Daddy's Girl #UseYourWords

Welcome to October's Use Your Words challenge. Here is how it works: each participating blogger submits four to six words or short phrases, for another blogger to craft into a post. The post can be about anything, as long as each word is used at least once. The words are assigned randomly, so no blogger knows who gets the words the submitted, and have no clue which words they will receive, until they are assigned the words. The bloggers can interpret the words into any kind of post they want, and the posts are usually quite unique.

My words are:

blueberry ~ fantastic ~ love ~ scared ~ zoo

It was submitted by: http://theblogging911.com/blog

Since I received the phone call, from the Sheriff, telling me my father had passed away, I have done so much reflecting on life. Thinking about my dad. Thinking about our life together. Thinking about my life apart from him. Really, just a lot of thinking. I have also been doing a lot of crying. Thankfully, not all of the tears have been sad. Some have been happy, and a few have been from laughter. My dad was a very funny man, and I owe him much thanks for all the laughs.

My dad and I have had a complicated relationship, but no matter what, I love him. I will always love him.There will never be a past tense for that. No matter how upset he made me, how much he frustrated me, or how annoyed he would make me... I always loved him. I think the same can be said for him. No matter what I have done, how badly I have upset him, or how annoyed he was with me... He always loved me.

I have some fantastic memories of him, and I have discovered over the past few weeks, that so many other people can say the same. His death has hurt a lot of people. I am sure it has made some people happy. My daddy was not an easy guy. He was complex, and knowing him was definitely an experience. He was such a contradiction of sorts, just like I am. I guess I got that from him. Chad said it best, I think... He was an asshole, but he was our asshole. 

My daddy taught me the importance of love and kindness. He taught me to stand up for what I believe in. He taught me that the old saying is true, it is definitely better to give than receive. He helped give me my inner voice, which I was able to use to defend myself, and those around me who need defending. He sure talked a lot, another trait I got from him. When I saw him at the funeral home, his mouth was open, and it made me giggle. It was so appropriate, that even in death, he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

He was so strong and so stubborn. In fact, I am honestly still shocked that he passed away, because I thought he was simply too stubborn to die. I have often joked that he would outlive me, and in truth, many times I thought that was the absolute truth. He started fighting cancer before I was even born, and he never quit fighting it. He did not let it slow him down. No matter how sick he got, he never lost his inner fire, that burned hot with determination. 

I do not know, if he purposely hid how sick he was at the end, because he did not want me to be scared, or if he really just thought he was going to kick cancer's ass yet again, but even at the end, he was talking about the future and making plans. I can only hope, that if faced with similar obstacles, I handle it will as much strength and determination as him.

One of the things he will be most remember for, is food. Whether it is the food he grew in his gardens, and gave away, feeding much of the community around him, or the food he prepared in his kitchen, that would make any mouth water. Those are definitely two things I would have loved to inherit from him. I cannot grow a garden, even if my life depended on it, but I can grow weeds. Well, the grow on their own, I just watch them grow. I can do okay in the kitchen, but nothing compared to him. I miss his cooking, and will always regret not going home for more visits, and enjoying more meals with him.

Growing up, we did not do some of the more normal things, like zoo trips, beach trips, or Disney trips. We did have many adventures together. We traveled all over the USA, and had so much fun doing it. It was normal, for him to pull me out of school for a week or two, and just go on a road trip to visit friends. We never drove straight. We would zigzag all over, and explore the places we passed through. I think he had a nomadic heart, and I inherited it from him. I have been here for ten years, and it is driving me bonkers. I want to go, leave, explore. Yet, some how, Chad got me to lay down roots, and so I am here, to stay. At least for now.

I am so worried, that with these cysts in my head, I am going to forget all my memories, especially my earliest ones. It makes me wish I had many more pictures than I do, especially of my childhood. Pictures have a way of bring back my memories, even the ones I have mostly forgotten. I really do not want to forget my life at all, not even the bad parts, because they have all made me me.

I especially do not want to forget my good ones. The ones of shenanigans with my best friend Shannon, while her parents and my dad would be picking vegetables and cooking. I do not want to forget all the blueberry bushes, my dad planted for me, all along the perimeter of his garden, or the slow Summer days I spent eating all of the blueberries. All. Of. Them. I do not want to forget Summer nights spent of our friend's porch, all of us kids taking turns churning home made ice cream. Our parents would be talking and laughing. My daddy would play the guitar, and we would all sing.

