Happy New Year

As 2012 comes to its final hours I am reflecting on everything we went through this past year. I could focus on the fact that my dad was diagnosed with cancer and be sad about the friends that moved on but I choose to remember the good times as only my rose colored glasses will allow. I now talk to my dad everyday with the wonderful invention of SKYPE, so I can also see his smiling eyes and beautiful bald head. I was able to make a few trips to TN  and Vic, Victor and I spent one of my best Thanksgivings yet up in the mountains with my dad, his wife and her cousins. 

Our business is growing, our vision boards have more items checked off than not , our fur children are healthy and happy and I am loved. What a year! :) 

I hope whatever your challenges are in 2013 you are able to see the silver lining and hidden  blessings.

Christmas for the dogs

2012

2012

December 16, 2012 1:10 PM

IPSY DEC BAG

Last month I signed up on http://www.ipsy.com/ to get a glam bag every month. It is $10 a month and each month you get a make up bag (as seen in the picture above) with make up in it.

This months bag included: Mai Couture Highlighter Paper.
                                          Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes
                                          Be a Bombshell Hot Mess Lip Gloss
                                          Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil
                                          NYX Ultra Pearl Eye Shadow

This is my second month of getting the bag and I love it. I'm not a huge make up person but I do usually wear the basics (eye liner, lip gloss, blush) I had no make up on before my bag came today, the photo above was taken after I tried everything in the bag. :)

The lipgloss looked like it would be really red but it was kind of sheer..this is two coats on me and it's still more of a blush color than red.

I LOVE the urban decay eye pencil...it did glide right on ...just need a little mascara.

The Mirabella Prime was a clear liquid that felt like powder when I put it on my face. It's a primer to use as a base for any mirabella foundation. I used it on it's own before I put my highlighter paper on. I found it on the mirabella website for $29, same size as what came in my bag.

I was super impressed with the Mai Couture highlighter paper. You tear a sheet out of the booklet and lightly press and sweep along your cheek bones and any other areas of your body that you want highlighted. I have no other blush on and it looks very natural but gave me some color.

The NYX loose eye powder brushed on very smoothly almost like a liquid. I love the color.

I am not being paid for this review , just sharing because I found IPSY by seeing it on a friends blog and I'm so happy that I did...it's like a present to yourself every month!

Chilling with the furchildren

Dakota

D.J.

SCOUT

Dexter

Christmas Letters

I wish I was more creative and could write a decent Christmas letter. I always enjoy making fun of reading them.  I've tried to write one but it sounds lame. Do I write what we've been up to this year? Do I leave out my sisters stint in Jail or dad's cancer? How fa la la la la is that kind of news? Not so jolly.

I even thought of writing it about another family...I could pick a TV Family...or how about the housewives of Atlanta,NY, NJ, OC, etc...yeah I didn't think anyone would want to read about that either...

I could have my dogs write it..now that would be interesting. We should leave it to Dexter...Scout isn't all that bright and I'm afraid we would not understand his spelling. Dakota would turn it into a wish list of things she wants and DJ would get distracted and eat the pencil.

I've searched the internet for christmas letters and found some very good ones. Do you think anyone would notice if I just used one of them? I would change the signature line of course...

Source: vintagexmascards.com via Denise on Pinterest

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are getting all packed and ready to leave bright and early tomorrow for the Great Smokey Mountains! This year will be extra special because Victor (Vics son) will be joining us. We have rented a charming cabin in TN to be closer to my dad.

Today ....is packing day and to say we are stressed is an understatement. The phones from work have been ringing with issues that normally would be no big deal but since we are trying to  leave tomorrow  it puts us in over drive for today. Victor is out running service calls, Vic is on the laptop answering leads and putting out any last minute fires and I am doing laundry, washing the dogs, making beds and of course fitting time in to blog! :)

I know it will all be ok. Any problems will still be there next week when we get back. It's not like last year when we went on a cruise...there is no answering phones/emails etc. from the Bahamas. We are taking our lap tops, cell phones and work info so we can head off any issues while we are away. We have set up some back up plans back here with one of our cleaners and our handyman so it's not like there will be no one in town to take care of things...BUT I'm still stressed ...hope it goes away the further away from FL I get.

