Jenny's 30th Birthday Party!

My lil' sis Jenny turned 30 on August 7th. She came home from Fort Wayne, Indiana for her themed 80's birthday party! Lots of good food, old friends, and of course, 80's karaoke! A good time was had by all!

The Good Old Summertime

I remember when I was a kid and just couldn't wait for school to be over so I could start my summer break. I always remember sitting in my class as the principal "released" each grade. Afterwards, it was off to the local park for the usual shaving cream fight. There was just something about spraying shaving cream into that person's face who you didn't quite care for! Or I guess, even just spraying it in your friend's face was just as fun! Just, the feeling of FREEDOM! Knowing that you had your whole summer to do whatever you wanted to. Nothing to worry about. You didn't have to work. Didn't have to worry about money. Just what you were going to do the next day.

My summer days usually consisted of playing outside all day with Eric, Jenny, and some neighborhood pals. Jenny and I would spend many days at the park down the street, swimming and playing. I remember mom making us popsicles from various juices. We would lay outside on our towels, listen to music, and just relax. Some days we would go to Water Works and spend the entire day there swimming. On Friday nights, we would usually get pizza from "Fiesta" and go to Maridy video to get a scary movie. And on Saturdays our goal was always to stay up and watch "Headbangers Ball." Sometimes we made it, other times we didn't.

Life was much simpler when we were kids. No stresses or worries, just having fun. Although we all still look forward to the summers, it is easy to want to go back to the glory days....

The Simple Things

Life can be very complicated. And stressful at times. In recent months, I have discovered how important it is to appreciate what life has to offer. We must find little things every day that just, make us happy! The simple things. Right now. Here is my list! (not in any order!)

1. Reading one of my health magazines.
2. That first cup of coffee in the morning.
3. Getting under the covers after a long day.
4. The smell of rain.
5. Putting my slippers on.
6. Lounge time.
7. LOST. Best show on tv.
8. Talking to Brian on my lunch break.
9. Special days at work--lunches, smoothies with Tywon, unexpected gifts.
10. My coconut shower gel and lotion. Yum.
11. Aerobics classes at the gym...especially when my mom is there.
12. My dad when he calls saying, "Just checkin in!"
13. Getting Chipotle with mom and Katy.
14. Sunshine!
15. Flip-flops and painted toenails.
16. More daylight.
17. Singing loudly in the car.
18. Margaritas! With salt please!
19. Movies with my man.
20. My new purse. It's so colorful!
21. Karaoke.
22. Driving with the windows down.
23. Cheesecake. Need I say more?
24. Leaving work every day!
25. My GPS. Gotta love "Claire!" She never leads me astray.
26. The fact that Brian's voice is the last thing I hear before falling asleep. Every night.
27. Salad with avocados.
28. An email from an old friend.
29. My blackberry, A.K.A. crackberry.
30. A good ole' breakfast.
31. Having people that truly listen.
32. Lazy Sundays.
33. Biking on the towpath.
34. Ice cream.
35. Lighting a candle.
36. Finally having a home of my own.
37. Dollar drafts.
38. Corn dogs.
39. Looking into your pet's eyes and seeing how much they love you.
40. Country music.
41. The beach.
42. Having absolutely no plans for the weekend.
43. Chicken Wings. Hot or Garlic.
44. Remembering old times with Beth.
45. Planning new times with Brian.
46. Full moons.
47. Baking desserts with you know who.
48. My new wine that I just discovered.
49. iTunes.
50. Living a full year seizure-free.

My Not-So-Fun Week

After returning from an awesome weekend at Hiram with some good friends, I was extremely tired and hungover for most of the day. And, why wouldn't I be...I drank all night and didn't get enough sleep! (It was totally worth it, might I add!!) I also noticed that I had a bit of a scratchy throat. I sometimes get these, but usually they go away pretty quickly. On Monday morning, after a very sleepless night, I felt pretty awful. I couldn't quite shake off the feeling that I was "off" somehow. Of course I was still tired, but I felt like it was more than that. Then, all of a sudden, it hit me like a brick at work. Whoa---"I think I'm getting sick--maybe the flu!!" I told my co-workers. Of course I toughed it out the rest of the day (cause I'm awesome!) and as the day went on, my throat began to hurt worse, my neck became stiff, and I became woozy like I was drunkish. I went home and decided to make some soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. After barely touching my meal, I knew. There was no denying it anymore. I was sick.

