As you can tell my my lack of posts, there hasn't been a ton of extra time in YEARS to fit in crafting. I seem to exist day to day, month to month and year to year, just doing for everyone else. I know I am not alone in this - a mom's job is never done, right?
There also isn't a lot of extra money to spend on meals not eaten, or fancy appliances to make it all better.
One time of the day I dread, and truly shouldn't, is dinnertime. Or more honestly, the time leading up to dinnertime. I say I should not dread it as it's one of the very few times my kids and I are together and can swap stories from our day and just be with one another. It's deciding what to make to please all of us that I find so stressful. Add to it our super busy lives, and that I am always out of time, my stress level hits the roof. Recipe (pun totally intended) for disaster!
A friend recently recommended using one of those new-style pressure cookers to cook an easy, healthy dinner, that the three of us would devour. I found this one at an amazing price on Amazon. Saved my pennies and am giving it a try.
Tonight I am trying this chicken recipe from the Diethood blog. I like the ease of this recipe and the optional gravy add-on.
I will keep you updated as to how it turns out and share the reviews. Check back in tomorrow!
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Sunday, November 3, 2019
Friday, November 1, 2019
Journaling?
So I heard something on a podcast the other day that’s got me thinking. I’ve always journaled the good, the bad, and the ugly. I felt that getting it all on paper whether in a scrapbook or journal, was cathartic and helped tell the story. All of it makes up who we are, right? We shouldn’t sugarcoat reality. We need to own it, accept it and push forward, good or bad.
The podcaster suggested this is not a good idea. She said to only write down your positive thoughts, your affirmations and successes. When you journal, you’re making it real. You’re solidifying your truths. If you immortalize your negativity or bad things that happen in your life, then you’re affirming those ideas and essentially propelling them forward.
Huh.
I see her side of this debate. I really do. But isn’t that living your life in a rose-colored bubble? I’m not suggesting we wallow in our grief or sorrow or anger, but we shouldn’t ignore it either. We should identify it, live with it a bit and understand why our feelings. Only then can we let it go to move on.
Maybe I need to journal about this.
The podcaster suggested this is not a good idea. She said to only write down your positive thoughts, your affirmations and successes. When you journal, you’re making it real. You’re solidifying your truths. If you immortalize your negativity or bad things that happen in your life, then you’re affirming those ideas and essentially propelling them forward.
Huh.
I see her side of this debate. I really do. But isn’t that living your life in a rose-colored bubble? I’m not suggesting we wallow in our grief or sorrow or anger, but we shouldn’t ignore it either. We should identify it, live with it a bit and understand why our feelings. Only then can we let it go to move on.
Maybe I need to journal about this.
Mom-Guilt - Under Control?
Hope you all enjoyed a fun and safe Halloween! Here are my kiddos:
Last night my kids decided to split and hang out with friends in different groups. Not really a first for us, but I felt differently about it this time. With me raising them essentially on my own, the fear of choosing which one to go with and which one to abandon (yup, the initial feeling is one of abandonment when I can't be with one of them because of our situation) was HUGE. Every time we're separated at events I feel like I am letting them down by having to choose one of them over the other.
Not this time.
My son's best friend's mom took control (something I need more of in my life) and simply told me she'd pick him up, feed him and take him around a local neighborhood. I wasn't invited, nor was I not invited, but she made the decision for let me. My insightful friend must have known my internal struggle and without making me feel small or ignored, let me, and my enormous mom-guilt, off the hook.
Instead, my daughter and I traveled to her bestie's home and we spent time with teen and adult friends and had a blast. She got to bond with girls that love her and have her best interests at heart, while I was able to get in some much needed adult time with the parents and neighbors. As well as cook and bake for people who appreciate it (another story for another post!)
"Picasso" and "Sandra Dee" had a cool day, even with record-breaking warm temps, rain and 35-60 mph winds. This mom had a pretty great day too.
