Saturday, June 29, 2024
Ill always be Andrea McCracken
I'm sitting here in Phx.
Just moved back.
I hate it.
But, I'll be close to Josh and Jake will be with me FT.
Charlie is moving to WA and I'm so sad.
I'll always be his wife in my heart. He will always be my best friend.
In the next life, I promise not to mess up.
Until then Charlie, please know I'll always love you and our sons with everything I am.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday Fill-In
1. So are we going crazy?
2. Lots of family time is what's up ahead.
3. I love to go out with my husband alone.
4. I need to get a brain of some sort.
5. I walk with a hunch, crunch, snaps, crackles & pops.
6. Love, health & happiness (are) is the true elixir of life!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working, tomorrow my plans include swim lessons and Amazing Jakes and Sunday, I want to go to Alex's bday party!
2. Lots of family time is what's up ahead.
3. I love to go out with my husband alone.
4. I need to get a brain of some sort.
5. I walk with a hunch, crunch, snaps, crackles & pops.
6. Love, health & happiness (are) is the true elixir of life!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working, tomorrow my plans include swim lessons and Amazing Jakes and Sunday, I want to go to Alex's bday party!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
39 observations (not my list but many of mine are on here)
1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
2. Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
5. I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond
earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.
6. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
7. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
8. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
9. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
10. Was learning cursive really necessary?
11. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
12. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
13. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
14. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
15. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
16. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
17. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
18. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
20. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
21. Bad decisions make good stories.
22. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from; this shouldn't be a problem....
23. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
25. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
26. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
27. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
28. While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA . No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.
29. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
30. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
31. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
32. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
33. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
34. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
35. Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.
36. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
37. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad, what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?
38. I wonder if cops ever get hacked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
39. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
2. Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
5. I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond
earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.
6. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
7. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
8. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
9. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
10. Was learning cursive really necessary?
11. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
12. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
13. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
14. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
15. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
16. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
17. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
18. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
20. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
21. Bad decisions make good stories.
22. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from; this shouldn't be a problem....
23. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
25. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
26. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
27. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
28. While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA . No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.
29. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
30. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
31. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
32. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
33. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
34. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
35. Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.
36. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
37. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad, what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?
38. I wonder if cops ever get hacked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
39. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday Fill In
1. My car is the car of my dreams.
2. My favorite seasons (are) is coming up next.
3. Lately, things seem busier than ever and I can't figure out why.
4. The bathroom with the shower on sitting on the floor reading a book is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.
5. What happened to manners?
6. Being happy is not impossible!
I know, I am been so absent lately. I have been working every second I can. The holidays are coming and I want to try to make it a nice one, if I can.
Josh has been doing well in school though I am not overly thrilled with things right now. It is no ones fault. So I hope I am not sounding harsh. His teacher had open-heart surgery and has been out for quite some time. Bless her. I hope she is recovering well. I have been there (sort of). But I am not sure I am crazy about her replacement. Maybe the real problem I have is the she is irreplaceable. I mean, I am not even sure who Josh's teacher is right now. I am thankful Misty is still in the room so there is at least some normalcy to Josh's day but he keeps saying "Karen not there". He is bothered by her absence. I try to get him excited about school and he just does not want to go. Not that this had anything to do with it by my dear neighbor Z enrolled her son into The Odyssey Preparatory Academy and I checked it out. I am SO excited! Both my boys WILL be going there. I do not care what I have to do. As of now their preschool is not open but as soon as it is, I am enrolling Josh.
Both boys started swim lessons. Jake cries through most of his and Josh loves Miss Megan and he is doing well.
The Wallaby is back on track and we hope to be up and running before the year is out.
We went to Vegas about a month ago and had a blast. It was Mom, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Therese, Lisa, Randy, Me, Charlie, & the kids. We had so much fun and even got to see Bern & the boys.
We are going back in December.
Love to all!
2. My favorite seasons (are) is coming up next.
3. Lately, things seem busier than ever and I can't figure out why.
4. The bathroom with the shower on sitting on the floor reading a book is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.
5. What happened to manners?
6. Being happy is not impossible!
I know, I am been so absent lately. I have been working every second I can. The holidays are coming and I want to try to make it a nice one, if I can.
