Amazing Family

I would like to take the time to express my gratitude to my family for all your support, encouragement, love, and respect.  I am so blessed to have you in my life.  This also goes out to my girls who all are so different and respect the differences without causing too much drama.  Trust me that's hard to do with 30+ girls!  ORG has become my second family ("friends are the family we choose ourselves").  I love how I have been taught by my mom and my girls that communication is the MOST IMPORTANT THING in working together.  If there is no communication, relationships truly suffer. 

My husband is the best!  He supports me the most and I cannot thank him enough.  He does more than his fair share of the work when it comes to our family.  I so appreciate it!

I am blessed to have 2 beautiful, affectionate, and considerate children.  They have huge hearts and are compassionate.

To the rest of my family, I really am thankful everyday that I have been blessed to have such an amazing family that really knows how to show love.  My family may not be perfect but you can feel the love and that's what is important.

Let It Out or Let It Go

Let's face it, if you hold onto your anger, disappointment, frustration, etc., it is like embers that will eventually start a fire.  When the fire starts, all the past anger, disappointment, frustration, etc., gets piled on like logs on the fire never letting it burn out.  This is why if you are going to let it out, you should probably do so within a short period of time, not letting it fester for months to years or you will end up bitter, resentful, and even have thoughts of revenge.

If you don't like conflict and don't want to let it out by talking it out or in some other constructive way, you should probably make the decision to let it go.  Forgiveness is a great way to do this.  If you can't forgive then you are going to have a hard time letting it go, and maybe it's the time to seek professional help.  Start with forgiving yourself for being angry first, then try to forgive the offender.

Some constructive ways to let it go are expressive writing or journaling, meditation, cognitive therapy (changing the way you think), or talking with a professional to let it out without telling the offender.

If you are going to let it out, do so respectfully with no name-calling trying to use only "I" statements.  Try not to be accusatory or place blame. 

Most of all, I think forgiveness is the most important thing because it truly does make the anger dissipate.  It may not go away completely at first but forgiveness doesn't mean you don't get to be angry anymore, it just means that you refuse to let the anger control your actions towards that person and the love takes over.

“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.”-Bryant H. McGill

“Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time.” -Sara Paddison

And if you want someone to forgive you try saying, "I was wrong, I am sorry.  Please forgive me."  You will be amazed at the results.

Perfect Chili Weather

I made chili yesterday in the crock pot for our dinner tonight.  I cannot wait to eat it!  Here is how I made it:

Ingredients:
4 cans beans, drained (I used 2 cans chili beans and 2 cans kidney beans, 1 dark and 1 light)
2 pounds ground meat (I used ground chuck) or meatless if you are a vegetarian
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 cup salsa
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
Any other spices that sound good in chili to taste

I didn't have any onion but would have added it if I did.  I used a little bit of onion powder instead, plus the salsa has a little bit of onion in it.

I put it all in the crock pot on low for about 8 hours.  I tasted it and it was just right sweet and just right spicy.  I can't wait to eat a whole bowl tonight!  The second day chili is always the best as it has had the chance to absorb all the flavors.

Young Children and Haunted Houses

How old do you think a child has to be to go to a haunted house?  I think when my daughter was 4 she was too young because she was very sensitive and easily scared at that age.  My son on the other hand, went to a haunted house for the first time when he was about 3.  He did very well and was only a little scared.  He wanted to go of course.  I also explained to him that it was scary and not real and the people wear costumes, yada yada.

Today I found a Groupon deal to get 2 tickets for $10 at Shadow's Edge which is half off.  So I asked my daughter if she wants to go to a haunted house this year.  She will be 6 next weekend.  She said she wanted to go and that she knows it will be scary but she still wants to go.  So I bought 4 tickets for $20.  Am I asking for trouble?  I don't know.  My daughter is very adamant when she wants to be and if she is scared and ends up not going through, I guess I will have to deal with that when we get there.  Only I hope she doesn't chicken out because I want to go through and if she did chicken out I would be the one to stay outside with her.

I suppose it all depends on the child and their personality more than the age, although I think any child younger than 3 IS too young to understand that it is not real and could really freak out a bit.  It could do way more harm than good for kids younger than 2 for sure.  This is definitely not something a parent should do on the spur of the moment.  A lot of thought should go into this decision.

Tell me what age you think is appropriate to take a child to a haunted house and also tell me which ones are your favorite haunted houses to go to.

The Scarlett Letter

I am a little sad today.  And I will be more sad on Saturday when I skate for the last time with Scarlett O'Scara.  She announced last night at practice that she will not be skating anymore after the game on Saturday.  She explained that she loves derby so much but could not handle another year physically or mentally and does not want to end up hating it.  I understand this completely.

