I Ain't No Damsel In Distress

On a happier note...

2011-05-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the things we've been up to:

Abby and Emma preschool/kindergarten graduation:

I play softball once a week for a slc league, so much fun!

I was able to go on a little vacation after I finished up finals down to Moab with my long-time second family the Perkins. We went off-roading on Razors (sooooo fun), shooting, hiking, and laying by the pool. It was exactly what I needed to get my head back in the game after some rough finals and madness at work. Thank you Perkins for refilling my tank!

I think I can, I think I can...

2011-05-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

About 2 more weeks left of this...

Can you see me running all over getting thrown around a bit? This was one of 20 fights which occurred in a weeks time. No joke. For some reason the kids went ape. After my boss saw this video he taught me some maneuvers to properly break up a fight and he gave me a whistle. People may wonder why I work out as much and as hard as I do and now you know...280 lb. Tongans!

I remember the first fight I broke up at East and I was pretty traumatized. It took me a while to recover, but that was mostly due to the fact that there were about 50 kids in the mix in front of the entire student body. The juniors and seniors during spirit week had an extra measure of testosterone with their Wheaties that day.

After this fight and having received some bruises, I was so amped up. I was ready to take someone out. I had to go to the gym to blow off some steam. Sometimes I entertain the idea of being a cop...

Spring should be here by now...

2011-05-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Justin, Khea & Rylan drove through SLC on their way to North Carolina.

We will miss them SO much!

Abby & Emma are on the Firebolt Dragons soccer team. Always a spectacle to watch 5 & 6 year-olds play soccer.

Easter with Lani and the Perkins. Best easter egg hunt ever!

This is the place park

Stormy weather=best kite flying days

2011-04-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

We've had spring break this week, however no one bothered to tell mother nature, so its been crummy weather. We will run to the park when there is a break in the clouds but we love when its windy because then we get to fly kites. Spring is always filled with kite flying. One of my most favorite memories is when my siblings and I went to the park to fly kites and we began playing "Dodge the kite" where we would try to beam the person throwing the kite up in the air. I dont think I have ever laughed so hard ever. Anyways kite always bring happy times.

Girl Talk

2011-03-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Abby: Why does Justin Bieber have a girl's voice?

Emma: 'cause he looks like a girl. Duh!

Emma recently had an "incident" at school....

I get a call from her preschool saying a boy in her class would not give another boy his shoe back. Em took it upon herself to find a belt by the coat rack and proceed to choke the little boy with the belt until he gave her classmate his shoe back. I went to the school and had a chat with my child and returned back to work at the high school to find one of the students being arrested. Heaven help me through what is hopefully just a phase in this child's life.

I wish I could go back to these days sometimes...

Janae goes to the dentist

2011-01-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

I went to the dentist to have 2 small cavities filled. No biggie right? Wrong! Of course something freakishly weird has to happen which, as usual, ends with the provider saying, this has never happened before. Well somehow when he was shooting the Novocaine in my gums a blood vessel burst creating a ping-pong-ball-sized hematoma in my cheek. Of course the dentist hadn't seen one the size of mine, but the worst part hasn't occurred yet. Apparently, I am expected to develop a ginormous bruise that will last a few weeks. But I have been known to bruise more severely than most...typical so who knows how long I'll be sporting the beat up look. But so far I'm still really numb and a little sore from biting the inside of my cheek so much.

Newest Member of Our Family

2011-01-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Abby asked Santa for a ball python. I know Christmas was a while ago but we finally were able to pick up a snake for her.

Meet Sam.

He's a 2-year-old red tail boa constrictor. He's a pretty cool guy. My favorite part about him is he only eats once every 3 weeks and his poop is the size of an M&M. I can deal with that.

Yay Christmas Break

2011-01-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great! It was fun to see family and friends. The girls and I flew to Spokane for Christmas and spent time with Justin & Khea and with the Shermans. Then Ric and I drove 20 hours straight through rain and snow to So. Cal where I met up with some folks for New Years. I know when I look at other people's blogs I rarely read the writing so here are just some pics to look at...

Little hike with Ricky

Family gathering at penneys

Shooting with Justin in Oregon

Fun times with Tiff and Linds

Happy to have had a much needed break with plenty of play time. Excited for all the 2011 will bring!

Speechless.

2010-12-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Me: Girls, we have the messiest house in the whole-wide world!

Emma: Well, congratulations mom.

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

I'm currently at a hotel in Burley, ID on my way back from Oregon waiting for the 84 into Utah to reopen. It was a memorable thanksgiving spent with Khea, Justin and Rylan. We had lots of great food, company, laughs and good times. Hopefully, I'll get into Salt Lake sometime this afternoon or evening depending on the roads and the storm warnings. Here are some pics from the holiday. The highlight was getting to shoot a .308 semi-automatic REPR sniper rifle. It even bruised my cheek from the kick, gotta love it!

We're Alive!

2010-11-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

It's been crazy! I can't even tell you how outta control life feels sometimes! But we are pluggin' along. A few little updates:

Me:

Work is going well, its been rough, educating, challenging, fun, and rewarding. I am a prevention specialist at East High School which is considered an inner-city school. The demographics are all over the place, but I work specifically with the at-risk kids who are on the brink of getting kicked out of school because of grades, attendance and behavior. It been an experience for sure. Still dealing with being mistaken for a student on a daily basis. Here are some examples of issues I deal with regularly:

-FIGHTS

-mobbing/gang initiations

-knives

-drugs

-smoking

-stolen cars

-Parole officers

-child abuse

-sexual harassment

-tagging

-gangs

-trespassing

and the list goes on...

I've been pushed around a bit, and was on alert because a group of polynesian girls were planning on jumping me, but so far nothing too bad. Just a lot of crazy stories!! But I can honestly say I love working with the the high-risk kids. Sometimes I feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall, but every so often I will see one change for the better and turn their life around and finally see their potential. Those brief moments make all the other crap worth it for sure.

My online classes are just kicking my butt...

Abby is doing so well. I just came from her parent teacher conference and she is excelling and loving school. She got student of the month and is just a light in our family. She is always writing notes for me and currently we have a sign on our front door that she wrote "Go God." She celebrated her 6th birthday at the end of October and I cant believe how "grown up" she is.

Funny story: Abby asked me in the car is we should pray for Satan to say sorry to Heavenly Father for messing up his plan and for being mean. I told them that I didnt think that he would change but maybe we should pray to have help to fight off Satan instead. Emma chimed in saying she would pray that Satan would say sorry because then he would be nice and she could "play with Satan". I just busted up laughing.

