tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739693796921046372024-03-12T19:18:40.091-04:00A Day in the LifeA mother and wife just taking things a day at a time.CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-41295822439435809012011-09-10T11:06:00.005-04:002011-09-10T11:27:32.623-04:00"Brace Face"So, I have had my braces for just over a week now and this week has certainly been quite the adjustment.<br /><br />I go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSleDohA52ITwf4fVYyeF2e_-0vl4XbFoCVQgrZlT1pCkuv7mIrT6aRDdR0ZeqYFwnl4HqB_9BGvho1UKcFWZs6HgmZKxnesEwTjro0KKC_1vvsZfsmWJl8s0j-rKyqBJeOw3pTpT8E7s/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSleDohA52ITwf4fVYyeF2e_-0vl4XbFoCVQgrZlT1pCkuv7mIrT6aRDdR0ZeqYFwnl4HqB_9BGvho1UKcFWZs6HgmZKxnesEwTjro0KKC_1vvsZfsmWJl8s0j-rKyqBJeOw3pTpT8E7s/s200/IMG_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650748526732094386" border="0" /></a>t them Thursday afternoon and the pressure I felt on my teeth for the first couple of days was just... odd. There really wasn't a lot of pain, just throbbing every so often as my teeth were moving in to position in the trays.<br />The other main thing I had to get used to for the first few days was the extreme amount of extra saliva that was being produced in my mouth! It was crazy! Whenever I talked I felt like I was spitting all over everyone and everything that was in my path. I actually felt the need to talk with my hand in front of my mouth so I wouldn't spray :) That actually seems to be subsiding now as my mouth gets used to having that foreign object in it 24/7.<br /><br />My orthodontist impressed me greatly when I got a phone call Friday evening from the doctor himself asking me how I made out my first full day of having them and to answer any questions I might have come up with. It made me feel better to know everything that was happening was normal and I wasn't just a freak of nature LOL.<br />One problem I did have to ask him about was that the edge of my bottom tray was rather rough and it felt like it was scratching or cutting the inside of my lip. He had an easy solution for that for me: just take a normal, every day emery board and file the edges smooth! I did that and they felt much more comfortable. And now I know how to check and fix that problem with any of my new trays before my lip becomes endangered.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD27QHIP5vZ9IlAwUrwzX5RlqEYWyDiQ2w3TrAuHzLdxnztDMK85WzYUofy6ooG0MCr1qDfUl9Mhxz_NPDFDj2U1ueG3rujoSddkvAUiV-vI-EHV8h6IRDyTuXm3pqOxeBnPLBh1GM7g/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD27QHIP5vZ9IlAwUrwzX5RlqEYWyDiQ2w3TrAuHzLdxnztDMK85WzYUofy6ooG0MCr1qDfUl9Mhxz_NPDFDj2U1ueG3rujoSddkvAUiV-vI-EHV8h6IRDyTuXm3pqOxeBnPLBh1GM7g/s200/IMG_0618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650751220733907218" border="0" /></a><br />Aside from still having a slight lisp and slur to my speech I think I have been adjusting to them quite well over this past week. I feel like a dork when I drink my coffee through a straw at work but it works. I tried to make it cool at least by getting neon bendy straws :)<br />I have quickly fallen in to the routine of taking my trays out when I eat and then brushing my teeth before putting them back in. I now even carry a little travel toothbrush and toothpaste in my purse for those times I am not at home. I was given 2 cases to put them in when I take them out so I have one in my purse and one by my bathroom sink. One thing's for sure - by the time this is all done my teeth will be the cleanest they've ever been considering the number of times I end up brushing my teeth in a day!<br /><br />This coming Thursday I go back to the orthodontist to have "buttons" or "attachments" bonded to a few of my teeth to help with the moving process. They are tooth colored so supposedly they will not be visible very easily either. I will then wear my current tray for another week after that before switching to the next. My orthodontist will give me the next few sets of trays - which are all in their own numbered package so I know which one is next - and I will switch those every 2 weeks.<br /><br />So far this has been quite the experience and I am interested in seeing how it all plays out over the next 12-18 months... And you get to ride it with me :)CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-26361762800486077262011-08-31T10:29:00.001-04:002011-09-10T11:27:15.241-04:00"The Call"Just got that call from my orthodontist. Tomorrow afternoon at 4:15 I have an appointment to get my first set of Invisalign trays...<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhoneCindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-13285205870614912492011-08-22T19:23:00.009-04:002011-08-22T19:44:02.763-04:00Back to School!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-2Q65whe2mjeY4Og9D_qcGlB_fQTs79Ik-rKlqwH9uKeBEvmk0zMm2FBis_BlS08Zs5pyIRFAQJoWet6kLccwbcBPV47K6lDv2QDQmXr4IZEdWyHc8sivZqrPrhYkMqN04cSvoTyMDQ/s1600/331754_10150772432690232_854860231_20751831_7460552_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-2Q65whe2mjeY4Og9D_qcGlB_fQTs79Ik-rKlqwH9uKeBEvmk0zMm2FBis_BlS08Zs5pyIRFAQJoWet6kLccwbcBPV47K6lDv2QDQmXr4IZEdWyHc8sivZqrPrhYkMqN04cSvoTyMDQ/s200/331754_10150772432690232_854860231_20751831_7460552_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643828915772546242" border="0" /></a>That's right! Today was Sweetpea's first day back at school. I am now officially the mom of a 3rd grader! And boy is it hard for me to get those words out....
