So you followed my public rant on Facebook about the hit and run.... so here is my end of the movie credits are rolling what happened next. First, to spin you up to date if you didn't get the full scoop from last week. My Jeep was hit in the parking lot at the shops at Briargate in front of where Isla attends her Gymboree class. I came out to find a note on my car saying "I saw a Toyota Rav 4 hit your car then speed off not sure if this helps, but here is his plate number call me if you have any questions." My first happy hippie Oregon thought was glad everyone was ok and only the car was hurt, but then as I came around the side of the Jeep and saw the bumper, rear fender, and drivers side door all taken out I got pretty upset because unless you were drunk driving their is noway you could have possibly not known you hit my car. So I drove home hoping that the plate number would at least help me find who hit the car so I wouldn't be out my deductible to pay to fix my car. I can only imagine Mr. Hit and Run (names have been changed to protect the not so innocent) was sitting in his house thinking he had just got away with murder, ok maybe not murder but you get the point.
Anyways like any good detective/crazy person mad as heck about their car. I went to the mall police to see if anyone turned themselves in later that day and although the very well intentioned mall cop armed with his pepper spray and flashlight was very nice he offered no good leads. So I went to the police to file a report. The plate number was good. Archer's mom (because once you have kids that is pretty much how you are known in your kids play circuit) had got the numbers right from the front seat of her mini van. The cop gave me the name and address of the person the car was registered to and said they would follow up on it. The address gave me the name of the person who purchased the home, and the name gave me a great search on facebook to find an open to public profile that listed Mr. Hit and Run along with a bunch of pictures of him and his child that we know from Isla's gym class. By the time the police called me back that afternoon I knew everything about that guy and all he knew was I was somebody who owned a car he hit that he thought he would never see again. The police told me he said his child was choking in the backseat and that is why he hit my car. Which I do believe, but the choking didn't cause him to drive off.
The Jeep is now heading to the repair shop to get about 2k worth of damage fixed next week at no expense to me and the Jeep will be good as new by the end of next week. Mr. Hit and Run on the other hand was cited with a hit and run/leaving the scene of an accident and now get the pleasure of facing up to his action in court. Which I am not living under the impression he will serve time or even see anything other than a fine, but he will be forced to sit in court with people their for much worse waiting in line to see the judge, somewhat of a scared straight for upper middle class that think they are above the law, not to mention his auto premiums will go way up for the next three years.
Gym class is now odd. He doesn't know my real name, because the officer wrote down that the Jeep was registered to an Emily Daring. I am half tempted to say something, but the other half of me kind of enjoys that he has no clue who I am ;) Needless to say I think we have all learned a valuable lesson.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Government Stays Open, Gym Class, and Dead Squirrel
With hours remaining a deal was made and the government will remain open. After typing that I feel like I was just handed back a high school spanish test with red marking saying "re-read" because after reading a second time there is no way I translated properly "Dog's sing softly as they run in pink shoes". The words government shutdown seem the same lost in translation words to me, because there is no way the government could actually shut down? Well April 2011 marks it almost happening. I think it was a big wake up call all around and hopefully will motivate everyone to take action and have their voice heard. I had a person ask me once why voting was so important to me. I could have gone on about years of suffrage or other reason that speak to me, but my bottom line is if you don't vote you lose your right to voice your opinion and complain. Voting is one small part of making a difference, but staying active in your community year round will be what will ultimately ignites change. I wish I could say that I had a weekend of changing the world, but if nothing else it was a great time for Joey, Isla, and I.
This weekend marked Isla's first official gymboree class. I once found these classes to be an overpriced country club for tiny tots, but with an amazing groupon deal we entered the ranks of Gymboree family's on Saturday morning. I was really excited to take Isla to her first class. I had her dressed up cute and ready to go of course. On our way to class we were about a block away from the center when a squirrel darted out in front of us. I felt like it was almost slow motion hearing everything I have ever been told to hit the animal instead of breaking hard or swerving into traffic to avoid it. I had a car behind me and to the side of me so the poor squirrel didn't make it. During the entire class and most of the day I felt horrible. I kept thinking the poor squirrel was crossing the road to bring food to his family who is now fatherless, but after dwelling on all the reasons the poor guy died I came to a much more logical less guilt-ridden explanation of why any squirrel would be crossing a major road with 55 mile an hour traffic....... he was committing suicide and my jeep ensured he went quickly/instantly. Luckily Isla will be to young to remember her first gym class as her mom killing one of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore's friends, but it will always yet another adventure in our many crazy moments in life together.
