Friday, February 03, 2006

~UNBREAKABLE~

If I was asked what song comes to my mind, that would describe my life right now, I would have to say Alicia Keys Unbreakable. I have always been such a strong person. It takes alot to break me down, but if I am at a breaking point, my husband is always around to pick me up.

I am a good mother my bond with my children is UNBREAKABLE!
I am a good wife my relationship with my husband is airtight
UNBREAKABLE !
I am a great daughter my relationship with my mother is undoubtly UNBREAKABLE!
I am a good sibling, I am always there for my brother and sister and that's something that will never stop...therefore we are UNBREAKABLE!

I am a good friend, I have true friends, who we would take the shirt off our backs and give it to one another, there is nothing that will come in between our friendship...that is a bond that is UNBREAKABLE!
I am a child of God, my faith guides me and shapes me into the woman I am today. With my Lord and Saviour on my side...I am truly UNBREAKABLE!
I am a strong, determined, motived, intelligent, and loving woman. I never let anyone or anything stand in the way of my goals, my dreams, my happiness...I never let anyone tear me down, or stand in the way of my aspirations. I am
UNBREAKABLE!

Everytime I hear this song it empowers me and lifts me up! I sing it from the top of my lungs, much to the dismay of my husband and children..lol. I love this song! I feel happy and uplifted everytime I hear it. Once I listened to this song 13 times in a row. My dh was ready to snap the CD in half. Wouldn't have mattered, I downloaded it on every computer and also my son's IPOD. Lol

Dana

TGIF!!!

Yessss! I am so glad this week is almost over. It has been a tumultous week for me. As you know, my daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, she had horrible seizure on Saturday afternoon. She is at home and doing quite well. I guess I brace myself for the very worse and she is doing wonderful! Yesterday, I took her to build a bear and I am happy to report I am a grandma! Jaree brought home a health baby girl cat that she dubbed Alicia Brooks. She is absolutely gorgeous a white cat, with blue eyes.....I am so proud. We bought the baby some clothes, panties, shoes, socks, a cat bed, toys, choker, and purse to come home with. My bill was $83 bucks....sheesh! But, Jaree is worth it! Her dad, promised her as soon as she got home, and was feeling better he was going to take her, and he kept his promise. I didn't want to do too much! She got on the Merry Go Round(now that I think about it, this probably wasn't the smartest move). We ate. She went to Claires (she got a whopping 37 buckaroos, from family and friends while in the hospital..wohooooo) and bought the cutest Hello Kitty purse and bracelets. She still has 25 buckarooos to go! Maybe this weekend, we'll get to ToysRus and get some artsy stuff. She loves to draw and paint, so who knows. I am just doing whatever she wants. I am happy she's home. We already planned a trip back to Build a Bear next month.

I realized that I am truly blessed. Even though my daughter has epilepsy, I thank the Lord, every single day that she is still here. While she was in PICU, I saw so many parents lose their children. One happened in front of me, and it really broke my heart. A realized how precious, but yet fragile life can be. My heart went out to this couple who ceased life support for their 7 month old daughter, who had a twin to die prior. This little girl was absolutely gorgeous! I didn't ask what was wrong with her, but she looked normal to me. Around 3pm, Sunday the took her off life support and I have never heard a scream like that. Her mother let out a scream, that was so primal, I knew the little girl had passed on. I just cried. I had to pull myself together, because as a mother, I felt for her so bad. We love these babies, from conception...and to actually give birth and bond with your child and then you have to give them back to God... forgive me but I am a bit selfish. I want my children here with me. My heart just ached literally. I just couldn't get it together after that. Not knowing what I was facing with my own daughter at that point. That could have very well been Jaree. Thank Jesus, it wasn't!

I am truly blessed. My husband was right there with me, every single step of the way. My mother and mother in law, My sister and sisters in law, my best friend, cousin, aunts, everyone was pulling for Jaree. At one point the security guard came up and asked for her autograph. I was puzzled. He said" Anybody who has these many visitors, must be famous". I told him she is a celebrity in our eyes and that we are just a close family. Jaree had 23 visitors in one night! Christ Hospital was very nice too, because she is only allowed 2 visitors at a time, and we had about 20 people in one room, but she had a private room. So that was ideal!