Dad's been sick the last couple of days too..Kidney stones, diverticulitis, Kidney infection and just feeling crappy from chemo. I'm praying that he feels better soon and will enjoy the week without feeling bad, gulity, sad, etc. I hope to take lots of photos, videos and make some awesome memories. :)

My older sister and her family are going to MO for her inlaws 60th wedding anniversary celebration. My younger sister is not celebrating  holidays this year (nothing new..she says this almost every year) but it works out because she's watching my house and fur babies. My mom is doing something with friends and her beau I'm sure...they have fun all year long and don't need a holiday to celebrate being Thankful. :)

Thank you dear blog for letting me vent. I'm sure it will all work out...

Miley Cyrus's Let that Man Go Mango Mojito

She Cracks me up!!!

Nicole Westbrook - It's Thanksgiving (Official Video)

Shrimp on the barbie

Happy Veterans Day!

What's for dinner...YUM
Garlic Shrimp Mix 1/2 stick softened butter, 1 cup chopped parsley, 2 chopped garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Toss with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 pound unpeeled large shrimp and a big pinch of red pepper flakes. Divide between 2 foil packets. Grill over high heat, 8 minutes.

Go Out And Vote!

My youngest turns 3!

Tomorrow (October 16th) my youngest fur baby turns 3!  
Happy Birthday D.J. !!

Social Sunday

This Weeks Questions:

1. Favorite Childhood book: The Velveteen Rabbit

2. Favorite Book Lately: Fifty Shades of Grey

3. Book you wish you could live in.Any of the Harry Potter Books.

4.If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?

   Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Love, Pray  because her journey was a beautiful one and she learned so much about herself.

5.Favorite book turned movie.

6. Favorite Magazines. Real Simple,O,Cosmo

Next Weeks Questions:

Next Weeks Questions: Deep Thoughts with Ashley and Neely

1. What do you value most in life?
2. What do you think is the greatest invention in your lifetime and why?
3. What do you think is the secret to a good life?
4. What would you most like to be remembered for when you’re gone?
5. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
6. If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you?

Wordless Wednesday

Cancer Sucks!

1967-2012 Happy Birthday To ME

Shadow Shot Sunday

Be A Part of Siesta Key History

I was so excited when I opened the Siesta Key Newsletter yesterday and saw a doxie! We of course will be going over to the chamber to buy a poster.

This is what was said about it:

Be a Part of Siesta Key History!

Local Artist Brendan Coudal and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce invite you to name Brendan's newest painting of a classic retro-style gal and her little pal proudly showing off their sandcastle. The collectible poster will be used to help promote the 3rd Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition and now, we all have a fun opportunity to be a part of Siesta Key's history!  This is the third year Brendan's artwork has been featured by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce celebrating the island's renowned events. This collectable poster, as well as his previous year's posters, "Siesta Sweetie" and "What a Predicament", are available for purchase at the Siesta Key Chamber or through the artist directly. Posters will be for sale at the event and the artist will be on hand to sign and/or personalize your poster. The original painting, a stunning 24x36 inch oil on canvas, is also available for purchase and can be presently seen in the Chamber office. Please email your suggestions to Brendan directly atbrendan@brendancoudal.com; include your full name, suggested title(s) and your contact information. The deadline is November 4th, 2012. The winner will receive the framed #1 print of the 1,000 limited edition signed and numbered collectable posters, and a 'mystery' stuffed beach bag from the Chamber of Commerce. A portion of the proceeds from the poster sales will also go to the Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. Good luck!

Equal Rights

This week Vic (my partner) and I have been getting our affairs in order. We've seen an attorney to have our wills drawn up, power of attorney, medical power of attorney done and looked into life insurance and what will best protect us in case one of us would fall ill or die.

I know so many people  think the only reason gay people fight for gay marriage is so that we can have a ceremony and all the hoop la of a wedding. That is so far from the reason that most of us want marriage to be a legal option for us. It's more so we have the same rights as a married couple has. It's unfair that we have to spend so much more money just to protect ourselves. When we buy a home together we have to do it as joint tenants with the right of survivorship.

I know we have civil unions and domestic partnerships but they don't afford the same rights as "marriage" does when it comes to the laws in this country.  Some of my friends were surprised to hear that in Florida gay couples were not allowed to adopt a child and  Arkansas and Utah ban any unmarried straight or gay couples from adopting or fostering children. Mississippi bans gay couples, but not single gays, from adopting.  So much for what is best for the children. I bet those people would also be surprised to hear that in many states I could be fired for just being gay. 

