I'm laughing on the car ride home with you

The 3 day trick or treat marathon kicked off tonight with my sister taking her kids to the Halloween activity at the nursing home my mom works for. She let me and Jr tag along:) 

Someone told us (Danielle and I) that we looked like my mom and it made me so happy.

Katy as a cat and her stuffed cat (Snarfie) as a witch

James. My sweet baby James. 

So strange and yet so awesome. 

These are the days I've been waiting for. The days when the kids are old enough to not be running wild but young enough to still be caught up in the magic of Halloween.

Kudos to my sister for practically making every single costume by hand. 

And thanks for letting me be part of the Halloween magic.

It means the world to me. 

Lori Ann

(the one that looks just like her mom)

About nothing and everything all at once

Today I went to therapy.

It's a little bit crazy that I have been a therapist for several years and this is my first time going.

I could explain the complicated history of how it was never my intention to become a therapist and how I've always perceived therapy to be something of a hustle, but that's a long and tedious story.

Anyway, my therapist's name is Judy.

Her office looks like a place Freud might have worked. Stuffed with therapy books, a well worn sofa, and pictures of her kids.

It's probably 1/3rd the size of my office but I found myself envying her cozy, cramped office.

My office looks like an IKEA version of a therapist office and it's a little generic and cold.

Anyway,

I think therapy is going to be a struggle for me.

I felt intense guilt the entire session that I was talking so much about myself. I felt like I should be listening to her. Anytime she did mention something personal, I attempted to get her to elaborate on it.

Like I do for my clients.

So... 

She gave me a few ideas for dealing with various life issues and we set up another appointment.

I am committing to at least 6 sessions to see where this takes me.

Already I feel greater empathy for my clients.

I also feel kind of bad for her. My nightmare is to get a therapist as a client.

I would just imagine that they were criticizing me in their head the whole time.

This is one of my bucket list goals and I am excited to cross it off the list!

Lori Ann

Please allow me to introduce myself

The red eyes make Elly look like the devil.

I love it:) 

Lori Ann

Til the day I die

James, you evaded my camera almost the whole day. And sang "Bad Company" to your family over breakfast. James Ray, you make me laugh more than your mom and Aunt Erin. And that's saying something. Tomorrow, I promise to teach you 'the X word'. 

The opposing team's coach kept saying "watch out for the girl in the pink" during Elly's soccer game today. Elizabeth Mae, you are a star. It doesn't surprise me to know that's where you came from:) 

Katy came out to try and befriend a stray cat in her backyard today. She spent twenty minutes standing by the fence (after the cat ran away) calling "here kitty kitty". Katherine Danielle, you are my example of kindness and caring. 

Jack made a 'snicker doodle cookie" (sugar cookie with a mini snickers on the inside) during our cookie baking party today. With a mint and brownie garnish. Jack Allen, you are creative like no one I've ever known before.

On the way to soccer Elly asked me again when I was going to have a baby. I gave her my usual speech about when I find a man who is either A.wealthy B. has a hot accent C. gay or D. all of the above-
then I will have a million babies with him.

(Don't pause to question my logic about 'C' like my dad always does. This is my fairy tale, dammit)

I also told her that I would be ok if I never had my own babies because just getting to spend some of my life with them had made me so happy.

She responded to this sentimental declaration by demanding that I buy her a slushie after her soccer game.

So heartwarming.

Never change, Monrobies.

I love you more than my own life.

Lori Ann

Tripping in the Bathroom

Random Life Commentary

So, I was out sick from work today. A totally wasted day. I didn't exercise or walk. I have to keep reminding myself that; unless it's deathbed illness, its just better for me to go to work. I go stir crazy at home. 

I am kind of a pumpkin carving master

The Sugar cookie.

Lately I have been trying to ask myself "what is God trying to teach me?" in every situation I find difficult. 

It's helping me, I think.

I had a dream that my sister Erin died last night. I woke up SO HAPPY that I had been dreaming. I kept calling her to tell her that she can NEVER die.

I was super obsessed with that song "Royals" last week. I wish I look like Lorde. 

I can't stop singing it.

Gold teeth, grey goose, tripping in the bathroom. (which I interpreted as literally tripping until I had sung it about 100 times.)

