Weekly Sweeps
Skoal
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Monday, June 19, 2017
I recognize it has been a long while since my last update, however I underestimated the effect that revisiting events of the past would have on me. Essentially I had opened old wounds and they needed time to heal back up. Thankfully these types do not cause additional scarring! ;)
As I was working out today, I decided to play some of my old favorites from Tiesto and one verse from "In The Dark" really stood out to me.
"As you walk in the crowded empty spaces
And you stare at the emptiness around you
You wanna go to the city and the bright lights
And get away from the sinners that surround you"
Although this song didn't even exist when I had begun my journey cross country, it says exactly how I was feeling about leaving behind small town Minnesota.
It was a sunny day, that August morning-my last day as a Minnesota resident. My car was packed and I was pumped and ready for a new beginning. I said my goodbyes and I was on my way. It's kind of funny to think now, how I navigated my way across the United States all by myself with nothing but a road map. GPS wasn't really a thing back then, and if it was the average citizen didn't have it! To be honest, I don't even think I could make it across the US today with just a road map, although the thought it very intriguing!
I don't recall much of my drive. I spent a lot of hours blaring the music--you know, the 12 track cd that I had with me--and letting my hair fly in the wind. I was free. I was starting a new life where nobody knew me and nobody could judge me for mistakes I had made it the past. My slate was clean and I was ready to make somebody proud. Anybody.
The drive itself was rather boring, but I was on a mission so I didn't take much time to explore anyway. I remember bits and pieces of interesting looking towns that I never got a chance to revisit. Nebraska and Colorado stink. That's the one thing I remember from my trip!! The first night I stopped I believe in Colorado (I really wish I had made a journal...). My main concern was getting a place to stay with a pool and a comfy bed. I don't even think I called to check in with anyone during my trek. I think part of me wanted to escape my old life altogether, which is pretty depressing to me even now thinking about it. Each day I drove about 10 hours of so and then checked in for the night.
I was really drawn to the natural beauty of Utah. You see, in Minnesota we have a lot of flat land and pine trees, but Utah was just so much more! The mountains, the landscape, the openness...it was everything I had ever dreamed of. Lucky for me I got to spend a little extra time in Utah because I was having car troubles. My 1995 Grand Am had got me this far and I wasn't about to let it stop me!! I made extra stops at all roadside rests to add "water" to my car to keep it from overheating and stopped one last time for the night. I sought the help of some locals, but unfortunately the shops in Utah didn't open early enough for me so I once again began my journey.
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I was pulled over by a Utah Highway Patrol who claimed I didn't use my signal (LIES), however after explaining to him that I was having car troubles and just needed to get to Vegas he let me off despite the fact that I didn't even have my registration in my car. I guess luck, or what I thought was luck, was on my side that day.
I drove a few more hours until I came to the top of a hill and down below was Las Vegas. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing Vegas for the first time from the road. Sure, I had been there once before, but it's a different feeling when you see it for the first time driving, after your long trip, and you've reached your final destination....
I had finally made it! This time I was going to do everything right with no mistakes and no regrets...
As I was working out today, I decided to play some of my old favorites from Tiesto and one verse from "In The Dark" really stood out to me.
"As you walk in the crowded empty spaces
And you stare at the emptiness around you
You wanna go to the city and the bright lights
And get away from the sinners that surround you"
Although this song didn't even exist when I had begun my journey cross country, it says exactly how I was feeling about leaving behind small town Minnesota.
It was a sunny day, that August morning-my last day as a Minnesota resident. My car was packed and I was pumped and ready for a new beginning. I said my goodbyes and I was on my way. It's kind of funny to think now, how I navigated my way across the United States all by myself with nothing but a road map. GPS wasn't really a thing back then, and if it was the average citizen didn't have it! To be honest, I don't even think I could make it across the US today with just a road map, although the thought it very intriguing!
I don't recall much of my drive. I spent a lot of hours blaring the music--you know, the 12 track cd that I had with me--and letting my hair fly in the wind. I was free. I was starting a new life where nobody knew me and nobody could judge me for mistakes I had made it the past. My slate was clean and I was ready to make somebody proud. Anybody.
