “They are the first line of defense” for our kids. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Yes, it’s true, while my kids are there, I do trust the teachers to be their protectors. It’s just in the last few years, so much has changed. To where they ARE having to become such a strong defense. </font></p> <p><font size="4">She also told me that over the summer the school is going though construction. The whole open front area, will now be closed off. You will walk in, the buzzer will be on the inside. And the office door will be where the glass windows are. </font></p> <p><font size="4">The only way to get into the school is through doors that have no windows on them. </font></p> <p><font size="4">YES it’s hard that they are on lockdown, but I want my children safe first. The staff safe first. I’m so happy that our town isn’t taking Newtown lightly. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I even noticed that the preschool at the park district has now put a small curtain in their skinny door window. She said in case of lock down emergencies. </font></p> <p><font size="4">It’s a tough world out there. I won’t be afraid of it. Neither will my children. But we will be prepared.</font> </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-20042635952634469002013-02-11T08:43:00.001-06:002013-02-11T08:43:24.265-06:00Proof I’m old. Example #425<p><font size="4">Last night while digging through old toys. I came across Colorforms. I brought them out for Tink and Buzz. They were more amused with them then I thought they would be. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Tink was enjoying the Cabbage Patch Colorform. A three story house, with flaps to open. (fridge, cabinets, dressers) A thanks to Aunt Frances for parting with your favorite childhood toy! Tink set up the whole house and had me come check out what she had done. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Me <em>“Looks great, everyone’s watching tv”<br></em>Tink <em>“Yea, but I can’t find the remote for the tv.”</em><br>Me <em>“Well back when I was a kid we didn’t have remotes. You’d go up to the tv and change the channel. ON the tv” <br></em>Tink <em>“So EVERY time you wanted to change the channel. You got out of your chair?!”<br></em>Me <em>“Well there wasn’t as many channels to go through”<br></em>Tink <em>“Well how did you do the OnDemand?”<br></em>Me <em>“Sigh. We didn’t have OnDemand. We used a book we bought each week, called the TV Guide”<br></em>Tink just STARES at me. And says <em>“So what’s with the bug antenna’s on the tv?” <br></em>Me. <em>“Um, that’s so we could get a good picture on the screen…”<br></em>Tink <em>“What? That is so weird”<br></em>Me <em>“Note, this is why all we did was play with toys all day, or play outside. TV was just to complicated”<br></em>Tink <em>“I would have just played with the Nook or the laptop instead”</em><br>Me. Palm to forehead. Walks away.<br></font><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-69250785590045598202013-02-09T21:36:00.001-06:002013-02-09T21:36:04.246-06:00From the front porch.<p><font size="4" face="Calibri">Normal morning routine for school. Mia gets up, dressed in the pre chosen outfit, hair and teeth brushed. Breakfast and morning chit chat. As always at 7:40 am we head to the front door to get all her coat, hat, gloves, scarf (OMG, I love the warm weather for the lack of 5 minutes of layers!) I start putting on my hat and coat, boots on. Open the door and Mia says <em>"Mom. Um, today you could just say goodbye from the porch, ok?"</em><br>Me<em> "Sure. I can still see you from there. If that's what you want"</em><br>Mia <em>"Yeah. It's too cold for you to have to wait with me"</em><br>Me "Ok, yea, it’s too cold. I'll stay on the porch"<br>Mia “Good. Loveyoubye!”<br>She grabs her princess backpack, and wheels it down the drive way. I sit, sad faced and heart broken on the front porch. She meets her bus stop neighbor friends and they board the bus. And it noisily drives away. <br><br>Later that day when she comes home. Ed and I are sitting on the couch. I ask her <em>"Mia, do you think on Monday I can come to the bus stop with you"</em><br>She said, with a look on her face that she was trying to break it easily to me <em>"Well, maybe we try the, me alone, thing a few more days. See how that goes"</em><br>As she skipped out of the room. Tears ran down my face.<br><br>There are these moments. That she’s about 15 years old. Where she doesn’t want me anywhere near her. I get it. She’s testing her wings, she <em>needs</em> to do this. To grow on her own, to challenge life, to be her own person. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Calibri">I guess I just assume that at 6 1/2 she’d still be my baby, needy, and clingy. But what I’m quickly learning is that by 5 she was already challenging these things, and every day there are more new things she can do on her own. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Calibri">She’ll always need me. I mean I’m 34 and still need my mom. But she’s already becoming the independent, strong, and brave little woman I dream of her being. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Calibri">Not saying I’ve got to like it. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Calibri">But I will stand behind her and support her. Or at least from the front porch. </font> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9bsnUUlx368/URcVoCe5VoI/AAAAAAAACI0/m5TqLjdw0Gc/s1600-h/Buggy%25252002-09-13%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Calibri"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Buggy 02-09-13" border="0" alt="Buggy 02-09-13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CqkCrwHjhuM/URcVonsAGPI/AAAAAAAACI8/nqNTU_s1LuA/Buggy%25252002-09-13_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380"></font></a> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri"><font size="4">Slow down Buggy, Mommy’s having a hard time keeping up. <br>Loves you.</font> <br><br></font><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">xoxo…</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-80878530942103909852013-02-07T09:34:00.001-06:002013-02-07T09:34:31.989-06:00Zoo Bucket List (post 1)<p><font size="4">As I walked through the brisk winter air. I realized I had a large grin on my face. Because I was going to check something off my bucket list. </font></p> <p><font size="4">The thing about Bucket Lists are, I think, people wait till they are older to start checking them off. Why wait? Life is to short, things happen, people die, people get sick. I’ve been checking things off my list since 1978. And today I was able to do another one.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Going to one of my favorite places, like I have SO many times before. But this time. By myself. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1or3wmxvNd91bGXKwkH5_iYanqfagJuTHkN3VhhnKk9OKJAENPMTNvMmGF_udvbmE8isXIGWMR64e85ikWv_tml9g6Rn-WBSeOCjAXlDjfiWiV_YnFcK337bjeM3h_j-3vSBNz2ZkHjqV/s1600-h/DSCN0003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN0003" border="0" alt="DSCN0003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SsBMyoXK3nQ/URPJepH_KgI/AAAAAAAACGc/dptWiW30q14/DSCN0003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/czs/flash/landing/index.html"><font size="4">Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo</font></a><font size="4">. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Some people see the zoo as a bunch of animals in cages to show off. But little do they know HOW much more then that the zoo really is. It’s about conservation, and teaching, not only the public about animals but teaching themselves. Learning something new everyday. Through observation, and study. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I spend a good amount of my day chatting with the amazing volunteers, or as they are also called, Docents. <br>Patricia was the first I had encountered. She was in the Australia house.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I did spend some time in the beginning of the Australia house, watching the boa’s and other small displays they had. It’s a smaller darker house, and while most people run through it. I stroll. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I was first drawn to where she was because the keeper was hosing down the Kookaburra birds, who are housed with a Tawny Frogmouth birds (seen here)</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBAVFuSN1-R34PdxqTjoYIthM86F26hy5-vIYTYwdk-xrp3JkeEUgdAAqC0woGni_WaLA264mmldEd_XYPizn45SEhNKKGH3WU2MJKBlfzAbMdfdYv_w7lTlUjxudM_XG702T2HIfRKAe/s1600-h/DSC_0074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0074" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9fVgaK3YKk-v2lDtGKnwJxEKOLq3kdbWBLM37MA3fXfRfdTEJsLJl5OcJITnGy7Iery3W2rQk3Z7xcFNnQYXYK086m98LEbe1PEdyfLH-h94tFZvtkhY_eUwTCs9o4wQCHQsny09zgcR/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Super cool to watch. The keeper was hand feeding fish to the birds. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Which excited the Kookabura’s and they starting their amazing singing! It’s not often the public gets to hear them. I felt lucky.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Patricia and I chatted about wombats, the baby they just had there. Their age, weight and how strong they are. Being that it was feeding time, and no people, this was the most moving around I’ve ever seen the wombats do. They were scratching, sniffing, and moving about. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A6xwslCC0Tg/URPJgcxj4MI/AAAAAAAACG0/ZUlPasMeqDM/s1600-h/DSCN9581%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9581" border="0" alt="DSCN9581" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPKuDBpfh-Ybv1-eL_7TrF4V3OZLh8Jjp9DNRcqkhaWVWzb7cLELyO6aKNGAPAd5NEf61Ap9jxIl0-9MeU9K0MELM_-ySVYBCEkL6td8A7Rs0qRauCb4SHWC7jhGQ3HekH_9WHsAkLIB2/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I was too excited to move onto my favorite place in the Australia house, and one of my favorite places period in this zoo. The free flying bat area. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Well there is one thing to learn about me, it’s that I don’t fear animals. Don’t get it wrong with the fact that I respect them. I know their dangerous, and could at any time, harm me. BUT I also know enough about animals that I know what to fear, how to act, and how far to trust.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So when you go into the free flying bat area, know that the Rodriques fruit bats will fly around. They may even fly close to you. I did hear a story where a lady had one land on her. She wasn’t amused. Myself? I’d be thrilled only hoping it wouldn’t go to the bathroom on me. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Patricia taught me about how the bats are named from Rodriques Island that is off the coast of Madagascar. I learned the one’s you see in the open area are neutered males and females. (they like to breed!) With out a flash you can still capture a great shot. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a_-Ga_GO3nA/URPJhdH2X4I/AAAAAAAACHE/xi8XYy2NOqA/s1600-h/DSCN9588%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9588" border="0" alt="DSCN9588" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l6wa6OcN5RA/URPJhlewF0I/AAAAAAAACHM/_0nza4MIEuU/DSCN9588_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Hard to see the bats. They are usually above on the screen. But to the left on the ground is one crawling. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I spent about 45 minutes chatting with Patricia. Found out later she’s THE know all of docents that volunteer at the zoo. So happy I was able to spend so much time with her. </font></p> <p><font size="4">After our conversation. She said I’ve got something to tell you. I was nervous. She said <em>“Thank you. You are an exception to many people that come to our zoo to visit. You WANT to learn about animals, you also appreciate what it is we do here. You seem to be teaching your children all about the animals. But you are teaching them about what it is we do here at the zoo. You have a great respect for the animals, and a great want to learn all you can about the animals. I’m thankful for people like you.” </em>She touched my arm. And said she had to go off to her next station. It was a great visit. </font></p> <p><font size="4">THIS is what I wanted out of my day. Not expecting a compliment like that. But time to chat with keepers, and docents. To explore the quiet of the zoo. The winter life. The Zoo to me is so much more then the summer rush of too many people and those damn tour busses that drive around, forcing you to move out of the way. I’m not a fan of crowds, and at this rate I’m spoiled with quiet time at the zoo. </font></p> <p><font size="4">To be continued…</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-76221899096605736702013-01-17T11:31:00.001-06:002013-01-17T11:31:45.630-06:00Ducky.