♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
10.25.2011
Perfectly Imperfect
Sometimes life calls for an old sheet, your favorite finger foods, and the magic that comes with having a driveway picnic.
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
9.21.2011
One Step At A Time...
I didn’t know him very long, but he changed my life. He changed me as a person. He broke my heart and healed it all at once. He lit a fire in my soul to change the world that I didn’t even know existed.
They make me want to change the world. To break down doors, to bust down barriers, to not take no for an answer. I want to make them proud of me. I want them to grow old with their own beautiful families.
I do not want them to die before me.
Children’s cancer research is grossly underfunded and it’s time for it to stop. Our babies deserve a voice, they deserve us to never stop fighting for them. They need advocates, and it’s our responsibility as an older generation to never give up on them and FIGHT, because they cannot do these things on their own. We brought them into this world, we must never give up on them. We owe this to them.
I don’t need an urn full of ashes to make me want to fight. Imagining it...fuck...that is gut-wrenching enough for me to want to DO SOMETHING.
I found this website
Despite major advancements in recent years, much work remains to find treatments and cures for children’s cancer. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children and two-thirds of patients have life-altering and life-threatening side effects from the currently available treatments. Children’s Oncology Group research efforts are focused on many types of cancer including those that are hardest to treat, as well as reducing complications that result from treatment.
The Children’s Oncology Group is chaired by Peter Adamson, MD. Dr. Adamson is Chief of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Director of the Office of Clinical and Translational Research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Susan Blaney, MD is vice chair of the Children’s Oncology Group. Dr. Blaney is Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Deputy Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers.
Children’s Oncology Group was formed in 2000 when four pediatric cancer clinical trials groups joined forces. Comprised of 210 treatment centers in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, COG includes more than 6,500 individual members. The COG receives funding from the national non-profit foundation, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer which receives grants from the National Cancer Institute and raises funds through philanthropic donations from individuals, special events, corporations and private foundations.
Children’s Oncology Group hospitals treat 90 percent of children with cancer in the United States, providing the unmatched combination of global expertise and local care. This means that every child and care team has complete access to the latest research and world-class treatments at hospitals within close to home.
Get Involved!
On the curesearch.org site (click here) you can join (free) the advocate group. Once you fill in your info, it gives you the contact info for your local congressman. You can set aside time each week to contact your congressman. They work for us! It’s time WE tell THEM what we WANT.
I’m on a personal quest, although my journey is for millions. Help me.
DO SOMETHING with me.
With all this being said, I’m walking in the CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer in February of 2012 in Phoenix. Right now, I’m a one-man team. If you’re local, I’d love for you to join my team: One Step At A Time. My team goal is $5000. If I can raise this $5000, it goes directly to Children’s Cancer Research…all of it. Not just 3%, not just 50%...it all goes to the kids. I know times are tough, but if you could just give up one treat for yourself (a coffee, a meal, a mani/pedi, etc. and donate it to this great cause, I would be forever grateful. Together we can make a difference. One Step At A Time.
Go here to donate:
http://www.curesearchwalk.org/phoenix/dosomething
In the words of Ben Lee...
What’s in your heart
What’s in your head
It’s one or the other these days
The quick or the dead
Sometimes we gotta fight
So don’t you complain
Cuz I never promised this would be easy babe
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
Everything’s weird
Soon they’ll be gone
Cuz our whispered words
Are louder than bombs
So don’t you lose faith
And say it’s no fun
Cuz we’ve come too far to stop
Before we’re done
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
Sometimes we get lost
But soon we’ll be found
This is far too important
To turn back now
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
♥ ♥ ♥
 |
| www.rockstarronan.com The Ronan Thompson Foundation |
He died.
They make me want to change the world. To break down doors, to bust down barriers, to not take no for an answer. I want to make them proud of me. I want them to grow old with their own beautiful families.
I do not want them to die before me.
Children’s cancer research is grossly underfunded and it’s time for it to stop. Our babies deserve a voice, they deserve us to never stop fighting for them. They need advocates, and it’s our responsibility as an older generation to never give up on them and FIGHT, because they cannot do these things on their own. We brought them into this world, we must never give up on them. We owe this to them.
I don’t need an urn full of ashes to make me want to fight. Imagining it...fuck...that is gut-wrenching enough for me to want to DO SOMETHING.
I found this website
Who We Are
The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) is the world’s largest, cooperative children’s cancer research entity. It brings together treatment centers, physicians, laboratory scientists, nurses, psychologists and others working to beat cancer in children, adolescents and young adults. Through collaborative research, the Children’s Oncology Group has improved rates for children’s cancer at a pace much faster than any one individual or single institution could accomplish alone. The Children’s Oncology Group research has turned children’s cancer from a virtually incurable disease 40 years ago to one with an overall cure rate of 78 percent today.Despite major advancements in recent years, much work remains to find treatments and cures for children’s cancer. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children and two-thirds of patients have life-altering and life-threatening side effects from the currently available treatments. Children’s Oncology Group research efforts are focused on many types of cancer including those that are hardest to treat, as well as reducing complications that result from treatment.
The Children’s Oncology Group is chaired by Peter Adamson, MD. Dr. Adamson is Chief of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Director of the Office of Clinical and Translational Research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Susan Blaney, MD is vice chair of the Children’s Oncology Group. Dr. Blaney is Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Deputy Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers.
