Day 27: Manic Monday

I am still debating out the different days and themes that I want to do. But one thing I did decide to do is Manic Monday.

On Mondays, I will look at different disorders, diseases, things I find interesting, newspaper articles, television and movie stereotypes or stereotype breakers, and hopefully break some stereotypes that my readers may have at the same time.

So today, for my first Manic Monday, I'd like to talk about impulsivity.

Okay, so what kind of things does an impulsive person do?

Reckless driving (speeding, etc.)
Excessive spending
Risky sexual behavior
Gambling
Substance abuse
Excessive relocation
Self-injury
Suicidal tendencies or acts

When you make a choice to get up, stop for coffee, go to work...those things seem completely normal to you, right?

Well, gambling away your life savings, sleeping with complete strangers, running away, planning your death...those seem completely normal to someone in an impulsive phase. Just like you going to work, calling you best friend, watching your favorite shows sound completely normal to you.

Alright all that being said - I thought I would give you all a completely tangible example. So for your viewing pleasure, a timeline, complete with pictures.

2001 - Where I started as an Adult
Casper, Wy (3 different places)

2003 - Moved to Mesa, Az (2 different places)

2004 - Moved to Payson, Az (2 different places)

2004 - Moved to Mesa, Az

2004 - Moved to Casper, Wy

2006 - Moved to Federal Heights, Co (2 different places)

2007 - Moved to Casper, Wy

2010 - Moved to Apache Junction, Az


In case you weren't counting, that's 13 different places. In 9 years.

Moving is my impulse, what's yours?

Day 26: R.I.P

Warning: Images might be disturbing to some viewers

I sincerely feel bad when any animals die. Regardless of how small their brains are.

But that is multiplied exponentially when I am at fault.


I followed all the instructions, left them in their own water, used stress coat, went as fast as I could,

but to no avail. They were dead before I even got them back into the new tank.

I lost 10 fishies today. I'm really bummed. Especially about Pinky, our only little pink guy.

Our tank was over crowded as it was, so this might ultimately help, but it doesn't make me less sad.

I am not convinced the last 7 will survive much longer. They seem to be okay right now, but if the rest died, these guys might too.

I will get some more of the neon tetras. Because I really love them. But for now, I'm mourning my fishy loss.

Day 25: A good Noah day

Since Bri was at her dad's today, Noah and I went and had some fun.

We went to Chuckie Cheese, where Noah played Skeet ball his way.

Then we headed to the park where he played in the dirt and loved the swings!

And finally, we jumped to a beautiful Sunset.

What did you guys do today?

Day 24: Reflections

I actually took some neat pictures today - but I took the camera into Noah's room when I put him to bed, and forgot to bring it back out. So I was looking through old pictures that I had on my computer.

I started to notice a common theme. And I realized that even before I realized what was happening, my camera did.

Interesting...isn't it?

To look back and see what you were thinking or how you were feeling, through pictures.

Day 23: I miss sleep

I really miss sleeping.

Noah has been awake and ready to go by 3am every. single. day.

For the last 2 weeks.

No matter what I do, he will not go back to sleep. He's wide awake.

Today, it caught up with both of us and we laid in bed almost all day. However, he did not fall asleep until 10 minutes before we had to go get Bri. So, of course, I had to wake him up. Yay me.

I finally called his old pediatrician and asked what to do. They told me to do exactly what I was thinking about doing all along but felt bad about:

Turn his door knob around and lock him. If he cries, go check on him, put him back in bed and lock it again. It's for his safety and my sanity. However, we also discussed the idea of putting him back on Benadryl and we agreed that was the best idea, since the evil little monkey is so incredibly itchy. I gave him some tonight in his sippy and he is out.

We will see if it lasts. If not, I guess I'll be buying a screw driver.

Day 21: Out of the Closet Consequences

So - my cat finally came out of the damn closet. Super excited about that. She slept in bed with me...and Noah (seriously, still waiting for someone to give me brilliant advice)... for most of the night.

I once had a cat named Smokey. When I first moved in with my ex-husband, I was very lonely so he got me a cat out of the newspaper. We got it back to the apartment and it ran under the couch. That stupid cat stayed under the couch for like 11 days. Never touched it's food, never used the litter box, never peed or pooped under there. Nothing. I told my exhusband that I hated that cat, it didn't like me.

11 days later it came out and was the most awesome pet I've ever had. I still miss him. Cats are weird creatures.

In other news, Noah gave himself a hair cut today.

Okay, I helped.

He used to be really afraid of the clippers. So I bought some safety guards and let him try to hold it and show him it wasn't scary. Now, he always has to make the first run at it. But he is so much cuter and easier to keep clean with his little buzzed noggin.

Well, I think I came up with an appropriate punishment for my naughty little darling daughter. First, if she had you on Facebook, you may notice she no longer has one. She also no longer has her computer, which she can earn back at some later, undecided date. But for Disney games and Nick games only.

Also, She lost her TV watching privileges until she had written "I will not lie" 500 times and and apology explaining why lying was wrong. Apparently I hit the right nerve because she worked on it all night and actually finished. With a sore hand and a vow to never lie again (yea right), we are back to square one.

Being a parent is hard. Being a young parent is harder. Being a single, young parent is an incredible challenge. Being 18 and having a baby was amazing. I was in heaven and knew that being a mommy was totally my calling. Being 21 with a 3 year was harder. Being 27 and feeling not much older then your pre-teen kid...well, it's a constant challenge. I love my kids, both of them, to pieces, but I definitely feel in over my head some times.

Anyone else ever feel that way?

Day 20: Overwhelmed

I've been thinking about some things today.

None of which I'm prepared to share.

But I do think I am going to try to do some things to my blog. Like Wordless Wednesdays, Post-it Tuesdays, or whatever - any other ideas anyone has they'd like to see? I was thinking about maybe like a recipe or dinner idea that I would do once a week. Maybe like Food Friday? Maybe take suggestions from you guys about what you'd like to see made - which really means my facebook friends since no one ever comments here? What do you guys think?

I mean - if I'm going to do this for a whole year - I need to find a way to keep it entertaining, for me and you. You can only see so many pictures of my kids without getting bored, I'm sure.

So here's some pictures of my kids.

Bri - after I took the buns out of her hair

Noah - who was awake and in my room playing at 4am. Then finally fell back asleep in my bed 30 minutes before the alarm went off. Seriously - I'm still waiting for ideas on this particular issue.