<p> </p> <p><font size="4"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://raote.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/rubber-duck.jpg" width="240" height="202"></font></p> <p><font size="4">The other day Buzz, looked at me and said “I love you Ducky!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">I said “Am I Ducky?”</font></p> <p><font size="4">He replied “YES! You are my Ducky. I love you Ducky, love my Ducky. Hug Ducky!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">He did this in front of Blue, and he got a good laugh out of it. Asking him what it meant? Buzz said “It’s her name now. No more Mommy, she’s my Ducky, and I love her.” </font></p> <p><font size="4">It’s been a week, and I’m still called Ducky. Sometimes I call him Ducky back. He loves it. I have no idea where it came from, or why. I need not understand, but I will embrace his creativity to give me a nickname. </font></p> <p><font size="4">So at dinner last night Buzz says with his sweet boy voice “Love you my Ducky” and Blue said “What about me? What is my new name” And Buzz scrunched his face and said “Bad. Ducky.” </font></p> <p><font size="4">“I’ll stick with Daddy, thankyouverymuch” said Blue. And we all laughed. He’s started calling his sister Mimi, which she loves, and she’s called him Weaky (his baby nickname from her) and it’s cute. For Blue? We will probably stick with Daddy, till something better then Bad Ducky comes along.</font> </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack <font size="4" face="Arial">aka </font>Ducky</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-91015192922711287312013-01-17T11:20:00.001-06:002013-01-17T11:20:59.771-06:00Baby Gap and the Thumb Bus.<p><font size="4">Last week I took my Tink to a Pediatric Orthodontist to have her gap looked at. When she was first getting in her baby teeth, she had a HORRIBLE under bite (her and our boxers had matching smiles!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-elfarpR-2Vc/UPgy8kwfFtI/AAAAAAAACB4/IicNKaGcQMA/s1600-h/DSCN9916%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9916" border="0" alt="DSCN9916" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-a-b_V5k4i2RzkeNpl9wo8HQConA6WbqoIlx2eP6OUnrDG_xCjdHzxT_UyXppG4Em_WYB_Oxl7SLObVIT-t9cqEtXEgdeUaOsnHSKPvhyphenhyphen8355N-aDxr8yR2btRyb2-tSP1exRW07FXQbw/?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">So we invested in a retainer like device that didn’t hurt, her teeth just grew along with it. She was only 3 1/2 when we got it. And this office was FLOORED at how much of a difference it made!</font></p> <p><font size="4">But now she’s got that gap… she needed to have a Frenectomy done. To cut the extra skin between her teeth. Within 40 minutes of walking through the door. She was examined. Goggles on, and lasered off! Now hoping when her baby teeth fall out, and her big teeth come in. A lesser of a gap. (braces are of coarse in her future) My baby is no longer a baby!<br></font></p> <p><font size="4">Now onto my baby boy… who like his big sister is growing too fast! While racking up a bill at the said dentist office, I had asked what to do about a 4 1/2 year olds thumb sucking issues. She said, it has to stop. It will be horrible for his teeth. Sigh, his regular dentist has told us this for YEARS. I asked if she had anything for it. <br>Sure. <a href="http://www.mavala-usa.com/mavala-stop/">Mavala Stop,</a> it’s about $14. We’ve got it up front. <br><br>Brought it home, and Blue and I thought we should try it out first. Painted our thumbs, let it dry, sucked away. <br>At first it was bitter. Like my coffee. <br>Then some sort of after taste hit me. <br>It was like bitter shit with sour eggs that wouldn’t go away. <br>I gagged, coughed, and tried to scrap the first layer off my tongue. <br>I was sad having to do this to my baby.<br> But I couldn’t hesitate, or I’d never do it. I painted it on that night. But had to take this picture first. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nb6r3ctHro8/UPgy9sBNu8I/AAAAAAAACCI/jYIbOohLgm8/s1600-h/DSCN9918%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9918" border="0" alt="DSCN9918" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LD4KHk9Grqw/UPgy-ZxU1UI/AAAAAAAACCQ/bs73uO-jy_I/DSCN9918_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="330"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I feel as if I’m pushing away my baby. Making him a big boy. But at 4 1/2 he needs to stop sucking his thumb. This is the last time I saw him doing this. <br>He tried to do it once. And after a gag, cough, and sad face (that hurt me!) he said I don’t want it to taste bad. <br>Thankfully Tink chimed in with this. “You CAN NOT suck your thumb anymore. I mean when you go to Kindergarten, you will be riding the bus with ME. Sitting with ME. I will be a second grader. The boys on my bus DO NOT suck their thumbs. They are big boys” <br>With that said she stared at him. He replied “Oh… ok” </font></p> <p><font size="4">And magically, Tink’s speech has helped him understand why. I would have gone on about hurting his teeth, and struggling for some grown up speech. But her point was perfect. He understood that to ride the bus, and sit with his sister, no more thumb sucking. </font></p> <p><font size="4">He said to me a few days ago, that the special nail paint was helping. <br>It’s been 7 days and he has yet to put his thumb back into his mouth. We repaint his nails every other day. JUST to keep the thought away. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We are proud of both of our two. Taking these life issues, and dealing with them the best they can. As for me, I put on my brave Mommy face, and tell them it’s for the best. But the “This hurts me, more then it hurts you” couldn’t be more true right now. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Love you my babies,</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">Mom</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-5366075330539538022013-01-16T10:06:00.001-06:002013-01-16T10:06:26.431-06:00This Girl.<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QxO2ZslfIKQ/UPbP9M9aUvI/AAAAAAAAB_o/pFZ6V-1zI9w/s1600-h/DSCN9856%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9856" border="0" alt="DSCN9856" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-24TvSYl7Eqc/UPbP9iEqxlI/AAAAAAAAB_w/LvOy3gJGn44/DSCN9856_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Tink. </font></p> <p><font size="4">She’s all girly. As much as I try to make sure she has a bit of tomboy in her. She pushes for her skirts, accessories and more pink then I can handle. <br></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yOsQI7pXEXg/UPbP-fom60I/AAAAAAAAB_4/FF7B1teYXFc/s1600-h/DSCN9912%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9912" border="0" alt="DSCN9912" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ctAivif9d7I/UPbP-yd75vI/AAAAAAAACAA/RwYK-2fdBac/DSCN9912_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I love her for her sassiness, for her quiet serious self. For her love of books, and learning. When she needs to get her Secret Reader and write and draw all about her day. (I’ve got to say thanks to Judy B. Jones books for that one) </font></p> <p><font size="4">She’s silly, goofy, and so many parts me. She’s not shy, she’s brave, she’s willing to take chances and put herself out there. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9bLdtTLUcDY/UPbP_v4cARI/AAAAAAAACAI/zET6g9JfOaU/s1600-h/DSCN9946%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9946" border="0" alt="DSCN9946" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ehIhVB0taW8/UPbQAO3p7SI/AAAAAAAACAQ/dyzoJesJeho/DSCN9946_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="380"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I’ve got to say she’s got her moments, where she retreats, keeps things to herself, and enjoys her alone time, like her dad, Blue does. <br><br>I love to watch her. To see what moment she’s like me, what moment she’s like Blue. And what moments she’s ALL Mia. <br><br>At 6 1/2 she’s getting SO big, so independent, and very much her own self. Being on the journey of being a parent is a.maz.ing. Thanks my Meha <3<br><br>Love, <br><font face="CK Pirate Hand">Mom.</font> <br>xoxo…<br><br>*Note her SUPER curly hair, after baths we put in the soft rollers overnight. She LOVES her dresses and skirts, and the last picture is her “PINK DAY!” OMG, she picked out ALL the pink she could find, and ROCKED it. </font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-39824692442541633642013-01-16T09:39:00.001-06:002013-01-16T09:39:57.181-06:00Because I can.<p><font size="4">I put on my neon shoes today. Because I can.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wCrXinwYDEc/UPbJySFDXQI/AAAAAAAAB98/zNKYgRNfd08/s1600-h/Shoes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Shoes" border="0" alt="Shoes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KNUNW8E8T0g/UPbJysGsxlI/AAAAAAAAB-E/mfwOte1g_J0/Shoes_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a><br><font size="4">I put on Sophie’s leader. <br>I put on her coat.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I put on my yoga pants. Hoodie. Hat. <br>I put on my P!nk and Nikki Minaj music. <br>I went for a walk. <br>I went for a jog. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I was sick this morning. I felt blah. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I pushed myself. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because I can. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because some people I know can’t put on their shoes. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because some people I know can’t walk. Can’t jog. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because some people don’t have their dogs anymore. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because some people can’t hear. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Because some people my age are not here anymore. Gone too soon.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Because they can’t, is why I do. </font></p> <p><font size="4">They’d love to walk their dog one more time. </font></p> <p><font size="4">They’d love to put on their shoes. </font></p> <p><font size="4">They’d love to walk, or jog. </font></p> <p><font size="4">They’d love to hear music. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I can put on my shoes. I can walk. I can jog. I have my dog. I have my health. I have my hearing. I have the strength. </font></p> <p><font size="4">There is no excuse to NOT get outside. Enjoy the last day of warm weather before winter hits. To do what so many others would love to do again, or for the first time. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I can. I will.</font> </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCatMcGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-36204925407478244252013-01-08T09:22:00.000-06:002013-01-08T09:23:02.254-06:00In My Spare Time<br />
<span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;">Over the summer I was often caught saying “In my
spare time” as if I had TONS of it. People would ask…<br /><br /> “When do you do
your scrapbooking? Paint? Draw? Garden? and all the other organizing and fun
projects you come up with?!”<br /><br />I don’t come up with time. I don’t have a
magic wand that creates me more then the 24/7 we all have. I just schedule my
life differently then the average person does. <br /><br />Now I’m not so
irresponsible that I put off ALL things I need to do. BUT we do the minimal
around here. So in the morning, Tink is off to school, and Buzz is fed, pets
too. Dishes done, some basic picking up. If bills need to be paid, or the
accounts balanced, phone calls made, I do it. Then instead of diving into
laundry, cleaning, dusting, mopping, and other things I COULD do. I see what
Buzz wants to do. At 4 1/2 I’ve got a very limited number of months before he’s
off to school all day, and my play friend is whisked away learning and growing
like his sister. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnb5MtzGdlgIjWMIzdB3GObmv4uUKweMAAol9TSKmq27O_f_Cl3kxfPxclW8dir23I6Jc4s6MdI3W7QNXeIZVsaTLa9du0fY-JVX9m5N2Cwsu6E4KhMDgC1VA_4kAeKDpUMtF51nhgx3o/s1600/Naked+Buzz+5-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnb5MtzGdlgIjWMIzdB3GObmv4uUKweMAAol9TSKmq27O_f_Cl3kxfPxclW8dir23I6Jc4s6MdI3W7QNXeIZVsaTLa9du0fY-JVX9m5N2Cwsu6E4KhMDgC1VA_4kAeKDpUMtF51nhgx3o/s320/Naked+Buzz+5-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"><br />We usually go to the basement, where it’s 1/2
playroom and the other half is my art room. Play-doh, paints, or just drawing.
Sometimes we are lazy and watch cartoons for a bit together. As of the last few
months he’s TOTALLY into his </span><a href="http://monsterfighters.lego.com/en-us/default.aspx"><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;">Monster Fighter LEGO’s</span></a><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;">.
