Happy Birthday, Little Man

Happy 3rd Birthday to our nephew, Mitchell.

No Match For Me

Definition: A cigarette is a euphemism for a cleverly crafted product that delivers just the right amount of nicotine to keep its user addicted for life before killing the person.'' World Health Organization director-general Gro Harlem Brundtland

11 days as a nonsmoker.

I did it! Bret & I went to Tom Cats last night with some friends for Teri's (older than crap - ha)birthday. I was there for 3 hours and never once had the urge to smoke. I felt like the biggest nonsmoking snob there, though. I walked in and was horrified at how thick and offensive the smoke in there was. It eventually got less noticeable, but everytime someone near our table would light up I could tell immediately. Have you ever stopped and looked around in a bar to notice how many people are smoking? I was shocked to find that it seemed like almost everyone was. I found myself feeling sorry for those people and even prouder of myself.

We've got birthday parties lined up back to back today, so hopefully I'll have some pictures to share later.

Do I Dare?

Last night was the big neighborhood girls night out Christmas Party and I'm proud to say that I had no desire to go outside and smoke at all. It have now been a nonsmoker for 10 full days!

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We gathered at Amy's house for food, drinks and our famous White Elephant Gift Exchange. What did I choose, you ask? You'll just have to keep reading.

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Us girls.

Amy, our friend and hostess.

This is where things took a little turn towards the insane. If you are shocked easily, you may want to look away now.

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Libby showing off her gift from Emily. Hippy Headband? Ponytail holder? Hmm. Too bad Gwen stole it when her turn came around.

Jennie was feeling pretty good.

Super Gwen! She's wearing the gift she opened last year.

Everyone got a huge kick out of my gift. I was going to be nice and give a cute Christmas decoration, but then I thought that if I did that than surely everyone would wonder what had happened to the real me. So I went for the laughs. I googled a phrase that would horrify my mother and mother-in-law, looking for a picture of pole dancers and photo shopped some of our faces into it. This is what I came up with. Not professional by any means, but I think that just makes it funnier. I then printed, framed it and wrapped it up. Emily was the lucky one to take it home, but she may not think it's so funny when she looks a bit closer at it and realizes I put her head on the pregnant body.

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May I present to you - The Timberbrook Drunko Pole Dancers!

I may have to make a few more of these for kicks and giggles. I wonder if I'll still have any friends left after I hit the post button.

White Elephant

Tonight is our annual girls night out where we do the whole White Elephant Gift thing. The first year we did it, we all bought cutesy gifts that everyone had fun stealing. Over the next couple of years, it evolved to coming up with something that could get the best laugh. Last year my gift was my old New Kids On The Block Christmas CD. (Did I just admit to owning that once upon a time ago?) This year I'm drawing a blank on ideas. I have one idea that might get a good laugh, and then another idea that everyone will fight over if all the other gifts are your typical horrendous gifts. I need some ideas, everyone! Anyone have any good ideas?

Lull

I have most definately hit a blogging lull here. Not much has been going on these days so I'm forced to blog about quitting smoking and strangers following my kids around. The blogging about quitting smoking part actually helps me unload and deal with the whole quitting process so you may have to get use to that. Nothing new on the ski mask stranger part so hopefully that's passed, although I've been standing on the driveway now when my kids get on and off the buses now. We're still a little shaken up about that.

I have decided that I really need someone to come and clean my house for me from now on. Any takers? Aside from basic tidying up, I hadn't attempted to scrub my house down until today. I knew it would be the biggest test for me because in the past I've always taken smoke breaks while cleaning. With Chloe napping this afternoon, I pulled out the dust rag and vacuum cleaner and got to work on the kitchen and livingroom. When I was done, I wanted to go outside so badly that I sat on the couch and had a good cry and then took a short nap. So as you can all see, I'm obviously really in need of a new mid cleaning break strategy. And some dignity since I just told the whole internet that I cried over a missed smoke break. There you have it.

Tomorrow night is the big girls night out Christmas party. I'll be bringing my camera with since I'll be the sober, nonsmoker there. Consider that fair warning, my friends. LoL.