I can't express enough gratitude for all the people who have expressed concern and sxtended their prayers for my daughter. It helps! Thanks!
Dana

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Help, I am about to commit murder...

...My 9 year old has turned into such a little whinebag! I cannot believe it. He is freaking 9 years old! He cries over anything and everything. If you say the littlest thing or tell him anything he does not want to hear he just starts to whine and cry. I am trying so hard to be patient, hoping that this is just a phase he is going through. But, my God, he is as big as I am, and such a cry baby. He never used to do this. This is totally driving me nuts. I am going through enough stress with my daughter, so now everything is 10 times as nerve wrecking. I told him to take out the garbage, and he started talking back, andI yelled at him and said "shut up, and do as I say now..." You would have thought I wacked him over the head with a cast iron skillet.

I am trying to be as patient as I can, without killing this poor kid....arggghhhhh!
For those who do not speak metaphorically, I don't mean I am going to kill him literally...
Dana

Random me!

Here we go:
1. Where were you born?I was born in Chicago, IL

2. Name something you've always wanted to do. Ice skate, when I was a child I dreamed of being a figure skater and synchronized swimmer...lol
3. What do you want to be when you grow up?Psychologist, I love talking and helping people solve their problems, so why not

4. What's the number one problem we face in the world today?Prejudice, on all levels, racism, classism, homophobia, just wished we could end this problem and just love everyone for whom they are, and not what they are.

5. If you could change the world, what would you do? End war! I am a peaceful person I would love to have a world full of peace and harmony

6. What's the most dangerous thing you've ever done?Jumped in front of a guy with a knife, he was trying to stab my brother. Didn't think twice about it. My brother threw me out of the way, and took the guy down, but my brother and I are twopeas in a pod or a bucket...lol

7. Favorite word?WHATEVER! dh hates this word!


That was fun!

My goals as a scrapbooker

Hmmmm, What are my goals as a scrapbooker? Let's see:

. I want to leave behind a true account of happenings in my life. I want my children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to know the importance of family history. As an African American woman, so much of my family is a mystery. My grandmother's mother passed away when she was six years old. She was raised by Mama Irene, whom I loved dearly. However, we know nothing about my grandmother's biological mothers family. Was she an only child? Did she have aunts, uncles, cousins....that has always bothered my mom. She herself, did not find about this until she was 12 years old. Back then, things were so private and kept under the wraps. I want to alleviate that mystery for my children. I am leaving them a legacy, in hopes that they would do the same for their families.

. I want to be more organized

. I want to start using my own handwriting

. I want to stop shopping so much and start scrapping more(this may never happen..lol)

. I want to document my daughter's journey thru epilepsy

. I want to start including myself in my scrapbooks

. I want to get published

. I want to start going to crops again

. I want to create a scrapbooking schedule, so I am consistent and stay current

. I want to become a IRW consultant

. I want to host my own crop and invite people who don't scrap with hopes to convert them.lo

. I want to involve my family more in my journaling, get their perspective

I guess that is about it. I live an breathe scrapbooking. It is a total creative outlet for me. I love everything about the hobby and am glad it found me.

Dana

Collector by nature!

Ever since I can remember, I have always collected something. When I was a child it was unicorns, rocks, stationary, porcelain dolls, stickers, I can remember getting my allowance on Fridays and heading to Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday, because they had a huge store that sold stickers. I remember blowing my whole allowance on scratch and sniff stickers and Garbage Pail kids (do you remember those), I could hardly wait to get home, so that I could spend hours putting my stickers into my album. Everyone would marvel at how awesome my sticker album was. I was so proud!

Fast forward to now, I am 31 years old and still collecting some things that carried over from childhood...Like Teddy Bears mostly plush, I am a Boyd bears fanatic, have been since I was about 9 years old. My aunt Josie bought me Sophie, a boyd's bear with a pink crocheted dress, with matching booties and bonnet, she also bought me a calendar, and diary. Little did I know that it would turn into a way of life with me. I tried to get my daughter into Boyds, which she loves but she is far more interested in Hello Kitty, right now.

I love teddy bears, they are displayed all over my house. Mostly in my bedroom. Somethings never fade...

