The Chickenista

Wordless Wednesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:54:38 PST

Hello Anxiety... It's Me Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:29:51 PST

So, I've been doing pretty well with this ride from hell I'm on AKA my Anxiety/Panic disorder. I'm doing the yoga & breathing. I'm off all the meds still. And when I do have that "feeling" coming on, I nip it in the bud before it gets any further. Walking helps. Just going for a walk around my property watching the sunset or whatever.

But there is that rare instance...... I had one just the other day.

Hubby and I took Caitlin with us to Home Depot for some part he needed for the RV sink. I was feeling uneasy the whole ride. But it happens a lot. So I kinda fade into the music. When we got there Hubby just wanted to run in real quick. I was fine with it since I was still a little funky feeling. Caitlin wanted to go, but we figured he'd be faster without her. She was NOT happy! And when she's not happy, NO ONE is. She has the worlds worst tantrums!

So, I was sitting in the Home Dept parking lot, 30 miles from home {AKA the comfort zone when I have these}, just me and Caitlin. Her screaming and kicking. Then boom, I was having a huge panic attack. Chest tightening and pain, fingers tingling, nausea, my world's spinning. And all she could do was scream about not being able to get down. Hugest tantrum at the worst time ever.

I had my lorazapam on me, but I knew if I took it it wouldn't be me getting through it, it would be the friggin' pill. And I really don't want to start that bullshit again. Being dependent on that crap is horrible! I know this next part is totally weird and dorky, but it works..sometimes. I started telling myself "my brain tells my body I'm OK" I repeated it, I hear my daughter repeating it... I stopped hyperventilating, my chest pains went away and I was starting to feel better.

This FUCKING SUCKS!!! My body can fix almost anything wrong. But I can not fix this. It will always be. Always. I will forever have this stupid stupid really stupid disorder! What hurts me the most is my daughter saw this. AND!! she thinks its normal! My brain fails me.

The effects of a panic attack vary. Some, notably first-time sufferers, may call for emergency services. Many who experience a panic attack, mostly for the first time, fear they are having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. Experiencing a panic attack has been said to be one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences of a person's life. ~Wikipedia

If you or someone you know suffers from this shitty disorder, I've found tons of help.
If you found a site, please feel free to leave it. I love bloggers. We're real when talking about it. We can help out each other and sometimes understand like our loved ones can't.

http://www.adaa.org/
http://www.causesofpanicattacks.org/
http://anxietypanicattacksblog.com
http://www.ontheverge6.com/
http://panicanddepression.blogspot.com/
http://anxiousnomore.blogspot.com/

New Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:57:37 PST

So here goes. I failed horribly with PS CS5. I couldn't get anything to work. I messed around my whole free trial and nada! I tried downloading the Elements, but for some reason when it was almost done, boom I'd lose connection or something. Im super impatient so, I said to heck with it. But I love taking pictures. I want them to look like fanfriggintastic! So I'm trying out Picnik's tweaks. What do you think?

I'm working on getting the %'s right. I used gritty, vibrance, sharpen, and fancy focus. I love that all the brainy work is done for me. Even the drop shadow!

What programs do you use? Online or software. It's only like 5 bucks a month. So we'll see.

Nubian Goat Triplets!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:06:20 PST

How moly! Have I got news! We welcomed 3 new kids yesterday! Ahh they are just the sweetest.

I really need to pay better attention, because according to my "calendar" I thought she was only at 130 days. Which is 20 days too early! It's kinda hard to tell, my goats love each other and break walls, fences etc to get to each other. So they could have gotten together earlier than I thought! LOL.

The kids are healthy, but I haven't been able to get in there good. I was lucky to get just these pictures. Mama has been very moody and protective with them. I snapped this shot when she went for food. He he he. I will most definitely keep y'all posted!

100th Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:43:53 PST

Today is the school's 100th day of school. My oldest son has his first dance today too. Appropriately called "The 100th Day Dance."   He was kinda nervous, but he hasn't said so. You can just tell. He did wear his favorite button up shirt, it's a Orange County Choppers shirt LOL.

I hate to admit this, because I was such a huge butt about them returning to public school.... BUT I'm actually glad I did. Things have calmed down. Both me AND Hubby have become more involved. Making most all activities and becoming more of a voice for our children. Instead of immediately taking the defense, we're opening a dialogue with the staff.   It's helped. We're working on a great relationship with the principle especially.