What We Do
Children’s Oncology Group:- designs and conducts about 100 clinical trials annually to find the best treatments for children and adolescents with cancer;
- conducts laboratory research that will translate into more effective treatments with reduced side effects;
- looks for the causes of childhood cancer with the goal of one day preventing cancer;
- conducts research to improve quality of life and survivorship; and
- seeks international partnerships, when necessary, to fulfill its mission.
Children’s Oncology Group was formed in 2000 when four pediatric cancer clinical trials groups joined forces. Comprised of 210 treatment centers in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, COG includes more than 6,500 individual members. The COG receives funding from the national non-profit foundation, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer which receives grants from the National Cancer Institute and raises funds through philanthropic donations from individuals, special events, corporations and private foundations.
Children’s Oncology Group hospitals treat 90 percent of children with cancer in the United States, providing the unmatched combination of global expertise and local care. This means that every child and care team has complete access to the latest research and world-class treatments at hospitals within close to home.
Why is Collaborative Research Important?
While nearly 13,500 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, there are many different kinds of children’s cancer. When divided into the specific cancer types, the number of children with each is relatively small. In research, large numbers of patients are critical to ensuring that study results are meaningful. By enrolling patients from many hospitals in the same trial, the results become statistically significant. This approach is called collaborative research and is how the Children’s Oncology Group functions.Get Involved!
On the curesearch.org site (click here) you can join (free) the advocate group. Once you fill in your info, it gives you the contact info for your local congressman. You can set aside time each week to contact your congressman. They work for us! It’s time WE tell THEM what we WANT.
I’m on a personal quest, although my journey is for millions. Help me.
DO SOMETHING with me.
With all this being said, I’m walking in the CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer in February of 2012 in Phoenix. Right now, I’m a one-man team. If you’re local, I’d love for you to join my team: One Step At A Time. My team goal is $5000. If I can raise this $5000, it goes directly to Children’s Cancer Research…all of it. Not just 3%, not just 50%...it all goes to the kids. I know times are tough, but if you could just give up one treat for yourself (a coffee, a meal, a mani/pedi, etc. and donate it to this great cause, I would be forever grateful. Together we can make a difference. One Step At A Time.
Go here to donate:
http://www.curesearchwalk.org/phoenix/dosomething
In the words of Ben Lee...
What’s in your heart
What’s in your head
It’s one or the other these days
The quick or the dead
Sometimes we gotta fight
So don’t you complain
Cuz I never promised this would be easy babe
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
Everything’s weird
Soon they’ll be gone
Cuz our whispered words
Are louder than bombs
So don’t you lose faith
And say it’s no fun
Cuz we’ve come too far to stop
Before we’re done
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
Sometimes we get lost
But soon we’ll be found
This is far too important
To turn back now
You and me gonna rise up
And they will be surprised yup
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
6.26.2011
Highway Of Regret
It's always on my mind. Sometimes hidden underneath layers of faux confidence, sometimes screaming right in my face. But it is always within reach.
My weight.
I've never been thin. Yes, I have been a lot thinner then I am now, but even at my fittest, I was solid muscle - no waifish figure here, and the scale still registered on a number that most women would cringe at. I was healthy though. No fat on my stomach...for the first time in my life. My legs were rock hard, no cellulite, my arms had definition. And the best...no back fat. Clothes slid on to my body and I didn't have to suck it in, or do squats to stretch a piece of clothing out. This was post boot camp body. No, not as in some cheesy "boot camp" class at your local gym. I'm talking real-life-kick-your-ass-ARMY boot camp. Of course I was in the best shape of my life.
...
I have an addiction. And at first it doesn't seem like it's a real "addiction" like heroine or meth, because my over-eating doesn't directly effect anyone. By that I mean, I don't steal from my family to support my habit, I don't beat my kids when I come off a high or because I can't get my fix. But, my addiction to food is real, and it's painful, and at times all-consuming. For thin people who have never been fat I don't think it's comprehensible to understand or even tolerate. Much like it's hard for me to understand how someone can be an alcoholic or a drug addict.
I'm quite certain I can pin-point various events in my life that have led to my behavior. I'm not going to share those here, and I'm not blaming my food addiction solely to these events, as I am still the one who puts the fork to my mouth. However, my past has been peppered with specific instances that have literally changed my way of thinking, and now I have to find the real Olivia that I know exists...she's just hidden under layers of fat and self-deprecation.
Everyone who has ever lost weight has the same story: "Finally one day I just woke up and realized enough was enough."
I've had many false starts in my life, and each and every time I fail, I think that maybe I'm just destined to be a fat person. But, there is some part of me that always is rebuking this in my head..."Go fuck yourself! You're just lazy. It's easier to be defeated than to get your lazy ass off the couch and actually DO SOMETHING. You owe it to yourself. You owe it your husband. You owe it to your children." Usually the devil in me wins and I don't do a damn thing.
34 has come and hit me like a fucking freight train. I have aches and pains that I'm quite certain should be reserved for someone at least 15 years older than me. I am broken down and I've had enough.
