FROM 0 TO 3 IN 90 DAYS

2011-02-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm here.., kind of for the mOment anyway. I still have Christmas music up and that annoys me , but I can't do a whole lot about that mow. I'm doing this from my iPhone because I'm currently stranded on an island due to ship wreck. Ok so that's a lie, I'm just really really lazy. Kids are still alive and doing well..,I haven't locked anyone in the garage or anything..so that's good. I suppose stuff like that isn't funny really because everyday stuff like that and worse happens to kids..like the ones who got murdered by their mom because they were mouthy, sheesh. Hear about that one? No? Well it's true..let's see what else? I had my gallbladder taken out, that was fun. GICOE is pretty much history...yay. I'm starting my masters Tuesday...which I'm dreading. Anyway, hope you all are doing well and I look forward to seeing what everyone has been up to.

Ghost of Christmas Past Part 2

2010-12-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

The other day I spoke of Hamsters, Baby Dolls and Ventroliquist dummies (Yeah, I was kind of a weird child). I also remember going to see Santa and every year it was at the same place. It was like a cute little portable building, just big enough to fit Santa and his big chair. You would go in and sit on his lap and tell him what you wanted. I think your parents just kind of hung out at the door. Yeah, kind of creepy. I can see why they stopped that. They must have stopped that because I havent seen one of those set ups in years. Now the Santas are in the mall...out in the open so people can keep their eyes on them. Make it a lot harder for Chester the Molester to dress up as Santa Claus. Thats a good thing.

One thing cool about my Christmases when I was a kid was the employee Christmas party where my dad worked. See, he worked at Disneyland..and what could be better than a Christmas Party? A Private Christmas Party at the Happiest Place on Earth. Yep. They would keep the park open a little later for employees and their families....and you just went wild. Everyone else...get the heck out. I remember being able to bring a friend a couple of years. I also remember that on our way out all the kids would get a Christmas stocking full of candy and little toys, coloring books, stuff like that. This party also meant that I got to see the son of a fellow employee of my dad's. He was cute, and he thought I was cute. I guess he grew up though to have problems staying out of prison.....Oh well.

I loved the decorations of my childhood Christmases too. My mom had this nativity set that was cool...I used to play with the set like they were action figures..which required my mom to repair them on more than one occasion. Im sure it drove her nuts to find Baby Jesus between the couch cushions or near the dog food bowl.

We had this cool light thing too. It was a big wheel of colors...and when you plugged it in and turned it on, it would rotate colors across the ceiling and walls. When I was a teenager I coveted that color wheel. It would be so cool in my room with by beads hanging in my doorway, my insence and my Pink Floyd...but alas it never ended up in there. Im not sure what happened to it actually, but I miss it.

We had these candles that were shaped various Christmas characters like Santa and Frosty. They would often hang out with and sometimes argue with Mary, Joseph, or one of the wisemen. I think they melted one year in the heat of the garage because on year, they were just gone.

My most favorite decoration of all time though, is the one that sits atop my own family tree right now. The angel. She has dark hair, a halo and wings and is wearing a white dress...she is more like a doll than a statue..her dress is real material. It was on the family tree ever since I can remember. When my best friend died when I was twelve, that angel reminded me of her...and still does to this day. Someday, I will hand it over to S, and tell her the story, and so on and so on.

Ghosts of Christmas Past

2010-12-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

This will be my 41st Christmas on this earth. That's a lot of Christmases. I have gone from asking Santa for a hamster to a Kindle. I hope the Kindle lasts longer. My very first Christmas I was only a few months old, but there are pictures of me in a little red "Santa" onezie in my baby carrier thing. They would place me there and I would marvel at the pretty lights and shiny tinsel, in between scanning the room for my favorite beings (other than mom, of course) like big brother and the family dog. Not a whole lot has changed there either. I can still be found this time of year sitting by the tree and staring at the shininess of it all, with dogs close by.

I did get my hamster one year. A Teddy Bear Hamster...which I named "Teddy". I think this was my 5th Christmas. He came in one of those Habitrail things, with a tube leading up to a skyline apartment and a nifty running wheel on the main floor. Teddy didn't last long, as one day he got out of his cage (those little "clips" that held the lid on, weren't very easy for a five year old to secure properly) and in a frantic attempt to catch him again, I grabbed him and squeezed a little too tight...then he bit my thumb. I can still remember my horror at the blood dripping from my thumb. Sadly, when I squeezed too tight I injured him pretty badly and my dad had to put him down. Sad, yes I know. I still feel bad about that and have never owned another hamster again and am thanking God that my children have never expressed interest in the little rodents.

I also remember the year I got my "Baby Chrissy" doll. You could make her hair short or long all by a little string on her back. What was cool about her was that she was big enough that I could dig into mom's cedar chest and pull out some of the baby clothes she still had of mine and put them on the doll. That doll wore my
"dedication" gown for a long time...until I got tired of it on her and started making the cat wear it.

One year I got "Pete" the ventriloquist dummy. He came with his own red case and everything. I had visions of becoming this really good ventriloquist. Right up until I saw the movie "Magic" about the homicidal dummy. Then I put him deep in my closet and piled a bunch of crap on top of him so he couldn't "get out". I eventually sold him for 5 bucks at a garage sale. Sorry Pete.

That is what pretty much comes to mind when I think of my past Christmases. Well, except for some of the Christmas decor items my parents had laying around. That is another post though. So thank you Teddy (RIP), Chrissy and Pete for the memories.....

Christmas Tunes

2010-12-18T11:46:00.001-08:00

The Christmas playlist is up. So turn it up and enjoy. Hope you all are getting your stuff done...Im working on it today, and its SNOWING.

Wierd Stuff....

2010-12-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

I did a little lunch time shopping today. You know just a "few little things" left on my Christmas list. While, out I was experiencing weird stuff...maybe its just me, but I thought they were weird.

I went to McDonald's for lunch (shut up, I like their fries, OK?) and I ordered one of the "snack wraps". The Angus Beef snack wraps. I thought the beef would be like, strips of beef...um, silly me...no. Maybe some of you already know what it is, but just in case you dont...heres my good deed of the day. Its a tortilla (a regular tortilla, not a "wrap") with a hamburger (the Angus beef variety I guess) patty wrapped in it. Of course theres stuff like cheese and onions in it..but if I wanted a hamburger, Id get a hamburger. Or if I wanted a burrito, Id get a burrito. No need to mix the two up.

then I was standing in the crazy Christmas shopping line and I heard a checker a couple stands over talking to some one she knew..they asked her how she was, and loud enough for everyone to hear, she said:

"Im doing alright, except for having to put my Puppy down".

