El hermano mio

Things have been really crazy in my life.

I am moving.

 I guess I am getting a new car.

 I might be changing jobs or transferring.

A lot is up in the air right now.

 I am trying to utilize the coping skills I teach my clients.

But that is no excuse for not writing a tribute to my brother.

 His birthday was yesterday. 

David is my only brother.

 The only boy in a family of 4 kids

. He's one of those unlucky smucks who got all sisters.

He's always been a good sport about it though.

That's who he is.

 He's just a good guy. 

He's influenced my life in a million and one ways and I doubt he even realizes it. 

David is smart, funny, financially astute
 (we call him "the Shylock"),

He's got the best memory of anyone I've ever met.

 He's kind and honest and he always does what is right.

 He's got amazing faith and he tries hard at everything he does. 

He just got his black belt. 

He's an incredible uncle. 

He's the best big brother I could have ever asked for. 

Thanks for everything, Dave.

 I hope this is the best year yet!! 

Love always,

Lumpo
(one of the snarfster sisters)

Heck yeah

You guys, the manic side of my bi-polar is totally setting in.

 Or maybe I'm getting excited because it's almost August.

And if it's almost August that means that summer can't last that much longer.

Sweet, blessed fall is near.

 I'm getting out of my over priced apartment.

And I'm about to have the greatest year of my life!! 

Lori Ann

Based on a novel by a man named Lear

You guys,

I used to write fan fiction.

 I stopped a few months ago because I wasn't feeling inspired and I had so much to do at work.
 (and I remembered that I wasn't 13)

 But every once in a while I get a new review from someone who has just found one of my stories.

This was probably the best review I have ever gotten.

 In an email inbox of work related email, Geico bill reminders,spam, etc its so nice to find something like this. ...

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY AND WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING

AND I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW THIS STORY MAKES ME FEEL

I JUST- CAN I SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND THIS STORY AND YOUR DAVE ESPECIALLY YOUR DAVE BECAUSE MY GOD I THINK THIS IS THE BEST LOVE STORY I'VE EVER READ AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES I'VE HAD TO STOP READING BECAUSE I WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE SHEER BEAUTY OF THIS FANFICTION

I MEAN SERIOUSLY, HOW DO YOU EVEN WRITE SOMETHING LIKE THIS? IT'S AMAZING.YOU'RE AMAZING. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS AMAZING.

(AND I'M SORRY FOR YELLING AT YOU. I'M JUST SO EXCITED. I THINK YOU PROBABLY REALIZED THAT BY NOW... AND I'M GONNA STOP YELLING NOW... okay there)

I want to be a writer. 

Maybe I'm not there yet. 

Maybe I need to be more dedicated and figure out what genre I should be writing.

 But you guys, I think I could be a writer.

 Like a legit, weird eye glasses, holed up in my office drinking black coffee, temperamental writer. 

So, get excited for that. 

Lori Ann

 (I've already picked a pen name- Sticky..what do you think?)

My heart is cold

My life this week

A client of mine brought these salt and pepper shakers for me from PARIS!

 They are hugging.

 How therapy office appropriate, eh?

 I have the Best.Clients.Ever.
 (and the worst.ethics.about recieving.gifts.ever.)

This is Eri!

 We were trying to take weirdo pics of all of us, but I think she looks cute in this one:)

 Which is why I raced her to the hospital at 6 am today.
 (she's fine) 

I swear my life is like a telenovella.

 Speaking of which...

We were awoken at midnight tonight
(me, Danielle, and the girls)

 when the fire alarm went off.

 This is us; trekking back at 1 am.

You can tell Danielle is the mom and not me because only a mom can carry a four year old; who is complete dead weight, across a parking lot and through a building.

 I was like "ok, do I have my phone and snacks?" while Danielle was single-handed rescuing her kids. (No fire, thankfully. We have no idea what it was)

We are being audited this week at work.

 So, I've been hiding in my office.

 Hence the random picture taking!

The girls: 1. The soap, bubble bath, and shampoo: 0

Lori Ann

I don't know is not an answer

This was part of my father's day video for my dad.

 I don't know why I haven't put it on here until now.

 Probably because I sense that every single one of my readers is deeply opposed to watching one more of my crappy videos? :) 

This one's a classic though.

You don't want to miss it!

Lori Ann

Why am I obsessed with caramel?

Yesterday I made THESE

This isn't the best photo but they were soooo good. 

I guess I should blog about something exciting. 

Like how I am making a 1 year bucket list.

Or, my exciting plans to move back home.
 (oh yes, wait til I tell you that story)

But I am tired and I'm watching I Survived.

 And eating peanut butter straight from the container. 

Because I'm gangster like that. 

Lori Ann

Look at this photograph

Random Favorite Pictures from This Week

# 1- The Sugar cookie hiding in my bed again.

 I have a whole video of this.

 And you're welcome,

 I barely resisted the urge to post it.

#2- My pioneer girls!

 Katy is wearing her mom's dress which she puts on and says "I'm a young lady now" and Elly has her circle braids.

They literally could not be any cuter.

# 3- I made the kids go swimming with me yesterday.

 They each are so funny in the pool.

 Elly's swimming like she's at the Olympic trials,

 Jack is doing tricks in the deep end,

Katy is doggy paddling by the wall, shrieking "puppy power" and James is clinging to the stairs, sure that we are all about to dunk him.

# 4- Danielle took this picture with my dad.

 She says it means that she is his favorite.

I think it means that all of our wardrobe interventions with my dad have failed.

Silk electric blue basketball shorts and a plaid button down shirt?

 THIS is why I need to marry a gay man.

 To straighten my dad out!

Lori Ann