Starting another Blog Challenge

I've been reading TamTam over at HAVFAITH off and on. She has been following Rachel's List Challenge over at Romancing Rachel.  And, me being the lover of lists that I am, I've decided to start it.  Granted, Rachel's already finished all 50 days, but I see no reason why I can't do the challenges starting now.  So without further ado, here is the list.  Answer to the first question coming shortly.

The List Challenge

1. People who have influenced or inspired you
2. Things you are grateful for
3. Places you have been
4. Places you want to go
5. Books you’ve read
6. Your favorite things – what brings you joy?
7. Good things that happened this week
8. The best things that happened in the last year
9. The best days of your life
10. The songs for the soundtrack of your life
11. Acts of kindness you’ve committed
12. Things you want your children to know about you
13. Reasons why you love your significant other
14. The high points for your autobiography
15. People who love you
16. The cutest things your kids ever said
17. Everything you would do if money were no object
18. Favorite gifts you’ve ever received
19. Favorite gifts you’ve ever given
20. Occupations that you have ever wanted to have (including when you were a child)
21. The best advice you’ve gotten.
22. The worst advice you’ve gotten.
23. Things you’re procrastinating
24. Ways you calm yourself down when you’re angry.
25. The best ideas you’ve ever had
26. The best projects or organizations you’ve ever been involved with
27. The ways you have grown since your early 20’s
28. The most beautiful things you’ve ever seen
29. The greatest lessons you have learned
30. Life’s lessons that you learned the hard way
31. Things that have mad you laugh until you cried.
32. Qualities you most admire in others
33. Qualities others most admire in you
34. The elements of an ideal year
35. All the compliments you’ve ever gotten
36. Foods that you have eaten that are so good that others could hear you enjoying them
37. The times you have asserted yourself
38. Things that inspire and energize you
39. The places where you feel completely comfortable to be yourself
40. The most important turning points in your life
41. Times when you looked and felt your absolute best
42. The things you’re good at
43. What you would do with the power of invisibility
44. Things you want to teach your children
45. Things you still want to do in life
46. Bits of trivia that most people don’t know about you
47. The things you love about your body
48. Accomplishments you are most proud of
49. The things you love about your home
50. Who (living or dead) you would invite to your dream dinner party

Blog Dare for February 21, 2010 - Pre-Mommy Childbirth Fears

A lot of the traditional fears ran through my mind before I had Teddy. First was the fear that I wouldn't be able to get to the hospital before he was born. I had elaborate scenarios going through my brain where Nashville would be caught in a blizzard and we wouldn't be able to get to the hospital. Or I'd be on the way to the hospital during rush hour and there would be a huge accident preventing us from getting to the hospital. Or something would happen to Vanderbilt and I wouldn't be able to have the baby there so I'd be somewhere that I didn't know the doctors.

Then there were the fears that I'd go into premature labor. My mom had my sister two months early and there was a lot of fear that she wouldn't make it, so the thought was firmly in my own head when I had my kids. Even knowing that technology has come a long way in 30 years, there was still fear. Because there were a lot of things that couldn't be fixed.

Finally, there were the fears that I wouldn't be able to have an epidural. I knew that I wouldn't have handled the pain well, so I didn't want to have to be without pain medication. My sister put a lot of fears of that in my mind, telling me that there was a possibility that I might not be able to have it because of my weight and the back surgery I'd had in 2004. It had me nervous enough that once I saw my OB for the first time I asked for a referral to the anesthesiologist so I'd know for sure.

Of course, none of my fears came to pass. My water broke at 2 in the morning, 6 days after Teddy was due, and there was just a light snow on the road into the hospital. The anesthesiologist was able to get the epidural in with no problem. That's not to say that the labor went as planned - my epidural ran out at one point (which ended up getting me a permanent anesthesiologist in my room for the rest of the day) and I was dilated at 9.75 cm for 6 hours, so my doctor decided it would be better for me to have a C-Section. I didn't think having a C-Section would bother me, but I was a bit wistful after I the fact. But it didn't take me long to remember the important thing - Teddy was born healthy and there both of us came through the delivery safely. Rich was by my side through all of it and that was all that mattered.