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<br />She is super excited and had a fantastic day. This is the first year she gets 2 teachers over the course of the day - 1 for reading, writing, etc and 1 for math, science and social studies. It's also her first year of having a male teacher... but she says both are great.
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<br />Sweetpea all ready to go!</span>
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<br />There's als<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4kTlgXOe2Yq7mGUzqvjFCMP0WAoW9E_MEbaSpo-vg-OLx6jMhEPhfrrhRc2gvOcBQI9tiUUXiSrWvXDZ5bE2yYYNBu4iiN9DCGwmOSH7hlvkQq4OcQtzwI5qi1AqRirD2zKhKL_3xUo/s1600/324447_10150772433960232_854860231_20751841_6841049_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4kTlgXOe2Yq7mGUzqvjFCMP0WAoW9E_MEbaSpo-vg-OLx6jMhEPhfrrhRc2gvOcBQI9tiUUXiSrWvXDZ5bE2yYYNBu4iiN9DCGwmOSH7hlvkQq4OcQtzwI5qi1AqRirD2zKhKL_3xUo/s200/324447_10150772433960232_854860231_20751841_6841049_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643829453091809970" border="0" /></a>o her gifted classes she's excited about this year too - that I believe start next week. This year they are studying Egypt and she is super excited to get in to that.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihroKgrlkOQSrlp8ytaWqs-KwzoUALB56wZ1w56GbqhuPUFgYUqGnQzahVP41ZLkahjG2EfYcgUAVtradT6-5e660994vgHrqv7pMB_311S8R68BRUbcKVb1pLlQB6XWwGbGsAN03hSe4/s1600/327126_10150772465140232_854860231_20752386_28979_o.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihroKgrlkOQSrlp8ytaWqs-KwzoUALB56wZ1w56GbqhuPUFgYUqGnQzahVP41ZLkahjG2EfYcgUAVtradT6-5e660994vgHrqv7pMB_311S8R68BRUbcKVb1pLlQB6XWwGbGsAN03hSe4/s200/327126_10150772465140232_854860231_20752386_28979_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643830018487013618" border="0" /></a>
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<br />And showing off her new backpack "Nerds Rule"</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Sitting at her 3rd Grader desk
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<br />I think she's going to have a great year!
<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-26486219443966450952011-08-04T21:17:00.014-04:002011-08-04T22:18:04.892-04:00A Life with Braces - Step 1You read that right. At 34 years of age I have to get braces. Now, I had no idea I had teeth problems. My teeth look great - at least I thought they were until my dentist mentioned it. And now I can notice what the issue is.<br />My top teeth, instead of coming straight down, are coming down at an angle in towards the inside of my mouth. This is putting undue pressure and rubbing of both my bottom and top teeth. This is causing my teeth to wear and crack - to the point I actually have fracture lines on my front teeth.<br />The braces are going to move my teeth back in to the correct angle and improve my bite so my teeth will stop wearing away. How long is this going to take? About 12-15 months - maybe longer depending on how my teeth respond.<br /><br />Now, I'm not one to worry about how things look so I didn't have a problem with the possibility of having a mouth full of wires and brackets for a good year and a half. But there are more choices these days aside from the "old fashioned" braces that everyone is used to. The choice I have made is <a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx">In</a><a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx">visalign</a>.<br /><br />My orthodontist was really good at explaining out and describing all the choices I had when it came to fixing my teeth. And after listening to them all, I decided that, for the ease of care alone, <a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx">Invisalign</a> was the best route for me.<br /><br />This route, if appropriate to use for what you have to have fixed, is the easiest for adults to adjust to. You don't have to worry about the discomfort of having all those wires and brackets in your mouth. And you can take them out for eating and cleaning your teeth. The best part is the ease of still getting your regular teeth cleanings with your dentist. No trip to the orthodontist first to remove the wires, then to the dentist for the cleaning, then back to the orthodontist to have the wires put back on. With <a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx">Invisalign</a>, you just pop them out for the cleaning and pop them back in when you're done.<br />Mind you, they are more expensive than "normal" braces but I think that for the ease alone it is worth it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthUeItgAANZAf0C-atWncLg1MFaBiKSHK5T67r6TjvHoq6GY9wmPFxxdBNcW1e4Ry155QmsVw8Vb7qqfWKIp-nsnJ-g9Pg96LqJRGaC9Wsh8XhL01jwGm_GoGNCeJVZkMGDghJO8O9M4/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthUeItgAANZAf0C-atWncLg1MFaBiKSHK5T67r6TjvHoq6GY9wmPFxxdBNcW1e4Ry155QmsVw8Vb7qqfWKIp-nsnJ-g9Pg96LqJRGaC9Wsh8XhL01jwGm_GoGNCeJVZkMGDghJO8O9M4/s200/IMG_0550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637188275964677826" border="0" /></a>Today I went for my consultation, paperwork and set up. Of course, since each <a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx">Invisalign</a> is made for each individual, you don't get them right away.