Another weekend is almost complete and ready to tackle another work week. I am counting down the days until summer and hoping to escape the Colorado "springtime" snow storms.
This weekend marked Isla's first official gymboree class. I once found these classes to be an overpriced country club for tiny tots, but with an amazing groupon deal we entered the ranks of Gymboree family's on Saturday morning. I was really excited to take Isla to her first class. I had her dressed up cute and ready to go of course. On our way to class we were about a block away from the center when a squirrel darted out in front of us. I felt like it was almost slow motion hearing everything I have ever been told to hit the animal instead of breaking hard or swerving into traffic to avoid it. I had a car behind me and to the side of me so the poor squirrel didn't make it. During the entire class and most of the day I felt horrible. I kept thinking the poor squirrel was crossing the road to bring food to his family who is now fatherless, but after dwelling on all the reasons the poor guy died I came to a much more logical less guilt-ridden explanation of why any squirrel would be crossing a major road with 55 mile an hour traffic....... he was committing suicide and my jeep ensured he went quickly/instantly. Luckily Isla will be to young to remember her first gym class as her mom killing one of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore's friends, but it will always yet another adventure in our many crazy moments in life together.
Another weekend is almost complete and ready to tackle another work week. I am counting down the days until summer and hoping to escape the Colorado "springtime" snow storms.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Freedom isn't Free: Until April 15th
I have been thinking all day about the government shutdown I thought about posting something all American maybe cruise the I-photo for a picture of Joey in uniform or Isla in her 4th of July outfit with a caption of "freedom isn't free" but I guess I refuse to add to the mass panic, give it a few weeks and I will reconsider it. For my family we will be ok, but my heart goes out to my friends, neighbors, and all the military families that aren't so lucky. I think today is the first time I have ever truly been disappointment in our government as a whole. I am not going to jump on the blame Obama, Democrats, Republicans, etc. because no one person can impact 800k government workers and their families on their own, it is a joint effort of suborness and greed.
Their are some that say it is a hard lesson to military that "we" should learn to live better than paycheck to paycheck. I 100% agree that people in general need to learn to live within their means and put money aside for savings, but I have experienced first hand how hard living on a military paycheck can be starting out. I have met families that starting out are trying to raise a family on $1500 per month they have one or two children so it is hard for their spouse to find a job that will pay enough to make paying daycare worth working at the end of the day. When arriving at a military base more than likely won't be able to secure base housing so you will be told to move off base where you have to pay first, last and a deposit, you will go to set up utilities and have to pay deposits because you are new to the area, if you are lucky you will finally get settled in an area and get on our feet before the next thing you know you are getting orders to move again and the cycle starts all over. Even if you don't have kids it is hard enough to try to find a new job in small towns where military spouses are treated like the plague because they don't want to invest time and money into training people who will leave in a few years again. Although military spouses have a bad rep in general they are some of the best workers I have ever met. I am glad we are past the point of counting down until payday and eating Mac and Cheese to get buy until payday, but I won't ever forget that feeling of waiting for that new check to be deposited and hoping your gas tank would stay off E until you got to that day. Over the last eight years as a military wife I have met some of the bravest men and women in the world. People that have given up everything and asked for nothing but a paycheck and respect in return. The men and women of the US military work holiday's, weekends, deployments away from family, and friends. Civilians complain not seeing their spouse for a day or a week, but military goes months and years apart to defend our freedom.
