Smile

#5 What Makes you Smile?

Life! Here is a video I made a few years ago with this theme...









Smile

What an amazing year so far! 6 months in.

As half the year comes to an end I thought it would be a good time to do an update on what's been happening in my world.

January:
My nephew got married :) Congratulations Brandon and Mary!
Same Sex Marriage become legal in Florida!
Vic and I got engaged!

February:
Vic and I went to Orlando for a long weekend to spend some time with her friends from California. I hope this becomes and annual thing...Love them like family !

March:
Vic and I Got Married!
We kept Devon (my great nephew) over night for the first time. He was 7 months old.

April:
Booked our honeymoon flights to Paris!

May:
Went to Springfield Mo for my annual girls weekend with my friends from grade school/high school years.

June:
Supreme Court Ruling Same Sex Marriage a right nationwide!

What an amazing year so far! I am going into the second half feeling very blessed.

Venting

It's no secret that my sister is an addict. It's something I've had in my life since she was a  teenager. Going from drug programs to stints in  jail. There were years with her being a functioning addict but I knew better than to try and have a conversation after dark. Her voice would grow louder, her tone more cutting, interrupting and talking over me if it were on the phone, in person she was clingy and too close or angry and running away.

The worst for me was never knowing what to expect. Cross that ...it's now knowing what to expect and never being proved wrong.

As a teenager there was hope that she would out grow her bad behaviors. When she became a mother there was that hope again.and again as she became a grandmother..Always trying to look for the positive and hope she'd "wake up" and be normal one day. The curse of my rose colored glasses.

We've had years that we talked almost every day and years that our conversations were scattered from weeks to months between conversation. I think she has always known that push come to shove I would be there for her. Foolishly I thought the same about her. I saw how wrong I was when our father died.

I think what makes me the most angry (besides everything) is that she pushes people away, drinks and keeps us out of her thoughts. It doesn't bother her that no one calls, or visits or invites her to family things because she has pushed those feelings away with drinking. My dad once explained to me that she will call and wreck havoc on our worlds with the latest crisis and we will be up all night thinking of ways to help her , while she is getting her drink on and sleeping only to not remember any of it the next day while we wake up sleep deprived and still worrying about her.

It's been a few weeks now since she has called, in the middle of the night with a drunken crisis. I have not called her to check in, she has not called me. I don't even know if she remembers the call. I still worry when I hear the police helicopters over head, and still check  the arrest reports from time to time but my worry as she's gotten older is that she will have a stroke or drink herself to death. I think her boyfriend would call us but I really don't know. I'm not sure what I'd do if i got that call.

I wish I had the ability to just put her out of my mind and not think or worry so much about the life she is wasting. I have always had such a strong bond with her...I could sense when things were  wrong, she often sounded amazed when I'd call just when she needed me. I've tried to tone those feelings down and not tune in but with doing that I feel a loss.

January 4 2014

It feels like more than four days have passed since I last posted.
I did make it up until midnight on New Years Eve. Kissing my Vic, cuddling with the babies. Much different than last NYE but sweet all the same. :)


1/1/2015 I worked (Venice Office) on the 1st with a few other agents and my sister and her husband. There were over a hundred tenants arriving on that day. Many of them ended up not coming until later. It wasn't as busy or crazy as I thought it would be. Within minutes of people checking in they would be calling with problems of TV's not working (missing their football games) or WiFi not working (more often than not it was user error) and a few true problems like a flooded kitchen or someone setting off the home security system.
It was nice to come home  to cornbread and beef stew that Vic had made. I think that is something that you don't truly appreciate growing up...coming home to home cooked meals. Vic and I don't do a lot of cooking (me even less ) so it's pretty special and appreciated when one of us does cook.

1/2/2015   Weekly weight in day...I found those extra pounds that I thought I had missed picking up over Christmas. Ugh.
I went to work in Sarasota with Vic. On our way we had to stop and pick up Vic's evidence of aging (glasses ) ...She called it that and it cracked me up , I told her I was going to have to use it in my blog (I was banned from using it on facebook or twitter LOL) But please notice Vic, I am giving you full credit!
The glasses look great. It will take some time to get used to the progressive lenses but I am so happy that she is enjoying seeing everything so much clearer (except maybe our wrinkles and under eye bags that she pointed out on the way home)
Working in Sarasota just one day a week is getting harder now that season is here. We didn't get out of there until after 6pm.