<br /><br />I had to get "molded" so my orthodontist can then send them to the company to be made just for me. They should receive my personalized set of trays back in 4 weeks. That's when I go back and really get the ball rolling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zi5GsPGffUkYPja3bt3eRsKWdKlhNrph77atn91S3Ic4mpRJZsFgLNgOeGHPjrRwv0qOOnjFrKMzKkJJL0dxRQpXq7G0m5P5zityDv4sgpFL2pvLPLWeW5s1T5p4uhRkfrFdh4qQFfo/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zi5GsPGffUkYPja3bt3eRsKWdKlhNrph77atn91S3Ic4mpRJZsFgLNgOeGHPjrRwv0qOOnjFrKMzKkJJL0dxRQpXq7G0m5P5zityDv4sgpFL2pvLPLWeW5s1T5p4uhRkfrFdh4qQFfo/s200/IMG_0551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637189820625071906" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now, the molding experience was a deal in and of itself! They had these special molding trays that they put some nasty tasting stuff in and then stuck to my teeth for 3 minutes! Top and bottom, one at a time. The part that sucked the most was that they had to do the top twice because the first time my back teeth got cut off! So they had to force the tray farther back in my mouth the second tim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv4PceoAOWHrNfj1lqVahzuQWW-paKkf1Ydpa2HM76nr7D0s9Q1qsQW6PEqxBfLHQZ07Fjy7F0JVdx1jfxJ9vBVtkLUzrG8aF7qesONgcEj6e_lLvqO5W23GmWBGiXwGXVDLGCqG4bOE/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrv4PceoAOWHrNfj1lqVahzuQWW-paKkf1Ydpa2HM76nr7D0s9Q1qsQW6PEqxBfLHQZ07Fjy7F0JVdx1jfxJ9vBVtkLUzrG8aF7qesONgcEj6e_lLvqO5W23GmWBGiXwGXVDLGCqG4bOE/s200/IMG_0553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637190183979471394" border="0" /></a>e and I had to overextend my jaw and hold it for 3 minutes until the mold set! Very uncomfortable, I tell you! And when they pulled the molds off my teeth, it was stuck to my lips as if I had gum stuck on them and I had to peel it off. And the taste of the stuff lingered!</div><div style="text-align: left;">After that, they had to do another set of molds for their own use. Fortunately, I got to pick a flavor for that one (watermelon!) and it was one mold, my mouth closed around it to get both top and bottom at the same time. But my mouth still hurts, hours later!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>But now the first hurdle is done. I should be getting a phone call in about 4 weeks from my orthodontist telling me my<a href="http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/default.aspx"> Invisalign</a> is ready for me... and that's when the real fun begins!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-18522002438629856582011-07-22T17:29:00.000-04:002011-07-22T17:30:07.041-04:00She's Here!!My Sweetpea is home!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/22/3992.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/22/s_3992.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhone<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-38168140817753556942011-07-21T22:03:00.002-04:002011-07-21T22:09:38.740-04:0014 Days - The Final StretchOK, so I got bad at blogging every day. But, honestly I thought it was getting too boring to tell everyone about what I did EVERY day while Sweetpea was gone.<br /><br />My best friend was here until Monday so I had a nice long weekend with her and her family - keeping my mind off the fact that Sweetpea was not around.<br />Still talked to her every day. Yesterday she even told us she didn't want to come home because she was having so much fun! So, of course, we told her she had to come home because 1) my mom has to go back to work and 2) the hugs and kisses she gave us before she left had run out so we needed more. Her response to that? "I can mail you some more"... Sometimes she's just too smart for her own good!<br /><br />It's been nice having some time for us for the past 2 weeks and being able to do what we wanted to do when we wanted to, but at the same time it just didn't seem right. Somebody was missing from our little family.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Friday. That means we get a whole weekend of being a family together before getting back to "normal".<br /><br />4:30 tomorrow afternoon can't come fast enough!!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-15076984923770167902011-07-17T22:45:00.003-04:002011-07-17T22:47:20.724-04:0014 Days - Day 9<div style="text-align: center;">I MISS MY LITTLE GIRL!!!!<br /></div><br />Do you think I said that loud enough? :) I'm proud of myself for lasting as long as I have... but I am really missing Sweetpea now!<br /><br />I think that's all I have to say about today...CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-68969916463579301092011-07-16T22:18:00.001-04:002011-07-16T22:18:56.721-04:0014 Days - Day 8I'm going through withdrawal now. Today was the first day since she's been gone that I wasn't able to talk to Sweetpea. I haven't even heard her voice today :(<br />Right now they are staying in a little town by a lake and don't have very good cell phone reception. We'll have to try again tomorrow.<br /><br />Had a good day with my friend and her family, though - with a quick detour in the day for Hubby and I at the walk in clinic. Him, ear infection. Me, bronchitis. Fun times!<br /><br />We did brighten the day with a trip to the movies to see the new Harry Potter movie. So we had something else to focus on for a few hours.