(LEGO’s + Halloween) so we’ll play for a while. Maybe a Nerf gun shoot out, or
just read stories. Recently (as of this week) he lets me read </span><a href="http://www.shelsilverstein.com/play.asp"><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;">Shel
Silverstein</span></a><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"> poems to him! That makes my
heart so happy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikJIiab_rt3MEhkM86OkqSly0pp145KyXkaEZWvdDx4EETCt3lf8O1C7rtwjLP9q6tDnq2gu2thlryCNcdkaMhzTlkFK43t1BshmU0d5h1rIpHortViJnX2-6qx-ANQ66K19ApwkWRv7K/s1600/DSCN9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikJIiab_rt3MEhkM86OkqSly0pp145KyXkaEZWvdDx4EETCt3lf8O1C7rtwjLP9q6tDnq2gu2thlryCNcdkaMhzTlkFK43t1BshmU0d5h1rIpHortViJnX2-6qx-ANQ66K19ApwkWRv7K/s320/DSCN9795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Jacki/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles123FD5B5/DSCN9795[3].jpg"><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Century; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Century;">And when he’s tired of playing with Mommy, then I
go off and I drink coffee, I blog, Pinterst, I microblog (Facebook, Twitter)
read, doodle, play games. THEN, after a nice morning, I’ll get into the above
adult jobs that need to be done. Now before I go much further, I need to tell
you that I am a Stay At Home Mom. I do not have a 9-5 job. My kids and this
house are my current job. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">BUT. and that is a BIG but. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">Understand
that my life priorities are still the same, kids or not, 40 work hours a week or
not. Fun, playing, and creative time, it’s all been a priority to me. So to say
that because you work a job outside of the home, you can’t say you don’t have
the time to do fun things, I’ve got to say I’m calling that bullshit right
there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">I get that you may not get time for 3 hours of play time, on top
of all the other jobs to do around the house, I get that. Working parents get
just a few hours a day to fit in playtime, housework, and just a bit of me
time. If you say “I just don’t have time because I work” THAT is your own
fault. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">I used to work 40+ hours a week, and I used to STILL have time to
read, draw, paint, scrapbook. YES my time was limited, but I made the best of
the time I had. Took a sketchbook, pictures to crop, or my book to work and when
I had a 15 or 20 minute break, I’d enjoy a bit of ME time where ever I go.
</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">I know having kids is a time suck, they take up SO much of your energy,
you are always waiting on them, cleaning up after them… it’s HOW you choose to
live this life with them. So sure, the first few years you are their maid, their
chef… but even then I was able to just zone out. Then with my PPD the best I
could do was watch the 24/7 Big Brother live feeds while the baby slept, but it
was some me time. Not laundry, not dishes, just some zone out doodle on paper,
read a blog time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;"> I’m at a point with my 6 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old that
they can pick up after themselves, help with small jobs around the house (they
have a chore list) and help me in the kitchen. So it’s ALL of us enjoying every
moment instead of grumbling about doing it all myself. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">Remember Mary
Poppins and how she made cleaning the nursery room fun? It’s like that. Make fun
of what you do. I don’t like dishes, so I time myself. Try to beat my old time.
And play music. My family knows I get the MP3 player and rock out to some Linkin
Park to get the dishes done. I also remind myself how much I don’t want to wake
up to a nasty kitchen. (note I have yet to come up with a fun idea for laundry.
I just suck at it. Period)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">This year, and the whole “Simplify” theme is
making house work simple. Do it, get it done, enjoy life. A few years back it
was “Balance” and I needed to find the right amount of time to give to the
house, and adult jobs and how to give enough time to the ME time that I needed
with kids and husband time too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">This life of mine is all about finding
out what works, changing things up when it doesn’t, and loving it when it does.
</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Century;">Happy Tuesday!</span></span><span style="font-family: CK Pirate Hand;">JCat McGack</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Century;">“<span style="font-family: CK Zic Zac;">Just remember that
we are all given the same 24 hours in the same 7 days. What you do with your
time is up to you.</span></span> “<br /><br /><span style="font-family: CK Zic Zac;">“Don’t
take life to serious. No one get’s out alive.”</span></span>JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-30652773737784673142013-01-01T18:48:00.001-06:002013-01-01T18:48:56.736-06:00What Tomorrow Will Simply Bring<p><font size="4">Tomorrow is 2013. A shiny brand new year. Something that we all look forward to. If 2012 was good, bad or ugly, moving on is always the best. I have yet to hear someone say “Man I wish it could be 2012 forever”<br><br>2012 in a summary? Yikes… it began with vacations, vacations and more vacations. Arizona, Disney World and Michigan (twice) All great trips. Memories for a life time. <br>It was the summer of unforgettable adventures. <br>Star Wars Day, Warrior Dash, and Chicago’s Pride Parade and that was just in June! <br><br>Attempting to jog in 5K’s was a thing for me this year. Swam in mud, jumped over fire in the Warrior Dash. Then in October I was COVERED in rainbow powder from the Color Run in Iowa with a great friend of mine!<br><br>I jumped head first into a local Art Council. The <a href="http://www.threeriversart.org/">Three Rivers Art Council</a> to be exact. Joining the board and being as hands on as I could with it. Meeting great new people and pushing the arts into the community!<br><br>I spent a great amount of time with my best friend. This was one of those years when I found out how much we both need each other. I couldn’t imagine either of us getting through such and emotional summer with out each other. <br><br>This fall was busy. Buzz started Preschool, and Tink went into the 1st grade. And I started thinking of the new year (yes in September) <br><br>I came up with one great idea for myself in 2013. <br><br>“Simplify” </font></p> <p><font size="4">To easy? No way. You’ve got to understand me, our house, and just the way I’m ‘organized’ in every way. I’m over organized, to many bins, binders, baskets, drawers… it’s all too much (Peter Walsh humor, anyone?) <br>I’ve spent the last few years following </font><a href="http://www.flylady.net/"><font size="4">Fly Lady</font></a><font size="4">, she has inspired me everyday to strive to have a shiny sink, and hit those hot spots. I TRY. HARD. But I’m human, so there are piles of clothes, and my sink did stay shiny for over 2 weeks! (a record for me) but the mess always out weighs the clean. <br><br>The thing is I’ve tried to organize TOO much. So “Simplify” will be the theme of the year. <br>I get it stuck in my head, and I remember this question “Could this be simpler?” For everything. From how I store silverware, to the laundry process. <br>My biggest tackle this year was the kids toys. OMG. For two kids who have zero cousins… let’s just say the amount of toys they get is OVERWHELMING. I’m no help, I could be called a “Toy enabler” I love toys as much as the next kid. I love my kids to have them. It’s just organizing it. So there is a system to how they are stored, and played with. It’s been a LONG process, and it’s not even close to being done. But it’s a good start rolling into 2013 with a plan in motion. <br><br>I’m hoping that with this idea, our life just keeps getting better. Change is great. Simple life. Simple joys. Simple process. It’s what I’ve got for 2013. <br><br>Here’s to change, here’s to a new start, here’s to moving forward.<br>Happy 2013 everyone! <br></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EXW1H-CV9uc/UOOD9XmvDZI/AAAAAAAAB60/bE_RLISraDw/s1600-h/Horn%252520Happy%252520NYE%2525202013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Horn Happy NYE 2013" border="0" alt="Horn Happy NYE 2013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BLKGP-uxP_8/UOOD99OVoNI/AAAAAAAAB68/KjtxP8GSUzM/Horn%252520Happy%252520NYE%2525202013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></a><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-11696420803133415882012-12-15T19:31:00.001-06:002012-12-15T19:31:16.576-06:00“Dance, I say! DANCE!”<p> </p> <p><font size="4">My Tink has been running around all day getting ready for her “Family Party” she said EVERYONE is to attend. And you HAVE to dress up. <br>Boys wear ties, girls wear dresses. <br><br>Blue said “We’re not really doing this are we?” I walked out of our room in an old bridesmaid dress. He said “Looks like we are!” <br><br>He sported a tie, suit coat over his white undershirt and sweat pants. <br>Buzz wore his matching white t-shirt and running pants. Borrowed Dad’s tie. These are our formal men of the house. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrQ4YITZAvA/UM0kTGW0LKI/AAAAAAAAB4E/Anncnu0UlwY/s1600-h/Dance%252520Alex%252520Daddy%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dance Alex Daddy 12" border="0" alt="Dance Alex Daddy 12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IYpuY8Q_kx4/UM0kThPDxzI/AAAAAAAAB4I/WC0MfnGriwQ/Dance%252520Alex%252520Daddy%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I bust out a hand me down bridesmaids dress, and Tink had on what she calls her “Princess Sophia Dress” (aka Garage sale recital dress)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pqo5IQYG5K8/UM0kT5g_ANI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/qiQYxsREbR0/s1600-h/Dance%252520Mia%252520Mommy%25252012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dance Mia Mommy 12" border="0" alt="Dance Mia Mommy 12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fPzWDm6QMGc/UM0kUe9uwHI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/1fVC0PJULaA/Dance%252520Mia%252520Mommy%25252012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">We had a blast taking pictures with each other…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9IlzHIl3SnE/UM0kU4eNJXI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Xo-vyhZxx8E/s1600-h/Dance%252520Alex%252520Mommy%25252012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dance Alex Mommy 12" border="0" alt="Dance Alex Mommy 12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1LbE8QbSZVSAuh8DBfcI3NBVn4zsHbx7LWluMgoVckIIUKZybNAG1Pf8RtAFQI_bRPi1YFJEHbjDSxFzBu6fVhxILLn2ziDkUTzkD31EPpvx-cSqkt1Hcy9aUzCdFtv5EU1hhPeqg4eR/?imgmax=800" width="219" height="244"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZN1nVqfFw4/UM0kWGV2yoI/AAAAAAAAB40/ZuTD8vmQHIU/s1600-h/Dance%252520Daddy%252520Mia12%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dance Daddy Mia12" border="0" alt="Dance Daddy Mia12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qyHFam7GA_s/UM0kWin5XwI/AAAAAAAAB48/SGD2IRFAnN8/Dance%252520Daddy%252520Mia12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="244"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">My other favorite part was when Tink bust out her pretend CD player that plays Disney songs on speed (not sure what is up with it. It’s the way it came!) </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fv1-ZQJR6FA/UM0kXsCHmeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/LCn76p8HNcs/s1600-h/DSCN9213%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9213" border="0" alt="DSCN9213" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X5isjY4FABQ/UM0kY4wAb2I/AAAAAAAAB5M/28uGMQ6PILo/DSCN9213_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">We bust out our best dance moves, even Sophie joined in the party. I’m happy that we take the time to dance, to get creative and to participate in whatever their little minds come up for us to do each day. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We are thankful for their health, for their spirits, for their energy. I love to capture days like this, the memories we make. Thank you for the invite Tink and Buzz. <br><br>Love,</font> <br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">Mommy<br>(JCat McGack)</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-28933189874721042592012-12-12T12:32:00.001-06:002012-12-12T12:32:09.885-06:00Life Lesson while getting spoiled.<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x2gr2vQQ6wE/UMjNlK6t8iI/AAAAAAAAB1k/UqPv8PGVs9I/s1600-h/DSCN9167%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9167" border="0" alt="DSCN9167" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I0-fiOaBswE/UMjNly0jHGI/AAAAAAAAB1s/rH6P6BWNjrQ/DSCN9167_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">This little girl of mine had a WONDRFUL Monday and Tuesday. <br><br>On Monday her Papa brought over the BIG GIANT two story bed he had been hand crafting for the last two months. <br></font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Rm8-fspVGo/UMjNmtKOS1I/AAAAAAAAB10/LVH5e8UJJEE/s1600-h/DSCN9095%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9095" border="0" alt="DSCN9095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kEUcMfov2IQ/UMjNmxWh4yI/AAAAAAAAB18/3HBGgMhL1P8/DSCN9095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Mia has been smitten with it every since! Loading it full of her stuffie friends, putting her reading nook below, along with her art desk as well. <br>Then on Tuesday she was taken up to Chicago’s famous Water Tower Place to shop at the American Girl Place store. <br><br></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dIZ6UgExj0U/UMjNnvaBF-I/AAAAAAAAB2E/vnqDWIOMDQc/s1600-h/DSCN9131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9131" border="0" alt="DSCN9131" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-URnrVqqls04/UMjNoYW--MI/AAAAAAAAB2M/qmp95ujWVXU/DSCN9131_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Where she was able to pick out accessories for her American Girl doll, Kit. They now both have their ears pierced, matching glasses, Kit has a tote bag, and new shoes. Of coarse they wore matching dresses there. And this picture was taken in their excusive American Girl dining room. <br><br>We enjoyed the day, full of family, laughter and memories. While walking outside, freezing in Chicago’s 30 degree weather, on Michigan Ave. Mia saw her Gigi walk over to a man and give him some money. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Mia said “Why did she give that stranger some money?”<br>I took this as my cue to give Mia, a life lesson. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I said “Mia, do you see where he’s sitting?” <br>She said “Yes. But it’s cold outside. He should go home.”<br>I said “That is his home.”<br>She looked at me… confused. And said “I mean his bed, in HIS home” I then said “No Mi. He doesn’t HAVE a home. He doesn’t HAVE a bed. He doesn’t have ANYTHING. THAT is where he will sleep tonight, he won’t lay down, it’s too cold. He only has that thin blanket to keep him warm.”<br>She looked at me. Sad face. She said “But I HAVE so many things, and I can sleep anywhere in our big warm house. Where are his toys?” I said “Mia all he really wants is simply things. Food, water and to stay warm.” She bowed her head. As if she felt bad for having all the nice things we did. <br>I said “We are SO lucky. A home. Heat. Water. Food. Clothes. And our families that love us so much. We need to remember how lucky we are. Toys are just an extra thing, and this man only wants the things that we assume we will always have. And Gigi knows this, so she is giving money to him. Because she can.”<br><br>We walked away hand in hand. She smiled and said “I sure am lucky. I’ve got you.” <br>If only she knows that I am the lucky one, and that I’m thankful there was that moment in her spoiled loved weekend that she was able to see that not everyone has it as wonderful as she does.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K2dVRPZo0yY/UMjNpXj_JSI/AAAAAAAAB2U/d60F9_EBIPo/s1600-h/DSCN9189%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN9189" border="0" alt="DSCN9189" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EgmeRd8H1vg/UMjNqPiznwI/AAAAAAAAB2c/6_PdheFDctQ/DSCN9189_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I can’t help that Mia and Alex are the only two Grandchildren that the four grandparents will get. That everyone loves to spoil them. That is fine with me. My job is to raise them to appreciate everything. To respect their toys, and the people that give them things. And to know that they are lucky to have this kind of life. And to pay it forward to those who are less fortunate then they are. <br></font><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-15561865649034932822012-12-02T09:13:00.001-06:002012-12-02T09:13:04.116-06:00Date Night with some Late Night<p><font size="4">Planning dinner Friday night, Blue asks me if we have any gift cards with money left on them. I check and we’ve got a </font><a href="http://www.leye.com/"><font size="4">Lettuce Entertain You</font></a><font size="4">, gift card. This covers a good amount of restaurants… BUT it’s not a cheap night out, and we’ve only got $50 on it. It needs to be a date night out.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So he asked me to look up the restaurants, and pick one in Chicago… I about fell off my chair. I mean a DATE… AND Chicago?! </font></p> <p><font size="4">We decided to eat breakfast for dinner that night, and set up with his parents to take the kids Saturday night so we could go out. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I DE.STROY.ED our closet and bedroom, <em>trying like hell </em>to find ANYTHING that would look good for a date night in Chicago. I mean it’s Chicago. The last time a “Date night” in Chicago existed, it was July 2008. The restaurant had a dress code. So no jeans. I’ve got only TWO other pants that fit me. Black dress pants (those are good for a family Christmas party, NOT a trendy Chicago night out) or my black leggings… damn why I didn’t diet sooner… so the black leggings won. With a purple top. It was TIGHT and long enough to cover most of my ass, pair it with my Happy Place black heels, and I was good to go. And Blue, by the way, gave me hell about what I did to the closet. HE did the same thing! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4VDALe5kuM/ULtv6TKDzMI/AAAAAAAABzI/n5RRoRygv48/s1600-h/Date%252520Night%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Date Night 2012" border="0" alt="Date Night 2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYhQNdE_U-I/ULtv6z3hwhI/AAAAAAAABzQ/8pgUubxr9Y8/Date%252520Night%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Plans for the night were to go as such…</font></p> <p><font size="4">Reservations for 5:30 at </font><a href="http://www.hub51chicago.com/"><font size="4">Hub51 restaurant</font></a><font size="4"> downtown. Then after that possibly some walking on Michigan Avenue. </font></p> <p><font size="4">This is how it went…</font></p> <p><font size="4">Dropped off the kids at his parent, he was visiting with them, I said I don’t mean to be rude but we have 1 hour and 25 minutes to be IN Chicago AT our reservation. LETS. GO. </font></p> <p><font size="4">He gave me a hard time, joking that it’s a 40 minute ride… obviously he forgot it was a 60 degree December night in Chicago on.a.Saturday! It was a ZOO down there!</font></p> <p><font size="4">We made ONE wrong turn, AND if you know anything about Chicago, that damn upper and lower Wacker will get me EVERY time. YES there are TWO street levels to Chicago. YES the are both at ground level. If you are not confused yet, try it yourself and understand I was driving back and forth on Michigan Ave. State Street and just COULDN’T figure out how to get DOWN. I did a HUGE U turn in the middle of Michigan ave I was so frustrated!<br>(I studied the map, knew the area, and am VERY good at directions… sadly it didn’t work out that way) </font></p> <p><font size="4">Thankfully his good friend, 101 works downtown, so we called him to help us get there, and we were ONLY 45 minutes late. (I did call the restaurant and told them we were coming!)</font></p> <p><font size="4">Parking was a breeze, I prepaid online for a ticket in a garage. $8.50 for the night! That’s about $20 less then you normally pay in Chicago for parking!</font></p> <p><font size="4">We only had a 20 minute wait for a table, the restaurant was crowded! It was everything from dressy to casual. Bouncers at the door. Décor was dark, contemporary and fun. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Food was bar food, some GREAT bar food. Prices were not outrageous, as in we figured $50 could cover most of the meal. I enjoyed my first day of eating healthy by destroying THIS… man sized pulled chicken nachos. OMG it was a never ending bowl. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Ed went with the First-rate Cheese burger and fries. THAT was a good dinner.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHhnbh6tXky6S3-XpWdQQYs4OcwyL0W-j4NPMRCk0xaNrINk7d-JVg4tayiuoQEX9RyFk2bdz3IMbsOYots7b7d0N50geyy_TXhHfYJ-lcRjhce-Y6MW3zOn2i_jBlT_RKVMNoSeS3eBu/s1600-h/Nachos%252520and%252520a%252520burger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nachos and a burger" border="0" alt="Nachos and a burger" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQWs0r518ergtIAeTBwg2FivuRtg1te10wH82-H8XB4Qj2jg2dABiRxX3CCSfcT8oHNBPDO75BMEqBvfoFKvAvbcOE6z-EJqrTOeqwDAvbAtJJFI2jaSfX1lYEVTvFDXvlg_8s950NufQ/?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Sadly I didn’t get a picture of their carrot cake and giant brownie we had for desert. It didn’t last long enough to get a picture of! Note their carrot cake is A.MAZ.ING. and they are known for it. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We both said we’d go there again. Wish we wouldn’t have had a table next to the bar with rude douche bags leaning on our table. I MAY have poked him with a fork on accident a few times. Asshole just WASN’T getting the message. </font></p> <p><font size="4">We did say we’d want to go during the week, where we could enjoy conversation and hoping no bar side view! I came prepared with a list of questions to help date night go smoothly. </font></p> <p><font size="4">YES questions to talk about. I found them in a magazine over a year ago, and have had them in my wallet. It’s questions for parents who’ve been married for a while. Questions that did NOT involve the kids. They were fun, like “What would you do with $10,000,000?” or “What would you do for a whole day by yourself?” we had a good time thinking out and talking out ideas and dreams, and then we ended up coming up with some of our own. Happy that Blue played along, and we had fun with our questions. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Blue’s good friend 101 and his wife JUST so happened to be having a date night in the big city themselves! JUST down the street from us. So they picked us up and we headed to a fun place called </font><a href="http://www.enowinerooms.com/"><font size="4">Eno</font></a><font size="4">, right next to Michael Jordan’s restaurant on Michigan Avenue, It was a wine tasting place. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Now understand this Blue and I are NOT wine people. I drink Boones farm. So this was ALL new to us, but we went with it. It was A TINY little restaurant, full of bamboo looking tables (or IKEA) dim lighting and a menu with things called flights and stuff. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Blue ordered a beer, I had a Sprite (driving!) and we checked out the chocolate list. I had seen when we came in a large display of ALL the chocolates, and saw Espresso. So I chose the trio called<em> “Late Night”</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jsL39JGztOc/ULtv84vCQbI/AAAAAAAABzo/4kTcBe1kn4M/s1600-h/Late%252520Night%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Late Night" border="0" alt="Late Night" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJOvjTzceDq6y8_XCrfsAdZtrGteD9XXQ9lgrt1tZNXY3oLXMxrYFBR5RUPhNotcDWJHil4-QID8L5ikmb0JGuFt9PCwkNVZbyGHgjmlZhgP5UwzcxAcytO1sMviOBF9y4eoe10vu9RKB/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="372"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Starting at the top I had…</font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>Chai Ganache. Organic Masala Chai tea and buck wheat honey infused into amber milk chocolate. <br></em>That was GOOD. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>Cinnamon Cappuccino. Hint of warming spice, with bittersweet chocolate.</em> Again good. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>THEN there was Epsresso Fusion. Fresh ground medium roast espresso with vanilla. 70% dark chocolate.</em> LOVED it. </font></p> <p><font size="4">YES we paid $11 for three tiny chocolates, BUT you cut them up with a knife, and enjoy them! Not like the bag of MnM’s where you shovel handfuls into your mouth. These people knew their stuff, telling us about what pairs well with each other, I was just happy eating chocolate and having a good time with friends. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TRfBE1z97kk/ULtv-VLk9XI/AAAAAAAABz4/gbGc5X8YzSE/s1600-h/Date%252520night%252520friends%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Date night friends 2012" border="0" alt="Date night friends 2012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tEqsJdqxNqo/ULtv-rR9mfI/AAAAAAAAB0A/OKT2bth9568/Date%252520night%252520friends%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Afterwards we walked to our parking garage, but enjoyed the stroll down Michigan ave one more time, this time on foot and not frustrated in the car. Each couple holding hands, smitten with the idea of freedom from our kids for the night, conversation as adults, dreams of our futures, and life together. </font></p> <p><font size="4">On the road and into bed by midnight. Pretty much a perfect night out in my book. Now THAT’S how you start off December!</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-37511848683051008952012-11-30T10:01:00.001-06:002012-11-30T10:01:47.811-06:00Work it Out<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNQSFTMuM8zfuCOMYnLrZJ4_7biq7VgriQRGN-wyySpjviBVU0ejlOOOWrQCRUcPsZWX_inMZUssLAE5oj5wkp9s7pktXu7PBHH6r1D1AAeXoppgh96hUaRJGoC7cT6hiQEG_uMHFHT3d/s1600-h/DSCN8935%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN8935" border="0" alt="DSCN8935" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nDvzTHwJzgc/ULjYZY5Y3MI/AAAAAAAABxk/OL29P33decg/DSCN8935_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">There it is. THE chart. <br><br>This is hanging on my wall, in our loft. It’s a LARGE picture frame. I bought one for each of us years ago, flipped the paper inside of it over to show the white side. Now we’ve each got our own dry erase boards. <br><br>Blue and I each use our to chart weight loss and working out. Seeing it on a chart is motivational for us. The kids have their list of daily chores on them. <br><br>I’ve been eating better since Thanksgiving weekend. Having treats here and there. REALLY trying to get myself set for tomorrow. Yep it’s been 17 days since my </font><a href="http://unconventionalrandomness.blogspot.com/2012/11/35-by-35.html"><font size="4">35 by 35 post</font></a><font size="4"> here. Tomorrow starts the working out, and the no cheating part. So far I’ve been prepping myself, coaching myself, and here and there walking, bike riding and trying to get psyched up for this. </font></p> <p><font size="4">My goal was originally 35 by 35. Sadly after I came up with that brilliant idea, I gained a few more pounds. So it went to 38 by 35. NOW I’m back to 35… so if you were trying to do some math by my board… oh and I ran out of room for the last 4 pounds. It should go to 107 (which is what my drivers license says!) Shit, if I get down to 111 I’ll make a chart JUST for the the last 4 pounds!</font></p> <p><font size="4">A side note. PLEASE don’t freak about the numbers. Note I am ONLY 5 feet tall. My average weight for my height is 105-110 lbs.! I can’t stand it when people freak out about the numbers. I’m LITTLE and SHOULD be a little number. </font></p> <p><font size="4">SO… that being said. Here’s to me. Here’s to getting healthy. Here’s to a start of a new me getting back the old me in a new way…? I like that I’m starting a month before everyone else on this too. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Go here to my Pinterest motivation to work out, be healthy and live better!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/jcatmcgack/work-it-out/"><font size="4">Work it Out Pinterest Link!</font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Happy Friday!</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-60417947664043912802012-11-21T18:19:00.001-06:002012-11-21T18:19:36.494-06:00Thankful<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-okbCANY72GA/UK1vk0qyV7I/AAAAAAAABv0/uXM7fKyVV_U/s1600-h/Fireplace%25255B1%25255D.png"><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fireplace" border="0" alt="Fireplace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqTFDPN7974I50IRSWbIwEKIEVRZz5Q25GFOruNrCynNl_2YItH-yogD6U3OvOczhFGynxFoSB2EFKzpqZBSPS9NIQd9XDuT6o8uOHj40XLN_c7O5M_qHcnMQmbW0GVqG6mpz_ZiA_Lk9/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="384"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">In just this one picture I can count SO many reasons to be thankful. <br><br>First the obvious. My two children. <br>I’m blessed to have been able to have them both, when I wanted. I wanted two spring babies approx. two years apart. I was rewarded with one June baby, Tink. One April baby, Buzz. And they are 22 months apart. THAT I’m incredibly thankful for. <br><br>Seeing my children, makes me thankful for Blue. My husband of over 11 years. My best friend, the one person I love to laugh with, dream with, and spend my life with all while enjoying watching our two beautiful children grow into amazing little people. <br><br>I see a fire, in a beautiful fireplace. <br>That resembles home to me. This is my parents, Queen and Carrots, beautiful home. A place where we are welcomed, fed and loved. I have both of my parents, alive and well. For that I am thankful. <br><br>I am thankful to have my sister and parents living so close to us. It’s not the 45 second drive like it used to be. But I’ll take 20 minutes, and enjoy the ride. <br><br>I’m thankful for our families and their selflessness to take care of each other. Ed’s family is just as giving, and welcoming. We were both raised by amazing parents. Loved by them. Taught by them. And no matter how dark and cold the world may be. We both know we have family that reminds us of home and comfort. <br><br>We are both grateful for what we have. We live with in our means, and remember to be thankful for what we have, not complain about what we don’t have. <br><br>Wishing everyone a wonderful and happy thanksgiving. Full of food, friends, family, loved ones, and something to be thankful for. <br></font><font size="4"><br>Gobble till you Wobble!<br></font><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand"></font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-15821986954227713912012-11-15T12:30:00.001-06:002012-11-15T12:30:03.495-06:00Shopping for food and bigger boobs<p>Today is the 4th day of our “Eating Healthy and working out” life changing event. I’m way less stabby. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BE3xtHhCtDY/UKU0p7z76-I/AAAAAAAABuM/pHhV3IHJD4A/s1600-h/Ed%252520cookie%252520ecard%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ed cookie ecard" border="0" alt="Ed cookie ecard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iYwGm569z5A/UKU0qlEnXEI/AAAAAAAABuU/wUCIC6k5wq8/Ed%252520cookie%252520ecard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="444" height="311"></a><br><br>I posted a few days ago about how motivated I was… I still am. I have to be honest the first day was one of my lower moments. <br>I cried. I sat in front of the open fridge drinking Boones Farm Sangria to numb my pain of not being able to eat pasta for every meal. My food heart was broken. I went to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jcatmcgack/work-it-out/">Pinterest board of “Work It Out”</a> and looked for inspiration. </p> <p>So instead of caving, I went to bed at 9:30pm. The next day was ok… I ate a lot. But all snacks. So eggs for breakfast, then a few hours later an apple, after that lunch was a measured cup of pasta (I NEED carbs) snack was pretzels, dinner was pork chops, corn and apple sauce. </p> <p>I was wearing thin again that night. It’s our tv munching that gets us. So the next morning I dropped Buzz off at school and Blue and I went to shop for food. Aldi and Walmart later we came home with food we loved to eat. BUT was healthy. A variety of fruit for snacks, pretzel chips, yogurt, fish and chicken for dinners, and now we’ve added Hummus to our snack foods. </p> <p>Work out routines for me haven’t started yet. No good reason. Soon… maybe today I’ll do the step routine I found in Shape’s recent magazine. </p> <p>So yesterday my MIL called to celebrate my Christmas with her. It’s been YEARS since I’ve done this with her. It includes a day of clothes shopping and dinner afterwards. </p> <p>My MIL was hesitant of buying me clothes, if I was going to loose all this weight. HA. I’ve been saying that for 4 years now. I need new clothes. At least feel good about clothes that I know fit me now. I’ve got to get to that smaller size, before I start worrying about having to big of clothes. New clothes that fit THIS me, inspires me to loose weight, so I can fit into even smaller and cuter clothes!</p> <p>Starting in Victoria Secrets Pink store. This is my SECOND time EVER in this store. First time was a few weeks ago, my best friend took me. She had to pay a bill… omg. I FEEL IN LOVE. HARD. Bright colors, comfy clothes, cute clothes, things I WEAR everyday!! I spent a good amount of my Christmas present in that store. </p> <p>Now we ALL know how mean florescent lighting is. Those evil mirrors and all in a tiny room full of static electricity! Gah! It was an awakening to what size I fit in, and what I look like in it… almost like looking at myself through other peoples eyes. Gross. </p> <p>I’ve had good self esteem most of my life. (thanks to my parents for ALWAYS boosting me up) I’ve got tough skin, but this was brutal. </p> <p>I’m SUPER inspired to purge the HELL out of my closet. Donate, donate, donate. Again, the new years resolution of 2013, Simplify. </p> <p>NOW onto the good news. I had my Pink girl, Cassie, measure me. FIRST time ever to be actually measured for a bra (sad I know) I was always a small B. Had kids, kept the big boobs… figured I was a small C now… Cassie said (and I’ve read this before) that 70% of women are in the wrong size bra. Well I walked in wearing a 36 B bra. She measured me. I had her measure me again. And still I doubted her… a 36D!?! WHAT?</p> <p>ME?</p> <p>Yes. She showed me on the measuring tape. She wrote it on the little boob card so I can keep it forever. Ah, if I could time travel and show this card to my 12 year old self, and say “You’ll get there someday”</p> <p>The girl who for 16 years of her life prayed for nothing but boobs. I’m NOT kidding. Church every Sunday? boobs. Mass every morning before classes? Boobs.