where I'm from

This is my second scary leap into the blogging world. I'd like to thank my new friends Nichole, Natalie and Cheryl for inspiring me to do this!

I am from small town charm with big city dreams, from Target and chocolate chip cookies on Sundays and the smell of coffee in the morning wafting through the house, letting us know dad is up.

I am from a gray house on a busy street, a backyard full of dogs, and toys, and dirt and the sounds of children playing in the neighborhood.

I am from tumbleweeds and Joshua trees, the warm brown earth of the desert and gusty winds tangling blond hair on an impossibly starry night.

I am from Christmas celebrations with the scent of baked goods wafting through out the house, and  tons of presents surrounding a 7 foot tree.  From a tight knit band of Nomads, from Drinkwine's and Clausen's.

I am from  stubbornness, resilience, and incredible hot tempers, and kind and loving hearts.  From softball games and riding bikes for hours around the block.

I am from "which part of NO don't you understand?" and "You can do anything you want as long as you're happy." From reading Nancy Drew with my mom, and reaching for the starts and dreaming big.

I am from faithful Lutherans, and my own freedom of choice.  From coloring while snuggling against mom or Aunt Jan during the sermons and testing the waters of religion and faith.

I am from the golden state, perpetually tan and French wine tasters, perpetually drunk.  From  rich Cabernet's and Del Taco and pizza.

I am from my grandfather's purple heart from WWII, from classic cars and trips to Disneyland with my brother and sister, listening to the Jurassic Park soundtrack, skin prickling with the anticipation  and excitement of the fun ahead.

I am from endless books of photos tucked away in a dark closet, video taped dance recitals, the smell of peppermint, a thousand happy memories tucked into private corners of my mind.

And I can hardly ask to be from more.

For your own where I'm from click here

 

A win for team West

Today was the magical day. I fought a long and lengthy battle with my Mirena. (If you don't know what it is, ask me or google it.) After 2 years and 3 months, the IUD is out.

The hormone laden, plastic Hoover dam of my uterus put up a tremendous fight. Severe mood swings, (I'm suprised I am still married folks) Extreme fatigue, (like sleeping ALL fucking day) losing tons and tons of my hair, and that's just to name a few of the un-pleasantries that came with this little gem.

Yes, that's the little devil right there...

This small victory for team West means that now? We get the green light to start working on baby #2. Am  I crazy? Well, Ethan is hell on two legs most days so, number 2 can't be worse right? Ya, I figured I'm probably just kidding myself.But, I think that Mr. E needs a permanent playmate! And you best believe I'm trying every trick in the book to get a girl over here, if you haven't noticed, team West is dripping with testosterone. We need to tip the scales in our favor here!

So my girly parts and I are celebrating today's triumph!

( I work in the medical field kids, I know how this shit looks in real life.)

As I left the exam room, I opened the trash can in which the evil Mirena was tossed, gave it the finger, and walked out. Fuck you! I'm getting knocked up!      Bitch!

* these photos are inspired by an amazingly hilarious blog that I love hyperbole and a half Get on reading her if you haven't, you will not regret it*

I heart Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year. 

The weather changes and summer's death grip is loosened making way for crisp fall air. Truly there is nothing better than taking a walk or run on a fall morning when the cool air fills your lungs and refreshes you completely.

Fall flavors come out of their yearly hiding. Nothing tastes better than anything with pumpkin in it! Starbucks visits become a two to three times a week thing vs. a once every week/every other week visit when the pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin goodies arrive.

Sweatshirts. Anyone who knows me knows that come fall whatever fashion sense I have is abandoned and I'll done hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets at any chance. I live for comfort and coziness!

Flannel sheets. The cooler temps are reason enough for me to bust out my ultra soft, super warm flannels. I used to have flannel sheets on year round, but one summer in Vegas will change anyone's thinking on that. So I put them up at the first sign of cooler weather. (Which means they will be on in about two weeks here!)

But my favorite fall moments are pulling out the Halloween decorations the first part of September and covering every inch of my home in orange and black. I know, most people go nuts at Christmas time, but not me. I go nuts at Halloween, (and often incorporate Halloween into my Christmas decor, a la Nightmare Before Christmas.) I have more boxes of Halloween decorations than Christmas! It's sad, well, if you LOVE Christmas anyhow...

And we always dress up for Halloween.

2007: We found it appropriate since I was preggo....I mean, after all I am an angel!! (snort!)

2008: E's first Halloween, we all went as a pirate family but alas I do not have a picture of the three of us. We were dang cute though. But he wins, as usual.

2009: We were dirt poor due to the hubby losing his job not long after the last Halloween, but dammit we were dressed up anyhow! Dr. E, nurse mommy (what a stretch for me) and daddy was the patient.

The ideas for this year are as follows....
A Peter Pan theme
The Wizard of Oz
Or a brave knight, dragon and princess

I will post more pics. It will look pretty interesting trying to fit 3.5 boxes of Halloween crap into 900+ sqft this year!