<br /><br />Now, here we sit at 10:00 at night in Denny's getting a very late dinner (we weren't hungry earlier after eating all that popcorn)...<br /><br />One more day closer to Sweetpea coming home. They can't move fast enough!<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhone<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-23389782156609383092011-07-15T23:06:00.002-04:002011-07-15T23:29:14.563-04:0014 Days - Days 6 & 7The last couple of days have been hectic - obviously since I didn't blog about yesterday :)<br /><br />My best friend from Canada has come down with her family and I've been hanging out with them the past couple of days. I took today and Monday off work so I get a nice long weekend to just hang out and spend time together. It's actually helped with missing Sweetpea because I'm busy doing so many other things.<br /><br />Sweetpea is sounding good. We talked to her tonight and she was more excited to talk to Daddy today than Mommy. Today she spent the afternoon in a "man cave" - a basement just filled with Superman things and pinball machines. So, of course, she had to go on and on to Daddy about everything that was there.<br /><br />They were on their way to the lake when we talked to them tonight and they may not have good cell signal where they are so it may be a couple of days before we're able to talk to her again... that's going to make it harder to not miss her :(<br /><br />The past couple of nights I have been cuddling and sleeping with the monkey she gave me for Mother's Day a couple of years ago. I'm glad she's having a good time, but I'm ready to have my girl back now, please and thank you.CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-227100802810441712011-07-13T22:01:00.002-04:002011-07-13T22:12:19.036-04:0014 Days - Day 55 days without Sweetpea hugs and kisses. 5 days and I'm still surviving. I miss her to pieces. I'm just not falling to pieces.<br /><br />She sounded good tonight when we talked to her. Very happy. They were back at my grandma's house today and Sweetpea loves spending time with her Granny. I could hear in her voice how happy she was being there and that made me feel better. She wasn't feeling sad or homesick.<br /><br />There are still 9 days to go but my BFF is going to be here tomorrow so that should help me keep my mind on other things for a few days.<br /><br />Let's see how fast these next 9 days can fly by!!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-18923789443686692922011-07-12T21:58:00.001-04:002011-07-13T07:04:10.009-04:0014 Days - Day 4Still so far so good. I only called Sweetpea once today :)<br />And Hubby and I had a nice quiet evening at home - not trying to keep ourselves busy doing other things.<br /><br />Sweetpea is having a wonderful time. She sounded so happy and excited when she was telling us about her day. She is behaving and even helping out with things at whatever house they happen to be at on that day.<br />They're re-locating again tomorrow so there will be new things in store for her and I know she can't wait.<br /><br />This is good for her... but I still miss her.<br />I love my girl!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-24969602259541694062011-07-11T21:14:00.002-04:002011-07-11T21:27:26.258-04:0014 Days - Day 3Today is Monday so that meant back to work for Hubby and I. It was at least a distraction from a quiet house. It was just like a normal day - until we came home to that quiet house.<br />It's been nice for us, though because we've been able to sit and watch our television shows without having to wait until Sweetpea goes to bed. That means we can catch up on more before I have to go to bed :)<br /><br />It sounds like Sweetpea is having a great time. I was at least able to get more than one-word answers out of her this evening when we called her. She wouldn't let me know but my mom says she believes Sweetpea is having a little bit of homesickness but she gets over it quickly. Hopefully it won't hit her too badly as the trip progresses.<br />I was thinking that calling and talking to her every day would help keep that at bay, but now I'm wondering if it makes it worse...<br />My days without her are made better by talking to her so, for now, I'm going to keep doing it :)<br /><br />3 days and I'm still sane. So far, so good.CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-61507727415772955182011-07-10T21:48:00.000-04:002011-07-11T06:57:14.164-04:0014 Days - Day 2This has been quite nice actually. A Sunday spent doing what we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it.<br />It was nice to be able to just take a nap in the afternoon and wake up when we felt like and decide about food. No "I'm hungry. What's for dinner?" No "What are we doing today?"... Don't get me wrong, at the same time I missed that and I miss her but it was quite the novelty to not have to plan around somebody else.<br /><br />We talked to Sweetpea twice today. She is having a wonderful time. It seemed to be a chore to have her stop what she was doing to talk to Mommy and Daddy, typical child :) I'm glad she's having a great time. I'm glad she's happy. But in my world, it's not the same just hearing her voice twice a day... Maybe next time I'll have to record it so I can play it whenever I want to :)CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-57804166361971344262011-07-09T13:22:00.004-04:002011-07-11T06:57:38.370-04:0014 Days - Day 1Sweetpea has left us for 14 days. And to help get me through I have decided to blog each day's experiences and emotions.