Left: Our daughter, Kathryn - 11
Center: Troy and myself
On Right: Our Son, Connor - 14
Welcome to my website:
i Ginger SNAPPED!
Intro...
My name is Shannon Sanders. I am currently living in O'Fallon, IL. I am a Air Force wife and a mom to 2 beautiful children. This website is a personal piece of work in progress. It is not going to be a place where I air all my dirty laundry. Okay, I'll be honest...perhaps some days I might have to work out a stain or two. But, I would like it to be a place for me to share our life and adventures with our family and friends. I am going to be the one designing the site, so please be patient as I learn this whole process and educate myself on web design. I am so excited to take this journey.
You might be curious as to how and why I decided to start this site,
and what is with the name? Read on...
Several weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with her feathers ruffled. She explained that a boy told her she was a "Ginger." Since she didn't understand the term she didn't know if she liked being called that. So rather than try to convince her that she was beautiful (because I am the mom and I don't know anything), we looked the term "Ginger" up on the web. While there were several definitions to choose from (some not very appropriate for my 11 year old daughter), we decided to use the highlights which were presented in most articles or sites.
"Gingers" are women with red hair. It can be any shade. Most gingers have pale skin and freckles. They tend to be highly artistic and creative. Throughout history, red-haired women were known to be fierce fighters as they seemed to have a higher tolerance to pain. Today, most Gingers are reputed to be quick tempered and extremely strong-willing and stubborn.
(You don't say.)
My daughter walked away from that with a wicked little smile on her face. She likes the term now. And, so do I because it explains so much...
While I do not have the same shade of sunset red that my daughter has, I have always had red-highlights to my auburn hair. When I stand in the sun there is no doubt that I have red in my hair. Of course with a little help from L'Oreal my "Ginger-ness" can be determined by my mood (which can vary greatly) or the perhaps the season. Along with the red highlights, I possess and emulate several of the common traits that are associated with having red hair...including the temper.
Which was part of the inspiration for the website name. Now for the second part...
Since it was almost summer vacation, I decided to spice things up in our home.
So 2 1/2 weeks ago, I broke my leg and had to have surgery last week. I am now the proud owner of a bionic ankle with 8 screws and a plate...but I digress. I have spent almost the entire time since that day with my leg propped up and my backside parked on my sofa. As someone who is usually "on the go", performing fly-by's to drop off one child at the house and picking up another to go to their activity, I feel a loss of control. I admit to being feisty and strong willed, but having to rely on everyone else to wait on me and take over my normal tasks has got my emotions on over-drive.
While relaxing like the queen I am...NOT, the only things available within arms length are the remotes, my laptop and my imagination. Which, coincidentaly has been more creative than usual because of my pain medication. Since I have strict orders to remain seated with my leg propped up, I have the unfortunate experience of watching the dust build up, dishes procreating and sniff-tests for clothing to see if they can be recycled. I am literally going crazy trying to get the family to do the things that must be accomplished as a matter of necessity and cleanliness. The biggest drain on me though is when I ask them to do various chores or tasks, they do not feel compelled to get them done when I ask but rather at their leisure. Seriously, what is Mom going to do? It's not like she can come after me. So, those emotions I mentioned earlier have exceeded the range acceptable for normal standards of living.
As such...I have snapped...a lot.
I Ginger Snapped!
...and this website was born.
My name is Shannon Sanders. I am currently living in O'Fallon, IL. I am a Air Force wife and a mom to 2 beautiful children. This website is a personal piece of work in progress. It is not going to be a place where I air all my dirty laundry. Okay, I'll be honest...perhaps some days I might have to work out a stain or two. But, I would like it to be a place for me to share our life and adventures with our family and friends. I am going to be the one designing the site, so please be patient as I learn this whole process and educate myself on web design. I am so excited to take this journey.
You might be curious as to how and why I decided to start this site,
and what is with the name? Read on...
