My Addiction: The first step is Admitting there is a problem.

I just realized that today is the last day of the first month of the year.   I still do not know how to knit, although I have purchased yarn and a kit to teach myself.   The entire purchase is still in the bag that it came home in and sitting in my craft room.    

Yes, but I bet you think I can play a mean song on the ukulele right??

  Nope.  Can't do it.  Still is cute though.

  I have been choosing joy more …….     

The problem is where I find my joy. 

Joy is found on my couch binge watching television shows on Netflix. 


I blame Netflix, for my house being a mess, my random hobbies not being pursued, and frankly for my ghetto bumper not getting worked out.  

I literally cannot turn on the TV because if I say “just one Katy”, it will absolutely turn into a marathon.   Just one Dexter turns into me curled up on the couch or bed wrapped up like a Katy Blanket Burrito with crazy, oily yet frizzy hair, blood shot glazed over eyes, with a thirst for Diet Pepsi and blood.      

After a marathon of Downton Abbey my appearance is much the same however I want a cup of tea and speak with a British accent.    Ello Govna!!       

Vampire Diaries, Friday Night Lights, Orange is the New Black, Newsroom, Girls, VEEP…… the last couple are on HBO GO but I think you can see the extent of my problem.   (The fact that I have more than a couple of ways to feed my habit is alarming in itself.)

They say an addict has to hit rock bottom before they can truly change, often a person has to hit rock bottom more than once to really make a lasting change.  

  

Scandal might have been when I hit my rock bottom.    OH…. Olivia and your Gladiators really did a number on me.  A Facebook friend and, former real life see in person friend, often commented on the show so I went to my dealer, Netflix, and got my free little taste.  One episode and I was hooked.    I watched it and watched it…. And watched it some more.  When the boys were taking a bath I would even watch it on my Ipad with headphones.   The rock bottom came, as it usually does, when I ran out of episodes.   I knew there were more available from my frantic internet stalking of the show.   But how do I get them?  What video streaming device is going to make them mine?  Whose stuff do I need to sell in this house to get my hands on this TV show??!!!  

Okay you guys, here is where I hit rock bottom.  I could only get the last most recent episodes on demand through Direct TV.  But obviously I could not watch those without watching the first five of season 3.    During my research, which is what happens when a nerd gets addicted to something, I learned that on Amazon Prime instant video you could buy individual episodes of Scandal season 3.  Glory, Glory Hallelujah!!!!   I think we all know what happens next, no need to go into the gruesome details.  

   

In an effort to be completely transparent in my shameful confession, it is necessary to share with you all that the reason I have Amazon Prime in the first place was to watch Season 3 of Downton Abbey.   

 It all goes back to Britain doesn’t it?  Full circle my friends, full circle. 

Peace… off to watch Dexter.  

So that just happened......

So the last blog post I made was literally exactly one year ago today.  Excuse me...... a year went by? Really.  I have no excuse for not writing the blog.  Although if pressured I could come up with the old standbys.  1.Children 2. Work 3. Laundry etc.     Those are terrible excuses though because I just stopped to change the laundry and to talk to my kid.  Look at me all multi-tasking and stuff.

 Ps.  I am out of dryer sheets.  If I fall into a deep depression and do not write for another year, you now know the reason. 

Let's kick off the year with a little recap since you poor souls missed out on an entire year of my life.  Due to the fact that most of the readers of this blog pretty much talk to me on a weekly basis I will do some highlights that you may not know and if you do then smile politely and nod your head. 

1. We bought our house that we have lived in for the past two and half years. It was anti- climactic after all the drama we went through with it.  But we are very happy and love it. 

2. We traded in the trusty lipstick red Pontiac Vibe that the Hubster was driving for the ubiquitous GMC Acadia. 

3.  I still have not officially been declared a princess, BUT  I have trained the youngest to say the following, "Mommy, you are beautiful, Mommy you are a princess".     He gets what he wants, I get what I want.  It is a win-win... stop Judging.

