Songs For Self-Esteem: A Playlist

Update: As the list of songs has continued to grow - with new additions all the time - I've turned this post into its own page (see top left underneath blog header) here.



So!  After how many years since Ally McBeal, I've FINALLY decided on my theme song:

I think the other two songs I need to listen to on a daily basis are...

and

I mentioned my self-esteem playlist in Tuesday's post: I intended to have this up sooner, but I've been getting some great last-minute suggestions and working to make some final tweaks.  (I also want to get the songs together in a way that will allow me to share them with you if you'd like, but that's going to take more time/work.)  Please note that there is a very, VERY broad range of genres here, and that some of these songs are NSFW and/or kid-friendly.  Hell, some are downright corny!  However, they either speak to me, or to some of the amazing, helpful people who pitched in with AWESOME suggestions.  In no particular order (except maybe alphabetical depending on how my iPod chooses to arrange them), here we go!  (Songs in italics are not on the playlist.com player.)

1. A Woman's Worth - Alicia Keys
2. All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
3. Anthem - Superchick
4. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot
5. Back In The Saddle - Matraca Berg
6. Beast Of Burden - The Rolling Stones
7. Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
8. Beautiful - Social Code
9. Believe - Suzy McNeil
10. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) - Mika
11. Bitch - Meredith Brooks
12. Born This Way - Lady Gaga
13. Can't Nobody Hold Me Down - Puff Daddy
14. Change - Wide Mouth Mason
15. Closer To Fine - Indigo Girls
16. Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
17. Dreams - Gabrielle
18. Extraordinary - Liz Phair
19. Extraordinary Machine - Fiona Apple
20. Fat Bottom Girls - Queen
21. Fighter - Christina Aguilera
22. Firework - Katy Perry
23. Fuck You - Cee Lo Green
24. Fuckin' Perfect - Pink
25. Gives You Hell - All American Rejects
26. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
27. Good Mother - Jann Arden
28. Great Day To Be Alive - Travis Tritt
29. Green Eyes - Coldplay
30. Happier - A Fine Frenzy
31. Happy - Brandi Carlile
32. Happy - Leona Lewis
33. Happy - The Rolling Stones
34. Happy Girl - Martina McBride
35. Hella Good - No Doubt
36. I Am Body Beautiful - Salt 'n Pepa
37. I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy
38. I Feel Good - James Brown
39. I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
40. I Love Myself Today - Bif Naked
41. I Will Survive - Cake
42. I Won't Back Down - Pearl Jam
43. I'm Every Woman - Whitney Houston
44. I'm Still Standing - Elton John
45. Imperfection - Saving Jane
46. It's My Life - Bon Jovi
47. Just A Girl - No Doubt
48. Just Fine - Mary J. Blige
49. Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
50. Keep Breathing - Ingrid Michaelson
51. Lost - Michael Bublé
52. Miss Independent - Kelly Clarkson
53. More Beautiful You - Johnny Diaz
54. Most Girls - Pink
55. My Body - Young The Giant
56. OK It's Alright With Me - Eric Hutchinson
57. Ooh Child - Beth Orton
58. Perfect - Hedley
59. Raise Your Glass - Pink
60. Ready to Start - Arcade Fire
61. Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
62. Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti
63. Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake
64. Sexy Bitch - David Guetta
65. Shake It Off - Jarvis Church
66. She Is Beautiful - Andrew W.K.
67. She Is Love - Parachute
68. She Moves In Her Own Way - The Kooks
69. She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
70. She's a Rebel - Green Day
71. She's Everything - Brad Paisley
72. She Wants To Move - N.E.R.D.
73. Shine - Anna Nalick
74. Sing - My Chemical Romance
75. Sing Your Heart Out - The Trews
76. Smile - Lily Allen
77. Smile - Wide Mouth Mason
78. So Small - Carrie Underwood
79. So What - Pink
80. Stand In The Rain - Superchick
81. Stronger - Britney Spears
82. Stronger - Kanye West
83. Sunshine - Matt Costa
84. Superwoman - Alicia Keys
85. Survivor - Destiny's Child
86. The Bitch Is Back - Elton John
87. The Climb - Miley Cyrus 
88. The Littlest Birds - The Be Good Tanyas
89. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
90. The Story - Brandi Carlile
91. The Way I Are - Timbaland
92. This One's For The Girls - Martina McBride
93. This Too Shall Pass - OK Go
94. Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
95. True Colors - Glee Cast
96. Unbreakable - Bon Jovi
97. Unpretty - TLC
98. Video - India.Arie
99. We'll Be Alright - Travie McCoy
100. Woman - Wolfmother
101. Won't Back Down - Eminem feat. Pink
102. You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) - Josh Groban
103. You Gotta Be - Des'ree

HYC: Week 3

Last week was another good week.  I found myself using the word "only" while looking at my exercise for last week (I "only" got in three workouts (five if you count all the walking we did Saturday and Sunday)) - I'm trying (again) to change the way I think/look at things, so I got three workouts in last week!  Yay, me!  :D  hehe  I also did well with my eating/tracking.

