I had no idea what to write today but felt the need to clear my head. I was listening to itunes and the Alanis Morissette version of Seal’s “Crazy” came on. I think I need to make this my theme song. Let’s be honest, we all have stress in our lives, some of us more than others. I tend to let it get the better of me, which is actually why I created my blog, (so I apologize for all the rants!). Anyways, I think everyone relaxes in their own way, but me personally, I like to just freak out a little.

Give me a minute to explain before you have me committed, I don’t mean I’m going nuts with an ax or anything. I just like to have my moment where I can turn the radio up really loud, roll the window down and drive alone down the numerous country roads we have here. Isn’t it odd how during the day all I want is a moment of peace and quiet amidst the screaming and yelling of the kids but when I need to unwind on my own, all I want to do is have loud noise?

Yesterday was a de-stress day if I ever had one. My husband has been stressed out at work for a month or so, which in turn, leaves me worried and nervous. I guess my being keyed up has rubbed off on the kids becasue they decided to just go nuts. If it wasn’t smearing their food all over the kitchen at meals, it was the screaming death matches, seeing how many times they can leave fake “poo” on the floor and have me panic, how deep they could dig in my patio citrus trees we had just potted, etc. By the time my husband made it home I was just this side of a twitching, stuttering mess.

Thankfully, he just said, “Go”, meaning “Do whatever it is you need to do to unwind”, so I grabbed the keys. I jumped in the truck, rolled the window down, cranked the radio up and sang as loudly as I could. I drove around, called my best friend and planned our weekend, and just breathed for a second. It was so calming and wonderful.

Afterwards, I went to my garage/gym (well, it has my treadmill, weights, and a radio: it counts) turned on my motivational music, and worked out for a while. I love the after workout rush! That feeling like you could just run out a conquer the world or something. It was fantastic.

So folks, I guess I won’t be confined to the straight jacket and padded room just yet. I think I survived another day, barely. In closing, maybe you too can take a little comfort in these lyrics:

“But we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We get a little crazy
No we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We are a little… crazy”

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There is something everyone needs to know about me now: I feel the need to save everyone. Whether that means I help you find your keys, cook you food, or give you a home, I’m there.

When my friend’s husband passed away, I didn’t think anything about going with her to the funeral home to make final arrangements, or going over to her house to clean it up for her. I enjoy doing this, even though at times it can be pyshically and emotionally draining.

Yesterday was no exception. I called my Mom, (my real Mom, not my step Mom that I talk about all the time) and she proceeds to tell me about a terrible fight she had with her husband. I do not consider this person (the husband) a step-father or even family. I’m not a big fan of his, even less of one now. He has done nothing but cause my mother stress and pain.

It seems my Mom confronted him about calling a certain female friend from work. He has made no secret of the fact that he lusts after this woman non-stop. He denied calling her at first, but when my mom showed him the number stored on her cellphone, he admitted it and said they were “just friends“. Mom asked why he couldn’t call this person from home if they were friends, and he turned violent. I won’t go into details, but  she ended up bruised, scared and hurt.

While she is telling me all this, I’m crying my eyes out and my kids are starting to get worried. I tell her to call the police immediately. She won’t, and says she is going to her doctor first. I finally persuade her to come to my house and we will take pictures of the bruises, hoping all along I can convince her to go to the police.

I had to tell my kids that “La” (what they call my Mom) was hurt and going to the doctor. I thought giving them specifics would be too much. I spent the afternoon talking to my Mom and telling her that she has to get out of this situation. She finally said she would talk to the police (even though she didn’t want him arrested) and would begin plans to move out.

First, let me say this, some people may think it’s wrong to air dirty laundry here, especially someone elses. To that I say: I will do anything I can to help my mother. I can not stand by and let her be hurt, abused or worse. I lost my little brother 2 years ago to circumstances none of us could change, but have never had a day since that I didn’t think, “What if?”. I will NEVER wash my hands of this. I will physically remove her from the situation if that meant saving her.

Second, this blog is not coherent in any way, shape or form. It tends to be my stream of consciousness, and a rambling of all the things in my life that I need to get off my chest. Forgive me if it sounds crazy because, well, maybe I am.