The drive itself was rather boring, but I was on a mission so I didn't take much time to explore anyway. I remember bits and pieces of interesting looking towns that I never got a chance to revisit. Nebraska and Colorado stink. That's the one thing I remember from my trip!! The first night I stopped I believe in Colorado (I really wish I had made a journal...). My main concern was getting a place to stay with a pool and a comfy bed. I don't even think I called to check in with anyone during my trek. I think part of me wanted to escape my old life altogether, which is pretty depressing to me even now thinking about it. Each day I drove about 10 hours of so and then checked in for the night.
I was really drawn to the natural beauty of Utah. You see, in Minnesota we have a lot of flat land and pine trees, but Utah was just so much more! The mountains, the landscape, the openness...it was everything I had ever dreamed of. Lucky for me I got to spend a little extra time in Utah because I was having car troubles. My 1995 Grand Am had got me this far and I wasn't about to let it stop me!! I made extra stops at all roadside rests to add "water" to my car to keep it from overheating and stopped one last time for the night. I sought the help of some locals, but unfortunately the shops in Utah didn't open early enough for me so I once again began my journey.
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I was pulled over by a Utah Highway Patrol who claimed I didn't use my signal (LIES), however after explaining to him that I was having car troubles and just needed to get to Vegas he let me off despite the fact that I didn't even have my registration in my car. I guess luck, or what I thought was luck, was on my side that day.
I drove a few more hours until I came to the top of a hill and down below was Las Vegas. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing Vegas for the first time from the road. Sure, I had been there once before, but it's a different feeling when you see it for the first time driving, after your long trip, and you've reached your final destination....
I had finally made it! This time I was going to do everything right with no mistakes and no regrets...
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
My greatest fear is that I have disappointed everyone I have ever met...
I am not really sure where to begin, or how to even tell this story. I have gone over it in my head over and over again. Most of all, I have dwelled on the idea of how to make it sound intriguing or eloquent by using fancy sentences and word techniques, but I don't want to alter the story line in any way. I want it to sound like it's coming from me--from my heart, where it is ultimately coming from!
I want to begin with saying I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being a terrible daughter, terrible friend, and overall just a terrible person. We all have secrets to hide, some bigger than others, and we all deal with them in our own ways. In my case, I allowed those secrets to ultimately take over my life. (At this point I'm not even sure I want to continue writing but I feel compelled to share my story because through all of this I have gained so much confidence, life experience, and I am proud of the woman I have become...we will get to that in later entries.)
I've always said that I live my life with no regrets, and to be honest, I still believe that to be true.
*sigh* <<that was actually a pretty big sigh! I guess I'll just get started!! Most of you reading this probably already know a bit of my backstory and have probably already developed opinions on why I was the way that I was. My intention is not to change your opinions in any way, but rather for me to feel some sort of closure. For once in my life I am happy--I have found confidence and it's such an amazing feeling.
Alright already!! We're not going to talk about anything before 2006. I may revisit that later on after I finish the rest of the story!
I grew up in a small town in Minnesota called Sebeka with a population of 700. We had a liquor store, 2 grocery stores, 2 gas stations, 1 co-op, a public swimming pool and oodles of protestant churches. Everybody knew everyone and it was impossible to get away with anything because word travels like the plague in a small town. I never really felt like I fit in. I had friends but never anybody I could call my best friend because it seemed like a competition. It wasn't until after high school that I really started to feel like I belonged. Thank you my dear friend Bud--Bud Light that is to be precise. For once in my life I could converse with people, I had friends, I felt confident, but in reality it was because of my substance addiction. It wasn't real. The happiness I felt was just alcohol masking the reality of my situation.
Days would pass and I had this overwhelming sense of belonging. I worked full time, but I also partied every day of my life. I partied to the point that I wouldn't remember half of the things going on. My life was quickly spiraling out of control, but I didn't even have a care in the world. I was given the opportunity to move to Vegas and being the young wild and free girl that I was I ran with it. I put in my two weeks notice at work and finally I was free. I was escaping the loneliness of the life I was living--or so I thought.
