Month: June 2020

Believe it or not, this blog has been in the making for over a year. I needed a way to share with the world what life looks like from where I sit. From all of the good, the not so good, and everything in between, this will be my way of purging…reflecting…sharing…and remembering. It took just one text from a special friend to jump start my engine. I hope you all enjoy the ride you are about to go on because…

I really should go somewhere and sit down!

At about 430p, I excitedly told the hubby, “I should stain the basement stairs!” I had no game plan, just an end goal. I had stain, but no idea how much was left or if the color would work for me. I did know two things: I had to sand (dislike) and the project would take me the rest of the night. I powered up the sanding tool (no princess here) and went to work! Every part of me was covered in wood dust. I kept my eye on the prize. I tested out two stains…”HATED IT!” Then, my hubby (holding out on me), says, “I should have some old gel stain from when I made the dice trays for the guys. I don’t know how well gel stain will work for the stairs, but…” Really, dude? So, after sanding off the stain tests, I went to work. I was in LOVE! I didn’t even care that I failed to put gloves on. These chocolate brown, almost black, hands were getting it done! A few touch-ups and sealing will be required, but sweet baby Jesus…these steps LOOK GOOD! See for yourself!

We decided to venture out for another trip for lunch and a couple of store pick-ups. During these COVID times, it is hard to not go stir crazy being in the house all of the time, especially for the kids. As part of the “leaving the house” process, I ask both girls to potty before we go. I usually get, “But I don’t have to go.” I make them go anyway. See, that little one will say that and then go pee a gallon when I make her go. I don’t have time for public restrooms during this time. The kids haven’t seen the inside of a store since March 13th…their last day of in-school learning.

We get out, get our lunch, and are headed for store pick-ups. Then, it happened!!! I hear the words that I don’t like to hear during non-COVID times, let alone NOW! Right now, right now! “Mommy, I have to go boo boo!” SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA! My reaction, “Are you sure? Why didn’t you go before we left? Can you hold it? Wait, do I even have seat covers? OMG! OMG! WE GOTTA GO HOME!” I had to take a second and breathe. As luck would have it, I had a pack of seat covers in my mommy-sized purse. I came to my senses and said, “Let’s head into Target so you can potty. You shouldn’t hold it…but DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!” I prepped those toilet covers in the car. We masked up and strategically ventured in like there were laser alarms all over. We cannot fall victim to this virus. Not on my watch!

Now, ordinarily, Syd is in and out. She is what I’d like to call, an efficient handler of business! Not today! Today I must have scared it away by my reaction and wanting her to hold it. Nevertheless, she was successful in her adventure. We scrubbed up and strategically ventured out the same way we ventured in…like there were laser alarms all over. I was sweating, but mission was accomplished!

Now Syd, don’t do that sugar to me ever again!

I broke my childrens’ hearts today! The hubby and I decided to have “the talk” with our kids about EVERYTHING that is going on in the world today. We made the decision to hold off for as long as we could. We wanted to preserve their innocence and not tarnish how they see the world…because to them, it is without flaws. Not anymore! While Syd didn’t quite have the time to sit still long enough to discuss the conversation, Pooh Bear was all over it. She was hanging on to every word and putting two and two together. You see, the Alexa’s we have in the house show news topics. In passing, she saw George Floyd’s name appear constantly. She also likes to create her own emoji’s on her iPad. One of the emoji’s added a sign for her to hold, “Black Lives Matter.” She texted the emoji to me grinning from ear to ear because to her, it was “cute.” I could see the wheels in her head spinning as we shared all that we had semi-prepared. She was getting it. I am proud of both of my girls. Despite everything, they took it all in strides. I pray God covers them…and this world!

It’s hard to put into words all of my feels here lately.  I felt it necessary to make an attempt.  I’ve experienced racism in my lifetime firsthand, ironically, most of it was as a child.  So, I’m conditioned (sad, but true).  As an adult, I’ve turned a few heads as people talk to me and are surprised I can speak like that of an educated professional.  Maybe because I am, but that’s neither here nor there.  So, how do I “deal” with it?  I don’t.  It’s just the way of life for me because I learned early that my walk would look different.  But what I’ve been through, doesn’t begin to compare to the experiences of others who look…just…like…me!  The people who have been mistreated, chastised, beaten, and worse…those who have died because their mere existence was an instigator.  My heart simply breaks.  I urge you, make this movement a priority in your life.  Just as much a priority as getting your hands on a swimming pool.  Let’s not lose sight of the goal this time.  And yep…Black Lives Matter!  If all lives truly mattered, we wouldn’t be where we are.  #NotAnotherLife  #BlackLivesMatter

Today is a day where all of our hard work finally paid off! The hubby and I decided, after watching several YouTube videos, that we could maximize our garage storage space with a few 2x4s, screws, paint, slotted angles, and A LOT of sweat and elbow grease! Operation “Maximize Garage Storage” is complete! I think the entire family is proud, huh?