I also collect writing pens. When I was teen, I always got cool and interesting pens. Fast foward to today, I am the same way. I love, love, ,love writing pens. I live in office max and Target. I also, have a good relationship with my children's pediatrician, who always give me the neat pens from the pharmeceutical companies. Once, my dad said " Why do you need all of those pens, you can't write with all of them" My dad was oblivious. He hadn't a clue. I spent hours in my room sampling each and every pen. I love to write. Writers need pens. Comprende.

I also collect things that are purple, purple candles, purple picture frames, mostly decor for my bedroom which in Deep Purple and Mint Green. Every time I see something any shade of purple, I have to buy it. Its an obssesion.

I guess you can say I collect bath and body works products... I Have to have everything that comes out. i am so into the breathe line right now. The orange one is the best! I love to smell pretty! My mom taught me that catch phrase when I was about 4....

I also collect journals, I love to write and I have a journal for just about everything, and I can never pass up a cute or interesting looking journal. I love to write!

Of course, I collect scrapbooking supplies, that would be obvious! I am a scrapper, it goes hand and hand...lol

Dana

My weird habits

Gosh, I did not realize how weird I truly am, until I start thinking about my habits...LOL!!!

1. I talk to my self
2. I like to stick my feet under butts...preferably my dh...keeps my feet warm
3. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and gasoline
4. I cannot sleep without the tv on. If I wake up and its off, i turn it on, and go back to sleep.
5. I suck my tongue, really involuntary, I really look dumb doing it..
6. I don't like to wash my face, inside the shower, habit for me to brush my teeth, then cleanse my face
7. I can't stand my food to touch, everything must be seperate!


Ok, its official, I'm weird...thanks Meme! Lol
Dana

What comforts me?

This was one of Meme's challenges awhile back. In time of desperation, it is good to know things that comfort us, things that make us feel at home, things that make us feel a sense of euphoria...Right now, I have turned to things that are comforting. My daughter was just diagnosed with epilepsy. The news was devastating to me. Earth shattering! Nobody, wants to hear their child has a serious illness, but immediately I turned to things that brought reassurance:

The sound of my mother's voice..
embrace from my husband
Prayer
My bible
HOt Shower
Bubble Baths
Hot Chamomille Tea
My Bed
My bath robe
A great chickk flick ( Like Steal Magnolias)
Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
Kisses from my children
A Warm Blanket
A good book
Seeing smiles on my children's face
Mediation and Deep Breathing
Writing in my journal
Blogging
My slippers and cute socks
Hot cappuccino (French Vannilla and Reese peanut butter cup)

Those are a few things that bring me comfort, they are my crutch in times of need? Thanks Meme! What a wonderful and thought provoking question. It was really therapeutic and brought forth insight.

What comforts you???

Dana

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Home Sweet Home!

Jaree was released from the hospital today. Thank God! She was diagnosed with epilepsy and sent home on Dilantin. She will only be on this medication for a month and then the doctor will switch her to Topamax. This will be a major adjustment for me. Monitoring what she eats, where she goes, she can never swim, bathe, or go outside without me. This is going to be so hard, because she is sooooooooo very independent. The doctor did, want her to lead a normal life. They don't even want me to report to the school that she has epilepsy. The neurologist did make me feel better. He said that his goal as her doctor, is to make sure she leads a normal life. Preferably seizure free. She only has to be on seizure meds for 1 year. That is of course without seizure. I am so tired. Jaree woke up last night, asking for her daddy at about 3am, he left around midnight, to get some comfortable rest to go to work. We both were staying there everyday since Friday. She started panicing and her respirations got really low. She screamed and cried for almost an hour. I was going to call him, but thought it would be best not to wake him. Finally, she got back to sleep at 10 minutes to 4am. It took me awhile to get back to sleep. I got right back up at 7:45am. She was sleeping so sound. I went to the lobby got coffee, checked twopeas, (thank God they had the internet), and watched the news. I got back to room, she was still sleeping soundly. I ate breakfast and she woke up around 9:30am, she went to the restroom. The childlife specialist came in and brought her all kinds of puzzles, 2 art kits, and coloring books to take home. This child has really been spoiled from the day she went into the hospital. The nurses in Icu bought her a beautiful blanket and cute teddy bear. Then the Pediatric floor nurses bought her a teddy bear pillow and coloring books, then the anestielogist bought her a teddy bear, her father bought her the cutest doggie teddy bear, that she will not go anywhere without, she named him Spot...... when she left it was like she was a celebrity, everyone signed her coloring sheet...all the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, housekeeping, you name it. She got enough hugs to last her a lifetime.