Looking back on history the last time people were required to work without pay, I am sure we called it slavery and we all know how that worked out. What drives me insane is the principals that this country was built on was hard work and making something on yourself. Instead our society has turned to a sense of entitlement that people feel they don't have to work and the government will still take care of them. I believe that welfare should be the bridge from being down on your luck and back on your feet not a lifestyle to be sustained for generations. If the government shuts down the military members who didn't ask the government to take care of them only to provide their service to our country will forced to go without pay, while welfare will continue to pay out to those that don't have jobs.
Like many military families we will sit watching the news this weekend hoping for resolution for my fellow military families and other government employees impacted by the shut down. Keep the military community in your thought and prayers this weekend and if nothing else take the time to thank the military as you meet them because now more than ever your words will mean the world to them.
Their are some that say it is a hard lesson to military that "we" should learn to live better than paycheck to paycheck. I 100% agree that people in general need to learn to live within their means and put money aside for savings, but I have experienced first hand how hard living on a military paycheck can be starting out. I have met families that starting out are trying to raise a family on $1500 per month they have one or two children so it is hard for their spouse to find a job that will pay enough to make paying daycare worth working at the end of the day. When arriving at a military base more than likely won't be able to secure base housing so you will be told to move off base where you have to pay first, last and a deposit, you will go to set up utilities and have to pay deposits because you are new to the area, if you are lucky you will finally get settled in an area and get on our feet before the next thing you know you are getting orders to move again and the cycle starts all over. Even if you don't have kids it is hard enough to try to find a new job in small towns where military spouses are treated like the plague because they don't want to invest time and money into training people who will leave in a few years again. Although military spouses have a bad rep in general they are some of the best workers I have ever met. I am glad we are past the point of counting down until payday and eating Mac and Cheese to get buy until payday, but I won't ever forget that feeling of waiting for that new check to be deposited and hoping your gas tank would stay off E until you got to that day. Over the last eight years as a military wife I have met some of the bravest men and women in the world. People that have given up everything and asked for nothing but a paycheck and respect in return. The men and women of the US military work holiday's, weekends, deployments away from family, and friends. Civilians complain not seeing their spouse for a day or a week, but military goes months and years apart to defend our freedom.
Looking back on history the last time people were required to work without pay, I am sure we called it slavery and we all know how that worked out. What drives me insane is the principals that this country was built on was hard work and making something on yourself. Instead our society has turned to a sense of entitlement that people feel they don't have to work and the government will still take care of them. I believe that welfare should be the bridge from being down on your luck and back on your feet not a lifestyle to be sustained for generations. If the government shuts down the military members who didn't ask the government to take care of them only to provide their service to our country will forced to go without pay, while welfare will continue to pay out to those that don't have jobs.
Like many military families we will sit watching the news this weekend hoping for resolution for my fellow military families and other government employees impacted by the shut down. Keep the military community in your thought and prayers this weekend and if nothing else take the time to thank the military as you meet them because now more than ever your words will mean the world to them.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Writing Again
After a little over six weeks of not writing, I finally feel inspired again. Life has been busy, insane, and overall non stop. The lifestyle of any mom I am sure. It is funny looking back again on all the things I said I would never do when I was a mom that now I eat my words on. I remember saying I would never let my child eat fast food ever, and now I laugh as best described by my friend Linda as a true mom is one that can on a busy night manage to pull out of the drive threw pull a french fry out of a bag crank the air conditioning on full blast in the dead of winter saying "give mommy just one minute to cool it off". :) In the middle of making perfect plans for all our high expectations life happens. We don't eat out all the time but there is something to be said about the occasional treat of Chick-fil-A. In other failed promises to myself, I also remember saying I would never buy my child a musical instrument, but tonight Isla rocked out to her new drumset and tamboreen (the result of leaving daddy and his princess in the toy area after Isla mastered the words please daddy) while days like today make me sure that all things in life will one day go full circle. My poor parents endured two years of my quest to be a world famous violist and then an additional year of attempting to be the next Kenny G with my saxophone before I finally gave in and joined the choir for the only reason of not having to carry a huge musical instrument home each day. At the end of the day you only want the best for your kids so I have a feeling in the not so distant future I will be signing out an instrument for the local school band praying she has some ounce of talent and picks something small and not to loud.
