Memory Monday - 7-up

Grandma, Grandpa, Brent, Tracy and Shannon
Maybe 1979 or 1980

When I was little I remember when you were sick you could have 7-up to drink. My father being a nurse said it would help settle your stomach a bit. That was the only time I really drank 7-up or Sprite. Now, as you can guess, I really don't care for the taste of 7-up. I'm sure I associate it to being sick. Same thing with orange popsicles, I remember eating orange popsicles over a bowl in bed when I was sick.

Memory Monday... Michael Jackson Thriller

This is just one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs. I remember playing this on the family record player in the front living room. Acting out the video and dance moves around the nice living room furniture. The song sometime skipping a bit from a shuffle slide stomp move that was too big and Hummel figurines rattling in the hutch.

Back then I loved Michael and if he had asked me to marry him I would have jumped in his arms.

To this day I love every song of the Thriller album... fond memories of my youth.

And yes, I can moonwalk, but it's been awhile... I need to brush up on my moves.

Memory Monday : My Frozen Face

Back on November 1st of 2005 I gave birth to my baby girl Anna. It had been seven days since her birth and I was home with her and my 16 month old daughter Amelia. My life juggling two kids under 16 months had just begun.

That morning I  had put on some chapstick and noticed that when I went to press my lips together I had a hard time. I thought that was really odd and kept trying, wondering why I could not control my lips. The next morning checking my lips I noticed I couldn't wrinkle up my nose... here is when I got a bit freaked out. I started to wonder if the epidural I had a week earlier while giving birth to Anna was having some odd side effect to me. I called the doctor to set up an appointment and they told me she was booked up a week out.

The next morning I still could not press my lips together or wrinkle my nose and now I could not wrinkle my forehead... this was moving up my face and I was scared. That morning I also notice that my breakfast had no taste to it. What the heck was going on?

I called the doctor again to try to get in that day. I told the nurse on the phone everything that was going on, hoping they would fine a spot for me, but they still said I had to wait until next week. Talking to the nurse she told me that "maybe I was just having the baby blues"... are you kidding me! I told her no that was not it, my face was not moving and I could not taste anything and I needed to know why.

After talking to Brian and my parents, we decided I should go to the ER and get checked out. They got me right in and seemed very concerned. I was run in to get a CT scan, they thought I might be having a stroke. I remember them also asking me to close my eyes and stick out my tongue and told me they would put something on my tongue to taste. Brian later told me he watched as they pored a whole packet of salt onto my tongue and as I tasted it I had no reaction to it at all, nothing. As I opened my eyes I remembered Brian and the nurse's face looking at me in disbelief.

After running several test I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a virus that attacks the muscles in your face. Normally it only effects one side of your face, but mind effected both sides (so rare it only effects 1%). This made me an oddity in the hospital and I had several teams of student doctors come through my ICU room that day, all fascinated with my face and lack of taste. That might have been my fifteen minutes of fame... but I sure hope not!

I was able to go home that night since I had a new baby to feed. I had to take steroids to stop the virus and go to physical therapy where the taped wires to my face and shocked it... ouch! I had to sleep with goo in my eyes and patches to cover them because my eyes would not close all the way. (Great for getting up four times a night to nurse a baby). I had to drink from a straw clenched in my teeth and lift  my lips out of the way to brush my teeth.

But the worst part was having no taste, everything was so gross, even my favorite foods were just a lump of texture in my mouth. I remember crying over the food, being a nursing mom you need to eat to nourish your baby and I had to make myself eat for Anna. I also worried for Amelia, how would it be for a 16 month old with a mother that never smiled or gave you any expressions... my face was frozen solid.

It took a full month for my face and taste to start to return to normal. Some people do not full recover and I think that I went back about 98%. There are small differences in my face that I think only I notice. I know I am lucky it could have been much worse.

Me and Anna (3 months old)... both smiling.

April 2012

double click to enlarge image

Yes, I am still here... just so busy! As you can see on my calendar the past two weeks have been jam packed and this week is even worse and the rest of the month is more of the same. Include my work and etsy shop to this and I'm always running like the wind.


So... that is my reason for not having time to post. I do have a list of stuff I need to post, so hopefully I can come up for air soon and post some fun stuff.