That night was one of the worse nights I can remember in a long time. I kept waking up with chills and sweats all night. And I mean, extreme. I was soaked almost head to toe with sweat. I woke up to find that my shirt and my hair were drenched...like I had just gotten out of the pool. Ick. And of course, I got up, got dressed, and went to work. (as I said before, cause I'm awesome!!) As awesome as I thought I was, it was probably not a good idea. I was in misery most of the day and decided around lunch to show one of my bosses my throat. Yup..tonsils were ginormous and red. I had chills the rest of the day.. .so I cranked up the heat. There were many complaints about how "hot" it was in the room and while I wanted to tell everyone to "suck it", I smiled and said, "Sorry, I think I have the flu." Surprised that I didn't get asked to leave early, I ended up working 8 1/2 hours that day. So again, after work, I lay around (which I never do during the week!)and my mom ordered us pizza for dinner. Thinking that I wasn't that hungry even though I only had a bowl of cereal that day, I amazingly had a piece of it, some breadsticks, and pepsi. I thought Tuesday night would be a better sleeping night, but it was more of the same...sweats, chills, random dreams about stepping on rats and having to get rabies shots...ugh. Don't ask.

Wednesday I wasn't scheduled to go in to work till noon. I woke up around 9:00, went downstairs and decided to shine a flashlight down my throat to look at my ginormous tonsils. Drats---there they were..WHITE SPOTS. "Great", I thought. "Now I got the strep." So of course I called my mom...(you know, I'm a 31 year old woman and still call my mom when I'm sick!) so she told me she would get me into the doctor. So...I got into the doctor's office and doc says that he is going to order a strep test. So, here comes the nurse with the giant popsicle stick and foot long q-tip. After gagging several times, they got a good swab and left. Doc comes back and said that I tested negative for strep and that I have Viral Pharyngitis..basically same symptoms as strep, but it is caused by a virus so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Wonderful...I would have been happier if was strep, then at least I could have been on antibiotics and felt better quicker!! After going to Panera with mom, I dropped my doctor's note off at work and told them I would be back tomorrow. My sweet boyfriend came over to keep me company that night.

So, today I was back to work. As I write this, I am still contagious...as long as my symptoms persist...which I'm guessing this is day 4, so I probably have a few more days. They say this usually lasts 7-10 days. I'm hoping to be normal again by the weekend. But really...my normal is really not normal. :)

God is Great, Beer is Good, and Maybe I'm Crazy!

My BFF and I have been best friends since we were 11 years old. I was maid of honor in her wedding, and now am Godmother of her child. Now in order to be a Godmother, I have to be Catholic, (which I am) attend mass to show that I am faithful, and provide the church with a certificate. After calling my church to get this certificate (the church I attended my whole life, mind you) I found out that I wasn't registered and they had no record of me being there. I said, "Don't you have records of my First Communion and Confirmation?" "It doesn't matter!" said the secretary. "You need to prove that you are faithful by attending mass and donating each week." I thought that this was ridiculous...so in order to show I am faithful, I have to pay money? So I registered and began attending and paying each week. (I must add that there is nothing wrong with giving to the church. However, you should not be forced to do it or made to think that you are a bad person because you don't)I explained my aggravation to my BFF and after a month of attending mass at my church, she suggested that I switch to her church to see if it might be a better fit. She went with me to meet the new priest who I thought was wonderful. Not to mention, the church is beautful. I am very excited that I am a member now. And very excited to be a Godmother! And yes, I now am getting money deducted out of my count weekly at my new church. Because I want to. GOD IS GREAT!!

I love a good beer. However, I have learned that moderation is key. (these days!)Now, in my early 20's, I could party like a rock star. I could stay out late 4 times a week, drink however much I wanted, and be in pretty good shape the next day. I didn't care what I had to do the next day. I didn't even think about it. I was just living for the night. Now, of course I still have some brews on weekends. However, when I take that first sip, I think...."hmmmmm what am I doing tomorrow? This tastes so good, but will it be worth it in the morning? What if I drink too much..how long will it take me to recover? A hangover for me = laying around and eating bad food. Do I really want to waste a whole day (or even weekend) so that I can have fun and forget about things for a few hours? 5 beers or a head and stomachache tomorrow?" Of course I slip up every now and then and still inbibe too much But...I was VP of my sorority and BEER IS GOOD!