Emma is still Emma. My little fireball. She always says the most hilarious things. She loves school and loves to tell people what to do. She likes to take care of me and help out. She was sick with the croup a few weeks ago and I guess heard her dad talking about the ER bill and so she went and got her piggy bank and gave it to him to help pay. She is just a gem.

We are looking forward to the holiday season. We plan to go to Spokane for Christmas and I will be with my brother Justin and Khea for thanksgiving.

Side note: Remember my post about my car stella and all the crap I was dealing with of getting a new car? Well I bought a car from a sketchy guy and he dropped a new engine in it and it took him a month to finish. I finally got the car and 5 days after I got it I wrecked the dang thing. I think I was destined to never have a car in Utah!!!

Things can only get better

2010-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, Utah has not been kind to me, most things that can, have gone down the pooper. I've been faced with so much bad luck, problems, trials, obstacles, and just plain crap since I moved here. But, I've decided to embrace it, humble myself and realize I can only rise that much more, but don't get me wrong I still get bitter and ticked off a lot too. I wont bore you with the ridiculous details of things that have come crashing down, but just believe me when I say ridiculous!

But things are looking up! I've picked up some shifts at the Plato's Closet in Draper. Its a little crazy there. Mostly because there is so much theft and shady characters that come in. Go figure.

I decided to take a job with AmeriCorps working as a prevention specialist at East High School, (where they filmed High School Musical my girls asked me is Troy and Gabriella will be there). I'll be doing much of the same things I did back in Spokane at North Central High School. I am beyond excited. I love working with High Schoolers and having decided to get my masters in education this will be a great resume addition.

Still no car. But still looking...

The girls started school. They love it and I love that they love it! It make my day better knowing they are doing well in school.

I started Harvard online and I'm already behind. The lectures are recorded and I just watch them and do the work when I can. I'm taking 3 classes:

-Biological perspectives on HIV and AIDS

-Medical Detectives

-Community Health

I've listened to 2 lectures and am excited about what I'm going to learn.

As you can see things are improving. Thanks to everyone who have been so supportive and kept tabs on me, I appreciate you're love and kindness.

So don't worry I'm still alive and kickin' (it was touch and go for a bit there) but as with everything in the last few years what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?...But what about AIDS?!!

Bring the Rain!

2010-08-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it pours in the life of Janae!

-So last week we made it to Utah.

-I found an apartment in Cottonwood Heights after days of apartment hunting.

-We moved in Saturday.

-Job interviews Monday. (Microbiologist analyst and High School Counselor)

-1st job interview went well at medical lab, got drilled about microbiology by 3 people.

-Car smells funny driving home.

-Car stops working on I-215

-Pull over car is engulfed in smoke.

-Man comes by with fire extinguisher because he figures my car (Stella) is on fire.

-Cop comes and waits while I get me stuff out of my smoking car.

-Cant find my phone which I was just on.

-Cop and I look for phone for 20 minutes in car expelling toxic fumes.

-Phone is found after 20 minutes...in my pocket.

-WARNING: Toxic fumes can cause memory loss.

-Cop escorts me to 7-eleven until my rescuer Jan Perkins comes.

*Minor emotional break down

-Car is towed to garage

-Garage says its water something...$400

-Jan lets me borrow car to book it to my next interview

-Barely make it

-Possess monster pit stains and the lingering scent of toxic fumes.

-Interview went fairly decent

-Call from Garage. Something...gasket....something....fluid shooting 6 feet into the air

-Me: "Can you fix it?"

-Garage: "New motor $3500"

-Me: Swear words

-Pick up girls from Salt Lake

-Go home to change out of nasty toxic clothing

-Remember keys are at garage with Stella, therefore locked out of apartment

*A little less minor emotional breakdown

-Drop car off to Jan

-Alex take girls and me home

-Alex's wife let me borrow car for next few days (so grateful)

-Home with girls

-Realize all that I needed to get done that I didn't

-Sorrow over death of Stella

*Semi-phenomenal breakdown.

Next few days aren't as crazy , but still classified as crazy.

*Disclaimer

(I am not an emotional person, I hate to cry or show emotion but was caused to do so by extenuating circumstances)

Summer breeze makes me feel fine.

2010-08-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

We're here...In one piece...A miracle!

We finally obtained a place of residency (an important part of moving), I suggest having one before you actually pack up and move to another state it probably reduces the stress by I'm guess 90%. We should be all settled in by the weekend.

We have been exploring, playing and just having fun in the mean time.

Thank you

2010-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well my friends its my last night in Spokane. I was supposed to be Utah bound today but of course there were complications with the truck so I am heading out tomorrow morning.

Its sad seeing my little apartment empty.

I have a lot of emotions thinking about the person I have become within those walls. I can honestly say I am a very different individual compared to the one that moved into that basement apartment almost 2 year ago. I had nothing but fear, stress, anxiety and uncertainty about the future as a daily companion. I cant say that I dont have frequent visits from those unwelcomed friends, but I can say that I know the future is bright with opportunities waiting on every corner.

Though I have come a long way from the pathetic creature that landed in the Spokane airport over 2 years ago from Boston, I know that I have a long way yet to go in becoming the person I expect myself to become. But I know how to get there, with faith, strength and a knowledge of who I am, where I came from and where I'm going.

My little family has been blessed immeasurably and I know that we are being looked after and that we have amazing family and friends in our corner of the ring and a Savior always waiting for us with open arms.

The girls and I will miss everyone in Spokane. Thank you for your friendship, love and service which sustained us through some of the toughest times in our lives. Through those dark hours we have found refuge in the the light of so many of your eyes. We have found hope and comfort through your acts of kindness and charity and will be forever grateful for your understanding of selfless love.

Lastly, I have to give a shout out to the Sherman clan. Dad, Mom, Justin, Khea, Cody, Ric, Lani and Randi. You guys are my everything. You have put up with all the crap I dish out on a daily basis and yet you still associate with me. That in itself is heroic. You have saved my life, literally. I was lost and you found me, I was sick and you helped heal me. I know that Heavenly Father knew I would struggle in this life and he blessed me with the most amazing support group to catch me when I fall, and everyone knows how clumsy I am. I love you all and as cliche as it sounds...I dont know where I would be without you.

Thanks again everyone!

Peace out homeskillets!

Utah Here We Come!

2010-07-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's been decided that we will venture back to Utah (the girl's roots). We leave in 2 weeks! We're relocating to the Salt Lake area. We are excited for what lies ahead of us and hope there are great adventures to come!

This was the winter of 2007 in Utah

Priest Lake

2010-07-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Adorable Reese

Adorable Kera

My friend Kera came into town and we stayed at her in-law's absolutely amazing cabin. It is the most incredible cabin I've ever seen! Kera and I didnt get a chance to take another back flip pic because we has a small flash flood hit us the last day. But I did get to go wakeboarding for the first time this year too. So fun! Thanks Kera and Hudsons!