</p> <p>I wanted boobs. Everyone else had them, I was tired of being made fun of for not having them. 16! I was 16 when I finally got them! Now don’t get me wrong, I know they are bigger due to my weight. I’m sure when I loose weight, they will get smaller too. I’ve enjoyed my big boobs, and living in big boob land. But I’d be MORE then happy to be my little self again with little self boobs… well not LITTLE boobs. You get my point. <br><br>Cassie might as well have said “You aren’t a large, you are a XS!” it was such a compliment… now if I could be an XS again, AND have boobs… life complete*. </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> <p>*Amazing that the world paints a picture for what we should be. Not saying I’m gullible and HAVE to fit a stereotype, if that is what my blog post reads as. I want to be healthy, but still have the curves. </p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-75280812355163402112012-11-12T12:19:00.001-06:002012-11-12T12:19:01.806-06:0035 by 35<p>That is my goal. </p> <p>July 19th, 2013 I will be 35 years old. Age is just a number to me, 30 was just another candle on the cake for me. I said it then, 35 will probably hit me harder then 30 does! And I was right.</p> <p>30 for me was a starting point. I had JUST had my son 3 month prior to my birthday. My plan in life? Married, a home, two kids. All before 30. Done, done, done and done. I rocked my check list. The new start at 30 was to enjoy our children, and the new life as four of us, instead of two. </p> <p>All fine and dandy. I had a horrible time with PPD, leading to PTSD. I was good at hiding it. Just like most people with depression. You think you know… you have NO idea, what is going on in their heads. The most painful part for me was the kids. My daughter had said to me once “Will you always be an angry mommy?” I was crushed. I vowed to focus, to blog, to journal. And to give myself time outs when I just couldn’t handle the stress. If it was an over eventful few days, or even just a barking dog. Anything could set me off. I’d be sad, angry and short with everyone I came in contact with. Nothing seemed to calm me down faster then food did. </p> <p>I have, like most people I know, loved carbs. Love them like I love my own children. I mean what’s more comforting on a shitty day, where NOTHING is going right, then a bowl of mashed potatoes? A big bowl of mush to just comfort your sad self. </p> <p>Now if you’ve been reading my blogs (I’ve gone through a few) you know this isn’t my first attempt to eat right. Be healthy. Blah, blah blah. </p> <p>But now… now that I feel that the PPD, the PTSD, is gone. That my husband and I are doing good, no fighting. Not much stress around the house, no drama with friends, I can focus on me. </p> <p>I’ve got to say I thought about taking an easy way out. A friend of mine is taking special pills to help her loose weight super fast. I’m jealous. She’s beautiful to begin with, inside and out. AND now she’s dropping weight super fast? <br>I remind myself that has NOT worked for me in the past. I get freakishly jittery, and do not do well with drugs. </p> <p>I tell myself that THIS time both Blue and I are serious about this. He’s doing this with the guys at work. Their company is hosting a get healthy sort of competition for 6 months. This is perfect, he’s my biggest motivation (He’s done the <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do">P90X work out</a> 90 days, twice. And gave up his Coke cold turkey 3 years ago. Not drinking pop since) </p> <p>NOW my motivation in the past has been doing it for the kids. So I’m healthy for them (good idea) I’ve also had reunions I wanted to look great for, or it’s summer, winter, fall, spring, so many reasons, some good some not so good. But none of them were for that ONE reason. </p> <p>Me.</p> <p>I had to get my mental self better before I could work on the physical me. I’m there. I’m not getting any younger. I attempted to jog in <a href="http://thecolorrun.com/">The Color Run 5K</a> a month back. It was sad… a sad, sad day for me. I’m not a runner, but that was not my best game. I KNOW I can do better. </p> <p>Proud that I did it. Proud that I did the <a href="http://www.warriordash.com/">Warrior Dash</a> 5 months ago. It’s more then I was doing 6 months ago. But it’s not good enough. </p> <p>Last night was my last night to pig out. I had gone to the store, made a WHOLE pan of dumplings. I ate the WHOLE damn pan full. WOW. </p> <p>Needless to say I’m good on that food for a while! Same goes for all the fast food I ate last week. It was a busy week, no excuse but I ate like crap just about every day, all day. </p> <p>Not sure why, but when I have the thought of working out, and eating healthy, I have to say good bye to all my favorite foods by eating them all. Good bye Taco Bell Volcano Burrito (worst thing on the menu for you) good bye deep dish pizza, culvers, shells and cheese…</p> <p>No more. </p> <p>Time for 5 small meals a day. Proportions. Eating for the body I want, not the one I have (found the quote on Pinterest)</p> <p>Oh, HUGE motivation for me. I’ve GOT to share this. I’m a visual girl. MUST see things to get it, to understand. I made myself a board on <a href="http://pinterest.com/jcatmcgack/work-it-out/">Pinterest, “Work It Out”</a> I LOVE to read the quotes, thoughts and see the pictures of in shape people. It’s what works for me. </p> <p>Picked up the newest copy of <a href="http://www.shape.com/">Shape magazine</a>. Of coarse it’s perfect because my favorite rock star is on the cover<a href="http://www.pinkspage.com/us">, P!nk.</a> So many great ideas, work outs, and tips are in there. </p> <p>So… that’s all I’ve got for now. 249 days till July 19th. Fingers crossed, stay tuned. I’ll be posting more ideas, inspirations and pictures to come!<br><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-59310208751265320272012-10-04T09:02:00.001-05:002012-10-04T09:02:19.009-05:00One Billion.<p>Today <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zuck">Mark Zuckerberg</a> celebrates on his Facebook page the fact that one billion people are on Facebook daily. Here is what he wrote…</p> <p><em>This morning, there are more than one billion people using Facebook actively each month.<br>If you're reading this: thank you for giving me and my little team the honor of serving you.<br>Helping a billion people connect is amazing, humbling and by far the thing I am most proud of in my life.<br>I am committed to working every day to make Facebook better for you, and hopefully together one day we will be able to connect the rest of the world too.</em></p> <p>If you go on his page, there is also a great video on this. About how things connect us. How we us simple things to remind us that we are not alone out there. </p> <p>To many of my readers, you know me through facebook. Through some sort of personal life journey we’ve crossed paths. And too many times I hear about how people don’t have time to waste on facebook. They’d rather have a ‘real life’ </p> <p>I get that. It makes sense not to sit in front of your computer all day and read what everyone else is doing and do your own thing. </p> <p>But understand WHY I do love facebook. And why I’m one of the proud billion that use it daily. </p> <p>I’ve got friends and family far away. East coast, west coast, down south. I can’t afford air fare, and to have a phone conversation to catch up with a 4 and 6 year old underfoot… well it’s just that much easier to chat, share and connect on facebook. <br><br>I love that I can upload pictures of how I move around my furniture… to bad this is backwards…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGhqP7cfsbDHgoJFHynqHaiXau_VYuyjVUOx8YW-SU75qQaOQFrZPimSnXlc8CaCzNzTy8bigdHZzyuWL6_w980Ihj1QKgAitXtwdursbpiyYrqUUE73udSi-EA8oMZZiAoAEpRrHP2a5/s1600-h/Before%252520After%252520Frontroom%2525201-12%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Before After Frontroom 1-12" border="0" alt="Before After Frontroom 1-12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PPGMhuvKquQ/UG2W0jT597I/AAAAAAAABsI/j_HgLhci5uA/Before%252520After%252520Frontroom%2525201-12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="444" height="177"></a></p> <p>I can upload what is going on in my garden…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcYVHyFKgeAcXgZsePGT721cnRHTmq0zFilBf0rlgmHtfX8oYWvusER_OZfXG6DQMCSl4ppijYr6Ifws2eTMGVtvFKpxDsutM0oiLBS-L7P4iVfq9gPebrvBoroBQsLKXbjdmj6nvrRAU/s1600-h/Pumpkin%252520and%252520flower%2525202012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pumpkin and flower 2012" border="0" alt="Pumpkin and flower 2012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGCdntdbJ2RME8isX8kKsu9-XBkcm_f4ovksamcnBopKsUuc4LnfKRCazQvUVwI4T-pXHpEZ1YrgGpV5kkQW1Jz9erzKzbh4vOSdRZV7NRwlVxyenUPBoOgXQsJf4JGy0NHthPNNnmx15/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>Family get together with cousins can enjoy pictures afterwards. I mean do you remember growing up you’d say “Make me a copy of that, would you?” Not anymore. Now you can tag your friends, family and they can get their own pictures!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v4G3flgsoLQ/UG2W2VzmjmI/AAAAAAAABsg/oTdFmAqDKmI/s1600-h/Beatz%252520cousins%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Beatz cousins" border="0" alt="Beatz cousins" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1mz8Ux_InQc/UG2W3OmMBbI/AAAAAAAABso/1pRG0rm6pfk/Beatz%252520cousins_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="297"></a></p> <p>And who doesn’t get tired of seeing a bazillion pictures of a mom and her kids?! I don’t care! I’ll just post them anyway!! Bwahahaha!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-20Dksu7_8cI/UG2W4CR0K9I/AAAAAAAABsw/NP8UE82cphg/s1600-h/We%2525203%2525209-2-12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="We 3 9-2-12" border="0" alt="We 3 9-2-12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RXCLukhFiJI/UG2W4nt3MUI/AAAAAAAABs4/tY89bdzcY8k/We%2525203%2525209-2-12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="376"></a></p> <p>I can post what I’m up to, how I feel, Facebook wants to know “what’s on your mind” which is a very dangerous thing for them to ask most times. </p> <p>There is danger with it. Too much sharing, too many pictures, too strong of an opinion on religion and politics. The cyber bullies, the creepy stalkers. I do know the danger it can do to someone. </p> <p>This coming from the girl who’s on her 4th blog due to over sharing, and too strong of an opinion. I’ve learned to hold back, but not to compromise myself. </p> <p>Facebook is here. It’s staying around. Sadly MySpace and all it’s blinky lights and backgrounds just didn’t cut it. Sure I get sick of the blue trim on facebook. But for all the other reasons, I just can’t get enough of it. </p> <p>Thanks to Mark Zukerberg and his team. You’ve changed lives, connected people I never thought I’d hear from again, and made me a fan for life. </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cLow7-lhErE/UG2W5TdLWHI/AAAAAAAABtA/b39y6QGtxIA/s1600-h/Bunny%252520Hat%252520%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bunny Hat " border="0" alt="Bunny Hat " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8DsVnqHLlog/UG2W5wDU1LI/AAAAAAAABtI/CFBFNB6fcPU/Bunny%252520Hat%252520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="244"></a></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-40248661599726456362012-10-01T21:20:00.001-05:002012-10-01T21:20:13.472-05:00Quality time… at the nudist camp.