I had started hiking a mountain with some co-workers on our lunch breaks. It felt good and I felt determined, and I even lost a little bit of weight. I hadn't really worked on my eating because "one thing at a time" you know. Then I have been plagued with some back and hip problems and I've been sidelined and it sucks.
Then I went to see my chiropractor. He gave me some solid advice. He told me I need to really stop focusing on the physical aspect of losing weight and getting in shape. He told me to just start walking, and really focus on my diet. Regardless, if I cut the crap in my diet, even with minimal exercise, I will lose weight. He also said I need to start lifting weights to get more strength as well. I need to do all this before I really get going on running, hiking, etc. So, instead of going all gung-ho with physical crap, I'm going to really focus on my diet and do a little soul-searching to see why I eat what I eat.
I've become a person, a mom, a wife that I never wanted to be. You know the kind of mom who rarely does her make-up, maybe just for special occasions, I don't do my hair...just throw it back in a fucking "mom pony", pick from my crappy selection of "business casual" wear and go about my day. Well, I don't like what I see in the mirror. I haven't for a long time, but I've been defeated, until today. I'm not sure what my plan will be, but I know I'm going to take one day at a time, and maybe even at times it will be minute by minute or hour by hour.
I read the following quote by Joy Bauer in a magazine today. I love it.
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
My weight.
I've never been thin. Yes, I have been a lot thinner then I am now, but even at my fittest, I was solid muscle - no waifish figure here, and the scale still registered on a number that most women would cringe at. I was healthy though. No fat on my stomach...for the first time in my life. My legs were rock hard, no cellulite, my arms had definition. And the best...no back fat. Clothes slid on to my body and I didn't have to suck it in, or do squats to stretch a piece of clothing out. This was post boot camp body. No, not as in some cheesy "boot camp" class at your local gym. I'm talking real-life-kick-your-ass-ARMY boot camp. Of course I was in the best shape of my life.
...
I have an addiction. And at first it doesn't seem like it's a real "addiction" like heroine or meth, because my over-eating doesn't directly effect anyone. By that I mean, I don't steal from my family to support my habit, I don't beat my kids when I come off a high or because I can't get my fix. But, my addiction to food is real, and it's painful, and at times all-consuming. For thin people who have never been fat I don't think it's comprehensible to understand or even tolerate. Much like it's hard for me to understand how someone can be an alcoholic or a drug addict.
I'm quite certain I can pin-point various events in my life that have led to my behavior. I'm not going to share those here, and I'm not blaming my food addiction solely to these events, as I am still the one who puts the fork to my mouth. However, my past has been peppered with specific instances that have literally changed my way of thinking, and now I have to find the real Olivia that I know exists...she's just hidden under layers of fat and self-deprecation.
Everyone who has ever lost weight has the same story: "Finally one day I just woke up and realized enough was enough."
I've had many false starts in my life, and each and every time I fail, I think that maybe I'm just destined to be a fat person. But, there is some part of me that always is rebuking this in my head..."Go fuck yourself! You're just lazy. It's easier to be defeated than to get your lazy ass off the couch and actually DO SOMETHING. You owe it to yourself. You owe it your husband. You owe it to your children." Usually the devil in me wins and I don't do a damn thing.
34 has come and hit me like a fucking freight train. I have aches and pains that I'm quite certain should be reserved for someone at least 15 years older than me. I am broken down and I've had enough.
I had started hiking a mountain with some co-workers on our lunch breaks. It felt good and I felt determined, and I even lost a little bit of weight. I hadn't really worked on my eating because "one thing at a time" you know. Then I have been plagued with some back and hip problems and I've been sidelined and it sucks.
Then I went to see my chiropractor. He gave me some solid advice. He told me I need to really stop focusing on the physical aspect of losing weight and getting in shape. He told me to just start walking, and really focus on my diet. Regardless, if I cut the crap in my diet, even with minimal exercise, I will lose weight. He also said I need to start lifting weights to get more strength as well. I need to do all this before I really get going on running, hiking, etc. So, instead of going all gung-ho with physical crap, I'm going to really focus on my diet and do a little soul-searching to see why I eat what I eat.
I've become a person, a mom, a wife that I never wanted to be. You know the kind of mom who rarely does her make-up, maybe just for special occasions, I don't do my hair...just throw it back in a fucking "mom pony", pick from my crappy selection of "business casual" wear and go about my day. Well, I don't like what I see in the mirror. I haven't for a long time, but I've been defeated, until today. I'm not sure what my plan will be, but I know I'm going to take one day at a time, and maybe even at times it will be minute by minute or hour by hour.
The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change
Are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
6.22.2011
Thinfully Inspired
This is Melissa.
You may remember her from here.
Melissa lost a person (120+ pounds) on her own. No fads, no gimmicks, just A LOT of hard work.
I'm totally jealous. Not in a bad way! I still haven't had my "a ha" moment...I'm eating coffee ice cream right now as we speak. But I know once I do, I'll have Melissa there cheering me on.
Melissa started a blog earlier in the month called Thinfully Inspired. Click here to bookmark it. Melissa is funny, encouraging without being cocky, inspiring and very down-to-earth. Her blog is a place of reflection, honesty, encouragement and all around helpfulness when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. She'll show you the little tips and tricks (actually indulging in M&M's along the way) that she stuck to while on her own weight loss journey.
