I am Thankful

1:21 pm ByFiled Underlife

Today I am reminded of all I have to be thankful for.  God has continually blessed my life beyond anything I deserve. He has given me shelter, food, a job, a loving husband and the two gifts I cherish with all my heart – my boys.

Who wouldn’t love these little minions? Because you know, they always act like this. Ok, so this moment is probably few and far between, but I know deep down they have that special brotherly bond – and I am thankful for that.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! Now go ahead and treat yourself to the extra helping of pie. You deserve it!!

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Finding My Center

9:36 am ByFiled Underlife

Dreams. A word that can conjure up a variety of images. For most, it’s the things we yearn for, the things we think about occasionally then stuff into the deeper corners of our heart, to be pulled upon at a later time.

The line between writing and dreaming for me, is often fuzzy. So when a little birdie told me about a Dream Tending class, I jumped at the chance. Our first assignment was to make a list of seven things and write for seven minutes. As a part of increasing my transparency, I am going to share my dream tending journey with you. Welcome aboard!

Seven Things I Find at the Center of My Longing

1. The need to dream
2. The need to create
3. The need to love
4. The need to believe
5. The need to be true to myself
6. The need to feel at peace
7. The need to express myself

Seven Minute Writing Prompt: Even the clouds have shadows….

Even the clouds have shadows, silver linings that dull through time, tarnished by lies, left behind to deteriorate. Their days of splendor have passed and now they are placed on a shelf, left to gather dust. For at one time these clouds were full of dreams, destination and desires. For within them lay truth and love, held together with an unbreakable bond. No one dare challenge it for fear of failure, but time created a fissure. Soon weather and elements began to work its way into the seam, slowly eroding all that held it together. As it widened, soot and darkness were able to enter under the guise of another. They took up occupancy and began to spread. Slow at first as to not become noticed. Undetectable to the human eye, its lure was difficult to refuse. Within it held promise and excitement. The hedge that once stood strong was now diseased, in need of pruning. But pruning would leave holes – spaces that needed time to grow.

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did we break up or are we on a break?

12:16 pm ByFiled Underlife

My friend will text me “Did we break up?” if I haven’t talked to her in a while. Ok, if I haven’t talked to her that day, but we aren’t going to dwell on that. Today we are going to focus on my poor under-loved and neglected blog.

Blogs are like people, you get attached and emotionally involved, you grow together, do things together as a ‘couple’ and even purchase real estate together. You love each other unconditionally and can’t wait to catch up. Till that day comes when you don’t feel like talking, when you just can’t make the time for each other anymore.

Frivolous things start to get in the way; kids sports, laundry, work, feeding the minions, etc. Pretty soon, everything gets put in front of your relationship and feelings start to fade.

I even tried to put the blame on my blog the other day in Skype where I told fellow peeps that I was worried my blog was going to break up with me. I was not giving it the needed attention and was just feeling – well, tired.

Now, it is not that I am tired of writing, it’s just that I wonder if all the time and commitment is worth it sometimes. I can easily curl up with my trusty journal and spew words on the pages all while sipping my morning java but that doesn’t always happen either. Did I mention my journal has a nice dust jacket? AKA – a jacket of dust. Yeah, it does.

So today I am whipping out the Swiffer duster, getting in all the nooks and crannies and and taking my blog out for dinner and drinks. Here’s to rekindling our flame!

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Getting the itch

2:53 pm ByFiled Underlife

Aahhh, March! You are a breath of fresh air. This past week you brought warmth, rain and a chance for me to finally see the grass that had been hidden for months by snow in the front yard. You always seem to provided that breif glimpse of Spring weather, a hope to hold on till summer.  You also spurs an internal need for me to clean the house! Darn you March!

Somehow over the winter months dirt and dust sneak into every corner and crevice in my home. I notice more and more cobwebs catching the mid afternoon sunlight that tries to get in through winter streaked windows. I notice the state of our home office. *shudder*

I know, I know. It's bad.

We are in the process of cleaning it out and reorganizing, but first we have to finish unpacking from our move and throw away all the papers, bills and other paperwork that we have been hoarding storing for years. Our mode of choice for doing this? A big black garbage bag.

Now, I am sure you are shocked by our mode of choice. Are you crazy Kat? Do you know nothing of the rampant identity theft that is plaguing America? Yes, yes we do. Which is why, as of now, we store it in a garbage bag till we can burn it in the summer. Not the most efficient or safe thing to do I know. Which is why I have had my eyes on on of these beauties, the Fellowes P-12C.

Oh yes. She was giving me the ‘eye’ at Target the other day. Her look said, “Really? You are a grown woman who stores all her personal account info and out dated bills in a garbage bag. Seriously.” I hung my head in shame and walked away. I know the Identity Theft Resource Center recommends shredding with a criss-cross shredder. Believe me – I searched their entire site to find the garbage bag/ fire pit method to no avail! Sigh. Guess we had better find a different mode to store our old bills.

How about you?  What do you do with your old bills and personal information? Any suggestions for this lassie and her chaotic office? I have a feeling Hubby and I will be tackling this Spring cleaning project very soon!

 

**I wrote this post on connection with One2One Network and Fellowes. I was not compensated and the disastrous state of my home office is entirely my own**

 

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you dropped a bomb on me

7:07 pm ByFiled Underlife

In a world filled with mean snarky people who will backstab you faster than you can turn around, a select few rise above the hate and bomb people with pure love.

Let me introduce you to my friend Katie. Katie is the epitome of strength, beauty, determination and courage. Katie’s faith has always been an inspiration to me, her friendship – a treasure. She is always there for me and I hope she can say the same about me. Katie provides insights to my daily troubles, an amazing shoulder to lean on and a huge heart that is always willing to listen.