Birthday

 Last Monday was my birthday, it was a big one and I have to say I don't feel my age at all! I don't think I ever will.

Brian was a bit worried I might have some sort of breakdown, but really it was just like any other birthday. I did go out shopping and bought two pairs of shoes... new shoes are always great! I bought a black pair of heels to keep me feeling sexy and a comfortable pair of flats for those days my knees ache.

My parents gave me two funny cards, one was a signing card, and for some reason it made me tear up. I think because my Mom wrote I would always be her baby... so sweet... it's nice to be someone's baby.

So now what... I guess I just try to keep this body strong and healthy so I am around for my two girls when they go over that hill... because they will always be my babies!

Back to school funk

The kids have been in school for two days and I have not gotten one thing done. I am in some sort of funk, unmotivated to do anything more that surf the web. I have things I need to get done, real work that I should be doing but this summer to school transition is a bear for some reason.

It might be the getting up early or the vacation we took right before school started. I think that's it. I much rather be back on the beach, hearing the waves, watching Anna dig in the sand and Amelia jumping the waves. But I'm back here in my home office, which is a mess! I keep trying to clean it but for some reason and it refuses to corporate, it's the dumping ground of the house.

sigh...

I'm going to give myself a pass this week, I'm going to move slow... I can dig in next week.

Summer Break

I know... I've been off a bit with the blogging. Well, we went on vacation last week and with the girls home for the summer, I have been busy running them around to swim team, events around town, hosting play dates, the pool, etc. It's been hard for me to find time to get my graphic design work done, keep the house somewhat clean and dinner made... so blogging has taken a back seat these past two months.

The girls go back to school next week so I will get my 3 hours a day back to myself to work. I love my girls but being with them 24/7 all summer long makes for a long day. I am ready for a little break. I think the girls are ready also, Amelia is counting down the days till school starts, she really enjoys it.

Always remember...

New Dress for Mama

I made a dress for me! It's the first dress I have ever made for myself. I have made simple dresses for the girls before but this was a first for me. I've made myself skirts for the summer but that's about it. I've always been a bit nervous sewing clothes for myself, I don't want them to look homemade. That is why I have stuck to the kids clothes, it seems more acceptable to sew kids clothing.

But I picked up the pattern (McCall's M6308) for $1 and though I would give it a try. I purchased a gray jersey, t-shirt like material. This was another challenge since I find jersey hard to sew since it is so stretchy! But I was able to follow the instructions and I made it... and it looked cute... and it doesn't look homemade!

I think the hem dips a tiny bit in the back but I don't think anyone but me would notice. So, not to bad for my first dress. That's my girls and me (in the dress) at the Magic House's Alice in Wonderland room.

Memory Monday - Lake 2008

I thank God for photographs so I never forget perfect moments like these!

Memory Monday - Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Nu

I had a few of my sorority sisters over this weekend for girls night at my house. It had been so long since I had seen some of them! We had a great time reminiscing about our glory days as actives in the house.

I was the first person in my family to become greek so it was new territory to my family. They were not sure what to expect and neither did I. I had not even thought about rushing a sorority until I had gotten down to school and saw how strong the greek community was. It seemed like the right fit for me and I am so glad I had made that decision.

Looking back on those days we did do the stereotypical sorority things: parties, drinking and the odd greek events. But I also: kept good grades with the mandatory study halls, kept fit with intramural sports and donated my time and helped raise money for local charities. But mostly I gained a wonderful bond and life long friendship with a great group of women. Women who support each other to achieve their dreams with courage, graciousness and peace.

I gave it a shot!

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

--Beverly Sills, 1929

This past weekend was my first craft fair and sadly I did not do as well as hoped. Everyone loved my items but no one was buying. None of the other tables did that well either, except the cheese couple, they had cheese samples and sold quite a bit. I talked to a few of the other vendors and they told me my items would be a much better fit for some other local fairs and that I should really sign up for them.