I'm very happy now because a lot of the feedback isn't negative about the kids. We've addressed my sons ADHD and went about making sure his learning isn't compromised because of it. My youngest is getting the hang of things too. When at first it was very apparent he wanted to be home schooled, he's loosened up.
All 3 boys are involved with after school activities, so they're not home til 5:30pm. Much needed break for me, and hugely needed interaction for them.

I'm glad we didn't give in and gave this a serious try. I can't believe how far the school has come to meet us half way. And vise versa. Ultimately the children's education is what encouraged us all to play nicely.

So far so good.

I still really miss them. It stinks that they come home with all these new ideas and learnings and I'm not the one responsible for it. But that's my ego I think.   I still have the kids do projects with me. Printouts and such on the weekends or breaks. So I still have that little bit in my life.

A Princess without a Gown

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:32:00 PST

Those were the words my daughter told me Monday. She is a princess but she doesn't have a gown or crown. It was the way she said it, soo sadly, it melted my heart! So off we went to get material to make her a gown. All the ladies at the store loved her. She told everyone she was there to get her dress. One of the ladies asked if she had her princess name yet. She looked very concerned and then quickly smiled and yelled, "Princess Caitlin!"

She decided on these:

Perfect! I loved her choices. Very girly. Almost like a barbie gown.

Half way mark. She's such a good model :)

She was very much a part of this whole project. She loves pinning. She can sit and be so content with it. I have on occasion let her cut.

The finished gown.
Front

Back

With the wrap.

Just perfect for my little princess!

I could of bought a princess dress from the store for half what is cost me to make, but I loved the time spent with Caitlin and seeing it afterward I think we did a better job! LOL.

Dancing With The Cuties

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:48:13 PST

Photoshop Help

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 20:51:15 PST

Sorry, this isn't a post to help you LOL, I am so desperately in need of some guidance. I've gotten myself the free trial of the Photoshop CS5. My thought is, if Im gonna drop some serious cash down on a program I want it to do some kinda magic for me. This thing cost basically an arm and a leg...and your first born. Not sure why Im trying out this one, but Ive heard so many bloggers talk about the CS5 as if it were magical.

There is the Elements9 that is considerable less, but I thought I see what the hype was about.... So far I DON"T see it! Ugh it's so frustrating, I thought I'd be able to make my photos look amazing.. but not yet! I've downloaded some of the Pioneer Womans actions, those are awesome!

If it weren't for the actions I would have no clue what to do! In case you have no clue what Im talking about, an action is basically already set up for you, simply press play kinda thing. It takes your pictures automatically thru everything. You just do a bit adjusting with opacity %'s.

I can't even figure out how to eliminate red eye... I'm loving my XARA Photo & Graphic Designer soo much more.

Anyone know or have the CS5 or the Elements9? Am I just dumb? I've been to so many darn sites, where everything goes right over my head. I need Photoshop for dummies, hmmmm I haven't googled that one yet. Holy cow! LOL there is such a thing. {Sorry typing and searching} I'll check this out, if you have anything at all that could help me :) I'd love you forever!

See Y'all Next Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:12:24 PST

Yay! Christmas is almost here! I hope you all have beautiful, family-filled fun day.

I'll still be out and about, just not posting, I have so many things to do with the kids.

Arizona Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:46:53 PST

We may not get snow, but the sunsets are just beautiful!

My son Anthony spotted it and took the shot. I just had to share. :)

Christmas Crafts!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 21:43:15 PST

This year we did some crafts at my sisters, so we could leave the mess behind. LOL. I think it's a good trade, I buy everything and organize the kids and she gets the mess!

Just a few things to hang up... they had such a good time.

Tomorrow starts our baking! Yum!

Here's a Video To Make You Apprieciate Your Own Children

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:56:07 PST

Hee hee hee! I took this video of my sweet princess Caitlin, because I am sooo super tired {and deaf} from her fits. Hoping by seeing it, she'll realize how she acts.

.....After watching it, she was NOT happy with me!

Bitching and Hopping

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:12:40 PST

I had my first "real" one on one with my sons teacher.....ugh! I'm so damn frustrated. OK my 1st grader really hated that he had to go back to school. I didn't know this until lately. I'm not sure if it's the environment, being away from me, having to be on a set schedule. I don't know. But lately it's all he's done is complain.