Again, I want to stress (because I'm so proud of her) that she lost all this weight on her own...no fad diets, no pills, no surgery, nothing. She even posts about the day she rocked a bikini after being a size 24!
Oh, and she's a smart-ass and throws the occasional F Bomb in for good measure.
Ah, a girl after my own heart!
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
You may remember her from here.
Melissa lost a person (120+ pounds) on her own. No fads, no gimmicks, just A LOT of hard work.
I'm totally jealous. Not in a bad way! I still haven't had my "a ha" moment...I'm eating coffee ice cream right now as we speak. But I know once I do, I'll have Melissa there cheering me on.
Melissa started a blog earlier in the month called Thinfully Inspired. Click here to bookmark it. Melissa is funny, encouraging without being cocky, inspiring and very down-to-earth. Her blog is a place of reflection, honesty, encouragement and all around helpfulness when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. She'll show you the little tips and tricks (actually indulging in M&M's along the way) that she stuck to while on her own weight loss journey.
Again, I want to stress (because I'm so proud of her) that she lost all this weight on her own...no fad diets, no pills, no surgery, nothing. She even posts about the day she rocked a bikini after being a size 24!
Oh, and she's a smart-ass and throws the occasional F Bomb in for good measure.
Ah, a girl after my own heart!
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
6.20.2011
Could Get Used To This...
At home with a sick baby and one big sister who wanted to tag along and stay home as well. She's his little nurse maid...taking his temp (w/a digital thermometer), checking on him all the time, getting him water, and helping him off the bed to go potty.
Here they are all snug on our bed. Wasn't your parents bed the safest most comfortable place to be when you're sick as a wee one? Greg and I both remember that cozy feeling when we were little and sick and our moms would let us lay in their bed. Ahh..heaven.
They have every pillow, blanket and stuffed animal in the entire house on my bed. Since last Thursday, Greg has been banished to Penelope's bed, while the sick-o's stay with me. It's just easier that way for midnight water requests, lots of bathrooms trips for a potty-trained toddler who has to make the grandest spectacle of every little sprout he can muster because, "Mama! I go potty!!" has to be announced at all times regardless of hour or how sick you are, lots of "Mama, I throw up!!", which will wake any sleeping mother out of the deepest sleep and have her snap to attention as if she were back in boot camp, only to be met with a few spits in the toilet which resemble nothing of vomit, and lots of temperature checking, and medicine giving. My little Junior Mint has been quite sick, and this virus has given us a run for our money.
Greg took Friday off to take care of the kids and I thought for sure we'd be on the mend by today. Quite the contrary, last night was one of the worst nights yet for Junior Mint, and I called in today and took the rug rat back to the doctor. This time, his strep test still showed negative, same as Saturday's visit to Urgent Care, but he now has an upper respiratory infection. Awesome. So, we are on a powerful does of antibiotics. I just hope they make my little man feel better.
Even though Junior Mint is not feeling well, I am still preparing a nice meal, one of which would normally grace the weekend table. I'm baking muffins, AND, prepare yourselves, doing laundry. Best yet, I'm loving every single second of it. I love the idea of making a home and in all honesty I wish I didn't have to work. My working isn't necessarily a "have to", more of a "choose to". We could make it without my salary, but the questions is, do we want to? Maybe someday, but right the now the benefit (savings, fun money, retirement) of me working still outweighs me not working. But, you better believe, I am super jealous of all the mamas and wifeys that get to stay at home and work from there.
I would totally rock the June Cleaver role...I might even serve dinner in a dress with pearls on.
Happy Monday!
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
Here they are all snug on our bed. Wasn't your parents bed the safest most comfortable place to be when you're sick as a wee one? Greg and I both remember that cozy feeling when we were little and sick and our moms would let us lay in their bed. Ahh..heaven.
 |
| ::bad cell phone picture:: |
They have every pillow, blanket and stuffed animal in the entire house on my bed. Since last Thursday, Greg has been banished to Penelope's bed, while the sick-o's stay with me. It's just easier that way for midnight water requests, lots of bathrooms trips for a potty-trained toddler who has to make the grandest spectacle of every little sprout he can muster because, "Mama! I go potty!!" has to be announced at all times regardless of hour or how sick you are, lots of "Mama, I throw up!!", which will wake any sleeping mother out of the deepest sleep and have her snap to attention as if she were back in boot camp, only to be met with a few spits in the toilet which resemble nothing of vomit, and lots of temperature checking, and medicine giving. My little Junior Mint has been quite sick, and this virus has given us a run for our money.
Greg took Friday off to take care of the kids and I thought for sure we'd be on the mend by today. Quite the contrary, last night was one of the worst nights yet for Junior Mint, and I called in today and took the rug rat back to the doctor. This time, his strep test still showed negative, same as Saturday's visit to Urgent Care, but he now has an upper respiratory infection. Awesome. So, we are on a powerful does of antibiotics. I just hope they make my little man feel better.