It's not so much the lack of sales, which did suck (at least I made back the table and tax registration fee times two). But I did not enjoy the process in as a whole. Spending my whole Saturday 8:30 till 6:00 sitting at a table as people walking by telling me how cute my items were, touching it all and then not buying. Ugh... I can't do it again, it is very stressful to me. I will stick with selling on etsy, I average one item a week on etsy and that is just fine for this hobby of mine.

The best part of the day was my husband, who cheerfully agreed to help me with this adventure. We sat together making funny faces to each other about the kooky guys sitting right behind us, the tables were way too close together! We enjoyed the people watching and he was good with the customer banter that I dread. He was my rock that day and it really made me realize again just how much he loves and supports me in every way!

Also... I send a big thank you to my parents who watched the girls all day! And my friends who stopped by to show their support. I am so lucky to have people who encourage me in all my adventures.

Memory Monday - Camp Cedarledge

We took our daisy troop to Camp Cedarledge this weekend for a saddles & spurs class where they learned about horses. Then we had a snack and took a short hike. I think the girls had a nice time.

The pavilion where we had our snack was right next to the counselor's lounge and it brought back a memory of when I was 16 and spent my summer at Camp Cedarledge as a lifeguard and counselor . We were always playing jokes on the other counselors . One night myself and one other counselor had the great idea to take all the furniture out of the counselors lounge and set it up outside just as it was inside. We carried it all out, set it up, giggling all the while! It was so funny! Until.... late that night after we went back to bed a heavy rain storm rolled in and soaked the camp. We heard the rain and talked about going back to put all the stuff back inside but we knew it was already too late.

The next day there was some talk about the prank but they did not seem too upset. The rain actually gave the old, dirty wooden furniture and cushions a long needed wash. It was a good thing the lounge T.V. was too heavy for the two of us to carry outside. Otherwise I think there would be a hunt down for us.

Happy Birthday to me - a Virgo

It is a bit scary how right on spot this is for me... the good and the bad!

The Sun is in Virgo from approximately August 21 to September 20, depending on the year).

It is rare to find the stereotypical nitpicky, exacting, "clean freak" in modern-day Virgos. Although the sign of Virgo has evolved with the times, there are some unmistakable traits that remain. Virgo people are generally respectable, hard-working individuals who have a love of knowledge and know-how.

Virgo's symbol, the Virgin, shows itself in the lives of Virgos through a love of all that is "natural" and a certain purity of spirit that keeps Virgos self-sufficient and self-contained, at least on the surface. Virgos are sensitive to their surroundings, and they tend to embarrass easily. They are generally reticent when faced with anything or anyone new. However, once they feel comfortable, they can talk up a storm. Many Virgo Suns are not too comfortable in the limelight. These types are just fine living in the background, as long as they feel useful and appreciated. Solar Virgos have a strong sense of responsibility. Even when they've convinced themselves to be irresponsible about something or the other, they worry about it.

Not all Virgos are workaholics. However, when Solar Virgos are not involved in some kind of project, there is generally a vague feeling of discontent. Even when their lives are filled up with work, they are restless and somewhat nervous creatures. The fear of under-performing is often strong. Virgos want to do things well. Some are exacting and thorough, and those Virgos who have convinced themselves to do a less-than-perfect job will generally feel incomplete.

Virgo, as an Earth sign, has a notable connection to the body. Solar Virgos are generally very body-aware. In some cases, this shows up as some form of hypochondria, but, for the most part, Virgo is simply quite concerned with health matters and nutrition. Virgo is attracted to all that is natural and pure, but is generally unafraid to explore all that is not. In fact, Virgo is an intensely curious sign. Still, there is a strong desire to remain pure on some level, despite all of Virgo's curiosity and drive to know things. Those Virgos that find a true interest or "calling" easily become connoisseurs--their attention to details and enormous observation powers give them the ability to learn all of the ins and outs of any subject. These people love to do research, in addition to analytic or detail work. They'll happily pick apart practically anything, although they are less adept at putting things back together, and often have trouble grasping the big picture.

Virgo Suns who are stuck in the practical, material world may learn a lot about themselves if they are brave enough to try placing their lives on automatic pilot once in a while. Letting some things go will do wonders for their spirit. Virgos tend to be too hard on themselves. They worry about their health, their performance at work, all the things they haven't done, and the emails that might be waiting for them while they are away from their computer. When they're not feeling well, they can be overly critical and nervous. They fuss around, have a whole slew of assorted little complaints, and throw small tantrums.