1/3/2015 My nephew got married! I was so impressed that they were able to put it all together in just a few days. Mary borrowed a dress that fit her perfectly. Devon and Brandon matched with red shirts, black pants and ties. There was a sit down meal after the wedding, cake, a champagne toast (they are only 19 but did get to have their toasts) Thankfully there were lots of pictures taken. I 'm so glad they had a chance to work things out with my sister before the wedding so she could be there.

Vic and I had just laid down for bed when we got a work call. One of the tenants just arrived and had forgotten to bring their lockbox key. We keep a spare but it appears someone took it so we headed up to Sarasota to let them in. It was a big beautiful full (or almost full) moon so on the way home we stopped off at Venice beach and played in the sand. Once I got back in bed and fell asleep my dreams were haunted by lock boxes and lost keys.  

I don't think that I'll have much more to add for today (1/4/2015) it's going to be a day of football. Sisterwives is back on tonight so we'll probably catch that too :) I'm glad that our shows are starting to come back on. We did find a few new things to binge on , yesterday it was The Knick.  A look at the professional and personal lives of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century.

Autumn Begins

I don't know if it is because I was born in October or what, but Fall has always been my favorite season. Living in Florida now I don't get to enjoy it as much as I did up north. It doesn't cool off in the evenings here and the leaves don't change colors.

Some of my favorite fall memories are playing in the leaves, missing school one day and going out with my mom to take fall pictures in the park, smelling the scents of cinnamon and apples as mom changed out her candles around the house.

This picture was taken in Moberly, Mo . It is of my family. (I'm the one with glasses) The photographer Rob Vance just passed away I heard today :( , he was a life long friend of the family and the reason we moved to Venice Fl. 29 years ago.

I've been in the mood to decorate for fall this year. I picked up some glittery pumpkins at the dollar tree (everything is better with glitter!) and set them on the counter at work. I ordered a large lot of soaps and creams from Bath & Body works in all the yummy pumpkin flavors.  If I was really adventurous I'd bake a  pumpkin pie but not sure I'm up to that. I did watch a youtube video last night with some pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes that looked pretty delish, I'll share the link with you here.

Here are a few other fall photos from my college days.

Happy July!

Happy July my friends!
It's been a busy summer so far! I have...
1. started selling on Amazon
2. had a girls week at the beach
4. spent the 4th of July at the beach with family
5. celebrated my nieces graduation from nursing school
6. closed on our house
7. started back up on ebay
8. went to the movies (Tammy)
9. celebrated 4 years blogging!

Now I'm just trying to catch my breath and find enough hours in the week to fit in work, shopping, shipping, watching big brother and play time with Vic and the furchildren.

What has your summer looked like?

Before/After and weekly update 2/19/2014

I had my hair done today. I covered up the grey and did a few streaks of color. As always Heide did a fantastic job. I love my hair.
I also had a facial and waxed my eye brows...that is the reason they are a bit red and puffy.

Sooooooooooo anyway. We've had a busy week. We know five people expecting babies all around the same time. Some are still a secret so I can't mention any names. So very exciting! I am looking forward to shopping for babies and having babies join our holidays.

Last weekend was Valentines Day. Vic had pink roses (my favorite) sent to me at work and then we met after work for a romantic dinner at the Pavilion Grill..it was yummy!
House of Cards is back up for season 2 so most of the weekend was watching that.

We have decided we are going to TN for Thanksgiving again this year. Got the cabin booked today. It will be hard since the last time we were there was with my dad but I'm also thinking it will bring me peace being in the mountains again. That cabin was so peaceful the first time and it will be nice to get away and have this new tradition with Victor and Vic.

Tonight I'm  heading back out for a night of Bingo with my friend Lisa. I am actually looking forward to it. If I don't win anything I'd better win the powerball..it's TIME!

I'll check back in later..Chow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are spending the day with my mom and her partner Greg this year. Victor, Brittany, Mark and Brandon will be joining Vic and I also for moms yummy turkey dinner with all the fixins.