That's all for my rant today...

Nothing as sweet as a sleeping baby

TV viewing updates

Happy Friday!!!
After waiting all summer for the fall shows to return they are finally here! I calendared all of the dates and times so I wouldn't miss a show. I sat down all excited to watch Parenthood because I wasn't sure that show was coming back and then WAM they bring cancer into the story line. :(  I really don't need sad story lines to follow...life has enough of that!

Then there is Grays Anatomy last night...another tear jerker! I guess I could go tune into Honey Boo Boo but it was hard enough to sit thru 10 minutes of that show. I felt like I should run to the phone and call child protective services.

My faithful stand by is my reality tv fix...real housewives of...fill in the blank. The drama on NJ and NY seasons have had Vic and I cracking up..and thinking our lives are pretty dull if this is any indication of how people live.

Even football has had some drama this season. Luckily that is about to end now that footlocker has taken its employees back off the field. Go Cowboys! :)

What are you watching or looking forward to watching? I can't wait for Revenge to come back on...I think that show is brilliant.  We watched "Last Resort" last night and it was pretty action packed but I'm not sure how they will make a full season out of it, looked more like a movie.

If you have not checked out Person of Interest yet go do so. We caught re-runs a few months ago and have been hooked. Love that show!

Another show if you have Starz Channel is BOSS with Kelsie Grammar...not my favorite actor but he's excellent in the show. He plays the corrupt mayor of Chicago.

Tell me what you think of these shows!

James Taylor Sings "Romney & Bain" ("Fire & Rain" Parody) - Jimmy Fallon

Politics

I used to say that I had the most supportive family regarding me being in a same sex relationship. I would hear horror stories from my friends of how they were treated by their own flesh and blood.  Just recently I was told that a brother told his gay sister not to touch his children because they would get AIDS.  Another gay friends family tried to send him to a doctor or church to "fix" him.    I was lucky because my family was nice to my partners and I took that as being supportive. I was wrong.

When the owner of Chik fil A said he opposed gay marriage and the media made such a big deal out of it and there was a day everyone was suppose to either boycott the establishment or show support and go, my family went ..and said it was in the spirit of freedom of speech. It didn't matter that the speech was against my rights.

In the day and age of facebook you can't get away from all the political conversations going on. I hardly recognize my father and his hateful rants about Obama and then in the next breath he types about wanting GOD and religion back  in our schools, sporting events, etc. How about being more like God and working on making the world a better place.  How can someone that taught me so much about the beauty of nature be saying drill baby drill, the man that taught me to see both sides is now not looking at the other side ....Who is this person?!

I respect every ones right to vote for who ever they want, Lord knows I would not want anyone telling me who to vote for. I just wish the lines were not so rigid that the chance of working together and making the world a better place didn't seem so out of the question.

I have always avoided talking about politics. I never really thought who was in office truly mattered much to me. I guess as I've gotten older and am in a group of people that have to fight for the same rights that everyone else gets I have changed. I see the benefits that having Obama as president have made in my life. My partner has finally been able to get insurance where she was unable to in the past because of "pre exisiting conditions".

When I compare the two men running for president the main difference I see is one of them  supports me and one does not. It's not just a gay marriage thing...it's having the same rights as every one else. I should not be treated less than while I'm paying the exact same taxes as the married couple next door. We have come so far and I hate to think of starting all over again.  And don't even get me started on setting women back by having Romney as president...just look at his church.

Update Aug. 27, 2012

I'm not doing very well with my updates. I have a few minutes today so I'm going to try and remember what has been going on since my last post on Aug. 6th. I made a little video of all things Aug. 2012 ...enjoy!



I have not gotten a date for the lap band surgery yet. I did complete my required visits with a psychiatrist (I passed lol) and I have finished my two weeks of eating for life classes. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the dietitian and then another meeting with the surgeon. So many hoops for insurance to cover this. I'm thinking it will happen in October sometime..happy birthday to me!

We've had a little excitement this past weekend with Hurricane Isaac. It was only a tropical storm when it passed our way. We had heavy rain and wind last night but nothing like we thought it might be. Vic and I went out and got some pictures and enjoyed the energy of the storm but it wasn't nearly has bad as Tropical Storm Debby was for us.