4.  I am already bored with writing the recap.......  so as they say Live for Tomorrow and stuff.

________________________________________________________________________________

New Year -- New You,  that is what my friend's daughter keeps saying.   I have been thinking a lot about the clean slate business and every year I want to change the same things about myself.  Literally .... every. year.  Lose weight, be more organized, better with money.    Boring.    I do still want that and will never stop trying to be a better person but I am not going to fixate on them, instead 2014 is going to be about choosing joy.

Choosing to be happy and to experience new things.  Learn something.  For example, I would like to learn how to play my new light blue Ukelele and to knit.   I would like to go to more concerts and to travel someplace I have never been.  Take a writing class and a photography class.  Run another half marathon and participate in an adventure course like the Mudderella.    Be in a community play and finish a writing a novel.  

Last but not least,  to write more in this blog.  Because lets face it, I know you missed me. 


Phew, I have a lot to do this year. But first...... I need to have another cup of coffee and Crush some candy. 

My Box Moved

The box system on most forms is completely rude.   This is a realization that just occurred to me as my box moved yesterday.  I am no longer the 29-34 box.  I have to skip that gorgeous little box and check the 35-40 box.   

(Were you thinking that this post was going to be a bit more exciting?  Good, then you shall remain my friend. )

My 35th birthday was yesterday and I am strangely doing pretty well even though I have recently turned 29 5X in a row.  This year is different. This year I feel acceptance and a powerful sense of pride.  If you watch the news or have a vague understanding of what goes on in this world than you can also understand that each birthday is a gift.  I put on my big girl pants this year and have decided to suck it up and celebrate each year.       A person can learn a lot in 35 years of life and I am sure if I am lucky enough to live another 35 I will learn so much more. 

Lessons Learned-- 

On FamilIt is not always about blood.  Family is about love and acceptance.  If you have this, you are a family.
 Forgive your family.  Even if it is forgiving the same person over and over. 
There are a few people that can make me lose my mind/temper and jump over the edge.  I am related to them all and gave birth to two of them.
 No matter how old you are sometimes you just want your mommy or daddy.


On Love

1.  It is not supposed to hard. It should be easy to fall in love.  Staying that way takes work.  Sometimes the work is fun ;)  Sometimes not so much.
2. You cannot make someone love you.  (I tried and it did not work)
3. Real love includes sharing the bathroom when you both have food poisoning and still thinking that the other person is cute.

On Parenting

It is unpredictable and you will never know the right answer.
You will end up watching more cartoons than your kids.
Kids need to eat EVERYDAY. 
Sleep is a commodity.
Kids are hilarious.
Fruit snacks will make them stop crying.  They are like crack to kids.
One day their jeans fit.  Next day.... flood warning.
Hardest and best job I have ever had.

On Food

Bacon makes it better.
Fat and butter makes it better.
Recipes are not mere suggestions.
Even if you follow a recipe, the quality of the food is not guaranteed if I am the chef.

Randomness
Manners are important.  Use them.
Dance in the car, at work, and with your kids.
Smiling is my favorite.
Gel nail polish has changed my life.


Never let anyone dull your sparkle.

Peace.

Skin Deep--- A Journey to a Zit free life

 On Tuesday night I posted a status on facebook that was not positive or funny.  It was a desperate plea for help in my quest for a good product for my nasty skin.   I think it is morally wrong to post serious stuff on facebook so you can see how desperate I am. 

Turns out I am not alone in my plight and there are a lot of other women in their *ahem* thirties that suffer the same battle with acne.    I was given a ton of information and various ways to hopefully deal with the situation once and for all, because in all honesty it is affecting my very healthy dose of insecurity.    It is actually painful as well but really I just want to look good and not be embarrassed of my face all.the.time. 

I wanted to get writing again so in an effort to tackle both of these issues I am going to try out the suggestions that all my lovely facebook sisters gave me and then share my results, experiences, and recommendations here on this amaze balls blog.   