(My son made most of his costume purchasing just the beret and neck scarf. My daughter's 50's costume is still available on Amazon in case you want to plan for next year. We just added leggings and sneaks.)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Last night my kids decided to split and hang out with friends in different groups. Not really a first for us, but I felt differently about it this time. With me raising them essentially on my own, the fear of choosing which one to go with and which one to abandon (yup, the initial feeling is one of abandonment when I can't be with one of them because of our situation) was HUGE. Every time we're separated at events I feel like I am letting them down by having to choose one of them over the other.
Not this time.
My son's best friend's mom took control (something I need more of in my life) and simply told me she'd pick him up, feed him and take him around a local neighborhood. I wasn't invited, nor was I not invited, but she made the decision for let me. My insightful friend must have known my internal struggle and without making me feel small or ignored, let me, and my enormous mom-guilt, off the hook.
Instead, my daughter and I traveled to her bestie's home and we spent time with teen and adult friends and had a blast. She got to bond with girls that love her and have her best interests at heart, while I was able to get in some much needed adult time with the parents and neighbors. As well as cook and bake for people who appreciate it (another story for another post!)
"Picasso" and "Sandra Dee" had a cool day, even with record-breaking warm temps, rain and 35-60 mph winds. This mom had a pretty great day too.
(My son made most of his costume purchasing just the beret and neck scarf. My daughter's 50's costume is still available on Amazon in case you want to plan for next year. We just added leggings and sneaks.)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Whoa...
...so life has a funny way of taking a turn, flipping upside-down, and taking it's sweet time to right itself. Am I the only one to feel like this?
For my few followers, I so didn't abandon you! I am still upside-down and trying like mad to be right again. I am plugging away raising my amazing children now ages 15 and 11 (yikes) and dealing with a crumbling marriage. That story is for another time.
Am I still crafting? Quilting, not so much dang it, but I did get to digitally scrapbook my family 2020 calendar the other day (to take advantage of the 40% off print sale (promo code TREAT until midnight tonight EST) over at Forever.com, (make sure you have me -Carrie Graziano- as your Ambassador) and I completed about six 12x12 scrapbook pages of my son's new adventure into soccer. That's the most I've been able to get done in months. I have crafted a bit with my son, lastly making his Picasso costume. I'll post those pics soon - trying to find some edit time!
When I last posted I was working as a full-time CPA in a textbook distribution company. I switched jobs back in late 2014 to spend more time with the kids, and deep down I think I knew my relationship with my husband was on the down turn. I forced family photos (wish I hadn't) and was up-ending everything in my life to try to find happiness. At that time, I couldn't pinpoint my feeling of unease. I couldn't bear to immortalize family memories then; it felt wrong, and I didn't understand it. So I just stopped. I also gained a tremendous amount of weight - which I am happy to be losing and on my way to a healthier version of myself. Again, another story for a future post!
I am glad to say I am still at the job I took back then, 5 years and counting. I work for a locally owned photo studio doing their accounting, human resources and managing their school/sports division. I get to take some photos, but mostly for my own enjoyment. This is our busiest time, and I am trying to squeeze in a blog post - I am just a little nuts!
Hoping you'll stick by me while I resurrect my blog and update the links and content. Maybe help me decide what it can be. Looking forward to this adventure!
For my few followers, I so didn't abandon you! I am still upside-down and trying like mad to be right again. I am plugging away raising my amazing children now ages 15 and 11 (yikes) and dealing with a crumbling marriage. That story is for another time.
Am I still crafting? Quilting, not so much dang it, but I did get to digitally scrapbook my family 2020 calendar the other day (to take advantage of the 40% off print sale (promo code TREAT until midnight tonight EST) over at Forever.com, (make sure you have me -Carrie Graziano- as your Ambassador) and I completed about six 12x12 scrapbook pages of my son's new adventure into soccer. That's the most I've been able to get done in months. I have crafted a bit with my son, lastly making his Picasso costume. I'll post those pics soon - trying to find some edit time!