I've been getting notes sent home to me about his performance. He can't spell simple words. ..... uh yea he can! He can put words together to make a sentence...uh yea he can! His writing is that of a Kindergartner ....uh OK yea it is. But we're working on it. All these complaints right. So, when I get his work I look at it and I'm thinking this has to be from another student I know MY kid can spell that! So I quiz him on the words.

On his paper it say "ur" {It's suppose to be for} So I say spell "for" he replies: F. O. R.

I say spell can, the, is, may... I go thru the whole dang thing asking him to spell them for me. All but one he gets correct.

OK, so maybe he's not understanding the teacher, or her annunciation of it. {She wear braces and has a lisp}...

Well, this continues for the next week so she asks me to come in. Meanwhile, I'm like asking people to ask him random words to spell. He does fine. He reads the little books, does great.

So I get into his class and I'm ready to shut this lady up right. I get him over and have him spell the same words he's been spelling to me...and he's like the dang frog from that cartoon that dances for the guy and then "Ribbit!" for everyone else.

He gets them all wrong! UGH! So looking like a liar and a bad mom, I sit and listen. While she brings in another teacher... They all know they came from being home schooled so I feel like they're attacking the job I did. Her excuse she kept using, "He's too young for the class. He's the youngest in the grade, Oh well he's just young."

I know he can do better and he does, only problem... it's just with me. I've had fellow home school moms say he wants me to take him out. He misses me and he thinks by doing this, I'll school him again.

So beyond frustrated!! Ahh! But I walked away with some nice advice how to help him and maybe hopefully by me being there more often it will help him. I don't know. It may hurt him more than help.

Oh and hi! if your new here from the hop. Yes this is me :) I bitch and moan a lot. LOL Read the "about me" if you'd like to know who what and why i am the way I am. LOL Leave me a comment and ill be sure to visit you too!
{Psst. sometimes I'm funny too, }

Misikko High-Quality Salon Products

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:07:02 PST

High-quality salon hair products at affordable prices!

I have to do things a little different with this review. I posting a bit backwards. But I have to should you why Misikko is such a wonderful company. They truly take pride in every aspect.

Just look at how I received my review items:

Presentation, wow! Love that Misikko takes that extra step to ensure everyone feels completely special when it arrives. Beautiful.

But, the Misikko quality doesn't stop there. Their professional line of salon products are the best. Offering such names as Hana, Corioliss, Paul Mitchell, T3 Tourmaline, CHI, Croc and others.

Curling and flat irons, the best hair dryers, hair care, make-up and skin care all at some pretty deep discounts.

Here are my favorite Holiday deals that are AMAZING!

*DELUXE* HANA-HANA Pro Iron + Travel Iron Gift Package

$351.98 ON SALE! $169.99

Included:

Hana Professional 1" Tourmaline Flat Iron
Hana Mini Travel Iron w/Carrying Pouch
Shine Shield Jojoba Oil Thermal Leave-In Conditioner (2oz.)
Silicon Thermal-Proof Heat Pad
Styling Iron Cleaner (4oz)
Scented Candle w/glass candle holder
Gift Pouch With Assorted Beauty Products

Model In A Bottle


$60 ON SALE $34.99

Includes:

Model in a Bottle - Original Formula

2 oz
Dries with a lightweight, translucent matte finish
Absorbs excess oil, won't clog pores
Is fast drying, not sticky
Not tested on animals

Model in a Bottle Makeup Brushes

Set includes two brushes - one for eye shadow application and one for foundation, blush, or bronzer.
Works great with liquid, mineral, pressed, or loose substances
Perfect for layering makeup

Model in a Bottle Makeup Remover

4 oz
Lightweight, not oily
Non-Irritating and anti-inflammatory
Safe to use around contact lenses

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer "The Premiere Hair Dryer"

$314.99 ON SALE $194.99

Features:

Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
Long life motor with low noise
Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
Fiberglass concentrator
Italian Design

Chi Flat Iron

$200 ON SALE $119.99

Features:

Professional salon model
Moist ceramic heat with ceramic plates and coils
Ceramic produces negative ions (ionic) far infrared heat and will maintain even temperature all the time, seal the hair cuticle, repel humidity and lock in hair color.
Doesn't damage or dry hair like traditional copper coils
On-Off switch located inside flat iron to prevent accidental shut off
Lightweight design
Fits in a standard curling iron station
Flash quick heating
Saves energy - CHI only uses 20-25 watts of electricity
Versatile "all in one" ergonomic design: create sleek, straight locks, flips or curls
360 degree swivel cord to prevent tangling

I received the 1" Corioliss Classic Flat Iron

$200 ON SALE $89.99

Features:

Ceramic plates for negative ions and hair-healthy far infrared heat, creating shiny, frizz-free results
1" plate size for easy styling of short to medium length hair
Straighten, flip or curl
Heats up in less than 6 seconds
Adjustable temperature from 140°F to 410°F - great for all hair types
Convenient on/off switch
1 year manufacturer warranty

In addition to the flat iron I also received the Corioliss Brilliant Gloss Shine Mist which is just short of heaven.