<br /><br />Sweetpea and my mom left us yesterday afternoon to vacation in Canada for 2 weeks. Now, she has been away from us before but this is the longest time yet. I know that at 8 1/2 years old she is a big girl and I know she's going to have a great time visiting with family and friends - I'm not concerned about her. I'm concerned about the lack of her presence in my day to day life for a whole 14 days!<br /><br />Today has been good so far. Today is just her being at a sleepover which she has done many times. I talked to her this morning and I'm sure I will talk to her again tonight.<br />Today has been a good day for Hubby and I to just enjoy the day together doing something or doing nothing. Not feeling we HAVE to do something to keep a little girl occupied. Today is a good day.<br /><br />Today has only been Day 1.CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-86045824810940740292011-04-18T18:18:00.002-04:002011-04-18T18:22:38.133-04:00Virtual RallyThis is an email I got today from the Alzheimer's Association and I wanted to share it since this is something that is near and dear to my heart.<br />Please help us win the fight against Alzheimer's!<br /> <p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From April 17-May 30, you can illuminate the fight against Alzheimer's disease by participating in the </span><a style="color: rgb(15, 16, 187); font-style: italic;" href="http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=8a-mfWHhbha_UTttm60ygA.." target="_blank">Alzheimer's Association Virtual Candlelight Rally</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. Light a candle to tell your story and take action in the fight against this devastating disease that affects millions of Americans. </span></p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;">When you light a candle, you can post a message to honor or remember an individual and spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease. You can also <a style="color:#0f10bb" href="http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=ydXPFdl8AoPqpFtFF_B-PQ.." target="_blank">make a donation</a> to help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. </p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;">Our online event occurs in conjunction with the <strong>Candlelight Tribute Rally</strong> in Washington, D.C., part of the annual <a style="color:#0f10bb" href="http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=a8gD4pSmmGAp3wHQf-gzmg.." target="_blank">Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum</a>. On Sunday, May 15, hundreds of Alzheimer's advocates from around the country will gather in the shadow of the United States Capitol to raise their voices as they celebrate and honor people who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease.</p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;">They gather to let our nation know that time is of the essence; that we cannot wait; that we must do all we can right now to change the course of Alzheimer's. And you can <a style="color:#0f10bb" href="http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=hV0xmB3VUuGFLbKus5t-wg.." target="_blank">join them by being a virtual participant in the rally</a>.</p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;"><a style="color:#0f10bb" href="http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=V_M-rAhK0bOUnpdlEzvUJg.." target="_blank">Light a candle and tell your story</a>. Your support will light the way to a world without Alzheimer's disease. Donate, become an advocate and help us tell Congress to make Alzheimer's a national priority.</p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;">Sincerely, </p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><p style="font-style: italic;">Robert Beatty<br />National Director </p>CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-23868315372739145532011-04-09T11:23:00.003-04:002011-04-09T11:53:26.502-04:00Whirlwind!So I'm looking at my blog today after adding a new widget and I realize the last time I posted was to ring in the new year!<br />In that post I wanted the new year to be better than 2010... and, by my lack of posting, it has certainly been a whirlwind of a year so far.<br /><br />January I spent out of work. Shortly after the holidays, I was suddenly no longer working at the Clinic I had worked at for almost 6 years. A new company had come aboard and took over and it was suddenly not the same place to work as it had been for all those years. It felt like I was never home with my family and I didn't have a free weekend anymore. I just wasn't happy there anymore and it carried over in to my personal life as well. So I closed the door on that aspect of my life and hoped another door would be open soon.<br />It took a month, but I was able to find another job that fit much better with what I wanted for my family. A Monday-Friday, 9-5 job that meant I was home every evening, every weekend, and every holiday. It did mean having to give up some of the other things that I had enjoyed over the years - volunteering at Sweetpea's school, getting together with friends during the days I wasn't scheduled to work , and just plain old having some time to myself on my days off - but overall those were little compared to the bigger payoff of having a more regular work schedule where I knew when I was working and I could be home in the evenings to give Sweetpea, and the family, a proper evening routine. I also had to get used to a 30 min drive to work compared to a 5 minute drive, but, again, in the long run the pay off is worth it.