Tulip's Tantrums

 This getting up at all hours of the morning is for the birds. Hell, even they aren't up yet. One of the joys of being me. All is pretty good here. Everyone's healthy, fed, roof over their heads, more things than they know what to do with. Very fortunate. I see all the people from Ukraine with their meagre belongings. Carrying their children and pets. Trying anything to get out of the war zone. The Russians had a little cease fire when they told the Ukrainians they could send their civilians out. It was very short lived; the Russians attacked the civilians and many were killed and wounded. I ask myself how someone could shoot another person, let alone a small child. How do you do that??? Speaking of killing people, what of Damien Starrett? On trial for killing his one year old baby, and assaulting his then 5 year old daughter by punching her three times in the head. His defence is that he had changed sleeping pills and was incoherent when the murder occurred. Damien's going...

 Gas is going up and up and up. Diesel is over $2.00. Just insane. Kenney's lifting one of the provincial fuel taxes which will lower the price by $0.13. At this point I'll take anything.

 When is NATO going to do something to stop this madman, Putin? Not that it wasn't before, but this is horrendous! How long do the Ukrainians have to die, suffer, be displaced from their home, die, die, die. When you have a country of 44 million people (yes, I said it before) and less than 2 million have escaped? What does that say? Many countries have closed airspace with the U.S. leading the way. Putin has stated, in no uncertain terms, that this would mean war (not sure if that was his exact word, but there was no doubt about the meaning.) There are survivors of the Holocaust are watching people stuffing into trains and having flashbacks to the atrocities committed against them. Those people have been allowed to escape, if they can find a means to do it, but what about all those left behind? I imagine many are in rural areas that aren't being bombed, but they are still affected. Their families and friends in the cities. No power, water, sanitation. No way of contacting anyon...

 The war in Ukraine rages on. The Russians are surrounding the cities to starve everyone out. There's no food or water, electricity and natural gas. I thought there was an unwritten rule about killing civilians in this type of situation. You're supposed to bomb the business and government buildings, a few refineries here and there, and communications towers. It is quite obvious that Putin doesn't play fair. He's committing fratricide. Has this not become bad enough that NATO will step in and at least close down the air space? Something! ANYTHING! Send more weapons and sustenance for the people. There are less than 400 reported  civilian deaths in Ukraine, but there's just no way. 44 million people live there and 1 million got out. It's simply impossible. The nuclear reactor they nearly obliterated is still being manned by the operators and technicians; working with guns to their heads. A little better aim and Europe would have been covered in radiation. Onto oth...

 Does the world not know that it centres around me? Does Russia not know what their stupid, fucking actions are doing to my anxiety? It's all just got to stop. A new development is Belarus supposedly isn't joining the invasion. Why the hell do they call it an invasion? It's a fucking war. Russia is taking over so many big cities in Ukraine. A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - the largest in Europe - after it was allegedly attacked by Russian forces early on Friday morning [Press service of National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom/Handout via Reuters] It's reported there were "several" deaths. There has been no radiation detected ... yet. It's impossible that the casualty numbers are accurate: there are civilians and soldiers dead all over, but the dead must wait. It's being reported that one million people have managed to get out. Poland was shown welcoming the refugees with open arms. Canada is fast-tracking immigration ...

This is in response to a question on the Mighty . It's a great resource for all things mental health. I'm reading about meds and how they can affect you. I myself have no f'in clue how they affect me. I've had things off and on for 30 years. I've been on so many meds I can't remember the vast majority. I think I feel something and then I turn around and my mood has shifted and I've forgotten whatever it was I was thinking about. The people I disclose my mental illness to always say, "but you're so normal!" Gee thanks, I think. I would like to have one day where I know who I am and what I think and want. One day to know what my "normal" is, because I have no clue. I haven't known who I am since I was 5. That's when it all started. Normal, level, calm, relaxed, secure, confident - I just don't see myself experiencing any of those. It makes me sad. ***** That was written when I was down, right after having just written the la...

I am 53 years old. I have had mental health issues all my life and am currently diagnosed with, Bipolar II Disorder, and complex-PTSD, with a sprinkling of anxiety thrown in just for fun. My story begins when I was 18 months old and my father threw me into a coffee table, breaking my collar bone. Thankfully he was gone most of the time, so I didn't face his wrath. He died when I was 5. I was sad in some ways but my mom wasn't really sad so I was confused. I was crying one day and told her I missed him; she told me to smarten up and stop the tears. In talking with family, I have learned my natural father likely had bipolar II disorder, however nothing was diagnosed back then, not that he would've gone for help anyway. Around about that time, my mom started going out a lot with her friends. She found a babysitter for me:  Mr. & Mrs. Mix (not their real names) lived a few blocks away. I started staying with them when I was 5. At first it was just during the day, but then I...