I have very frizzy curly hair. Basically I have 2 choices of styling, pack on the mousse to calm it or toss it up. {I wear buns way too much here, or the half way pulled out ponytail.} There is no comb and go.

Here's a picture I posted with my last Misikko review some may remember:

This was using the Hana Shine Shield and CHI (Cationic Hydration Interlink) Silk Infusion. But I want you to look at my hair in the obvious before {right}, this was actually right after I blew it out, so it was looking decent. As the day goes on my hair frizzes up and doesn't lay right. I have no bounce with it, it doesn't look healthy.

As I began to straighten my hair I noticed how quickly it was straightening, 2 swipes at 300 and that section was done. There was no going over it again. {Really love that I could adjust the temp!} After I was done, I spritzed on the Brilliant Gloss and it really looked amazing. Especially in the sunlight, the gloss reflects the color so nicely, it's the perfect finishing touch. It looks natural and healthy. Best of all, it lays so beautifully.

Again, very impressed with the high quality of products Misikko carries.

<---CONTINUE--->

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:37:42 PDT

Halloween Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:53:13 PDT

Well, it's that time again!! Time for those spooky crafts, and I'm loving every minute of it!

I went to my local "Wally World" and picked up some of the regulars.

As always click on any picture to enlarge.

Bats, puppets, wall hangings, window decorations, and welcome signs. I have a few more things for them to make throughout the week, and this weekend. Mostly for the outside. We're trying our hand at papermache! Yikes! I have done that in years!

Also we'll be making calaveras and paper flowers for Dia de los Muertos.

Kids are in Public School :(

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:50:10 PDT

Well, I did it. I really did it....Things were getting to hard to handle. Not just with the schooling but with life. A hard choice had to be made. And I made the choice to put the kids back into public school. And now....

Now I regret it. I hate that I have a house not filled with laughing, goofiness and silliness. I miss it. I hate asking them, "so what did you learn today" Because I have no idea!! None.

I have no control over the lesson plan, I have no control over the hours for Anthony who needs extra breaks for his attention. I feel like I threw them to the lions den. Because I know its just a matter of time before the calls start.

I just felt so lost and helpless this year. It started out completely new and different with the way the online part of school was. And we fumbled and fumbled and tried. But, it just got the best of me I guess.

Being behind put stress on me, which put a kink in my patience, which put an attitude in the kids. I felt like we'd never catch up. Or catch my breath.

Here's the funny thing though. All my kids are at at least 80% in their level, ok. The standards for our schooling is not what it is in their current public school. You need a 60% and you're left alone and considered fine. What eva! My youngest came home from school today and I asked "what did you learn in school today"..... "My teacher said the 'Earth is like a basketball'....."

Uhmmmm OK.....

And....

"And thats it."

Well, you know the Earth is round.

"Yea, but the other kids didn't."

OK. So my 1st graders class is just now learning that the Earth is round... Isn't there something wrong with that? Where I left off with him is the capitals of countries! He knew all the continents by name and site by the end of Kinder!

UGH!!! I could just scream! My older son, Anthony{my 6th grader}, the one that was having trouble ALL THE TIME... yea well, now he's really going to get into trouble, because he says he's bored in class. I checked his homework, and OMG, this is stuff Im was teaching Cody {my 4th grader.}.

I'm so regretting my decision. But, I ~~needed~~ need a bit of a break. Home schooling 4 kids with things the way they were was not healthy for any of us. So for now, I must keep my mouth shut, smile and nod at this whole situation.

On the bright side my house has never been cleaner! Well, until they come home.

Blogmania!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:30:57 PDT

My giveaway is going on right now!! GO check it out!

CLICK HERE

Moms watching you is not the same as Dads "watching" you...