I do not want to forget all the times I helped him help other people. All the times he helped families get aid, to pay their bills that had piled up, while one of the parents had been sick. I do not want to forget all the food we delivered to people in need. I do not want to forget listening to him debate with politicians. I do not want to forget him telling me he loves me, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

I do not want to forget things, and be unable to tell Gigi more about her Papa. He loved her so much. I think he may even have loved her more than he loved me, and I am okay with that. Gigi is a very special little girl, and I am blessed to be her Mama, even though she is a total Daddy's girl. I can respect that, and understand it, because I am a Daddy's girl too. Despite the difficulties in our relationship, he was my Daddy, and I love him very, very much. So, it makes total sense to me, to see Gigi being a Daddy's girl. Chad is an amazing dad. I cannot blame her one bit. Plus, I know she loves me a whole bunch. That is good enough for me.

I am sorry I am still be pretty radio silent. I am just trying to get through these emotions, and come out on the other side in one piece. I just thought this would be so much easier, than it has been. This experience has taught me a lot. I wasted so much time, focusing on the bad memories, and letting them impact my current attitude. I should have spent so much more time focusing on the good times, because now I can see that those are the ones that matter. In the end all that truly matters are the good memories, and all the love. It has definitely been a learning experience.

Parent child relationships are hard. They have lots of bumps and falls. There is anger and sadness and frustration. Those are very powerful things. In the end though, the happiness and laughter and fun and LOVE matter the most. I wasted so many years, letting the hurt still hurt, and the anger fester. Now, all of that is so far gone from my thoughts, and all this goodness has replaced it, and I should have let it replace it years ago. Leave it to my daddy, to teach me something, even in death. 

He was good at that. Teaching me things. Except for cooking and guitar playing. He was a terrible teacher for both. I think maybe because he was naturally talented at both. He played guitar by ear and cooked by taste. That is two natural talents I definitely do not possess. Something else he was great at, was being there for me. He always was. No matter what, when I needed him, he was there. I only wish I had been there for him. I think that is what breaks my heart the most. I hope he can forgive me.

Well, there you have it. My words used. I appreciate y'all reading along. I just really needed to talk about my Daddy, and as soon as I saw the word blueberry, my mind filled with memories about him. He ruined several foods for me. Not by making them terribly, but by making them so well, no others can ever compare to his. He also had a knack for growing the most delicious fruits and vegetables. To this day, I have never eaten a blueberry, that tastes as delicious as those, on the bushes he planted for me. I think it may have been the love he poured into them, that made them extra good.

Well, now that I have used my words, be sure to check out the other blogs featuring this month's Use Your Words posts. I will meet you there. I just need some coffee, a blanket, and some tissues.

Links to the other “Use Your Words” posts:

Baking In A Tornado

On the Border

The Blogging 911   

Cognitive Script

Climaxed

Dream Job #SecretSubjectSwap

Welcome to July's Secret Subject Swap. This week eleven brave bloggers submitted a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts.

My “Secret Subject” is:

You have your dream job, tell us about your first day, doing what you love

It was submitted by: http://www.southernbellecharm.com 

I had to honestly think about this subject, for quite a while, and I even discussed it with Chad. My dream job. What is my dream job? I am not sure if I really know the answer to this anymore. At one point, for a very long time, the answer would have been lawyer. For nearly just as long, teacher was also a very suitable answer. I think it is safe to say, that writer is also a very realistic answer. I could honestly see myself happy, with any of those jobs. Are they my dream job though? I honestly do not think so. 

I walked away from law, because I was bothered by several parts of our legal system, and did not feel I could make the impact necessary to fix it. I was very upset and fell out of love, with what had been my dream job, since I was an ambitious six year old. I want to be a teacher, but after struggling to teach Gigi, very basic things, I worry I would be terrible at it. Now, writing is a passion of mine, and I could probably make a genuine go of it. 

Are there other possibilities? We are talking dream job, so really the sky is the limit. Chef? I probably love to eat, more than I love to cook. Actress? It could be fun, but would I like the limelight? Detective? Would I be able to put in the years necessary, to achieve the Detective rank? Fashion designer? Fun, but I am no fashionista, and I doubt a line of tanks and sweats, would sell well. 

So, the winning option, seems to be writer. Only, that isn't truly my dream. I know that my dream job, would be helping others. Possibly, through working for either the food bank or the Foster Care program, that we currently volunteer for. I mean, if I could be paid to work for them, that would be the best! So, I guess I know how to explain my first day now!

Before I do, I would just like to give a tidbit, I would TOTALLY love to get paid to be Gigi's mom. I have said that more than once. More income is always welcome, and I wish someone would pay me, just to be Gigi's mom. That would truly be getting paid to do what I love, because out of all the things I have done in my thirty five years on Earth, being Gigi's mom is hands down the best thing ever.