I was finding myself feeling a little... cramped, I guess?  Like I haven't been doing enough: I really enjoy walking with Chebbar after work, but it's almost as if because I find it enjoyable, my brain doesn't want to recognize it as exercise (pretty awful when an activity has to be unpleasant for you to consider it a workout, no?).  After a demoralizing session of trying on pants that left me in tears and a frank discussion about my body image, I decided that I'm going to get back to my weights after we walk three days a week, and I reserve the right to kick Chebbar off the TV when I get home from work if I want to do Wii Fit/Just Dance/Zumba/Tae Bo.  Yesterday he didn't feel like walking (he slept like crap Sunday night), but I didn't let that stop me: I hopped on the elliptical, followed it up with weights, and felt really GOOD when I was done.  :)

Work isn't stressing me out quite as much as it was.  After speaking up for myself and letting the higher-ups know that our current project was stressing me out and outlining my abilities and limitations, I'm starting to feel like I have a handle on stuff.  I'm still stopping every hour to stretch and breathe.  I also bought a couple of stress-relieving aromatherapy oils - might just be a placebo effect, but hey: whatever works, right?

The dentist appointment on Friday ended up being a surprise! filling replacement: NO ROOT CANAL!  :D  I guess I had a small cavity beside the current filling, so they replaced the old metal filling and I've had no further pain (thank Ceiling Cat).  He also assured me that, if a root canal was necessary, it almost always involves throbbing pain that doesn't go away, not the sharp, shooting, fleeting pain I was experiencing.  Good to know.  I've been SO GOOD at making sure I floss and brush before bed, too.

I'm in the process of working on some stuff.  On ME.  I really want (need) to improve my self-esteem and confidence (hence my request for happy songs on Saturday: once I have my self-esteem playlist fine-tuned, I'll post it).  I really want (need) to work on my body image (issues).  And I really want (need) to figure out how to forgive a couple of people for ME so I can let go of the lingering hurt and anger.  That last one?  Believe it or not, that's probably going to be the toughest one - I have ideas of how to pursue the other goals (or at least where to look for resources), but I'm clueless when it comes to forgiving someone who has hurt me: I've never been in the position where the hurt and anger have been so deep that I just wasn't capable of letting go and moving on.  That being said, if anyone has any tips or resources you could share, I would greatly appreciate it.

ETA:  Oh!  I don't know how I forgot this (can we say selective amnesia?)!  My first weigh-in/measuring/"progress check up" since getting back on the horse is this Friday.  I'm a little excited, but that is overshadowed by nervousness and fear that it's going to be bad news...  :-s

Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest yet?  It's a "virtual pinboard" with a social media twist: you can "pin" things that interest you, either from Pinterest directly, or your own finds on the web.  You can follow people or just specific boards.  You can like a pin, repin a pin, or comment on a pin.  It's SO much fun!  There are...

crafty things...

drool-worthy things...

yummy things...

free things...

fashionable things...

homey things...

...and so much more!  Seriously, it's really cool - you should come play!  If you need an invite, shoot me your email address and I'll send as many as I can.  :)

Deep thought by Jack Handy

I just realized that (at least part of the reason) I find it so hard to ask for help is that I'm expecting people to not be there for me/able to help, whether because they just can't or because they just won't.  Yikes.

I need to recognize when I need help.  I need to realize that needing help is not a sign of weakness: it's probably more a sign of strength because it's seeing and honouring my limitations.  I need to stop assuming people will fail me.  I need to stop thinking I'm not worthy of help.

What's your go-to happy song(s)?

I'm making a big, ol' self-esteem booster play list.  Help me out: what song is guaranteed to improve your mood?  Make you smile?  Get your butt moving in your seat?  It doesn't haven't to be all grrrl power, either - hit me with your best shot (good song!).

