Postman Pat has Delivered

Dear Lupus,

My dear friend EP is the strongest, kindest, thoughtful person I know and, of course, in my top five. Do you think you can back the F**K off for a bit so she can have some fun and rest a bit? Think about it, because she is most deserving.

Thanks,

Taylor

PS You suck and I hate you:(

Honeymoon is Over

On my way to work this morning I missed a call from Morgan and I about drove off the road I was laughing so hard. She said the following:

"Hey, I thought I would catch you before you went to work, but I think my relationship with Mexico is about done. I have some sort of funk and I woke up this morning with some kind of rash on my leg that I can only think is an allergic reaction, but I'm not allergic to anything. (Deep Sigh) I think a honeymoon is over once you have a rash. Right, well, I'll call you later to further discuss....Love you, bye"

+ = Yuck!

I heart my sister:)

Come home soon rashy bride...

Up, Up, and Away!

I got the promotion I have been waiting for today! I really wanted it because I LOVE my boss and wanted to help her out, but also because I need to have a new form of health insurance because I can't afford my required therapy:( Alas, YIPPEE!!!!! I can't wait to get in the groove of this new position...

Please, PLEASE, PAAAAA-LEEEASE!!!!

Can I please look like her at 43? Wait, can I look like her now? She is my top Emmy pick this year for being and looking amazing!!!

Oh, I just love award season!

Beautiful Trauma

On Saturday we went to the funeral of 1st Lt. Nic Madroza. Dave went to both high school and college and played soccer with him throughout. I met Nic once. 

He died in Afghanistan on September 9th in a hummer on his way back to base. Him, 2 other American Marines, and an Afghani interpreter. 

When we walked from the parking lot into the church it was pure silence. There were about 12+ marines with flags outside awaiting the hearse. I turned around and watched 7 Marines pull the solid metal casket out of the car and they looked statuesque. I know they were struggling with the weight of the casket and restrictiveness of their uniforms, and I was in awe. 

During the ceremony, I had a hard time paying attention to the family members because my focus was on the front of the chapel. His casket was covered in the flag and his army garb set up behind. His helmet and ID tags hung above is dirty boots and camouflage jacket. I stared in horror that his shoes still had Afghani dirt encrusted on their soles, his helmet still had his hair stuck in the nooks, his tags still had his finger prints on the cold metal, and camo jacket still smelled of him. He was there in front of everyone in every form but a pulse. 

When the ceremony was about to commence, his commanding officer, also his uncle, stood in front of Nic's heaped shouldered parents to present a purple heart. I had such pride for their son. Once the purple heart was received, the Marines call attendance as a tradition. This was all very foreign to me, and I was bewildered at what took place. They called each Marines name and then they said "1st Lt. Nic Madroza" and repeated it 5 times. I was horrified. He didn't answer. With every repetition of his name, his mothers shoulders shook. Her body convulsed for the lack of answer and the erie, crisp air. Every face was one of shock; Nic would not answer. Amidst the horror, the french horn sang the classic tune that reminds us all of Gettysburg and death. I sobbed and I met him once. 

This was such an amazing and scary experience. I have not experienced first hand any direct effects of Bush's chaotic and ridiculous war until this weekend. Nic's bravery and love for something so much larger than himself was humbling. I cannot express my love for his dedication and the pure, unaffected, and unwavering beauty of his service.

Thank you is not enough for 1st Lt. Nic Madroza, but it is what my limited vocabulary can offer. Thank you...

Nancy Drew

In our teeny-tiny bathroom, which we kindly called the airplane bathroom or Fluffy's favorite room, we have 2 toilet paper holders. Yup, 2. We have one traditional style holder next to the toilet, and another inside the shower. It is built into the tile so I know it was on purpose, but every time I sit down onto the porcelain throne, I stay just one second longer and ponder what the reasoning or purpose of the extra toilet holder might be. Our building was built in the early 50's, so maybe that explains it, but I have yet to break the mystery with my 3rd grade detective work. Until then I will be Nancy Drew-ing in my bathroom.