I am slowly trying to cut out dairy as my friend Talia has been telling me about for at least a year.   I do not drink huge glasses of milk so I thought this would be a easy fix.  Um yeah... not so much I eat a lot more dairy than I thought.  You are welcome Cows.    Cheese is a huge part of my life and I just love it so much so I will go slowly and wean myself one string cheese at a time. 

Coffee.  I am sorry but it just tastes so much better with flavored creamer.  My kids will tell you that I need my coffee so for the betterment of society and the physical health of my children, I will still drink it and slowly start removing the creamer from my life.   Eventually I will be drinking it black and you know what they say..... once you go without creamer you never go back.      What did you think I was going to say?  I am pretty sure you guys are A**holes.  Rude.   

Anyway, back to me.     My skin journey has begun.   So slowly cutting back on dairy.  *Talia if this does not work you are dead to me*       (I did not know I felt so strongly about this)     Trying a new birth control method.   Out with the Mirena in with the pill.  I know this is TMI, but seriously once you have a person come out of your body in a room full of strangers all modesty is pretty much shot.  Okay, let's be honest I was barely modest before the boys.     

The first product I am trying is the soap from the Oregon Soap Shoppe.    Kelly and I met in Oregon for a coffee (I had them use soy) and a trip to the store.   I really like it.  It smelled good and I was given a lot of information from the guy that worked there, I think his wife makes the soap.   Anyway, it is called Secret Weapon.   They were actually out of the soap itself, but it is made by mixing two soaps "Cleopatra's Secret"  with their "Tea Tree Soap" .  He cut those bars in half and instructed me to use those together.    I was provided with a small travel size soap of the Secret Weapon he found in the back so I am using that up first.  

He told me to rub the soap on a washcloth and then rub it on my face  and neck in small circles for a couple of minutes.  Then rinse the washcloth and do it again.  It is supposed to take approximately 8 minutes.  Then use nothing else.  I was skeptical because I dry out really easy and really need to moisturize.  So far so good though.  It feels tight but not too dry. 

One of the most important things he said to me was to NEVER touch my face.  He was dead serious when he told me to look into the mirror twice a day and say to myself, "I will not touch my face, I will not touch my face."   This is something that my husband has been telling me for years.  I am a face picker.  There, I admit it.    Sometimes I do not even know I am doing it and sometimes I could be in front of a mirror for hours and consciously go to town.    But this has to end.    I must stop the madness and stop rubbing the bacteria into my face.  That just sounds so gross. 

So that is the first thing I am trying.  I will update you on the progress and any changes I make to the routine. I am going to try a different regime until I find something that works.  If this works then....well never mind I will just post pictures of how awesome my skin looks.   

Until then keep your hands off your face and keep praying that I will write to you more often. 


Shoot I just itched my eyebrow.    DAMMM ITTT!!!    "I will not touch my face.  I will not touch my face"

Random stuff I made.....

I just wanted to put up a quick blog post to show you all that I still care so in an effort to make it quick I am going to post some of my projects that I have completed!  Get ready to be amazed.....

 

Mixed Media--  Canvas, Scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and some embellishments.

 

This hangs in Jacob's room.... Just kidding :)  

 

This little number is also paint, scrapbook paper, and mod podge.

The quote is by Christopher Robin of Winne the Pooh.

My mom and I always think Jacob reminds us of Christopher Robin and growing up is scary and inspiration from mom should be there even when I can't be.

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

My first try at mixed media.  I did this a long time ago and it hangs in my craft room.



 

 

Confession:  I have an addiction to spray paint.  This was an old book case that I had since I was in high school.  Chris wanted to throw it out and I of course "re-purposed" it and spray painted it pink and grey.  My mom recently had to tell me that I could borrow some of her outdoor decor but made me promise not to spray paint them

 

This was black iron....... then  I got a hold of it!!! 

 

Canvas, paint, and painted wooden letters..  Boys Bath Room.

I made this a long time ago for Jacob, but then I did the boy's bathroom in the Alphabet so it just happened to work for my vision.  *I just laughed at myself*  Who says, My Vision?