Guess who's gonna have ALL of her teeth yanked so she can get DENTURES?

Because seriously y'all, I *h.a.t.e.* my teeth.

My appointment last week was uneventful.  They took another X-Ray (normal), did an examine (fine - apparently having crown lengthening done (SPOILER ALERT - highlight if you wanna read what it is: that's where they BURN your gum line back to make room for the crown) can cause bleeding while flossing (normal), but to keep flossing so crap doesn't get stuck in there and rot), and she did a "bite adjustment" of the filling she did a month ago (FYI?  Drilling with no freezing?  Well, the COLDwater the drill shoots?  Hurts, yo).  They told me it may be sensitive for a week or two, but if I had any lingering pain or it lasted longer than two weeks to call again.

I called last night.

Over the weekend, a molar on the bottom (right underneath the replaced filling) started giving me trouble - anything cold is uncomfortable (I started using Sensodyne), and if I chew anything sweet on that surface holymotherofGOD does it hurt.  If I chew on the other side of my mouth, it's fine.  Now, there IS an old metal filling in that tooth (I honestly have no clue how old it is: it's possible it's 20+ years old), so I'm *hoping* the filling just needs to be replaced.

Of course, when I explained the symptoms to the receptionist, she quite cheerfully (bitch just doing her job) proclaimed that it "Sounds like [I] need [another mothertrucking] ROOT CANAL!!!1!one!"

That sound you heard?  My head exploding all over the fridge.

Wordless Instagram Wednesday

HYC: Week 2

I did pretty darned well last week!  I exercised four days, two of which were days that Chebbar didn't want to walk, but I didn't use that as an excuse to stay on my behind.  If all of the walking we did while running errands on Saturday counts, then I got five days of exercise in (I'm still torn on the whole non-intentional exercise deal).  I also tracked my eating all week.  

I would like to know, though, if you guys have thoughts on... calorie requirements, sort of: I get caught up in staying under my calorie goal and end up beating myself up when I'm not under by much, BUT I seem to forget that said goal is already reduced from what I'd need to maintain my current weight.  I'm contemplating plugging in the maintenance calorie goal so that when I'm under, I'll know how much I'm really under - I'm just concerned I won't try as hard (read: that my deficits won't be much/enough).  I'm not even sure if I'm making sense at this point, or just over-thinking it as usual.

I've been taking a short break every hour on the hour (no, seriously: I actually spent time setting hourly alarms on my iPod for each week day) to breathe, stretch, look (away from my monitor), and (have a) drink (of water):

(It's actually out of order from how I've been doing it: I stretch first, then look away, breathe, and then drink.)  I stand up and stretch back, side-to-side, and forward.  I look 20 feet away for 20 seconds (this should optimally be done every 20 minutes to combat Computer Vision Syndrome).  I breathe in a "square": inhale to a count of four, hold to a count of four, exhale to a count of four, and hold for a count of four before repeating another three times.  And then I have a drink of water.  It sounds silly (and probably looks sillier), but it seems to be helping to reduce stress and keep me from getting all tied up in tense knots.  Plus, the day seems to go by a bit quicker - I find myself thinking "Again already?!?  But I just did this!" when the alarm sounds.  

How was your week?

Review: Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth (cross-posted)

When I got the email notification that I had been chosen to participate in the Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth Antiperspirant (warning: their (Canadian, anyhow) website isn't the most user-friendly) campaign via BzzAgent, I was super excited - smoother underarms just by changing the type of antiperspirant I already use?  And from a company that I'm as close to brand-loyal as I get (I use their soap, body wash, defrizzer stuff, and did use their shampoo and conditioner for awhile)?!?  Sign me up! 

According to their website, Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth "contains Pro-Epil Complex to help make underarm hair feel softer, finer, and easier to remove" over the course of approximately four weeks.  It also contains Dove's usual 1/4 moisturizers that work to make your underarm skin smoother.  As well, it is available in their Clinical Protection formulation.

I received a full-sized antiperspirant for me and one for a friend: I figured I'd give one to my mom because it would be easiest to get a review from her.  I chose the Wild Rose scent.  Yeaaaaah.  It's really strongly scented.  I was hoping it was just the rose that didn't agree with me, so Mom was out and I was in (sorry, Mom!): I cracked open the Natural Fresh scent on day two.  It, too, was unbearably strong, like I-probably-wouldn't-be-able-to-wear-it-if-I-worked-in-a-scent-free-office strong.