Talk about the sucking the Christmas spirit right out of me. That did it. Now I want to turn off all the lights in my office, curl up in a little ball, and cry. I mean her PUPPY? If she had said "Dog", it would have still been sad, but they die when they get old, and sometimes when they arent so old..but no one should have to think about a puppy, a BABY dog, with their sweet puppy breath and velvet soft tummies DYING. Its just not Christmas conversation, ya know? What with all those kids and ME in the store. Sheesh. It did kind of get quiet after she said that too..lol.

This isnt really weird...well maybe it is...because teenagers ARE weird, and I think it falls into that category maybe. Last night was my two youngest squids Christmas concert. We had a lovely time....with the exception of A's teacher making him trade places with a little girl while he was on the risers...because he kept turning around to talk to "Connor". No amount of shaking my head and frowning could get his attention though while he was up there...so eventually it was too late....the teacher saw. He claims Connor was "poking" him in the back...know what? I BELIEVE him. I do...I know "Connor". Anyway, after the concert was over we went to my moms house so she could see their outfits. And L...my 12 year old boy (soon to be a teenager) was NOT the well behaved child he normally is. He kept messing with me and everyone else in a teasing way and would not stop, no matter how much he was asked. When he came very close to knocking over moms Christmas tree, because he was crawling under the little table she had it on (its a small tree), he was sent to the car. I just think its weird that HE is the one acting up...is this a shade of things to come when he is a teenager? Do they all think they are hilarious all the time?

Awww thanks....and diary of middle school mom.

2010-12-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all my faithful followers and commenters for making me feel better after my whining post the other day. You guys are awesome. I changed my background, and will put the Christmas playlist up shortly. The computer Im on now wont let me go to Playlist.com...so I'll have to wait.

Tonight is the annual Christmas concert for the elementary school. Second verse, same as the first. Well, with the exception of only having two kids in the concert now that L is in middle school. I cant wait to put the tie on little guy tonight. He is going to be so cute.

Speaking of middle school...I spent almost the whole day there yesterday for "Parents Back to School Day". Its where you can go and follow your middle school child around to his classes and sit in the class and see what a typical day for him is. It was kind of cool.

First of all let me brag hugely here for a second...L is not only on the honor roll, but he has a 4.0 and is the ONLY 6th grader to have a 4.0. There, brag over.

I actually LEARNED something in his math class. I hate math, but I do believe if I had the teacher that L has, I would love it, because it was the funnest period of the day. I totally cant believe I just typed that. The way he was teaching made things make SENSE to me. I already know most of the kids that L calls friends, but I got to meet a few others. I saw how messy his locker is (he needs an organizer) and I also saw how the front cover of his binder has been taped back on (he needs a new one!). I was kind of releived to see that at this school in this tiny town, boys and girls still dont have much to do with each other in 6th grade. It was SO not like that when and where I went to 6th grade. Really, it was like an episode of Peyton Place. Yesterday though, at his school, the boys and girls seemed to stay away from each other for the most part. That made me happy. Im definitely not ready for that drama yet.

During science class L kept trying to grab my arm and force my hand in the air to read outloud from the text when the teacher was asking for volunteers. I ended up locking my arms in front of me, and then he resorted to pointing at me. His teacher said: "Your volunteering your mom to read". To which I replied, "apparently he needs to see the definition of a volunteer". Little brat.

The hallways were scary, and it was here that I witnessed some of the behavior Im terrified of as he gets older. I dont even like him WITNESSING it. Some (older-like 7th or 8th grade) boy slapped some girl on the butt....I wanted to yell at him, but figured that would not exactly make L's life easy. You cannot walk down the hallway without touching other people though...its just too crowded and the halls too small. The butt slap however, was definitely intentional.

I did not eat lunch with him however, Ive seen what they eat...no thanks. Really, my school lunches were always good...these are just terrible. So I went to the sub shop across the street and had lunch with the husband, who laughed in my face when I suggested he spend the rest of the day at the middle school too....oh well.

It was an eye opening experience and I will worry less, I think. I can now envision things the way the are when he tells me about his day..so it was really cool and Im glad the school does this. He didnt even try to ditch me in the hallway like my friend's son did to her. So for that, he gets an A.

Open Letter to Bloggy Land....

2010-12-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Bloggy Land,

Its not that I dont love you, because I do. Its just that I dont feel like I have much to offer at this moment. Just more gripes and complaints. Im also feeling like crap, physically. I also want to rip GICOEs face off with a butter knife (sick or not) if I ever see him again, he has ticked me off to no end. I yelled at a McDonalds worker today while at the drive through....through the speaker thing, not at the window, although I felt like doing that too (do NOT mess with me at 3 am pre coffee...just sayin').

Yes, I am wondering how all my bloggy buddies are doing and I do miss reading about them and want is going on in their worlds. I only hope that they forgive me when I do come back. Im feeling guilty about your background reflecting Thanksgiving still...when its so obviously Christmas time. Yeah, and dont mention the fact that my beloved Christmas playlist isnt up yet (either is our Christmas tree, Ok?).

I have been spending a little more time on facebook, yes it is true. Im sure its just a phase. Honestly though, I get a little frustrated by having only 76 followers...STILL. While other blogs are in the hundreds at least. Its much more fun to go to facebook where the number is much higher. I mean who wouldnt choose the bar that most of their friends go to over the one where there a far fewer friendly faces? Just an observation, thats all.

I hope everyone is doing well......I will be back soon, I think. Till then, stay warm, stay dry, stay Merry.

Sincerely,
Me.

Today....

2010-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

Today Im thankful for my kids. Im thankful that God ultimately chose for us to be their parents when they needed parents. Just the other day I went to an award ceremony at the middle school, where L recieved his membership into the honor roll. Not only that, but he was the ONLY kid in his grade that got a 4.0. How proud was I? Verrrrry proud. I guess there is no need to nag this particular kid about homework, I think hes got it down....unless, his grades start slipping, which I dont think they will. Seriously, Im just bursting over here.