Scarlett loves life and is one of the nicest, funniest, and easy-going people I know.  She has been a great leader in our league and always makes people feel welcome and very rarely gets impatient and I have never seen her angry.  She will be sorely missed.  I am tearing up just writing this.  I don't know how I am going to handle skating with her for the last time.

While I know tears will be shed on Saturday, I know our team can pull out a win to honor Scarlett with on her last time on the track.  She helped us get to the place we are in, and we don't want to upset our accomplishments before she is even gone.  Let's do this ORG!!

Scarlett, you will be missed tremendously on the track next season.  Not only are you an awesome teammate, you are an even better friend and I would love see you off the track for a lifetime if you let me.  MDL!!!

Merging for Idiots

When merging with an interstate or freeway with a speed limit greater than 50 mph people are SUPPOSED to speed UP on the entrance ramp and should have reached a speed matching those already on the interstate to merge.  That is why it is called MERGING.  You do NOT force your way over by cutting in front of someone who is going 55 mph while you are still going 40 or 45 mph.  Not only is it rude, it is dangerous. 

Definition of merge:  

1. to cause to combine or coalesce; unite.
2. to combine, blend, or unite gradually so as to blur the individuality or individual identity of

It astonishes me when I am driving on the interstate the amount of people that still continue to merge incorrectly and they wonder why people get irate with them or honk at them.

Some people also assume they have the right-of-way when entering an interstate.  Let me enlighten you:  While it is courteous and safe for a driver to move over to allow cars to enter onto the interstate, it is not always an option to do so, and it is the responsibility of the entering driver to yield right-of-way to the vehicles already on the interstate/freeway.  The best thing to do in this situation is adjust your speed to slow down and enter behind or speed up and enter in front of the vehicle(s) in the lane which you are merging into.  DO NOT just stop at the end of the ramp.  Not only could this cause an accident with other people entering, you will not allow yourself enough room to enter safely either and frankly, this could cause a major pileup.

As I always say, you do NOT use your brakes on the interstate unless it is unavoidable and an emergency to do so.  It should be a place where one can set their cruise control and go, using the accel/decel buttons to adjust their speed, not their brakes.

Drive safely and don't merge like an idiot!

Halloween Costume Planning

I love Halloween!!  It is one of my favorite holidays.  It is so much fun to see everyone's costumes.  I am presently planning my costume.  I have some ideas but haven't narrowed it down yet. 

The best costumes are the ones that people make.  Imagination is the best helper at Halloween so I am getting it in gear.  Thrift stores are the best places to look for inexpensive items to use for a costume.  I have found many treasures in past years that have been useful for costumes.  You can also use an old costume to make a new one.  I used a Raggedy Anne dress to be Jill of "Jack and Jill" last year.

Unique costumes are the best but classics are great too such as zombies and scarecrows.  The planning is fun and people's reactions are always a treat. 

If you are going to any parties this year have fun planning your costume so you can make others smile.  Halloween is so fun!  Trick or treat!

Pole-dancing Workout

I decided to try a pole-dancing workout class.  I think I picked the wrong one.  I had attended a class as part of a bachelorette party in the past at a place downtown where I had a lot of fun and the teacher was fun, funny and nice.  Then about a month later I found a deal to take 3 classes for $30 at a different location in town.  I went on Saturday for my first of 3 classes and now not sure I want to finish out my other 2 classes.

When I arrived the first thing she said which should have been a warning was, "Prepare to laugh your ass off."  She proceeded to use vulgar language and gestures which were offensive to me as well as a few others I noticed who were not laughing.  When she noticed I wasn't laughing she asked if I was okay to which I responded that I was fine.  I did have a good time during parts of the class such as during the belly dancing portion and the actual pole-dancing part.  I came to the class because I wanted a workout, but I did not even break a sweat so that part didn't happen.  I also happen to think pole-dancing is a form of art and she did not portray that art professionally.

In my opinion women go to a pole-dancing class to feel sexy and learn something new.  If I want to hear nasty sex talk I can listen to my husband talk dirty to me.  I don't think nasty talk makes most women feel sexy.  My husband's opinion was that pole-dancing is a slutty profession so why did I expect a different attitude?  I told him that since this was a class it should have been taught as any other exercise class maybe with some saucy humor but not with the raunchy, vulgar attitude in which it was taught.  If you disagree with me please comment your opinion.

NOM Potato Salad

I know I wrote about food yesterday but I am excited to say I made potato salad last night for the first time in my life and it turned out so yummy.  And we can never have too many recipes right?  I brought this potato salad to the potluck we had at work today and still have enough left to have with brats tonight with my family.