Unsurprisingly, Belarus is joining Russia and moving their military down to the Ukraine border. I wish we could pick up those families and transport them here. Our house could fit 2 or 3 families. I'm sure a large majority of Canadians would do the same. It's the same shit in every war, "No, no. We won't hit civilians." Then we hear under reported numbers of the lives lost. Not to mention the soldiers. How many thousands will die? Such a tragic atrocity. Where are you getting your information? I watch CNN and read BBC and Al Jazeera. Thus far they seem to be the most informative and cohesive bunch. Nothing western is worth watching. In the end, none of it is as real as if we were there, fighting for our lives. Strength be to the Ukrainians. I keep you in my heart and thoughts. For those of you who believe in a higher power, now is the time to pray.

Last week, Putin kept saying that he had no intention of invading Ukraine. Surprise! This week he bombs them. Biden has said the U.S. won't step in unless NATO countries are affected.How long until that happens? I just don't know. The Ukrainian people are in my heart and thoughts.

I'm sitting here sipping my tea, reading through my blog, flashing through memories. Snippets fly in and around my brain; so many things have happened over the years. Big and little events, private and intimate time with friends and family, crises, tears of joy and shattered hearts, dreams thought and planned out only to be squashed by someone or something that tears your dreams out of your heart and mind and throws them up to the universe to be lost forever. 'Whenever friends' are the best kind. You are both separate entities but when the shit hits the fan, you're there for one another. I called out to a friend yesterday. She answered. Through the digital world, I felt her arms around me, comforting me, letting me know she's always there, no matter what. How was I deemed worthy of her love and friendship? How fortunate that I reached out to her instead of someone else. I love you, C. Darrin is a tired man. He's on day 15, he's probably not going to get out ...

My perception of my life right now is that of a pinball table, from the perspective of the ball. This is the machine. You get one try.

Russia is harassing Ukraine, bypassing bullying and getting downright nasty. I don't know much of anything, but I think if Russia moves on Ukraine, then the US and Allies will move on Russia. Then China, North Korea and Japan will back Russia. Then who knows. Unfortunately, it won't end with all the kings horses putting things back together again. Covid-19 continues to run it's course. We're being told we're in an endemic now, so it's petering out. Why the hell did I get three shots in my arm if they did no good? I'm kinda pissed about this one. Now the government is starting to advertise a fourth booster. Ya right. I don't think this time. There was a huge convoy of rigs that started in Victoria, and trucks joined as they continued on to Ottawa. This was a week or so ago. There are still trucks and supporters there and the RCMP has said there will be arrests and charges laid. I was rooting them on. Anything to scare Trudeau and hopefully kick him in the...

Omicron has come and is quickly petering out. Let's see what comes next. I'm getting tired of getting poked, that's for sure. I'm drawing a blank. Not that that is anything new. Alrighty. That is all.

 Top of everyone's lips is coronavirus, current variant omicron (previous was delta). Darrin and I have had 3 shots now. Who knows if that will help; maybe we're just prolonging the inevitable. Our family has it except for Dreytan, and the little kids. I'm not sure when Braunt and Bre will be getting them done. It's a big decision when it can affect little ones. Christmas was very nice. We were at Drey and Joanna's; she put on an incredible spread of ham and all the fixings. Everyone was there except Kiershyn and Tyler, who were both working. Presents followed, with the kids going first. They got lots of fun stuff. We're taking them to West Edmonton Wall to stay in the Luxury Safari Room, go to see Sing 2, supper with Uncle Drey and Auntie Jo, then off to the water park on Sunday!!! Other than shaving my legs, I'm pretty excited. LOL It sounds like Dustun, Nicole and Gunnar will be coming with us too! That will be awesome for the kids to have a friend to pla...

So much has changed since I last wrote. Covid-19 broke out in January in China, which led to a worldwide coronavirus pandemic. There have been 3,540,250 cases, 247,050 deaths and 1,147,597 recoveries. There are currently 2,145,603 patients infected, with 98% being mild and 2% serious or critical. The US leads in all categories with 1,174,857 cases (Spain is in second place at 247,122) and 68,109 deaths. These numbers are definitely skewed, though, as I'm certain not all countries are reporting correctly (China). As well, not everyone is testing the same. Alberta tests more than other provinces, so the number of cases we have is obviously higher. If all provinces tested more, they'd have more patients. At least those people would be quarantined at home or in hospital and not out continuing to spread the virus. Here's what's become history: - On March 23rd, the Prime Minister issued a Stay At Home order. This resulted in all schools and most businesses closing immed...