Besides the band that started in our house this weekend we enjoyed a traditional Colorado springtime, 78 on Saturday and snow and 30 on Sunday. Even after three years here I don't know if I will ever get use to the bipolar days of spring. I think no matter where you live you always wish for perfect weather, but I am pretty sure after living all over the place these last 8 years perfect weather in one state doesn't either exist or I have yet to find it.
I have lots of new pictures I still need to edit, but I will attempt to keep up on my blog on a weekly basis again. I love to write and I am excited to keep it caught back up again :)
Besides the band that started in our house this weekend we enjoyed a traditional Colorado springtime, 78 on Saturday and snow and 30 on Sunday. Even after three years here I don't know if I will ever get use to the bipolar days of spring. I think no matter where you live you always wish for perfect weather, but I am pretty sure after living all over the place these last 8 years perfect weather in one state doesn't either exist or I have yet to find it.
I have lots of new pictures I still need to edit, but I will attempt to keep up on my blog on a weekly basis again. I love to write and I am excited to keep it caught back up again :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Valentine's Day
The word freezing does not even begin to describe how cold it is here right now in Colorado Springs. I look back and laugh at the many days I complained while living in Oregon when it was 35 degree's outside and I wheeled up to the gas pump to have my gas pumped by the attendant, and my only exposure to the elements was handing my debit card out the window. Today I eat my words...... I just pumped my gas in negative 38 degree weather (that is including the wind chill factor). Oh I miss Oregon today. So what does one do on a sub zero day after work while Isla is napping? I have a long list of things that "need" to get done, but today I craft. I am in the process of making handmade valentine's cards. Something about rubber stamps, card stock, and over priced stickers brings therapy to me in a time of stress. Which stress for now I will only elude to me becoming a married single mom, no not a Jerry Springer show, but what I am calling my time at home when with Isla, Leo, and Dee while the military calls Joey to leave for awhile.
So back to the topic at hand Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is actually one of my favorite holiday's of the year. Now if you would have asked me during my middle/high school days I probably would have gone running for the hills at what I use to refer to as "Single Awareness Day" as in if I wasn't already aware that I was without a boyfriend in my life, let's devote an entire day of carnation dedications, chocolate, cards, and random couples surrounding me. I think one of my best valentine's day memories of all time during "those" years was when one of my best friends gave me a bag of Sweetheart candies and picked all the orange one's out ( I only like the orange) for me for our "friend-iversary" we met the year before standing again the wall together at a school dance while all the random couples paired off. Somewhere between picking out cute valentine's day cards and the perfect Sweetheart candy that expressed your true feelings not mixed messages, because you know one wrong "I Love You" candy could give the boy of your dreams in the 4th grade totally the wrong impression and change your life forever and enduring what felt like a million single Valentine's day dances, I have come to love this holiday.
So here I sit stamping card stock, placing stickers, and writing in perfect cursive (so I don't feel like all of 3-6th grade was a total waste on learning how to write cursive) all of Isla's valentine's day cards. I think as a mom it is so easy to get caught up in all the mom competitions around you and sometimes question your own abilities. I sometimes feel like I hear commentary of other mom's when I pull out Isla's snack at the playground when I swear I hear "I see your goldfish crackers, and raise you goldfish 100% whole grain and organic apple juice". You think I am crazy, but trust me there are many super mom's out there. So I sit here stamping away hoping that although Isla may eat chocolate from time to time or eat the occasional Chick-fil-a meal she will overlook my parenting short comings and know I always made time to make sure all of her holiday's were special for her.
As Valentine's day 2011 is almost here I am thankful for the two love's of my life Joey and Isla, and look at the bigger picture of not only love, but all of the wonder caring people in my life as well :)
Much Love!
