One small road trip for a woman

I have lived a life of fear, though now to a lesser extent than in the past. Today I did something that I'm very proud of. I drove a pickup truck from one city to another and back again to bring home something that I chose to buy on my own. Let's break down that accomplishment.

1. I drove a truck! I hate driving large vehicles and goodness knows how glad I am that I didn't have to park it anywhere small. Normally I avoid driving anything larger than our sedan if I can possibly help it. It was actually quite fun and I enjoyed the get up and go of the thing, nodding sedately to other truck drivers as we passed each other on the road.

2. I drove it from one city to the next. While it isn't so unusual for me to get on a highway and drive nowadays, it's still something that fills me with anxiety.

3. I chose to make a major purchase on my own. I studied, prayed, looked around, and got what I wanted.

4. I identified something I wanted. Some of you will understand the enormity of this better than others. I wanted it. I wanted it! I could say that, work to get it, and love it when I got it. I was able to deliberately declare my desire to obtain this thing, and intentionally go and obtain it. It's taken me years to learn how to say that I want something without feeling guilty about it, or even acknowledge that I want something in the first place. Now I just need to pick out pillows to match. :)

The kids were so dang cute tonight in their Halloween costumes. We only did three streets but their bags were full enough for kids their age from this generous neighborhood. Tag was Robin Hood and Mog was a conglomeration of all the things she really loves: butterfly wings, princess crowns, leotards, tutus, and pink tights. I think she was telling people that she was a dancing butterfly princess. It was a lot of fun this year, telling the kids they could be absolutely anything they wanted. Tag never did really pick. We just sort of talked up a costume that was already available. Pebbles went as an adorable baby and slept most of the time. Pictures forthcoming.

That gives me an idea. Mog is now Princess Butterfly, or PB if I'm in a hurry. Mog is such an odd sounding name for such a pretty girl.

Love this comic

Does anyone else have iTunes?

If you don't, avoid the trap now! It's addictive. It's interesting to look through my song list and see which songs I'm really feeling right now. I've played Somewhere Over The Rainbow arranged by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole more than twice as often as any other song, followed closely by Five for Fighting, Vanessa Mae, and Dido. Ojos Asi by Shakira is quickly climbing the ranks since it's fantastic cleaning music and great exercise to dance to.

Reason for outage

My Man wants a low internet profile. Apparently we have to keep his language and any aspect of his job under wraps (not that I've really told you guys anything about it) but from now on, all anyone knows is we have a Soldier in the family and no, thank you for asking, he isn't deployed. For my part, as I already said I wouldn't talk about, I won't be mentioning his comings and goings. Any suggestions for a misnomer for him? Calling him "My Man" seems silly somehow but nothing creative is running off the top of my head.

Now on to fun stuff! We've been playing with ideas regarding how to move and get moving truck, self, kids, and sanity out to our new home. My mom has said that the kids and I could fly and then she and my dad would take our car out and fly home. Afterall, they want to visit my grandmother anyway and this would be a great chance to do so. My mother in law has also mentioned that a sister in law and her family will be trekking out there later in the year, and the thought of a caravan is far more attractive to me than going el solo. I can still take food, toys, and cold medicine with me and it'd be safer at a hotel to have a friend in the next room over.

Yesterday I had a feeling like I needed to head back on over to Lawrence to start collecting some needed information and happened to stop at the old furniture store there. Lo and behold, a couch and love seat that were in near-to-new condition that were almost the exact same model as the ones I was looking at over at the new place were on the floor. (did that sentence make sense? Thought not. Hopefully you know what I mean.) I raced back to the sales lady and claimed them right before another lady raced on over to the sales lady to claim them. I didn't know I was racing until after the fact, but for once in my life I didn't feel guilty about beating someone to a great deal. At 1/3 of the cost of new, this 95% new purchase is a major steal. I also found all of the components for a new bed. Still having a hard time finding a desk I'm completely in love with (price and all) and entertainment centers are another difficult decision, but things are really starting to come together. I've put a bit of a dent in refinishing this pretty old dresser I found. So far the wood underneath is looking better than the stain I'm stripping so I'm excited to see what I have underneath the old glop. Here's a huzzah for natural wood! I'll take pictures after it's finished again.

Notice of confidentiality

Ok, chatted briefly with My Man. I have all previous posts saved somewhere but removed them after Man mentioned that it would be better if the blog were just about kids and me. Man has a job, and it's somewhere in North America, but other than that he is anonymous. Everything about what he does just doesn't matter, including what he's doing where ever he is. I asked him before posting about a certain detail regarding what he's doing where he is, but he asked that it be removed tonight and not really spoken of.

Why? Well, safety, mostly.

So, this blog is officialy all about me and kids. Man is fine and everyone has new names. I'm Me, then I have Mog (My Oldest Girl), Tag (That Amazing little Guy), and Pebbles. My Man is who he is and no news is good news.
I'm considering starting a new blog, but using a different company and format for it. When I make a decision and set up a new place I'll send everyone invitations. You all know me, so email me if you're interested in continuing to read about the great adventures of Me, Mog, Tag, and Pebbles and I'll be sure to get you an invite.

This message will self destruct in about 3 days or so. ;)