It's All About Me!

My son has left to go on a long summer trip with his daddy leaving me all alone.

That's right, I said ALL ALONE!

I still have chores to do around the house, we have animals to feed and water to haul after all, but I chose a day each week that my son is gone that is going to be all about me. This week, it was today.

I treated myself to some new clothes - I was in desperate need of some. Kohl's had an awesome sale! I got three shirts that were $1.80 each! Gotta love those 90% off sales! I picked up a pair of capris that were comfy AND made me look good. Then I went to the fabric store to look at fabric to make another costume and what do I see? 75% off sale that day only! WOOT! Then while I was in the city, I stopped at a favorite restaurant that they don't have up where we live and treated myself.

When I got home, I fixed up a huge bowl of ice cream loaded with chocolate and crunchy toffee pieces. MMMMmmm! Tonight I will soak in the jacuzzi tub with candles and music.

Ahhh, it's good to be all about me! LOL

The Outdoors Come Indoors - The Intelligence of Animals

What do you do when the outdoors come indoors? We have a rogue squirrel that has discovered insulation in the basement, and that insulation makes a nice warm nest for winter. So this squirrel is stealing our insulation, or maybe it is even making a nest somewhere in the basement who knows!

I set a live animal trap so I could relocate it. It is one of those traps that look like a cage with two doors on either side and a pressure sensor plate in the middle. You put the bait on the plate and when the animal takes the food off the plate, the doors close and it's trapped. My plan was to catch it and take it far away from the house and release it.

I tell you that squirrel is very intelligent. It KNEW what the trap was and managed to get into the trap, get the bait, and get out without setting the trap off the first time. I decided to set it again, maybe it didn't work properly the first time.

This morning I went down to the basement to check the trap again. The squirrel is sitting there outside the trap munching on the bait staring at me like "Hey what's up? Thanks for the food!" The doors still open. I stood there to watch it, and it didn't even run off. It stared at me until I flipped a light switch. I wanted to see where it was going and hopefully by it running of, it would show me how it was getting into the basement.

It ran off into one direction, and I quietly took a few steps in that direction. I am on the other side of a wall by the way, it can't see me, but I'm sure it can hear me. Immediately, I heard it run back the other way - like it was misleading me purposely. I quickly stepped back the other direction and it stopped to stare at me again for a long time. This time it was saying "HAHA! I'm not telling you how I'm getting in! Na na na na boo boo!"


Then suddenly, it jumped to a shelf and behind some storage boxes and disappeared. I have to give the squirrel credit! You can't say animals are stupid! I think I will let another highly intelligent creature scare it out of the basement. My cat would love to have some play time!

Insecurities

I'm not a very insecure person, but every now and then it helps to re-secure myself. This article from Daily OM is really great!

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There is an innate awkwardness to being human. With each decision we make, there is the potential for self-doubt and it is this-self doubt that forms the root of insecurity—a complex emotion that is a mix of equal parts inadequacy, isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Yet these feelings of insecurity that prevent us from fulfilling our potential by inducing us to abide by arbitrary self-limitations are nothing more than erroneous perceptions. We feel unconfident and unsure of ourselves because we judge ourselves to be so. Banishing insecurity is often simply a matter of challenging ourselves in order to prove that we are indeed intelligent and able.

When we feel insecure, we not only perceive ourselves as incapable of meeting life’s challenges but also fraudulent and unworthy of true happiness. We move through life plagued by a sense that others have judged us and found that we are lacking. As a result, we are robbed of our personal power and rendered unable to feel positive about the choices we make. Everyone feels insecure from time to time because each of us is born into the world with unique strengths. If you should find yourself with feelings of insecurity, however, endeavor to understand its source. Perhaps you were repeatedly berated as a child or seldom receive positive reinforcement in the present. A tendency to withdraw from risk or uncomfortable situations can amplify feelings of insecurity. When you have pinpointed the origin of your insecurity, focus on your abilities. The more you utilize your personal power—by taking risks, boldly facing challenges, and acting decisively—the stronger it will grow.

Remember that insecurity is not objective. Rather, it is an emotional interpretation of your value unconsciously based on doubt, shame, and fear. As you overcome those underlying emotions through courageous action and copious self-love, you’ll discover that you are capable of achieving more than you ever thought possible.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/18931.html

My Hero

Someone asked me who my hero was. I can't choose any one person to be my hero, so I chose three...my husband, my mother in law, and my own mother. Why are they my heros? Read on and find out.

My husband...he's been through everything imaginable (and then some)and keeps a positive outlook on life. He stands up for what is right - I can't tell you how much crap he has gotten because of it, but he still stands his ground, he's a fighter. He is the most honest man I have ever met, you can count on his word. He is a wonderful role model and I am glad to have him in my life.

My husband's mom...she is a breast cancer survivor and an awesome woman. She always finds the good in people, even if there isn't any. She is always helping other people and really enjoys it.

My mom...she had the courage to raise my sister and me by herself in the worst possible situations and did an excellent job of it. To this day, I thank my mom for what she has sacrificed and consider her one of my best friends. :D

Beautiful Sunshine

It has been a beautiful late spring here. Super sunny and nice and warm for days and days! It has been just perfect! It didn't bother me that we had a day of rain yesterday - it was good for the garden - which by the way, it's been doing awesome! I can't wait to harvest my veggies. :D
I have just been enjoying the nice warm weather so much that I had to share! LOL

Happy Wednesday!