Keep in mind that I've never really graduated past the baby powder scented deodorant stage that I started in high school: I even stopped using my beloved Degree when they changed formulations and said change affected the scent.  I'm used to the baby powder smell on me, so I'm okay with how it might mingle with my perfume: these other two scents were so strong that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing perfume on top of my antiperspirant (in addition to: I'm not some weirdo who sprays perfume on her pits or anything).

That being said, I was actually really disappointed because I was already feeling a difference in the softness of my underarms after only four days.  I'm hoping this product picks up enough in popularity that Dove will consider making it available in a wider variety of scents.  If they ever make it available in baby powder, I'll buy it in a heart beat.

I would most certainly recommend this product if you'd like smoother underarms that remain hair-free longer - just do the old sniff test before you make your purchase.  ;)


This is not a paid review; however, I did receive a sample of this product through my BzzAgent account. 

Review: Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth

When I got the email notification that I had been chosen to participate in the Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth Antiperspirant (warning: their (Canadian, anyhow) website isn't the most user-friendly) campaign via BzzAgent, I was super excited - smoother underarms just by changing the type of antiperspirant I already use?  And from a company that I'm as close to brand-loyal as I get (I use their soap, body wash, defrizzer stuff, and did use their shampoo and conditioner for awhile)?!?  Sign me up!

According to their website, Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth "contains Pro-Epil Complex to help make underarm hair feel softer, finer, and easier to remove" over the course of approximately four weeks.  It also contains Dove's usual 1/4 moisturizers that work to make your underarm skin smoother.  As well, it is available in their Clinical Protection formulation.

I received a full-sized antiperspirant for me and one for a friend: I figured I'd give one to my mom because it would be easiest to get a review from her.  I chose the Wild Rose scent.  Yeaaaaah.  It's really strongly scented.  I was hoping it was just the rose that didn't agree with me, so Mom was out and I was in (sorry, Mom!): I cracked open the Natural Fresh scent on day two.  It, too, was unbearably strong, like I-probably-wouldn't-be-able-to-wear-it-if-I-worked-in-a-scent-free-office strong.

Keep in mind that I've never really graduated past the baby powder scented deodorant stage that I started in high school: I even stopped using my beloved Degree when they changed formulations and said change affected the scent.  I'm used to the baby powder smell on me, so I'm okay with how it might mingle with my perfume: these other two scents were so strong that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing perfume on top of my antiperspirant (in addition to: I'm not some weirdo who sprays perfume on her pits or anything).

That being said, I was actually really disappointed because I was already feeling a difference in the softness of my underarms after only four days.  I'm hoping this product picks up enough in popularity that Dove will consider making it available in a wider variety of scents.  If they ever make it available in baby powder, I'll buy it in a heart beat.

I would most certainly recommend this product if you'd like smoother underarms that remain hair-free longer - just do the old sniff test before you make your purchase.  ;)


This is not a paid review; however, I did receive a sample of this product through my BzzAgent account. 

A different kind of needs vs. wants post

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want.  What I need.  More, less, improved.  In no particular order...

I want need to read more

I want need to relax more

I want need to walk more

I want need to watch more movies/TV (silly fluffy stuff)

I want need to colour more

I want need to play more video games

I want need to take more baths (to relax: not because I'm UNCLEAN! or anything)

I want need to do my nails more

I want need to do yoga

I want need to try meditation

I want need to bake more (and view it as something enjoyable instead of a chore, because it's not)

I want need to take care of my face/hair/nails/skin/body/psyche

I want need to enjoy life more

I want need to get to know myself better so I can appreciate the awesome person I am (boy, THAT was hard!)

Sensing a theme?  ;)  What do you want need to do more/less of?

Wordless Instagram Wednesdays

HYC: Week 1

Last week didn't quite go as planned.  *snort*  Chebbar's first week of school went well, but was a little overwhelming since a) it's something new and b) he hasn't done the whole school-thing in a few years.  We've started a job at work that is... stress-inducing to say the least, so I was DRAINED by the time I got home (and weepy and yelly among other things).  I k.n.o.w. that exercise would have been great stress relief, but neither of us had it in us.  I, uh, also didn't track past Monday because dinner consisted of take-out pretty much every single freaking night after that (which we NEVER do (and won't be able to continue doing money-wise)) and I was embarrassed/playing ostrich.  We pinky-swore at the dinner table Friday night that we'd start AGAIN-again this week.  And we did!  Well, *I* did...