I spent the next two weeks partying even harder, because I had no responsibilities at that point. I vaguely remember driving through peoples front yards, going in the ditch, I even got pulled over completely "gone" and somehow managed to get out of any ticket. I honestly believe that I should have gone to jail that night, but either because there was no woman on duty or because the officer on duty recognized my name and decided to give me a break. Who knows. The first of many lucky encounters I guess. I was 20 years old and living my life!
My craziness lasted for about two weeks and then it was time to embark on my journey from Sebeka, MN to Las Vegas, NV all by myself. I was young and crazy and excited to make a fresh start. Somewhere where nobody knew me. Where I could start this new chapter and not feel tainted. The night before my departure my best friend and my aunt were over to say their goodbyes. We had fun, we played games, probably reminisced--it has been so long now so I don't really remember specifics. I think a part of all of us didn't really think that I would last out there. I would probably go for a couple weeks and make my way back. It was soooo hard to sleep that night. The anticipation had taken over!
The next morning I woke up ready to rock and roll. I was slightly disappointed because my dad had already left for work. He hadn't spoken to me in weeks. I tried to not let it get to me. He was upset that his daughter, who disappointed him on a regular basis, was heading out to Las Vegas by herself. Nobody wants their daughter to move far away, let alone Las Vegas with "friends" she barely knows. It's pretty much a father's worst nightmare. Anyway, I said my goodbyes to my mother and my sister and hopped in my car filled with my belongings that included a box of Honey Nut Cheerios and a 12-track cd that I listened to over and over again.
My life was about to begin. Just me, my car, and the open road...
I am not really sure where to begin, or how to even tell this story. I have gone over it in my head over and over again. Most of all, I have dwelled on the idea of how to make it sound intriguing or eloquent by using fancy sentences and word techniques, but I don't want to alter the story line in any way. I want it to sound like it's coming from me--from my heart, where it is ultimately coming from!
I want to begin with saying I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being a terrible daughter, terrible friend, and overall just a terrible person. We all have secrets to hide, some bigger than others, and we all deal with them in our own ways. In my case, I allowed those secrets to ultimately take over my life. (At this point I'm not even sure I want to continue writing but I feel compelled to share my story because through all of this I have gained so much confidence, life experience, and I am proud of the woman I have become...we will get to that in later entries.)
I've always said that I live my life with no regrets, and to be honest, I still believe that to be true.
*sigh* <<that was actually a pretty big sigh! I guess I'll just get started!! Most of you reading this probably already know a bit of my backstory and have probably already developed opinions on why I was the way that I was. My intention is not to change your opinions in any way, but rather for me to feel some sort of closure. For once in my life I am happy--I have found confidence and it's such an amazing feeling.
Alright already!! We're not going to talk about anything before 2006. I may revisit that later on after I finish the rest of the story!
I grew up in a small town in Minnesota called Sebeka with a population of 700. We had a liquor store, 2 grocery stores, 2 gas stations, 1 co-op, a public swimming pool and oodles of protestant churches. Everybody knew everyone and it was impossible to get away with anything because word travels like the plague in a small town. I never really felt like I fit in. I had friends but never anybody I could call my best friend because it seemed like a competition. It wasn't until after high school that I really started to feel like I belonged. Thank you my dear friend Bud--Bud Light that is to be precise. For once in my life I could converse with people, I had friends, I felt confident, but in reality it was because of my substance addiction. It wasn't real. The happiness I felt was just alcohol masking the reality of my situation.
Days would pass and I had this overwhelming sense of belonging. I worked full time, but I also partied every day of my life. I partied to the point that I wouldn't remember half of the things going on. My life was quickly spiraling out of control, but I didn't even have a care in the world. I was given the opportunity to move to Vegas and being the young wild and free girl that I was I ran with it. I put in my two weeks notice at work and finally I was free. I was escaping the loneliness of the life I was living--or so I thought.
I spent the next two weeks partying even harder, because I had no responsibilities at that point. I vaguely remember driving through peoples front yards, going in the ditch, I even got pulled over completely "gone" and somehow managed to get out of any ticket. I honestly believe that I should have gone to jail that night, but either because there was no woman on duty or because the officer on duty recognized my name and decided to give me a break. Who knows. The first of many lucky encounters I guess. I was 20 years old and living my life!