I have decided that I have some issues and may be...well, a little crazy. Ever since I was a kid, I have been afraid of doctors. This has carried on into my adulthood. In fact, when I go in and they check my blood pressure, it is often very high. It usually runs from 133/90 to 145/95, unless I am not nervous or it is a quick check-up. The nurses and doctors are often shocked by this. I am not old, or too much out of shape. I quickly explain to them that I get very nervous and it is always high but I do not normally have high blood pressure. I recently went to the dr. and the nurse was very concerned and made me sit in the conference room while she talked to the doctor. He knew that I was nervous and just told me to monitor it to make sure it was not normally high. He gave me a diagnosis. "White Coat Syndrome." Surely, I am not the only person who has this problem..am I? So, dad let me borrow his blood pressure monitor. And guess what I found out? My blood pressure is pretty good! I checked it this morning, after work, and before bed. And although it was a bit higher after work...it was about 115/78. Wow--what a difference from 145/95. Goes to show you what stress and anxiety does to your body. Unfortunately now, I am probably going to become obsessed with taking my blood pressure, as I have become obsessed with checking my skin for abnormalities, going to the doctor for every ache and pain and worrying about my stomach and seizure disorder. Honestly, I don't know how everyone puts up with all of my worries. Maybe I have good reason to worry. Or MAYBE I'M CRAZY! :)

Lots of Choices, Nowhere to Go!

We live in a world full of choices. One of the most important choices we can make, is what we are putting into our bodies. These days, people are becoming more health conscience. Why? The statistics are frighting. Cancer is becoming an epidemic. Diabetes is on the rise. Over half of Americans are obese. With all of these facts before us, you would think there would be more healthy choices out there to prevent us from getting sick. but, really there isn't, which makes me think that they WANT us to get sick. (Hmmmm I sound like Kevin Tredeau here!)

The other day my dad came over to take me and Jenny out to dinner. We were trying to think of a place that had something light and healthy. As we stood there talking, we realized there was nothing on State Road that was healthy. Then, realized that there was nothing in Cuyahoga Falls that was healthy. Sure, you can go to Giant Eagle and buy lots of organic foods from Nature's Basket...which all of us Robinsons do, but when it comes to eating out..and we all have to do it at some point...it is next to impossible to still eat sensible. So, dad and I settled on...yup, Taco Bell. LOL. However, I did get beans on my tacos instead of beef. (I am trying to tell myself that it isn't fattening because of this!)

Many other cities and/or areas of the country are opening up healthy restaurants, or have already had them for some time....with lots of healthy options to choose from whether you want to eat organicly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. These places also have the lowest cases of disease and the healthiest people in the country. Why isn't every city this way?

I know that around here, some places advertise that they are "healthy." One place has the "Fresco" diet plan. Come on!!! Even though it isn't as fattening, do you think you can really eat tacos every day? Not to mention, who knows what kind of junk they put in their stuff. We all know how some guy lost all of that weight eating from a popular chain. But...how healthy are the vegetables really? Where did they get them? Are they genetically modified? What about that bread? Sure it smells good..but I don't like to eat something that tastes stale. This list goes on and on...where can we go to get some real healthy food?? Fresh, wholesome, healthy, good for you food!!

I think that every city needs to start really evaluating what kinds of restaurants and food choices they have. Although it appears that way, we do not all like to eat burgers, fries, and pizza all day. I would love to drive down the street and say, "Hey, I'm going to stop in here and get my organic fruit smoothie today", or "Oh, the special today is an organic strawberry field salad with a whole wheat roll on the side and a sparkling water. Let's go!!" Oh, how I wish. We would all be much healthier, and I think, much happier. But then again, how many of us would make the wrong choice and go for the burger and fries??

Not me!

My busy week!

Monday was my 31st birthday. Oddly, I was really happy to turn 31! 30 was such a terrible, terrible year, I couln't wait to be done with it! Since I celebrated my birthday with my dad last Wednesday and the rest of my family on Sunday, Beth, Chloe, and I went to O'Charley's for dinner. It was my first time there and I thought it was really good! I will definitely go back there! We got martinis in celebration...me a hptnotic ocean breeze, and her a cotton candy martini. It was a very nice, unexpected bday dinner with my bff and my God daughter.

Tuesday was a very long day of work. I then went to the mall to get my eyebrows waxed. (Gotta look good for my party!) Of course I was bright red for the rest of the day and into Wednesday, but the pain is totally worth it!

On Wednesday my goal was to get up and go to church at 7 am. As soon as my alarm went off, I knew I wasn't going. I was working another 10 hour day but I told myself that it is Ash Wednesday and I should really go. Not to mention I needed to put my money into the collection to prove I was there. So after work, I went to the 7:00 pm mass. I hadn't been to an Ash Wednesday service since college, but it actually was nice to go, not only for my spirituality, but for the purpose of refreshing my memory of what Ash Wedesday is about. Maybe this Lenten season is the perfect time for me to reflect on things and what I need to do to become a better person. We were born from dust, and we will become dust. Hopefully before then, I will get my life in order, haha.