I asked Chebbar if he might be up for a walk on Sunday, but he just wanted to relax.  Instead of my usual following suit, I actually got off my butt and did what I've been promising myself for ages and popped in the Yoga For Dummies DVD.  It really WAS for dummies - I was so excited!  No, seriously: I bought another "beginners" yoga DVD and it still expected you to know the names of poses and such.  I was surprised at how much of a workout it really was; I was proud of myself for not getting frustrated and quitting when I wasn't doing everything perfectly out of the gate like I am wont to do.

Chebbar didn't want to walk yesterday, either (he's had trouble sleeping lately, and even though I've (gently) pointed out that the exercise might help him sleep, he just has no energy).  Again, instead of using that as a handy excuse to sit on my arse, I strapped on the old sneakers and hopped on the elliptical.  I was contemplating doing my weights as well, but didn't want to push it TOO much - it's been a long, long time since I've been properly active.  I've also been tracking since Sunday and actually feel like I'm back in this.

We had bought one of those shiatsu chair massager thingies on the weekend: I sat on it after I was done, and I think it actually HURT me!  I have a spot underneath my right shoulder blade that is KILLING me today.  :(  I'll be staying off it for awhile, but if this keeps up, we'll be taking it back - Chebbar mentioned that it was even a little painful for him.

Not sure if we'll get to walk tonight, as I have another effing dentist appointment after work: the tooth that they replaced the filling in (the one next to the root canal tooth) started hurting when I flossed a couple of weeks ago - it's sensitive to my (electric) toothbrush, hurts a little when I chew, and bleeds when I floss.  SO. NOT.  IMPRESSED.

Putting my money where my mouth is

I wrote about Operation Beautiful awhile back; I've been contemplating my own "love" notes for awhile. After a frank discussion with Chebbar about how I just don't comprehend how he can look at me and NOT focus on my zitty face or my double chin or my frizzy hair (and his reply that I don't have to *get* it - that when multiple people who have nothing to gain from singing my praises DO - maybe I just have to accept it), I was struck by the urge to do this...

It was HARD at first, but once I got into the swing of things, it got easier.  Plus, I've thought of a couple I forgot (but I've run out of mirror space!).  I'm hoping that if I see these positive messages often enough, I'll start to believe what everyone else who loves me does: at the end of the day, I really do need (and want!) to love me, too.  Because I'm kind of awesome.  And a bit of a dippy hippy.  ;)

If you could write yourself just one sticky note's worth of love, what would it say?

Felted

I've decided that the next thing I would like to learn how to do is felting.  I love the fuzzy look of the things I've seen.  I'm intimidated by the prospect of learning something new (read: FAILING something new), and would likely have to invest in some pre-knitted pieces since Great Grannie never was successful in teaching me to knit, but it might be kind of fun.  Sort of.  If I managed to get over myself and my fear...

Turquoise "Tweet" Bird  $20.83

It's the Twitter bird!  Look at his widdle feetsies - so cute!  Now, I wonder if I could find a Fail Whale to match...

Red Pocket Bear  $19

*sigh*  I know, I know... what's with me and all the toys?!?  I have no clue.  All I know is that he's cute and I luff him.

Felted Nesting Bowls  $79

Pretty and functional!  Just, uh, don't try to serve cereal in them, m'kay?

Round Felt Rug  $259.99

Okay, I know it's a little spendy for what amounts to a bajillion wool balls, but wouldn't this be awesome in a  little girl's room?  So fun!

Romantic Rosette Wreath  $65

Love the hand-rolled rosettes!

16 " Felt Applique Pillow  $89

Not sure if this would be considered "felted" in the strictest sense of the word, but it is made from felt.  Besides, it's funny.

I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight

Part Nine

I think it was a Thursday.  I’m not really sure after all the time that has passed.  I was talking to Mom on the phone while Nick played upstairs; Dad was on his way to pick Taylor up to bring her to our house for dinner.   I heard the knock on the door as she told me to hang on.  Again, I don’t really remember the specifics of the conversation, just that Mom told Dad to have Taylor home by a specific time (she was in kindergarten and it was a school night), and that somehow devolved into him screaming at her that HE’S Taylor’s parent too, and that SHE doesn’t get to make ALL of the decisions (sound familiar?)  ,Next thing I knew I could hear Mom’s voice raise and scuffling when she picked up the phone and SCREAMED for me to call 911.