Im thankful for the laughs that my little guy gives me. A lot of the time he is actually trying to be funny, and he's successful. Many times though, he's not trying to be funny, but he is anyway. Last night there was nothing on tv and we were all too lazy after a hectic week to do anything else, and since we love sharks, we watched "I Shouldnt be Alive" about a shark attack in Australia. For some reason this particular shark tale creeped little boy out more than usual (He LOVES sharks, so likes to watch stuff on them, even stories about attacks normally). Knowing his uneasiness, when I said a prayer with him after tucking him in, I prayed for his feelings of safety and prayed that he would realize that God is in control, even of sharks. He promptly added:

"And zombies".

Me: "Yes, zombies too".

I am thankful for my daughter too. For really different reasons than her brothers. She is definitely a unique individual with a really caring heart. If there is anyone in any discomfort, anywhere near her, or in need of any help with anything, she is right there. All I have to say is my back hurts and she will try and rub it for me, or if I say I dont feel well, she scampers off down the hallway and comes back with a wet wash cloth to put on my head, and demands that I lay down, lol. Yesterday she was buttoning grandmas coat up for her, I guess because grandma looked like she was needing help. It would not surprise me if she grew up to be an RN or something.....if she can keep her mouth quiet in class long enough to graduate, that is:)

LMBO

2010-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Monday Mumbling....and a movie review

2010-11-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well...it looks pretty certain the GICOE isnt coming back. I wont say too much about that though, because although he drove me insane, I dont wish bad health on him either. However, it is so much quieter around the office.

Had a good weekend despite the hub being gone. The hub is off on his way to hunt with his brothers..he wont be back until Thanksgiving night. I miss him and the kids miss him. The dogs miss him too. Surprisingly I havent broken anything that I cant fix myself...so far so good.

Friday was L's birthday. He is 12 now. Yep, one year away from teenage hood...yippee. He is an awesome kid though, and hopefully when the aliens steal his brain (because they do you know, at age 13 and they wont return it until age 20) it wont be too bad. As good luck would have it, S and A got invited to friends houses to spend the night, so L had a friend over and they got the whole wii, living room, and cherry pie to themselves, all night long. I retreated to my bedroom with the dogs and I did some much needed cleaning and organizing and tossing out while watching the old mini series "Rich man, Poor man" on DVD. Does anyone remember that from the 70s, starring Nick Nolte, and Peter Straus?

Saturday morning the local theatre was showing a free movie for kids (and parents), "The Dispicable Me". Review and Rating by me to follow at the end of this post. They were asking for canned food donations for the holiday season. I think we could feed Ethiopia with what they must have received. Honestly....it was insane. They used all 8 screens for this event...which is a good thing, because that line for the first times alone, had to be a mile long. We waited in line for 45 minutes. I was in a party of 12. I had my three kids plus two other boys, and my friend had her two and one extra, plus her mom and my mom. We also got one free popcorn and small drink per person. We didnt stand in the crazy snack line first, we went and secured our seats. The six of us females in the second row and the six little boys in front of us (within reach:)). Normally, we wouldnt choose the front row, but it was the only two rows left that could accommodate our huge group. Then two adults and four of the boys went and got the popcorn and pop...and somehow we managed to get back to our seats with all 12 orders of popcorn and pop. We must have seen everyone we know at the theatre...it was insane. The kids were great; of course it helps that the movie didnt have one single dull moment in it.

Now the movie....for those of you who havent seen it....the only warning we read about was for adopted kids...at first, I was like "oh great"...but a little talk with the kids to warn them and talk about any feeling ahead of time was key. POSSIBLE SPOILER: Before you see it, if you have adopted kids...be warned that after three little girls are adopted, they are "returned" by the adoptive parent. Dont worry though, it has a happy ending (of course). I warned my kids about that part of the movie and we talked about it. My kids assured me that they werent worried about that happening to them.

Anyway, the movie has a fantastic message to it about the value of family as opposed to any material thing you might gain (including the moon itself). I recommend it as a family film that adults (with a sense of humor) and kids will all enjoy. I loved this movie, and I plan on purchasing it. My husband, hater of most things animated, will even laugh at it...Im convinced.

SAD

2010-11-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

REST IN PEACE ZAHRA...........

Yay and Grrrr....

2010-11-11T10:43:00.000-08:00

So this was just going to be a nice little post about what Im thankful for today..but there is going to be something a little more that is very disturbing to me. So, I will start with the nice stuff first. Today, I am thankful for VETERANS, duh...right? No really, I am. I am a veteran myself, however I dont hold myself to the same standard as those who have fought and/or died for our country. I have done neither. I was in the Army during the Gulf War, but I did not go to the Gulf and fight. I stayed in Germany and were on standby incase there were any riots or protests that occured. I was an MP and this was what my unit was slated to do in the event that civil unrest in the area occured. It did not. That being said....Im thankful for those who did fight in our many wars. Truthfully, Im also thankful that I did not get sent to the Gulf, because I find the idea terrifying...being anywhere NEAR a battle, so for that I am thankful. So to those who did I am extremely thankful.

Ok now the icky stuff......I just saw on Taste and See God's Goodness that Amazon.com is selling a book on there that I dont believe (regardless of our First Ammendment Rights) should be sold at all. AND it would be really nice if Amazon.com would take a stand against things that even suggest pedophilia as something "pleasureable" Yeah, Im not kidding. Go check out the blog and see what Im talking about and then maybe send Amazon.com a little email....like Im going to. Maybe tell them that you will not be shopping with them if they continue to promote and sell this book, if you buy from them (like I do). I believe in freedom of speech, I really do. However, I believe some things are just plain wrong, when it involves innocent children and fueling the fire of the countless pedophiles that roam our neighborhoods. Its not legal to engage in chilld pornography on the web (some would say that is a violation of our rights) nor is it legal to publish or manufactor images of children in a sexual manner...so WHY is OK for books like this to be sold? I dont get it......

UPDATE: This is what happens when you are a blog slacker like me who just now gets around to reading yesterdays blogs....apparently Amazon.com felt the pressure and stopped the nonsense. That gives me hope...however, I still feel that publishing such a thing should be illegal.......

Im a super slacker

2010-11-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

I had good intentions for the thankful post a day thing....I really did. Life got in the way, I guess. I need to catch up on other blogs too, Im pretty behind.