Am I behind? Of course I am

It seems to be the status of my life... forgetting the things that I want to do because my plate is too full.  I really need to work on that organization goal before too long.  'Cause the last thing I want to do is get lost.

I've got several books that I need to review (several graphic novels and one other book that I'm reading) and I need to update more for the 10 day challenge... on which I am woefully behind.  I also want to update you all on swaps and family fun and life and... well, just about everything.

So, I'll start with life.  The horrid chest cold has come back with a vengeance.  Wracking cough, phlegm, my chest sounding like a half-full trunk whenever I try to breath, stuffed up nose... it's just soooo much fun.  I think I'm going to make myself either a cup of hot chocolate or a cup of hot tea this afternoon, in the hopes that it clears things up.  Well, that and it's cold here in TN, so a hot drink is ideal.

Yeah, we got more snow here in TN.  The area schools have been closed all week.  I'm curious if they'll bother opening tomorrow.  There isn't a ton of snow on the ground, but there's enough with more flurries coming and ice on the roads to make the schools nervous.  They just aren't used to this kind of weather here in the south.  But I'm loving it.  Along with giving me an excuse to drink hot beverages, it gives me a chance to take pretty pictures and to enjoy playing in the snow with the boys (though I haven't done much of that yet).  If school is closed again tomorrow, PDO will be closed again, so I'll be working out a plan for that.

I've been trying to get the apartment cleaned up, but it seems like everything that I get picked up, the boys tear apart within 10 minutes.  I don't understand how most Moms can keep a clean house with little ones around.I haven't been able to in 5 years.  Then again, I wasn't the neatest person before I had kids either.  I need to work on that organization again so I can get a schedule made.  Gah!

The boys continue to alternately make me laugh and make me want to give them to the lowest bidder.  They're both in the temper tantrum phase of their lives.  Whenever Teddy doesn't get his way, he yells, screams, demands and sometimes hits.  To be fair, it has gotten a bit better.  There are a lot more times when he visibly gets upset, but he doesn't throw the fits like he used to.  Pete has also started wanting things his way - the only problem is that we don't always know what "his way" is.  But we're working on that too.  This morning, the boys have been playing robots together.  My living room looks like a battlefield.  Then again...

And a late-breaking, up-to-the-minute way my eldest impresses me: Teddy just asked me if God has a wife.  It took me a minute to answer, because that's not really a question you expect from an almost 5 year old.

Today is being designated "Catch Up on Swaps" day.  I've got several online swaps that I need to do and a few letter swaps that I need to write.  Plus, I've got my two pen-pals that I need to write long letters to as well.  I'm feeling pretty good about the swaps that I've sent though.  The reading log swap got complimented by both my partners.  I copied all of my reviews and printed them out double-sided, then put them into a folder and sent them along.  I was pretty pleased with it, all things considered.  I finished a Google Earth swap yesterday, where I had to send my partners 3 locations by map coordinate.  I chose my family's property in NY, the Parthenon here in TN and Shelter Island in Montana.  All very pretty places.  I've got a couple e-cards to send out, plus I've got to finish my YouTube Playlist Swap.  All in all, it's keeping me busy.

I've been spending a bit of time over in the Comic Book Geeks forum on SparkPeople.  I love hanging out with fellow geeks.  I haven't had a lot of people to talk about the graphic novels that I'm reading with, so it's been a lot of fun.  The diet and exercise portion of SP... not so much.  But I'm trying.  And that's what's important.

So, in closing for this post, expect reviews of Countdown to Final Crisis 1&3, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Teen Titans 1: A Kid's Game, and Teen Titans East in the near future.  I'm also in the middle of reading Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur and The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer, with Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Month by Month Scrapbooking by Amanda Probst and Scrapbooking Just for You by Candice Ransom on deck.  And also expect a flurry of 10 Day Challenge posts upcoming.  But for the moment, I'm back to a few swaps.