I was frantic.  I stayed on the phone with her (she hadn’t hung up) on my phone while I raced upstairs to use Dad’s line to call 911.  I was in the process of trying to answer the operator's questions when Mom came back on the phone to tell me that he was gone and it was okay.  I apologized to the 911 operator and hung up that phone, only to have her tell me in the other phone that I needed to get Nick and get out of the house NOW – that Dad was on a tear and had threatened that she would “never see” us again.

I didn’t know what to think.  I didn’t know what to do.  I hurriedly got Nick into his shoes, telling him more and showing MY fear more than I should have, to the point that he was hysterical because the poor kid had no idea what was going on.  We flew down to the end of our dead-end street, launched over the chain link fence at the end of the road (well, I did: poor Nick got stuck, which only made him cry harder in his fear, which made me more panicky and demanding), crossed a busy street, and bolted down to where my best friend lived. 

In the meantime, Mom had called Grandmonster and told her that if she had ever loved Mom or us (they hadn’t been on speaking terms since The Grandparents went back on their word to help us out when we moved into the house), she would go to Leah’s (my friend), pick us up, and take us to Mom’s without arguing or asking questions – Mom would explain once we were there.

Grandmonster did as Mom asked.  I don’t remember the car ride to Mom’s.  Once we got there, though, Dad had gotten home and found us gone, so called to tell Mom she couldn’t “kidnap” his kids and that he was coming to get all of us.  Mom called Brad at work and asked him to come home, then had Grandmonster take Taylor to a family friend’s because she blissfully oblivious to what was going on.  Brad got home around the same time Dad arrived.  When Brad opened the door and tried to speak civilly to Dad, Dad got all worked up and tried to bodily force his way into the house – Mom and Brad were both trying to hold him back (he stomped on Mom’s bare foot in the process hard enough that she still has a faint mark), everyone was screaming and yelling, poor Nick was sobbing, and again I’m directed to call 911 for the second time that day...  (At some point before I retreated to the basement with the cordless phone, I told Dad I hated his fucking guts.  Eep.)

An RCMP officer came to the house; he spoke to the adults while Nick and I “played” in Taylor’s room with the door closed.  Eventually, he came in to talk to us; we ended up in the living room with the adults and the officer asked where we wanted to stay.  Dad piped up with, “Well, obviously Chibi’s staying here” (don’t forget: I wasn’t technically his blood relation – it wasn’t complete callousness on his part).  Poor Nick really didn’t want to go home without me, but Dad sort of... bully-cajoled him into going.  I think I stayed home from school the next day.  (I don’t really remember how or when we moved all of my stuff out, but I never went back after that day.)

Poor Nick called Mom from his babysitter’s house after school the next day in tears because he was worried about/missed me.  Mom had Brad go pick him up and bring him to their house.  The original agreement was that he would finish out the school year at Dad’s (two weeks), and they’d re-evaluate at that point.  The poor bugger didn’t make it past that weekend: Mom and Brad went from one child to three pretty much overnight (it was so sudden, Nick and I had to share a room over the summer until Brad could get some walls up in the basement to make a room for me).  

Things felt safer, but the angsty teenage bullshit was just about to hit...

These things have nothing to do with each other

Tiny Terrarium Necklace  $49.50

I am completely enamoured with terrariums and would like to try my hand at making? growing? one someday, but in the meantime, a miniature one!  That can go everywhere with me!  :D

Less Work More Zen II  $27

I really, really wish I had found these gorgeous zen gardens when I was looking for one for Chebbar before Christmas - SO much nicer than the cheapy plastic thing I ended up getting.  *I* want this for my desk at work!

"Poetry" in Aqua  $44

Love the slouch and the colour - I've been tempted by a number of bags in banyanhippo's shop!

Costume Dragon Horns  $12

Because why the hell not?

Wordless Instagram Wednesday

It's raining, it's pouring...

..stupid old man needs to quit snoring so the sun can shine!  GRAH.

Personalized Rain Boots  $40

I'm leaning towards the slightly more subdued pink and green houndstooth, but maybe I should step out of my comfort zone and go for the zebra stripes!  I swear I'd go jump in puddles RIGHT NOW if I had a kicky pair of rain boots.

Polka Kimono Rain Coat  $248

Love the bright red, cheerful polka dots, and swingy shape!  It *would* clash with my rain boots, though...

"Witch" Umbrella  $27

Consider it your early warning system of cranky days, lest I poke you in the eye with tip of my "hat."  Heh

Rainy Day Necklace  $25

The raindrops are so freaking cute - love this!