Sorry this is so random. 

I am getting back on track tomorrow. I've got 12 miles to walk in the next two days. Wish me luck!!

Lori Ann

And runnin', runnin'

Ok,

So I got almost everything on my weekend to do list done. 

I love accomplishing things. I am a 'to do' list junkie. It's kind of like an adrenaline junkie but without the feats of daring. Also, there is more cleaning involved.

This week brings a new challenge. 

Danielle, Jack, and I are all trying to push ourselves with exercise, etc.

So, though I've attempted it in weeks past, I've never completed it.

I'm going for 15 miles this week.

I want to run as many of those as possible. 

(which hopefully will be helped by my brand new insoles and bright PINK sneakers!)

Speaking of pink, my hair is fading already. Now that I'm living an 'edgy' lifestyle I am learning that vibrant hair color doesn't last long. You have to keep up with it. 

I am totally changing this blog to be called "TSC: Lifestyle tips from an edgy Mormon".

It will include such gems of wisdom as:

Keep up with your pink hair- dye frequently.

Hide your tattoo when you are subbing in primary. 

Don't get buzzed on caffeine right before your temple recommend interview. 

Lori Ann

p.s.- I lost 3 lbs yesterday. Thank you, Valley Forge trail of evil unexpected inclines. 

Not without a star

Ok, so I went to Valley Forge today. 

It was intense. 

Because you all couldn't be there with me, I have graciously prepared a somewhat dizzying 2 minute recap of my trip.

You're welcome.

Lori Ann

I don't know about you

Ok,

I have 22 items on my weekend 'to do' list. 

I've been home from work for 5 hours now and accomplished NONE of them.

I did; however, eat some cookie dough ice cream and rewatch the first 3 episodes of The Blacklist.

And I antagonized my mother's cat. 

So there's something to be said for that.

Anyway, my purpose in writing this is to serve as a source of inspiration. To get my feet moving.

By tomorrow I want to have:

Worked out

Carved a pumpkin

Made a new fall craft

Walked the five mile trail through the historic sites at Valley Forge

Gotten everything I need to finish my two packages

Cleaned my room

Done all my laundry

Planned my workout schedule for next week

Written a big life 'to do' list- you know, all that stuff that stays on the back of your mind. " get my hair trimmed, get a dental check up, etc"

Baked something for someone

Read Frankenstein under the stars

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Lori Ann

I can't wait much longer

*Feel free to press play and listen to a little Kanye as you read this exciting random thoughts update*

Today I ran a mile. Not consecutively. I walked a mile, ran a half a mile, walked another half mile, ran a half a mile, and then walked one more half mile for a total of 3 miles- 2 walked, 1 ran.

Kanye always comes on my ipod just when I think about giving up.

I made a candy corn wreath last night. Because I'm kind of in a manic phase. I've been thinking about going to the movies tonight at 10 pm. On a Thursday.

Last night I also watched the newest episode of "The Blacklist" out on the back porch under the stars. *sigh* Why do men get so much better with age? I loved 16 Candles James Spader but the Blacklist James Spader is #sohotIcannotthinkstraight. (some things just call for a #)

I am currently working on assembling two packages. So if you live in either Jersey or Australia- it's time to start freaking out:)

Well, not so much Australia. It takes like 7 weeks for stuff to arrive over there.

Someone gave me a partially eaten Baby Ruth bar today.

I wrote a whole long ranting blog post about why conservatives are like the strict mom and liberals are like the every other weekend fun times dad but decided not to publish it. Because I feel like I have a huge liberal audience- possibly in the millions at this point- and I don't want to antagonize anyone:)

I think I am going to Valley Forge this weekend. It's on my fall goals list to see somewhere in PA that I have never been. I live 35 miles from Valley Forge and have NEVER been there. How sad, eh?

Lori Ann

If you had one shot

You guys.

Today I ran half a mile. 

RAN.

I was out doing a short two mile walk around the park when I thought 'eh..I'll try jogging for a second'.

I went all the way around the half mile track without stopping.

The sweat was getting in my eyes.

I was breathing like I was having an asthma attack.

