Holy camole... what a week this has been.So much has happened that I can't think of any better way to explain it than to just wrap it up in one blog post.
My Master Naturalist class ended. I am very sad, I loved my free Tuesdays to learn and mingle with like-minded people and learn so many things. I am now looking forward to volunteering to fulfill my 40 hr volunteer requirements to become certified. This week I went to a Class in the Creek and helped out for a little bit. It was fun watching all the kids discover what critters were living in the river.
Where's the Beef? That's right, here baby, in my big ol' freezer. I went at the end of last week to pick up our 1/4 cow. We have already had steaks twice and are having roast later this week. Honestly those steaks were so freakin good. I cannot describe how good they were. One can only live off ground beef and fish for so long.
We are in the market for a place to live.. again. We have lived here for 4 years and will soon be moving to our 4th house. Last Sunday we were informed that our landlords were foreclosing on this house and we were going to have to find a new place at some point. We also discovered that for the last 6 months they were pocketing our rent money and not using it for the mortgage payment. This did not settle with me well. This was supposed to be our last rental, we were supposed to become homeowners after this. Right now it isn't looking promising for us to have a home unless we get lucky and fall into an owner financing deal. So needless to say, I am NOT building my garden, so local-yokels, if you are in the market for some veggie plants, they are all doing great and will be ready for new homes in a few weeks. I am so bummed that I cannot grow them in my garden bed like I had hoped. I am also very disturbed to the possibility of having to uproot the kids again. They have moved far too much in their short lives.
I am not dying, I don't have some sort of cancer or underlying disorder causing my pain in my ovary and lumps in my breasts. All my uber expensive tests I had done came out "within normal limits" so no scare there. However I have a theory as to why my cycle is so out of whack. You know how they say a woman will become synchronized with others around them? Well I am thinking my tween daughter whom I thought was far too young to deal with this caliber of a nuisance might have something to do with it. So parents, just when you think you have time to explain things to your pre-teens, you might not have as much time as you think. I think this is opening up a whole new can of worms to come and I was NOT prepared. One day at a time. I seriously think that there is something to all the theories that all the hormones our children are consuming daily is causing them to develop at a faster rate.
On a lighter note, school is over in one week!! I have 3 tests left and then "School's out for Summa!" I am stoked.. I mean there is so much I want to do and now more things I have to do, that not having to worry about reading or tests or labs is excellent. I do have to figure out my classes for next semester though which is not looking good. I either have to go one more additional semester OR take three classes in the Fall if I want to graduate in the Spring. For sanity's sake I think going one more semester might be worth it, however I just wanna be done! I want to finish up and get it over with. So only time will tell.
Well thats generally whats been going on. Life get's crazier by the second. Now I suppose I better get to reading so I can take one of the three tests tonight. One step closer. Then maybe I can do a better job on posting on here.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Melancholy
This is the best way to describe me at this moment. Although according to the dictionary, it sort of means depressed, and really, I don't get depressed. So I guess somber could be fitting as well. Today it rained, and it didn't just rain, it STORMED, big clashing booming lightning kind of storm. This may have contributed to my mood. I love a great storm, however I was as work so I didn't get to enjoy the relaxing effect it typically has on me.
So why am I so glum? Who knows. I am stressed, I do not like my job, I'm still behind on school work, my four year old son has decided he doesn't love me anymore and finds time to let me know at least 10 times a day. I keep asking myself where I went wrong with that boy. I hope it is just a phase because regardless of his behavior, I love him to death. My Master Naturalist class is almost at its end, this makes me sad. I love getting out once a week to mingle with like-minded people and learn about nature as it is my first love. To know it is coming to a close makes me sad, there is only one week left and I will miss it so much. It feels like there is so much still to learn. At least now I can get out there and get my volunteer hours in and use some of what I have learned.
Then there is the typical things that usually get me down, like money and finances, not having my own house. I'm still waiting to hear from my landlord just to get permission to build my raised bed. I do not like asking permission. I know my mood will pass, things will look bright again, and I'm really just in a sort of blah mood. Not depressed, not even sad, just sort of here. But this mood is good for me, I think well in this mood, I figure things out, I make successful plans, I re-focus. This too shall pass.
So why am I so glum? Who knows. I am stressed, I do not like my job, I'm still behind on school work, my four year old son has decided he doesn't love me anymore and finds time to let me know at least 10 times a day. I keep asking myself where I went wrong with that boy. I hope it is just a phase because regardless of his behavior, I love him to death. My Master Naturalist class is almost at its end, this makes me sad. I love getting out once a week to mingle with like-minded people and learn about nature as it is my first love. To know it is coming to a close makes me sad, there is only one week left and I will miss it so much. It feels like there is so much still to learn. At least now I can get out there and get my volunteer hours in and use some of what I have learned.