Even though Junior Mint is not feeling well, I am still preparing a nice meal, one of which would normally grace the weekend table. I'm baking muffins, AND, prepare yourselves, doing laundry. Best yet, I'm loving every single second of it. I love the idea of making a home and in all honesty I wish I didn't have to work. My working isn't necessarily a "have to", more of a "choose to". We could make it without my salary, but the questions is, do we want to? Maybe someday, but right the now the benefit (savings, fun money, retirement) of me working still outweighs me not working. But, you better believe, I am super jealous of all the mamas and wifeys that get to stay at home and work from there.
I would totally rock the June Cleaver role...I might even serve dinner in a dress with pearls on.
Happy Monday!
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
6.13.2011
ser·en·dip·i·ty
–noun
Olivia
1.
an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.
2.
♥good fortune; luck:
It's been a rough few years for us. Things are finally falling into place for us and it was all by accident. But, of course, the bigger picture reveals that some things do happen for a reason.
In a few short weeks, I'll divulge further, but for now, I'm beyond excited for what's in store!
Olivia
6.08.2011
Extreme?
Yes, my friends...I may be one step away from becoming an obsessive extreme couponer!!
OH MY GOD!!!
The money you can save. I don't know about you, but I love me some free scratch!
So, I caught the show Extreme Couponing on TLC and I'm hooked. My hubby is even on board. I mean we watched one chick rack up $2,000 in groceries and then after all her coupons she spent $90 bucks!! WTF?
I know what you're thinking, because I was thinking the same thing to: Who the fuck needs 72 bottles of mustard (for real, she bought 72 bottles of mustard)? All that stuff is processed, crap food. I don' t need anything or use anything that has a coupon. I don't have the time. Oh my lord, I don't have the patience, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I took my new interest further and started to search the Internet on extreme couponing. I found a few sites that I really liked like Super Coupon Lady, Coupon Keri, and Krazy Coupon Lady. These sites do not go to the extreme like the people on TLC do. Their goal is save anywhere between 60-85% off their grocery bill when they go. It's doable. Their sites are filled with examples, tons of up-to-date-info, tutorials, and videos showing you how to coupon.
So, first of all I had to rethink my strategy. Usually, I make a menu each week and I rarely get much on sale. Now, I realize you buy things to "stockpile" when they are on sale, so that you never have to buy regularly used items full price again. It really does make sense. Toilet paper, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, health & beauty items, vitamins, dog food, etc. are always on sale. I use all of these things daily, and I'm sure you do too, wouldn't you like to save money while doing it? I do, and now I'm addicted.
The size of your stockpile is really up to you. I've seen some that take up multiple rooms in homes. That is not for me. Usually stores run about a 6 week cycle on their sales items, so the things on sale this week, will go on sale again in about 6 weeks, so you would want to stock up for about 6 weeks at the super sale prices to avoid you spending full dollar for these items. I understand this may not be everyone, but as a working mom who is looking to make big changes in the next few years which may include not working at all, learning to maximize my dollar is essential.
So the basic equation to super couponing is this: Store Item on sale - a store coupon for this item - a manufacturer coupon for this item = smoking deal. This is also called "stacking". Most stores will allow you to use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon for each item. This is where you strike gold if you can get it right. It's an art form, and I'm still learning.
So here are a few examples of how I'm learning to save:
Olivia
OH MY GOD!!!
The money you can save. I don't know about you, but I love me some free scratch!
So, I caught the show Extreme Couponing on TLC and I'm hooked. My hubby is even on board. I mean we watched one chick rack up $2,000 in groceries and then after all her coupons she spent $90 bucks!! WTF?
I know what you're thinking, because I was thinking the same thing to: Who the fuck needs 72 bottles of mustard (for real, she bought 72 bottles of mustard)? All that stuff is processed, crap food. I don' t need anything or use anything that has a coupon. I don't have the time. Oh my lord, I don't have the patience, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I took my new interest further and started to search the Internet on extreme couponing. I found a few sites that I really liked like Super Coupon Lady, Coupon Keri, and Krazy Coupon Lady. These sites do not go to the extreme like the people on TLC do. Their goal is save anywhere between 60-85% off their grocery bill when they go. It's doable. Their sites are filled with examples, tons of up-to-date-info, tutorials, and videos showing you how to coupon.
So, first of all I had to rethink my strategy. Usually, I make a menu each week and I rarely get much on sale. Now, I realize you buy things to "stockpile" when they are on sale, so that you never have to buy regularly used items full price again. It really does make sense. Toilet paper, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, health & beauty items, vitamins, dog food, etc. are always on sale. I use all of these things daily, and I'm sure you do too, wouldn't you like to save money while doing it? I do, and now I'm addicted.
The size of your stockpile is really up to you. I've seen some that take up multiple rooms in homes. That is not for me. Usually stores run about a 6 week cycle on their sales items, so the things on sale this week, will go on sale again in about 6 weeks, so you would want to stock up for about 6 weeks at the super sale prices to avoid you spending full dollar for these items. I understand this may not be everyone, but as a working mom who is looking to make big changes in the next few years which may include not working at all, learning to maximize my dollar is essential.
So the basic equation to super couponing is this: Store Item on sale - a store coupon for this item - a manufacturer coupon for this item = smoking deal. This is also called "stacking". Most stores will allow you to use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon for each item. This is where you strike gold if you can get it right. It's an art form, and I'm still learning.
