100 things...in installments.

So. Since all the cool and hip kids are doing it I'm gonna jump on. 100 things about me in installments to keep you all on the edge of your seat waiting for more.

Of course I'm so self centered I could probably come up with 100 in one sitting but I'll spare you and try the 10 or 15 at a time approach. So here's issue uno.

1. When I was a little girl I always wanted braces. And glasses. I got both. And loved both.

Seriously LOVED having braces. Should get them again. And I still love wearing glasses. They're like a fashion accessory for me. For the longest time I wore contacts but screw that business. I *heart* my glasses.

2. I have a cat named Rat who was born on my 7th birthday.

He's still alive and living with my mom. Officially the last cat of our childhood cats. I cannot believe how old he is now. He's just gorgeous. In fact, let me find a pic of him. His marking used to be a lot more distinct. All white with beautiful orange bits of stripes.



He used to be such a fat ass he's lost so much weight though. :-( I doubt he'll be around much longer and that makes me so sad. He's such an old man and his 'wife' passed away a few months back.

3. I have fibromyalgia and was diagnosed when I was the unbelievably young age of 15. During pregnancy it all but totally disappeared for me. Of course it reappeared afterwards but it was a nice break!

The Mayo Clinic Article on fibromyalgia is a pretty good one to give you an overview if you're unaware of it. It's sucky. But I'm pretty good at managing it and have minimal 'bad days' because of it. It is frustrating to have limitations, and hard to explain to other people because I 'look' healthy but I'm not. All things considered I'd take this over most other chronic conditions any day so I'm thankfuly it's "only" fibromyalgia even if it sucks.

4. I really only wanted one child.

I knew from the get go I only wanted one child. And we worked hard for that child. Significant 'non active trying' and a good 9 months of 'active trying' to achieve the monkey boy. We were going to schedule a vasectomy when Josh got his vacation time back. Then Lily snuck in there and I couldn't be happier. Obviously God knew better than me how many kids we should have. Josh is going for the big v next week because I firmly believe I'm only cut out for 1 kid and am lucky I can manage 2! I seriously hate everyone saying "I told you so" and happily announce to everyone that she was a "surprise baby". I'll have to watch it as she gets older because I never want her to think 'surprise' was bad because she's definitely one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.

5. I played the viola for 10 years. I miss it something fierce.

I was never concert soloist good but I was naturally inclined to do well without much work. I only quit because of my stupid fibromyalgia. I miss it terribly and when listening to classical music still find myself listening for the viola lines. I haven't picked one up in so many years now I'd have to probably start from the beginning again. Some day I DO intend to pick it back up again because it was so relaxing and delightful. I used to want to be in an orchestra professionally even though I knew it was a long shot for me.

6. My sister and I are almost exactly 18 months apart.

Much like Liam and Lily are. My birthday is May 4 my sister Oct 29. This was both a blessing and a curse and children. Especially since my sister was always much bigger than me (as adults she has a good 5" or more in height on me!) and quite the bully. I figured if MY mom could manage 2 kids 18 months apart I could handle my almost 18 month apart kids too. It's weird because, really, my kids are about a week shy of 18 months apart and so are my sis and I. Except my mother did that intentionally!

7. When I was pregnant with Liam I was terrified to have a boy. When I was pregnant with Lily I was terrified to have a girl.

I'm a nutjob. I always was around girls. I was a girl. I'm not into boy things. However I knew Liam was a boy from the get go and it was not shocking when we saw a penis. Now I know I treat my kids the same and refuse to go into 'boy/girl' stereotypes so I could care less if there is or isn't a penis on them. Though I gotta say I'm now terrified to parent a girl because girls hate their mothers! *sigh* that's what therapy is for. So I DONT end up with a daughter who hates me.

8. I talk in rhymes to my kids constantly.

Example? I just told Lily "You're funny. You're my honey. You're worth lots of money when it's sunny." And I often tell Liam "Oh shoot you're a hoot but not a mute". Mostly when he's SCREAMING his 'songs'. Plus I greet both of them with "yo yo ho bo fo sho!" I'm gangsta you know. I intend to keep this up long after it embarrasses the crap out of them. it's the little things that make parenting worthwhile.

9. I also tell my kids I'm going to: throw them in the river, sell them on ebay, take them to the pound.

I find these things outrageously funny too. And good stress relief. I get strange looks from people when they hear these and I expect to have CPS called on me any day now! Also getting strange looks? When I announce "LIAM! You're pretty fly for a white guy!" Like no one remembers that song and just thinks I'm some weird white power woman or something?

10. My feet grew from a 7 to an 8 1/2 or 9 during pregnancy with Liam. AND STAYED THERE.

Still bitter. Still pissed. Still irritated. I'm not tall enough for these big boat feet. Ridiculous. And irritating since I was a shoe whore before kids and own a million adorable shoes. Stupid growing feet that didn't go back down. Outrageous.

11. I am almost constantly nauseated. So I constantly keep cough drops on me.

No idea why but cough drops help with my nausea and nothing else does. And now I think I'm addicted to them. Which is special and strange.

12. If I had money I'd be addicted to acupuncture.

Seriously it's the bomb diggity. I did it a LOT after Liam when I was dizzy all the time. I'd leave there and feel unbelievable. Insurance covers a handful of appointments a year and more with authorization but i cannot afford the copay. Seriously though? It's beautiful. Everyone should do it. It's better than a spa day.

13. My dad was a Marine. My husband was a Marine. I wasn't but hey it's a random factoid sorta about me!

That said? I hope to cod my kids don't wanna follow in their dad and grandfather's footsteps because my heart could not handle it. Though I admit? If they did? I'd be proud as hell. Which is strange but when aren't I strange. Of course I'd also be a bit against it because of the current war situation and improper use of the troops. Maybe when they're old enough the military will be utilized appropriately. Maybe.

14. I probably haven't done dishes in a good 5 years now.

My husband kicks ass. You all knew this but still. I hate housework. And I suck at it. And while I've cleaned the occasional bottle or pot to make dinner? My husband generally does all the dishes. And most other housework too.

15. I must drink all beverages with straws. And I'm picky (the solo straws are the best) While I go generic on almost everything I can't skimp on my straws!

I will occasionally drink a canned soda w/o a straw but that's it. I so love straws.

The end for now! Keep checking back who knows when I'll put more of these up! WEEE!

Alright. Look. Installment Twois now up!