Cody and Rylan's Birthday

2010-07-17T01:01:00.000-07:00

My brother and nephew share the same birthday so we went and celebrated at a park this was a few weeks ago but I see it fit to document the fun festivities even though it was almost a month ago.

California trip!

2010-07-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Highlights:

-Seeing Ballins

-Monterey Aquarium

-Beach

-Migdat family

-Grandpa Yosh & Yoshi

-Jeff's movie premier in Hollywood

-Disneyland with the girls

-Lederhaus family

-Bonfires

-BBQs

-More beach

-Swimming

-Sun

Lowlights

-3 days in a car there

-Cloudy on most of our beach days

-Didn't get to see everyone I wanted

-6 hours in the ER when Emma hurt her elbow (she's fine just sprained it playing with an uncle)

-19 hours straight in the car on the way home

-unpacking

-Finding mounds of sand in the girls clothes

Overall it was a great trip! Thanks everyone

The 411

2010-06-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

May was an amazing month and June has been pretty awesome so far too...

Here's the low-down:

*Mother's Day (I am so grateful and blessed to be a mom & to have a great mom)

*Mom's birthday

*Mom & Dad's 29th wedding anniversary

*Dad's Birthday

*Memorial Day weekend in California

Since you asked...the fella in the pics that I went to visit is Jeff Lederhaus and we were each others first boyfriend and girlfriend in Mrs. Hill's 5th grade class at Chaparral Elementary School in Claremont, Ca. Funny enough we never said one word to each other back then, but we did write notes...lots of notes and as it would happen, I saved all of Jeff's notes. They are hilarious and its been so fun to read them (I think Jeff's just mortified at his lack of game). Couple of crazy kids!

*Mi hermano Ric came home from his mission in Leon Mexico. A big cry-fest for the Sherman girls

Still to come in June:

*Lani's graduation (unbelievable)

*Sherman family reunion. Everyone together, Sherman Olympic games, a girls night with my sister-in-law, and lots of laughs of course.

*School will be done for me until fall

*A road trip to California with the girls. Which will include Disneyland, aquariums, the beach and old friends and family

Oh the excitement!!! I LOVE SUMMER!

Act your age

2010-05-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

I started an internship at North Central High School working with the at-risk-students and I've been mistaken for a student daily. I've gotten yelled at three times by staff, once for "not being in class," once for trying to use the library during testing time and another for using my cellphone. I also got asked out and when I told him I was 26 with 2 kids he reassured me that he was 18 and of legal age. I've decided it may be best to sport a class of '02 t-shirt. I don't understand it. Everyone always says "its a compliment" but I really don't feel that way. I guess because I figure people just think I'm immature which is not too far from the truth, but still. Another time when I was getting my haircut back in Boston I was asked when my prom was and I responded, "7 years ago." But when I asked my sunday school class of 7-year-olds how old they thought I was the answers were between 40 and 45.

I cant win.

I'm falling apart...

2010-05-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a little cocky about my ability to throw my sisters around while wrestling so I jumped at the chance to help my dad move their piano after my folks remodeled a few rooms. Well my Dad's pretty beefy and he put on his lifting belt and he told me at least 3 times he knew I couldn't lift it. Of course this makes me more determined to prove him wrong. Before he even said three I heaved with all my might and heard the familiar crack/wrenching of my lower back but I couldn't drop the piano so I waddled it to its new location. As I stood completely up the pain and realization came...What the hell was I thinking?! (Sadly, this is a frequent question of mine) I was in serious pain the rest of that night, but couldn't admit it to anyone because that was just as bad as not being about to lift the dang thing in the first place. I didn't sleep all that night and finally had to admit defeat. I called my mom at 6:00 am and asked her to take me to the Dr. However, she was working, which meant I had to call my dad and ask him to take me (so humiliating). I ended up going to the urgent care and my BP was 185/100. To say the least I was in serious pain! But I got some good drugs, x-rays and rest and I think I may survive until I try to lift a fridge or something.

California Dreamin'

2010-04-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

I went to California for the weekend to participate in the Ragnar Relay. It was so much fun! Ragnar consists of 200 miles, 12 teammates, 2 12-seater vans, 30+ hours, 3 legs each, slap bracelets for batons, 2 hours of sleep, running in the middle of the night in West Hollywood, exhaustion causing slap-happiness, and countless memories.

I visited my Grandpa Yosh the day before the race

Ran a few miles

Had the coolest team

Got to see Lindsey

Finished the race on the beach

Cant wait for next year!

Sherman brothers

2010-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

After having watched an unimaginable amount of hours of the Jonas brothers sitcom, I have come to the conclusion that if my brothers had any ounce of musical talent they would blow the Jonas Brothers out of the water.

The Breast and the Brightest

2010-04-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

I ran the race for cure and had never been surrounded by so much pink! My favorite thing about the race were some of the t-shirts and team names people came up with promoting breast cancer awareness. My favorites were; but not limited to:

*Save the war in my rack

*Itty bitty titty committee

*Breast friends forever

*Will race to save second base (get it?)

*Bosom buddies

*hugs for jugs

My friends Ashley and I were about 6 minutes late to the start and so we got stuck behind the strollers and walkers, but it was definitely a fun race.

Race jitters

2010-04-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Its been a long, long time since I've trained (somewhat) and ran a race...like over 10 years and I have 2 in a weeks time. What was I thinking?

Bring it on like donkey kong...

2010-04-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

Girls Night. Its always a time to celebrate when Kera's in town!

Love it when the Justin & Khea come.

Rylan. Don't you just want to squeeze him?

Hailey! Cutest niece ever!

(Notice I still have Randi's bruise...we're going on 3 weeks now...heavens)

These will never cease to amuse me...

2010-04-05T01:42:00.000-07:00

This week was brought to us by the letter S...

2010-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

SPRING BREAK!

Sleeping in (sorta)

Sherman visit (spectacular)

The girls and I took a rode trip to Boardman, OR to visit these guys. But of course I forgot to bring my camera! Justin gave us a tour of the medical center on the base in Hermiston. It was pretty cool to see the set up there and the girls loved being able to play with all the gadgets and try on all the gear. They especially enjoyed scarring the bajeezes out of me by turning on the sirens in the ambulance. Khea took us to ride her horse TJ and of course the girls can never get enough of horses.

Septic Tank explosion (sick)

No comment

Skate Competition (sick)

Cody did a skate competition which was awesome to watch. He did some pretty amazing stuff. The fact that he has had so many many injuries all makes sense now after I saw him throw down a crazy back-flip on the quarter pipe.