I hope that you all have a blessed and peaceful holiday.

xoxox
Holly

Day 1: Counting my Blessings

On this first day of November I am thankful. I am thankful for the wonderful family that I was born into.
Without them I would not even be here to count anything.
I was blessed to be born into a loving family that wanted me. (well it may have taken my older sister a little longer on that)

September

Ok This September!   I'm just as obsessed  with the fall TV schedule as ever. I still watch too much TV. Some of the shows I'm watching or looking forward to watching: Gray Anatomy, Parenthood, Hostages, Sister Wives, Revenge, Homeland, The Little Couple, Person Of Interest,nashville,Scandal,Shark Tank,Amazing Race,Ray Donavan,Newsroom,Life Below Zero going to miss Breaking Bad..the final episode is on tonight. My DVR is on overdrive with all of this activity. Big Brother 15 came to an end with Andy winning. It was a very mean spirited year on BB and can only hope next summer is bettter. With that being said I didn't  miss an episode and went as far as to watch the after dark episodes and many youtube/twitter and facebook posts..I need an intervention!

My sister turned 50 this year!
 

We enjoyed some peace with nature. Getting ready for a crazy busy October.

 


Septembers Past
2012 My dads cancer was back and he started another round of Chemo in Sept. Not a happy time.

2011: the dogs playing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb0pQHYxTHk
          Final episode aired of All My Children
          Went to Mi Pueblo with Trace, Anita,Deb, Linda and Vic

          The First Butchlesque!

          Helped Deb and Linda pack up the truck to move.
       
          Started my weight loss blog (bandedinflorida.blogpsot.com) My first blog post over there: http://bandedinflorida.blogspot.com/2012/09/pre-surgery.html

2010: A trip to Mote Marine, a view of the dolphins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKqjnSSfY90

          Gin passed away from Cancer (Brittany's fiance) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EizrzRrPVSM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUkEYaSI1fUCmrQR7ovB92cw

          Went and saw "The Kids Are All Right" here is a blog I wrote about it: http://whathollyhasseen.blogspot.com/2010/09/night-at-movies.html

2009: Took the dogs to the beach http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOOoksH_6h0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZJGWH7U2Hs

           We closed J's Home Furnishings

2008: Vic visited Fl to see me for the first time! Here is an evening on the south jetty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZJGWH7U2Hs and here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yww8DfgJJs8

1973 Started public Kindergarten in Fargo North Dakota at Horace Mann

1972 I was almost 5 and started private Kindergarten at First Methodist Day School in North Dakota

Weekly Update Aug. 6

Another super busy week but a much happier week having my dad and his wife visiting from TN.
He's been here six days now and we've crunched so much in so far! We went to Mote Marine on a sea life excursion trip Saturday. Here is a quick video of the day..



Backing up a bit. I had my first visit with the doctor for my psych. evaluation last week. I have to go again this week. Hopefully I'll pass..lol I also started the healthy eating class and learned so much in the first class. I've been trying to change some habits but it has not been easy sticking to the diet plan with company and eating out. This weeks class addresses emotional eating and  eating out..wish that would have been last weeks class!

My sister got out of jail and called me first thing this morning. Of course hearing her voice and talking to her for a few minutes just reminded me why I love her so much. As aggravated as she makes me she is still my sister and we will get thru this.

A few pictures from the week

Merry Christmas!

I don't know if I say this every Christmas or not, but I think this was one of the best Christmas's ever. Sure, there are sad things going on around us but as we get older I think that is just going to happen more and more. It makes us appreciate what we have (our health) so much more.

This year in following with the tradition of hope for the holidays that Vic's dear friend Sue started before she lost her battle with cancer, we helped one of my friends that I've had since grade school. Her husband has been in the hospital for the last 4 months and things have been a challenge for them. Hearing about all the people that joined us and sent her things/money/prayers was like opening a gift myself every day. Knowing that people care enough to stop what they are doing in their lives and reach out to someone else in this day and age gives me hope and not just for the holidays!

Vic and I have do not have many "traditions" for our holidays yet. The last few years we'd get something big for "us" and call it a Christmas. (D.J. was my most memorable US gift).This year there wasn't really anything we needed so we did little gifts everyday for the week  prior to Christmas saving one  last gift for this morning. We decided we love this tradition and will continue it because it stretches  Christmas out for us!  Over the week I got a tervis tumbler that I LOVE, a "my dachshund loves me" T-Shirt, a dachshund and a yellow lab ornament for the tree, bubble bath, lotto scratch offs that I won $47 on and a few more things!! Vic got some smell good stuff,a manicure set and a Kindle.

The one thing that is a tradition for us is to go to my sisters house Christmas eve and snack on food all day while playing silly games. This year it was name that tune with music from all eras. Brittany won by far. There was lots of laughing, sharing and loving.