<br />I've been there a month and a half now and it's been wonderful! I'm still trying to get over the fact that there really are things called weekends :) And I can go to work every day and know that I am appreciated for what I am doing - and am told so on a regular basis. That definitely makes for a more enjoyable work environment!<br /><br />February went fast for us. January-March is Girl Scout Cookie season and, being the troop Cookie Mom, I have a big hand in the pot on that one! February and March just flew by before I knew it. Cookies come in the end of February and then March is cookie booth month. It seemed every weekend in March was accounted for with Girl Scouts in one form or another.<br /><br />March was also a tough month for my family - marking the year anniversary of that black day in my life when my Dad suddenly passed away. But we got through it as a family. And from here I'm hoping it just starts to get easier. Of course, there will always be those moments, but I think it's getting a little easier for me to handle every day. We have been trying to get together more often as a family and I think that helps Mom out more too. You really don't know how lucky you are to have such a close-knit family until something like this happens and you need to lean on each other a little more. We are certainly blessed.<br /><br />And now it's April already - with no sign of a slow down in activities. April 17th marks hubby and my 12th Anniversary. We also have family and friends coming down to visit the end of the month. And then, of course, we have Easter... it just seems like it's never ending!<br /><br />But even with all this going on, I am going to try to bring this blog back to live again. I will keep my eyes open for interesting things. I will try to have some witty and insightful posts on those quiet days :)<br />I'm still trying to come up with a "theme" for my blog. Some topic to focus on. But as of yet I haven't been able to think of anything exciting. If you have any ideas for me, feel free to let me know! But, for now, you'll all just have to deal with my ramblings on life.<br /><br />That's it for my ramblings for now. I will try to post a little more often from this point forward :)<br />It's a beautiful day outside! I'm off to enjoy my weekend!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-75632275178013408812011-01-01T00:44:00.000-05:002011-01-01T00:45:18.644-05:00A new year beginsAnd here I am hanging out at my mom's with all my family ringing in the new year.<br /><br />Normally I don't stay up to welcome in the new - but this year I wanted more than anything to wave goodbye to 2010 and cheer hello to 2011.<br /><br />2010 was, quite frankly, a horrible year and I wanted nothing more than to see it go. 2011 can only look up.<br /><br />Here's to looking to the stars in 2011!<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhone<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-72614913970070686812010-12-25T19:25:00.000-05:002010-12-25T19:26:50.017-05:00Merry Christmas to all...It's hard to believe, but Christmas has swept through rather quickly.<br /><br />Honestly, I wasn't really excited for the holiday season this year. It was Dad's favorite time of the year. He loved having family and friends getting together. And he loved getting in to the holiday spirit - he was like a little kid come Christmas Day. He'd put on his Santa hat and deliver all the gifts under the tree - one year he crawled so far under we had to help him get out!<br /><br />This year was going to be horribly different. I was trying to get in to the spirit for Sweetpea's sake but I could never totally get in to it. At least not until Thursday afternoon when I got surprised by 2 of my cousins showing up at work! Even better was when I finally got out of work and headed to mom's only to find my mom's entire family had come down for Christmas - it wasn't just my cousins!<br /><br />Suddenly, what could have been one of the worst Christmases in my book became one of the best!<br />It was going to be just the way Dad would have wanted it!<br /><br />So here I sit, after a crazy hectic day, surrounded by family and relishing in the good feelings of Christmas again.<br /><br />I want to think Dad somehow had a hand in bringing us all together this year - for the first time in 17 years!<br /><br />Merry Christmas, Dad! I love you!<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhone<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-33793163846145570402010-11-17T21:55:00.005-05:002010-11-17T22:15:41.007-05:00Awarding Evening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBwSlFqlDJNwgBqPvNRkFP2cYPIhADeAPVQvoMIbcBhrrGNN5oY3sIvBxANBxxW3StK7Qr7bN4FI8uF9GSp9CW2CaRqKpLo6qdagt4w-DHiwBEMfqI8Y5Q_d6boSx7GRfyog_sePikh4/s1600/IMG_7595.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBwSlFqlDJNwgBqPvNRkFP2cYPIhADeAPVQvoMIbcBhrrGNN5oY3sIvBxANBxxW3StK7Qr7bN4FI8uF9GSp9CW2CaRqKpLo6qdagt4w-DHiwBEMfqI8Y5Q_d6boSx7GRfyog_sePikh4/s320/IMG_7595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540721547816484786" border="0" /></a>Tonight we went to see Sweetpea's re-dedication to Girl Scouts and to get her Brownie patches that she has earned so far this year.