The Odd Things You See

Over the weekend we went out window shopping - not for anything in particular, but mainly just to get out.

We went to a local mall that has an indoor and outdoor section, with several big department stores.  We started in one of the department stores and as we were walking through, I noticed

SWIMSUITS!!

Now, it is the middle of January, and right now it is about 15 degrees and it is supposed to get colder the next few days.  Why would anyone want a swimsuit????!!!!

--------

While we were walking back to the car, we noticed a bumper sticker - HONK IF YOU HAVE TO POOP.

Ummm....ok.... not exactly what I was thinking would be a good bumper sticker, but whatever....

--------

We drove around the outdoor section of the mall just to see what store/shops were there.  I don't think this was really planned, but there is one entire section that is just food...little coffee shops, 2 bigger name restaurants, a butcher/sandwich shop.  Except for a mattress shop.  Yes, a mattress shop.  Maybe they figure you need a place to sleep after eating all the food???

So anyway, those were three odd things I saw all in a few hours, and all in the same general location.

What interesting or odd things have you seen lately?

5 for 5 - Week 3

It's a new week! That means a new installment of 5 for Five with Jenn and Jessica!  See the blogs participating by clicking on the button on the left or below.

Last week's goals:

1. Read 10 newspapers.

         Done!

2. Make airfare reservations.

         Done! Boy did I hate the choices - either really early flights or really, really long layovers.

3. Use my juicer.

         Nope.  I need to get better with this.

4. Finish the coupons.

          Got rid of the expired ones, and got the ones I use organized.  Just have to organize the unexpired ones in case I want to try something or another couponer needs some.

5. More work on the closet.

          I didn't work on my closet this week, but helped someone else clean out their's.  Does that count?

So 3.5 out of 5.  Not too bad.

 

This week's goals:

1. Read 10 newspapers.

2. Trim the indoor houseplants.

3. Make the random phone calls I need to make.

4. Work on the closet a bit more.

5. Drink more water at work.

Don't forget to vote for Shannon and bring awareness to Niemann-Pick Type A!

Rare Disease Day is Coming

Every year the last day of February is Rare Disease Day. For more information about Rare Disease Day click here and here and here

This day is promoted by The Global Genes Project. The logo for Global Genes is a pair of blue jeans. Get it? You can see the logo on the left side bar of my blog. If you click the logo it will bring you to www.globalgenes.org

Last year I asked a friend of mine if she would be willing to make some hair ribbons with the Global Genes logo. I purchased a few and other families affected by rare diseases also purchased some. I spoke with her a few weeks ago and she still has some in her inventory - hair bows and headbands. You can see her Global Genes items in her online shop Hart of Karen Creations.  She also has an Etsy shop. While there also take a look at some of her other creations.
 



The specific Global Genes items are here, here, here and here.

Disclosure: I purchased items from this store in early 2011 and have not received any compensation for writing this post. The opinions are my own, and she is a personal friend.

Mid-Winter Ick

Winter has officially been here since December 21, a little over 3 weeks ago.

The winter solstice is the day with the shortest amount of sunlight.

Why do I never really notice the days getting shorter until that point?

Now, every day I go to work in the dark and I come home in the dark - at 6:30am and 6pm.

Every day seems longer and longer in the dark, even though I know that every day there are a few less minutes of darkness and a few more  minutes of daylight.  Maybe I feel like it is always dark because I don't see the daylight.

I don't have a window in my office and I rarely get out of the office during the day.  Lately it is because it is just too dangerous to walk around with all the ice, snow, and snowbanks that are in downtown.

So I get to complain about it, and have people say "It's winter, get used to it."  Not that complaining really helps the situation, but it makes me feel better, which in some way maybe does help the situation.

*******************
Don't forget to vote for Shannon and her son Wylder to help raise Niemann-Pick awareness!

5 for 5 - 2013 Week 2

It's Monday! That means a new installment of 5 for Five with Jenn and Jessica!  See the blogs participating by clicking on the button on the left or below.

Last week's goals:

1. Read 10 newspapers. I will get caught up!

        Done!

2. Get coupons organized.  There were lots of coupons in  yesterday's paper, so I really have to do it.

        My coupon book is organized, but still have a bit to do. (1/2)

3. Continue cleaning out my closet.

        Added some new pants from shopping with my mom, so cleaned out a few that didn't fit.  This will be an ongoing process though.

4. Make my reservations for Milwaukee in early February.

        Hotel done!  Airfare will be booked this week. (1/2)

5. Write 3 more posts this week.

         Done!  See here, here, here, here and here

4 of 5 - a fairly good week!

This week's goals:

1. Read 10 newspapers.

2. Make airfare reservations.

3. Use my juicer.

4. Finish the coupons.

5. More work on the closet.

Don't forget to vote for Shannon and bring awareness to Niemann-Pick Type A!