Ten Day Challenge, Day 1

1. 10 Things You Want to Say to 10 Different People

There are so many people that I want to say so many things to.  So I'm going to write the first things that come to mind.

1. I'm so glad that, after almost 20 years, we've found each other again.  And that our friendship hasn't suffered. You've been so supportive in so many things.  I'm so lucky to have you in my life.

2. When I first met you, I didn't realize how important you would become to me.  I'm so glad for that day in Penn Station... and for you taking a chance.

3. I know we're having a tough time together sometimes, but I'm really proud of you.  You're growing into such a smart, courteous little boy.  And I love you for it.

4. You continue to amaze me every day.  You speak more, you understand more and you're becoming your own person.  What can't you do?

5. I'm glad I was able to be there for you when I needed it most.

6. We need to get together some time soon.  I miss hanging out, getting together for lunch and just talking.  Besides, I need to meet D.

7. You are brilliant.  I know you doubt yourself regularly, but you really are a brilliant man.  You've got such a wonderful imagination, which is one of many reasons that I will play anything that you will run.

8. I love you, heart-sister.  I wish we still lived close enough together to see each other semi-regularly.

9. I miss writing with you.  Some of my best scenes were written with you at Tazlure.

10. I'm the luckiest daughter in the world.  You've been there when I needed you and you've supported me even when you were convinced I was making a mistake.  I want to be there for you like you've been for me. I love you.

10 Day Blog Challenge - The topics

I snagged this from Haley over at Hanging off the Wire.  And since I'm trying to update my blog more regularly, I thought "Why not?"  Plus, it will give my readers a chance to get to know me more.  If you're interested in doing it yourself, please let me know.  I'd love to see what your answers would be.

Day 1: 10 things you want to say to ten different people right now.

Day 2: 9 things about yourself.

Day 3: 8 ways to win your heart.

Day 4: 7 things that cross your mind a lot.

Day 5: 6 things you wish you’d never done.

Day 6: 5 people who mean a lot to you (in no order whatsoever).

Day 7: 4 things that turn you off.

Day 8: 3 things that turn you on.

Day 9: 2 smileys that describe your life right now.

Day 10: 1 confession. 

Blogger's United Challenge #2

Oh dear! Your on death row! 

(don't worry....... your totally not guilty and the governor is going to call to stop it before it happens).

What is your last ever meal and why?

If this question had been asked two years ago, my entrée would have been a no-brainer.  My step-mom's fried chicken.  She had a way of making it super crispy and incredibly yummy.  But since she passed away, no one can do it quite right.  So now I need to think of something else.

I think I'd like a combination of all my favorites, in little bites.  Here's the menu:

First would be shuimai fromThe Real Le Ahn's Lunch Truck on the University of Philadelphia's campus.  When my husband and I were living in Philly, this was a common place for us to grab something to eat. It was the first place I ever tried shuimai and it was wonderful.  When I had my back surgery and was stuck at home, Le Ahn regularly had a shuimai and a bubble tea waiting for my husband to bring home to me.  I'd want to revisit that memory before leaving this earth.

Next would be cheese fondue from The Melting Pot.  This is one of my favorite restaurants of all time.  Because of the price, I don't get a chance to go more than once a year.  But it's so decadent that I'd need to have it one more time.  

Next up would be sushi from Morimoto in Philadelphia.  It's the absolute best sushi I've ever had. Pricey, yes, but good.  Very, very, very good. Tamago (or egg) sushi is my favorite, so that would have to be on there.  And Unagi (or eel) sushi would be my second favorite. 

To drink, I'd have Bubble Tea from Bubble House in Philadelphia.  The reviews of late haven't been as good, but I hold out eternal hope that they'll make me a good Mango Bubble Tea for my last meal. 

My dessert would be two things, both more personal than getting something from a restaurant.  The first would be a small slice of cheesecake made by my friend Zac.  He makes the most amazing cheesecake and I'd give just about anything for a piece.   