<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SDgUm8n0tnk/UGpPSbOMk4I/AAAAAAAABp0/a0DZUyq234Y/s1600-h/Accessorize%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Accessorize" border="0" alt="Accessorize" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5mWzA4pCU8o/UGpPTEfhdTI/AAAAAAAABp8/dzIF3KeDMCk/Accessorize_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></a></p> <p>This kid. She never ceases to amaze me. <br><br>We just had the best conversation. I never take the time to sit and chat with her when it’s time for her to go to bed. I know I should more often, I used to when she was about 3. We’d talk about her day. In details. <br><br>Now that she’s 6. I want to get back into the habit of it. Of just letting her empty her brain out, get out all her ideas. And then me fill it full of fun new ideas. Of her sharing her adventures and me going with her. <br><br>Tonight we talked about how big she’s getting. How she wants to grow up SUPER fast. I said being a grown up is NO FUN. She said really? You are not having any fun? <br><br>I said unless you or Alex are around, I have to do grown up stuff. <br>“Like WHAT Mommy?” <br>“Like dishes. And clean up dog poop. Do you know I spent the morning scraping cat barf off the basement floor. ZERO fun” <br>“Well I just won’t have a cat. Or a dog… or eat food when I grow up” <br>I said “How about laundry”<br>She says “OH you HATE that. So we should be naked’s. Yes. No clothes”<br>I tell her “That would make us a Nudist Colony” <br>She says “Well if YOU and I were in a nudis colony. I’d want to be blind” <br>Then we burst into giggles! <br><br>She tells me how much she loves me being home every day. How much she thinks I’m her bestest friend in the whole wide world. And how she never likes to be apart from me. <br><br>She makes my heart happy. To hear her say all of this. Even though I’m the tougher parent, I’m the disciplinary, and I’m the one who pushes chores. She still adores me. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3q5fZEciz2o/UGpPTfp-SHI/AAAAAAAABqE/ceTq9UVH5T8/s1600-h/DSCN7418%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN7418" border="0" alt="DSCN7418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QnOgvJEtu8M/UGpPUCs9vcI/AAAAAAAABqM/aHqwSnSIxn4/DSCN7418_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></a><br><br>With each new season I have a motto, or a theme of my life. Getting through PPD was “Baby Steps” every thing I did was a baby step in getting better. <br><br>Now I’m mentally at a better place. So I do believe this coming season will be “Quality Time” so instead of rushing everyone to bed. I want to make it a big ordeal. Maybe they’d stay in bed, if it was a place where we had more fun as a family. <br><br>Quality time also goes for my home. It’s clean. It’s picked up…on the surface. But open a closet… it’s clean, yet the floor is full of bins full of stuff. Just stuff, random things that pilled up and were tossed in this bin to speed along the cleaning process. I’ve got these bins all over. Then need quality time to go through and sort. Keep, toss and donate. <br><br>Quality time with Ed. Now that Wrigley Season is coming to an end, we can watch more movies at home. We can do things together. Every day after 2 he will be ours! Quality time must be had!!<br><br>Quality time with myself. Very important. One thing I’ve always enforced in my life. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Maybe it’s more, like a bath, or an hour in the art room. Something to just get me to a good place. <br><br>Quality time with friends and family. This is my parents and sister. To spend more time enjoying their company. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyi4ru-RkBT8wQe_CtA_mWx-3CQx9OWz2mo7l3JR79le-sEn1ahlv1XFMjK7g-EBKqkd8VjqKWcuqbXExEqjQMvG6bdYOZBid2M-dxXK9npd77-Pxm82zuCqUdIse41AzOU6v22YJP38hW/s1600-h/Carugati%2525204%252520MK%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Carugati 4 MK" border="0" alt="Carugati 4 MK" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MXDgA6iFodo/UGpPU5yZ4AI/AAAAAAAABqc/LiL47rKLjYY/Carugati%2525204%252520MK_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="253" height="384"></a></p> <p>To spend quality time with my best friend. We have been doing this a TON this summer, and it’s been a great summer at that. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan2jj_mtKgVlUCTyATw8lr22xBElNc_svqfC1xmnffsBqhLvne6Ci7bqOtV11t8x3n2m9iJN9qhJe_1qBui_4SQboO9Y3W7lT0i6w666Uxj91KIgyn2ZT6pKxGpghndLhZa2qFv6NZC2w/s1600-h/Jen%252520%252526%252520Me%252520Letty%252520Mae%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jen & Me Letty Mae" border="0" alt="Jen & Me Letty Mae" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TgiOuMJSD2k/UGpPV2nxjhI/AAAAAAAABqs/We3tzQWSpBw/Jen%252520%252526%252520Me%252520Letty%252520Mae_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a></p> <p>To slow down. And spend time on ME and those I love around me. <br><br>So thanks for the reminder Tink. Thanks for the idea to slow down, and enjoy every moment of you, Buzz, Blue, Sophie and the Meows.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0c1U1eRVZdwbP10IBbhv-gLLqdEpcrKIr7nzSvKz-NH9h-ruwL86pw42opiEZ3hzqvUaz2xs6b2vYQ6EZmZ5VNrUNA1iAIQuLHBDQ0oDbT9t1OFLar8iZr55LD_mw9oNuPUUfttaR1bg/s1600-h/4%252520of%252520us%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="4 of us" border="0" alt="4 of us" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBHJNkTbG5Ebi3c2l4EzEcOP0Yf_ZxIJOSkSLWGzkVyFbG8_BW-QykYZRAgiTH-5JJb2-jzmWfqk4MrWMblTo_22rQnn6cBXWmtTD9s3zBEaFwW08Ab0TKBQ5mHOh_yYiGLg0j5g2Vr4A/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> <br><br>Everyone and everything else is going on the back burner for a while. I need to focus on what makes me, me. <br><br><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-24927781928482035012012-09-29T08:32:00.001-05:002012-09-29T08:32:28.096-05:00Coffee Slut<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VTytnfkMmPM/UGb4Lipo0oI/AAAAAAAABlM/wYMXZG0i6FY/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled" border="0" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_CWcfmdSBvY/UGb4MJ2J_CI/AAAAAAAABlU/q6I21M03xdc/Untitled_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a></p> <p>In honor of National Coffee Day. (today) I thought I’d do a post on coffee. I’ll tell you what it means to me.</p> <p>I remember the smell of it growing up as a kid. Brewing everyday. <br>I remember the church I grew up in brewing it for everyone at every event. <br>I remember the Folgers commercials. I remember crying at them, especially at Christmas, when the boy would come home to surprise his parents. <br>I remember my grandmothers drinking coffee. Along with my aunts. I remember how I thought how crazy they all were to drink it black. Right from the pot. At least my mom and dad added sugar and cream to make it taste better. <br><br>I loved to smell it. But I never liked the taste. It was just BITTER to me. <br>I loved SWEET. <br><br>I had a boyfriend in H.S. he was nice, but he often thought that breaking up for me or how he’d say “I just need a break for a few days” would destroy me. So my amazing friend we will call, Death Before Decaf, would hang out with me. Listen to my sad story, broken heart. And just listen, tell me I could do better. But he supported me, like a best friend does. And often times we’d be at Georgio’s, in front of the bowling alley. That, is where I had my first best coffee. <br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHvru4yf1aI8vscFYSGrERxWPAMNToils_aldAT0A0cqgS8C22u8t1nmxoCuliYtZsdVxLTg1i9jK64paRgsSlppleVi-SfwddyqQqNpP842qpLG7Ea7IKIAw1oN6RrVfrUEWke9BRK1C/s1600-h/bean%252520me%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bean me" border="0" alt="bean me" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY9tB3ttLrxBbYfXM2mmDLqDT6D3za-IHm0lunE3BSKHJjBLoDx1lsb6qvQ3aYYftAWmc29foIuDm-ZWVGak50Nz5FwqiGWbQZYP74wyV4fESPKLNHWQ6M-EwBa-8u73CDpKVscb65Tgd/?imgmax=800" width="104" height="104"></a><br>I’d fill it almost half way, yes HALF way with pure sugar. Then the rest with coffee. It was good, sweet, with a hint of bitter. <br><br>The coffee thing stuck, but as a treat. As I got older and started working midnights at the local casino’s coffee was still a helpful friend. <br><br>It wasn’t until I had Tink that I truly welcomed coffee daily. I dusted off the coffee pot we got as a wedding present 5 years before (we’d use it when family came over) I drank a lot of coffee now with a new born. And I went through a LOT of sugar. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gYTdd0qYgfw/UGb4NmnN8KI/AAAAAAAABls/oLfEa5TY_JI/s1600-h/coffee%252520pot%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="coffee pot" border="0" alt="coffee pot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-31DELQN8GNE/UGb4OGvP6gI/AAAAAAAABl0/MfFwI7c_OxA/coffee%252520pot_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="444" height="312"></a><br><br>It wasn’t until Buzz was about 1 year old, Blue and I decided to try the P90X work out system. Reading the new healthy diet book we had to cut back. He stopped drinking pop, cold turkey. And I took the sugar out of my coffee, cold turkey. </p> <p>(see even Buzz likes his coffee! Don’t freak, just a juice!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yRAAdKRpG2A/UGb4OosrEqI/AAAAAAAABl8/1mkbYa_R3dM/s1600-h/DSCN2643%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN2643" border="0" alt="DSCN2643" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pxcVT2OJE88/UGb4PP1tlXI/AAAAAAAABmE/ieA2iY3j8OY/DSCN2643_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="384"></a><br><br>It’s 3 years later, he has yet to take a sip of pop, and sugar in my coffee is just TOO much sugar. I drink it black. NOTHING in it. Well maybe an ice cube. <br><br>I’m a Starbucks junkie. I’ll admit it. I LOVE their coffee, I’ve tried a few different once. The Tribute was hands down the best, most expensive (thanks to Death Before Decaf for that) I’m more of a Café Verona girl right now. The dark brew’s are my fav. <br><br>Oh and I have to tell you my dad and I have an ongoing friendly feud over coffee. For some weird reason he drinks the DD brand coffee and loves it. I get it, it’s a sissy coffee, not very strong. Good for the sissies. I do drink McD’s coffee out of desperation. It’s ok. It works, but for a strong coffee that does the job. Starbucks can not be replaced!<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qlDQciXw5hI/UGb4PhESoBI/AAAAAAAABmM/Ddzura873FA/s1600-h/starbucks%252520warning%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="starbucks warning" border="0" alt="starbucks warning" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B2O1eklJdIM/UGb4QFVpvhI/AAAAAAAABmU/fNUucSZj58w/starbucks%252520warning_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a><br><br>I used to go into the Starbucks stores and order the Raspberry Mocha. Depending on my mood and the weather it was hot, iced or Frappuccino (blended) with chips on it! LOVE. <br><br>Oh, and sweet budget breakers they put a Starbucks RIGHT down the street from me! Sadly after 11 months they closed a ton of stores, that was one of them. I was sad. No really I cried. Bastards.<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehQEImsqpmczbW0xczUyMMpMDR3gpux-h541vNa_1F834RGcMpVGQMynrEq23_tDLqNIYpnZ77OfxS_YnQ9aoxPjMfryWlhBC9XBk0UL-LNuk5s9bwg3VlIARCVrJ_S3iWZ9TH7_Orc-s/s1600-h/0110121351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0110121351" border="0" alt="0110121351" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uGZvl7OzMYQ/UGb4REwhnCI/AAAAAAAABmk/YirJrnOrSeU/0110121351_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oy0zzFh4sqE/UGb4RkVPPFI/AAAAAAAABms/KUOVCDrzFrQ/s1600-h/0110121350%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0110121350" border="0" alt="0110121350" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4ooLlH85QaQ/UGb4SOPfFmI/AAAAAAAABm0/7Kb9wYJg_mw/0110121350_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>A new mom friend from Tink’s preschool and I headed to Starbucks for a kid free break. She saw my order, and I said right away I knew how bad the Mocha’s were. TONS of sugar, carbs. But my treat. I do love the espresso part of them. Get the job done!<br>She said to try the “Americano” it’s what she gets. It’s nothing but espresso and water. <br>Sounds gross? It is. It’s straight bitter and strong, but throw in a shot of raspberry, or vanilla. It gets better. It is not for the weak of taste, but it’s a good time of espresso! (and cheaper then a Mocha!)<br><br>I’ve gotten my coffee fix so many other ways.