I am typing to see if this system is lagging and it is not doing that right now. LOL

Braunt, Breanna and the kids were over today. Ariya and Hendrix are getting so big. I think he'll be taller than her soon. Ariya starts school on Friday. Kindergarten!! Time passes so quickly. I believe Hendrix starts playschool in the next few weeks. It seems like just yesterday that I was swaddling them in blankets and snuggling them close. *sniff* We'll have some more babies, though. In time. Baby humans or baby critters; I know we'll be blessed again. Listening to River by Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran. I like the song but dislike the video. I love the parts Ed sings - his voice is great. Speaking of Ed, take a look at Mr. Sandman cat. I'm posting a couple of links. LOL Jade and Ed made a great 0:13 vid. They're Canadian!! Absolutely LOVE this one! Huffpost Neverthink Z100 Portland What type of music do you listen to? What's the newest song you've listened to? Led Zeppelin doesn't count! I like most kinds of music, some more than others. I bel...

I was out driving the back roads a couple days ago and came across two amazing places. I was able to go into the one and it was filled to the brim with things. I have a rule that I feel all photographers should follow: Take only pictures; leave only footprints. So all of the little collectibles I found are still there. Here are a couple of pictures. Here are a few from the second spot. I had some people come down on me pretty hard about trespassing. After sharing a piece of my mind, I brought up the Alberta laws, which state: The maximum penalty is $25. In Alberta, trespassing on land which one has been asked to leave or that is posted "no trespassing" is an offence subject to a fine of up to $100. ... Alberta wildlife legislation, on the other hand, makes it an offence to hunt on occupied land without permission. Toodles

Actually, no darkness right now; I just really like the song. I'm really loving this 1969 & older YouTube . It's a 'Mom' sort of day, listening to her music. Life is somewhat balanced right now, for as much as it's able to be. Did a name test on fb. Love the answers I got. Darrin helped Rob by towing Rob's trailer to Sean's farm today. I guess Luch had no trouble at all. It's like he was out for a Sunday stroll. Darrin never would have had a problem helping Rob anyway, but using his truck and driving and loving the air and the sun - I think he liked it at least a little bit. We're hauling our little trailer up next weekend for Sean and Kim's party. Toodles!

Darrin celebrates his 50th birthday in May. He bought one present last fall - a race track. I doubt it's seen even an hour of time and is currently buried under a bunch of crap in the basement. LOL His second birthday present is a trip to Las Vegas in just a few days! We're both very excited. His last birthday present is a new truck! He got a 2018 Ram Laramie 2500HD diesel last week and is loving it to pieces. He's nicknamed it "Luch" in honour of Milan Lucic of the Edmonton Oilers. It's a blacked-out edition and even I must say it's nice. That is until I have to get into it! Watch that first step!! Happy early birthday sweetheart. I love you. Toodles

Toodles

💔 I'm the only one to have heard her heartbeat from the inside. It soothed and comforted me, just like her voice. I got the best part of my genes from her and share many similarities. She was my first love, my protector, my confidante. She's been gone 28 years now and there is no one who has taken her place. I didn't know how much I needed her until she was gone and it was too late. I miss you, Mom. If for no other reason, cherish your moms for creating you. Without her, you wouldn't be. Because of her, I am. 💗 Toodles

I've closed my blog for business for a little while. Sometimes I'm not ready to release my thoughts to the world, especially before I've had time to process them. So, for the next little while I will be silent online, keeping my thoughts to myself while writing them for later perusal. Our 30th was fantastic. All of the kids came for supper on the 24th - the most wonderful gift. We received cards and presents but none so good as the hugs, kisses and sharing. My dad sent us a beautiful bouquet of roses. Darrin sent me a gorgeous mixed flower bouquet. We received many well wishes and felt spoiled the entire day. I'm currently feeling a little out of sorts. On the high end with the 5 I's in full force. Irritable, impulsive, irrational, impatient and insomniac. Just what everyone wants. I drove my dad to the airport yesterday and I'm pretty sure I scared the hell out of him with my road rage. I just can't tolerate anything right now. While it can seem b...

Zinger and Zang are in their toddler stage heading quickly to teens. They are into absolutely everything! They were neutered last week and came home with instructions for us to keep them from running and jumping for 3 days. They didn't make it 3 minutes. They all over and feel that they are supposed to protect us from any noise in the house as well as anything near us. Quite the comical little pair. Our 30th wedding anniversary is coming up next week. We're doing supper with the family next Sunday, so that will be nice. Our gift to each other is a trip to Las Vegas at the end of April. We're quite excited about it. We've been making plans for a bunch of things: Secret Garden with the tigers and dolphins. Flamingos at our hotel. The Eiffel Tower. A topless burlesque show (ACK! lol). The High Roller ferris wheel. The Shark Reef Aquarium. Cirque du Soleil's Xumanity. A road trip to check out some ghost towns. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Meals at various locales. So...