So back to the topic at hand Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is actually one of my favorite holiday's of the year. Now if you would have asked me during my middle/high school days I probably would have gone running for the hills at what I use to refer to as "Single Awareness Day" as in if I wasn't already aware that I was without a boyfriend in my life, let's devote an entire day of carnation dedications, chocolate, cards, and random couples surrounding me. I think one of my best valentine's day memories of all time during "those" years was when one of my best friends gave me a bag of Sweetheart candies and picked all the orange one's out ( I only like the orange) for me for our "friend-iversary" we met the year before standing again the wall together at a school dance while all the random couples paired off. Somewhere between picking out cute valentine's day cards and the perfect Sweetheart candy that expressed your true feelings not mixed messages, because you know one wrong "I Love You" candy could give the boy of your dreams in the 4th grade totally the wrong impression and change your life forever and enduring what felt like a million single Valentine's day dances, I have come to love this holiday.
So here I sit stamping card stock, placing stickers, and writing in perfect cursive (so I don't feel like all of 3-6th grade was a total waste on learning how to write cursive) all of Isla's valentine's day cards. I think as a mom it is so easy to get caught up in all the mom competitions around you and sometimes question your own abilities. I sometimes feel like I hear commentary of other mom's when I pull out Isla's snack at the playground when I swear I hear "I see your goldfish crackers, and raise you goldfish 100% whole grain and organic apple juice". You think I am crazy, but trust me there are many super mom's out there. So I sit here stamping away hoping that although Isla may eat chocolate from time to time or eat the occasional Chick-fil-a meal she will overlook my parenting short comings and know I always made time to make sure all of her holiday's were special for her.
As Valentine's day 2011 is almost here I am thankful for the two love's of my life Joey and Isla, and look at the bigger picture of not only love, but all of the wonder caring people in my life as well :)
Much Love!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weight Watcher Updates
It has been awhile since I have wrote about weight watchers. I didn't stop the plan, I guess for the holiday's I just gave myself the realistic goal of not gaining rather than trying to drop the pounds. Talk about setting the bar low....... but it is better than last year when I gained a good 5lbs. A little over two weeks ago I went back and hopped on the scale of shame only to find out that I was right where I was at before Turkey Day. Two weeks later I am now down almost another two pounds and going strong. I have a great friend to attend local meetings with and another great friend only a phone call away for support. It is fun to talk about our progress and other days to laugh when the plan all goes to hell. I stepped into a gym for the first time in a few/6 months this last week and although I got that same feeling people get when they haven't been to church in forever (you know like everyone knows you haven't been in forever and the walls are closing in?) I got on my treadmill and had a great workout. Like I promised in the early days of Weight Watchers I refuse to be that double standard, for those of you who watched me eat pizza at Chucke Cheese this weekend, I used all my extra weekly points and still have another trip to the gym this week before I break even. I am now 4-8lbs away from what I am calling the promise land the point I was at right before moving to Colorado, pre-baby weight. I am excited and I am motivated to keep going.
I have had two major dieting come to Jesus moments in my life one being now and the first time being in Missouri. People who have been to Missouri or live there are probably thinking what about Missouri caused you into a full tailspin of dieting, since most of Warrensburg is not know for there extreme fitness ways. For me I had been gaining a little weight here and there since we moved from England, the stress of school/new found addiction to the library vending machine probably didn't help either. I think my thesis was actually written high on Rock Star energy drinks, but it turned out amazing :). I remember seeing pictures of myself and thinking oh that was a bad angle or maybe it was just what I was wearing that day? Well that was all until I participated in a media campaign for the domestic violence prevention center I was volunteering at for the summer. I remember coming back to school that August and seeing a huge billboard with my picture on it. I can't even remember the message I am sure it was something cheesy like love doesn't have to hurt or something and only seeing myself on a huge billboard 20lbs overweight. There was no denying it I remember thinking the entire way home things have to change, and at that point I got serious. Warrensburg is a small town so I am sure my overall future in modeling/entertainment industry wasn't impacted to bad ;) haha but it was still enough to crack down and bust my butt to drop a good 30lbs pre college graduation.