When she got home, her daddy surprised her with a huge bag of gifts his co-workers bought for her. She got 7 of the cutest plush teddy bears, candies, coloring books, cards, money, piggy bank, and the cutest blanket and pillow sets! Guess what? That was just the day shift! The night shift also have a bag of stuff for her. She said " My birthday is not until April 18th"! I laughed because she was overwhelmed with all her goodies. She is so happy to be home. I am too. I am just trying not to over do it. I am going to try not to go into CRAZY OVERPROTECTIVE PSYCHO MOM MODE. Its going to be hard, but I am going to try hard.

She is so strong, she survived an horrible ordeal, and if you look at her she looks like a mini-diva.

Dana

Monday, January 30, 2006

Physically and Mentally tired!

I am so exhausted. While Jaree has been progressing, she has started to worsen in other areas. They still do not have a source of infection, so they do not know where her fever is coming from. She started an anti-convulsant (fosphenytoin), and I researched and do not like the side effects of this medication, she cannot just stop cold turkey, even if I wanted her off, because it can send her into a seizure right away, instead she has to be weaned off. She has become hypertensive, and they are trying to regulate that. She has been hacking and coughing, because she aspirated, while seizing, and she has to restart the albuterol treatments, which also could lower her threshold for another seizure. I have only had about 6 hours of sleep in three days. I am upset with alot of things that have been going on at the hospital. She was supposed to have gotten an MRI today, but was unable because she kept coughing. I kept pushing the doctor to give her a breathing treatment, but she did not want to, because she was not weazy. I don't know what type of stethoscope she was using, but I could hear the weazing without one. I am just pissed off right now. I am scared. No one can tell me whats going on with my baby. It just has been an emotional roller coaster. I am thankful to God, that she even made it. Because at one point it was touch and go. She seized for over an hour, close to two. They gave her enough valium and adavant to tranquilize an elephant, let alone, a 6 and 1/2 year old, 6olb, little girl. It has really been a test for me. She is sooooooo irritable. Any little thing sets her off! I am trying to stay calm. I always try to take atleast 30 minutes for myself. Otherwise, I would become postal. hehe. I am going to continue to pray for her to be well, and for strength, because it is really starting to affect me now.

Dana

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Prayers for my daughter!

Please say a prayer for my daughter! She was hospitalized yesterday, she had another seizure. She is in Intensive Care. She was complaining of a sore throat, and we layed down and took a nap together,I awoke to her convulsing. Even though this a frequent occuring thing, its is very scary. It is a hard thing to see your child suffer. She was struggling so hard to breathe. They had first thought she need to be intubated, thank God she was breathing on her own, struggling hard, but breathing on her own. She had to have 7 doses of Adavent (Valium) to stop the convulsions. It took about 2 hours for her to stop seizing. Last night, she finally woke up. She is very disoriented, but atleast she is awake. She is not totally out of the woods, but she in progressing nontheless. Please say a prayer for my baby! She is my only daughter! I love her soooo much! I prayed day after day for this little girl of mine. The lord blessed me with her and now I pray he blesses me with a miracle of keeping her healthy. I had such an overwhelming support system. My mom,sister, husband, mil, both my sil's... we swapped out most of the night. Only 2 are allowed in the room. She is complaining about her throat and chest hurting. They suspect she has viral croup, which brought on a fever, which in turn brought on the seizure. The doctor said, it is atypical for a child her age to have a febrile seizure. In most cases, children grow out of these type seizures by age 5. Jaree will be 7, in April. The neurologist suspects epilepsy. She will be having an EEG and MRI on Monday. They are starting her on anti-convulsive meds today. If I understand correctly, she will be on these meds for awhile. I hate this! Those medications have zombie like side effects. I hope they don't plan on sending her home on any medication. She is such an active litte girl and I hate to have her be so listless.

I am so scared. So I am asking for all your prayers!
Dana

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Are you comfortable in the skin you are in? Food for thought

This is such a catch phrase, heard in commercials and seen in ads all across the globe, that poses an excellent questioon. Are you truly comforatble with yourself. I would like to think I am . From birth, my mom always taught me that you should always be yourself, but be the very best that you can be. Never let anyone or anything define you! I think that has stuck with me to some point. I have developed a thick skin for criticisms and open mind to constructive criticisms.

