Blog Challenge #5 - Five Places I Want To Visit

This was a fun post to think about, and I promise to keep it short.

BTW, these places are not in any particular order of importance. 

Wait, number one is the most important - but only if my two sisters can come with me.

1a. Need I say more? 

If only it were real. 

1b. Alaska. I'd love to meet the Kilcher family and see their homestead in person.

 Then, I'd like to travel and see some city life and country living there. 

This might be impossible in my lifetime though, I will NOT fly in small planes. . .

2. Yep! DISNEYLAND.

I have not been in over 20 years, 

and my daughter is the perfect age to experience it for the first time. 

The hubbs isn't so keen on this one . . . 

if we end up moving to the East Coast, maybe Disneyworld will be our option. 

3. The Caribbean. I had no idea how to spell that. 

Thank goodness for Google! I would have put two "r's" but that's just me. 

Anywho - someday babeyyy!

4. Guess Where? 

NYC!! I have never been to the city. 

 I know I flew into it when I was catching a connecting flight on my way to France 

but I didn't step out of the hotel. 

5. Seriously! I have some questions for God and I want to see my grandparents and my pets again, 

and to meet the brother or sister I never met, Erin. 

I can't ignore just a few more places I'd like to visit . . . 

the inside of a fancy shmancy hotel room for an entire week

inside my hubbs head sometimes

my daughters preschool classroom during class time

first class seating on a plane

Yellowstone

a small town fourth of July celebration

the Tonight Show show with Jimmy Fallon

the Dancing with the Stars show

Sweet dreams!

Blog Challenge #4 - The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Do you love the meaning of things as much as I do?
Well, my twitter handle is @overfourtytwo. Yes, I have reached the "over the hill" status. I had another blog going a while back but I lost direction quickly and my life was a bit too full, rather I didn't realize my need for writing at that point. I realize it now and not just for the silly number of words that I as a woman need to express on a daily basis. More so, because I am finally acknowledging the creative parts of myself in my gardening, my work as a hairdresser and in writing.

I felt the nudge for this writing project a while back, but it took me some time to get it up and running and to design the main image. The title came to me in prayer one day, because as I work my twelve step program for having been affected by someone else's drinking, I often look back at my progress with a large amount of gratitude. The same has been true since I turned the big 4-0. Around the time of turning fourty, I realized many monumental things for me, here are just a few:

I no longer felt the pain of NEEDING to be a one digit size in my clothing

The journey isn't so much about striving to be what I see in others, but rather to find out who I am

Embracing my introvert-ness is very freeing - gone are the days of feeling like a social failure

Doing something that I don't love for a short while will not kill me, it may even help me grow

It's ok to grieve the dreams of what I thought I'd have & want but don't

The God of my understanding may not be the God who is, was and ever shall be

It's great to look in the past to learn and to acknowledge the growth, but it is becoming exciting for me to look beyond the hilltop to what may lie ahead.
Peace be with you.

Blog Challenge #3 - My Day in Great Detail

Welcome to a day in the life of me. 

Let me start out by saying that I truly ADORE my automatic coffee maker. I am so grateful that it provides me with hot coffee right away. I have not been overly impressed with the other machines out there, you know the trendy one cup at a time coffee makers. This homegirl likes her coffee already brewed so there is the least amount of wait time available. 

So, at 6:23 a.m. when my sweet but wide-awake daughter woke me up, I was happy to know what was waiting for me in the kitchen. I dressed my coffee and got her a drink and we snuggled on the couch watching tv. I love this time. I love that the house is quiet on a Saturday morning, and that we can just enjoy snuggles. 

Breakfast was cereal for the hubbs and my kiddo. I decided to try a new juice recipe. One red beet, one carrot (was rebellious and added 2 carrots), half a lemon and one apple. It was rather tasty, and I really wasn't hungry until lunchtime. Yeehaw!

Today was a work day for me - it's Saturday and a great day for people to get their hair done. I share a chair with another stylist so I only had scheduled clients for the morning. My kiddo went to the babysitter since hubbs had overtime at work today also. I don't like this about Saturdays . . .I miss having a Saturday to do normal family stuff. However, I am grateful for my job and I adore my clients and I am super happy to not be a full time teacher anymore!! 

At work today, my first client is a friend of a friend who is becoming a very precious gift in my life. Years ago after I delivered my baby girl, this person made a meal for my family and I, and she went to great lengths to make sure if was gluten free - super important for me. She does have a very generous spirit, and a great sense of humor, both of which have been like water for a thirsty soul to me. Years ago, she went through something that I am currently going through and she has been sharing that journey with me. Our main conversation today was about personality temperaments. I am definitely choleric/melancholic. I have studied them a little before but her explanations and experiences helped me understand that I was created this way, I certainly wouldn't have chosen to be these temperaments. I have often noted certain characteristics of my personality and have seen how they are not so positive or how I just don't mix well with other people on certain things, or even how other people expect things of me that are just impossible for me (in relation to personality). A light clicked on for me today as I was listening to my friend, and my heart felt a bit lighter. I am humbled and grateful 

Another client today was a young lady that I used to teach. She is in middle school now. Our time in the salon together is never without laughter and her directions. Seriously, she is pretty particular on how and even where she wants a hair cut. Today, it was to even out the back but not to cut the sides because she is growing out the "v" shape in the back. I am told that she only trusts me with her hair because I do what she asks. For me, it's more about her happiness than it is to have to cut off more than she wants just to cut every hair on her head. I have some adults that try to do this too, but I explain why I won't do it for them in most cases. Her momma texted just now that S is soooo happy with her haircut. Success!!

