Start me up!

I think I'll start blogging again...... Blog: To impart useless information on the masses....

I have had the crafting "bug" this last week. Bling'd several shirts and made a pair of pants for Alexis. I then made a purse using and old pair of jeans and some material scraps...... I sent the purse to a friend of mine who has had two major surgeries lately..... She seriously needed a pick-me-up!

My OCD has been in overdrive lately so I may need a medication change..... Scary? Not really.... I live in my own world-they like me here! My therapist said it's OK so I guess it really is..... I ranted at her today (thank you, Patricia) and discovered I need to better manage my expectations as it is the only thing I can control. I can't control others (why not?) or other's reactions (or lack thereof) to what I do. Bottom line: Can't make THEM love you or want to spend time with you or even talk to you....

I am down to one CASA case. Need to see my kiddo. I am suppose to mentor or do investigative work for awhile. It is hard when you just can't make a difference in a child's life. Not when they are teenagers. I feel for the ones who have just had the succession of tough breaks. Bottom line: They make the choices and not all of them are healthy ones, unfortunately.....

Going on a ride tomorrow. I rode a little today. That'll make me happy!

A dim Sunday

It is Sunday and actually quite dreary......

OK..... soooooo..... There has been no winter in N. Idaho, the land of ID!!!!

We went out on the bikes today. We rode to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Spokane Valley via the 53. We did well except for a careless driver who wanted to pass opposing traffic in our lane.... My brakes work as does Phil's middle finger!!! Ouch! We are less tolerant of stupid people on our bike, that's for sure!

My gloves were too tight which made the first half of the ride painful. I know better. I prefer to ride without but still a little too cold for bare hands!!!! Wore suede gloves home.... AHHHH! Much better!

I am so ready for riding!!!

So, it has been 2 days..... Dylan has been much better! We are just sticking to our collective guns! It is hard raising an "only child" with special needs. As a matter of fact, it's damn difficult when they get to be his age. We love him so much and the kindest thing we can do is set boundaries.

Two new CASA cases. One abuse, the other neglect. I hate dopers! I hate dirtbag selfish people who inflict their addictions on their kids. The abuse one we can fix. I am sure the Dad didn't mean to do it.

Taking back my home!

I had the ultimate epiphany tonight. The tail has been wagging the dog! Oh my gosh! Has it ever!

In case you haven't guessed it already, I am speaking about my wonderfully funny and sweet grandson, Dylan..... Absolute light of my life..... Who is also spoiled and over indulged by yours truly! A little help from my husband too!

Dylan's massive toy collection has begun to take over our house. Part of the problem is Dylan's OCD and his attachment to his toys. Dylan can tell you when and on what occasion he rec'd a particular toy. He knows who gave it to him or whether he bought it at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us or on eBay. He has such a deep attachment to these toys that it is next to impossible to dispose of anything. Anyone who has ever been in my house knows just exactly what I am talking about. He collects "sets" of things and wants EVERYTHING saved for his kids. He has severe anxiety attacks if you try to make him get rid of something. Also, although he is pretty rough on things, God forbid there be a mark or a scuff on anything. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers have been a Godsend when it comes to removing minor marks. I have also become quite the expert at color matching things with Sharpie markers or model paints.

It all came to a head tonight over putting his Cars toys in individual Ziploc bags. Dylan had put each individual toy in a Ziploc then wrote the name of the toy on the Ziploc. It was time to pick up and start getting ready for bed. Dylan has begun to argue and was particularly boisterous tonight. On top of being loud and argumentative he threw a couple of items out of frustration.

Phil was getting upset and I finally had had enough. It was if I'd been Godsmacked! I very quietly and firmly told the little scoundrel that I was taking back control and the "tail was no longer wagging the dog". It took about an hour and lots of angry voices and angry body stomping, kicking, bargaining (on his part) without budging me. He lost some privileges, but, all in all everything got done.

I know that setting boundaries is the most loving and kind thing we can do for Dylan. He knows we love him. We want the best for him. We know that Dylan can control his temper in most instances. He has a long way to go but if we can work together and be firm in our resolve we can take back control of this house.

I pray one of us lives long enough to see Dylan into adulthood. I want to be around for all the grandkids but Dylan will need some extra guidance. Phil and I are all he has to rely on. Other than his mother in Spokane, no other family live close by.

Doctor Visit

OK, so I went to the doctor today totally expecting bad news. You see, I USED to be a diabetic but, thanks to gastric bypass, I am in remission. The good news is my FBS was 109 and my HgbA1C was within normal limits. Great news! Bad news is my weight has crept up. I won't say how much but I will say regaining my weight is one of my greatest fears.

I never really wanted to be super thin. A size 10 or 12 is fine. I am not under the illusion that being thin will solve all of my problems or make my depression go away.

I have to say that seeing pictures of people I went to school with has helped with my perspective. Everyone looks great to me!! Notice I didn't say "they don't look like they have aged". We have all aged but everyone looks great! I am not the only one who has gained weight or looks OLDER than their senior photos.

Anyway, the nurse practitioner gave me my 30 days to lose 4 lbs. I am also to keep a calendar and keep track of exercise - 30 minutes a day. Walking, stationary bike, Zumba!, dance classes - anything! I took the dog out for a walk when I got home - 30 minutes! The dog isn't used to it! Poor thing!

I love the Skecher Shape-Up shoes. I have 2 pair and they are they most comfortable things! I feel like I my posture is better and the thicker sole makes them super comfortable. Altho' a little expensive at $110, they feel well worth the price. So..... 30 min a day!

The days are getting longer..... I need the sun! Days are getting warmer too! We have had next to no snow but I am OK with it!

I am OK with everything, I guess....

OK! Leave me a comment if you are following this BLOG! I write for people to read, otherwise, I would just keep a journal. Actually...... I am suppose to keep a journal!