Finally, I'd want crème brulée made by my husband.  He's never made it before, but I know he'd be willing to make it to make me happy.

That would be the most awesome meal ever.

Bloggers United Challenge #1

Your Lotto numbers have come up! 

You have taken care of your family and friends, you have 15 Million dollars to spend on whatever you dreamed of before. 

How are you going to spend the money?

 I went out to buy a lottery ticket today, so I'm hoping some of this can come true.  (Though I'm not holding my breath for it.)

First, I want to put about 12 million into various forms of investments.  I've learned that it's important to have money for when the unexpected comes about.  Though maybe there'd be less than $12 million because I know that my husband wants to endow the DiTullio Building of Science to his alma mater, Drew University.  And I'm ok with that.

Speaking of university, I would go back and get my degree.  I think I would go for psychology, I think.  I started college 18 years ago and I had to leave when I was a semester away from graduation due to lack of money.  At the time, I was a math major and theater minor, but my love for both of those have waned.  But I find that I love knowing more about what makes people tick and I'm pretty good at giving advice.  So why not?  And having the extra money would mean that I can take extra classes for things that interest me as well.

I'd also want to buy a house or two.  One would be here in TN, maybe something like the one above.  (5 bed, 4 bath, partial finished basement...) And with something that big, I'd definitely have maid service coming in to help with it!  The other house would be somewhere in the North East.  The two choices would be either in Downsville, NY (where I would probably have my uncle build the home) or in Cherry Hill, NJ.  We've got family in both areas so it would be nice to have a place to stay in either of them.

Next, I'd get an awesome gaming machine.  Anything and everything that I might need to play all the awesome games that are coming out like World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Diablo III and Civilization V.  I'm thinking an $8,000 Alienware machine.  (Yep, I was pricing it out.)

I'd also love to get a new car or two.  I've been looking at the Chevy Volt and the Mazda 5.  Something that's more green than my current Town & Country and has plenty of room for my kids and all their stuff.

One of the dreams I've had for awhile is to have a big party for my 10th Anniversary (September, 2013).  I don't remember much from my own wedding because it was such a large day.  My friends had a lot of fun at my party, but I wasn't able to spend as much time with them as I would have liked.  This party would be for Rich and I to have a LOT of fun with our friends, because that's what it should be.  Nothing fancy, because we're not fancy people.  But definitely something fun.

There would be a buying spree involved.  Books, DVDs, CDs, scrapping and crafting supplies, new clothes, every Pokemon thing ever made for the boys.  I'd be able to get a lot of cool stuff with that money.

I'd spend a bit on making me better - laser eye surgery, a personal trainer to help me lose all this weight, a fashion consultant to help me pick out flattering clothes, and a regular appointment for dye jobs, 'cause I've always looked better as a redhead.

Finally, I'd travel.  I've been wanting to go to so many places in the world - the Netherlands, England, Japan, Ireland, cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean.   I have friends that I want to meet and things that I want to do. So I'd do it.  Because I'd have the money.

Quick Change of Plans for Halloween, and other Saturday things

Today was supposed to be a fairly busy day and, in that respect, it didn't disappoint.  In other ways... not quite as good as I would have liked.

We got a bit of a late start this morning, thanks to the boys letting us kind of sleep in.  (Is it sad that 8 am is sleeping in?)  We had to be at Donelson Fellowship between 9 and 10 to pick up our Angel Food and wanted to get the recycling done before that since it we were going to be in the general area of the recycling area.

As we were starting to get ready, my best friend called.  Her mom is in the hospital and, along with updating me on how she was doing, she needed a friendly voice, I think.  She's really worried about her, which is understandable.  Mom is quite a bit older and Carm's an only child.  I just wish I could be down there for her.

After I got off the phone with her, I gathered our books that needed to go back to the library (out 3rd stop of the day) while Rich got the recycling in the van.  He was still working, so I got the kids ready as well.  It was about 9:30 when we left the house.

