today's project

So. I know it has been awhile. I changed caseloads at work and I have been quite busy!  

I wanted to show you today's project. I bought these lockers over 20 years ago. I had big plans for them but never completed the job because I didn't know what I was doing. 

 

So I decided to tackle them again. 

I purchased primer and paint this morning. Then I got right to it!

 

Two coats of primer and 3 coats of paint later, I really like the results. Now the paint has to cure for several days. I also have to find the hardware and put it back on.

 I now need to wash myself up and do a  pedi. 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 

I need an ugly cry

I am an ugly crier.  U.G.L.Y  Sometimes when I have a lot of emotions built up in myself, my husband suggests I go have an ugly cry.

I generally like to get into a hot shower and just bawl.

I need an ugly cry right NOW.

Why?  Over the weekend I attended workshop about human trafficking.  This is a form of slavery.  Slavery today involves more humans than it ever has.  Yet, few are talking about it.

The workshop I attended was organized and presented by PATH.

http://pathsaves.org/

Go to the website to find out more.  You can also go to:

http://enditmovement.com/

PATH works to rescue and help women who have been slaves in the sex industry.  The average age of a human being sold and used in the sex industry is 13 in the United States.  This crime knows no gender, race, social economic status, or culture, anyone can be a victim.

I am heartbroken that this occurs in our world.  I have learned that my home state is a hub for trafficking due to our lax state laws (which are being improved) and our interstate system.

What I am happy to report is that I can make a difference, YOU can make a difference, WE can make a difference. I will begin to volunteer at PATH to help improve the life of women coming out of slavery. I can be a friend. I can teach life skills. I can pray.

Learn what you can do:

http://pathsaves.org/volunteer-2/

http://enditmovement.com/learn

Know that you know, what will you do?

Learning the ropes

I am helping a friend out this afternoon and keeping her one year old for several hours. He is a sweetie.

My oldest is pretty obsessed with wanting to be a babysitter. Shel helped change a diaper and we took him on a walk.

My girls introduced tinker toys to him. I closely supervised the playing. 

I am impressed with how well my girls are doing. 

 

 

Out on a ride

We are out for a ride. What fun!!

We are trying to exercise together as a family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am not bragging BUT...

I have two super cute and sweet girls. I just love 'em!

This is my younger daughter, GG. She has beautiful auburn hair and is so shy!

This is NA, the big sister! She is a mess! NA has an easy smile and friendly nature.

I am so blessed!

 

 

 

I believe in aliens...

Okay, not really. I don't believe in aliens. But I like using Photobooth on my Mac to make funny pictures.  The sillier, the better.

What's not to love about these?  Aren't they fun?

I even use them in therapy. Taking funny pictures really gets the kiddos talking and laughing.  I love laughing with my therapy clients!

Dear Teenaged Girl in the Green Bikini

Yesterday the hubs and I went to the pool after work. Our girls were spending the night at my in-law's house.  Both of us noticed a teen aged couple in the water and kept an eye on them once we got out and were lounging by the pool.  In my mind I was writing her a letter...

Dear Teen Aged Girl in the Green Bikini,
You are so young.  You have so much time before you have to grow up. Just enjoy being a teenager, right now, at this moment.  

You may not know it now, but the way you are letting that boy treat you is sad.  Inch by inch he is moving his hands closer to your breasts and inner tights, hoping to "accidentally" touch you in a personal area.

Keep those areas personal for as long as possible. Resist the urge to be overly excited about physical touch. I know that is difficult. 

Wait for a boy to become a man before you are swept away by a male's attention. Wait for him to gain some maturity.  Wait to see if that man is after your heart, not just your body.  Wait and be sure he will handle you with care.

As much as women do not want to admit it, we are fragile. It only takes one boy to skew your esteem, your priorities, and your future. Protect yourself and be diligent in keeping yourself guarded. 

One day, the time will be right.  You will find the man who deserves you. He will be the one who is worthy of your love.

Likewise, be sure you are ready for him.  Seek what is noble about life and yourself.  Grow in beauty, first on the inside and then on the outside.

Do not look back on this summer with regret.  Make a good choice.  Love yourself first.  Give yourself the time you need.

Sincerely, 
The 37 year-old in the Tummy Camouflaging Tankini