Now, here is my disclaimer, this first day on the job, may seem crazy unrealistic, but please remember, it is my dream job!

So, yes, I choose writer. I want to get paid to write. Ideally, I would write books and blog posts here. I would love to make more than enough money, to support our family's needs, as well as some fun extras and plenty of money to donate to beloved causes.

I would like to say I would start my first day, by getting Gigi ready for school, and then dropping her off. I would be driving our new car, that I bought with my sign on bonus. I would stop at Starbucks, and get a coffee, and then I would head to the Food Bank. I would spend a couple hours there volunteering. I would then head back home.

Once I was home, I would get a snack, another cup of coffee, and sit down at my computer. I would finish up and schedule my next blog post. I would spend some time scheduling posts on my Facebook page. I would then confirm with Nina, from the Foster Care Program, my volunteer hours for the week. 

I would then spend some time doing some chores around the house. I would love to say, that I would probably be setting up my work area, in our hallway. One of the first things I would do, with a signing bonus, is get a reliable second car, so we no longer had to worry about Gigi having transportation to school. My second thing would be to get myself a nice desk, and set it up in the hallway, so I could have an actually work space. This would take the rest of my afternoon up.

I would pick Gigi up at school, and bring her to the park, for a short play time. We would return home, and Chad would be home from work. We would spend the evening doing homework, eating, and spending time together. After they go to bed, I would probably stay up, and write a bit on the book I would be writing. I would also probably return e-mails, and finalize any schedule additions.

I would love to take a nice, long, uninterrupted shower, and crawl in to bed. I would be so grateful for the added income, and for having the ability to just write and live. I would probably end the day, exactly how I most love to end my day. Reading in bed, while drinking coffee, until my eyes are too heavy to stay open.

I guess, in a way, my dream of being paid to write, is a genuine possibility. I would just need to do it. Put myself and my writing out there, and get a publisher. I never have crossed that bridge to professional writer. I keep the vast majority of my writing private, and have never even tried to monetize my blog. I get a bit of anxiety, even thinking about it. So, I think it is safe to say, I won't be having my dream job anytime soon.

What about you... What is your dream job? What do you think your first day would be like? 

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a drink, and check them all out. See you there, right after I get a refill of coffee:

Baking In A Tornado

The Lieber Family Blog

The Blogging 911

Cognitive Script

Never Ever Give Up Hope

My Brand of Crazy

Climaxed

Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

Southern Belle Charm

Paradoxical Suds

Surprise #UseYourWords

Today’s post is June's Use Your Words post. This is how it works: participating bloggers picked four to six words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That is the challenge, here is a fun twist; no one who is participating knows who got their words and in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.

My words are:

lately ~ mint ~ sold as is ~ work ~ bumped ~ clasp

It was submitted by: https://climaxedtheblog.blogspot.com (Thank you, Jenniy!!!)

Surprise! Haha! If you have followed my blog for any length of time, and you have seen my UYW posts, you know that they are a mix of random posts. I have done poetry, I have done questions and answers, I have done short blurbs about our life, I have written pieces of a short story series, and plenty of other things. So, I am sure it comes as no surprise, that I decided to revisit one of my past UYW techniques. The good old Q & A. 

I recruited my friend Dee, to ask me random questions based on each word. I told her she could ask me anything. They could be super nosey, or super simple, or even abstract. Just any question that popped into her mind, when she read the words. I even told her she could ask something she knows the answer to, because it is likely the other readers may not know the answer. So, here we go.... 

1 Q (Lately): What has been your favorite thing you have done lately? What has been the least favorite thing you have done lately?

1 A: Well, we have been involved with volunteering for two totally awesome organizations, Second Harvest Food Bank and Agape Villages Foster Care program, for the last several years. Lately, we have been more active with Agape, and have joined the Volunteer Committee Board, and it has been awesome. I am so grateful for all the work they do, and for being able to be a part of it. I am also hoping to become more involved at Second Harvest. We volunteer every chance we get, but I am sure we can do more, or at least maybe I can, once Gigi is in school. 