When I last posted I was working as a full-time CPA in a textbook distribution company. I switched jobs back in late 2014 to spend more time with the kids, and deep down I think I knew my relationship with my husband was on the down turn. I forced family photos (wish I hadn't) and was up-ending everything in my life to try to find happiness. At that time, I couldn't pinpoint my feeling of unease. I couldn't bear to immortalize family memories then; it felt wrong, and I didn't understand it. So I just stopped. I also gained a tremendous amount of weight - which I am happy to be losing and on my way to a healthier version of myself. Again, another story for a future post!
I am glad to say I am still at the job I took back then, 5 years and counting. I work for a locally owned photo studio doing their accounting, human resources and managing their school/sports division. I get to take some photos, but mostly for my own enjoyment. This is our busiest time, and I am trying to squeeze in a blog post - I am just a little nuts!
Hoping you'll stick by me while I resurrect my blog and update the links and content. Maybe help me decide what it can be. Looking forward to this adventure!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
More than a year...
...since I posted. Life happened and time passed. I simply cannot believe how much!
I was surfing the web after getting the kids to sleep (note, I said "sleep" not "bed".) I came across a blog to which I used to post (back in 2011 - eek!) I then realized, "Hey, I have a blog. Wonder how it's doing?"
So I checked.
And I have had 20,000+ hits, even without a post in more than a year,
Hey, thanks!
Anyhoo, I am working full time as an accountant again. Recently applied (again) for my CPA license, now that I finally have the needed experience under my belt. Gained a bit of extra pounds, that I hope to shed soon. Not really quilting much, no time. I really hope to get back to it soon. I have been scrapbooking here and there. I so love bring a Creative Memories consultant, and scrapbooking keeps me connected with my family. Especially now that I am not home the 40+ hours a week I spend at the office.
So, thanks for staying in touch. Thanks for being a loyal follower (all 39 of you!) Drop me a line, or a comment. I do read them when they come thru.
Lots of hopes for 2013 - maybe I'll add to my loooonnnggg list to keep up with my blog.
Sounds like a plan to try.
Carrie
I was surfing the web after getting the kids to sleep (note, I said "sleep" not "bed".) I came across a blog to which I used to post (back in 2011 - eek!) I then realized, "Hey, I have a blog. Wonder how it's doing?"
So I checked.
And I have had 20,000+ hits, even without a post in more than a year,
Hey, thanks!
Anyhoo, I am working full time as an accountant again. Recently applied (again) for my CPA license, now that I finally have the needed experience under my belt. Gained a bit of extra pounds, that I hope to shed soon. Not really quilting much, no time. I really hope to get back to it soon. I have been scrapbooking here and there. I so love bring a Creative Memories consultant, and scrapbooking keeps me connected with my family. Especially now that I am not home the 40+ hours a week I spend at the office.
So, thanks for staying in touch. Thanks for being a loyal follower (all 39 of you!) Drop me a line, or a comment. I do read them when they come thru.
Lots of hopes for 2013 - maybe I'll add to my loooonnnggg list to keep up with my blog.
Sounds like a plan to try.
Carrie
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I Heart Faces Weekly Photo Challenge: Silly Holiday Photos
Love love this blog and just had to link up this week.
This fun, no contest challenge was too good to pass up. You have to check out some of the fantastically silly photos. They’ll make your heart smile.
So here’s mine…
Just look at those eyes. My little guy is so saying, “Me? Eating the candy? No, not me.” This while popping a green gumdrop in his mouth while the rest of us were making our annual gingerbread house.
I believe him, don’t you?
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A look at 2011
Happy New Year.
It’s 2012!
“Twenty-twelve” as my daughter likes to say.
Here’s a little of what I did last year…
I so slowed down on all my projects in September due to my new full time job. Hoping 2012 allows more time for playing with my children, quilting, sewing, painting and scrapbooking – oh, and of course, blogging!
Out with the old…in with the new!
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