So now here I stand 2011 with a box of clothes in my closet that is labeled Goodwill/Please let these fit again. I am not living under any misconceptions that I will be sporting a bikini and a size 6 in the future if ever, but I am happy with my progress and I am sure I will keep on my way over the next year. Thanks for all the great support, and those who have kicked me in the butt to keep me going when I have needed it most. I feel like I always need to write a disclaimer although I don't know why. I never write about weight loss to make other people feel bad, but hopefully motivate others to work on a healthy lifestyle with me. :)
I have had two major dieting come to Jesus moments in my life one being now and the first time being in Missouri. People who have been to Missouri or live there are probably thinking what about Missouri caused you into a full tailspin of dieting, since most of Warrensburg is not know for there extreme fitness ways. For me I had been gaining a little weight here and there since we moved from England, the stress of school/new found addiction to the library vending machine probably didn't help either. I think my thesis was actually written high on Rock Star energy drinks, but it turned out amazing :). I remember seeing pictures of myself and thinking oh that was a bad angle or maybe it was just what I was wearing that day? Well that was all until I participated in a media campaign for the domestic violence prevention center I was volunteering at for the summer. I remember coming back to school that August and seeing a huge billboard with my picture on it. I can't even remember the message I am sure it was something cheesy like love doesn't have to hurt or something and only seeing myself on a huge billboard 20lbs overweight. There was no denying it I remember thinking the entire way home things have to change, and at that point I got serious. Warrensburg is a small town so I am sure my overall future in modeling/entertainment industry wasn't impacted to bad ;) haha but it was still enough to crack down and bust my butt to drop a good 30lbs pre college graduation.
So now here I stand 2011 with a box of clothes in my closet that is labeled Goodwill/Please let these fit again. I am not living under any misconceptions that I will be sporting a bikini and a size 6 in the future if ever, but I am happy with my progress and I am sure I will keep on my way over the next year. Thanks for all the great support, and those who have kicked me in the butt to keep me going when I have needed it most. I feel like I always need to write a disclaimer although I don't know why. I never write about weight loss to make other people feel bad, but hopefully motivate others to work on a healthy lifestyle with me. :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A New Year
2010 has come and gone. I feel like 2010 should open with a cliche' to the extent of these were the best of time, these were the worst of times, but in the end I feel moving into 2011 I am now focusing only on the many positives of 2010 and looking at 2011 as another 12 months to try to get it all right. 2010 was the birth of my blog and as me as a blogger. Somedays I feel inspired to write all my best thoughts out on the computer and other days I feel like I am typing out a truly facinating train wreck. Whatever this blog may be I am happy I have started it and hope it will continue to grow. In 2010 I feel I have grown a lot as a person and as a mother. Motherhood is truly a humbling experience that challenges you every minute of everyday. It is amazing how one night getting jammies on involves an act of congress the next night is all laughs and giggles.
I am not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, because usually I am setting myself up to fail, but this year bring it on. Of course I am still doing weight watchers. I was doing great for the first 3 months and was down a total of 10lbs. My goal for the holiday's was to not gain, which I think I fell short of the glory of the WW gods just slightly and am up about 3lbs. So humbly I go back on the wagon or the scale of truth tomorrow. I don't want to sound vain when talking about weight, I am fully aware that many people are in a much worse spot than I am, but I am doing WW for all of 2011 for me. As I am now on the down slope to 30 I feel more than ever I can't sit around weighting (pun intended) to feel comfortable in my own skin again. So back on the scale I go.
The start of 2011 is now fully in swing and I can't wait to look back at this time next year to read about all the great things I have to be thankful for in in 2011!
Happy New Year and may 2011 be your best yet!
I am not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, because usually I am setting myself up to fail, but this year bring it on. Of course I am still doing weight watchers. I was doing great for the first 3 months and was down a total of 10lbs. My goal for the holiday's was to not gain, which I think I fell short of the glory of the WW gods just slightly and am up about 3lbs. So humbly I go back on the wagon or the scale of truth tomorrow. I don't want to sound vain when talking about weight, I am fully aware that many people are in a much worse spot than I am, but I am doing WW for all of 2011 for me. As I am now on the down slope to 30 I feel more than ever I can't sit around weighting (pun intended) to feel comfortable in my own skin again. So back on the scale I go.
The start of 2011 is now fully in swing and I can't wait to look back at this time next year to read about all the great things I have to be thankful for in in 2011!
Happy New Year and may 2011 be your best yet!
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