Stay Tuned Complete

A great new blogger asked her peeps to check this out...your turn:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articleoprah.aspx?cp-documentid=10274156&GT1=32023

Now that you have finished reading this, here are my thoughts. This woman seems very unhappy in her marriage and rightfully so, I wouldn't want to be in her relationship either. But, here it is, you make the relationship you are in. With the exception of any form of abuse or neglect, I believe people are responsible for their relationships and the upkeep required. Example: my parents. They are the perfect example of something right going strangely awry. I have never been quiet about BOTH my parents being at fault for their marriage, but I also have not been quiet about who's exit strategy reigns supreme (Mama shout-out:) My parents had ample amounts of time to bandage and repair their relationship. Even before Mrs. Smith and I were in the picture they could have been doing some preventative work. EVERY COUPLE SHOULD BE ACTIVELY WORKING ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP OR THEY HAVE NO ONE TO BLAME, BUT THEMSELVES, WHEN IT DISINTEGRATES!!!

Again, I am not quiet about my relationships and take blame for not working and trying as hard as I could in some of my relationships. I am BIG on taking responsibility. If you can't take responsibility in your life then I can't be your friend, sorry. Dave and I work all the time on what we should be. And to be honest, you have to come right out and say it. The best lesson I have learned is that no one knows you well enough to know your own thoughts so you best come out and ask for what you want. Then if the person listening chooses not to work on your desires, they are choosing not to take your needs into consideration and you can now be done with them. I don't want the people who don't consider me included in my life. Everything someone wants or tells me I contemplate in depth, know this my friends, and I expect the same. I tell Dave what I need from him and he chooses to make me happy, just as I do for him. I cannot get into his head just as he cannot enter mine. Charades has never been my strong suit so we just come right out and communicate in our house.

To come full circle, I understand the woman in the article could be tired of her life, but stop bumming on what it is and doing something for what could be. If your husband doesn't listen to you, or doesn't want to actively work on your relationship, then you get out. But not without knowing you have fought like hell to make it work. Your kids will thank you for your effort and I am 100% sure they see how unhappy you are making your life. Impress them with your hard work and passion for your family.

River Runs Through It

This weekend is Kim's birthday and we are taking her to the ever-obnoxious Leavenworth. I love it here. It is the place that makes no excuses or reasons for being the most random town in Washington. Seriously, who puts a Bavarian village in the middle of the mountains in WA? Whoever it was, kudos to you my friend because I am always entertained with plenty of wine, cheese, and goofy outfits/words.

Anyway, we are taking here this weekend and among out list of activities we thought it would be fun to do some spa treatments. A few years back, Brandy and I went to Leavenworth and stumbled upon this picture for treatments and about peed our pants. Imagine if this were possible. Alas, it was a winter trip and we quickly put it out of our minds. Now, with the summer ending, we approached the idea of going to Leavenworth to fulfill our Winters-past dream. Oh, and for Kim's birthday:) Brandy and I squealed with delight at the thought of our spa fantasies coming true. So, I called them to make sure it was legit.



Here is what the phone call consisted of:

Spa Woman: "Solstice Spa how may I help you?"

Me: "Um, I saw a while ago on your website that you do massages in the river, is that true?"

Spa Woman: (giggles) "Uh, what?"

Me: "Yeah you showed a picture of a woman having a massage in the river. Do you do that or not?"

Spa Woman: "No. That would be entirely too difficult and it was just a photo."

Me: "Okay thanks."

Spa Woman: "I've never had anyone ask that before."

Me: "Right. Thanks."

Picture me bright red and sweating because I now feel like a huge dumb-ass. By the way, if you have a picture of it on your website, I'm assuming that you provide that service. Ugh. I feel lame.

What's Another Few Months?

Tonight at school I was going over my educational timeline and my friend Holly asked what it looked like, so I told her what program and certifications I was doing. Much to my surprise, she gave me a heads up on how I can also get my teaching certificate! Here's how it would all go down...

2 years of current masters program= MA in Counseling Psychology

2.5 years of current masters program= MA in Counseling Psychology, MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy license)

Upper 2 I am currently doing....below is the addition!

2.75 years of current masters program= MA in Counseling Psychology, MFT, and Teaching Certificate allowing me to be a guidance counselor

Turns out the classes required to receive your teaching certificate overlap my courses as a therapist. All I have to do is take 3 more courses and 1 more internship and I'm a guidance counselor as well! Pretty neat....I think I'll do it!

So, I signed myself up for another semester and more debt tonight and I feel great!

Download of the day: Joshua Radin, Today (EP, you will love this!)

Read Me

Love this, love author, love the ideas, but hate the subject. Enjoy friends...

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-steinem4-2008sep04,0,1290251.story

Bring on Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year. It reminds me of change and transformation. Fall brings the start of school, new blankets, cocoa, football games, leaves, and brilliant color. On the wings of change, I changed my blog to suit fall. Enjoy the brown and Monet! Welcome to Fall...