<br />It was great to see how the Troop has grown from our first ceremony of 5 girls to the 14 girls we have today.<br /><br />At the end, Sweetpea got to give her Savannah gifts to everyone from the Juliette Gordon Low House. She was a little shy, as usual, but she also got to tell everyone about visiting the house. They were all very appreciative and thanked her for bringing them back something.<br /><br />I just can't believe how big and grown up she's getting! And I hope she continues to enjoy her Girl Scouting as much as she does today.CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-46097393454457696172010-11-15T20:06:00.006-05:002010-11-15T20:28:56.284-05:00Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?The first weekend of November, hubby, Sweetpea and I - along with my mom and in-laws - took a nice little family trip to Savannah, GA.<br />I had never been before and was looking forward to the wonderful architecture and learning the history of the town. Sweetpea, of course, was looking forward to seeing Juliette Gordon Low's house - the founder of the Girl Scouts. Of course, the weather change was just a bonus for me :)<br /><br />What I wasn't expecting <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-_rl3hyphenhyphenXVkFBwRtp7-a3dQKXu_XUQa6kNYccP3hs9stmgqz5ayFaprTSEw0LLFQIlAGZoRZfePIetaS87_W0ZoYqR7ehYPJuC-uzy0zAhQpgYuAj2c2qXua9MJERKrm4Gh8iPcZzGKY/s1600/ring.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-_rl3hyphenhyphenXVkFBwRtp7-a3dQKXu_XUQa6kNYccP3hs9stmgqz5ayFaprTSEw0LLFQIlAGZoRZfePIetaS87_W0ZoYqR7ehYPJuC-uzy0zAhQpgYuAj2c2qXua9MJERKrm4Gh8iPcZzGKY/s320/ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539953110130113746" border="0" /></a>was to make an amazing find. While wandering around all the little shops Saturday morning, my mom and I made our way into a little antique shop. There, I happened to find a ring. A ring that is made from an antique button. There were a few of them there - as well as some bracelets and necklaces incorporating antique buttons.<br />In talking with the owner of the store, I learned that the company, <a href="http://www.grandmothersbuttons.com/">Grandmother's Buttons</a>, creates various jewelry pieces using antique <span style="font-style: italic;">(circa 1880s-1910s)</span> and vintage <span style="font-style: italic;">(circa 1920s-1950s)</span> buttons.<br />They are all one-of-a-kind and they each come with a Certificate of Authenticity.<br /><br />When I got home I found their <a href="http://www.grandmothersbuttons.com/">website</a> and have been looking at the different pieces they create. They are all just beautiful!<br />If you're looking for that unique gift for somebody, I think you should definitely check them out!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-38424235563849730902010-10-30T19:26:00.004-04:002010-10-30T21:50:12.571-04:00All Hallow's EveThanks to my hubby for this one.<br /><br />The night before Halloween has been known forever as All Hallow's Eve. Neil Gaiman, an author, realized there weren't enough holidays for people to receive books... So he decided to create one.<br /><br />But rather than have me tell you all about it, I'll have him tell you about <a href="http://www.allhallowsread.com">All Hallow's Read</a> himself.<br /><br />I think it's a great idea and hubby and I celebrated it today with Sweetpea and our nieces.<br /><br />We think everyone should celebrate it!<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhoneCindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-57743557319625306672010-10-20T22:14:00.003-04:002010-10-20T22:24:21.897-04:00It's the most wonderful time of the year...No, I'm not talking about Christmas <span style="font-style: italic;">(although that too is quickly approaching)</span>. I'm talking about Halloween - one of my favorite holidays! Yes, maybe it is because it is also my birthday, but I just love watching kids <span style="font-style: italic;">(and adults)</span> get excited about dressing up in costumes and being something different for a night. We all want to be something different at one time or another, don't we?? And Halloween gives us the chance to do that without anyone asking questions :)<br /><br />I know this is old - you see it around everywhere this time of year - but I just wanted to take a moment to pass along some Halloween safety tips. You never know... maybe there is that one person out there who has never seen or heard them. And I just did my part to help them out.<br /><br /><ul><li>Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.</li><li>Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.</li><li>Cross the street only at corners.</li><li>Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.</li><li>Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. <span style="font-style: italic;">(And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)</span></li><li>Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.</li><li>Carry a flashlight to light your way.</li><li>Keep away from open fires and candles. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Costumes can be extremely flammable.)</span></li><li>Visit homes that have the porch light on.</li><li>Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.</li><li>Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.