I still have not seen my sister. We've talked a few times but that is about it.I'm okay with that too. My dad something to me that made a lot of sense. He said, you get upset and three days later you're still upset and worried about her, she gets over it and goes on doing exactly what she does and three days later she's fine and having another drink...

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

Little Sister

Dear Sister,

I have started this letter in my head about a million times.
I am so angry about so many things that I just don't know where to start.  I have said the serenity prayer over and over until it just doesn't make any sense at all. I know I can not change you, I try and have faith that you will decide one day that YOU can change you but I really have lost hope that that will happen.

I'm angry that over half your life has been spent with us worrying about you. I am angry that you have not set a better example for your son. I am angry that you are so wrapped up in yourself that you can't be there for me when I need you.

You are 41 years old. You have spent more than half your life not taking care of yourself. You will most likely end  up needing someone to take care of you because of your decisions .  I can't just pretend like I don't have a younger sister so I know I have more years of worry.

It's sick that the only time I can feel at peace is when you are in jail. It's the only time i don't flashback when helicopters fly over head. It's the only time that I know you are eating and not drinking. It's the only time I don't worry that I'll get a phone call that you've hurt someone or yourself while being drunk/high.

It makes me sad to look at the pain on mom and dads face when they ask me how you are doing because they have distanced themselves so much they don't even call you themselves. It makes me sad to hear the tone of helplessness when they talk about how they wish things were different.

It makes me furious to see your son spinning out of control and posting such crap on facebook knowing he doesn't have anyone in his life showing him an example of what a good, happy, law abiding life is like.  He should be enjoying his teen years ..do you remember EVER having to worry about mom and dad fighting or going to jail when we were growing up? NO you didn't. You had a safe, loving home with a family that loved and supported you no matter what.

I wish I could be more like Steph and just turn off the feelings and pretend like everything is just fine on holidays when we all get together. I've tried, that just doesnt work for me. I love you, I miss the good times, the laughter, the sober girl that played cards with me all day long . I miss our inside jokes. I miss you.

There comes a point in life when you get real with yourself. It's been happening for a while now. After Gin died I was there for you. I was with you every day,  helping you with the most basic of things. Then one day you decided you'd had enough and went off to the bars. I was home alone. Vic was in California being by her best friends side while she died of cancer. I needed you. I called and got no answer. My sister radar kicked in and I knew just where I'd find you...I drove to the bar and found your car outside. I called again..when I didn't reach you the next day I came by your house to find you hungover, in bed with Mark. You didn't bother to let me know you were ok. My messages were ignored. I realized right then how one sided our relationship has always been.  I took a big step back.

We stopped talking everyday. I would only hear from you when you needed money transferred. You couldn't bother to figure out how to do your own banking and why should you...you had me. The fool that always came to your rescue. The idiot that defended and stuck up for you no matter what.

I didn't want to even listen when Mark called last month about you being in jail again. I wanted to  hang up and pretend I never took the call. I didn't want to be the "go to" girl that the family contacted to see if anything was new with you. I didn't want to have to tell Dad as he was already in the fight of his life beating cancer.  Everyone had opinions, suggestions, advise. I just wanted to put  those rose colored glasses on and say "what sister?"

I didn't want to ever visit you in jail again..but I did. twice. I wasn't going to write to you in jail. But I did..twice. My letter wasn't all that nice this time around. You probably wish I wouldn't have sent it..I know, me too.

Know what makes me the maddest? The guilt. I worry and feel guilty that if I'm not there helping you pick up the pieces and try to make things easier on you , you will just give up.

I know your answer will be "I never told you to love me" or worry about me or whatever...you never did understand
 it was never a choice.

I do love you little sister..but today I must love you from over...........here.

Weekly Update July 22 2012

I feel like this was such a stressful week. We had work issues with cleaners and not just on one property but on several. Had to let some go, warn others and hire some new ones. It really stinks that we can put so much time and attention into managing a property and lose it over something we don't control (how good of a job the cleaning teams do) ..anyway...we survived and learned some lessons and will be making the necessary changes so it doesnt ever happen again.