Another Angel

Dear Families and Friends,

It is, with a heavy heart, that we must inform you that Gregorio Martinez lost his battle against Niemann-Pick Disease on Monday morning, January 7th, 2013. Precious little Gregorio was comforted with the love and support of his devoted family.

Condolences to the family may be sent via Gregorio's Uncle, Eric Martinez, at: erictmp@aol.com

For his Obituary and Service information: Click Here. 

Our thoughts and sympathies are with little Gregorio's family during this time of heartbreak and loss.

With sincere sympathies ~ Nadine

 

Gregorio Martinez III (NPA)
01/24/07 ~ 01/07/13

 

Niemann-Pick Type A Awareness

Sorry for the lack of "original" posts this week.  As you can see there have been some other items that I thought were timely and of interest.  This post is another one of those.

I am directly copying a post written on January 11, 2013 by Shannon Laffoon on her blog www.wylderjames.com.  Shannon lost her son Wylder James to Niemann-Pick Type A in the summer of 2012, shortly after he turned 3.

If you could take a minute and read her post and go to the MASK site and vote, it would be greatly appreciated.  You only need your name and your email address and you can vote once per day per email address.
****************************************************************

MASK “Moms Making a Difference” Unity Award

Posted by Mommy and Daddy on January 11, 2013

This year has been off to a very busy start.  Getting settled back in at home has been both wonderful and hard. Trying to accommodate for so many wishes/plans for 2013 with Wylder Nation, more books, my own job plans is overwhelming and exciting.  Needless to say, we have been sleeping well this last week, as Steven and I have been so busy.
I had an amazing opportunity or more like an amazing honor arise in this New Year as well.  Our dear friends Boomer Berman and Stacey Web nominated me for MASK “Moms Making a Difference” Unity Award.  I feel overwhelmed and honored that they thought of me for such an amazing achievement award.  Yesterday was the first time I met the beautiful women behind the organization MASK and the other nominee’s (31 total).  MASK is an organization that realizes there are many moms in the community who are making a difference in the lives of children and families every day. They are acknowledging women who are not only engaging and empowering their own families, but go above and beyond to empower others as well. This year is the second annual “Moms Making a Difference” Unity Award where a Luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Phoenician Resort and Spa. All of the nominees will be recognized in next month’s issue of MASK The Magazine, and will be included in MASK marketing and promotional materials.  Here are just a few kind words Boomer and Stacey said when they sent in their nomination:

“Through Shannon’s strength, she is motivating each & everyone who hears her. With Wylder in her heart &  “Wylder Nation” behind her…waves are being made.”……. “Be prepared to have your heart touched and to fall in love with all 35 lbs of this courageous little WARRIOR, Wylder James Laffoon….Shannon Laffoon amplifies strength, courage and the love of a mother.’

Me and Stac @ PCH Cancer Cause Fall 2012

steven and boomer at the same event

This is not only an amazing honor for myself but and wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about Wylder Nation, Niemann Pick Disease, and to continue to share Wylder’s message with many.  If we were to get into the top 10 nominees we would get press release about our cause … what Wylder Nation, Warrior Baby and NPD is all about.  If we were to win … we would get NATIONAL press releases as well as a 2 page spread in the award-winning MASK -Magazine Back-to School issue this summer.  As much as I wish it didn’t have to be … this is my work, my passion now … this is our commitment to our friends in the rare disease community and our WARRIOR Wylder James.  This is such a beautiful honor for me as Wylder’s momma and an amazing opportunity for the cause.  So, this is where I will ask you all for your votes please.  Voting began on December 17^th so we have some catching up to do Wylder Nation.  You can vote here; http://www.maskmatters.org/shannon-laffoon (one vote per email address, per day till Feb 1^st!!!). The top 10 finalists will be announced in a MASK press release on February 4th. The top 10 nominee voting will close on March 1, 2013 and the winner of the “Moms Making a Difference” Unity Award will be announced and celebrated at the luncheon on March 21, 2013, where the additional nine nominees will also be honored. Please share with your twitter followers, FB friends and encourage friends and family to vote so that a disease that does not get enough attention will start too.  I also put a link on the right hand side of http://wylderjames.com/

HUGEMUNGUS thank you to Boomer and Stacey for thinking of me and Wylder.  I am truly honored to be recognized with such an outstanding group of women that do so much for their families and their communities.  Thank you to Boomer and Stacey for amazing nomination, thank you to MASK for recognizing beautiful committed mothers and thank you in advance to all of you amazing Wylder Nation warriors that will vote.  You can see all of the beautiful nominee’s and their works here;  http://www.maskmatters.org/engage/community/unity-award-nominees
With love and hope always. Xoxo