Getting Ready for Christmas

Yesterday Mark and I went shopping for Christmas. We had so much fun buying everything we wanted. This year we blew the budget out of the water and just bought everything we saw that we wanted, no holds barred. We'll certainly be paying for it in a month, but we've never done anything so spontaneous and crazy. It was WONDERFUL! I absolutely adored it. I had so much fun throwing things in the cart and just getting it all at the same time. Now I can take my time wrapping presents and enjoying the holiday instead of stressing out over what we are getting and if we will have enough money or time to get it for Christmas.
I am looking forward to a stress-free, enjoyable holiday. Yea for me!

MySpace

I have to admit it, I am a MySpace gamer. I love the apps on MySpace. I play Sorority Life and Fashion Wars, Mobsters and Mafia Wars, Speed Racing and Gang Wars, oh the list goes on and on. What I can't seem to figure out is what is so addicting about these games! I'm a gaming fool! It cracks me up to be out smacking people and being attacked all day long by total strangers. Alliances with people I would be afraid to meet in a dark alley, fierce competition with my best friends. It is so silly, but so entertaining for me.
Come, join my squad, my posse, my clan. Together we can dominate the world!

Tracy's Profile on MySpace

Plantar Fasciitis

I have been waking up in the morning with the sorest feet. It hurts so much to walk that I almost cry, and can barely put my weight on my feet. I scheduled an appointment with the Podiatrist, and so today I went.
It turns out that I have something called Plantar Fasciitis. As I understand it, it's when the plantar tendon become less elastic and ruptures, tears, or is just pulled to much and becomes inflamed. It's fairly common.
I was treated with cortisone shots in my right foot, and then my left foot was wrapped with tape. The doctor wants to see which one of these methods, or if either of these are more effective. I also will be needing to get something called orthotics for my shoes. I have a rough idea what these are, but I will need to do some more research about them. I did find out from my insurance company today that they cover orthotics. Apparantly it's not the most common thing for them to cover, so once again, I am grateful for the medical insurance that I do carry. Yea for me.
I am telling you, I am on a slow spiral towards death. If I become terminally ill I am so moving to Oregon so I can get it overwith!

Happy Holidays !?!

What happened to the carefree fun days of Christmas? It fell away into a river of expectation, and now that I am the driver of the boat (okay, lame metaphor, but go with it),I can't keep it afloat. The lack of funding is my biggest source of complaint. Seriously, what kid needs hundreds of dollars worth of junk? None! Every year I fall into this stupid trap, though. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid. I'm hoping to curtail my spending this year. And yes, I say that every year, but as Christmas morning lurks, I fall into the trap of thinking I haven't gotten enough and 1 or 2 days before Christmas, I double my spending. May this year shine bright with love instead of presents. May I myself recognize the real meaning of Christmas and try to spread it to my children.

Election Results

I just couldn't let this day pass without mentioning what I was doing when I found out that Barack Obama had won the Presidential Race. I was sitting on my loveseat flipping channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CNN - depending on who had a commercial). Mark was playing on the computer, and I yelled - hey! It's official! Barack Obama is the president!
As I watched John McCain give his concession speech, I was impressed. His words felt honest and heartfelt. I believe that he truly will stand behind President Obama and do his best to work for our country. I couldn't help but notice, though, that his campaign party was being held at a high-dollar hotel, with limited amount of space for supporters. Barack Obama, on the other hand, had his party at Grant Park in Chicago, out among the people, and anyone could attend! (As long as you could get through security.) It seemed to say to me that he is for the people. He is in touch with the regular Joe, or Jane as the case may be.
I am excited to see what the next 4 years will be about. I am excited for this opportunity to have some much needed change in our country. I am hopeful it will come to fruition.

Halloween Parade

I just got home from the Halloween Parade at school. The energy and excitement was palpable. I don't know how the teachers will get anything accomplished today. I think the neighboring school district had the right idea, by just cancelling school today. The kids are so excited. Halloween has gotten out of control, I think. It's not just the simple fun days of trick or treat like when I was a kid. There's parties and events that go on for weeks!
Sprout dressed as a hobo, Panda a mexican dancer and Lulu went as Sacagawea- even carrying Jean-Baptiste on her back!
Tonight we head up to Plain City to see Mark's sister and her children and go trick-or-treating with them. Our neighborhood is not well-lit, and last year there were few houses participating. So, the kids requested we go to a different neighborhood this year. We'll see how that goes!

This is funny. You should try it.

1. Put your iTunes/Ruckus/Napster/etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 11 friends who might enjoy doing this.

Here are my answers:

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Lips of An Angel - Hinder

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
3 Little Birds - Bob Marley
don't worry, about a thing, cuz every little thing will be alright

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks
but make sure you bring some allergy medication

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
I Will Love You - Fisher
against my better judgement, I'm sure.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
I Think God Can Explain - Splendor
hmmmm.....

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
This really is my motto.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Hollywood's Not America - Ferras
whoot whoo Hollywood!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Somebody - Depeche Mode
I always wanted to be somebody when I grew up. I guess I should have been more specific.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton-John

WHAT IS 2+2?
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Fly Away - John Denver
so not true

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Sunshine On My Shoulders - John Denver
ohhh. I sing this song to Sawyer boy.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Maggie May - Rod Stewart

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Zombie Zoo - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I think I have reached this lofty goal.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
my husband is laughing right about now

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
When You Say Nothing At All - Allison Kraus
they always told me I talk too much.

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
aww that's kinda sweet

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
that is hysterical.

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Better Than Me - Hinder

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Bed of Roses - Bon Jovi
This is so secret, even I don't know what it is.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
did you hear that Cynthia, Jan and Erika?

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
wait a minute. 3 Bon Jovi songs in a row? How random can this be?

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Let Them Be Little - Billy Dean
I knew it. My children will be the death of me.

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
All Because Two People Fell in Love - Brad Paisley
apparantly someone does like me. fool.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Hysteria - Def Leppard
yes, I would take away the anxiety

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
ouch! stop it! seriously, Mark. I have a headache.

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn

Jason Mraz is my new boyfriend

Mark and I went to the Jason Mraz concert on Tuesday. It was the best concert I have EVER been to. Granted, I have not been to many, but for me it was heavenly. Jason is a fabulous performer. The concert was interactive. He really shared with the audience, he sings with real emotion and you can feel it. You feel connected to him. Okay, maybe not everyone does, but I did.
Now I am in love with him. He is mine. Mine. Mine. If I had stalker tendencies, he would be in real trouble. Or if I weren't married, or way older than him. And he is so healthy, and I'm a chemical imbiber. I like my preservatives and convenience foods. A girl can dream. (If I were younger, thinner, a health nut, had friends in the music industry so I could MEET him, etc.. Or maybe if he were older, fatter, unhealthy and lived in Utah).
A dream is a wish your heart makes....