So here are a few examples of how I'm learning to save:
- My family are meat-eaters, but I like to be picky about what kind of meat I do buy. So, last week my local health food store had their locally grown, daily ground, family packs of ground beef on sale for $1.99. Normally it is $3.99 a pound, so I stocked up and bought 10 pounds worth. I got home and broke it down to 1 pound packages and put them in the freezers. Now, in the grand scheme of things $1.99 isn't super cheap, but it is for what I'm buying and what I normally pay. So, for me, this is a great deal. This week my store has their locally grown chicken on sale for 50% off, so I will be stocking up. Now my freezer is getting full, and I have choices about what to make for dinner for a few weeks. This is where shopping sales and couponing saves you some moolah.
- I bought 4 Sunday papers to get the coupons. Most papers have deals where you can get the Sunday paper only and for cheap, so that is what I do. I want to maximize the deals and that requires multiple coupons for the same item.
- For example: At Walgreen's they had my deodorant on sale for a $1.99 (normally $3.99), then in the latest ad, they had a Walgreen's coupon to bring it down to $1.49, and then I had a manufacturer coupon taking another $0.75 off. So my $3.99 dollar deodorant cost me $0.74. I had 4 sets of these coupons, so I got my 4 deodorants for less then what it would cost for one at full price! Shut the front door!! See!!! Now, those 4 deodorants will surely last me until they go on sale again.
- I also bought vitamins at Walgreen's that were normally $16.99 a piece. Right now, they are BOGO (buy one get one free). In the past, I would have been happy with just this deal. BUT...I had a Walgreen's coupon for $2.00 off and then I had a manufacturer coupon for $2.00 as well. So I got my vitamins for $12.99! I got a 2 month supply that normally would cost $34 for $12.99! Now, I have another set of these coupons that I plan to get again soon before the BOGO sale ends and then I'll have a 4 month supply for cheap! And, it will last me until they run a good sale again.
- Iams coupons for $3.00 off each. Since, I'm buying two bags of dog food, I can use 2 coupons. Essentially, I saved $11 ($6 off plus the $5 gift card) just because I used a coupon. I have 3 more sets of these coupons allowing me stock up and not have to pay full price for my dog food for awhile. Score!
I love a good deal! Let me know if you coupon, or if you have been thinking about it! Also, if you have good tips, leave them in the comments!
Happy Saving!
♥ ♥ ♥Olivia
6.06.2011
The Story of Otis
The Story of Otis.
2001-2011
Otis Potis
Odie Podie
Booger Face
Booger Toog
Booger McToogs
Fucking Dog (only when he was really bad :)
We had many nicknames for Otis, but Otis Potis was the one I always used and the one that would make his tail wag the most.
June 2001 – Back story
Greg and his brother Steven owned a house and the “girlfriends” (Norma and I ) lived with them. One day Greg told me I could get a dog. We had been debating about getting one, and then finally one day over breakfast he gave me a paper and told me to find a dog. YES! I knew I wanted a boxer. So I found an ad in the paper and off we went. The four of us. Steven and Norma were not getting a dog, but they wanted to come a long anyway. Fast forward, I see my dog, my perfect little puppy, my Milo and I knew he was destined to be mine. Yes, you are reading this correctly, Otis Potis was not my dog…in the beginning. Unable to resist the boxer puppy cuteness, Steven and Norma also picked out a puppy of their own…Milo’s best buddy and brother, Otis. Off we went. Our happy little family grew by two furry balls of love. Yeah, I just re-read that, shhhh! I’m not changing it. That very statement, is so totally me…always saying something so completely inappropriate, but totally innocently.
No lie, within 24 hours Otis displayed symptoms of Parvo. We’re pretty sure other people visiting the dogs had spread the disease. I was sure they were going to have to put Otis down. I mean I’m not from the country or the farm, and I knew a few people who just put their dogs down when they got Parvo because it was just too expensive and they assumed it was an automatic death sentence. As I was freaking out, my future hubby literally laughed at me. He said, “We are not putting him down. We’ll get him better.” Off to the country vet we went…the same vet for the last 10 years…the same vet that compassionately told me to bring his body in when I was a blubbering mess on the other end of the line. The Country Vet confirmed it was Parvo and told us that he could charge us about $1000 to keep Otis there for about 10 days (with no on there overnight) or he could teach how to give an IV hunchback, and shots. So, there we were learning how to basically give a dog an IV on their back neck area (hunchback), and give shots. We nursed him back to health…all four of us.
I loved Otis as if he was my own dog, and was so sad when Steven and Norma moved out to get started on their own family. About 4 months went by as they lived in their apartment while their new house was getting built. Milo suffered, shit we all suffered through Milo’s separation anxiety. About the time we got used to life without Otis, we got a frantic call from Norma. Otis had jumped their brick wall and was missing. He went missing for 3 days. He did not like their new home. So, back home to us he came, and there he stayed until he was called Home for good.
Otis was a dense dog with his googly eyes and too-big tongue that often stuck out of his mouth, but he was a lover, and if you let him, he would literally lay on the couch and wrap his legs around you and “cuddle”. I miss him. I could always count on his big head looking out the window when I drove up from work. Everyday when I don’t see it, my heart twinges in pain as I realize once again he just won’t be there.