After a little scheming, a plan to love up on Katie was developed. Let me introduce you to one amazing woman!

Want to join in sharing the love? Want to take this chance to pay it forward for a change? Do YOU want to make a difference in this world? The head on over and check out Love Drop and how you can be part of the LOVE movement.

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Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!

9:28 am ByFiled Underlife

monster truckBeing the mother of boys, my floors and counters are littered with Matchbox cars and trucks. Having a backyard that backs into the woods provides many dirt trails for trucks and diggers, dirt bike trails and monster truck rallies. Don’t get me started on the rally races around the kitchen island!

Well, this lassie is about to score major Mommy points with her boys. This month real Monster trucks are coming to Chicago. I can’t even begin to imagine how they are going to react when they find out they get to go see REAL monster trucks! I may have to work this for all that it’s worth!

Now you too can WITNESS THE THUNDER! Chicago will ROAR and RUMBLE with the nations most competitive MONSTER TRUCKS and FMX Stunt Riders as they storm into The Sears Centre Arena on March 12th and 13th. See these incredible, high jumping, ground pounding, car crushing, axle wrenching giants race in side-by-side drags, wheelie shootouts, and then go completely bananas with amazing freestyle action during this Monster Truck Thrill Show! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party on the arena floor for FREE with regular ticket purchase.

I am even able to offer you a $3.00 discount on your admission! Just click and use the promo code FAMILY for you discount in your city.

I am sure my camera will be working overtime capturing the excitement on their faces. Can’t wait to share their pure joy with you!

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thanks for bringing the awesome

5:15 pm ByFiled Underlife

While Blissdom recap posts are still wildly flying around the interwebz, often the sponsors are left in the cold. But let’s face it, without our uber fabulous sponsors – there would be no Blissdom. Well, unless of course Alli or Barbara could get that tree to grow money again. Man, (or should I say Mann?), that would be awesome!

Since one of the speakers on Friday was Nate St. Pierre of Love Drop, I felt inspired to follow suit and do a Sponsor Love Drop to love up on all the sponsors that took part in the awesome that is Blissdom.

Many of our sponsors made sure we were ALWAYS fed. Waking up to a steaming hot bowl of Quaker oatmeal definitely made my day. Even better – I didn’t have to make it! Then it was lunch by Hunts and George Duran. Nothing but deliciousness there! Follow that up by a Girl’s Night In with piping hot and gooey Freschetta® Pizza. Yummy!! Of course, don’t forget the delicious Blue Bunny treats and everything yummy from Con Agra.

So while I shared all the love the sponsors brought to Blissdom, and probably made you really hungry in the process, be sure to pay it forward and return the love. So go on now and give those sponsors some love. Your tummy will thank you for it!

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keepin’ it real yo

10:33 pm ByFiled Underlife
 Blissdom 2011 by Mishelle Lane Photography

by Mishelle Lane Photography

I just got back from Blissdom and while everyone is doing recap posts, I seem to be in a different place. While I am not going to lie – Blissdom was filled with squeals, laughter, crying and loving on peeps so hard it hurt. I solidified my online stalking love of friends and added new ones to the list. And while I can go on and one about how much I love her, and her and, oh, don’t forget my new crush her – I left this year with a lot more.

I have been lacking transparency for a long time. I have become the queen of writing on the surface. I tried to challenge myself with the 30 Days of Honesty – but then it got too hard, too real. So I stopped. The last honest post I wrote got so much backlash I shied away from sharing. I shied away from being me.

What struck me over and over again these past few days is that I need to be me. THAT is why I started writing in the first place, to make my voice heard. And while my real life friends love me for who I am – I often don’t see the beauty they see. You guys do see beauty right?? *ahem* That’s what I thought.

Then out of nowhere, a friend snaps this picture. A brief moment, not planned, totally random. Is this what people see? Because this is not what I see when I look at my reflection. I focus on the negative, what could be better, what needs fixed, lifted, botoxed, what isn’t pretty enough, what isn’t perfect to me.

I will take this opportunity to throw Hubby under the bus. I sent him this picture and crazed text messages soon followed. My favorite was, “This is how I see you everyday.” I began to cry. He confirmed that yes, I am the beautiful, smart, honest and funny person in this picture. I obviously also have some humility issues but hey, at least I am willing to admit them. At least for now. Check in with me in a few weeks. And if I am back to my plain old surfacey self… feel free to smack me up side the head. I’ll be sure to thank you for it.

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Pride

1:42 pm ByFiled Underlife

Pride. It is a word that often has a negative connotation applied:

“No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride”

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people”

“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real”

Yet, as a mother, it is an emotion I feel often. Truth be told, when I feel it about my husband or children, I don’t have any issue or anxiety about it.  When I feel it about myself however – I feel vain and concieted. Sad isn’t it?

This past year has given me many things to be proud of. I am proud that Bear decided to try a new sport that he had never played before. I am proud that I trusted my ‘mother’s instinct” about Monkey and got him the extra help he needs. I am proud that despite all the bad that was thrown on Hubby’s plate, he is nothing but positive. I am proud that I continue to push myself to be a better writer, mother, wife and friend. I am proud that I have learned to not dwell on the negative and focus on the positive. I am proud of my marriage and the friendship that keeps it held together.

And while all this pride may sound boastful, they are words from my heart. Words that I truly believe, words that I will continue to strive for.

What brought you a sense of pride this last year?

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Merry Christmas!

10:27 am ByFiled Underlife

I just wanted to take this moment to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas. Of course, I just had to have Samantha Bee help me out. Man! Can that girl drive a sleigh!!

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