Sometimes -- Crazy Works

I don't know if I've mentioned my bi polar specifically on the this blog, but I have it. And anxiety, but that's a whole different story.

From Wikipedia:

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

That sounds fun, doesn't it?

Anyway, I have highs and lows. In the last 6-8 months those highs and lows have significantly decreased and I've leveled out a ton. Biggest factor contributing to that -- lower stress levels. But, I still have it and I still deal with symptoms of it, most notably periods of depression or being a sort of down kind of funk.

Sometimes, it's really hard to get through a day. Sometimes, it's not so hard. It really just depends. With two children, some days are definitely better than others. But, if I have one good thing to say about bi polar disorder, it's that manic highs are productive and useful.

Take this morning for example. I got up around 8. At 10:30 I made a list of things I wanted accomplished today. Caleb and Lorelei had the simple task of cleaning their rooms. I also made a list of tasks for both George and I to complete; though George missed out because he stayed blissfully asleep on the couch.

In three hours I cleaned the following:

1. Entire Kitchen.
2. Entire Dining Room.
3. Entire Living Room & Entry Way.
4. Downstairs Bathroom.
5. Upstairs Hallway.
6. Master Bedroom. (my room)
7. Upstairs Bath.

By cleaning, I mean that I swept or vacuumed every floor in the house. I also mopped the dining room from the dinosaur extraction mess. I folded every piece of clean laundry and put it away. I cleaned toilets, and wiped down counter tops. I put away dishes. The only thing I didn't do? Dust and start more laundry. For three straight hours from bottom to top I went through and cleaned the ENTIRE house. I think I took one or two short breaks in between.

And this house? It's not big. 1270 square feet at best. So maybe I should have been done sooner? But, I certainly feel accomplished.

So, all the cleaning that I hate doing and put off and procrastinate on? It's done. Everything is nice and clean to start off the new week. And now, I'm a tad worried about crashing from the high. But, here's to hoping -- that I don't.

Not Much to Say

We had a relaxing weekend.

Spring break has officially started.

Last week I took it upon myself to tackle the awful mess that had become certain short people's bedrooms. They looked fantastic when I was done and I'm quite pleased to say that they've stayed quite well maintained since. Of course, it's only been a few days -- but a mom can hope, right?

I've been coveting this tattoo that I found on a Facebook group last week.

I would absolutely love to get something similar done. And I'm not even one to like large tattoos. Hence the two itty-bitty ones I have. But the detail, the shading and the colors of this have me just awestruck.

And, if you look at our sidebar we now have a Praying For Stellan button up. If you have a moment, please keep this adorable little boy and his entire family in your thoughts. While I'm not one to pray I am certainly hoping he starts to heal and recover soon.

Meanest Mom Ever!

In case you thought maybe YOU might be the meanest mom ever. My children have informed me that alas it is I who currently holds the title. Not that I was really fighting for it, but I suppose I'll put the crown up atop my head anyway.

And I'm the meanest mom E.V.E.R. simply because I sent them off to clean their rooms and have threatened the loss of all television and game privileges until it's done.

I had to do it though. The bedrooms -- huge mess. More Caleb's than Lorelei's as usual. But as they mostly play in his room where the television is this does not shock me. And I told them they needed to help each other. So the work load is not in favor of one child or the other. They are both responsible for ALL the work for BOTH bedrooms.

If your child hands you the crown let me know and I'll pass it on pageant style. We'll be like Miss America -- only better.

Lazy Weekend

The kids and I have spent a lazy weekend bumming around the house.

We got snow Friday night and most of the day Saturday, so I wasn't keen on venturing out. Today I can definitely tell we've been in the house a tad too long. I'm regretting not bundling us all up and heading over to the mall playland like I had intended, or to the Burger King playland for dinner. But large piles of laundry beckoned to me. As did the idea of actually having some clean clothes to wear.

Now the laundry is finally done and it's already 7 at night. Too late for us to venture out. Caleb is working on the teeny bit of homework he has and then I'll be sticking him in the shower.

Lorelei took her shower earlier today after getting a wad of gum stuck in her hair. In case you were wondering -- styling mousse -- is absolutely wonderful for getting gum out of hair. Rub in, comb out. In about 3 minutes she was positively gum free. I was just happy I didn't have to butcher her hair or resort to a peanut butter mess.

Speaking of Lorelei -- boy is her mouth getting sassy! The constant shriek of, "Mommy" and the tiring "do this for me NOW" thing --it's just not working for me.

And yesterday, upon seeing that Max had chewed up one of her Barbie magnets she said the following, "Did the dog chew this up?" And I replied affirmative. To which she replied, "Damn dog!". Mommy needs some soap.

George will finally be home sometime tomorrow from his conference in Vegas. I'm looking forward to having another couple of hands around the house. The last few days have been very tiring for me. The kids will be glad to have him home as well.

Oh, and in a few weeks we'll be registering Lorelei to start cheerleading again. She's very excited!

Puppy: Day Two

Max is still sweet and scrumptious and all that you could want in a lap dog. He'll cuddle up next to anyone sitting. He and Caleb had some major cuddle time after school.

Last night, I let him sleep in bed with me. Not a single accident. Much like having a newborn though, he was up a couple of times licking my face or nibbling at my ear to get attention. I'm almost certain I mumbled incoherently, "Lay down Max.", about a hundred times. As soon as my alarm went off this morning he was at it again.

Duke has decided to get a bit feisty. He's been attempting to hide "his" bones in the tree skirt and in the crevices of the couch. Neither are excellent hiding spaces, but of course, Duke is new at hiding his possessions. Before we brought this new thing into our house he could leave his toys where he wanted. Darn rents!

We still haven't had a single potty accident. Leash walking is getting better. And he's starting to recognize a bit that he, is in fact, Max.
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The kids are getting very excited about having a nice long Christmas break. Friday is their last day at school until about January 5th! Hard to believe. It always seemed Christmas break was so much shorter when I was a kid.

We bought them each a small desk today at Ikea. The price was right! We chose not to install the keyboard tray simply because they don't have keyboards and we wanted the design to be as simple as possible. Caleb tried his out tonight while doing homework. After George put Lorelei's together (not inside-out as I did to Caleb's) she sat down and did some coloring while Caleb finished up his shower. Oh, and we got chairs that are either very similar, or the same, as this one here. Thankfully -- those were already together when we bought them.
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That's it for tonight. I'm either off to wrap some more Christmas presents, clean the kitchen, or sit on my butt and watch George play Call of Duty. If he was feeling better I'd challenge him a round or two of bowling. But, headache, so no go.

Tomorrow, I Declutter the Toys!

It's about that time of year. The time when I take stock of the kids toys and start getting rid of some in preparation for jolly Old Saint Nick to walk in through the garage and deposit gifts.

Tonight, I sent Caleb and Lorelei upstairs to pick up the huge mess they'd made. This was about 7:15. At 8:45, they weren't done yet. Yeah, the mess was that big. Caleb is a bucket dumper. Anything in a bucket or bin will eventually end up all over the floor of his room. And that's precisely what happened today.

So, we sent them to bed anyway because we'll hopefully have school tomorrow and I realized that I need to get my butt in there and declutter.

First on my list -- annoying McDonald's Happy Meal toys. They are totally fabulous in the car for a little while, but once they get in the house...I'm so done with them!