A Little Creeped Out Right Now

Something rather strange and creepy happened yesterday late afternoon. A tall, thin man wearing black clothes and a dark gray ski mask was walking around our neighborhood yesterday afternoon around 4pm. It's probably nothing - and just one of our neighbor's out for a walk - but I'm still a little spooked.

When Ashley's bus pulled up to the corner by our house yesterday, I saw the man walking past our house. When she got off the bus, the man crossed the street, stopped and stared at her. He then turned around and was walking in the same direction as her, while she ran to our house. Once she was got to our house, he kept on walking.

It really scared her and the whole situation didn't seem right to me. It was cold out and the man was wearing a ski mask, but no coat. Ashley thought he was wearing glasses, but wasn't sure. I'd love to hear that I over reacted and it was nothing, but something just didn't seem right. Better to be safe, than sorry. Which would be why I sent out a mass email to our neighborhood asking if anyone else noticed him.

Something just wasn't right about the whole thing.

It's Getting All Exciting Over Here

Update: Nothing like getting us a little overly excited to wake up to rain! Where's this big storm that's suppose to bring me a day of relaxation? Well?

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Whoo hoo! An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for Peoria County through tomorrow evening. I just can't stand the excitement. We're talking big time ice here, folks and a day or two spent lounging in my pajamas in front of the fire place with a good book and a hot cup of hot chocolate.

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But just a little note to mother nature - I may be tired of the ice thing after this one. You might want to start working on the snow aspect of things.

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And we can't forget... it's will be 7 days as a non smoker as of 10:30pm tonight. Happy One Week Anniversary to me!

Grand Bear Video

I found this while looking through picture files on my computer. This is from our weekend vacation to Grand Bear Lodge this past summer - Bret, Grant and the kids in the wave pool.

4 Days

Do you know how long it's been since I made it this long without smoking? Not since Bret & I went to Vegas and I ruined a nine month stretch.

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(Blogger doesn't want to double space my paragraphs again!)

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It started off pretty easy, but by day 3 I started struggling. I wasn't anticipating it getting worse before it got better. Days 3 and 4 sucked. I escaped to my room to read in seclusion both nights. I resorted to pretending to smoke a plastic straw and an actual cigarette that Bret hollowed out and stuffed with pieces of paper towel to get me through the worst 2 days of my life thus far. (OK, that may indeed be an exaggeration, but it wasn't fun. Plus I'll probably die for admitting that when I go back and reread this.)

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It's not the nicotine I need, though. It's the awful habit. Like when I first get up in the morning. I always go outside. When Chloe goes down for her nap. I go outside. When she goes home. I go outside. After I eat. Outside. When I'm tired or bored. When I get home from running errands. Outside, again. Ugh. It's sickening when I look back and face it now. How awful I must have smelled, even if I did spray myself down every time I came in. (I have thoroughly enjoyed spoiling myself with Bath & Body Works products this week and am in awe when half way through the day I can still smell them.)

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But I made it to day 5 and we're all still on speaking terms here. Bret starts talking his Chantix next week and hopefully by then, I'll be a great source of support for him. He really has been great throughout this. I've tried my best to remain calm and avoid stressful situations all week so I don't end up taking it out on someone else. Hopefully they all understand that when I go off to be by myself, I'm just trying to get through a rough patch.

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Here's to 5 days and many more!!!

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(I should have pictures for you later from the birthday party Bret has taken Ryan to this morning.)

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Update: Obviously in my current mental state of withdrawl, I've forgotten how to count. Today is actually only 4 days. Still pretty good, though.

Nutcracker

Today was the big 1st & 2nd grade field trip to see the Nutcracker at the Civic Center. I've been looking forward to it for quite some time since I could hardly remember seeing it when I was Ryan's age. It was put on by the Peoria Ballet and quite a few of the dancers are kids from the same school district as Ashley & Ryan. It was done very well and the dancers were quite impressive.

Uh Oh

What have I gotten myself into? Granted it's been 3 blissfully smoke free days so far, but will someone please see to keeping a close eye on me? Luckily this has been rather easy thanks to the Chantix, but I've been avoiding stressful situations like the plague - which can't be done forever.