My least favorite is probably the battling I have done, trying to secure a ride to school for Gigi. The school bus system here, is nothing like what I am used to back East. Here, the kids are assigned a home school, based on where they live, and it is the parent's responsibility to get the kid to school. If a child's home school it full, and the child has to attend a different school, if that school is a certain distance away from their home, there is a bus option. I have spoken to the Principal at my daughter's school, and to someone at the District office, and have made no headway. It was suggested that I let my four year old (who will be five in two weeks) walk to school. I told them there was no way I would allow that, she does not know this area, has never walked anywhere alone, is not well enough versed on road safety (yet), and sadly the area between our home and her school has several registered sex offenders. I was told to buy a second car. Honestly, how could they not realize that if that were an option, we would have done it already. It is not an option for us, so therefore, it is not a suitable/viable solution. It was also suggested that I find a parent of a fellow student, and get them to give her a ride. Once I made it very clear, nobody on this Earth would make me let my child ride with a stranger, that suggestion was dismissed. Then I was told to quickly get to know someone, who has kids going to the same school, or simply lives in my area, and get them to bring her. Well, that is obviously not happening. So, my next step is to call the Superintendent's office, and pray for a solution. So, yes this drama is definitely my least favorite thing lately. My second least favorite thing, would be having at least one or two doctor appointments for the last six to eight weeks. It is definitely not on my lists of favorites. (UPDATE: Since I originally wrote this answer out over the weekend, I have talked to the Superintendent's office, and I am waiting for a return call with a solution. Hopefully a viable solution!)

2 Q (Mint): Tell us a random tidbit about mint in your life.

2 A: Hmmmm.... This one had me genuinely stumped. I thought about saying that mint chocolate chip is one of my very favorite ice cream flavors, but that seemed too simple. So, after some thought, here is my tidbit... Gigi loves gum. I liked gum at her age too. I loved the fruity Bubbalicious and the fruity Fruit Stripes (remember this gum?!) Well, Gigi loves mint gum. She also really loves round peppermints and peppermint candy canes. I tried to buy her fruity flavored candy canes, but she absolutely prefers peppermint, and will eat them over a fruity one, every time. I did not start liking mint gum and mint candy canes, until I was probably twelve or thirteen. Not, Gigi. She is adorable when she chews her gum. She never swallows, always throws it away properly, and is adorable when she fails to blow bubbles (not for lack of practicing). Chad gave her, her first gum last year, when I was not around, and I was a little annoyed at first, because she was so young. I just knew I would be scraping gum off of the floor or wall, or cutting it from her hair. However, she has proven me wrong, and has excellent gum etiquette. 

3 Q (Sold as is): Tell us about a time you regretted buying something sold as is.

3 A: I hate to be lame, but I honestly cannot remember a time I regretted. I am sure there is probably something, but I honestly cannot think of a single example. I know, at some point in the future, hopefully not too long from now, we will be needing to buy a used car, probably sold as is, but hopefully we do not regret it ever. I pray it lasts us long enough, that we can get to a point where we can buy a better second car. We just have to find a car that is in good enough shape to last a few years, is extremely affordable, and hopefully one we can make payments on for a few months, rather than all up front. Fingers crossed.

4 Q (work): If you could work doing anything you want, right this minute, what would you do? I mean exactly now, start today, no degree or anything necessary.

4 A: This is a very good question. I am not sure. I think many jobs do require degrees, at least the ones I would love to do. I guess, to be honest, I would have to say working at the Food Bank. I would absolutely LOVE to have a job there, helping them help those people in need in our community. Not only is it amazing work, and something I love to do, but the entire staff there is AMAZING, and it would be awesome to have such fantastic coworkers. I guess beyond that, I think it would be awesome to get paid to work as a blogger/writer. That would definitely be super.

5 Q (bumped): Did you ever have an embarrassing moment, where you were out in public, and bumped into someone you know?

5 A: This one is a tough one. I am trying to think. I am going to be honest... I am awkward and shy (yes, I am shy. I know I hide it fairly well, but internally I die a lot, from absolute shyness overload), so it could almost be said that anytime I am in public, and bump into folks, I am embarrassed. You know that meme, about leaving the house looking AMAZING and seeing nobody, and then leave the house with a stained shirt and messy hair, and you see literally everyone you know?! I definitely have to situations. Making a fast run to the store for something, dressed in clothes dirty from cleaning/yard work/etc and messy hair, and seeing people I know. I cannot think of any specific times. 

Oh wait!! Okay. I have an answer. When I lived in Buffalo, I struggled to make ends meet. I was in school and just struggling to pay my bills. A local church, within walking distance to my studio apartment, happened to have a food pantry, and would give away food once a month. It definitely helped me stretch my groceries out to last longer. I was so grateful for it. Once, when I was picking up my bag of food, one of the volunteers, was a guy from one of my classes. I was beyond embarrassed. I was so nervous to see him in class again. He was awesome though. He never mentioned it. He was always kind towards me. He would often sit near me in the library, and his friends would join us. I don't think he ever said anything to anyone about seeing me, and he never brought it up. So, the embarrassment definitely faded, but at first it was terrible.