<br><br>I drink it this way when I’m at a gas station…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J5i4DPdMk8k/UGb4ShFhI3I/AAAAAAAABm8/v20V8kRRD2s/s1600-h/starbucks_coffee_frappuccino%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="starbucks_coffee_frappuccino" border="0" alt="starbucks_coffee_frappuccino" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2n1kmYndERM/UGb4TDtFWuI/AAAAAAAABnE/bpWoHCYACTU/starbucks_coffee_frappuccino_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="232"></a></p> <p>Or this way when I’m scrapbooking all night with friends….</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KS9Qfdr2chg/UGb4TiCStKI/AAAAAAAABnM/kV95wD8nD6Y/s1600-h/starbucks_energy_coffee-131x300%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="starbucks_energy_coffee-131x300" border="0" alt="starbucks_energy_coffee-131x300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LyyYCMcm0z8/UGb4T-XrCnI/AAAAAAAABnU/X-GNRFzghwU/starbucks_energy_coffee-131x300_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="109" height="244"></a></p> <p>If I had it my way It’d be like this…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeziB_pSJ9yjDNlKnt63NyPpC9FOGKTpIQkVMJacYRcn1_L2Cflwe0atSEYgib0ibTfDEsgFkopYbt2FJg4j34B1FVJ7HQQVTqPYekDN8Blc_YzsiW8nLFU-jnEYcgW1C3q99MIlUsspX/s1600-h/starbucks%252520drip%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="starbucks drip" border="0" alt="starbucks drip" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i8V9FmnFfYY/UGb4U2UfZBI/AAAAAAAABnk/EFs9MHu4Kjg/starbucks%252520drip_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="384"></a></p> <p>I did try a French press coffee once. HANDS down, the best way to drink coffee, OMG. It was beautiful. I need one of those… hint hint… Christmas… </p> <p>And not kidding, I think this all the time. Maybe that is why I love to go to bed by 10 so I can get up early and drink my coffee…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qQWfkAtGrXw/UGb4VdnzTbI/AAAAAAAABns/TptH3EoToLQ/s1600-h/71776187781958632_vJMysSlS_f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="71776187781958632_vJMysSlS_f" border="0" alt="71776187781958632_vJMysSlS_f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRc2ud0vrEJ0FTvJogLl2akL6yPO5qvuA5GFJ0E4AEOVaEHOgjCKHOUQCN7DfQC8drjqdmNN3Kgw3bx93FQlIUBd0Ik00VTfAqu9bEMMD5RUa0HIwdctson0qaDxG8wWsHLwnM9e52R55B/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="312"></a></p> <p>Oh and I use my coffee pot so much that I had to get it replaced after 3 months this year. This was my beautiful red Mr. Coffee pot that my sister Frances bought me for Christmas 2011, by March it was fried. Good thing is JCP let’s you return it. No box, no receipt and lucky me, they had a red one. ALL better!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AQp9NTg09ck/UGb4W_ggi1I/AAAAAAAABn8/5WGRLl_pV_0/s1600-h/Bye%252520Mr%252520Coffee%2525205-12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bye Mr Coffee 5-12" border="0" alt="Bye Mr Coffee 5-12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1ilDtkx-v9U/UGb4Xd99tzI/AAAAAAAABoE/suuoQZseQDo/Bye%252520Mr%252520Coffee%2525205-12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="376"></a></p> <p>But every other day of the year besides the Mocha, and American, gas station or scrapbook ways. it’s like this. In one of my many coffee cups. Mostly Starbucks. Otherwise Disney. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QsUrGtBUBck/UGb4YH0MluI/AAAAAAAABoM/ZHmP57WYu0M/s1600-h/IMG_1950%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1950" border="0" alt="IMG_1950" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZzzEfhrHPzI/UGb4Yvw_DYI/AAAAAAAABoU/9Xj04ORLg2k/IMG_1950_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dA8J3Mx_hFw/UGb4ZEk7sXI/AAAAAAAABoc/Y1w587KMkUU/s1600-h/My%252520new%252520cup%252520Mother%252520Day%2525202012%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="My new cup Mother Day 2012" border="0" alt="My new cup Mother Day 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lJi6pYzbw2c/UGb4ZuaYI1I/AAAAAAAABok/-w3Y1gHBDVY/My%252520new%252520cup%252520Mother%252520Day%2525202012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>SO Happy National Coffee Day!! Drink up however you take your coffee!!</p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8ap_RYoJHN8/UGb4aKZVu0I/AAAAAAAABos/bbddGu_vYjA/s1600-h/shiney%252520starbucks%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shiney starbucks" border="0" alt="shiney starbucks" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ELsxR05vVcs/UGb4alitKbI/AAAAAAAABo0/20LJiRYymNo/shiney%252520starbucks_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-46735375895258092392012-09-25T10:37:00.001-05:002012-09-25T10:37:42.857-05:00Organize. Purge. Repeat<p>I’ve been on this mission. See I need to explain the madness of our mess. I will confess, I am a toy hoarder. My mother was a toy hoarder. She passed down to me almost ALL of my sister and my toys. </p> <p>I’m not talking a few boxes. I mean FULL sets. ALL my Barbie's, the two 3 story houses my dad built. The bunk beds for our baby dolls, Tinker Toys, MY matchbox cars, Star Wars characters, Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Bright, Light Bright, Glow Worms, Playground Kids, Precious Places (this is a town that fills a 2x8 dresser top) O’Jenny town (same as Precious Places) and those are just all the big ones I can think of off the top of my head. <br><br>I’m excited to share my awesome toys with Mia and Alex. But of coarse it doesn’t stop there. My children are only Grandchildren. Both of our parents will only see Grandchildren through Ed and myself. This leaves them to be super <strike>spoiled</strike> loved. </p> <p>At first I was frustrated, and didn’t want all the spoiled toys here. It was just too much. They couldn’t enjoy them if there was SO damn many of them. </p> <p>But I was sitting in the over stuffed, unorganized attic a few weeks ago and thought to myself. “What would my mom do?” She’d organize the shit out of all these toys. That’s what she’d do. So I channeled my inner mom. And went to work. <br><br>Step 1<br>Attic. <br>Funny thing is I wanted to clean out the basement toy room but to do that I had to clean out the attic, and both kids rooms first. <br>So I sorted. Purged. And organized the attic. A HUGE bin to the garbage, two more to donate (set on curb with free sign)<br>Now I’ve got the space. Next is to go to Target. Get bins. I found the Sterelite bins. 5 for $6, I have 20 of those. Also bought 5 more big storage bins. (it’s a start)<br><br>Step 2. <br>Bedrooms. <br>I caught some slack on facebook for this. Since all I kept posting was that I was cleaning my kids rooms. It was probably worded so it looked like all I do is clean their rooms, and they are mess monsters. It’s not what it was. <br>I was taking all the toys that were in their rooms and moving them to the attic. This was a 2 week process (with regular life in the way) moving it all to the attic. Finding space for it all. Sorting every.single.little.piece. I mean LaLaLoopsy shoes, to Polly Pocket shoes, and Barbie shoes. Every different character or themed toy has a bin. Phew. THAT was a lot of work. And the kids? Right by my side. Mia enjoyed the organizing process. And it taught her how we will be from now on. <br><br>Step 3. <br>Attic Again. <br>Now back to the attic, we are putting bins where they go. Finding a place for EVERY toy. <br><br>Step 4. <br>Toy Room. <br>YES there is a WHOLE room just for their toys to be played in. Our basement has one half finished as a toy room. Also known as a room with a t.v. and futon. Tables for toy set up. And their art desks are there. <br>Issue down there was simple. I trusted that if I let them have a good majority of their toys down there, that they’d put them away. Sigh… not possible. Even if I had the rule “Nothing On The Floor” it didn’t last long, and it being the basement, it was overlooked. <br>Our two cats life 99% of their life down there. Long story short. After the messes they’ve made on the first and second floor (destruction of a whole sectional couch due to confusion thinking it was a litter box) they should be happy they still have a home here. I can’t get rid of them. They are 8 and 9 years old. No one would take them. So I put up with them in the basement rooms. <br>SO. That is where I’m at now. <br><br>Step 5.<br>Attic. Toy Room. Repeat. <br>Toys from the basement toy room to the attic storage space. Scrub the basement floor. Set up all pretty. <br><br>Now for the rules. <br>1. Toys live in the attic. <br>2. You may have ONE toy in your bed room. <br>3. You may have ONE toy in the basement Toy Room. <br><br>It’s not as strict as it reads to be. ONE toy may be Star Wars. Well this includes ALL the Star Wars bins, so you could just throw yourself a damn good time. Or Disney Princess, well we have about 15 different houses and two boxes of people/accessories. Again, a damn good time for a kid. </p> <p>This will be overall a great thing for our house hold. Wish I would have thought of this years ago. But I wasn’t there mentally. I was fighting myself, and the best I could do was just shove it all into the basement toy room and call it a day. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EkiMnRxkTSaNNAt5qbhuWS-f1bPNSOcOPXFE4DNGx_haQHaNU4HY_LMtMmAVDWWEh1oLySc1PoJkinEDJsg1W3j9v4X3EpJ_XX9E2Re4mmpxD5Dp4LbOvHMP9wpUJK0mI517F794XGfj/s1600-h/IMG_0664%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0664" border="0" alt="IMG_0664" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vV6nJHuVXUY/UGHPxSSNuGI/AAAAAAAABkQ/PvpiBjemTY8/IMG_0664_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="524"></a></p> <p>Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m washing the basement toy room floor today, in hopes to be done in that room today! <br><br>Happy Tuesday,</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756502763485383146.post-12145008755537474532012-09-20T08:24:00.001-05:002012-09-20T08:24:28.062-05:00Sleeping Arrangements<blockquote></blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U6MTExbqX6w/UFsY_YwKglI/AAAAAAAABjE/J5I0jESPSrw/s1600-h/Bed%252520for%2525205%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bed for 5" border="0" alt="Bed for 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C2adn_S7xOw/UFsY_0mVLRI/AAAAAAAABjM/4Lj4i8xAAEw/Bed%252520for%2525205_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="231"></a></p> <p>This is my family.</p> <p>Well minus two cats, who have already been banned from this room. THIS is 5 of us. I’m the frowny stick figure at the bottom edge of this picture. </p> <p>It ALL started with my husband working his LONG job at Wrigley Field. I get to go to bed, aaalllll stretched out. Enjoying this king to myself. </p> <p>Of coarse before long, our beloved boxer, Sophie, needs to sleep here with me. I usually push for her to sleep in her bed on the floor in our room. But since Ed was at work, I’ll let the 60 pound baby take his spot!</p> <p>Blue comes home and as always it’s us, with Sophie. Now Mr. Alex comes along lately and finds himself some property on our bed. USUALLY all sad like a lost puppy curled up at the end of the bed. </p> <p>And this is rare for Miss Mia, she’s a rock star of sleeping in her own bed. But if you get up in the middle of the night. Why who would want to be left out of this party?<br><br>Not really all to sure WHEN Ed decided to sleep at an angle. All I know is I woke up with the alarm at 6:45 am with Ed’s foot on my face (lucky for him I’m a foot person. Didn’t bother me. Just confused) I sit up to find this arrangement of bodies in my bed. </p> <p>First thought. </p> <p>We COULD fit the two cat in here. </p> <p>Second thought. </p> <p>Get the camera. Edit with doodle circles. Blog about it. </p> <p>So how does one deal with these bed buddies? I mean I LOVE my children, love my dog like my child, BUT I draw the line at MY bed. Anyone else have this issue? Will it ever end? Will I be hugging the edge of my bed forever? Should I move onto the Princess/Tinkerbell bedroom, and Ed to the Star Wars bedroom? </p> <p><font size="7" face="CK Pirate Hand">JCat McGack</font></p> JCat McGackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04411207797699121681noreply@blogger.com0