Click here.

I promise to stop fixating on this quite so much as soon as I get through the first week, which is the hardest.

Day Two

I've made it for 1 day and 13 1/2 hours. Yeah for me! I am happy to say that it hasn't been so bad, although I did have my first Chantix related crazy dream last night. Whew - it was something.

Over the past day and a half, I've been able to stay calm and rational which has really helped me identify what triggers me to head out the door and light up. The biggest challenge I've faced so far is when I reach a point during the day when I would normally go outside for a smoke break. I have to stop myself and redirect my attention to something else. I havn't had any cravings, just times where the habit has tried to tell me that it's time to go outside. That would be my biggest obsticle thus far. There really haven't been any cravings. Three days into taking the Chantix, I could tell it was already working.

My iPod has been a life saver. It's gotten me through most of my weak points. The neighbors must think I've lost my mind. When I hit a rough patch while Chloe is awake, I hook up the iPod in the kitchen and we sing and dance. She loves it and doesn't care how ridiculous we look or sound. If she's napping, I put the ear buds in and make myself busy around the house.

My biggest obsticle was last night. Anytime I've tried to quit, I've always promised myself that I could have one last smoke at the end of the first day to celebrate making it that first day. Last night I wrestled with it and thought it through long and hard. And decided no. I had come to far and didn't want to start all over again. So I went to bed - and woke up this morning bright and early - ready to start day two. So far so good....

Chantix

It has been 15 and a half hours since my last cigarette, people. (Here comes the hate mail - not very many people knew.) Yes, now that I am serious about quitting, I am coming out of the closet and fessing up.


I started taking the new stop smoking drug, Chantix, a week ago yesterday which made today my target quit date. It's been a rather interesting day, I must say. I was definitely optimistic since over the past few days I had noticed that the medicine was making me not enjoy smoking as much as I previously had.


So, in a last minute hurrah, I convinced Teri to go out to Buffalo Wild Wings with me last night for a drink so I could officially get myself started. I then came home and threw everything that had the faintest smell of smoke in the laundry, showered and went to bed. This morning I rolled out of bed, ready to start the first day of the rest of my life. It wasn't very easy, but I managed. I've hit a few craving patches, but it hasn't been so bad.


During one of those cravings, Chloe and I were on our way back from Target this morning. You see, I've been trying to keep myself insanely busy so we went out to get clothes hangers so I could get rid of the baby hangers that Ryan's clothes keep falling off of. Anyway, on the way back, I caught a glimpse of Starbucks and had to turn around. I've never been a coffee drinker, but I thought that maybe some major caffeine would help get me through until the next craving.


Mmm, I have a new love. Peppermint Mocha. Yum. I drank it much faster than I intended to and got quite a buzz. Now I know what the big deal is over coffee. For the next hour, I couldn't stop shaking or talking. Just ask my sister in law who asked me to slow down over the phone - and she's the one who you usually can't keep up with.


So, I've gotten quite a bit done today and things are going well. My next big test will be when everyone starts coming home and the nighttime craziness begins. Wish me luck...

All Grown Up

Guess who got her contacts today? Guess who also has to get up at 6am tomorrow morning to put them in to make sure she has enough time? Oh wait. That means I also have to get up that early to get her up. Yuck.

Ice Storm Warning Deja Vu

"THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LINCOLN HAS ISSUED AN ICE STORMWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM CST SATURDAY...

A MIXTURE OF FREEZING RAIN...SLEET...AND SNOW WILL BEGIN ACROSS THE AREA SATURDAY MORNING...WITH THE PRECIPITATION CHANGING TO ALL FREEZING RAIN BY AFTERNOON. ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH OR MORE ARE LIKELY...

IN ADDITION...INCREASING SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS...GUSTING UP TO 30 MPH AT TIMES...MAY CAUSE TREE BRANCHES TO FALL INTO POWER LINES...CAUSING POWER OUTAGES.

SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ICE ACCUMULATIONS WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. TRAVEL IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. COMMERCE WILL LIKELY BE SEVERELY IMPACTED."

Oh, joy! Is it not a coincidence that tomorrow will also be one year ago to the day that we got 14 inches of snow dumped on us, stranding us at home for 4 days?

Christmas Meme

Here's a new one. I hadn't seen a Christmas edition before. I get these emails all the time and have to admit that it is fun to see everyone else's answers. I've got nothing else for you right now, so why not? Thanks for sending this one on, Teri. Here are my answers:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper - who doesn't like tearing open a gift?!

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial, however my prelight one and I are no longer on speaking terms.

3. When do you put up the tree? A couple of days before Thanksgiving - it's too hard to wait.

4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas - I can't stand the clutter anymore by then and just want my house back.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, especially if it has a little something extra in it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie & The Rockers Stage. My daughter now has it.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I'd love to have the Willow Tree set.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My brother in law.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Ryan - he circles every toy imaginable in every single sale guide or catalog that comes his way. You just can't go wrong.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Gee, could it be that plastic fiber optic flower my husband bought me one year? Remember that one, Em? LoL

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail -in fact mine have already gone out.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle On 34th Street - the original, not the remake.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My Grandma's toffee bars.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - when they actually work (see no. 2).

17. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas Shoes by Newsong.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel - can't have Christmas without my family.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? For the life of me, no - and I've been trying for the last 5 minutes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have an angel, but I think I'd prefer a star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? Christmas Morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Rude and inconsiderate people while shopping.

23. What I love most about Christmas? Seeing my children light up with excitement when they open their gifts. Ok, and my own childish excitement at opening my own!

Raingutter Regatta Race

Tonight was Ryan's Raingutter Regatta race for Cub Scouts. With how busy we've been lately, we had completely forgotten about making the sailboat until last night. While Ryan didn't win the first heat, he came in third place in the second heat. Way to go, buddy! Hopefully we'll have our act together in time for the Pine Wood Derby in January.

Chicago Time Again

Aah, the annual "it's my birthday weekend, let's go downtown Chicago, see some Christmas trees, have lunch and shop!" The weather wasn't too bad today and the crowds weren't nearly as horrible as they were when we went on the Friday after Thanksgiving last year. The kids (ok and me, too) really enjoyed our annual trip on the train to downtown Chicago.

Ryan and the birthday girl.

While on the look out for a place to eat lunch, we came across this officer and his horse, Mahoney. Ryan was enthralled and the officer was great with all the kids that wanted to stop and pet his horse.

The kids and Grammy in front of the tree outside of the Daley Center Plaza.

Bret and I with the kids.

On our way over to Macy's to see the big Christmas tree, we made a pit stop in Old Navy and found some good deals for Ashley for Christmas. You're officially not a kid anymore when you know what you're getting for Christmas.

Ashley & Ryan in front of the Macy's tree.

All I Want For Christmas is...

...an over priced couch for $3000

...and the ugliest couch I've ever seen for $8000.

On our way back down from seeing the tree and getting sticker shock in the Macy's furniture department, we browsed through FAO Schwartz.

Well, we browsed...

($27,000 for a true to life Batman made from Lego's. My kids were instructed not to touch or their college educations would be in jeopardy!)

...but Ryan thought he was really there to shop and wasn't very happy when he was pulled out of the toy departement.

One more picture before hopping back on the train so we can make it to my Grandma's for my birthday dinner later.

Happy Birthday To ME!

In case anyone was missing us, we're up in Chicago visiting my family for the weekend. Today is my 31st birthday and we're braving the masses and hopping on a train in an hour to head downtown to have lunch and see the big 'ol Macy's Christmas tree - something we use to do every year when I was a child. Pictures will follow at a later time...

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31. Ouch. Didn't think I'd get there so soon.

Friends Again

The Christmas tree and I are friends again. It has a row towards the top that still isn't working and if you look closely you'll see a wad of lights stuffed down the backside of the tree, but all in all it'll do. The kids came home from school and finished putting the ornaments on the tree for me and the house is all decorated. All we need now is snow!