6 Q (clasp): What is the very first thought that comes to mind, when you hear the word clasp?

6 A: When you clasp your hands together to pray. Yep. That is my very first thought. I thought of a person with their hands clasped together in prayer.

A very special thanks to Dee, for creating such great questions!! Thank you, thank you, thank YOU! xo

I hope you enjoyed my usage of my words this month, and the questions Dee created for me!! So, I am curious.... What is the first thing you think of, when you hear the word clasp?!

Don't forget to check out the rest of this month's Use Your Words posts!! I will meet you there!! I just need to get some more coffee. The Bergham's had a long night and an early morning! Must. Have. More. Coffee.

Links to the other “Use Your Words” posts:

Baking In A Tornado

On the Border

Southern Belle Charm

The Blogging 911

Cognitive Script

Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

My Brand of Crazy

Climaxed

Travel Bug #SecretSubjectSwap

Welcome to May's Secret Subject Swap. This week ten brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. 

My “Secret Subject” is:

Travel alone or with family? Why?

It was submitted by: http://theblogging911.com/blog

When I was a kid, my dad and I did a lot of traveling, and I loved it. I definitely got bitten by the travel bug, and to this day, I have this deep desire to travel. I think in a perfect world, I would be able to travel all around the world. Of course, once you become an adult, sometimes life can end up in a way, where a lot of traveling is not possible. You settle down, and responsibilities take importance over traveling. So, I do not do much traveling anymore. However, during my twenties, I did enjoy quite a bit of solo traveling.

Since Gigi was born, nearly five years ago, we have really only traveled twice. We went to Vegas to see my Auntie and her fiance, and watch them get married. Last year, we went to Arizona, to visit Chad's family there. I can honestly say, traveling with a child, is way more complicated than traveling alone. More luggage, more worries, more stops, more delays, more fun. More, more, more. 

So, keeping in mind the added chaos of traveling with a kid, there is obviously some appeal to traveling alone. However, I am kinda in love with Gigi, and I even love Chad a little bit, and I hate the idea of being without them. So, I honestly think, despite traveling alone being so much easier, I would always choose to have them with me. Especially Gigi. I cannot travel much these days, due to my health, but I definitely want to show her every inch of this world I am able to. I don't care if we go to the same places, at least we experience it together.

I have been in California since 2008. This is my tenth year here, and I have had some moments of feeling restless. My inner nomad has been itching to travel, but overall, I am content here with Chad and Gigi. Yes, my travel bug bite is still affecting me, and I still want to travel all over, but there is also this part of me that is grounded. I have definitely put down roots here, and I am content. I think I would be content wherever my Gigi and Chad are. I think I am not longer connected to the place I am at, and therefore easily able to leave/move/travel, but I am connected to the people. 

What about you?? Do you prefer to travel alone or with family? Would you rather travel with your spouse/significant other only, or your spouse/significant other and your kids?? Do you think there is a big difference between traveling alone and traveling with family??

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a drink, and check them all out. See you there, after I refill my coffee cup:

Baking In A Tornado

The Lieber Family Blog

Southern Belle Charm 

The Blogging 911

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Cognitive Script

Part-Time Working Hockey Mom

My Brand of Crazy

Climaxed

Man in the Mirror #SecretSubjectSwap

Welcome to April's Secret Subject Swap. This week nine brave bloggers submitted a secret subject for someone else to use, and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts.

My “Secret Subject” is:

While on vacation, you are in your hotel room minding your own business, you step out of the shower and there stands a man. What do you do? Who is he? Why is he there? What happens next?

It was submitted by:

Dawn of https://cognitivescript.blogspot.com/

Well, the possibilities are endless. I want to first say, that with any luck, there is a mirror, and I saw him in the mirror, so I was a tiny bit prepared for this. Otherwise, the first thing I would do is scream loud enough to wake the dead. I would also probably jump, slip on the wet tub/shower bottom, and hit my head, passing out immediately. 

I would hope he were a harmless guy, even if his intentions aren't the best, I would hope he would not harm me. It would be great, if he were maintenance, and maybe the room below me was experiencing a terrible leak, caused by the pipes controlling my shower, and so he rushed up, in hopes of limiting the damage, and to get me out of the shower, just in case the leak caused the floor to collapse into the room below. I would quickly get covered up, he would explain the situation, then he would leave to gather tools, and I would get dressed. Neither of us would speak of this situation again.