I did have some positive news this week. I found out my dad is coming to visit in August!
My sister will be out of jail in August (another long story that I have chosen not to blog about ..yet) I had my "meet the surgeon" this week and am anxious to get everything done so I can have my surgery.I'm a little disappointed that it won't happen as quickly as I thought it would. I am guessing/hoping by October I'll be ready for surgery. I got my first doctor visit in already, and called the doctor for the psych evaluation but she's gone until Tuesday so that will hopefully happen next week.  My food/nutrition classes don't start until August so I have to sit back and wait for that. So much of the process is just waiting things out. Drives.Me.Crazy.

We did have a wonderful time out last night with friends. Everytime we do this we come away saying that we must do it more often. I hope we do. Good friends should never be taken for granted! Thank you Lisa, Kim,Del and Karen for always being so easy to be with.

I also got good news from my ex that we got an offer on our house! I hope this ones goes thru and we can be done with that chapter of our lives. I miss that house and loved it very much but have felt for many years now that if I couldn't live in it I didn't really want him to either...that may or may not be a good way to think but it is what it is.

I am going to take a deep breath, talk Vic into going to the beach today and try to recharge for next week.

Before I go I send out prayers to all involved in the terrible movie theater shooting Friday in Colorado. I can't even wrap my brain around how someone does that...:(

Here a few pictures I took this week. Something I saw at my doctors office, a wonderful dish from Tropical Thai Restaurant in Sarasota, and a few pictures we took while junk shopping at Sarasota Salvage...a very cool place!!

Seen at my doctors office, remember Y2k?

Tropical Thai in Sarasota

Sarasota Salvage

Weekly Update 7-14-12

It's been over a week since I've done an update. I did however add a 4th of July video and  hoped that that would count :)

It's been a pretty stressful couple of weeks with family drama stuff..I may or may not write about it later but for now I'm just leaving it as family drama. It has really upset my world and has made me quite "off" for the past month. :(

Nothing new on the weight loss thing..I go in this next week and will hopefully have more to report on that later.

I had my annual doctors appointment this last week. Finished it off with a mammogram yesterday, just how I love to start my Fridays. 

Work has been pretty busy. Just the normal drama stuff there. Nothing too exciting. 

Wow this is not a very fun update...I'll leave you with some pictures I took during the week...:) They always make me smile.

My Instagram pictures from this week, Lots of the dachshunds..cause they are so damn cute!

July 4th 2012

Weekly Update June 30, 2012

Ugh! What a long ass week this has been...We woke up today..actually it's after midnight so it was yesterday, but anyway..we woke up so happy that we made it to Friday and then had another LONG day with it's own kind of frustrations.

I had an appointment at the weight loss clinic about the lap bad this week. I found out I have to go to a meeting with the surgeon but the next meeting isn't until like July 19 so I have to wait another 3 weeks..not what I wanted to hear but there was so much going on this week it didn't really matter.

Tropical storm Debby wrecked havoc on our beaches and our tenants. We had so much fun running around making videos of the waves over the weekend, be sure to check out my youtube channel for those exciting videos. Then we started work and had one complaint after the other, that's what happens when the weather is less than perfect, people complain about EVERYTHING.  The sun didn't come out until late Wednesday.

Tomorrow (now today) is St. Pete Pride. We didn't think we were going to get to go because of a listing appointment but it got changed to today (now yesterday). So then we thought we'd get to go but before we even made it home last night Victor called and the jeeps brakes froze up. We called AAA and waited, and waited, and waited for the tow truck. We got back to Venice with the jeep and realized the tow truck driver dude messed up the jeeps brake lines with the hook he used to pulled the  jeep up on the truck bed. It was just one thing after another and now tomorrow (today) we'll be spending our time getting the jeep fixed. At least we have fun plans tomorrow (tonight) with friends!

My dad was able to get his chemo last week. He goes in Monday for the scan to tell us if the chemo worked and how well. Please say a prayer that everything is great and he can go on with life and enjoy some doctor free time.


Here are my instagram photos of this week..

Crow's Nest in Venice, FL (had dinner there this week)

The south Jetty during Tropical Storm Debby, right before they closed the jetty to traffic

Victor in his new office chair we got him for passing the real estate test

The South Jetty Rocks with sea weed the waves threw up on them

Sharkys Pier, we had lunch there

Scout smiling because  he was allowed on the sofa

Sharkys Pier , Venice FL