Today I am thankful for good teachers. Last night was parent/teacher conferences and I am so impressed with A's teacher this year. Last year was a struggle. Hubs and I were sure the teacher had a screw list, as she tried to convince us to do the Connors test for ADHD for A. We were pretty certain he did not have this problem because the behaviors she was constantly complaining about, we never saw...or very seldom saw. So, because it was only in HER environment, we didnt have him tested. This is the teacher who refused to use any behavioral modification techniques to solve the problem...too lazy, I think. We kept telling her that he responds well to having privledges revoked. We would have done it at home, but she wouldnt tell us on a weekly basis how he was doing, like we requested. We were beyond frustrated. This year, new teacher and its a whole other story.

I LOVE this teacher. She communicates well with us. She sends a WEEKLY report about behavior home with him. She uses a behavior card system, where a child starts out on green every morning, which is no problems, and can go to yellow for warning, a orange for refocus, to brown, a call home, to black, a visit to the principals office. Alex has had an orange card ONCE, a yellow card a couple of times and the rest....he stays on green. We gave him the incentive of receiving a special treat every Friday if he stays on green, and it has worked. Drugs? He didnt need them obviously. What he needed was a teacher who has a clue. A teacher who clearly lays out her expectations to her students so they have no question about what she wants from them. The last teacher wouldnt even say anything to him, just complain to us at conference time. AND he made student of the month last month. Have I said I love this teacher. She too is amazed when comparing the kid he really is to the kid last years teacher made him out to be in her little notes in his file. Ugh. If I had another kid young enough to get her again (if she gets her job back...she was laid off in the cutbacks)...I would make it very clear that I dont want my child in her class. I mean she is the epitome of lazy to me. Am I being a little unfair, maybe...but Im irritated.

Have a Heart for Adoption? Please Read...and Share.

2010-11-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I just came across this post on blog I read...and thought it was definitely worthy of sharing. It is times like these I wish I had unlimited resources. Sigh.

Because We Are Free....

2010-11-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today Im thankful for freedom. Im thankful that we are for the most part, a free country. I was able to read my Bible this morning, because we are free. I was able to choose what I wore today, and what I drove, and what I listened to today because we are free. I can own guns if I choose because we are free. I am able to post anything that I want to on this blog because we are free. I am able to read what you write on your blogs, which is whatever you want to, because we are free.

Inspired

2010-11-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

I really didnt have anything profound to say (do I ever?) so I wasnt really planning on blogging anything. I have been reading blogs and trying to play catch up, and in doing so, I got inspired. More than a few blogs that I read today are doing a Thankful challenge where everyday they share what they are thankful for that day. So....Im going to do it to. Its always nice to count your blessings in the face of all the crap that this world can throw at you.

I also want to share a post from MiMi on her dislike of "religion" as a Christian. You know...I could not have said it better. Its like she was hanging out inside my head and took notes. I agree with her 110%, and so I want to share the link to her post because well, she makes sense...and she is always hilarious too. So go HERE and read....

Ok..so today I am thankful for my mother. I can count on her for all kinds of stuff. She doesnt care if I call her at midnight because at 6 am the next morning I really need her to come over and get the kids off to school. She wants me to do that if I need her...and quite frankly, Id be stuck if I didnt have her to help out with this...she is awesome.

Monday Mutterings...

2010-11-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a nutty weekend. Saturday was A's football game, where lots of cheating from the other side commenced. Seriously, your are NOT allowed to rush and certainly are not allowed to tackle in 2nd grade flag football. For real....

Ok, then we had to rush home and set up for A's eighth birthday party (8!!! Already!). Can I just say, that Im surprised Im not locked in a room somewhere, babbling to my self? Now I understand what my husband meant when he said, "are you sure?" when I said I wanted to throw a party for A. It was mayhem. Of course hubby had to slip out to pick up L from an all day scouting event. He wasnt gone ten minutes when I called him and asked him what was taking sooo long. Lol....I flew through the activities because I was afraid of them getting bored...and they didnt really seem interested in anything but running through the house tackling and pushing each other. We had a "donut on a string" eating contest, that was HILARIOUS. I was going to post video of that, but Im using kids' real names in it, and so, I dont want to do that considering most of them arent mine.

My lovely mom was there to help me out and at one point we went downstairs to check on the dogs, as we had barricaded them safely away from the craziness of all those little boys. On our way back upstairs we heard THIS:

J: Hey, A..if your bleeding really bad, you should do this first.....

Yeah, so not what you want to hear as your entering a room of 7-11 year olds. Luckily it was just talk and no one was actually bleeding.

I did cupcakes instead of a cake, and this was more convenient for the boys to engage in a game of "pin the cupcake on A's head". A ended up with a couple of cupcakes on his head and on his face, which he thought was hysterical.

Oh, and no way did I EVER at any point in the party put a shot of vanilla vodka in my cup of punch. Nope, not me.

The next day was Sunday, and of course Halloween. I was taking a shower in the morning, and through the door I hear this:

A: Mom, L keeps...garble, garble, garble, garble....
Me: Tell him I said to stop...

Now, I have NO idea what L was doing really, because I couldnt hear because of the running shower. What ever it was, he must have stopped though. Raise your hand if youve ever answered a child in this fashion (without hearing the whole story) because you were guessing what was going on, and because the tone of voice didnt seem to indicate emergency? I bet Im not alone......

Last night, whilst trick or treating we saw a neighbors house had about three police cars in front of it, and the police were up at the front door. Of course, things like this do not go unnoticed to 8 year old boys. Ever. He proceeded to announce in a very loud voice:

Oooh, who's getting arrested?

OY. I wish I had been wearing a mask.

Busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest....

2010-10-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

...thats me. Ugh. Whats ridiculous is that I do it to myself. But, I feel that if I dont, then Im not being a good mom. My kids are INVOLVED in stuff. With three of them, that means Im very busy. I dont know how to slow it down either, without them suffering. However, maybe they wont be suffering? I dunno. How much is too much. Im convinced that kids that are involved stay out of trouble, especially as those teenage years creep in. I think a lot of my problem when I was a teen is that I wasnt really involved. I played soccer for a little while, but my parents were not involved in it with me, so I actually lost interest eventually and so started keeping busy with "other things" and thats all I will say about that. So, they are involved and so am I.

Dont get me wrong, I wasnt horrible, for example I didnt have a drug problem and never got arrested...but still, I did do some things I really dont want my kids doing. Things that had I been more INVOLVED, I probably would not have done.