We think Otis had some variation of cardiomyopathy, which is very common in big dogs, but especially in Boxers.
He came in that morning huffing and puffing and at first I thought him and Milo were just outside playing. Literally the night before he was fine, they were playing, he was begging for food, he was fine. When he looked at me he was scared, I could see it in his eyes. He was pale. You’re probably wondering how you know your dog is pale. Trust me, you’ll know. His lips, tongue and gums were white as paper, I pressed hard on his gums…nothing. I knew he had barely any circulation. I’m assuming he was having a heart attack. He was stumbling and disoriented. I got him out to our laundry room where he collapsed. I kissed him and told him I would get him to the vet. I ran in frantically woke Greg up and he urgently told me to get dressed and get the kids dressed ASAP. We had been asleep so we were all disheveled. We got dressed as fast as possible, got the kids dressed, and went to get Otis. He had made it to his favorite sunning spot. I knew he wasn’t going to leave that spot. I could see his breathing had all but ceased. I lost it. My Penelope saw it all, but there was nothing I could do. I wanted to push her away, but she would not have it…she wanted to be with Otis. She knew too. Greg yelled at me to stop wasting time and get him to the vet. I yelled at him to let him die in peace. We didn’t know what to do. Greg just didn’t want to give up. Greg ran into the house to search the Internet on how to give dog CPR. It wasn’t pretty watching your four-legged pal gasp for his last breath and watch as his body convulsed as his system failed and death set it in.
I don’t know how to successfully say what I feel. I would never put the dogs before my children, but I had those dogs before children were even an option in our world. It was like a little piece of Greg and I were dying…not in a bad way…in the way life happens. It’s inevitable…people and animals you love will die. I just was hoping it would be like normal: you know it’s time, you take them to the vet, you give them pink juice and they die peacefully, content, pain free in your arms. It was chaotic for us. And in some bizarre way, that I haven’t even fully processed, or can eloquently put into words, I’m glad I saw that. I’m glad I went through that. I still don’t know why.
As I write this, we just barely got his ashes back this weekend. Greg asked why I wanted them. I guess because I can’t bare the thought of him being discarded. I can’t bare the thought of burying him in a place that may become insignificant to us in the future. Soon I’ll find a fitting resting place for him, and at that time I will let him go and be free.
Until we meet again Otis Potis, your paw print will be forever etched into my heart. I hope you heard me that morning, but if not, I love you, and I’m so glad you were my dog…in the end.
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
5.17.2011
Samara
I ♥ the Internet. I ♥ blogging.
Internet + Blogging = Samara
I've known Samara for a few years now. We've chatted through our blogs, email and Facebook for a very long time. At one point, I'm quite sure besides my mom, that Sam was the ONLY person reading this blog.
I only met Sam face-to-face a few weeks ago. What a surreal experience...to feel like you know someone, but you've never physically met? Well, it was fabulous. We had a little photo shoot, and below is the beauty of Samara.
She helped me see that photography truly is a passion of mine. One that I'm going to pursue again (see my photography tab at the top of the blog), the way I like, on my own terms, no looking back or second guessing.
Thank you Samara for everything ♥
Olivia
5.16.2011
Full Cup
“Death is a part of life. Rejoice for those around you…”
~Yoda
~Yoda
Ronan’s memorial was yesterday. I was dreading it. I’ve only been to a few funerals in my life and they were somber and dreadful. Mostly I was terrified going because Ronan is just a babe, and as a mother, I still can’t wrap my head around any parent losing a child.
However, it was one of the most beautiful nights I have ever been a part of. This was a celebration of Ronan’s life. We were to remember his fiery independent spirit, and not dwell on the fact that he is no longer here. It was amazing. Nothing short of breathtaking. To see everyone wearing all shades of white, cream, and splashes of pale purple, was gorgeous. The air was thick with love, and when we released balloons in the air, you couldn’t help but feel a quiet peacefulness that no one has felt in a long time. Through out the night I’d feel little gusts of wind whipping around, and I couldn’t help but think it was Ronan. It made me smile. I am forever grateful and changed by Ronan and the journey of the Thompson Family. I’ve been searching for a cause to fight for, and now I have one. Children’s cancer is so grossly underfunded and I’m determined to help change that.
I sat back and watched us all interact with each other for a moment. I couldn’t help but feel happily overwhelmed by watching us…taking nibbles off each other plates, sharing a look, squeezing a hand. There is a level of comfort and familiarity among people you grew up with regardless of how much time has passed. Each and every time I experience this; it overwhelms me, and makes me thankful of where I came from.
♥ ♥ ♥
Olivia
5.10.2011
Lots Of Shit
So, this is my 100th post. Yay. Whatever.
My friend's son died of cancer yesterday.
I'm thinking about deleting Facebook.
Random stuff, but it's all intertwined. Not sure if I'll clearly explain what I'm feeling, but here it goes.
I can't sleep. Previously in my life, when I'm stressed, sad or frustrated, my body just goes into sleep mode. I'm not one to sit and worry myself out of sleep. Quite the opposite. So, now something has changed...I've been awake since 2:45, and I don't think sleep is trying to find me.