Here is the recipe I used:

Ingredients:

5 pounds red potatoes with peels on, chopped
10 eggs
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
1-24 ounce jar sweet pickles, drained and chopped
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pan of water and boil over medium-low heat until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain the potatoes, and place in the refrigerator to cool.
2. Place the eggs in a saucepan of cold water over medium heat, and bring to a full boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and allow the eggs to sit in the hot water for about 15 minutes. Cool the eggs thoroughly under cold running water and shell them. Chop the cooled eggs and place them in a large salad bowl.
3. Stir the onion, sweet pickles, mayonnaise, pepper, paprika and salt into the eggs, and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator at least l/2 hour to blend the flavors. Mix in the chilled chopped potatoes, and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour. Serve cold.

I got compliments from the people at work so I am very proud of my first attempt.  Next time can only be better because I won't run to the store last minute for pickles and settle for the mediocre brand I ended up buying; I will buy a more tasty brand.  Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread

I don't like zucchini, but I love zucchini bread.  I made 4 loaves last week when someone gave me a HUGE zucchini from their garden.  It is so moist and yummy.

Here's the recipe I use:

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

In case you want the nutritional info: 

Amount Per Serving Calories: 223 | Total Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 26mg

You can freeze the extra loaves you make and they taste just as good.  I do like mine warm out of the oven with butter on it though.  Mmmm mmmm good.

A Good Read

I read "The Shack" by William Young over the weekend when I wasn't busy playing roller derby.  What a great book!  The author had a way of expressing beliefs that didn't get religious at all and made it all so simple while telling an awesome story of love and forgiveness.  I don't call myself religious but I do believe in God and Jesus.  I believe we should love each other and forgive the things we don't like about other people. 

This book told about how humans like to have control and independence which is why we try to follow rules and judge each other.  The book went on to explain that if we forget about the rules and judgement and just let Jesus live in our heart and learn to serve people, in other words not thinking of ourselves and just loving others, we will have true peace.

I know the peace the book speaks of.  I haven't always known it because I haven't always believed in God.  I made the choice to believe in Jesus and let him into my heart and ever since I have felt a peace no matter what else is happening in my life.  I have learned that living for someone other than myself really does help me feel good about myself and my life.  I am not afraid of any problems coming my way because this world is not what I am living for and I can just let the problems go to God.  I also have experienced the power of prayer.  Believe it or not but no one can convince me otherwise.  My dad is all the proof I need.  He is here today because many people were praying for him and he received a new heart the very next day after I prayed about it unselfishly with my daughter.  I asked God to give my dad a heart that was filled with His love so that my dad would be filled with His love.  I did not ask God to give him a heart so I could have my dad longer.  I just want my dad to know the peace that I know.

Back to the book, I cannot express all the awe I experienced while reading it.  I really think you should read it for yourself, even if you don't believe in God.  It is a great story regardless of your beliefs.  It will captivate your heart, mind, and soul unexpectedly I am sure.

Post Tournament Bruises

Well it was a blast!!!  We played our hearts out, learned a lot, and had a great time while doing it.  We lost our first bout to Minnesota, who then went on to place 2nd.  Congratulations to MN girls!  Our second bout was played against Brew City who won that round.  A little more bummed about that loss because we could have done better but we did fight the whole time.  Brew City has been to regionals before so more experienced and I think that's what you have to have to make it there.  Our final bout was against Arch Rival (St. Louis) and we won 169-112.  We also learned a little bit in that game too.

We went in the tournament in the #10 place in the region and came out #9 so we are ahead of where we were going in and that's all that matters.  We also had a great time at the after party and had reason to celebrate.  Our team worked very well together and everyone put their heart and soul into the games we played. 

Today I am very sore, I feel like a couple of trucks hit me, although I am sad to say I cannot name those trucks.  I wish I would have taken an extra day off work to recoup and sleep.  I have MANY bruises but no serious injuries, although my teammate Sharon Misery did hurt her knee during our second game and is probably going to be out for a while.  :( Heal fast sista! 

Overall an awesome experience and gave us a goal to aim for next season. 

Mom Guilt

I am leaving my kids for 5 whole days.  I know I will have fun and be busy but I always miss them and feel guilty for leaving them that long.  They will be in good hands with my mama but I also worry about them giving her too much trouble or something.  They never have but I still worry.  Isn't that a mom's job?  I guess if I didn't I would think I was a bad mom.  I will of course call them daily but it's not the same as being able to reach out and hug them when I want to.  My daughter doesn't help with the guilt trip when she says things like, "Don't go Mom, stay here," which she said Monday night at dinner when I explained to her that Daddy and I would be going out of town and that she would have to stay with Grandma.  Ugh!