As most years there was not a shortage of gifts under the tree. What made this year extra special was my mothers gifts to us. She gave us things from our childhood that brought back so many good memories. My sisters and I all got our silver baby cups that she had engraved             when we were born. I got my  grandmothers china that I had admired and commented on many times over the years. Steph got my grandmothers collection of toby mugs. We all got old cookbooks and childhood books that were passed down from grandparents, to parents and now to us, the one I got was dated back to the 40's and I think some of my nieces were from the 20's ! My brother in law and niece got several of my Grandfathers old pencil sharpeners. I remember he used to have those all over the place. You just never know when you'll need to sharpen a pencil!

My mom also gave my sisters and I three of the Lladros figurines that she got when she went to Spain back in the 70's . Mine is this one :http://www.lladro.com/figurines/01014665-GIRL_WITH_BASKET/  Since she couldn't remember which one was each of our favorites she put numbers on the ribbons on the box and we picked a ribbon, inside the box she numbered the position of each figure and the one that matched our ribbon was ours. As it worked out we all got the one that was our favorite when we were growing up! Something i was treasure for always and remind me of my mom.

The tear jerker item was when my older sister Stephanie opened a box with a pair of her baby shoes and a little while purse she wore one Easter. We all commented that we remembered it having tiny white gloves with it...she opened the tiny purse and it still had the tiny white gloves! Thank you mom for keeping such precious mementos.

June 23 Black and White

Sorry I missed three days on both challenges, Vic's best friend Sue lost her battle with cancer on Sunday and I just could not get my mind into blogging. :( 

The photo of the day topic today is "Black and White"  here are some of my favorite black and white family pictures I have scanned.

June 11th Photo of the Day & 21 Day Summer Challenge

June 11th, Photo of the day : Silhouette (my cat Pony Boy)

Day 2: Summer , do you Love it or Hate it?
 
I love summer weather but not hurricane season. I love that we can go to restaurants and not  have to wait for hours like during season but I miss the money that the busy season brings our business (vacation rentals). I love summer holidays (4th of July) and have fantastic summer memories of my grandmas porch swing, catching lightening bugs, watching fireworks in the park, going to the lake and celebrating my sisters birthday.

June 12: what do you think of when you hear the word summer?

Ho Ho Ho

I hope that everyone out there had a very merry Christmas!!

Our family always celebrates together on Christmas Eve. We went to my older sisters house around 3. My brother in law fried a turkey for sandwiches and we had other yummies to munch on. I brought the crack candy , mom made her delicious spinach dip and brought some new pumpkin pie dessert that Vic and I ended up bringing home. My niece Mallory made chocolate chocolate chip cookies and Steph made party mix (yay!).

Once we all were there we played a holiday version of Bingo. The winner of each game got a lottery scratch off ticket. My sister Britt and  her son Brandon were the big winners..they won three lotto tickets and when scratched Brittany ended up winning $45..you go girl!  Greg (mom's beau) won a card too but he didn't scratch it last night. I spoke to her this morning and she didn't mention being new millionaires or anything so I'm guessing he didn't win big.

Some of my favorite gifts were..a frame that mom and Greg made Vic and I. I love it because they made it, and that it has my moms handwriting on it. The picture of us was one we took earlier in the year when we came to visit them for a crab boil.

My sister, Steph, had some glasses made for Vic and I with pictures of the furchildren on them..It was so touching that Vic and I almost teared up a little when we saw them!

All in all it was a lovely Christmas. We were home earlier than most years (6:30 ish) but still didnt manage to get to bed until after midnight. I think we were laughing to Hank Hill  on TV right before I fell asleep.

We are heading back to the homeless camp today with the propane that they asked for a few days ago. Vic also picked up some oranges, veggies, canned soups and coffee with money that my mom donated. Right now  we are being lazy enjoying a quiet Christmas morning watching movies and munching on some of the food we brought home from last night.

Vic made me cry this morning with a very sweet card and gift bag full of yummies. We were not going to exchange anything because we got our gifts for each other earlier ..but Vic didn't follow the rules. I'm secretly glad...because I LOVE my card!! I have some lotto scratch offs to do  in a bit too! I'll be sure I'll tell you if I win BIG! :)

Here are some pictures of my sisters fur children from yesterday...I hope that you all have enjoyed your holiday as much as we have.