As is my style, I'm writing every 2 months. I sit down and start many entries, but then life happens and I have to leave it, then never finish them. Perhaps this one will make it to publication. I was talking with a friend's daughter tonight about family and giving to those in need. The perceptions and opinions of a 17-year-old youth is fascinating. On both topics we ended up agreeing to disagree, but learning her thought process was enlightening. I haven't talked with a lot of teens about poverty and politics and family, so I'm unsure if her perception is similar to her friends. It was certainly eye opening on my part. I'll have to get out there and see what other young people think. What's on my mind lately? Politics is definitely up there. Between Trudeau and his continual gaffs, and Notley pretending to have Alberta's interests at heart, there is always something to talk about. With Jody Wilson Raybould's testimony to the justice committee regard...

I wrote so sporadically last year. I'd like to say I'll write more this year, but don't hold your breath. My blog is a wonderful venting spot for me however, unlike a diary, you can't write it all. I guess I could but I could also get put away in a little, padded room. Hmmm, maybe I'm onto something here. 2018 brought about some changes; some expected, others astounding. Braunt and Breanna's wedding was our family's woohoo event! Super congrats again!!! My top stories: -  We need our pipelines to be built -  The Humboldt Broncos bus crash -  Twelve boys and their coach rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand -  Notley, Trudeau, Trump, Jong-un ... too much bullshit from all of them -  Dow Jones closes after its worst week since 2008 -  Stephen Hawking's death -  The volcano in Guatemala -  Indonesia's earthquake that caused a tsunami -  The Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea -  The world's last male north...

I've got some creepers to my blog! I can't believe anyone thinks I have enough to say to actually subscribe to it. Ha! Just read some very sad news. Vanessa Marquez , former actress on ER, was fatally shot by police at her home. It's being said she had mental health issues , was suffering seizures when police arrived, and eventually armed herself with a BB gun. She was shot when she pointed the weapon at police. One of her social media posts read, "A person only has so much strength and I'm afraid I've used all mine up." 😢 I had intended on writing more, but time got away from me. Toodles

Fifty has come and gone and I conquered it! Mostly with a foot in my mouth as I flitted around, but it's done. I had a wonderful birthday supper with Tyler, Kiershyn, Joanna, Breanna, Peanut and Bean. It was even more special because I thought it was just going to be Ty and Kiki and me. It was a great surprise to see everyone else! I had a steak sandwich with iced tea and the servers brought out a cake and sang Happy Birthday Granny! I got the most awesome presents from Ariya and Hendrix that they picked out themselves: a half eaten Arrow bar (the kids ate the other half when I opened it), chattering teeth (lost to Hendrix), a large stirring spoon, a box of crayons (accidentally left at the restaurant), a package of socks and a baby shower birthday card! It was a lot of fun and so special that these gifts came from their little hearts. Our next special family day is Tyler's birthday on October 28th. We'll have to see if Kiershyn cooks up anything special or if we al...

Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. Alexithymia is a personality construct characterized by the subclinical inability to identify and describe emotions in the self. Do you ever feel 'nothing'? Not sad, angry or happy. Not even 'here'. I look in the mirror; stare at my eyes staring back at me. Blank. Just two holes gazing into the darkness. 'Nothing' isn't always darkness though. 'Nothing' is everything happening around me as usual. 'Nothing' is my lack of giving a fuck about anything. 'Nothing' is life carrying on around me while I try to live through my lack of everything. While I am usually suicidal when like this, I tend to analyze it like a problem instead of feeling the despair and devastation I should be experiencing. I'm rather nonchalant about everything. It's hard to hide 'nothing'. People pick up on your facial cues, attitude, lack of regular behaviours - like being friendly and chatty usually...

hypo-manic up down flying like crazy the tears can't catch my breath periods are rude don't use how can you say that? you say it about me too your silence unnerves me am I good or bad desolate energetic confident disillusioned peaceful aggressive acceptance love avoidance together alone now never always forever Living to breathe Breathing to live life

I was going to write this post on the feeling of nothing, however we had an incident over the weekend that has made me feel so many things: anger, sadness, rage, thankfulness. Someone who was close to our family was texting with a mom. He propositioned her for pictures of her young daughter, for money. He says he was drunk but then he says he got hacked. It has stunned and angered all of us.  For me, it really stirred up a lot of feelings in me. This same person tried to assault someone I care deeply about. At the time I threatened him bodily harm. My friend and I talked today, wondering how many other people have been affected. His ex-wife commented that maybe now someone would believe her. Proof he's been like this a long time. Psychology Today writes, "Individuals may become aware of their sexual interest in children around the time of puberty. Pedophilia may be a lifelong condition, but pedophilic disorder includes elements that may change over time (distress, psychos...