My craziness lasted for about two weeks and then it was time to embark on my journey from Sebeka, MN to Las Vegas, NV all by myself. I was young and crazy and excited to make a fresh start. Somewhere where nobody knew me. Where I could start this new chapter and not feel tainted. The night before my departure my best friend and my aunt were over to say their goodbyes. We had fun, we played games, probably reminisced--it has been so long now so I don't really remember specifics. I think a part of all of us didn't really think that I would last out there. I would probably go for a couple weeks and make my way back. It was soooo hard to sleep that night. The anticipation had taken over!
The next morning I woke up ready to rock and roll. I was slightly disappointed because my dad had already left for work. He hadn't spoken to me in weeks. I tried to not let it get to me. He was upset that his daughter, who disappointed him on a regular basis, was heading out to Las Vegas by herself. Nobody wants their daughter to move far away, let alone Las Vegas with "friends" she barely knows. It's pretty much a father's worst nightmare. Anyway, I said my goodbyes to my mother and my sister and hopped in my car filled with my belongings that included a box of Honey Nut Cheerios and a 12-track cd that I listened to over and over again.
My life was about to begin. Just me, my car, and the open road...
Friday, April 22, 2016
Happy Friday everybody! It's a gorgeous sunny breezy 90 degree day here in southern Nevada. I'm enjoying some strawberries and cream cheese mixture (recipe found on my last blog post about Just Jan's) and overall having a pretty amazing day. The little one is down for a nap so I decided to take this time to tell you about this amazing product that I just tried courtesy of Crowdtap.
Through Crowdtap I am able to sample several products in exchange for my honest review! The product that I am going to tell you about today is Extraording Oil Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum by Loreal Paris. This is a completely new product to me and I am happy to report that I absolutely LOVE IT! My hair is so soft, sleek and shiny! I want to add that normally I use Head & Shoulders to keep my hair smelling fresh because normal shampoos don't do the trick, however after using this I can honestly say that my hair/scalp had a fresh scent to it all day!
It was so easy to use. I just shampooed and conditioned my hair like normal and then added the serum to my wet hair and used a hair dryer and brush. I didn't style my hair or use any other products. My hair has never been softer or shinier! The best part is that it lasted ALL DAY!
Through Crowdtap I am able to sample several products in exchange for my honest review! The product that I am going to tell you about today is Extraording Oil Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum by Loreal Paris. This is a completely new product to me and I am happy to report that I absolutely LOVE IT! My hair is so soft, sleek and shiny! I want to add that normally I use Head & Shoulders to keep my hair smelling fresh because normal shampoos don't do the trick, however after using this I can honestly say that my hair/scalp had a fresh scent to it all day!
It was so easy to use. I just shampooed and conditioned my hair like normal and then added the serum to my wet hair and used a hair dryer and brush. I didn't style my hair or use any other products. My hair has never been softer or shinier! The best part is that it lasted ALL DAY!
As you can see in my unedited photos above, my hair appears to be healthy and sleek. I am so thankful that I got the chance through Crowdtap to review these Loreal Paris products for free.
All products can be found in most stores. I know I have seen them in Target and are priced around $3.99 - $5.99 each! Such a deal to get healthy sleek hair!
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Just Jan's Jamboree
This last weekend I was given a chance to throw a party sponsored by Just Jan's and Tryazon. It was the perfect opportunity for me because we were already throwing a party for my daughter's 2nd birthday (as you can tell by the minion decor). Just Jan's is a company that specializes in healthier jams and spreads. They are all natural, contain no preservatives, and have 14% less sugar than typical jams and jellies found in your local grocery store. Tryazon is a great company that partners with several brands and gives YOU the opportunity to try new products for free in exchange for you to hold a party and spread the word!!