Several weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with her feathers ruffled. She explained that a boy told her she was a "Ginger." Since she didn't understand the term she didn't know if she liked being called that. So rather than try to convince her that she was beautiful (because I am the mom and I don't know anything), we looked the term "Ginger" up on the web. While there were several definitions to choose from (some not very appropriate for my 11 year old daughter), we decided to use the highlights which were presented in most articles or sites.
"Gingers" are women with red hair. It can be any shade. Most gingers have pale skin and freckles. They tend to be highly artistic and creative. Throughout history, red-haired women were known to be fierce fighters as they seemed to have a higher tolerance to pain. Today, most Gingers are reputed to be quick tempered and extremely strong-willing and stubborn.
(You don't say.)
My daughter walked away from that with a wicked little smile on her face. She likes the term now. And, so do I because it explains so much...
While I do not have the same shade of sunset red that my daughter has, I have always had red-highlights to my auburn hair. When I stand in the sun there is no doubt that I have red in my hair. Of course with a little help from L'Oreal my "Ginger-ness" can be determined by my mood (which can vary greatly) or the perhaps the season. Along with the red highlights, I possess and emulate several of the common traits that are associated with having red hair...including the temper.
Which was part of the inspiration for the website name. Now for the second part...
Since it was almost summer vacation, I decided to spice things up in our home.
So 2 1/2 weeks ago, I broke my leg and had to have surgery last week. I am now the proud owner of a bionic ankle with 8 screws and a plate...but I digress. I have spent almost the entire time since that day with my leg propped up and my backside parked on my sofa. As someone who is usually "on the go", performing fly-by's to drop off one child at the house and picking up another to go to their activity, I feel a loss of control. I admit to being feisty and strong willed, but having to rely on everyone else to wait on me and take over my normal tasks has got my emotions on over-drive.
While relaxing like the queen I am...NOT, the only things available within arms length are the remotes, my laptop and my imagination. Which, coincidentaly has been more creative than usual because of my pain medication. Since I have strict orders to remain seated with my leg propped up, I have the unfortunate experience of watching the dust build up, dishes procreating and sniff-tests for clothing to see if they can be recycled. I am literally going crazy trying to get the family to do the things that must be accomplished as a matter of necessity and cleanliness. The biggest drain on me though is when I ask them to do various chores or tasks, they do not feel compelled to get them done when I ask but rather at their leisure. Seriously, what is Mom going to do? It's not like she can come after me. So, those emotions I mentioned earlier have exceeded the range acceptable for normal standards of living.
As such...I have snapped...a lot.
I Ginger Snapped!
...and this website was born.
What to expect:I have many ideas as to the content of this website: (Any suggestions are welcome but keep the negativity to yourself). - There will be pictures of my family and our activities which will be accompanied by a short narrative with explanations and details. - A section with inspirational stories, or quotes to share. - I think a section which I review products, people and places would be fun. Basically, this means I will give my opinion about things without concerning myself as to what others really think. - I will also start a blog of my daily experiences. Nothing so mundane as household chores, but definitely stories of interest. - I might start selling my scrabble tile jewelry on here too...but that won't happen tomorrow. Keep an eye out for those and several other crafts that I decide to start making. Don't expect too much from me and you will never be disappointed. I will add as I am motivated or inspired X - Shannon | My Rights...In case you were wondering... - I reserve the right to brag about my family... - I reserve the right to talk about my crazy cats... - I reserve the right to post pictures... - I reserve the right to voice my opinion on any subject I choose... and I will, because I can. - I reserve the right to make grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Although I will strive to pay attention, there are times when I am in a hurry and I might not feel like editing before posting. Just Endure. Your Rights... ha ha ha You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say, can and will be used against you... |
A recent Facebook post worthy of sharing:
**Warning: Lengthy Post, but if you are really a friend you will read it, love me still and perhaps respond with your own commentary.