I am in search of a dress for Braunt and Breanna's wedding, August 4th. I have a navy lace dress that has panel inserts of satin the front. It's very nice but kind of looks like it's from the renaissance period. So I decided I'm going to get something else. After much looking, I believe I've found one. I'm going to get the shrug to go with it. That's all for tonight. Toodles

2018! In July it will be 29 years that I've been a mom! How did that happen? And a Granny since 2014! It's amazing. I'm so thankful for being both. It is such an honour and truly a privilege to be both. Today I remember my Mom and all the 'Moms' I had throughout the years. My Mom was a great mom. Her love lives on into our children: Dreytan has her care and concern for others, Kiershyn is a little mama bird taking care of us, and Braunt has her sense of humour. Nana and Deb were my first surrogate moms. I stayed with Nana each summer from the time I was 4 until I was 13. It helped my Mom with summer babysitting costs - which as a single mom, she didn't have much extra. I spent a lot of time with Deb and Rocky in the summer, and a little time with Lori and Les - definitely not as much. Lori was a bit of a spoiled lady - until she had her kids and then reality set it. Now I'm Mom to a few and Twyla to many. It's funny how 'kids' nowadays don...

Anyone who thinks setting up a new computer is easy needs a shot. I've been working on setting up my new computer for the past 16 hours and have just finally got the damn thing working. Well, not that it wasn't working before, it just wasn't doing what I needed it to do. Had I migrated the two machines, it would've gone a lot more smoothly. Instead I figured it shouldn't be that hard. Ya right! Complete change of subject: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TALK! If you feel someone is not well, then a few gentle words could make the difference between now and then. In fairness to society, when those with mental health issues say that everyone's silent and no one talks to them, STAND UP AND TALK! If we don't start the conversation, don't expect someone to just jump in a say you look like shit. People aren't like that. People are uncertain when it comes to anything mental health, especially when the onus is on them to get the ball rolling. May 13th Just getting...

I retract my blog of yesterday. Kendrick is a very accomplished artist. T

Let's try this for the 3rd freakin' time. Gawd I hate this blogger program sometimes! Yesterday was Project Semicolon Day. This is from my facebook. Twyla Pierce My tattoo is an infinity symbol for my marriage. A heart to signify my family being surrounded by love. My Mom's name - I lost her in '91 to brain aneurysms. Finally, my semicolon. This is going to sound kind of morbid, but I earned that semicolon. I earned it by failing which led to getting treated and getting better. I've got this!! Starr Nicole I relate to this so much! The last part "This is going to sound kind of morbid, but I earned that semicolon. I earned it by failing which led to getting treated and getting better. I've got this!!" That's the same reason I got mine. I had two failed at...See More Twyla Pierce Starr Nicole Very freaky how our thoughts mimic one another. Well, you know what they say about great minds. Have you got your semicolon yet? If not, what...

"... was described by the Pulitzer committee as a "virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life." Let's decipher the committee's recognition first. In PLAIN language, the Pulitzer committee said Kendrick's technical and difficult song collection brought together by its real, native African-American language, and powerful music that gives glimpses of the complexity of modern African-American life." I question what about this young man's music is so different than all the other rap out right now? What specifically about this young man stood out to the committee? Now don't get me wrong - I like a lot of rap. After reading these lyrics, though, I find myself lacking. Drugs, crime, degrading women ... that may be the reality of some African-Americans, but it's certainly not all. You could argue that he's no dif...

Here. Here I sit. Here I sit in my office. Here I sit in my office, in my house, on the earth. (You thought I was going to go through everything, didn't you? LOL) Yesterday was a hard day, but with help. I went out and spent some time with Breanna. Bean was sleeping so we had a really good talk. It was nice. It was so good for me to get dressed and get out of the house. I have to try to do that more often. It's definitely an area of weakness for me. When I got home, Andy came over with tea and we visited for a bit. It was nice to see him. The distraction was welcomed as well. Speaking of getting out - I miss volunteering at the courthouse. Sonja's currently off work, so I'm not sure if she would still be able to get me there or if I would have to speak with someone else. I'll get hold of Sonja soon. That would be nice again. Briefly spoke with Drey on the phone. We're going to get together this week for a sit down - to air things out. Spring clean....