I have always been myself. I am proud of who I am. When I look in the mirror I like what I see staring back at me, but there are those days of self doubt and self pity. There are those days when I wish I could shed a few pounds, there are those things that I think my skin isn't looking its best, there are those days I wished I could be more successful in life, there are those days I doubt myself as being a good wife, mother, or overall GOOD PERSON.

There are days that I look back and wish I could change the past! So if you really think about it is there anyone that is really comfortable with themselves. I mean if I truly thought I was perfect, I would never grow. My life would become stagnant, stuck in a time warp. I would never learn from my mistakes....

Overall, I do think that I am a good friend, a good wife, a good mother, a good daughter, a good sister, a good aunt, A GOOD PERSON.... I am a very loving, caring, and understanding person. I continue growing as a individual everyday. AS my brother says "It gets greater later...

Until next time
Dana

I am turning into a hermit!

I don't know if it's the cold weather or what? But, I have retreated to my home. I do not like doing anything that involves going outside of my house. I can't even really blame it on the weather because its truly been mild here in Chicago, but I just hate to go outside. I am usually always on the go, but now I hate it. The problem is, I hate getting up dressed! I love my sweats and pjs! They are so darned cute and comfy! When I do go out, my hair has to be done, clothes ironed, make up done, even if I go to the grocery store. I think that's the problem. I am dreading tommorrow, my hubby has a gig, and one of his co-workers is having a birthday party at the club he dj's at and he really wants me to go. I WANT TO STAY HOME IN MY PJ'S!!!! But , I guess I will have to give them up for one day. I hope he does not decide to stay for long, because I want to come home and do some reading and scrapping. I have not accomplished much of my housework....lol, but I have been doing alot of scrapping and tons of reading.

My mother asked me if I was depressed and I said "No", not really. I don't think I am depressed, just comfortable at home, in my own skin, doing me! I "KICKED IT", enough and now it is so time to chill! I don't mind the occassional going out, but when it becomes habitual, I can't do that anymore. Guess I am getting old!

My husband calls me Granny ma, because I am usually dozing off at about 10Pm, and I nap alot! I am just tired. I am up with the kids at 6am, getting them off to school. The last child leaves at 8:05am, I don't go back to sleep. I try to accomplish a few things like laundry or any left over dishes. Then by that time, I am too wired to go back to sleep. So at about 7pm, I am dragging my feet because I am just freaking exhausted. But I always make time for him, if you know what I mean..hehee! So he shouldn't be complaining. I really got that man spoiled. He wants all of my time. He is worse than the children!

I guess I will be getting out soon, because I love going to the movies and When a Stranger Calls and Final Destination 3 are all coming out next week, so I will most definitely be going out to see that!

until next time
Dana

Monday, January 23, 2006

BRRRR it's cold!!

I really cannot complain, because the weather here in Illinois has been wonderful. I absolutely hate being cold. My husband always talks about me in the winter, because I come to bed in full body armor...lol pjs, sometimes a sweatshirt, and big wool socks. Guess that's not sexy...haha! But I cannot stand to be cold, especially my feet and my hands. If my feet is cold, my whole body is cold. I always drink tons of tea, capuccino, and hot chocalate in the winter. I love my big quilts too! I put my head under the cover, until I get warm!

I am dreading going to pick my hubby up from work, because it is cold out! I wished I would have never taken the car! I would much be snuggled up in bed with my pjs, mywoolies, and my quilt reading my book! But, instead I have to go pick my snuggle bunny up from work. Can't wait until my oldest starts driving. I will be stoked!

Can't wait to get back home, get in bed, and get some reading done!
Until next time!
Dana

Sunday, January 22, 2006

I've been tagged!

Tagged....
Four jobs you’ve had in your life:

1. Oasis Video (you would be amazed to see how many elderly hearing impaired men rent porn

2. Target (highly overworked extremely underpaid)

3. Financial Aid dept of South Suburban Community College in South Holland, Il. (Don't mess with people and their grant checks...that's all i gotta say. Seen plenty students go postal!