First, we got to the recycling center, which happens to be at a High School.  And it looks like the high school was hosting a Marching Band competition.  And, of course, all the buses and several of the marchers were standing over near the recycling center.  We would have said forget it if it hadn't been for the fact we knew we'd need the space for the Angel Food.  So Rich managed to slide in there, empty our recycling and slip back out.

There was a nice surprise when we got to Angel Food.  Usually we have to bring our own basket/box/whatever to put the food in, but this time, they had everything pre-boxed.  It's a nice change.  Most Saturdays, we're running around the house trying to find something to empty so we have something for the food.  We chatted with the people at Angel Food for a few minutes - they were glad to see us, since we hadn't been in since July.  They're doing a Trunk or Treat next Sunday and are looking forward to seeing the boys in costume.

The trip to the library was pretty typical, the boys picking out books, me chatting a bit with the librarians, Rich looking around himself.  The really exciting thing was that The Lost Hero had come in for me and I couldn't wait to read it.  I actually opened it up to start reading it as we got to the car.  And I'm loving it.  Expect the review in the next day or two.

We had a quick stop at the apartment for Rich to put away the frozen food, which meant more reading for me.  Then a run to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I wanted/needed, followed (finally) by lunch at a local Chinese Buffet that has dim sum options on their buffet.  We have friends that live near by (they're actually the ones that introduced us to the place), so we gave them a call to ask them to join us.  Becca and her daughter did, because her husband and son were just settling in for rest.  We had a great lunch with them with lots of yummy food.

As soon as we got home and the boys went to bed, I put the hats/gloves and socks in the washer to dye them.  What I failed to notice (as I learned an hour later when taking them out) was that the hats and gloves were 100% acrylic.  The dye didn't work on them.  Which means I don't have a majority of the parts for Teddy's Munchlax costume.

After some talk with Teddy and Rich, we decided to try making Teddy a ditto instead.  It seemed fairly easy for me to make - a pink garbage bag (which I expected to find with it being Breast Cancer Awareness month), pink temporary hair dye and pink face paint.  Teddy and I went to Wal-Mart to find the supplies we needed.  And.... I only found the pink hair color.  I was going to spray paint a garbage bag pink but Rich pointed out that garbage bags don't hold paint well.  So I couldn't think of where to go next.

But my husband, being the brilliant man that he is, came up with the perfect idea.  Teddy will be a Pokemon Fan.  He's going to wear his Pokemon shirt, the Ash Ketchum hat that I made for him earlier in the year for something at school, carry his Pokeballs on his belt and carry a few of his stuffed Pokemon.  I think it'll be perfect.  So I didn't really need to buy anything there after all.  I did, however, come home with a few stickers and a laptop lap desk that was on clearance.  The old lap desk was cracking and pinching me when I had it on my lap.

So I'm feeling much better about all of this now.  Both boys will be ready for our first Halloween event tomorrow now.  I don't get to be quite as creative as I wanted to be, but hey... maybe I'll come up with better ideas next year.

Tomorrow has several things on the agenda as well.  Rich and Teddy have church in the morning.  I need to wash Teddy's Pokemon shirt and Pokemon so they're nice and clean for Trunk or Treat in the evening.  I have to work on my 5 Profound Events journal for Swap-Bot (due to be sent out next Monday).  I also need to work on my journal for Amanda's journal swap.  I think I'm only a few days behind on that one.  Plus, I need to make time for finishing The Lost Hero.  And the Trunk or Treat is at 5:30.

I'm hoping for a bit of a rest come the 1st.  I think that's when things will finally slow down.  Or so I hope!

November Blogger's United Challenge

sOne of the groups I'm on over at Swap-Bot is Blogger's United.  They've got their own blog where they include monthly challenges.   Even though there are a few weeks until the challenge starts, I want to officially state my intention to participate in it.  ('Cause otherwise I'll probably forget. :))  Keep an eye out for my blog links!