Maybe the accidentally marked my room as available, and assigned it to someone else, and he came up to settle in, only to find me in the bathroom. That would be highly embarrassing, but easily fixed, and hopefully we could both pretend it never happened, and with any luck, we would never even see each other again. Plus, I am pretty sure I could get a free night or two out of the situation. Yay for an extended vacation!!

Maybe he is a psychotic serial killer, and I manage to get away, or possibly even subdue him, and call the cops, ending his spree. Or maybe he kills me, and I become part of an Investigative Discovery true crime show.

Maybe he is the handsome and mysterious man, that I was flirting with for a few hours, while I ate dinner and had a few drinks in the hotel restaurant. Maybe he happens to be the billionaire owner of the hotel chain, and had a Master key to every room. Maybe he missed me, after I left the restaurant, and just wanted to seize the opportunity to talk to me, and try to make a connection. Maybe he instantly covered his eyes, and apologized, and went out to the main room to wait for me. Maybe he had been waiting in my room for nearly an hour, but when had had not heard any noised beyond the water, and thought maybe I had fallen and was hurt, and so he had come in to check on me, just in time for me to step out and see him. Maybe we talk, once I am dressed, hit it off well, and start a long lasting friendship.

Maybe he is an assassin sent to kill me, by a rogue group, who has mistaken me for a spy. Maybe he kills me. Maybe he doesn't. Maybe I really am a spy, and the rogue group isn't mistaken.

Maybe he is room service, and he was delivering the extra towels I ordered, and he had popped in quickly, hoping to leave the towels by the sink, and slip back out, only I finished up and stepped out of the shower, just in time to run into him. Maybe I blush, he blushes, hands me a towel, says excuse me and leaves, and we never speak of this again.

Maybe he woke up inside a bar, and is suffering from amnesia, and the only clue he had to his identity, was the key to my room in his pocket. Maybe he came to the hotel, to search the room for clues. 

Maybe it is Chad, and he came to surprise me. Maybe I thought he and Gigi could not join me on a trip, but he had secured a ticket for them, leaving at a later time, and they showed up, just to surprise me.

Maybe it is my fairy Godfather, and he is there to grant me three wishes.

Maybe he is a vampire, who saw me at the hotel bar, and could not resist following me to my room. Maybe he bites me. Maybe he doesn't.

Maybe he is a cop, and there has been a bomb threat at the hotel, involving the convention being held there, and he is going from room to room, evacuating guests to safety. 

Maybe he is a long lost love, who I lost touch with years ago, and he got a glimpse of me, as I was entering my room, and he was exiting the elevator. Maybe he spent half an hour trying to get up the nerve to knock on my door, and when he did, I did not hear the knock over the water, but the door opened, because it had not been closed properly, and so he came in looking for me. Maybe we still have a connection. Maybe the connection is long gone.

So. Many. Possibilities.

What comes to your mind, when you read this prompt?!

I like the cop idea. Maybe just as he almost has me to safety, me being the last person who needed to be evacuated, the bomb goes off, and I am injured. Maybe he is fine, but feels guilty for not getting me to safety in time. Maybe he stays by my side during my recovery, and we form a deep bond, which leads to a long, strong, passionate romance.

The fairy Godfather option would be cool too.

I could possibly be down with the vampire scenario. It really depends on the circumstances and who he is. What would my future be like? I would need to know more details, before I jumped fully on board with that option. Also, I would really want the hotel to be in New Orleans. It would just be the best option. If he sparkles, I'm out. If he owns a club named Fangtasia, I am so very IN.

Yes, this prompt has so much potential, in about a million different directions. 

Feel free to let me know where this prompt took your train of thought!!

Here are links to all the other sites now featuring April's Secret Subject Swap.  Sit back, grab a drink, and check them all out. I will see you there, right after I fill up my coffee cup:

Baking In A Tornado

Cognitive Script

The Lieber Family Blog

Southern Belle Charm

The Blogging 911

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Climaxed

My Brand of Crazy

Fly by the Bergham Household #FlyOnTheWall

Welcome to March's Fly on the Wall round-up. Today six bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you would see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house.

It is rare that I participate in these Fly on the Wall posts, even though it is one of my most favorite challenges to read. I just feel like our household rarely has enough interesting stuff, to fill up an entire post. So, I decided to participate, and then I spent two months, not just one gathering material. Part of me wishes we had more a more funny, eventful household, but part of me is grateful that we don't. I am not sure I could keep up otherwise. I hope you enjoy the glimpse into the Bergham household.