 

 

I painted these and ideally would have liked to hang their towels on the hooks.  Turns out they are not strong enough because I used that Velcro 3M stuff.  It is cute though!

 

 

I had 8 little chairs that were that old school uniform folding chair tan. I spray painted them all different colors and then did the back rest in chalk board paint. Very cute.

 

 

. 

 

I made this guy too.....   I won't go into how he was made.....that would be TMI and gross.  However, It do not involve spray paint or mod podge. 

 

Peace.

Slumber Party Fun

My favorite people are people who do not take themselves too seriously.  Most likely because in my profession we have to be serious all.the.time and because I am a bit on the ridiculous side.     I also am a bit of a girly girl and love to dance, dress up, and do crafts.  These are some of the many things I have in common with little girls.   Four to be exact.    So in desperate need for some "girl" time, I had a slumber party with four of my favorite girls in the world.  

We tie dyed shirts.

We watched The Lorax

 

 

 

 

Scooter and Stacy stopped over with Kazmyn and I got to meet my newest niece Zadie Jo.  She made my womb wiggle.  I am in LOVE!!!

 



Zadie and Mommy

 

 

We tried to take a picture of all the cousins... keep in mind that before Christmas there will be three more babies!!!!  

 

 

Are we shocked that the three boys are silly?  Me either, and it cracks me up. 

Also we offered $$ to the others for staying still and the little boys do not care about money.  Yet.

 

 

We had pizza, popcorn, and candy.     Oh.... and we put on a performance.   The girls and I.   We put on a little bit of make up and I stressed that "less is more".  I said you don't want to look like a harlot  and of course they asked what is a harlot?  I said.. someone who wears too much make up.  Sometimes I forget that they are so little.   My costume was picked out by Ella and the others gave their approval.  The girls each brought their dance wear and we practiced and worked and it all came together!!!    Each girl had a chance in the spot light and the back up dancers were supposed to do what the lead performed.  It was an absolute blast.    I bet you wish you were here to watch it. 

 

 

 



 



Cool, Baby, Mama, Squirell !!!

I bent down to put something away in my China cabinet and as I was standing back up my eye caught a glimpse of something that made me scream, "OH MY GOD" and then start laughing hysterically.    This is what I saw. 

This caused quite the raucous and of course Jiggy came running to see what happened.    When I showed him what made me exclaim and laugh he was not amused and a little confused.  
You see I had been, "Squirrelled".    Not knowing the importance of this event, he went back to his hotwheels. 

I was so excited because I had not seen the crazy dude for a couple of years.  The Squirrel attack is best done by surprise and when you are least expecting it so the attackers were biding their time and patiently waiting to strike!      Not sure what the heck I am talking about????  

Well let me start from the beginning.................................


When Chris and I bought our first house in Rockford, aka the bain of our existence, my Dad and Sue would come up and work on it and stay there overnight etc.  They called it camping at Katy's.  The previous owners left behind this ugly beaten up squirrel.   It became a game to move the squirrel all around the house and surprise each other with where it would end up.    The game evolved and for the last 8 years,  the four of us would randomly leave the squirrel at each other's house.   

 

Poor Dude has no nose.

 

Once I put it under my Dad's pillow and then in his glove box.   I found him in our cabinets and other random spots and once I think they mailed him to us.  He has traveled back and forth to Rockford, Dixon, Kansas City, and Byron.  

It had been so long since I last saw the squirrel that I had forgotten who had it and wondered if I lost it in one of our many moves.   I should have know that they had it all along, patiently waiting to Squirrel us when we least expected it! 

What I love about this game is that it is unspoken, organic, and not planned.  It just sort of happened and grew.   I also love it because it is something that is just ours, just between the four of us.   A small little way to say, I love you, I am thinking of you, and by the way........ "You just got SQUIRRELED"


On a side note----- when I was in my early 20's, I used to say " Cool, Baby, Mama, Squirrel! "  I was friends with a guy named Ryan and to this day when I randomly see him out and about we will say it to each other and laugh.    Why?  I honestly have no idea why or how we started saying it.  Like I said, early twenties.