Happy New Year!

Oh it is that time of year again. Where we reminisce about all the good and bad of the previous year and set goals or resolutions for the new year. Or if you are like me, you just consider it another day and really couldn't give a flying fig about any of it.

Honestly I can barely remember this past year. And yes I was sober and/or conscience for most of it. Usually every year I write a Christmas letter recapping the past year and this year I didn't because, well, there was nothing to write about! No exciting trips, no job promotions, we are all another year older. Well Chad & Shelby are. I am still 29! There were sad moments I am sure. There were happy moments...I think. People irritated me, people made me laugh. I set goals, I broke goals. Basically as Chad would say "Same Shit, Different Day"

However I will set some goals for the new year, and for the most part I did sort of good at meeting (or at least working towards) some of these this past year.

1) Make sure to include fun stuff on my to do list (Scrapbooking, reading) because these things are are just as important, if not more so then chores!

2) Exercise more which means taking actual lunch breaks during the workday and walking

3) Remember my Unglued bible study and incorporate it into my daily life

4) Spend less, which is a mandatory goal since I need to be able to make a car payment every month (bye-bye mocha's...)

5) Live every day to it's fullest as you never know what could happen tomorrow

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Letter to my Daughter

Dear Shelby,

Unfortunately for you (fortunate for me!) just because you are reading this, it does not mean I have died. Sorry! You are stuck with me for quite a bit longer (I hope!)

I am not sure if you realize just how much I love you. Oh sure, I tell you ALL of the time but you always roll your eyes at me and go "Whatever!". Didn't anyone ever tell you that if you made funny faces like that your face may freeze like that? So quit rolling your eyes when I say this! Someday though I think you will understand. That saying "This hurts me more than it hurts you" is SO true! You think I enjoy yelling at you? Well...okay....maybe a little but not that much! When I have to punish you it takes all of my willpower to not recant my punishment and give you whatever you want.

I am just amazed at how smart you are. You must take after me! Actually I know you didn't get that from me. Your daddy is the genius in our family. But you did get my stubbornness and strong will. I know this is a good trait for the most part, but not when I am arguing with you! I just keep telling myself that when you start to take an interest in boys, and they take an interest in you that this strong will, will be a good thing and those boys won't be able to push you around! Until then....

I love that you want to grow up, but that you have no problems acting like a kid as well. I love that you still like to snuggle and I enjoy or cuddle time. I love that you know you can tell me anything and I enjoy our mommy/daughter chats.

It is hard to believe that you have been a part of my life for over 10 years now! Some days I have to fight every urge in my body to strangle you but in the end you usually say or do something cute and I remember why I am so blessed to have you in my life!

You are a beautiful girl, inside and out. Always remember that. Stand up for what you believe in and continue to be so caring towards other. There will be hurdles in your life but just remember those just make you stronger and make you a better person.

Love Mommy

South to Drop Off, North to Pick Up

So don't get me wrong, I love Shelby's school. I love the teachers, the staff, the kids, the families but I do have one pet peeve. One that just makes me angry every time I have to pick Shelby up from school. And that is the issue of the parking lot/pick up area.

So at Shelby school you drive in and to the right is the bus circle. A little further up is a spot where parents can pull up to the curb (great for quick morning drop offs). And then you have regular ol' parking. There are signs posted that say "Please Pull Forward" and "Do Not Leave Your Car Unattended" Yet every time I go there in the afternoon (and I am always running late mind you!) I get there and can barely even turn into the school driveway because people are backed all the way up to the main road, they are blocking the bus area AND they have not pulled forward! I mean there is like a whole car length between cars!

I am a parent, so I understand wanting to get that prime curb spot. And I wouldn't mind it being right between the main entrance and the bus area so I know Shelby will see me but I am not going to get there early and park right in the middle before any other cars get there just for that spot.

So I think my new job is going to be Parking Lot Nazi. Expect to see me soon in my orange vest with my flaggers. And if you are sitting in your car (or God Forbid...you have left it unattended!) be warned that I will come knocking on your car window to keep on moving!