TiVo Talk

Last Thursday Da and I went to Mr. and Mrs. Smith's house for Fajita Thursday and left with a goody bag. It's contents were as follows:

1. 2 bottles of Hogue 

2. Rachel Ray fondue pot

3. TiVo

Now a week later, the Hogue is long gone, Rachel Ray was used Monday night with my ladies, and TiVo is hooked up and talking away in my living room! No joke, it took the entire day to try and figure out how to hook up and re-program TiVo because it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith's and so the instructions and half the necessary cables were long gone. I must say, Da showed up as Handy Andy and fixed her right up. If you have never heard TiVo before, she makes a fun little "Boop Boop" noise as she changes channels or records. One would think this would be annoying, but it is really quite friendly. 

Taylor+TiVo=Bliss

Wishing you TiVo and a lack of drama on this fine Saturday night....

Breaking the Cycle

I am in a treatment of abuse class this semester and we started off talking about the pathology of abuse and it's roots. As we all have known for years, the cycle of abuse can only be broken if one person consciously breaks the cycle. I don't want to say it gives those who are abusers an excuse to perpetuate abuse, but people do what the learn, and they learned what they saw. It takes incredibly strong and dedicated people to break this pattern and the breaking away comes with many assumptions and challenges that are much more difficult than the abusing. Many people try with good intentions to stop the cycle, but sadly, it is easier to continue in the fashion of those that once surrounded you. Abuse is not just physical or sexual abuse. The definition of abuse includes mental abuse and emotional abuse. Some experts say it is more accessible to treat physical and sexual abuse, but the real demon to treat, is emotion and mental abuse. They are subjective to their core. You cannot see, touch, or document mental scars. They take years upon years of therapy and treatment for the mental and emotional scars of our past to slowly dissipate. Therapy is the Neosporin for these scars. It takes time and patience and a whole hell of a lot of work.

Thus, the past few weeks of post-wedding splendor has been tainted with the selfishness and chaos of others. I am baffled and speechless with what has been said and done in response to a lack of invitation. I am confused. At the top of each invite and the bottom of each program my darling Sis and Tyson wrote a few words on how they wanted to share their day with those who have loved, supported, and been with them thru everything during the duration of their relationship. Those who cannot say this to be true, there is your reasoning. Enough said.

Similarly, Annie, the qualities I love most about you are exactly the qualities that you have spent a lifetime perfecting. I don't want you to alter one thing....not a one! You have broken the cycle of emotional chaos and I applaud you. You have risen above it and spent countless amounts of time living what you value most. This trait alone is so admirable and I am so sorry that you were alone on your first quest of "self." I wish I could have been there with you as you have been there with me. All I can say is that the hard work you have done has paid off because you are sheer brilliance to me. You emulate the person I can't wait to be. Together you and Mom have created a family culture that is well beyond what you had and I thank you. Thank you for giving me an example of what a family looks like and what siblings should be like. Morgs and I have mirrored you and Mom, and I couldn't think of better models. So, Annie, don't alter anything. Don't try and self-discover your way into leaving emotions out. Those emotions are what connects you and I. We are miles upon mile apart, and when I talk to you, I want the emotion whether it is judgmental or joyful...I want it all!

Finally, my dear Morgs. What i enjoy most about your lack of self-editing is that you encourage others to try it on and pass it around. You have the pick-eye of good traits. I know you got this from Sheri, and keep it up!  No apologies required.

PS I love this Power of 4 business....I feel like I am a Power Ranger of come sort!!!

porko

Hey all you bloggers!!!! You know when you want to post a comment on someone's blog and you have to enter in those random letters that are all psyched out that you have to squint with one eye and pretend to did a line of coke and LSD to figure it out????? Well, I am always perturbed because the letters are so random and in not particular sequence that the OCD in me wants it SO badly to make sense. Nonetheless, today it finally did

P   O    R    K   O

appeared in perfect penmanship and in blue block lettering! I was so shocked that it made an actual word, well kind of a word, but closer to a word than ever before. I think the blogosphere is finally apologizing for all of my frustration when trying to punch in the letters time and time again!!!!

Thank you blogger:)

Much love to my Denver friend who can't seem to stop herself from having any of the following: surgery, new medical discovery, and/or pink eye. I miss you hope hope you are better without your crawdad.

P.S. I kind of love Sarah Palin because her fam is a bit on the trashy side.....and because I think she might just save us all from grampy Mc-insane!