I've posted about the little Rockstar Ronan I know, and his courageous fight with Neuroblastoma since last August when he was first diagnosed. Little Ronan Sean passed away peacefully yesterday morning in his mama's arms. I still find it surreal, and I hurt selfishly on a level I didn't even know existed. I keep asking myself, "How can I hurt so badly for a child that isn't even mine?" At work yesterday I was a complete mess. Everyone was asking what was wrong, and when I told them, they cried with me. Ronan has touched that many people. For that I will be forever grateful, but I always believed he would make it. I never let myself believe that death would be the final outcome. Maybe I was naive, or maybe I just believed that if I had enough faith, thought only positive thoughts, that that would somehow will the outcome I had wanted. I hurt for my friend.
This has all lead me to deleting my Facebook page. I haven't done it yet, but I posted last night that I was and left my email for those people who wanted to keep in contact. Ever since then I've been wrestling with that. Because Facebook has brought a lot of people back into my life who I totally enjoy. But it's brought a ton of sadness as well. And I'm not the type of person that can separate myself from it. I feel for people on a level that sometimes I wish I didn't. Maya's son got cancer and died. Before Facebook, Maya and I hadn't talked since I graduated. Amy's husband died suddenly and left her and 3 children behind. He was 36. I hadn't talked to Amy since graduation. Dave's sister was murdered by her ex-husband. I haven't talked to Dave since he graduated. Do you see what I'm getting at? These people's lives through Facebook have directly and indirectly affected mine in such ways I wish selfishly weren't possible. Only because I feel like I'm in a constant state or sorrow, sadness, anger, etc. because of the posts on Facebook. I don't think about these people as adults...I transport myself back to a time when we were kids and how carefree we were, and how we all had these hopes and dreams, and the above experiences would never have been a part of that. I know life is hard, and shit happens, but I'm a super emotional twit, and sometimes I think I just feel too much, and it sends me on a emotional roller coaster that effects everyone around me, and that isn't fair either. Sometimes I feel like I can't post funny stuff to Facebook because it really isn't important when people are dying. So my rash decision is to delete Facebook. As I write this, I don't think I will delete it, but rather suspend it for a while...clean out my "friends" list...get my priorities straight.
I've missed this blog of mine, but lately haven't felt like what I have to say really matters. But, this is my little space that I truly enjoy and I'm going to keep it that way.
Please keep The Thompson Family in your thoughts and prayers.
Be happy.
♥
Olivia
My friend's son died of cancer yesterday.
I'm thinking about deleting Facebook.
Random stuff, but it's all intertwined. Not sure if I'll clearly explain what I'm feeling, but here it goes.
I can't sleep. Previously in my life, when I'm stressed, sad or frustrated, my body just goes into sleep mode. I'm not one to sit and worry myself out of sleep. Quite the opposite. So, now something has changed...I've been awake since 2:45, and I don't think sleep is trying to find me.
I've posted about the little Rockstar Ronan I know, and his courageous fight with Neuroblastoma since last August when he was first diagnosed. Little Ronan Sean passed away peacefully yesterday morning in his mama's arms. I still find it surreal, and I hurt selfishly on a level I didn't even know existed. I keep asking myself, "How can I hurt so badly for a child that isn't even mine?" At work yesterday I was a complete mess. Everyone was asking what was wrong, and when I told them, they cried with me. Ronan has touched that many people. For that I will be forever grateful, but I always believed he would make it. I never let myself believe that death would be the final outcome. Maybe I was naive, or maybe I just believed that if I had enough faith, thought only positive thoughts, that that would somehow will the outcome I had wanted. I hurt for my friend.
This has all lead me to deleting my Facebook page. I haven't done it yet, but I posted last night that I was and left my email for those people who wanted to keep in contact. Ever since then I've been wrestling with that. Because Facebook has brought a lot of people back into my life who I totally enjoy. But it's brought a ton of sadness as well. And I'm not the type of person that can separate myself from it. I feel for people on a level that sometimes I wish I didn't. Maya's son got cancer and died. Before Facebook, Maya and I hadn't talked since I graduated. Amy's husband died suddenly and left her and 3 children behind. He was 36. I hadn't talked to Amy since graduation. Dave's sister was murdered by her ex-husband. I haven't talked to Dave since he graduated. Do you see what I'm getting at? These people's lives through Facebook have directly and indirectly affected mine in such ways I wish selfishly weren't possible. Only because I feel like I'm in a constant state or sorrow, sadness, anger, etc. because of the posts on Facebook. I don't think about these people as adults...I transport myself back to a time when we were kids and how carefree we were, and how we all had these hopes and dreams, and the above experiences would never have been a part of that. I know life is hard, and shit happens, but I'm a super emotional twit, and sometimes I think I just feel too much, and it sends me on a emotional roller coaster that effects everyone around me, and that isn't fair either. Sometimes I feel like I can't post funny stuff to Facebook because it really isn't important when people are dying. So my rash decision is to delete Facebook. As I write this, I don't think I will delete it, but rather suspend it for a while...clean out my "friends" list...get my priorities straight.
I've missed this blog of mine, but lately haven't felt like what I have to say really matters. But, this is my little space that I truly enjoy and I'm going to keep it that way.
Please keep The Thompson Family in your thoughts and prayers.
Be happy.
♥
Olivia
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