For my party I was given 4 full size jars and a pack of 6 of
Just Jan's spreads, as well as a quality kitchen apron. Since it was a child's
birthday party we decided to keep things simple, but definitely did not
disappoint. I made a Strawberry tart which the recipe was included in my party
pack. It was super easy to make. Just prepare a puff pastry (I used Pepperidge
Farms). Simply allow the pastry to thaw and once it's easily unfolded then roll
it out to about 10"X11". Then you wet the edges with water and fold
over to form a lip. After that, dock the pastry with a fork (Just poke it
everywhere with the fork) and then brush on an egg wash and finish with a
dusting of sugar (about 2tbsp). Then cook it for 15 minutes at 425F or until
golden brown. While it's cooking mix together 8oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and
1/3 cup Just Jan's Meyer Lemon curd. You will spread that mixture on top of the
puff pastry once it has cooled completely. And finally top with sliced fruit of
your choice. I chose strawberries! When you're about to serve, drizzle with a
warmed Just Jan's sauce of your choice! Easy and delicious. I also made a bit
of extra cream cheese lemon mixture just to dip strawberries in. It's sooooo
good!
I would also like to leave you with the website where you can find several recipe ideas! http://www.justjans.com/blogs/recipes
Thanks for reading and don't forget to signup for Tryazon for the chance to host your own sponsored party!!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Hey parents, right now Generation Good is accepting applications for the chance to host a healthy baby home party! Everything seen in the picture above will be included in your 100% FREE kit!
Just follow the application process and you'll be on your way! Good luck!!
- Sign up at generationgood.net to join the Generation Good community, or log in if already a member.
- Accept the Healthy Baby Home Party Application offer on your Generation Good dashboard and complete the application.
- Applicants will be notified by end of March if they have been selected to host a party, via an email to the email address assigned to their Generation Good member profile.
- All selected applicants will then need to confirm their participation by accepting the Healthy Baby Home Party Mission in Generation Good and confirming their shipping address.
- 1,900 FREE Party Kits will be distributed in this round.
- Hosting spots are open to US residents only at this time. Canadian parties are planned for later in 2016!
- Full terms and conditions are available within Generation Good in the "Healthy Baby Home Party Application" offer.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Make Money While Shopping & Get Money Back on Purchases!
I have received hundreds of dollars back from not online online purchases but in-store puchases as well.
Phone Apps:
Ibotta For a limited time sign up clicking here to get an instant $10 bonus after your first successful rebate. I personally have received $176.60 back from this app and started in January 2015. After you finish your shopping trip you verify your purchases at specifc stores by scanning the item barcode and then take a pic of the receipt.
Receipt Hog This app you can use all receipts to either earn coins or monthly sweepstakes entries. The great thing about this app is that all receipts qualify! It did take me 10 months to earn a $30 gift card but it's well worth it for only having to take a picture of receipts. Also, it's a great way to keep track of how much you spend!
Find&Save This is one that I've discovered in the last week so I only have about $5 so far but I love this one because you can use it to receive cash back on instore purchases and restaurants. For example an in-store purchase at Walmart earns you 2% cash back. All you have to do is select your offer and scan or take a picture of your receipt when your done shopping! Another example is receive $1 cash back on a $15 purchase at select dollar stores. So many offers. Just click the link and sign up!
ShopKick I have been using this app for a little over 4 months and have earned $34! You open the app before you walk into stores and collect "kicks". Also while you are inside stores you can scan the barcode of select items to receive "kicks" as well. 500 kicks = $2. You can also receive kicks for purchases at select stores when you connect a credit or debit card (must be ran as credit). Black Friday and Blue Friday (this February 26) they offered 1000s of kicks!!
JCPenney & Kohls also have apps. I received $10 to my JCP rewards account for downloading the app but not sure if that promotion is ongoing or not.
Online Shopping:
Every time I shop online I will check between two sites to see which ones is offering more cashback at that date. The two sites that I use most often are Ebates & TopCashBack. Ebates offers a $10 signup bonus. You will receive the bonus after you sign up through that link and choose which gift card you would like then spend $25 at any site by first clicking through your ebates account. For example if I want to shop at Bath & Body works I will go to my ebates account and search Bath & Body works. Then I will click show now. I will do the same at TopCashBack to compare which site is offering more % back (which right now happens to be ebates so I would use them!)
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