Finally, there is no excuse for violence. I want this man thrown in the slammer until he rots! He makes my Mom feel worthless, afraid, and that she has no way out. Well, buddy, I got news for you: you have yet to tango with me. You hurt someone I love and I pity you. If she is too afraid or tired to fight for herself, I will.

Again, forgive me for posting something so personal, but I need help, advice, strength and anything else I can get right now. Everyone pray for me and help me to know what I can do for her!

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I found these rules for southern girls, and thought I needed to post them. Any of you from the south know exactly what they mean, and anyone who isn’t, well, this is what we are all about:

Southern girls know bad manners when they see them:
*Drinkin* straight out of a can.
*Not sendin* thank u notes.
*Velvet after February.
*White shoes b4 Easter or after Labor Day.

Southern girls appreciate their natural assets:
*Dewy skin
*A winnin* smile
*That unforgettable Southern drawl

Southern girls know their manners:
*”Yes Ma*am”
*”Yes sir”
*”Why no, Billy !”

Southern girls have a distinct way w/ fond expressions:
*”Y*all come back!”
*”Well, bless ur heart.”
*”Drop by when u can.”
*”How*s ur mother?”
*”Luv ur hair.”

Southern girls don*t sweat…they glisten.

Southern girls know their summer weather report:
*Humidity…Humidity…Humidity

Southern girls have more fun than should be allowed.

Southern girls know their three R*s:
Rich…Richer…Richest

Southern girls know their vacation spots:
*The Beach
*The Beach
*The Beach

Southern girls know the joys of June, July, & August:
*Summer tans
*Wide brim hats
*Strapless sun dresses

Southern girls know everybody*s 1st name:
*Honey
*Darlin*
*Sugah

Southern girls know the movies that speak to their hearts:
*Gone With the Wind
*Fried Green Tomatoes
*Drivin* Miss Daisy
*Steel Magnolias

Southern girls know their religion:
*Baptist
*Methodist
*Football

Southern girls know their seasons:
*Recruiting
*Spring training
*Football

Southern girls know their country breakfasts:
*Grits
*Bacon
*Country ham
*Scrambled eggs
*Mouth waterin* homemade biscuits

Southern girls know their cities drippin* w/ charm:
*Richmond
*Charleston
*Savannah
*Atlanta
*Dallas
*Nawlins’ (New Orleans~~for those of u NOT from the South)

Southern girls know their elegant gentlemen:
*Men in uniform
*Men in tuxedos
*Rhett Butler, of course
Y*all know Southern girls r quick on the drawl.

Southern girls know their prime real estate:
*The Mall
*The Spa
*The Salon

Southern girls can teach anyone to flirt…
*Slowly lower ur eyelashes
*Listen carefully to everything he says
*Speak r-e-a-l slow

Southern girls know the 3 deadly sins:
*Bad hair
*Bad manner
*Bad blind dates

Southern girls know men come & go, but friends r 4~eva!!
BEST IN THE WORLD

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Folks, I am SO SICK! Almost the entire family has caught some sort of cooties and I think I ended up with the worst of it!

Sarah was the first in our group to get it. She had a day of headaches, upset tummy, coughing, and 1 throw up incident. Then she was “all better”
The next victim was Olivia. Luckily the Tinkerbell didn’t get tummy aches, but she was sleepy and out of it for 2 days.

Then this foul disease hit me. I don’t think I’ve been this sick in a LONG time. I have coughed until I have no voice left, blown gallons of grossness from my nose, and had not a decent nights sleep in days. My face is puffy and sore, my entire body aches from the giant sneezes and coughs, and the medicine I’m taking is only drying the sinuses out, causing it to burn and hurt!

The bad thing is, I don’t get sick days. I still have to clean up, take care of kids, and make sure they eat. My husband cooked dinner last night, which I appreciate, but left an enormous mess I had to deal with. It took every ounce of strength I had to load the dishwasher and sweep!