</li><li>Be cautious of animals and strangers.</li><li>Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children. </li></ul>Remember - you can still have fun while being safe!<br /><br />Here's wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween! Trick-or-treat!CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-28570696584896193612010-09-02T20:41:00.003-04:002010-09-02T21:23:24.057-04:00PCOS AwarenessSeptember is PCOS Awareness month. PCOS <span style="font-style: italic;">(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)</span> affects millions of women - and half of them don't even know they have it. For that reason, the month of September is dedicated to raising awareness of this syndrome so that more women can be helped.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why is this important to me?</span> I have PCOS. I, like many others, didn't know what it was or had even heard about it until I was diagnosed. I didn't get my first period until I was 14 - and it became, and stayed, very irregular. I always had a battle with my weight, but shortly after getting married, suddenly gained 100 pounds for no explainable reason... and doctors couldn't give me any explanation for my weight gain other than "You're just happy in your life and settling down". What???<br />I wasn't diagnosed until I was trying to conceive and was having no luck. It took trips to several different doctors and several blood tests to finally pinpoint the issue. And, like most people, I had no clue what it was I was being diagnosed with.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is PCOS?</span> It is the most common female endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 5%-10% of all females. It is a hormonal disorder that involves multiple systems within the body, and is believed to be caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin.<br />Some common symptoms include: irregular or no menstrual periods, irregular ovulation, excess facial and body hair, ovarian cysts, and weight management difficulties. It is not necessary to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS. In fact it is not necessary to have "polycystic ovaries" to have PCOS. PCOS manifests itself differently in each woman. I, for example, have never actually been diagnosed with having ovarian cysts. Also, about 40% of women with PCOS are of normal weight - some even under. Unfortunately, I am not one of those.<br /><br />PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Diet, exercise and, in some cases, medical intervention can do a lot to help eliminate PCOS symptoms. Management of PCOS is essential. If it remains unmanaged, it can progress to diabetes and can lead to certain forms of cancer.<br /><br />That's why it is so important to make women more aware of this syndrome so they can get treatment.<br />Maybe you have a mother, daughter, sister or friend who is overweight and not sure why. Perhaps a female friend suffers from excess facial hair but thinks it is only a cosmetic problem. Tell them they can start by taking the quiz at <a href="http://www.pcosupport/quiz.php">http://www.pcosupport/quiz.php</a> which will help them to evaluate their risks and guide them toward seeking help from a doctor.<br /><br />Help spread the word about PCOS. You never know who may learn from us and in turn, get the help they need!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />*Facts from the <a href="http://www.pcosupport.org">Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association</a></span>CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-16796360492199439612010-06-27T20:04:00.003-04:002010-06-27T20:18:21.417-04:00RebirthSo it's been just over 3 months since my last post. Obviously, I haven't been in the right place to do any blogging - it's been pretty rough for me these past few months and for a long time I wasn't really in a good place.<br /><br />The time has gone fast and it's hard to believe it's been 3 months already since that black day in my life. Although it's still not all sunshiny, I think it's time for a rebirth, so to speak, of my blog.<br /><br />Time to get back to the book reviews, movie reviews and whatever else I find entertaining enough to talk about.<br /><br />Hopefully it'll be something worth reading :)CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373969379692104637.post-84959646440132437892010-03-14T17:33:00.001-04:002010-03-14T17:33:45.440-04:00RIP DaddyI'm sitting in the airport. Waiting for my plane that has been delayed by 5 hours.<br />I'm in shock. My parents have been in Arizona on vacation. We get a call from my mom yesterday that my dad was in the hospital in critical. Within the next half hour I'm told he didn't make it.<br />My brothers, hubby and I are trying to get to Arizona to help out my mom and see him one last time. He will be cremated there then come back home to Florida where we will have a memorial for him.<br /><br />So here we all sit drinking in honor of dad and reliving many years waiting for our plane.<br /><br />He is gone way too soon. I am not supposed to lose my dad in my 30s. I miss him terribly already.<br /><br />I love you Daddy!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><br />-- Posted on the run from my iPhone<br />CindyLoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810927176565850353noreply@blogger.com0