Currently, on Tuesdays the boys have scouts, on Thursdays is football practice and Saturday is football games. Sundays is church and Mondays will be S's 4H nights with our dog Rocky. When football is done, it will be basketball time, and then the Holidays, and then in Spring, there is Baseball season....again. Round and Round it goes..where it stops...who the heck knows. I guess it doesnt. I guess this is parenting. Oh, and sometime soon S is going to be doing either dance or piano lessons, maybe both. I dont know where she fits in best.....either does she yet. But I do know that I dont want her to miss out on anything, on anything that she might be good at.

There were things I really wanted to do as a kid, that I could have done, if the time was taken to get me involved in it. And now I feel like Ill never know what I could have done with that chance, what I may or may not have become. I do not want to be responsible for that when it comes to my kids...so I guess I'll just be busy......

Halloween Tunes

2010-10-21T15:37:00.001-07:00

Hey...I got my Halloween tunes up. If there are any suggestions to add to this, I would love to hear them. I think its pretty groovy as it is, but Id love to add some new stuff to it!

Blog Filler #4,398

2010-10-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

I got this from Sweet Pea. I love finding stuff like this, so thank you Sweet Pea.

1) What is your dream occupation ? My dream occupation would be a Zoologist or Marine Biologist. Or no job at all, just very wealthy and be able to spend my time volunteering for various causes.

2) What is the best dish that you can cook? Deserts mostly. I make a good tiramusu, pumpkin pie, and cobbler. Other than that, cheesey chicken chowder, chicken enchiladas, pasta dishes.

3) Have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper? What for? Yes, the paper did a thing on the food bank in town. I was working for Americorps at the time and this is one of the jobs that I did for them...filling bags up with food for families who would come to the food bank. They took a picture of me filling a bag. I think thats all.

4) What’s the worst and/or most memorable job you’ve ever had? Worst job would probably have to be one of the fast food jobs I worked as a teenager. My most memorable one is my years in law enforcement for obvious reasons.

5) When you were a teenager, at what age did you envision yourself getting married? How old were you in reality when you got married? I dont think I really envisioned getting married...I had other stuff to do, I guess, or so I thought. I ended up getting married when I was 22.

6) What’s your most hated household chore? What’s your favorite? I LOATHE doing laundry. It never ends, and socks frustrate me to no end. I like to wipe down and disinfect things like the kitchen counters and mop the floors, dust and clean the windows. I guess because its deep cleaning and I know the end result will make me extremely happy.

7) What’s your earliest memory? I dont remember.....no, um probably my birthday party when I was three. It was a Halloween costume party, I was Peter Pan ( I had a thing about Peter Pan), and that is when my friend Robert gave me my Henry dog, stuffed dog, that went EVERYWHERE with me...even when I joined the Army. Yep, its true.

Either that or my first death experience. My best friend Christopher (when I was like three) and his mom were hit by a truck while crossing at a crosswalk; both were killed. I remember another little kid came into my front yard, where I was playing and showed me the newspaper article about it even though I couldnt read, and she told me what happened. I didnt understand what she meant, so I asked my mom, who had already heard the news and was trying to find the best way to tell me.

Monday Mumblings....warning...potentially disturbing material.

2010-10-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

...Im a bit disturbed today. Yesterday there was that news story about the guy that took his old sick dog into the vet, to have her put down. The vet did the deed and the owner returned home and laid the body of his beloved pet aside until he figured out what he wanted to do (bury, cremate, whatever). The next day he went to take care of this unpleasant business to find the dog wide awake. YEAH.....is that horrible or what..like he said what if he had buried her already or worse (if there is worse).

Man, I dont know what to say about this. I have to wonder how many times this has happened and WHY it happened. This kind of kept me up last night....its almost better to do it "the old fashioned way" than have to wonder if some overpaid moron is doing things the right way. Ugh.

Sorry, I probably should have not brought that up. I think I would have been upset if I read that on a blog, because its one of those things that I really would rather not know. Oh well...if I have to suffer, so do you.

OK, next subject:

My ten year old daughter got a little creeped out the other day, and I dont blame her. I was a little creeped out myself, but I couldnt help laughing.

We were outside of a popular store chain selling popcorn for A's cubscout den and it was time for the other cubscout to arrive and take over for his shift. He, whom we have never met before, showed up and headed right for S. Do not collect one hundred dollars, do not pass go. He walked up to her and said:

Him: Didnt I see you at McDonalds earlier?
Her: Um..no.
Him: Oh. Want to come to my house?
Her: (complete silence).

He walked away at her silence and she walked around to my ear and said:

OK, that was creepy.

I agreed with her, but to add to her horror I was laughing. I guess that is a 10 year old pick up line. Ugh...Im soooo not ready for her to be a teenager.

This is True, I Swear.....

2010-10-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

....I'm flabbergasted. Someone in my office just asked me how to spell something. It was an acronym...and while that's not so strange, what is strange is they were looking in the DICTIONARY. They KNOW its an acronym....AND what makes it even more strange is the fact that its an acronym that is made up by the agency I work for. Yeah.......

Hopes and Dreams for the Future Day 30 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ok...just in case it doesnt happen in the next 365 days (as posted above), winning the lottery would be really nice. Other than that, I want my family to be happy and healthy in every way. I want my children to grow up being healthy, confident, and productive citizens. I want to have a good retirement after spending years in my soon to be new career in which I had helped many people. I want to maintain contact with friends that mean and have meant a whole lot to me. I want to live a physically healthy lifestyle that I am able to maintain. I want to write a book.

I want to travel far and wide. I want to travel with some good friends and see cool stuff together. I want to go back to Edinburgh, where I h ave roots and take my brother and maybe my mother with me. I want to visit Sweden where I also have roots, with my brother and mother.

I want to contribute significantly to the problem of pet overpopulation, pet homelessness, pet abuse, and abandonment. I want to see things get better there.

Thats all...nothing much:)

Hopes and Dreams for the next 365 Days-Day 29 Blog Challenge

2010-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

First and foremost in this would be stuff involving my kids. I hope and dream that they would continue to feel secure where they are at. I hope that my daughter will learn to shut her mouth when she shouldn't be talking and think about the things she says BEFORE she says them. I hope that A continues to improve on the lying thing (and I don't mean become a BETTER liar, but not do it at all!), I wish L would stop putting things in his mouth...he's 11 not 1.

I wish and hope that my husband and I would learn to become really physically healthy people by changing our habits, eat less and exercise more. I hope that our family, to include extended be very healthy and happy for the next year at least.