Solar Virgos are perfectionists--there's simply no escaping it. They dream of mastery; they long to do something really well. Some Virgos are so scared of their own perfectionist qualities that they tell themselves they don't care. Others will forever dabble into one thing or another, leaving a string of incomplete projects behind them. However, the happiest Virgos accept their need to get things right, without overdoing it. Probably the best advice for Sun in Virgo people is to find something that interests them--however small or large--and master it.

Most Virgos can be rather private and fussy about their work, or their personal workspace. They get nervous when others look at their unfinished work, and they are quite protective of their methods of doing things. Despite an overall lack of confidence, Virgos can be mighty proud--even arrogant--when it comes to their work, routines, or hobbies. Secretly, they think their methods of doing things are the best. Often, they are! They do take pride in the little things they do, even though, in a broader sense, Virgos can be rather self-effacing and self-critical.

Solar Virgos often confuse people when their curiosity is mistaken for passion. The surprising part is that Virgo, although knowledgeable, doesn't always get its hands dirty. Their willingness to explore is often kept at the intellectual level. However, Virgos are often well-respected and valued in their circles for their loyalty, research skills, willingness to lend a hand, and their excellent powers of observation. They are generally kind and helpful souls who, when appreciated, do everything to make things work.

There's an odd combination of the intellectual and the practical in Virgo that is sometimes mistaken for coolness. In fact, Virgos are often self-effacing and shy. They'll brush off your compliments quickly and, sometimes, critically; but don't let that fool you. They need your respect and appreciation. In fact, the happiest Virgos are the ones who feel appreciated and useful. Add plenty of worthwhile projects to keep them busy, and Virgos can be some of the sweetest, kindest people around.

Virgo info found here.

Quotes... Destiny

"But what destiny does not do is home visits.

You have to go for it."

-Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Photo: Amelia and Tracy in Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City

3 digits!

I was so surprised to see that I hit 100 followers yesterday! I am very humbled that you take time out of your busy life to stop in and see what's going on here on my little piece of this planet.

I am sending you a big thank you hug for following me and I'll try my best to keep it all fun, interesting and informative.

Cheers,

Tracy

Corners of my home - the office

Believe it or not there is a nice big desk under all this junk! Ugh... I really need to clean my office before I end up on the hoarders show! O.k. I'm not that bad but I do need to clean this desk off, it's very hard to work in clutter!

I am not usually like this but ever since I had kids it's hard to keep the house picked up. They just go from room to room making one mess after another. And my poor office has become the dumping ground. It doesn't help that I use this room to work, craft, sew, scrap book, pay bills, file, sort mail and much much more.

O.k. it's getting cleaned up and I give myself untill Monday.... go, go, go!

New Years Resolution

I don't have any official New Years Resolution because last year I made two and neither project got finished... too much pressure. But here are a few things I want to do over 2010.

- catch up on my scrapbooking

- finish my quilt

- keep my office clean

- organized the basement and garage

- finish our wills

- relax more

It's a short list, that I know I can complete...

Here's to a wonderful 2010!

Upcycle Art - Harvard Darling

I did not go to Harvard but I did have this neat harvard t-shirt while I was in college (SEMO, far from Harvard). I saved it knowing someday I would do something fun with it. So here it is, a soft sculpture grouping of the football men from Harvard 1990. I love them, they are a bit quirky, having only half bodies and mounted on sticks, but fun all the same. I have the backside of the shirt to make another set, I might sell on etsy.

The Fairy Tale Life...

Well, I'm sure this is not how Snow White thought things would end up and some days I feel her pain. Are any of us doing what we thought we would? 

I remember in high school, I was not going to have any kids and I was going to be a business woman... suit, briefcase, high heals and all. In junior high I was going to move to New York with my friend Nancy and become cops like Cagney & Lacey. In elementary school I was going to be an art teacher.

Life sends us on paths we might not have expected but somehow I know it's the right path. 

Plus, can you imagine me wielding a gun... yeah right!

Check out this site for more great photos of princesses from fairy tale living in current times.