Easter Sunday (splendid)

We went to the Madsen's for our family holiday gathering and the girls had their easter egg hunt.

Tomorrow we will start another school quarter (sad)

Enjoys Jumping

2010-03-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my photos and realized I have an unusually large collection of jumping pics...I dont really know why it always seems like a good idea at the time...

A Proud Moment

2010-03-24T17:38:00.001-07:00

Picture this: The three Sherman girls sitting around discussing fighting tactics. Lani and I are trying to teach Randi how to win a fight or at least teach someone a lesson. We start out by going over some headlock and take-down maneuvers. We demonstrate the "ultimate punch" move as introduced in Hot Rod. I ask Randi to show me how she throws a punch. Lani and I look at each other with little faith in Randi's ability to do any damage with such a hit. I decide to tell Randall to "hit me as hard as you can" (coincidentally I just finished reading Fight Club). Randi proceeds to hit my left arm. The room is silent after the loud smack of her fist smashing into my arm. Lani and I are blown away at what we just witnessed. I am trying to hold back the swear words and the screams but manage to get out, "Yeah, that'll work." Then we all bust up laughing and decide to end our fight club meeting when we realize Randi can hit pretty frickin' hard!PS I'm totally flexing in the picture

Matchmaking by Emma

2010-03-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were talking about marriage on our way to the gym and they were really concerned why I wasnt getting married soon. I asked them who they thought I should marry. Of course they went down the list of family members (my brothers and their half brother) and I informed them that incest was looked down upon around these parts, and that their half-brother was a little young having just turned 9. As we were walking into the gym Emma points and yells, "WHAT ABOUT THAT GUY?" She pointed to a much much older portly gentlemen and as he looked over at us I just started cracking up and tried to give Emma the eye to stop but couldn't because I was laughing so hard.

Emma Jane!

2010-02-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

Me: Emma don't kick the dog!

Emma: I'm not! I'm petting it...with my foot!

So you had a bad day?

2010-01-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

1. Thought I worked at 6 but worked at 3...was an hour late on our busiest day of the year (Grab Bag Madness)

2. Stabbed my self tagging clothes

3. Split my pant bending down to look and see if someone was in a dressing room.

4. Didn't know I ripped my pants till someone told me of my gaping hole.

5. Went to try on some pants from the store, opened a dressing room on a lady getting undressed.

6. Couldn't find pants at the store. Had to drive 45 min to go home get a pair and go back to work.

7. Stepped on a security tack, when through my shoe and stabbed my foot.

8. A kid from works car died so I went to jump it and I couldn't see my battery very well, wrong cable on the wrong charge. Got shocked, electrical burn, melted cables.

9. Made it home.

10. Laughed till I cried.

Holidays

2010-01-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

The holidays flew by as usual. Christmas was fantastic, except I didnt take a single picture. The girls and I spent Christmas morning together and then went to my folks house. A few days after Christmas I flew to LA to spend new year's with my bestie of 15 years Lindsey Sommer. We had a ball as usual and I hadnt laughed so hard in a long time. The trip consisted of karaoke, JoAnns, beach, JoAnns, Pasadena, LA, music appreciation, sewing, eating, shopping, volleyball, laughing and plenty of Lindsey/Janae moments. Cant wait till next new year's adventure! I also got so see my Grandpa Yoshi in his Japanese retirement home, coolest place ever. And now I'm back in school full time and play time is over:(

The art of leaf blowing

2009-11-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

The art of leaf blowing sounds like a new class offered at Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics right? Its not. It is the ability to successful blow leaves in a surrounding area into a condensed pile with a leaf blower. How hard can that be? Very hard...for me at least. I was kinda pumped about using a leaf blower to gather the fall leaves from my massive yard, however I soon found out its wasnt quite as easy as I imagined. I definitely underestimated the technical skills required in aiming the current from the leaf blower just right so that the leaves flow in the direction you are intending them to flow. I ended up running in circles and trying to move the leaves in an orderly fashion toward the pile I designated, verses scattering them all over the yard. I admire those who can are able to accomplish the technique in a more efficient manner and now understand it takes some mad skills. If you are wondering how long it took me to make one little pile; just know it was daytime when I started.

Dont remind me

2009-11-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Today Abby came home from school and told me that she told everyone at school that it was my birthday today. I asked her how old she told people I was and she said, "6o." Close enough child, close enough.

October awesomeness

2009-11-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Jonas Brother

Abby is 5!

3 Musketeers

Fall has been filled with...

2009-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

School (lots of school),

Ballet,

Soccer

Annoying Randall at her X-C meets, (she would yell at me WHILE SHE WAS RACING to shut up when I was cheering for her)

And whip cream fights!

Fall

2009-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Seriously the last 2 months have flown by! School started and I feel like there are not nearly enough hours in any given day. But, things have been going well, I just realized in order to maintain a hectic schedule one must be organized, so I bought a planner, unfortunately I still think I know what is going on and forget I have the memory of a goldfish. Today for instance, I was certain Abby's soccer game was at 2, but no it was at 1 and I checked my planner when we were at the game watching her teammates leave and decided it was a little late to be checking the planner. Oh, well life goes on. I also just found a box in my garage and it contained, no joke, 5 planners from years past. All had the first month all filled out and orderly and then blank for the rest of the year. See I cant even remember that planners dont work for me!

Scary!

2009-09-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Emma was climbing up her bunk bed on the wrong side and I asked her why she was doing it since she could get hurt. She answered, "The prophet taught me how to climb up here this way." And I asked her if she was telling the truth and she said, "I think so."

Shout out to uncropped photography

2009-09-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Jessica Rentzschke Prindle has a photography company called uncropped and she is amazing she took some great shots of us girls which is pretty much impossible. If you need a great photographer look her up.

Summer highlights

2009-09-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Its autumn! School starts for the girls next week and me the following . The weather is already in fall mode, which I love. We had a great summer!

Birthday Parties

Lake

Harry Potter Premier

Moose Park

Hoopfest

Oregon Coast

Tillamook Cheese Factory

Hermiston Rodeo/fair

Columbia River Temple

Boise to see the Downeys

Table Rock with Bridge

GOOD TIMES!

Sisters are fun...

2009-08-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

most of the time!

B is for Bubbles

2009-08-05T23:13:00.001-07:00

My little sister Randi created the ultimate bubble pool.

Directions:

1. Place a blow up pool on a trampoline

2. Empty 1/2 a bottle of dish soap into pool

3. Fill with water until desirable amount of bubbles is reached

4. Jump, slide, play, enjoy

Next up...pool of noodles instructions soon to follow.