4. Beauty Salon (found out that women can be so bitchy over their hair, just like I am....lol)

Four movies you would watch over and over:

1. The Color Purple

2. Life

3. The Green Mile

4. Sling Blade

Four places you have lived:

South Side of Chicago from birth until I was 14 1/2

Lynwood, Il until I was 23

Chicago Heights,Il

Alsip,IL

Four TV shows you love to watch:

1. Invasion

2. Supernatural

3. American Idol

4. REal World/Road Rules Gaunlet (Alton is great eye candy!!!)

Four places you have been on vacation:

1. Miami beach

2. St. Thomas

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

4. St. Croix

Four websites you visit daily:

1. www.twopeasinabucket.com

2. www.creatingkeepsakes.com

3. www.blogger.com

4. www.scrapjazz.com

Four of your favorite foods:

Steak Tostada Suizas

Grilled NY Strip Steak, Baked Potato w/butter and sour cream, and TExas Toast

Crab Legs and Lobster Tails, Shrimp

Perch and Salmon

Four places you would rather be right now:

At the spa getting an awesome full body massage

on a cruise to the carribean

getting some z's

in my hubby's arms, but he's playing 2K6 on his motherf**&^%$#@ XBOX!!!

Four bloggers you are tagging:

Tangee

Monique

Tracy

Monica

Friday, January 20, 2006


this is me Posted by Picasa

Thoughts shared before hitting the sheets

As my day nears a close, I have been contemplating many things...
One thing is how am I going to a better person in 2006. What can I do to live a better life?
For starters, I have been keeping a journal of things that make me feel good, things that make me feel bad, people who I feel great around, People who make me feel inhibited, things that comfort me and things that make me feel comfortable. I have to take this initiative,t o take a honest look at certain aspects of my life. I am not getting any younger. I am 31 years old and I owe it to myself to delve deep inside of me and make some changes. One of things I have been doing was taking responsibility for me....I am the only person responsible for my own happiness. No one else. I cannot change people to my liking...I can only change how I, Myself, will react or for lack there of...not reacting, by removing myself from potentially destructive relationships and behaviors.

I, in the past, have been toooo trusting and have been burned many times as an end result. I am the type of person, that is willing to take the shirt off my back for my fellow men. Many people have mistook my niceness for naivity and weakness. I have opened my heart and home to many undeserving people, but I have always been a trusting person, and try to give every one the benefit of the doubt. Frankly, that shit, does not work. I hate to shut certain people out of my life, but I cannot continue on being used and abused. Hurt me once, shame on you, hurt me twice shame on me...

I am going to live for me and my family.... and keep the friends who are positive and movign in the same direction I am...Idon't have time for drama in my life. I have a husband for that...lol

Don't get me wrong, I am not going to be a uptight witch, but I will keep my guard up and feel my self out first.

Until next time
Peace, Love, and Hair grease

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Redefining me!

After alot of soul searching , I have found that I am not happy with the person staring back at me in the mirror. It has nothing to do with image, but what's on the inside. I have become such a dependant woman. I depend on too many other people, as well as things for my happiness. When happiness comes within. I got so wrapped up into being a wife...a mother, a daughter, a friend, that I lost Dana somewhere along the way. I am going to start pampering myself, and not depending on other's too do it. I am going to start spending time with myself (me time), instead of depending on other's to spend their time with me. I am going to start loving myself more , instead of wanting more love from other's. Don't get me wrong, I am happily married. My husband is wonderful! I love my children with all my heart. It's just that I am not only a mother or only a wife. I am me...Dana

I plan on making dates with myself. Trip to Border's for coffee and reading. Signing up for more scrapbook classes, and attending more crops. Even going to the spa for massages and manicures. Looking within for my happiness is the route I will be taking from now on.

Dana

Monday, January 02, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

WOW! Its hard to believe another year has come and gone! It seems just like yesterday we were celebrating the coming of 2005, now 2006 is here! Now, that 2005 is behind me, I do not plan on dwelling on the things that I did wrong, nor the things I did right! I just plan on living life to the fullest. I plan to be more spontaneous. I am such a rigid person, and I need to relax and just enjoy life. I am not going to sweat the small stuff!!! I plan to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, and just be myself! I am going to stop defining and redifining myself. I am going to stop the unrealistic expectations of myself and just relax. I think that life would be much better if I would change these things about myself. So, my new years resolution is to be more laid back and relax more. To just enjoy life. What's yours??? Dana