~*~*~*~

This is a text between Chad and I:

Me: 
Ended up in potty with more blood. So much pain. Need you to empty the vacuum that charges in the hallway. I vacuumed the kitchen and living room. Now, I'm REALLY in pain. Ugh. Oh well. Kid fed. Dishes done. Cake pan washed. Vacuumed quite a bit. Prednisone is one hell of a drug. I'm dying. So much pain. Blood pouring out my butt hole. Nauseous. BUT the kitchen is clean and floors vacuumed. Might even help clean the ambulance, as they drive me to the ER.

Chad:
You're funny. I guess we can have the wake at the house.

Me:
Definitely. Just make sure everyone takes off their shoes.

~*~*~*~

Another test between Chad and I:

Me: 
She's asleep. Been out about five minutes.

Chad:
Cool. I'm watching Homeland.

Me: 
OMG! You cheating bastard!!!

Chad:
You're a season or two behind.

Me:
So!!! Plus, I don't think I am. I wouldn't be if you'd STOP CHEATING!!! If you cheat on me with Grace and Frankie, GoT, OITNB, or The Resident... I WON'T forgive you!!!

(For the record... I am now officially caught up on Homeland, and we are now watching it together again, unless he is cheating on me behind my back again, which is possible. He is obviously a big, old, stinky cheater!! Also, I was only half a season behind!!!)

~*~*~*~

Another text between Chad and I:

Me (randomly at 3:57 am): 
Hate your guts, you cheating bastard!!

Chad (4:07 am): What's up?
Chad (9:08 am): Good morning.

Me (with no enthusiasm, still upset): Hi.

Chad: How are you feeling? 
Chad (five minutes later): Did I cheat in a dream?

Me: Yes. Shhhh. (Now, for you to understand.... If ever I text shhhh... That is my way of saying I have a migraine, and I am just not into texting at the moment. Just so you have a bit more understanding... I was recently told I could no longer take my migraine medicine. Unfortunately, I had to be placed on a new heart medication, and of all the medicines I take (either daily or as needed) the one that interacts negatively with it, happens to be the one I would NEVER EVER want to give up... My beloved migraine medicine. So, the last several migraines I have had, I have had to basically bear with it, and just push through. I can take pain pills and my tension headache medicine, but they don't really shorten it, but do make it slightly more bearable.)

Me (five minutes later): 
Turned off ringer, but notifications still on.

Chad:
Okay. Did have a half naked guy a little while ago.

Me (fifteen minutes later):
You're basically dead to me, Cheater.

Chad:
Okay. Who was it?

Me:
I don't know. Cheaters don't often tell, Cheater.

Me:
You've got $38 to spend on Amazon. I cashed in my reward cards.

(So, if you have connected these dots... Chad, who does not cheat in real life, and never would, has to deal with my genuine anger when he cheats in my dreams. Plus, I get genuinely upset when he cheats on TV shows, which is the only cheating he would probably ever do. I have given him the silent treatment over his dream cheating. The first time it happened, which was the worst cheating dream I have had, I not only cried hysterically, but I punched his arm. Poor guy. Though, it may just be a good thing. He is probably so terrified, that he would really never cheat for real, for fear of how I may react.)

~*~*~*~

Another text between Chad and I:

Chad:
There's another package of turkey in the fridge. On my way home. 

(So, I called him, and asked him if he would please stop at the Dollar Store. I need a couple of things, and also asked him to grab me a Code Red Mountain Dew, because I had a craving for it.)

Chad: 
No Red Dew. Want a coffee? Or Boobs?

Me:
Boobs? What is that even a typo of?

Chad:
Boba.

Me:
Ohhhhhh.
Well, what if I want boobs?

Chad:
Boba?

Me:
Yeah. Boba is good. Thanks.

~*~*~*~

Gigi: I really love Bob Marley.
Me: Aww! That makes me so happy. I really love him too. Only I did not realize how amazing he was, until I was teenager. I am glad you are learning early.
Gigi: I really love him. Just looking at him is making me have tears. *looks up at the large picture of him on our living room wall*
Me: Aww! Well, I bet if he knew you, he would love you too. You have a good heart, and that is important.
Gigi *starts crying*: Oh, Mom, I love him. Why did he have to die??
Me *starts crying and pulls her into a hug*: I don't know. Stupid Cancer!
Gigi *holding me tightly*: Yeah, stupid Cancer!

After we hugged for a bit, we turned on our Bob play list, and had a dance party.

I am so grateful that she loves Bob so much. It makes me proud. I especially enjoy getting to have conversations with her about equality and loving everyone, and rejecting hate. 