I wish Rocky the Monster Puppy would stop trying to eat everything and that the three other dogs would forget how to bark at the wind and everything else outside.

I wish and hope that I can figure out what it is I want to be when I grow up, so when I start on my Masters in six months, I'll have a clearer direction.

I wish and hope that I become stronger in my faith and a more spiritual person; doing what I'm supposed to do and not do those things that I'm not supposed to do and that my relationship with the Lord grow more.

I wish that this internship I am starting will turn into an awesome job of some sort...I guess that's more of a dream.

As long as I'm speaking of dreaming....winning the lottery would be really nice.

Playing Catch Up with the Dropped Ball

2010-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I have dropped the proverbial ball on the blog challenge. But hey, I made it 21 days! It was finals for school though, and then a much deserved mini vacay, so I didnt have time really. BUT...Im making it up. Right here, right now.

Day 22- A Website: Ok here is the website, that consumes some of my down time, which until now, hasnt been a whole lot. Webslueths is where I go to indulge in my hobby of delving into missing person cases and unsolved murders. And no, Im not revealing my screenname there. So there.

Day 23- This is where I really drop the ball. I havent been a real you tuber, because I just dont have time for one more habit....so I dont have a video to share. Theres one where the rednecks try out a bullet proof vest on one of their redneck friends...they actually SHOOT this guy in the chest to see if the vest works. Yeah.....but I couldnt get it to download on this computer, so you are just going to have to take my word for it.

Day 24- Where I live. If I told you that Im afraid I would have to kill you. No, I live in what is considered High Desert, there are a lot of real "cowboys and indians" here. A huge world famous rodeo takes place nearby every year. We have a huge mexican population, which I happen to like because I love their food and we have some fantastic Mexican restaraunts here. Besides Ive spent quite a bit of time over the years in their country and I have a respect for them. There are antelope, coyotes, curlews, cougars, and ground owls to just name a few of the wildlife that is here. Oh, and part of the gorge of the huge river that flows houses big curly horned Big Horned Sheep. There are tons of rednecks here too, that amuse me quite a bit...and no, I am not one of them. I wasnt born and raised her, I landed her about seven years ago. The town is small, the school is small and good, and I kind of like it here. Although I have to drive about 40 miinutes to go shopping anywhere except W@lm@rt.. ...which I try to avoid like the plague.

Day 25-My Day in Great Detail- Ok since this was supposed to be done of Saturday, I'll think about that day and talk about it. This will be fun because I was smack dab in the middle of a mini vacay. The hub and I woke up in our hotel room at about eight O clock in the big city we were in and went downstairs to the lobby for their "continental breakfast" which didnt have much of anything. I did grab a yoghurt and coffee of course. We went back up to the room and showered, packed and went downstairs with our bags. The valet retrieved our car and we were on our way. We were still hungry so we swung by Mickey D's and got a bfast sandwhich. We drove or I should say the hub drove, a couple of hours to the coast. We got to the coastal town and called the friends we were meeting. They were a little bit away still, so we drove around and looked at all the houses and people, and found the hotel we were going to be in. We had to use the bathroom (hey, it said great detail), and after that we went and looked out the balcony of the lobby. When we were done with that we turned around and saw our friends coming through the lobby door. We gave hugs and said hi. We were all hungry for lunch so after we checked in we went downtown for lunch. They recommended a pizza place. I was going to have a slice of pepporoni pizza, as was my husband, but they only had one left. My hubby was going to eat the pineapple, ham, and jalenpeno combination of the day, instead, but I know how much he loves pepporoni, so I ate the pineapple, ham, and jalepeno pizza. We also had a salad with our pizzas and I had an ice tea, unsweetened. We ate and visited with our good friends which we hadnt seen in a couple of years.

After that we all went to a huge antique store. My friend and I ended up cracking up over a very bizare and slightly disgusting childrens' book, which of course, I had to buy. She bought a huge old poster size add for Del Monte canned corn. It was just a picture of a huge can of corn that boasted:
"Family Size in Liquid". It cracked us up too...especially walking around town with that under her arm. We went to another antique mall and she found a camera sold in the 1939 NY world's fair (she collects things from that), and I bought a square Walt Disney drinking glass (I have a collection at home). We walked around and did more shopping...until our feet started to hurt and we were thirsty. Three of us walked to the room, stashed our treasures and walked back to the restaurant where my hub was holding a table. We had a drink and an appetizer and chatted some more.

After this, we went to the actual ocean and looked at it for a while and visited. I think this is when we went into the huge candy shop where the hub and I spent $61.00. Yeah, a bit ridiculous, but we bought fudge and chocolate covered twinkies to share and a bunch of salt water taffty for the kids and freinds at home. We went back to the hotel, lounged around, talked and listened to Pink Floyd. When it was dinner time, we went to a seafood restaraunt, where I had chicken alfredo (Im very picky about what sea food I will eat), which was VERY good. After dinner we went back to the hotel and more talking and laughing ensued. We talked about all kinds of things that I dont dare mention here, most of it was reminiscing about or wild teenage/early adult year antics, which my friend and I were involved in together. So...you can just imagine. We were very interesting to say the least. Then at about mid night or so, we went to sleep (it was a suite, so each couple had their own rooms).

Day 26-Week in Great Detail: Im pretty much skipping this one, this post is long enough. Pretty much my week consisted of pulling my hair out trying to finish my last week of school, selling popcorn for cubscouts, getting ready for the mini vacay, and getting the kids ready to stay with a friend and with grandma while we were gone.

Day 27-Worst Habit: I guess, its caring what people think. I dont know why I do....most of them suck anyway. Oh and messing with my head and hair, drives the hub crazy. My head doesnt itch or anything, its just a habit...keeps my hands busy I guess.

Day 28-Whats in My Handbag: Hey this is today...cool, so Im caught up: Im thrilled too that I cleaned my handbag out when we got back from the coast. That could have been slightly embarrasing. Instead, it will probably be sllightley boring. Ok...here it is:

My wallet (red in color);a bottle of Midol (survival item); Feminie Hygeine products (sorry if there are any dudes reading, but thats reality); sunglasses (black); Chap-Ex lip balm-Tahitian Tangerine; a petsm@rt pet perks card key chain thing; tube of lipstick "Amethyst Shimmer" color; nail clippers; lotion-Rosehips and Lavender (from the hotel)-smells really good; my hairbrush; my phone; sticky notes; Tums; a pen; a Luna lemon zest "hole nutrions bar for women" that my friend gave me incase we were out and about and didnt want to stop shopping to eat but felt a tad hungry; and a couple of loose gummy bears rattling around in the bottom of my bag, which I am now throwing away.