I have to make a run to the grocery store tonight, but after that, I’m taking the “P.M.” version of my cold medicine, and hitting the bed! I have to kick the sick, right now!!!

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I hate Mondays. I mean, I seriously, completely, hate Mondays. I had a decent weekend. We didn’t do anything major, just cleaned out the garage, hung out, etc. Now the real work starts.  I can’t stand waking up thinking, “I have so much to do!”, and yet, that’s what I’m thinking right now.

I’ve been fighting with my insurance company and/or the dentist office about my claim for having my teeth pulled. The insurance company says the teeth aren’t there on the X-ray, they don’t have enough info, etc. Now the dentist wants me to pay the balance and hope I will be reimbursed later. Not going to happen. I was told during my consultation that my portion was $250, which I paid. I am so sick of arguing with them and have decided not to answer the phone for the rest of the day so as not to be unnecessarily rude to whomever is calling.

To top all that off, my husband is being a total pain about his upcoming birthday. He says he doesn’t want to celebrate getting older. Whatever. I don’t mind that so much, but I DO mind the fact that his birthday is also our wedding anniversary(Not trying to be selfish here). He knows that. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to get married that day, so he couldn’t forget!

He says he remembers that part and if we want to celebrate “that’s fine”. His enthusiasm is overwhelming. Let me just say this: We’ve been married 9 years and been together a total 11 years. I do not expect some big “to do” over our anniversary.  I would like an ounce of trying though!!! A card, some flowers, a note saying that he appreciates me putting up with his moodiness, farting and terrible table manners for the past 9 years!

I have this feeling that come the 28th, I will be posting an angry vent about my anniversary, or lack thereof. Be prepared. I’m pretty cranky right this second and he better not cross me, or it may be the last birthday he has!

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Folks, let me apologize for my lack of posting. After the holidays kicked my butt, we have had one mess on top of the other happen. It seems everything from washing machines dying to cars breaking down, bad luck has decided to try and bum us out, but I’m not having it. I refuse to give up and admit defeat, (You hear that Fate? You can’t take me that easily!). Anyways, the most horrible thing happened a few weeks ago.

You may remember me posting about a friend of mine and her husband. He was only 27 and found out he had a rare kidney disease. The doctors took their sweet time diagnosing it, but finally figured out he would need dialysis every other day and numerous medications until he could get a kidney transplant. Needless to say, he was depressed and had little hope.

Recently it seemed he was trying to make the best of the situation. He began going to parties, getting out, spending time with friends: we were all proud of him. Things were looking up, or so we thought.
He started having twitching in his leg. Sometimes so badly that he was afraid to drive. He went to his doctor who told him it was nerve damage from the dialysis. They put him on yet another prescription to stop the movements.

A few days later, my friend left for work in the morning. She said he was groggy but they said their “I love yous” and he went back to bed. Later that afternoon she called me worried and near crying. She couldn’t reach him on the phone, computer or text message. No one was near the house to check on him, and she wasn’t allowed to leave work for several hours.  I told her he was probably tired and napping, but I don’t think either of us believed it. I made her promise to call as soon as she was home and that if he had just turned the phone off to yell at him for me. She called about an hour later to say she had found him, unconscious on the floor. He had collapsed earlier in the day and died.

The final report says the sensations he was having in his legs were really a warning sign for the coming heart failure. Had the doctors checked further, they may have seen it and saved him. I went with her to make funeral arrangements. I was in their wedding 3 years ago, (on Valentine’s Day) I would never have guessed I’d be helping her pick out funeral music and urns.

Life is short and very precious. I realize every day that I am SO blessed. I have this great guy who absolutely adores me, 4 amazing kids and a terrific family that would go through Hell or high water with me. I also had the chance to be a real friend. The kind that just sits you down and says “Honey, you tell me what to do, I will do it”. I needed that. That may sound dumb, but I’m glad I could be there for her. She was one of the few people that helped me survive losing my brother, I owed her so much. Not to mention she is one of my closest and dearest and friends and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her. When she hurts, so do I.

Ok, so I plan to post on a regular basis again, and hopefully soon, we will all have some better news and experiences! Thanks for hanging in there!!!

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