I am privy to several blogs and that can be quite entertaining. However, there are times when I am shocked and *gasp* others that I am offended. But, I have the right to delete them or un-like the site. Or if my willpower is strong enough I can ignore the posts. It is MY choice. One topic that is frequently discussed and always bashed is how people share personal info about their lives on FB. The narrators of one of my other groups believe that people shouldn't do that and are stupid for doing so.
Mmmmm...really? I disagree to an extent.
This is my opinion folks:
Common sense should dictate your posts. Everything you put on the Web and especially Facebook, regardless of your privacy settings can be viewed by the the public. There are predators who go fishing for ignorant (or sometimes innocent) victims. However, Facebook was intended to be a place where you were encouraged to share with your FRIENDS whatever you wanted. YOU decide who you want to invite into your circle. If your friends don't want to read about your marriage, children, pets, job, in laws, complaints, or your happiness...they can always un-friend you. Instead, your so-called friend (who really is jealous) is bashing you to their other networks. Some friend. If it was me, I would try to protect my friend rather than expose them. We are all Gods children, and we were created in his image but we are also very different because He gave us free-will to make our own CHOICES.
So, might I suggest some common sense posting guidelines:
1. You should NEVER post information or pictures about others (especially children) without consent.
2. NEVER post financial information. It seems odd to tell grown people this, but it has become a consistent Internet cautionary tale.
3. Keep job information private. Especially internal relationships or office politics. It has been reported that many employers are now checking up on their employees to evaluate character and promotion potential.
4. You should never discuss anything related to your spouses military career that could be a potential OPSEC violation, ie. location of troop movements, deployments, etc. That doesn't just affect you, but puts entire missions in jeopardy and lives are at stake. In addition, if you want to discuss and vent because your spouse is deployed, I get it. But don't mention specifics. Avoid details about your spouses location or environment.
5. Also, if you put out there that your spouse is gone, take extra security measures with your home. Locks, alarms, windows. Make sure all are in working order and secured. Have the local police on speed dial and ask neighbors to help keep an eye out.
6. For those of you who are going to be away from your house for extended periods of time, try to avoid giving specific dates as to when your home will be unoccupied. There have been cases of break-ins as a result of FB posts.
Finally: Don't judge your FB family by what they post. Those are just words on a screen most likely written in haste. If you take the time to reach instead of scrolling over the post you might learn what is really going on. It is during this exchange you are given the opportunity to love them, support them and educate them.
My Own Facebook Experience:
FB has allowed me to stay in contact with my immediate family, my military family, reacquaint myself with old school mates, make new friends here and abroad. It is so easy to update all as our life changes and evolves. I want to hear what is going on in your life. I want to know how you are feeling. I want to support you and those you care about.
I have FB friends who challenge my earlier ideas, and open me up to learn about others. I have FB friends who are straight, gay, single, in a relationship, married, divorced, widowed, single parents, working moms, stay at home moms, liberal, republican, Independent, or confused and lost about politics altogether.
I have FB friends of several different church affiliations and religions. I have friends who are agnostic and atheists.
I have FB friends who are jet-setters and travel frequently. I am also privileged to have FB friends who are creative, positive, inspirational, and highly educated.
Some FB friends are those who I knew when I was younger and I never dreamed of seeing or talking to you again. FB took the high school social class system and chucked it out the window. (Of course you will always have those who need the past to define their future). I wasn't popular or even well known, just a young, scared girl who left home with the hope of a better life and more opportunity. Those who knew me back then must have made the effort to do so. So to those of you from my school days I am so glad FB has given us an opportunity for a second chance.
I have deleted people that I believe are disingenuous and are not worthy to participate in my life. Today I only invite those individuals to be FB friends who I know will add to my personal growth as a wife, mother and friend. But I promise to give the same in return-if you let me. My life, and that of my family is richer because of you.
So folks, I realize that's a lot to absorb. I'm exhausted from the writing of it. But haven't most of us thought these things?
That's my rant for the day. I'm quite prolific when confined to a couch with my imagination as my only companion.