I was having a crazy inner monologue battle with myself- "Just do it. You can be a runner" "Shut up with all that inspirational crap" " I can be inspirational if I want to be!" "I will kill you!" 

(All my thoughts arguing with each other)

I probably looked completely deranged. 

People with short legs do not graceful runners make.

But I did it. 

I DID IT!!

You guys, it's ok if you want to call me "your runner friend" from now on. I'm cool with it.

Lori Ann

All good things are wild and free

Another picture post. 

Today, my infamous nieces and nephews and I went to the park for a little while.

 Where I proceeded to 'borrow' (it's still in my possession- ha ha!) my sister's nice camera and take literally 260 pictures.

 It was on that continuous picture setting...and this kind of cuteness cannot be over photographed, let's be honest.

Oh saints above.

I've become one of those people.

Those weirdos who think everyone WANTS to look at 72 pictures of their children with accompanying stories. 

If it's this bad with my nieces and nephews, let's pray I never have my own:) 

Of course I couldn't catch both of them mid-air

The true relationship between siblings is revealed :) 

I love running pictures. I know it's cheesy but I can't stop.

Elly Bean in mid air

This is one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. 

They agreed to this one as long as I photoshopped in a creeper chasing them. Whatever that is. 

JUMPING!

Jack, expressing his feelings about being over photographed;) 

The rat- always with her hair in her eyes. Danielle tries so hard to keep it neat but it's nearly impossible

Aren't they beautiful? 

Don't we live in a beautiful place?

There are some things about my life that I wouldn't trade for any amount of money. 

Lori Ann

I know you want it

A few random things I've been meaning to put on my blog.

Yes. You know you love these kinds of posts!

This was the bruising below my dad's knee after his recent double knee replacement. I'm sure he won't mind that I'm posting his business on the Internet. 

My Halloween lights. *sigh* I love this time of year!

I have very few pictures of just me and my mom. I love this one.
(even with a lurking Elly bean in the background)

Fall sunsets are the best. Everything is the best in the fall.

Earlier in the month I tried to make German mac and cheese. I tip my hat to you, Germany.
(as I return to culinary safety of my boxed macaroni)  

The pink hair. I'm still in love with it. I think it makes my clients a little nervous:)

No post is complete without a picture of the Sugar cookie! We are both going to be witches for Halloween!!

Also, I just heard that song "Blurred Lines" today.
 (because I'm not young and hip anymore. Well, I'm still kinda hip, let's not lie to ourselves)

Anyway, I can't stop the "hey hey hey, cause your a goooooooood girl" from playing in my head.

 Over and over.

Thanks, Robin Thicke. And Miley- I blame you too.

 Lori Ann

Time will be sweet for thee

Things I would rather be doing at this moment instead of sitting in my office.

1. Watching "the Village". I know people say it's a 'lesser" M. Night Shyamalan movie but there is something about it I love. Maybe it's the fall in PA scenery or the early American life. It makes me feel like fall is magical and a little spooky. Also, Joaquin Phoenix.

2. Walking through the cold rain, listening to my tragic love songs play list. (the one my sister Erin calls 'the suicide mix')  I love the rain in fall. I tried to recapture this feeling by laying on my office floor between appointments and listening to "a little fall of rain". But it was not the same.

3. Laying on my parent's couch, covered by the really warm fur blanket thing they have, watching the news with my dad and the cats. Drinking hot chocolate. Sounds like heaven.

4.   Baking something. Something that smells like pumpkin or apple but tastes like new york cheesecake.

5. Anything, really. Anything but work today.

It's my long day too. I still have 5 1/2 hours to go.

And I'm almost out of tic-tacs.

Get here soon, weekend!!

Lori Ann

So what- I'm still a rock star

Ignore the fuzzy picture.

All that matters is the pink hair, baby!!

That is one of the twelve bucket list goals I hope to accomplish this year.

Next up..

Sleep under the stars on Halloween!!!

Lori Ann

I hope you don't mind

Jack Jack with Nana Terry and "her twin"

Today is a very important day.

It's the 11th birthday of the cutest baby ever born who has somehow turned into the handsomest, smartest young man I have ever met.

My nephew Jack.

He has changed all of our lives.

Jack, when you read this one day, I want you to know...

You are brilliant.