After September I will be taking a couple of weeks off derby to spend some quality time with my kids and my husband so I can feed the guilt monster.  That monster is really roaring after this derby-packed, new job-acquiring year.  I tell myself if I wasn't in derby I would be working a second job and wouldn't see my kids any more than I do now but it only pacifies the guilt for a little while. 

While I feel the guilt, I know that being involved in derby has helped me cope with other areas of my life and has taught me how teamwork can work in a family too.  If I didn't have that outlet, I probably wouldn't be as happy and positive as I am today.  My kids would probably notice me becoming stressed and bitchy if I didn't have derby.  And they are getting older and getting involved in things for themselves which is good for them.  If I waited until my kids grow up I would be too old to play and life is about having fun and being happy right?  So I am living life and I will take the happiness derby gives me over the mom guilt any day.  I just have to learn to balance it better.  :)

Gearing Up!

I cannot believe regionals are 3 days away!!!  North Central Regionals in case you didn't know.  Thunda on the Tundra in Green Bay is the place where the top 10 teams of the WFTDA North Central Region will come together to bout it out for the top 3 spots to go to the national championship held in Chicago in November.  Friday the first bout starts off at 10 a.m. between Arch Rival (St Louis, MO) and Naptown (Indianapolis).  Then the Omaha Rollergirls will play Minnesota.  Next up will be the Mad Rollin Dolls from Madison, WI, playing North Star (Minneapolis).  Then the bouts following these will be determined by winner/loser double elimination.  The tournament continues through Sunday and promises to be action packed!

I am so excited it is all I can think about.  I have started packing and making food to take with me.  I am taking food so that I can spend my money on derby stuff instead of buying food that is probably not good for me anyway.  I wish I could take my kids with me too but they will be there in my heart.

Whatever happens there, I feel so lucky to have even been invited to play there.  Our first full WFTDA season and we can say we made it to regionals.  That is not an easy thing to do either.  We worked hard and we made it.  If we did that, then I think we can do well there too!  Let's go get 'em girls!

She Fell and Couldn't Get Up

I thought I would have to wait until my mom was 80 to worry about her falling.  But no.  Yesterday I was talking to her on the phone when I heard her say an expletive and then I heard crashing and her crying out.  Then she didn't answer me.  That worried me like never before in my life.  I was at work so I put her line on hold and on another line I called 911.  I was panicking when I started talking with them but they told me to calm down and I did and I told them what was going on.  I then saw the light on the line my mom was on go off.  Then she called me.  I put the rescue peeps on hold and switched over.  My mom said she fell and her back went out and she couldn't get up but she did not want the ambulance to come.  So I clicked back over and told them that she said she was okay and not to go to her house.  She didn't want me to get out of work and come either.  She just had me call her neighbor who went over and helped her get her pain meds and get into bed.

I worry about my mom more and more with each passing year and even more so when stuff like this happens (this is not the first time).  I had my husband check on her when he got off work and I checked on her again on my way to derby practice.  She looked like she was in pain and I told her she should go to the doctor but she said no to that.  Stubborn woman!! 

My mom has a heart condition and that makes me worry even more.  She is so important to me and I fear the day she is not here with me.  I think about my friends and my husband whose moms have passed and how lost they must feel when they think of them.  I am grateful that I still have her and I try to make the most of the time we have together.  I need to make some time to go over and visit her more often.  Move over derby, I want my mama! 

Hush Dogs

My kids have a way of helping me escape guilt and everyday life stress.

I ate terribly yesterday.  I need to stop that behavior immediately to prepare for regionals next week.  I had a breakfast at home.  Then it was someones last day working here so another person brought in donuts.  Of course I had one.  I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.  Then I had a cupcake later and a cookie too.  As if that wasn't bad enough, after work I had Long John Silver's for dinner.  Even though I felt guilty about that, I loved the bonding time I had with my daughter there. 

I wanted Chinese food but recently had been craving Long John Silver's.  When I asked my daughter if she wanted Chinese food for dinner she said she wanted Burger King.  So then I asked her if she wanted hush puppies.  She has had them before and LOVED them so of course she said yes.  That's how we ended up going to LJS.

Before we went to LJS (but after our discussion about dinner), I had an appointment and when we were leaving there she said, "Come on Mom, let's go get hush dogs."  I tweeted this to my social networks later because of how cute it was.  One of the comments I received was, "Maybe they just grew up."  So I am thinking of this giant hush puppy, the size of a softball.  Would they really be so tasty then?  I don't think so.  They would probably be more like taking a bite of dough rather than the crispy, buttery taste you get eating one.

My daughter said LJS was the best place to eat when we were sitting at our table.  She was so excited she got a free strawberry freeze drink with her meal.  I love the way kids make life interesting and fun.  Never a dull moment with kids' thoughts and how the little things matter more than all the guilt and big things we have to deal with in life.  To hush dogs!