Bad Example

2009-07-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

I'm in the front doing the back flip and my friend Kera Hudson is behind me doing a front flip. We have four girls between the two of us. Not bad for a couple of moms eh?

She's a Sherman

2009-07-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

Abby is definitely my kamakaze child. She will try anything and everything which is fun but can also be scary. Usually when people see her doing something uncharacteristically crazy for a four-year-old they simply state, "She's a Sherman."

This is for Cody!

2009-07-11T15:59:00.001-07:00

Ticket to freedom

2009-07-05T19:21:00.001-07:00

For the 4th of July my parents and sisters went floating down the Little Spokane River. When we got back to our car there were park rangers waiting for us and informed us intertubes were illegal. Then they proceeded to give us a $87 ticket! God Bless America!

How did this happen?

2009-07-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got another job. My job taking the newborn baby pictures had to make some cutbacks so I wasnt getting any more hours so I had to go back to job hunting...which I hate! I hate it so much! I hate having to go into a work place and feel like you are already being judged by whatever present employees that are currently working when you drop off your resume or ask for an application. I hate filling out the same info. on applications a million times over and the fact that I still cant memorize the info. of my past 8 former employers. I hate how I get so flustered during interviews and come out with pit stains the size of rhode island when its done from being so nervous. But luckily, I got a job a few weeks ago at Plato's Closet. My visiting teacher is related to the owner so she pulled some strings because I'm sure there is no way I could have gotten it without her help. I went in for the 1st interview and she asked me what were the popular brands these days and I went BLANK. I ummed and ahhhed for a while and I swear sat there for what seemed to be like an eternity and in my mind I could only think of Target brands like mossimo and merano or Kirkland from Costco. Jeez. I realized walking out of the interview that I am not hip. I am not cool. I am a full-fledged mom. And then I realized I was wearing all Target clothes. Oh well, hopefully this job will help me be a "cool mom." Though I think I should just embrace my status quo.

Memorial Day

2009-05-30T13:29:00.003-07:00

You know its been a good day when you end up with this...

Surfing Dad

2009-05-25T02:16:00.001-07:00

Today my dad gave 30 minute talk in church yesterday...on surfing. Well not entirely, but a lot of it was based on "the many life lessons he had learned in all his years surfing." I decided you can take my dad out of surfing but you cant take surfing out of my dad.

Lilac Parade

2009-05-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

I've lived in Spokane for about 12 years give and take a few years in Utah and Massachusetts, but I am really lame when it comes to all the events that Spokane holds (ie hoopfest, bloomsday, and the lilac parade). This was the first year I went to the parade and I took Abby. Lani and her cheer team were in the parade so it was a good excuse to finally go. I was presently surprised how much fun we had and how well Abby did. The best part was cheering for Lani and then running to the next corner with Abby on my shoulders and cheering for her again at the next. We did this about 5 or 6 times and when she was done her fellow cheerleaders were amazed at how many people they heard yelling her name. Little did they know it was the same 4 crazy people running from one street to the next.

Secret Wish

2009-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have been finishing my prerequisites for nursing the past 3 semesters consisting of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc. I cant help but miss writing. I am not now nor have I ever been an exceptional writer. In fact, as we speak I am trying to sound as polished as possible. But I do miss writing. I have started about 5 fictional stories in the past few months but always stop when I realize I need to study microbes and/or bacteria. If I could, I would spend my time writing my next masterpiece which would be a reflection of my life. I think it would most likely resemble a soap opera...look out Days of our Lives!

Rocco DeLuca

2009-05-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

I took Lani to see Rocco DeLuca play at the knitting factory last night. It was a great show. The opening band was Joshua James we were pleasantly surprised by their talent. Rocco was awesome, they have a folk/bluesy/alternative sound. It reminded me how much fun it is to see live music. Cody so kindly gave us the tickets (thanks bro) and we had a great time. We especially enjoyed watching a completely wasted man sporting a kilt express his pleasure in his interpretive dance. So lovely.

Hannah Montana Moment

2009-04-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

This is what we do when we have a moment to spare...

Wallpaper

2009-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Randi posted pictures of Zac Efron for the computer's wallpaper and when ever I close all the windows on the computer I am always pleasantly surprised. I give him a little wink before I leave the computer too.

I thought this day would never come

2009-04-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am the tennis champion of the Sherman family. I beat my mom and Lani this weekend. It was glorious! You may hear many excuses as to why I won from their end but believe none of it. I proudly take the title of Family tennis champ.

Well I am at present since Justin and Ric aren't here but I will keep my head in the game and keep practicing. I decided if I make Ric play me immediately after he gets off the plane from his mission I have a real shot at beating him.

Here's a shot of me beating my Mom and Lani

Good Stuff

2009-04-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

I love this song, it definitely speaks to me...

Second Try!

2009-03-01T22:58:00.001-08:00

So my attempt last week to start my strict diet and workout regimen failed miserably. On Monday the girls were sick and I couldn't take them to the gym and then I figured I have to wait an entire week to start again on a Monday. I'm sure something will come up and I'll have to wait to start next Monday, but I'm optimistic. I'll just cut and paste every Sunday the message that "I'm starting my exercise plan tomorrow." Jeepers!

I forgot to post some pics of the girls and I in Portland a few weekends ago. We went to visit by Best Friend Bridgette and her family. We also made a trip to the zoo. We had a great time. Thanks Bridge and Josh.

East High Wildcats!

2009-02-24T14:53:00.000-08:00

Even though Abby and Emma are 3 & 4 they are obsessed with High School Musical. We had a 6 hour drive home from Portland the other weekend so I bought HSM 3 and we have watched it non-stop ever since. Abby has memorized most of the songs and moves already. It so crazy to me how such a cheesy show can be such a huge phenomenon. But secretly I love it too, but only because it has the same director as Newsies, which is one of my all-time-favorite movies. Can I be a bigger dork?

Time to get ripped!

2009-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm fed up with being flabby and saggy. I've decided its time to get in shape and start getting ready for swimsuit season. So I joined a gym, got the help from Jillian Michaels book and am starting tomorrow, cause you have to start on a Monday and not in the middle of the week. Since I decided to start tomorrow, I of course stuffed myself tonight eating fried chicken, mashed potatoes and cornbread. Everyone needs a last supper though right?

Thank you Christina

2009-02-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Fighter

It makes me that much stronger

Makes me work a little bit harder

It makes me that much wiser

So thanks for making me a fighter

Made me learn a little bit faster

Made my skin a little bit thicker

Makes me that much smarter

So thanks me for making me a fighter.