Today I went back to the neurologist for a check-up. Originally I was going to have to get blood taken, but since I've been seizure-free since the summer and have had no problems with the medication, he didn't think I needed to. My insurance changed and I now have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for my medication! I mentioned this to Dr. Huang and he told me that since my case was mild, it would be ok to switch to a generic...yay!! So, I am thrilled that I don't have to break my bank account paying for my medication! Unfortunately due to my weight gain, he said if I gained any more, I would have to get put on a higher dose of the medication. It's becoming frustrating because I just cannot seem to lose any weight. I don't eat too badly, I've been working out, but it just isn't going anywhere. My friend Beth is going to start weight watchers and I'm thinking about doing it with her to see if maybe that will work. She at least, has an excuse..she just had a baby a month ago! I, on the other hand, need to get on the ball. After the doctor, I got my hair cut and highlighted. I love the color but think I am going to go shorter in a few months. The only reason I keep it long is for Brian...eventually he will have to deal with me having shorter hair!

Tomorrow I meet with Father Kraker about changing parishes. I am excited to meet him and hope it is the right fit. I am off work all day and then will be going to Brian's tomorrow night and preparing for my birthday party on Saturday! And, Jenny is coming home so we can finally celebrate Christmas #2! It should be a good weekend!

If I Could Turn Back Time

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to go back in time? What if you had the opportunity to go back and correct the mistakes you made...to have one more chance to do it all over again. Would you do it? What would you want to do differently? Would you have said sorry to someone that you hurt? Would you have told someone that you love them before it was too late? Would you have gone in a different path in life..perhaps gone to that school out of state you dreamt of, or settled down with your first love? Would you take more risks? Less risks? Would you have kept up with going to church? Spent more time with your family? Would you have changed your eating habits? Exercise habits? Would you have appreciated your family more and the sacrifices your parents made for you? Would you have been more careful who you hung out with? Would you have been more choosy about the people you dated? Would you have accepted yourself for the wonderful person that you are?

There are so many "what ifs" to consider in life. What if I did this, or what if I would have done that? For me in particular, there are quite a few "what ifs." If you know me, you probably know what those "what ifs" are. But then again, maybe you don't.

It is hard not to dwell on the past sometimes, but sometimes when you think about it, it makes you realize what you need to do in the future. If anything, I have learned from the mistakes that I have made in my younger days. And, maybe I'm a better and stronger person because of it. I think now more than ever I have learned what I need to do to make myself happy. Ten years ago, or even five years ago, I had no clue what life was about or what my role in it was. But now, because of the "mistakes" I made, I have learned so many things that I may not have known had I not made these "mistakes."

We all have done things in life that we regret. The important thing is that you move forward. And learn from your mistakes.

Resolutions for 2010

Every year, I compile my list of resolutions I want to keep. And every year, I pretty much don't do any of them! I hope that this year is different and I can keep my resolutions! These are not in any particular order!

1. Use my newfound skill of knitting to create some pretty things!

2. Drink less coffee and more tea! This has to do with cutting down the caffeine more than anything, but I have found out lately that I am really enjoying tea! I have been quite successful at this so far. Of course, there is nothing like a good cup of coffee!

3. Go to church. I have been wanting to go back to church for a while now. However, it is rather difficult since Brian is not Catholic.

4. Get involved in a variety of classes at the Natatorium and stick with it. Weight Loss Goal=27 lbs!!

5. Learn guitar! I think I am pretty much the only person in my family that DOESN'T play guitar. But, that is not why I am interested in it. It just looks fun and I hope I can learn it and be good at it!

6. Get engaged!! Well, I don't think this is REALLY a resolution, but it would be nice if it happened!! Hint, hint Brian! In the words of Beyonce, "If you like it than you better put a ring on it!"

7. Move out of the house. If #6 happens, then this will happen. But if not, it probably won't!

8. Dye my hair--not sure what color yet, but definitely lighter!

9. Find a new line dance class. Sadly, our instructor retired. :(

10. Go on vacation---somewhere, anywhere!!! I deserve it!

The Bus Stop

I wrote this while in college. Little did I know, I would still feel like this years later.


I have been waiting for my bus
for too long now.
I keep thinking I see it,
but it goes by and I discover
it's not the one I'm looking for.

So I sit, waiting for the next one
wondering if it will ever come.