X - Shannon
I am privy to several blogs and that can be quite entertaining. However, there are times when I am shocked and *gasp* others that I am offended. But, I have the right to delete them or un-like the site. Or if my willpower is strong enough I can ignore the posts. It is MY choice. One topic that is frequently discussed and always bashed is how people share personal info about their lives on FB. The narrators of one of my other groups believe that people shouldn't do that and are stupid for doing so.
Mmmmm...really? I disagree to an extent.
This is my opinion folks:
Common sense should dictate your posts. Everything you put on the Web and especially Facebook, regardless of your privacy settings can be viewed by the the public. There are predators who go fishing for ignorant (or sometimes innocent) victims. However, Facebook was intended to be a place where you were encouraged to share with your FRIENDS whatever you wanted. YOU decide who you want to invite into your circle. If your friends don't want to read about your marriage, children, pets, job, in laws, complaints, or your happiness...they can always un-friend you. Instead, your so-called friend (who really is jealous) is bashing you to their other networks. Some friend. If it was me, I would try to protect my friend rather than expose them. We are all Gods children, and we were created in his image but we are also very different because He gave us free-will to make our own CHOICES.
So, might I suggest some common sense posting guidelines:
1. You should NEVER post information or pictures about others (especially children) without consent.
2. NEVER post financial information. It seems odd to tell grown people this, but it has become a consistent Internet cautionary tale.
3. Keep job information private. Especially internal relationships or office politics. It has been reported that many employers are now checking up on their employees to evaluate character and promotion potential.
4. You should never discuss anything related to your spouses military career that could be a potential OPSEC violation, ie. location of troop movements, deployments, etc. That doesn't just affect you, but puts entire missions in jeopardy and lives are at stake. In addition, if you want to discuss and vent because your spouse is deployed, I get it. But don't mention specifics. Avoid details about your spouses location or environment.
5. Also, if you put out there that your spouse is gone, take extra security measures with your home. Locks, alarms, windows. Make sure all are in working order and secured. Have the local police on speed dial and ask neighbors to help keep an eye out.
6. For those of you who are going to be away from your house for extended periods of time, try to avoid giving specific dates as to when your home will be unoccupied. There have been cases of break-ins as a result of FB posts.
Finally: Don't judge your FB family by what they post. Those are just words on a screen most likely written in haste. If you take the time to reach instead of scrolling over the post you might learn what is really going on. It is during this exchange you are given the opportunity to love them, support them and educate them.
My Own Facebook Experience:
FB has allowed me to stay in contact with my immediate family, my military family, reacquaint myself with old school mates, make new friends here and abroad. It is so easy to update all as our life changes and evolves. I want to hear what is going on in your life. I want to know how you are feeling. I want to support you and those you care about.
I have FB friends who challenge my earlier ideas, and open me up to learn about others. I have FB friends who are straight, gay, single, in a relationship, married, divorced, widowed, single parents, working moms, stay at home moms, liberal, republican, Independent, or confused and lost about politics altogether.
I have FB friends of several different church affiliations and religions. I have friends who are agnostic and atheists.
I have FB friends who are jet-setters and travel frequently. I am also privileged to have FB friends who are creative, positive, inspirational, and highly educated.
Some FB friends are those who I knew when I was younger and I never dreamed of seeing or talking to you again. FB took the high school social class system and chucked it out the window. (Of course you will always have those who need the past to define their future). I wasn't popular or even well known, just a young, scared girl who left home with the hope of a better life and more opportunity. Those who knew me back then must have made the effort to do so. So to those of you from my school days I am so glad FB has given us an opportunity for a second chance.
I have deleted people that I believe are disingenuous and are not worthy to participate in my life. Today I only invite those individuals to be FB friends who I know will add to my personal growth as a wife, mother and friend. But I promise to give the same in return-if you let me. My life, and that of my family is richer because of you.
So folks, I realize that's a lot to absorb. I'm exhausted from the writing of it. But haven't most of us thought these things?
That's my rant for the day. I'm quite prolific when confined to a couch with my imagination as my only companion.
X - Shannon