(Christina Aguilera)

My Little Suri

2009-01-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Well it was bound to happen...I've been expecting it for a while. Emma cut her hair. Took a nice big chunk out of the right side. I was debating whether to leave it alone but it looked too similar to the mullet Abby gave her almost exactly a year ago! So I evened it out and now she looks like Suri Cruise I think. Except she is incapable of taking a normal picture.

Pattisons

2009-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

If you've grown up in North Spokane the word Pattison's probably brings back a lot of memories. For me they are all awkward and embarrassing. Pattison's is the local roller skating rink. It is definitely the happening place for K-7th graders. Once you hit 8th grade your level of coolness usually causes you to decline most Pattisons invitations. There was a big thing known as "couples skate" where you would find out who was going out with who and who liked who. I was usually sat out the couples skating sessions (not by choice) but though i was always heart broken deep down i was grateful because i didn't enjoy the whole sweaty hands bit.

The Sherman's went for Martin Luther King day and the place was packed out with the typical crowd of K-7th graders. But for some reason maybe because of past experiences I got the feeling of awkward dread. But it soon passed by when I won the numbers game. (Where you stop on a number when the music stops and if they call your number you win a prize.)

Abby and Emma loved skating...Abby more so I think she takes after her uncles Cody and Ric and will enjoy fruit booting :)

Shake it!

2009-01-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

My little sis Lani is a cheerleader (hoping this is just a phase:) but she is always doing her dances and cheers at my mom's house and so of course my girls pick up everything and so the other day they were both chanting:

"She aint got no money in the bank" and "Pop, lock and drop"

There are dances that go with each song too.

Holiday Fun

2009-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

This holiday season was filled with...snow! Lots and lots of snow! We broke every record are little town owned. It was fun for the first little while but now I am sick of it. I'm sick of wearing ugly snow boots all the time and falling on a regular basis.

Other than snow I had a great Christmas with the girls and with my family. My big brother Justin and his wife, Khea came to visit. I got to have my first ever Christmas morning at my own house with the girls. I was so happy to get to start my own traditions.

Then on New Years my uncle got me a ticket to Vegas. Dont you wish you had an awesome uncle like me? So I went to see my old friend I grew up with, Lindsey Sommer. We tried to pack as much fun as we possibly could in the few short days I was there. We played in Vegas for a few days then drove to San Diego for a night and then went to Rosarito, Mexico for 2 nights and then booked it back to catch my plane back to 2 degree weather and 70 inches of snow in Spokane. It was so fun to play, meet new people and hang out with Lindsey who I know is always up for anything. It was the best new years ever!

Scaredy Cat

2008-12-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

I moved out of my parents house (finally) and got a little basement apartment for the girls and I. We have finally gotten settled and into a groove. I only have the girls half of the time (since they are with their dad the other half) and I have never lived by myself before...EVER! So in this time of self-discovery I have come to find out I am the biggest wuss. I get scared at every little noise and there are a lot of strange noises. There are times when I am even afraid to move in case a boogey man in about to jump out at me. To solve my problem I sleep with a hammer next to my bed and on really bad nights I sleep with the hammer. I need to get a dog or a gun but I'm thinking in my case a dog would be best.

Random treasured memories

2008-12-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

I decided my last entry was very boring and generic among blog entries. So I decided to share some treasured memories of the last few weeks.

Treasured memory #1

On my first day of taking baby pictures at work after being trained. I went into the new mother's room and said my scripted dialogue asking if they wanted pictures and then going back to take them. We are instructed to do "Tender moments" pictures (seriously that's what they're called) usually with the baby over the mom's shoulder or with the parents hands on top of the baby's tummy. So my first one, I ask for the dad's hand for such a "tender moments" shot. When he lays his hand down I realize he is missing most of his fingers. I had a look of shock and then I tried to cover his missing fingers with mom's hand. Of all the things it was my luck to have a fingerless dad my first shot.

Treasured memory #2

Another work incident was when I was running to catch the elevator and I put my hand in at the last minute thinking the elevator door would pop right back open. However it didn't. It proceeded to crush my hand and then finally when I let out a nervous little yell someone from the inside pulled the door open. When the door was all the way open I noticed that the elevator was full of doctors and nurses just staring at me. I stepped in and stared at my shoes and said sorry. I got off at the next floor even though it wasn't the one I was going to just to end the embarrassment.

Treasured Memory #3

This was a while ago. My dad got a motorcycle for his 50th b-day and for father's day I went to get him some riding gloves. I went to a motorcycle shop and it was at the time of the NBA finals. I was sporting my Boston Celtics shirt and the burly guy at the register said to me, "Celtics, huh?" "That's right," I responded. And then he mouth the word Lakers, "What?" I asked unsure what he was saying and then he mouthed the word Lakers again. For some odd reason I thought he was saying I Like You. So I smiled and repeated, "You like me?" He shook his head and said, "No, LAKERS" unmistakably. I let out a simple, "Oh," and bolted out of there as fast as I could.

To be continued...

November Recap

2008-11-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick update:

Abby turned 4 on Oct. 30th

I turned 25 on the 5th (Yikes!)

Thanksgiving with the Madsens is always a guarantee for fun.

We fed ducks at a park and were almost attacked by them.

Emma had her tonsils and adenoids out so she no longer snores.

My sisters and I dragged my brother to the Twilight movie and we told him it was a "vampire" movie. We made him a shirt and everything. He was a trooper.

Emma doing the "Phoebe Run"

2008-10-29T23:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I am trying to make the girls laugh or just being silly, I break out in the "Phoebe Run" from friends. Now, if you are an avid friends fan; you will know the exact run I'm talking about. I too have so much fun sometimes running crazy. Anyway here's a clip of Emma impersonating me, impersonating Phoebe.

Eyebrow Technical Difficulties

2008-10-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well today was my first day sporting a fake, penciled-on-eyebrow and it didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped. I was late for work so I did my make-up in the car. The pseudo-brow looked okay, not great, but I just didn't get too close to anyone to notice. Anyway for the second time in a week as I was leaving the hospital I had a really bad allergy attack. This one hit my eyes. They got instantly red, swollen and itchy. I had a hair appointment right after work which I had to book it to, so I had to run into Rite Aid and got some eye drops and wipes. I got to my hair appointment and waited in the lobby while still applying my eye drops. I looked like heck as it was, my entire face was red and swollen. It looked like I had been violently crying for about a month. I explained why I was late and why I looked like so to my hairdresser, who is also a friend. I sat down at the haircutting chair and realized that my pseudo-eyebrow was gone. I ran to the car to get my make-up and instantly applied my eyebrow so embarrassed. But at least it went with my Buddha-like face. Oh the madness!