A Recipe-Day 21-Blog Challenge

2010-09-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Im choosing the following recipe because its one that I just got and I think its wonderful and pretty easy (if you dont think that letting bread rise for a million hours is hard, I mean you can DO other things while its rising).

A co worker gave this to me and she swore by it. I decided to try it because I love homemade bread (without a bread machine, thank you). I love the way the dough feels, I love the way it smells when its cooking, and I love the way it tastes when you pop it your mouth all warm with butter slathered on it. Thats good stuff. It really was easy, and it really was good. My hubby, who isnt as thrilled about bread as I am (he likes it sure, but he's not a freak about it like I am) even ooohed and aahed and couldnt quit eating it. Kids liked it too, but they are bread lovers as well.

Anyway its called NO KNEAD DUTCH OVEN BREAD

1/4 tsp active dry yeast
11/2 cups warm water
3 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting. You may use white, whole wheat, or a combination of the two (which is what I did).
11/2 tsp salt
Cornmenal or wheat bran for dusting

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the flour and salt, stirring until blended. The dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at least 8 hours preferably 12 to 18 at room temperature...about 70 degrees.

The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it. Sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Using just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking to the work surface or to your fingers, gently shape it into a ball. Generously coat a clean dish towel with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal (I used corn meal). Put the seam side of the dough down on the towel and dust with more flour, bran, or cornmeal. Cover with another towel and let rise for about 1 to 2 hours. When its ready the dough will have doubled in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

At least 20 minutes before the dough is ready, heat oven to 475 degrees. Put a 6-8 quart heavy covered pot such as cast iron (this is what I used), enamel, pryrex or ceramic, in the oven as it heats. When the dough is ready, carefully remove the pot from oven, and lift off the lid. Slide your hand under the towel and turn the dough over into the pot, seam side up. The dough will lose tis shape a bit in the process, but thats OK. Give the pan a firm shake or two to help distribute the dough evenly, but dont worry if its not perfect; it will straighten out as it bakes.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until the loaf is beautifully browned. Remove the bread from the dutch oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Yeild: One 1 1/2 pound loaf.
Adapted from the New York Times

So, my friend throws in a handful of sunflower seed (shelled already, of course) into the dough. I was going to do this but I forgot to get the seeds. Im doing it next time though. The only problem with this recipe is its gone very soon after its done....it is so good.

A Hobby of Mine...Day 20 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think most of my hobbies have been discussed on here before. I like put things into my face...I like to read....I like to cook, particularly to bake. I like to swim and do all manners of water type things. I like dogs. I like to scrapbook, I like TV and movies. You know...all the usual stuff

One hobbie, however that I dont really discuss much of at all here and is really kind of personal to me is my fondness for missing people and unsolved murder cases. Particularly, I am a psychology freak. I love trying to figure people out that do hideous things, in particular. Yeah, Im a bit strange. I will admit that much. I watch a lot of Nancy Grace (or used to before she started focusing so much on spoiled celebraties), and a lot of Investigation Discovery. I like to read true crime books. I can keep my self awake at night trying to figure out where Haleigh Cummings or Kyron Horman are. What Casey Anthony is exactly...stuff like that. The Jon Benet Ramsey case, as well as the Jacob Wetterling, Gabriel Johnson, and Trenton Duckett cases all bug the crap out of me. Same with missing adult cases.....those are really strange. Do people really just take off more than we think they do? Where do they all go? Is the sex slave industry so huge and protected by influencial (read Government or owners of corprate monsters, if you wish....) people that they just are allowed to exist? Scary thought. These people have to be somewhere. And someone KNOWS what happened to them. We truly do walk amongst monsters......

I can and do sometimes spend days on the computer researching and reading about various cases. I am a websluether and am a member of that website (blog entry coming soon). Sometimes it consumes me too much, which is why I keep it kind of private, well....until now that is. The kitty is out of the proverbial bag, I guess. Meow.

But really...WHERE are they and what HAPPENED to them and WHO is involved?

Haleigh Cummings

Kyron Horman

Jacob Wetterling

Gabriel Johnson

Trenton Duckett

A Talent of Mine-Day 19 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

My talent is that I have no talent. There.

No? Ok....umm mumm mummm (the sound of me thinking)

How does one know when one is talented? When they can do something most people can't, or when they can do something better than average? Im going with the latter on this.

Apparantly I write a pretty good paper for school. I tend to get As on most of them. Does that take talent, or does it just mean Im sick somehow? I dunno. Im a great swimmer. I can do a mean butterfly stroke. My husband tells me I do it very well.

I can make a mean Tiramusu and great chicken enchiladas

I can draw better than average. I havent done so in a very long time though.

Im usually good with dogs, especially when they are dogs that are of one of the people pleasing breeds. It just so happens that mine are not. Mine are of one of the few "I could care less what you want" breeds.

Im great at sleeping, drinking coffee, and eating chocolate, and.....

being stupid and silly, and wasting huge amounts of time. At those things, I am the champion of the world.

My Wedding-Day 18 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ok so I get to brag here. Not about my wedding per se, because that in itself was pretty uneventful, extremely simple, and quick, but what happened during the weekend we got married. This is one of those times that I wish I wouldn't keep forgetting to buy a scanner, because pictures would be nice in this case, and it was before digital cameras were really that common. I certainly didnt have one.

Anyway, T and I got married in Reno. It is not the first marriage for either of us. Reno is where both his children were born, and he is a gifted gambler and loves to do it, and I had never been there, so we went.
We were supposed to stay in a room at the El Dorado. We got there and they didnt have our room. T is also gifted at getting people to compensate for something they screwed up on; pretty much because he wont just say "oh thats OK" like Im apt to do, because I can be a push over sometimes.

Anyway, they didnt have any other regular rooms left so the clerk just sighed and said that she really wasnt supposed to this but.....

and handed him a key (well...card actually). On the way to the elevator he turned to me and said:

"Im thinking we just scored big time....if its how I remember..." and we proceded to the top floor.

