Some forever

In a few days, I will write a birthday tribute for this crazy girl. But; in the meantime, here is a (sad but cute) video of my true protege and fellow youngest child- the infamous Katherine Monroe!

Lori Ann

Lann (my kinda tribute to Cjane)

You know how when some people lose weight they start to get a little delusional and get glamour shots and all of that? 

That is so the direction me and this blog are headed in. 

Enjoy these emo inspired self portraits. There is plenty more where this came from:) 

I like this one because this is how I look at my clients when they are talking to me. Vaguely  amused with a hint of poorly concealed rage. 

This is my emo favorite. I wasn't thinking about death or  my anger towards 'the man'. I was thinking more about my sugar free tropical Popsicles. 

This is the day that Danielle flat ironed my hair. My favorite gay boys complimented me on it!! 

Lori Ann

So I travel back down that road

You guys...

I walked 2.2 miles this morning!!!

This is me looking sweaty and crazy. Why is my hair soooo bizarre?

Which; for you health nuts (or even you regular people) probably doesn't sound too impressive. 

For me, it was amazing. I think I am finally getting it. That nothing feels better than good health and the ability to do the things you want to do.

I went on a few walks and to the park with my nieces and nephews this weekend and it was SO NICE.

I can finally be the aunt that I have always wanted to be. 

That's probably my favorite thing about losing weight and getting healthier. 

I think they've probably been photographed more than most celebrity children at this point:) 

Yesterday; after we left the park and we were on to our next activity (because I've got the energy to do more than one hour with the kids now), I heard Elly whisper to herself 

"Best day ever!".

I'll take one Elly's  'best day evers'  over one box of donuts any day!!

Lori Ann

p.s.- I am 85 down from my all time high. If you need to end our friendship because the jealously is consuming you, I totally get it. :) 

I love you more

Random Thoughts on a rainy Friday afternoon

I have been working feverishly on discharges from my client list. I think I have some kind of work related spring cleaning obsession.

Too bad it doesn't extend to any actual cleaning.

Today I packed a V8 for lunch. I just don't understand people who don't love V8.

Do you think it's bothering people in the office next to me that I keep listening to a medley of Corrine Bailey Ray and the Beatles?

Personally, I think the loud banging on the wall is their way of saying "Play Paperback Writer one more time, please!"

Tonight I plan to do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Best. Plan. Ever.

We are taking the kids to DC next weekend. Once we can be sure that there are absolutely NO cherry blossoms left.

I love spring. Not because it's spring but because the weather (at least in early spring) reminds me of fall. And I keep telling myself "We just have to get through a few months until fall!"

Listening to Stand by Me (which my ipad just shuffled to) always makes me feels super philosophical and kind of sad about how fast my nieces/nephews are growing up.

I should use more music in my work. How would you feel if your therapist said "We're going to start today's session with an acoustic version of Sweet Child of Mine?"

You'd probably be pretty psyched. I don't know why I am even asking.

Lori Ann

These are my confessions

Ok, so...

There is a lot of craziness going on in my life right now.

I am trying to get my health in order...which I should have done a million years ago, but whatever.

Which brings me to today's cringingly horrific personal confession.

I finally made myself go to the gynecologist.

*what direction is this blog going in? Yikes!*

Anyway, I had talked myself out of it for years.

After all,

I'm not getting married.

I'm not having kids.

I'm not having a lot of sex.

What was the point of subjecting myself?

Ugh. Then I grew up and decided that I couldn't rely on my old health plan which I like to call "Eh..everything will probably be fine".

And if I ever want to have some gay man's baby late in life, I need to be responsible.

 (You should know that I completely plan for this to happen- prepare to come to my baby shower in about 10 years)

So..this may be the most uncomfortable Spinster Chronicle post to date. Yeah...

Lori Ann

p.s.- I was waiting and waiting for the questions about how many sexual partners I have had..I had a few ideas floating around in my mind.. I was going to say either "17", "do red headed men count?" or "trust me, more than you".  But alas, the question never came. Damn it.

I closed my eyes and I slipped away

I try to avoid blogging about serious issues. Or controversial issues.

One, because I am conflict avoidant.

and B because it usually gets me a call from my older sisters.

"Lor...should you really blog about that time you killed a porcupine and how you don't even really feel guilty?"

But I am not going to let either of those two things stop me today.

Did you hear about the Boston Marathon?

I know that they aren't sure who did it yet or if it is terrorism related but just the fact that it happened makes me sad and angry.

I feel like our country has been going in the wrong direction for a while now. And while I strongly believe that government is neither the cause of nor the solution to all of our ills, I feel that everything has stayed the same or has gotten worse under Obama.

People still can't find jobs. I don't feel any safer. My pay has stayed the same for 5 years. My nieces and nephews education isn't improving. Gas prices are still high. I pay more in taxes. More of my clients are on welfare. Energy and food cost more. Health care is going to cost me more and be less available starting next year. I feel like people are less willing to listen to each other and more rapid in their defense of their ideological perspective. Even the press is less vigilant and open.

More than all of that I just see an increasing amount of hopelessness in the people I know and the people I work with.

People who have always been good with their money and been responsible are having to foreclose. People who have played by the rules and paid their dues are not getting ahead- or even staying afloat really.

Maybe I am overgeneralizing or just looking for a reason to vent and using the tragedy of the marathon bombing as an excuse. Which I really shouldn't do.

Maybe it wouldn't bother me so much if he hadn't promised "hope and change".

Part of me; the not-so-secretly hidden liberal part of me that drove me into social work, wanted to believe that. Was excited for that.

This may seem unfair and ignorant, but its just how I am feeling today.

Lori Ann

The rain stains the brick a darker red

Random Thoughts on a beautiful Sunday evening

I was enraged about missing the cherry blossoms in DC. Until Shannon Tyler Brewer changed the way I view cherry blossoms forever. Thanks, Tyler!

I am 80 lbs down from my all time high.This news would be more exciting if I didn't still have a long way to go. 

When I get to 100 lbs lost, I am going to have a '100 party'. Consider yourselves invited.

I'll be wearing this blue outfit! Hot Tamale!

I had fun with my nieces this weekend. There is a part of me that is really sad that I don't have a strong relationship with any of my aunts. My mom has four sisters and my dad has one. I don't really know any of them and haven't spoken to them in years. 

Only my nieces would chose orange and gold as their nail polish colors

Listening to Ani DiFranco makes me blog in a more hostile tone.

I went on a little walking adventure with Elly and Jack Jack this afternoon. I find them both to be endlessly fascinating. I doubt they will remember these days but my time with them will always be the most cherished memories of my life. 

This is actually Elly and Katy. I didn't take pictures today.


Lori Ann