CAUTION! I am Extremely Flammable

I have been complaining for some time about the cellulite that has appeared on my body. I saw this stuff from Victoria's Secret, and wondered if it worked, but at $29.00 I didn't want to "waste" money. Then like most stuff, it went on clearance. It was half priced plus I had a $10.00 gift card, so, at $4.50, I figured it's worth a shot. Worst thing that could happen is that I love it and can't find it anymore hence it going into clearance.

So, I tried it out. I am thinking, "About time I feel like I have a hot body again!" But, then as with all things, there isn't always that silver lining.

I started reading the ingredients. Something on the box caught my eye "CAUTION EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE" hmmmmm.

The top ingredient is BUTANE. What? Yes, Butane, that stuff they use in lighters. Cool. I get it. I am going to have a hot body alright, I will freakin' catch on fire! Read about me online in the news: Woman Combustion After Having a Hot Flash!

What the Hell? I betcha a man invented this stuff! If you don't hear from me, you will know, "don't buy it...it's a killer!" If it is okay, I don't go up in flames and that cellulite burns off, I will gladly let you know.

Maybe Fat Burners are also made of Butane.

Celebrating Our Country's Freedom

As the weekend rolls into the end, I reflect what this country means to me and how I celebrate it.

For the most part we had lovely weather. Cookouts all around, with people enjoying family and friends. Not to mention the fireworks, that is a whole other post for me though, another time.

We are so incredibly fortunate to live in the United States of America. We have choices, opportunities and freedoms that other countries could not imagine. Unfortunately, too many of us take this for granted.

I am married to a Union Man. Sergio was involved with the United Auto Workers Union prior to us dating. I quickly learn to appreciate and admire his intensity for his work. He is passionate about rights for Americans. It's not just about wages and benefits. It is about safety, education, and pride.

He climb up through the years to a prominent position. The job has sometimes interfered with family plans, but we all adjusted. We understood that the importance of his work effected so many and it often took a priority.

I have been educated about American Workers rights more than the average wife. I searched hard for American labels, boycotted products. And did my part to secure a future for our children.

I wish I was able to understand politics better. I lean heavily on Sergio, Sheri and CNN to keep me abreast to situations and what it all means. I get frustrated when I don't understand or if I have missed something important.

For as many years as we have been a country, we have had to secure our future. The risk and sacrifices that our armed forces have made should not be forgotten or taken in vain. I think too many miss the point and do not realize what all is at stake.

It is frightening that we are in the midst of selecting a new leader for our country. Although I respect both candidates, neither were my top choices. I can not imagine how I will make my final decision on election day. I hope that I will have a strong indication by then and vote with my brain and gut. I am terrified thinking of how things can get worse. Where will we be in four years? Will we be in four years? I do not have the solutions.

My prayers are getting stronger and louder. I hope that we all pray really hard for the upcoming future. Even though, prayer is another issue that many are lacking in as they are losing faith.

Bus Driver Arms

I had the radio on and between songs, the disc jockey was having people call in about, "What Older Women Need to Stop Wearing", "How old is too Old to Wear Certain Things".

I about died!

Okay, I agree sometimes I cringe when I see a Mother dressing like her teen, but is it my place to say, "Stop it! you look like a fool!". Now, with my Lifers, we have been know to be so bold. But these are girls that I have known forever, and only they are allowed to tell me what I can not wear.

Kudos to the 50 year old woman that said, "if I still look good in it, I am going to wear it". Thumbs down to the woman that made fun of women that should hide their "Bus Driver Arm Flab". Seriously! I agree, spaghetti strips are not attractive when you have that jello arm thing going on, but come on. If she is a happy camper, let her alone.

I must say, I get creeped out when someone my age has tattoos hanging out and is wearing things from my daughters closet. I don't want to look at your Tramp Stamp and thong peeking out of those ultra low jeans. So I just try not to look.

They didn't touch on the men and what they wear, or don't. I was at Target with Annie the other day and I think I am scarred for life from a little peek show from some elderly man waiting for his wife in the dressing room. Apparently he prefers not to wear underwear and he was sitting on a bench with his testicles hanging out the side. Not a pretty sight! Thank God Annie missed it!

Anticipating a Visit from Mom & Dad

Mom & Dad are coming for a visit today. They are coming for lunch. I am anxious, happy and scared. I never know what to expect. What moods we will all be in today. Will Mom be manic? Will Dad be depressed? Will I keep my cool?

They are wonderful people. I love and admire them both so much. They have been through so much and have withstood alot that others could not possible survived. They married young, having nearly 49 years of marriage. They had my sister and I before the age of 25. The survived a horrific accident when Julie & I were just babies. Suddenly having to deal with Dad's handicaps while also dealing with two little girls less than three years old. They have dealt with In-Laws having to live with them. Job struggles, financial struggles, health issues, you name it they have dealt with it.

My Mom's coping mechanisms are not usually wise choices. She suffers from mental anguish. She has been diagnosed with Bi-Polar, Manic Depression, Alcoholism, and Hypochondriac. It is across the board, and depends on who you are talking to or what mood Mom is in.

We were very close when I was young. Maybe too close and that is part of our problem. Mom was the cool Mom. She talked to my friends, was hip and let us smoke or drink. She was very confiding in me and gave me too much information. Sometimes I felt like the Mom helping her deal with her many problems and situations. I was exposed to much and grew up quick.

Things changed when I got married and had children. She suddenly showed some mothering skills I had not seen and was put off by them. She seemed meddlesome and that interfered. Also my Mom started drinking heavy at this point.

Much happened over the course of a few years, and tensions grew thicker. Mom is a roller coaster and you never know till that moment what side of her you are going to get.

She and Dad have made some poor choices and refused my sister & my advice on several very important issues. There lives are not as joyful as they should be. Dad's health is poor, and Mom works way to hard. It is so difficult to it back as they continue the way they do.

Family get togethers are strained and sometimes upsetting.

On top of all this, my parents do not know about my own troubles or health issues. I could not possible share these with them as they would over react and my Mom would spiral down even more.

I am suppose to avoid them, Doctors orders, as they stress me out beyond belief. I just want to shake them, tell them this is how it is, and take care of them. My blood pressure shoots through the roof when I am around them.

Wine is calming, but out of the question as Mom is an alcoholic (she says she is not ..anymore). So, hopefully my Xanax and Lexapro will do their jobs today and I will chill. Hold my tongue. And be a loving supportive daughter making them feel good and enjoying the visit.

It's complicated to say the least......