I picked up my girl from the babysitter and got to love on a sweet dog named Bam Bam, an English Bulldog. We don't have a dog right now but my heart aches for one. Maybe soon.

After a quick stop at the grocery store we came home to have lunch and now are relaxing before church tonight, and then a picnic and fireworks to follow. This church is new for me. It's not in the same religion that I was raised, and I am super excited about that. In my seeking and praying, this is where I am led to today. It feels like a blessed day to me - a day where I can almost feel God - a day where His presence is nearer than it has been for a long while - a day where nature is encouraging me. It is cloudy with sunshine, a moderate breeze and temps under 80 degrees. Ahhhhhhh. The firework show is perfect timing for this weather tonight! It sure beats the 112+ temps on the fourth of July. 

Other things I did that fit in my day somehow. . .

waxed my own eyebrows

cleaned a few mounds of dishes from hosting breakfast yesterday for some out of town friends

dried and folded towels and capes for work

called one of my sisters

prayed

talked with the hubbs about details for the possible upcoming move

listened to my girl read me part of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

daydreamed about the beach

told the hubbs how much I want to take our girl to Disneyland this summer

called the folks

blinked a few times which is all the nap time I will have today.

Farewell until next time.

Blog Challenge #2 - Basically Me.

Does it really matter that I mixed up the topics for day one and two?

 On the scale of things happening in my life, I sure hope not. 

I wonder what types of thing other busy moms mix up - 

perhaps lime, tequila and margarita mix? 

Just kidding. Or am I?

 I do love a good frozen margarita. 

So, this post challenge is to share some basic things about myself. 

For the LOVE, I need a bit more direction than that. 

I could share basic things about foods I like, toenail polish colors I like, things that drive me crazy, parenting stuff, adult child watching parents aging stuff, believe me there are a lot of topics. 

Wait. 

You know that, I am sure you could share a host of things on these and many more topics too. 

I'll find your blogs and will read your delightful words. 

Basically Me. 

I am the youngest of four kids, born in New England and raised in the desert. 

No, not the Middle East. I mean Arizona. 

I have never loved the desert landscape, 

I long for wooded areas, grass, more precipitation and gentle breezes (I could never live in Chicago!). Looking backward to below the hilltop, 

I wish I could have been a stronger and more brave person who would have moved away to gain experiences, life wisdom and just to LIVE. 

Instead, I had a lot of fear and anxiety about people and being away from the family system I knew. 

I often joke that my family was like the mafia. 

Not because of their lifestyle or culture, but more because I felt I couldn't let go or separate from it. 

And yes, when I say "the family" in my head, I say it with Al Pacino's voice. 

I am a wife and mother, 

two things I have wanted since I was a young child 

- minus about 10 years when I was teaching

 that I didn't want my own kids 

because I was so tired of other people's kids

 (not all of them, just a select few). 

My own daughter is five years old this year and 

we are quickly approaching KiNdErGaRtEn next year. 

God has given me a great kid, 

I am humbled a lot by her love for me 

and the simple joy I learn from her.

 Lately, she has been devouring bible stories and prayer during our nighttime routine. PTL!! 

Last year I was part of a MOPS group. 

I highly recommend them. It taught me a lot, and filled my inner cup. 

This was the theme last year but it has been continually coming up for me these days. 

It is a quest of "who am I?". 

Currently, I am questing (even a word?) 

into my faith of God, 

what my needs and wants are, 

what type of friends I want in my life,

 and how does my 12 step program fit in my life 

(I choose recovery from having been affected by someone's drinking).

 There are probably a few more but this tired momma brain isn't coming up with them.

I mentioned teaching, that is in my past though I will always be a teacher at heart,

 and I will ALWAYS 

have a deep love for office supplies and back to school sales! 

To end, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite things these days. . .

coffee

sunrises and sunsets

good photography

when my husband does the dishes

pedicures

while walking, my daughter reaches to hold my hand

Stella Rosa red sparkling wine

sleepytime tea

bikeriding

gardening

crockpots

swimsuit coverups

my chirporactor

my counselor

my sisters

.

Blog Challenge #1 ... Like vs. Dislike

Do you love a good challenge? I do. Especially when it comes to air hockey. I think I may have even scared the hubbs when we were dating because I am wildly competitive with it. We haven't played it since, maybe it will be in our next date night.

Do you also love Pinterest? I do, for some things. I have my list of Pinterest fails like most other people, but I'll keep those to myself at this point. Although, my favorite fail was a roll recipe for Easter last year. I was hosting in our new home and thought I'd make these adorable rolls that looked like little bunnies. Well, let's just say that mine looked like demons instead. I tossed them along with the expectation that a good number of things from Pinterest WILL in fact turn out. I'm over it.