Josh has been doing well in school though I am not overly thrilled with things right now. It is no ones fault. So I hope I am not sounding harsh. His teacher had open-heart surgery and has been out for quite some time. Bless her. I hope she is recovering well. I have been there (sort of). But I am not sure I am crazy about her replacement. Maybe the real problem I have is the she is irreplaceable. I mean, I am not even sure who Josh's teacher is right now. I am thankful Misty is still in the room so there is at least some normalcy to Josh's day but he keeps saying "Karen not there". He is bothered by her absence. I try to get him excited about school and he just does not want to go. Not that this had anything to do with it by my dear neighbor Z enrolled her son into The Odyssey Preparatory Academy and I checked it out. I am SO excited! Both my boys WILL be going there. I do not care what I have to do. As of now their preschool is not open but as soon as it is, I am enrolling Josh.
Both boys started swim lessons. Jake cries through most of his and Josh loves Miss Megan and he is doing well.
The Wallaby is back on track and we hope to be up and running before the year is out.
We went to Vegas about a month ago and had a blast. It was Mom, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Therese, Lisa, Randy, Me, Charlie, & the kids. We had so much fun and even got to see Bern & the boys.
We are going back in December.
Love to all!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
From a dear friend
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally..
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally..
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday Fill-In
1. Rain is my favorite summertime smell.
2. My favorite John Hughes movies is, all of them, he was my fave R.I.P.
3. My children (are) is something I love to touch.
4. The full moon is mysterious.
5. My children are whining right now.
6. When daylight fades & it becomes twilight, it is my favorite time of the day, especially on Fridays.
Josh started school this week. His teacher was so happy to see him and he was happy to see her. I love that she gives hugs. I absolutely HATE that some teachers and some schools think hugging is inappropriate. It means so much and there are some children who absolutely need hugs. It may be the only hug they get in a day. Chelsea used to love to hug her teachers and then I think it was like 2nd grade, there was a teacher who did not hug. So I had to explain to her that it was not that she didn't like her, it was just that she didn't hug. It was very difficult for Chelsea to understand and I think it probably hurt her feelings a bit.
So things around here have been a bit difficult. Josh isn't napping because of school and Jake just isn't napping. Evenings around here have been so nice. Ugh. 8pm cannot come fast enough this week.
OK I hear my children getting into something. So I need to investigate.
Ugh, I wanted to write more but you know my kids. 5 minutes and they can take down a town.
2. My favorite John Hughes movies is, all of them, he was my fave R.I.P.
3. My children (are) is something I love to touch.
4. The full moon is mysterious.
5. My children are whining right now.
6. When daylight fades & it becomes twilight, it is my favorite time of the day, especially on Fridays.
Josh started school this week. His teacher was so happy to see him and he was happy to see her. I love that she gives hugs. I absolutely HATE that some teachers and some schools think hugging is inappropriate. It means so much and there are some children who absolutely need hugs. It may be the only hug they get in a day. Chelsea used to love to hug her teachers and then I think it was like 2nd grade, there was a teacher who did not hug. So I had to explain to her that it was not that she didn't like her, it was just that she didn't hug. It was very difficult for Chelsea to understand and I think it probably hurt her feelings a bit.
So things around here have been a bit difficult. Josh isn't napping because of school and Jake just isn't napping. Evenings around here have been so nice. Ugh. 8pm cannot come fast enough this week.
OK I hear my children getting into something. So I need to investigate.
Ugh, I wanted to write more but you know my kids. 5 minutes and they can take down a town.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
How Lucky Am I? (work in progress)
How Lucky Am I?
I am BRCA 2 positive which I likely got from my Mother. The Mother who raised me, loved me unconditionally, is always proud of me, bites her tongue for my benefit, guides me, supports me, and showed me scars and no breasts can be beautiful. She showed me how to face Cancer, how to fight Cancer, how to live as a Cancer survivor.
How Lucky Am I?
My Mother is likely BRCA 2 positive from her Mother, my Granny. A woman who fought Cancer in a time where no one talked about it, her mastectomy scarred her to the bone, concaved her chest, radiation that burned her flesh, and no chance of reconstruction. She taught my Mother how to love, how to be kind, how to embrace scars, no breasts, burn marks, fear, pain, and death with dignity and love. Granny taught me how to love unconditionally as she loved me unconditionally and was the kindest person I ever met.
How Lucky Am I?
My Granny was likely BRCA 2 positive from her Mother, Grandma Fox. A beautiful, kind, and very gentle woman whom I inherited my body type from. She was a progressive thinker yet traditional and had a very heavy Russian accent. She made her way through this country with that accent and I feel lucky to be her descendant.
How Lucky Am I?