You are so sweet.

You are just like your dad in all of the good ways.

(And some of the 'debbie snack cake' ways too!)

You are a great leader for your siblings.

You taught me what it really means to love someone more than my own life.

I can't imagine what the future holds for you but I know you'll be amazing at whatever you do.

I can see you being an experimental chef, a video game maker, a stay at home dad to 6 crazy girls, a teacher- you could do anything you wanted.

I have loved every minute of the past 11 years. From clapping for you as a baby, to chasing you as a toddler, to creating secret clubs with you as a little guy, to now making youtube 'Chopped' videos with you as a young man.

I have a million memories that I will always cherish.

Thank you for being you. You are incredible and I thank God every day for bringing you into our family.

Love always,

Aunt Lori

Watching the tide roll away

Today I am 34. 

This blog is officially 4 years old.

I think the last 4 years have worn off the last of the child like excitement I used to feel surrounding my birthday.

It's kind of like an average day where people give me gifts. 

I think that is good for me. 

It's a sign (hopefully) of emotional maturity.

Anyway, here are my goals for 34.

1. Go to church every week for all 3 hours. 

(except Stake Conference which I consider a get out of church free card)

2. Get my Temple Recommend renewed. 

(Which means giving up the weed, younger men, and trips to Atlantic City, but I think I can do it:)

3. Exercise 5 days of the week- leading up to...

4. Walk the "Love" half marathon in Philadelphia on March 30th, 2014. Maybe run some of it- we'll see.

5. Do legitimate weekly service. (i.e.- not baking brownies for my dad)

6.  Do not wear my hair in a ponytail ONCE for the entire year.

  (I am wayyyyy too dependent on it- I need to learn to actually style my hair)

7. Give up all junk food- soda, candy, cake, any refined carbs and sugar. No exceptions.

8. Accomplish 12 items on my bucket list

(crossed off one today- adding a streak of pink to my hair!)

These are all self improvement goals. I usually fail at self improvement goals but I have a little momentum this year with some of these. 

I've started to see the benefits of some of them and I feel like that will help me get through the long, hard days when I want to give up.

If you've read this blog just for today, thank you.

If you've read every painful entry for the last four years, thank you.

I write mainly for myself and for my nieces and nephews to remember me and their childhood but I've appreciated every single supportive comment (and even the debates!)

Here's to another four glorious years of the infamous Spinster Chronicles.

(Although I fully anticipate that by then  it will be called "The I married an emotionally detached divorced man whose middle school aged children resent me just for the social status of not being a Spinster Chronicles") 

Lori Ann

p.s.- Thanks to my family for the...festive...gifts, the wonderful lunch, and for giving me the glory of having defeated an entire tableful of Monroes! 

It don't run in our blood

Another Random Picture Post from the kick off of my Birthday Weekend!!

You guys, a year ago today, I was here

Scariest license picture ever taken

Today I walked my first 5K. And not to be self congratulatory but  I could have kept going.

I was obsessed with getting a picture of my FIRST EVER shirt number thing. But I ended up looking like a perv taking multiple pics of the chest.

If you are considering a 5K, this one was tons of fun;) 

I did get kind of bored waiting for it to start. I arrived at least 2 hours early to get good parking. Hence the excessive number of weird selfies.

I was SO excited to cross this finish line. It's the first one I have ever crossed. 

We are having a heat wave here and I was sweating like I'd been in a sauna. That's for the sweating genes, Dad;) 

Other people looked cute and girly and sparkly at the end. I looked like I was getting moldy. 

My mom and nieces/nephews got me 130 balloons- one for every lb I've lost. (well, technically its 138 but I told my mom I forgave her for the missing 8 ballons:)  I've got a seriously amazing and supportive family. I thank God for them every day!!

Close up of Elly doing her now classic Elly jump!

My mom is so awesome. She always knows when I am kind of just hanging in there. I can't believe she spent 130 dollars on balloons. It meant the world to me though. 

Amazing.

All of this on Conference weekend. It's like the best weekend ever and  a great way to send out 33 and welcome year 34, baby!!

Next up on TSC- my goals for year 34. They are going to be very different from what I've done before.

Brace yourselves:)

Lori Ann