Then there is the typical things that usually get me down, like money and finances, not having my own house. I'm still waiting to hear from my landlord just to get permission to build my raised bed. I do not like asking permission. I know my mood will pass, things will look bright again, and I'm really just in a sort of blah mood. Not depressed, not even sad, just sort of here. But this mood is good for me, I think well in this mood, I figure things out, I make successful plans, I re-focus. This too shall pass.
Monday, April 19, 2010
My babies!
I realize I am way behind in my posting. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I have not felt well at all lately, my schoolwork is way behind, and I was preparing for a garage sale that I had this last weekend that was extremely successful. My laundry is completely lagging, I need to clean my house, I have no food in the house, the girls need their summer clothes out from the garage, I need to come up with a way to make the same amount of money that I am making at Wal-Mart so I can quit that place. I realize that summer is approaching quickly and I only have about 3 weeks of school left (yay!!) I want to make sure we are busy this summer, so there are no sitting around couch potatoes here. Now you probably think I mean my little children, my little babies, but no, not this time. So what babies can I be talking about?? My veggie babies!! I decided to start some seeds this year and picked a few up and planted them last Tuesday (4-13-10). within 3 days I had babies!!
I decided to plant what I know we will eat. Tomatoes (two varities: beefsteak and cherry), zucchini, cucumbers, basil and oregano. We also aquired 2 cabbage plant starts. I originally was just going to use containers even though my luck with those in the past has been less than desirable, but Brent and I were talking and he brought up the idea of making a raised bed on our humongous RV pad. I was excited from the start, knowing it was his idea makes me happier. I mean, I don't have enough containers to plant in as it is so I would have had to buy some and pots are EXPENSIVE. I figured that the tools I need to make one like this will cost as much or less than buying the containers I would need and it would probably be more successful. It will be portable, so it can go when we do, and will be less likely to fall victim to the dog and her spontaneous digging antics.
So less than a week later, everything has sprouted except the cherry tomatoes. There is still time and I am trying to remain hopeful and figured if we get this veggie bed built then we can always get some starts to put in it if the cherry tomatoes do not make it. Tomorrow I will price out the materials and I will continue to update on the progress of the bed. I am very excited to finally get my own "garden", so to speak. Now if only I can get some chickies.. I found some chicks for two bucks but I don't have a coop and not enough funds to build a bird-dog proof chicken coop for my 3 chickens I want AND the garden.. so again.. the chickies will have to wait.
The seeds (most organic)
Planting with my "helper"
Day Three!!
I decided to plant what I know we will eat. Tomatoes (two varities: beefsteak and cherry), zucchini, cucumbers, basil and oregano. We also aquired 2 cabbage plant starts. I originally was just going to use containers even though my luck with those in the past has been less than desirable, but Brent and I were talking and he brought up the idea of making a raised bed on our humongous RV pad. I was excited from the start, knowing it was his idea makes me happier. I mean, I don't have enough containers to plant in as it is so I would have had to buy some and pots are EXPENSIVE. I figured that the tools I need to make one like this will cost as much or less than buying the containers I would need and it would probably be more successful. It will be portable, so it can go when we do, and will be less likely to fall victim to the dog and her spontaneous digging antics.
Day 6
Cukes and Zucchini
Beefsteaks (note the unsprouted cherry tomatoes in the third row...)
So less than a week later, everything has sprouted except the cherry tomatoes. There is still time and I am trying to remain hopeful and figured if we get this veggie bed built then we can always get some starts to put in it if the cherry tomatoes do not make it. Tomorrow I will price out the materials and I will continue to update on the progress of the bed. I am very excited to finally get my own "garden", so to speak. Now if only I can get some chickies.. I found some chicks for two bucks but I don't have a coop and not enough funds to build a bird-dog proof chicken coop for my 3 chickens I want AND the garden.. so again.. the chickies will have to wait.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
You want to do what?
I will be the first to admit I have come up with some CRAZY ideas in the past. Unrealistic ideas and dreams. Although I think you can't be afraid to dream, or take a leap with your eyes closed. My whole life has revolved around me searching for my dreams to become reality and me taking giant leaps of faith. I'm not really afraid of new things and a lot of times I just wish I had the time and energy to spend on some of these things (and money). I mean really.. my whole marriage and life as I know it resulted on a giant leap of faith, and love.
So, upon my quest for a healthier lifestyle, there are some fun things I would like to do. Our old neighbors had their own chickens. We bought our eggs from them when we lived over there and it was what got me hooked on happy chicken eggs. Well I have met more and more people who raise happy chickens, and learned it isn't too difficult to keep your own. I will probably wait until we get our own house, but I do think I want some chickens. Until then.. research research research.
Another thing I think I want to attempt is some container gardening. There is a beautiful article in Mother Earth News Magazine on container gardening. My past futile attempts yeilded NO fruits or veggies. It might have helped to actually water the plants every once in a while. Mental note: Great chore for the kids, water the plants. Who would have thought! There is absolutely nothing I like more than ripe tomatoes. I mean really it is like my most favorite summertime treat. I am determined to sucessfully grow some tomatoes this year. I'd love to build a long wooden planter for a row of fresh veggies. Maybe May isn't too late to get that started.. you know.. when school is over. I can' accomplish any extra activities until school is out.