~*~*~*~

Me: Ugh. I hate my guts.
Gigi: What? Why?
Me: Well, because of this abdominal disease, my guts hurt and make me sick.
Gigi: Oh. Yeah, I hate your guts too.
Me: Aww. Thanks. I hate my rotten guts.
Gigi: Yeah, I hate your rotten guts.
Me: I love your guts.
Gigi: I love your guts.
Me: Such a love hate moment.
Gigi: Huh?

~*~*~*~

(We are in the waiting room at my doctor's office.)
Gigi: Where did Daddy go?
Me: He went to the restroom really quick.
Gigi: Oh. I am so tired.
Me: Well, it will be bedtime before you know it.
Gigi: I am just so tired. I think I need to rest.
Me: Okay. Well, sit down and rest.
Gigi: Well, I need a lot of rest. I think I should go to the rest room with Daddy.
Me *realizes what is going on*: Oh! *laughs* Oh! *laughs*
Gigi: What?
Me: You do not rest in a restroom. You go potty and wash your hands. Restroom is another name for bathroom.
Gigi: Oh. Well, why do they call it a restroom? That makes no sense.
Me: I honestly don't know. I just know that restroom is another name for bathroom. So, why don't you just sit down and rest a bit?
Gigi *starts back to dancing*: Oh. I don't need rest. I am full of energy. I drank a lot of water earlier.

~*~*~*~

(So, I have been hooked to a heart monitor for the past few weeks. I hate it. I really, really hate it.)
Me: I am so sick and tired of these wires. I hate this silly monitor. I hate the wires. I hate the box digging in to my boob. Ugh! Look, Gigi, look at this. *points to the marks on my boob, where the monitor box has left an imprint*
Gigi *looking*: Wow. How did it do that? It drew a picture on your boob.
Me: Yeah, sometimes things will leave an imprint on your skin, and it is kinda like it draws a picture.
Gigi: Cool.
Me: It is not cool. I hate it. I want to just take it off. I wish I could, but then it would not be reading my heart beats, and they would get upset.
Gigi: I have a good idea.
Me: What?
Gigi: I can wear it. Then it can read my heartbeat.
Me *laughing*: I can't put it on you. They would get your heart information and it would mix with mine, and it will confuse them and make them think I have some weird heart thing, and then I will end up getting heart surgery.
Gigi: Heart surgery? They will touch your heart?
Me: Yep. Touching it is part of surgery.
Gigi: That is so cool. I think you should get heart surgery and I should watch.
Me: ....
Gigi: What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Me: Oh, no reason. *mentally makes note to never sleep too deeply around Gigi*

~*~*~*~

So, I have had a lot of trips to the doctor/hospital in the past few months. Between the Mesenteric Panniculitis, the abdominal abscess, my heart issues, and the pneumonia... Yes, lots of visits to the hospital and doctor offices. This has also led to me needing several IVs, blood draws, and injections. Those all meant I had lots of gauze taped on my very hairy arms. I cannot remove the tape myself, and have recruited Chad to do it, and it hurts to have the tape ripped off. Well, this excites Gigi, and she has officially nominated herself to be the official bandage/tape remover. She seems to quite enjoy it. 

Me: Chad, can you come take this thing off.
Gigi: NO! I will do it!
Me: Um. Okay.
Chad: Yeah, let her do it.
Me *holds my arm over to Gigi*: Okay. Be careful. Make sure you rip it all the way off, so you don't have to do it twice.
Gigi *with a huge grin*: Okay. *reaches and grabs the corner of the tape*
Me *jerks arm away*: Okay. Okay. Well, wait. Let me prepare.
Gigi: C'mon, Mom. Just let me do it.
Me *holds arm back out*: Okay. Okay. Just do it.
Gigi *takes hold of the tape and pulls it off, while laughing and grinning*
Me: Ow! Ow! Ow!
Chad: Well, she did it.
Me *looking at Chad with a knowing look*: Yeah, and she enjoyed it.
Chad *looking back at me with a knowing look*: Yeah. She is going to be good with the medical things. 
Me: Yeah. Medical things. She could go one of two ways. It will be really good or really bad.
Chad: Yeah. Doctor or *mouths serial killer*.
Me: Yep. We just need to be sure she is a doctor.

Gigi is so intrigued by the human body and how it works. She has said for a while now, she wants to be an astronaut doctor. As she gets older, and is more intrigued by how the body works, and has taken an interest in Cancer, and wanting to find a cure for it... I genuinely think she just may grow up to be a doctor. She is also obsessed with space, stars, the Moon, and planets. So, I could totally see her wanting to be an astronaut. I just hope my body can keep it together long enough, for me to see how it turns out.

~*~*~*~

Here are the other homes you can buzz around in this month:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Bookworm in the Kitchen

Spatulas on Parade