I was on Pinterest the other day looking for ways to jazz up this here blog . . . and I came upon this site with a super cool blogger challenge. A little direction can be good, so's I don't bore you.

Challenge #1 is to share about TEN likes and dislikes. Here goes.

Likes
1. Laughter, pure and joyous laughter. Not the laugh one might make at an off color or offensive joke so as not to feel awkward. I absolutely LOVE the belly laugh that my daughter gets lost in when her daddy tickles her or when she is telling silly jokes with her friends. Laughter is healing and refreshing to me, I don't do it enough.
2. Gardening. I am a beginner gardener with only one current garden and two others behind me. In our current home I have raised planters and a much smaller area. I am always amazed that what I plant, grows. When I am watering these creations, I am filled with peace in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine on my skin and the cool water spraying my feet. I really enjoy seeing the colors of the leaves and the flowers, along with the food! Currently, I have lettuce, onions, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes growing. I completely forgot to plant spinach. Whoops.

3. Salt. My entire family has a love affair with salt. Maybe because we are French Canadian? I think for me it is because my adrenals are out of wack. Another story, another time. But I do love salt!
4. Coffee. This is really a love, not a like as much. I do enjoy the boost from caffeine, but I truly love the flavor. Even coffee ice cream!
5. My Clients. Getting to do hair is fun but I so enjoy the relationships I have with my clients (well most of them anyway, wink wink). I feel very blessed to be in this career. I cannot imagine how stressed out and busy I would be if I were teaching school full time still.
6. Getting out of town. I enjoy road trips, though since having my daughter I can't handle driving on super windy and high roads with only a short guard rail fence separating me and a long fall. I enjoy seeing different sights, different landscapes and feeling away from my "normal" routine.
7. Potatoes. Cheesy, baked, hashbrowned, mashed, home-fried, french fried, chips. I love them all. Crunchy, salty and oh so good!
8. Reading. My scope of books has changed, but I will always be a sucker for a heartwarming story with a little bit of transformation, romance and a happy ending!
9. Hobby Lobby. I love the merchandise. I love the coupons. I love the music playing as I shop.
10. Heart to hearts. Speaking of, I just had one with one of my sisters and my cup feels a bit more full. Both of us shared from our depths, we laughed, we shared frustration and we agreed to pray for each other. Love it!

Dislikes
1. MLM Companies. I have been part of a small handful of them and I keep telling myself that I won't do it again. I guess I'm sort of a follower of what promises to be the next best thing or trendy item. The buck stops here! I am getting out of the latest one this weekend. Now, I do support stay at home moms and the fact that this may be a great way to make income for them. I'm not saying the multi-level-marketing companies are wrong or bad in and of themselves, they are just not a fit for me. I am giving up feeling like a failure because I don't like direct sales or pressuring people to spend money because I make them think I know what is good for them. I am giving up being on the other side of those too. Praise the Lord!!
2. Bullying. For kids, or even for adults. I don't like someone pushing and pushing or poking at people until they cave or break down. I know that a bully is just a broken person themselves . . .but I really, really don't like what it does to all involved.
3. Long flights over large bodies of water. Just don't like them. I went to France years ago for a mission trip and it was rough. I loved being there, I just didn't like traveling there and back.
4. Cola. Unless in the form of a slurpee. I was struck with the flu after drinking a cola years and years ago. The taste of it brings back all the time I spent kneeling in front of porcelain.
5. Toys strewn about the house. It feels chaotic to me - this has gotten worse over the years too, my tolerance gets smaller. Some toys around I am okay with but I tried to go up the stairs in our home one day and I saw that my daughter and her friend brought out every stuffed animal we own and had them sitting on the stairs, like it was a movie theater. I had an internal panic attack for a moment. Then I got over it and was able to let them enjoy it!
6. Really hot weather. I'm really over this climate. I have served my time and feel d.o.n.e. I am grateful for air conditioning and low humidity but I still don't like really hot weather. Maybe if I was on a beautiful island I would feel differently.
7. That it's hard for me to relax. I often feel guilty for taking time to relax, though I know it is important for my own health as well as being a good example to my daughter. I don't want to turn her off from wanting to me a mommy someday because all she sees me do is work work work.
8. Certain foods. Cooked spinach, mushrooms, raw onions (unless super chopped in foods), green chiles, mayonnaise. Just to name a few.
9. Putting away laundry. I don't mind washing it and even folding it (Shhhhh. I love to fold towels), but putting it away is just taking all of the fun out of it.
10. Struggling. Life is not without this. For me, there are different degrees of struggling. For example, struggling what size of popcorn to get at the movies isn't quite the same weight as struggling with my faith and church life. Currently I struggle with both. I LOVE popcorn but it doesn't love me back. I shouldn't eat it at all but c'mon. On the other note, I have been the same religion all.my.life. and this struggle is very real, very hard and very deep.

Boy, this was a lot to read.
Go take a nap.
See you next time.