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:48:30 PDT

The boys had a much needed day trip planned today with Dad. They were going to the lake to fish, swim and what not.. This was the first time I let my littlest boy go without me. But he begged and did such a great job at that I decided, reluctantly, to let my 6y/o little man go.

First off, Daddy is a good Daddy. But Dads aren't always "aware" like us Moms are. We know somethings gonna happen before it happens. We're always 3 steps in the future. We can see a potential hazards and do something before anything bad happens. Right...

Well, you would think my voice would be in his head saying "hmm, honey not such a good idea." But, you put 4 guys together and no matter the age, dumb shit happens.... Like sliding off the rock mountains into the lake. There's a big sign saying "DANGER" .... But boys will be boys, and dumb.

It also has a sign saying to wear shoes because of hooks..... but boys will be boys, and lazy.

But 2 near drownings and one hook in the foot later, all are safe at home sleeping and burnt....because Daddy also forgot the sunscreen.

Follow Me Rss Monday!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:03:29 PDT

Welcome to Follow Me RSS Monday hosted by Let's Just Give It Away and Made.By.Jess!
This weeks guest hosts are Bring an Appetite and
The Chickenista!

*New* I will randomly select 2 blogs from the list below as next weeks guest host.

The goal of this hop is for everyone to gain new RSS readers! You will also be able to keep up with great new blogs without overloading you email! Here are a few simple rules:

* 1. Add your blog to the list below (just one time please)

* 2. Follow the hostesses. (leave a comment on our blog so we can follow you back).

* 3. Grab the Follow Me RSS Monday button and post it on your blog. (you can copy/paste this post if you want to. You can also grab the link code below. Not required.)

* 4. Follow as many blogs as you would like and leave them a comment so they can follow you back (following the 3 above your name is a great idea so everyone gets followers).

* 5. If someone follows you please return the favor! Have fun!

Finding Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:39:56 PDT

There's something that's easily said rather than done. Especially when your day is consumed by teaching a first grader, while helping a 4th grader, encouraging your 6th grader and entertaining a very active preschooler who loves to hide, get into things she is never suppose to, make loud and sudden noises when its study time....Oh how that list could go on.

From the moment I wake up (sometimes even before my coffee) I'm going. Till the wee morning hours. Oh yea, I also took on product reviewing as a hobby....The thought of it was awesome, free stuff for my opinion and getting the word out about their company. I just didn't think about the testing out, organizing, coordinating, blog hopping, socializing aspect. So most my writing and info gathering and tweaking is done at 12am on til it's completed.

But I love writing and trying out new things, especially sharing it with everyone I know. So I won't be giving that up anytime soon. Just need to find a way to fit my marriage back in LOL. It seems my day is taken with the kids, my nites are taken by blogging and Hubs comes home at 3 or 4am(works graveyard) and he gets about half an hour of quality me and the rest is me desperately trying to stay conscious, knowing I have to be up in a few hours to do it all over again.

So his days off are such an enjoyment. Sure wish I had one! LOL We try and make the most of our time... But sweet Lord, these kids have to be right behind you every second of the day...Every! Getting creative is one thing were going to have to turn into friggin magicians!

I feel maybe when I do find that prefect balance and everything is as it should be, and I get up with the sun and go down with it, I'll be too old.

Sunday Strolling Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:38:12 PDT

Grab The Button!

The Rules:

1. Grab The Button and then add your blog link.
2. Place the button in your Sunday Post so we know where to comment.
3. Please follow me ☺ first spot and two links above so everyone gets a couple new blogs to read.

Other Sunday Hops!

Blog Hopping Thursdays!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:03:45 PDT

Wordless Wednesday and Blog Hops

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:15:38 PDT

I AM SO SAD!! This is the only picture I have pregnant with my 3rd son and I can not for the life of me make it better looking! It was my fault really, I was HUGE and not very camera happy. But ugh! Its all I have as a remembrance from that pregnancy. Any thoughts? Is there a miracle out there to fix this dark of photos?

Mailbox Monday, Monday Hops

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica Fulton) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:26:43 PDT

Questions:

1. What is your favorite kind of doughnut?
2. How often do you pray?
3. What is your favorite kind of music?
4. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
5. Would you rather snowboard in the winter or swim in the summer?

My Answers:
1. Im not a big doughnut fan, so I would have no idea.
2. Not often enough. We try to at dinner, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. We use to everyday before school, but things gets busy.
3. Country
4. Kung Pow Chicken...I don't know if I spelled that right.
5. Swim ☺