So until we are comfortable in our own home, I will support my local farmers and their happy chickens, and try to plan out my container garden. I want this summer to be fruitful and well, fun! Happy gardening!
So, upon my quest for a healthier lifestyle, there are some fun things I would like to do. Our old neighbors had their own chickens. We bought our eggs from them when we lived over there and it was what got me hooked on happy chicken eggs. Well I have met more and more people who raise happy chickens, and learned it isn't too difficult to keep your own. I will probably wait until we get our own house, but I do think I want some chickens. Until then.. research research research.
Another thing I think I want to attempt is some container gardening. There is a beautiful article in Mother Earth News Magazine on container gardening. My past futile attempts yeilded NO fruits or veggies. It might have helped to actually water the plants every once in a while. Mental note: Great chore for the kids, water the plants. Who would have thought! There is absolutely nothing I like more than ripe tomatoes. I mean really it is like my most favorite summertime treat. I am determined to sucessfully grow some tomatoes this year. I'd love to build a long wooden planter for a row of fresh veggies. Maybe May isn't too late to get that started.. you know.. when school is over. I can' accomplish any extra activities until school is out.
So until we are comfortable in our own home, I will support my local farmers and their happy chickens, and try to plan out my container garden. I want this summer to be fruitful and well, fun! Happy gardening!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Memories
Well, I needed a new look for my blog so I went out and searched. When I came across this one I knew I needed it for my own. Now, this particular background isn't the exact place I remember as a child but it brought those feelings back of my childhood, a childhood I remember fondly. The place I remember is on the Monterey Bay in California where I lived for a while in the early 1980's. My dad was in the Army and we lived in Ft. Ord, CA. For fun, we went to the beach, the forest, we camped a little, and we spent quite a bit of time together as a family. Some of my greatest memories were of living there. I remember my friends, our neighborhood, my babysitters, my school, my adventures (collecting critters was fun), vacations, holidays, the magnificent scenery. Outside of Idaho, The bay area in California was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I can still remember the smell of the ocean, the sound of the sea birds, and watching the otters at play. We fed ground squirrels, flew kites, and had picnics.
Just tonight I was talking with a friend about something that happened while we lived there. I was telling her of my friend and her brothers and how I used to go over there to watch the Mickey Mouse Club on the Disney channel because I didn’t get that channel at home and how they had a Pekingese dog and her mom had beads hanging from their doorway. This is just one example of how vivid my memory is of our stay in California. I'll never forget lizard hunting with my brother and being mad when he slammed its tail in the yellow Snoopy pencil box and watching it fall to the ground writhing. My friend Denny and I collected marbles and I buried mine in the woods in a coffee can so no one would take them. They are probably still there somewhere. The only time I was ever stung by a bee was at a company picnic where we were having a Pizza picnic and there were bees everywhere and I picked one up... it did not like that. We had a pet snake, bunny, tarantula, dogs, and cats. I always had spiders, or snails hidden somewhere. The snails liked the pointy ice plant. I have yet to see that plant again since we left.
I love this picture. It so looks like the famous Cypress tree that lies along the Carmel coast all alone. I sometimes feel like that tree, all alone, and yet strong enough to endure the ocean that stares back at me as if saying... "Ok, give me all you got, I can take it". Hearing the lowly foghorn as it roars across the coast- deafening. It makes me happy, makes me feel alive. I will always treasure all the time we spent there and hope my memories never fade.
Just tonight I was talking with a friend about something that happened while we lived there. I was telling her of my friend and her brothers and how I used to go over there to watch the Mickey Mouse Club on the Disney channel because I didn’t get that channel at home and how they had a Pekingese dog and her mom had beads hanging from their doorway. This is just one example of how vivid my memory is of our stay in California. I'll never forget lizard hunting with my brother and being mad when he slammed its tail in the yellow Snoopy pencil box and watching it fall to the ground writhing. My friend Denny and I collected marbles and I buried mine in the woods in a coffee can so no one would take them. They are probably still there somewhere. The only time I was ever stung by a bee was at a company picnic where we were having a Pizza picnic and there were bees everywhere and I picked one up... it did not like that. We had a pet snake, bunny, tarantula, dogs, and cats. I always had spiders, or snails hidden somewhere. The snails liked the pointy ice plant. I have yet to see that plant again since we left.
I love this picture. It so looks like the famous Cypress tree that lies along the Carmel coast all alone. I sometimes feel like that tree, all alone, and yet strong enough to endure the ocean that stares back at me as if saying... "Ok, give me all you got, I can take it". Hearing the lowly foghorn as it roars across the coast- deafening. It makes me happy, makes me feel alive. I will always treasure all the time we spent there and hope my memories never fade.
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