Ode to the Eyebrow

2008-10-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today was a typical day nothing too out of the ordinary. But while I was helping the girls brush their teeth and getting them ready for bedtime I decided to do a little personal grooming. I have one of those eyebrow trimmer things and I was in the process of trimming my left eyebrow when Emma bumped me. I looked down at the clump of hair in the sink and looked back up in the mirror to find my eyebrow gone. I let out a "typical girl scream" and couldnt believe I had lost an eyebrow. My mom suggested I just get rid of both of them and go as Whoopi Goldberg for Halloween. I'll sure miss my eyebrow.

Snoring Emma

2008-10-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Emma, my 2-year-old, has snored like an old lady since the day she was born. I just found out it was because her tonsils and adenoids are inflamed. She has surgery in a few weeks to get them removed. I don't know what it will be like not having the propeller up her nose anymore.

Sara Bareilles

2008-10-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

We got restless waiting for Sara to come on (obviously)

Last night I took my sister Randi to a Sara Bareilles concert. We had a great time. I love Sara live she sure can rock the house. The Audience was made up of 90% of women an 10% of men. It took a lot of self-discipline to not get up and dance the whole time. I slipped up a few time and thoroughly embarrassed Randi. (sorry sis) But what's a concert without dancing and losing your voice. I had a ball though, thanks Ran.

Delightful day at the Dept. of Licencing

2008-10-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

Today I spent 2 hours waiting in line at the DOL for a WA drivers licence. It was quite remarkable how long it took to be helped and how hard it was to not rip out my own hair while waiting.

If you like to people watch, which I love to even if that sounds kinda creepy. I discovered many walks of life. I observed who would change the little piece of paper for their forehead before taking the sight test.

I watched the employees help a few customers and then leave for a while, come back and help a few customers and then leave again. I felt like the employees were on some power trip knowing they can take their sweet time because there is nothing you can do about it. Plus they have a sign to back them up which states that any threatening or rude behavior toward a state employee is a felony. And several times I weighed my options and thought it might be worth it.

I watched the 2 different series of numbers that they would call (ie 112 & 384) I swear there was 1 number in my line called to every 6 in the other line. Why cant they just have one sequence of numbers?

I also struggled with the people who would walk up to the different desks and ask a question even if their number was not being called. In fact I felt a large amount of disdain and loathing for these people who couldn't wait until their turn instead of slowing the process. Sigh.

So 2 hours later I got my drivers licence finally and I looked at my picture and really enjoyed the emphasis the picture has on my ginormous neck. I look like a giraffe. Why cant they photoshop drivers licence pictures?

Local News Update

2008-10-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

Well as I have obviously failed at keeping this blog updated regularly, but frankly I'm sure not many are surprised. For starters I am in the middle of my semester of anatomy and physiology at spokane falls community. It's really sad, I have dejavu from high school since I attended SFCC my junior and senior years of high school and I am right back where I started. Wow!

Right now my girls are in Hawaii with their Dad and his family. Tell me there is something wrong with this picture...My 2 and 3-year-old girls get to go to Hawaii while I, on the other hand haven't ever been and I am almost 25. Umm...something's not right. But I know they are having a blast at the beach. I hope they bring me back a ukulele.

Good new for this old gal...I got a job finally. Get this, this is the greatest job ever! I get to take pictures of the newborn babies in the hospitals. How cool is that? I am so excited! Also I finally landed myself a place of residence. After many days of searching I stumbled upon the perfect basement apartment with lots of room, a backyard and a good price. I hopefully move in soon, the kitchen is being finished as we speak.

Welp, my friends that all I the info I have for you right now. This is Janae Romney reporting for channel 5 good night and we'll see you tomorrow.

First day of school!

2008-09-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day of school. I am taking anatomy & physiology and math. I am a little worried because i stink at all math and sciences. I have to take a test to make sure I can handle algebra but i'll most likely fail and be put in the metric system class. I haven't taken a math or science in 4 years. I still have to use my fingers to add.

Life Jacket? Yes please!

2008-09-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

I've been lacking in material for my blog because nothing super interesting has happened... at least nothing out of the ordinary, a few awkward moments but nothing blog worthy, until Thursday! I went to the lake with some friends and family and it was a little on the cold side A bit breezy and the water was frickin' brutal! Even with a wetsuit on the cold just cut right through you. So being me, I had a brilliant idea. I wanted the boat to be in gear before I jumped in and so when I got in I could get right up and out of the chilly water. I strapped in and waited for the boat to be in gear and jumped in the water. It was so cold and it made me tighten every muscle in my body, some I didnt even know I had. I was waiting for the rope to take up the slack, I couldnt figure out why I kept sinking. It finally dawned on me that I had forgotten a minor detail in my phenomenal plan...a little thing called a life jacket. When I figured out what was going I was starting to panic as my feet kept floating up to the surface making my head sink down. If only i did a stomach crunch or two sometime in the last week it would have made my fight for air a little smoother. As the boat finally strolled over to save the drowning lady and I was able to keep my head up long enough to yell "I dont have a life jacket!" I was given a jacket and finally able to breathe. So my mind blowing plan went a little sour and instead of only spending a minute in the freezing water I spent 15. Nice.

Pocketful (purseful) of sunshine

2008-09-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today was Abby's first day of preschool and she loved it. She was the only girl in the class but I know she enjoys having no competition for class princess. But if I were a good mom I would post pics of her, Emma and I on her first day of school, with her teacher and so on. However, I lost my mother-of-the year award a few days back gosh darn it plus we were late and I forgot to pay her tuition. Anyway I am super lazy, so instead of going home and doing something productive with Emma, we went shopping. We get to Burlington Coat Factory and I put Emma in the child seat of the cart and my purse in the main cart. (If you need a diagram of how a shopping cart functions please feel free to ask.) So we're cruising along and seeing all this super cheap stuff; I go to put something in the cart and I see that Emma had wet her pants and it had all leaked into my purse. No $.99 piece of junk that the cart was filled with was damaged, just my purse and all its contents. I did some quick thinking and I grabbed a tacky Hannah Montana pet dog t-shirt from the clearance bin and cleaned her up and then added the shirt to our pile of junk. Thank heavens for clearance bins We cleaned up and I made Emma wear her soiled clothes because I had asked her a million times if she needed to go to the bathroom and of course I didnt have any wipes or changes of clothes with me. After all the shenanigans and some more browsing I look at my watch and realize that not only was I 10 minutes late dropping Abby off I would be 10 minutes late picking her up. I was in line and i told the lady that I needed to go and to hold my things until i get back knowing there was no chance in heck that I would drag both girls there for $8 worth of crap and the Hannah Montana dog shirt we didnt need. And so after having lost my mother-of-the-year-award I won worst-burlington-coat-factory-customer-of-all-time.