I have a sister that is BRCA 2 positive. She has been here with me through my surgeries and chemotherapy. She has seen me lose both breasts and go through a hysterectomy. She is facing a very difficult decision on how she will need to voluntarily and without a disease yet, to deform her body in order to live a longer life and bless us all with her presence for many, many, many years to come.
How Lucky Am I?
I was able to get pregnant 3 times. One natural daughter, one IVF son, and one surprise son. My cancer receptors were both positive for estrogen and progesterone. Maybe taking all of those hormones to get pregnant helped the cancer form. But I have 3 beautiful children.
How Lucky Am I?
I have a husband that I warned before we got married that I would likely get Cancer. He married me anyway. He looks past my scars, he shaved my head for me, he has supported me, and has never once made me feel anything but beautiful and important. Scars, tubes, hot flashes, moodiness, and the ongoing daily issues I endure. He has dealt with it all and still stays put.
How Lucky Am I?
I had a mother-in-law that dropped everything in her life for me, again. When she wasn’t here, she called daily, without missing a day, just to see if I was okay. She laughed with me, cried with me, feared with me, concerned with me.
How Lucky Am I?
I had family members walking in my honor, sending cards and letters of encouragement, calling and thinking of me daily. I will forever love them for the ongoing support and love sent from so far away and from so many different places.
How Lucky Am I?
I had friends and neighbors helping with everything from food, to errands, calls, cards, gifts, flowers, handmade blankets and pillowcases, and unwavering love. I found out who and what real friends are.
How Lucky Am I?
I got Cancer, I am BRCA 2 positive, and I wouldn’t change anything. I have had the most incredible women in my life show me how to live. I have a husband that loves me despite all of my faults. I have 3 gorgeous children! I have friends, family, and neighbors I know I can count on.
I am BRCA 2 positive which I likely got from my Mother. The Mother who raised me, loved me unconditionally, is always proud of me, bites her tongue for my benefit, guides me, supports me, and showed me scars and no breasts can be beautiful. She showed me how to face Cancer, how to fight Cancer, how to live as a Cancer survivor.
How Lucky Am I?
My Mother is likely BRCA 2 positive from her Mother, my Granny. A woman who fought Cancer in a time where no one talked about it, her mastectomy scarred her to the bone, concaved her chest, radiation that burned her flesh, and no chance of reconstruction. She taught my Mother how to love, how to be kind, how to embrace scars, no breasts, burn marks, fear, pain, and death with dignity and love. Granny taught me how to love unconditionally as she loved me unconditionally and was the kindest person I ever met.
How Lucky Am I?
My Granny was likely BRCA 2 positive from her Mother, Grandma Fox. A beautiful, kind, and very gentle woman whom I inherited my body type from. She was a progressive thinker yet traditional and had a very heavy Russian accent. She made her way through this country with that accent and I feel lucky to be her descendant.
How Lucky Am I?
I have a sister that is BRCA 2 positive. She has been here with me through my surgeries and chemotherapy. She has seen me lose both breasts and go through a hysterectomy. She is facing a very difficult decision on how she will need to voluntarily and without a disease yet, to deform her body in order to live a longer life and bless us all with her presence for many, many, many years to come.
How Lucky Am I?
I was able to get pregnant 3 times. One natural daughter, one IVF son, and one surprise son. My cancer receptors were both positive for estrogen and progesterone. Maybe taking all of those hormones to get pregnant helped the cancer form. But I have 3 beautiful children.
How Lucky Am I?
I have a husband that I warned before we got married that I would likely get Cancer. He married me anyway. He looks past my scars, he shaved my head for me, he has supported me, and has never once made me feel anything but beautiful and important. Scars, tubes, hot flashes, moodiness, and the ongoing daily issues I endure. He has dealt with it all and still stays put.
How Lucky Am I?
I had a mother-in-law that dropped everything in her life for me, again. When she wasn’t here, she called daily, without missing a day, just to see if I was okay. She laughed with me, cried with me, feared with me, concerned with me.
How Lucky Am I?
I had family members walking in my honor, sending cards and letters of encouragement, calling and thinking of me daily. I will forever love them for the ongoing support and love sent from so far away and from so many different places.
How Lucky Am I?
I had friends and neighbors helping with everything from food, to errands, calls, cards, gifts, flowers, handmade blankets and pillowcases, and unwavering love. I found out who and what real friends are.
How Lucky Am I?
I got Cancer, I am BRCA 2 positive, and I wouldn’t change anything. I have had the most incredible women in my life show me how to live. I have a husband that loves me despite all of my faults. I have 3 gorgeous children! I have friends, family, and neighbors I know I can count on.
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