Biker Chick

2008-09-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight I worked late cleaning my dad's office (yes I consider myself a cleaning lady) and so I got to ride home with him on his sweet motorcycle. I was stoked thinking how cool its gonna be having the wind blowing in my face, riding out into the sunset. Well as you may have guessed the way it went, and the way I envisioned it in my head were quite different. First, I had my dad's XL extra helmet, it ended up being completely dark and I had no jacket. The no jacket aspect really complicated things for me. I was freezing cold, with snotcicles and extremities capable of cutting glass. I had to wear sunglasses in the pitch black to block the many insects darting toward my eyes. As I was riding my fantasy faded from windblown hair off into the sunset to a scene from Dumb and Dumber.

Sore Ego, Sore Legs

2008-09-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

Only serious running picture I have (Its from the year book too)

My BFF Bridgette posing for track pictures

My BFF Sara and I posing for Cross country pics

So back in the day I used to run cross country and track. Mostly because I was too uncoordinated and "not a team player" to play any other organized sport. But I'm gonna brag a bit: I went to state my freshmen year of high school, I have a trophy still in the trophy case displayed at the school. I won some races and get this: I still have some track records at Northwood Middle School. So I'm just incredible at the whole running thing right? Well I was very humbled yesterday.

Our family has always done this church 5K family fun run and in high school I would always win or at least place. So I hadnt run it in about 7 years, but thinking that I am this legendary runner I figure I can push through it and win my age group (18-25) or at least place. I didnt train or stretch or tie my shoes. I get my ipod cranking and think that I'll just cruise and win this thing. Well about 1K into the dang thing it feels like I popped a lung and that i am going into cardiac arrest. I barely finish with a very pathetic time indeed. But I am still thinking: I am the schiz, I probably won or placed...no problem. So I cool down and dont really see anyone in my age group that had finished yet so I think I am in the clear to get to stand on the podium yet again. I was planning on acting all embarrassed and unimpressed by my success in a run I hadnt even stretched let alone trained for.

But I didnt have my girls with me because they were at my in-laws so I could run/win the race. I wanted them to witness my victory and for people to be even more impressed that I was such an awesome runner with 2 such small kids. So I race to pick up the girls for my moment of glory. When I get to the awards ceremony I see that they had already started and maybe even passed me up. I figured people would be like, "where were you? why didnt you want to get your medal? you're so awesome." Instead no one said anything to me and I figured people only knew the legendary Janae Sherman not "Romney" so thats why my fans weren't crowding me.

Then with a burst of my bubble, a man I know grabbed me and said, "How come I didnt see you up there or hear your name called? How come you werent on the list?" Oh the pain! I hadnt placed...by minutes...by 46 places! I just laughed to keep from crying.

I was severely humbled and came to a realization that I am not a pretty girl nor a fast girl.

I AM NOT A PRETTY GIRL!

2008-09-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

The reason I chose the title "I aint not damsel in distress" is because its taken from one of my all-time favorite songs by Ani Difrano "Not a pretty girl." The moment I heard this song I was in love and knew that we would be life-long friends and that the song would get me through anything. Plus Ani Difranco is the schiz when it comes to writing lyrics. I'm not talking Rhianna-"You look so dumb right now" lyrics but deep, moving, mind-blowing lyrics. So here are the lyrics of "Not a pretty girl" to attempt to explain my reasons for my blog title and to prove that Ani is the cheese in my macaroni.

Disclaimer: I am not a super-duper hard core Ani fan so those who are please don't take offense to my poser-like sermon. I will get down from my soap box now.

I am not a pretty girl

that is not what I do

I ain't no damsel in distress

and I don't need to be rescued

so put me down punk

wouldn't you'd prefer a maiden fair

isn't there a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere

I am not an angry girl

but it seems like I've got everyone fooled

every time I say something they find hard to hear

they chalk it up to my anger

and never their own fear

and imagine you're a girl

just trying to finally come clean

knowing full well they'd prefer you

were dirty and smiling

and I am sorry

I am not a maiden fair

and I am not a kitten stuck up in a tree somewhere

and generally my generation

wouldn't be caught dead working for the man

and generally I would agree with them

trouble is you gotta have yourself an alternate plan

and I have earned my disillusionment

I have been working all of my life

and I am a patriot

I have been fighting the good fight

and what if there are no damsels in distress

what if I knew that and I called your bluff?

don't you think that every kitten figures out how to get down

whether or not you ever show up

I am not a pretty girl

I don't want to be a pretty girl

no I want to be more than a pretty girl

Long Day of Lonely Laughter

2008-08-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some my shinning moments captured

Have you ever seen or done something when you're by yourself and just had to laugh? Then you laugh even harder at the idea of you laughing at yourself by yourself? Then you know God has to be laughing just at the site of you laughing at yourself for laughing at yourself? Hmm...maybe not. But it happens to me all the time. Yesterday was a day filled with lonely laughing. First I couldn't sleep the night before because I was watching the show "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" on hulu.com and there were a few episodes which threw me into several laughing fits. Like eyes watering and gasping for breath laughing. And of course I was by myself, but then throughout the day I would think of the dang show and begin to laugh uncontrollably.

Next my fam and I decided to go to a Japanese restaurant where they provided free unlimited miso soup. I think the phrase: free unlimited has never provided good results in my life. Anyway, I had a few gallons of the fermented soybean delight and on the way to the store I was surprised by the action of my stomach. After some quick vehicle maneuvers from my mother I made it to Arby's seemingly unscathed. When I got back in the car ready to go to Lowe's I realized I had forgotten my purse at Kim's Teriyaki and had to go back. At this point my parents nods of disbelief just added to the story of my life and the inability for them to ever take me anywhere. So I get my purse and we head to the store and I spend a nice evening cruising the merchandise commando at Lowes. I'm sure I am the only one laughing at myself. And after sharing this story most my activities will continue to be by myself. But at least I'll be laughing.

New City, New Blog, New Girls

2008-08-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a new blog since so much has changed in my life as of late. I am back in good ol' Spokane Washington with the folks and am in the process of getting my ducks in a row. I am signed up to go to the the community colleges this fall to finish my pre-reqs for nursing. It was just about the most painful thing to have to transfer from Harvard to Spokane Falls Community College, especially after all my hard work in getting admitted to the dang school. But I'm over it. Abby and Emma are adjusting well to the move from Boston but still miss many things as do I. They especially miss the city sprinkler parks where we would spend hours at a time at, soakin up the sun and playing tag in the water. Good times. We are looking forward to the adventures ahead of us and definitely aint no damsels in distress!