We got to out of the elevator and there was no where to go but through some double doors that we had to use our card on. It led us down a hall way and to our room. Our room with double doors. We opened it and I almost fainted. The clerk had given us a corner penthouse suit on the top floor. It was huge and one whole wall was a window looking over Reno and the hills. It had a TWO huge big screen tv mounted on the wall, a full kitchen and marble top bar. The bar was in front of the big window so you could sit on the stools and look out while having a drink. It had a full living room, a huge dining room and up two steps was a platform with a big hot tub...right in front of the window, so you could soak and enjoy the view. On the other side of the hot tub area, was steps leading down to a small area with a tv and DVD player and another couch. Through those doors was a huge bedroom with another TV and entertainment system and off the bedroom was a glass and marble shower, the biggest shower I have ever seen, and then the huge vanity/sink area. Off that through another door was the toilet. There was also a small bathroom off the dining room area.

I know that my description doesnt do it justice...lets put it this way....they only let VIPs (like celebrities) stay in that penthouse usually...and here we were. We kept expecting them to come up at any minute and kick us out. But they didnt. They even delivered the paper to our door every morning and supplied us with thick heavy plush robes.

(You can see the words "El Dorado" in pink at the top...our room was the top row inthe right hand corner...that black space was the window I was referring to. )

We played a little trick on my brother when he got to the hotel. We met him in the lobby and after securing his luggage in his room we invited him up to our room for a drink. He was impressed and a bit skeptical so we had to tell him what happened, because there is no way we could have afforded a room like that. He had brought us In and Out Burger (The.best.burgers.ever.) from Los Angeles where he lives, so we sat at our marble bar, ate and oohed and aahed out the window.

The next day we got married at one of those little chapels by some lady. It was really quick and informal, but a lot of fun. My brother even threw rice or something at us. T showed us around the city and we did some sightseeing in the surrounding areas like the old mining town of Virginia City, and also took us around Tahoe. We hung out at the El Dorado and other casinos watching dualing piano players and also went to another piano bar where we exhausted the piano man with our requests. We had a blast.

T and I were in the hot tub in our room one night, with the curtains open staring out at all the pretty lights, when a helicopter flew by, hovering almost level (or so it seemed) with our room, shining its bright light in at us. That was interesting....I hope the pilot enjoyed his view.

We got married in February, which is also when the West Minster Kennel Club Dog Show is on, and since it is my version of the superbowl, I watched it on both TVs in the living room area. For the life of me, I cant remember which breed won that year....and Im too lazy to look it up at the moment.

Anyway that was our wedding or the events surrounding our wedding. Now whenever we go somewhere I am secretly hoping that they screw up or room reservations.

An art piece...Day 17- Blogging Challenge-and a little message....

2010-09-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorites:

Edward Munch's The Scream. I have always liked the picture. Probably because it is how I feel sometimes...especially in the morning, or when Im dealing with GICOE. I had a coffee cup with this on it and I used it every morning. Until I broke it on accident, then I really felt that. It reminds me a little of Van Gogh's style; I thought this was Van Gogh before I learned different. I like Van Gogh...crazy guy who cuts off his ear. Thats fun, isnt it? No?

So, I was going to do this post on an old print we have hanging up in the house. Hub and I were on one of our antiquing road trips in New Hampshire and we found this old print in a very old but hand made frame. We thought the picture was interesting and it was old, so we bought it. We removed the dilapitated old frame (with no glass of course) and found that the news paper backing it was from 1898. Sweet...We got it reframed in a gorgeous custom frame and that is where it has been. I have tried and tried to find out who the artist is and what year the print was from exactly, but I havent been able to find it on the internet anywhere. Its a black and white print of a lady laying on her side inside a cave and she is reading a huge book, and lying next to her is a skull with a rose near it. Sound familiar to anyone? I wanted to post a picture of it here, but I ran out of time to take a picture of it and post it. Maybe I'll work on that soon and someone can finally put a name and an artist to the print. So for now The Scream is going to have to do.

I am taking off this afternoon for the mountain where we are having a women's retreat for church. Its a fun relaxing, and spiritual time where there is no computer service (or phone service-I think) so for the next two blogging challenge day 18 and 19 I will have to do when I get back. Take care!

A Song That Makes Me Cry-Day 16 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

I have a couple that make me cry. Most of them are songs we sing in church though. One song that isnt a church song that makes me cry is "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas. When my beloved cat Spock died, me and hubby were both pretty sad. Hubby buried him in the front yard flower bed, while I lay crying in bed. When he was done he came in and sat on the bed next to me and we talked about the evil, but entirely lovable little bastard. Then we went downstairs to our family room (this was pre kids, so it was a little bar area that we entertained in-then it turned into a playroom) and hubby put a record on (yes, an actual record, we are collectors) and said:

This is for Naughterbee (one of many ridiculous nicknames we had for him). ...

and he proceeded to play "Dust in the Wind" and I started sobbing all over again. SO everytime I hear that song it makes me sad and I think of that day. So...moral of the story is if you have a song that you like, dont play it in rememberance of someone or something you love, because it will forever make you sad when you hear it.

Another song that can make me cry, but doesnt always is "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor. And when I hear "Your'e All I Need" by Motely Crue, I dont cry exactly but I feel really sad...its actually a very twisted song, but sad in its own wierd way, and the melody is beautiful haunting and sad at the same time.

In church when we sing "Refiner's Fire" I cry....and the old hym "How Great Thou Art"..gets me everytime. I will want that one played at my own funereal , I have long decided. But hopefully that wont happen for a very long time.....

RIP buddy.

(not actually him, but looks identical to him)

Dream House-Day 15 Blog Challenge

2010-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

OK this was fun. First off, I love old houses....southern plantation, Victorian, Gothic,Gothic -Victorian, doesn't much matter I love old houses with tons of character and perhaps a little history too. So my dream house would be a big ol' house of some sort...probably Gothic, or Gothic-Victorian....like these:

I would do the inside in a combination of Gothic and modern. I would want some of the Gothic architecture to come through, but I wouldn't want it necessarily to have that cold feeling to it that some Gothic interiors can have. I found some pictures on the net here that kind of capture what I would want in my dream home. Here is a Gothic kitchen that has been restored to reflect a more modern feel:

I would want a big ol' Gothic claw foot tub in my bathroom too...I mean a big one. It would have to have a shower in it too though for my family and friends who despise baths and insist on showers (can you believe people who don't like baths? -Hi J!!). Lots of little shelves and nooks to set candles in is a must have for a bathroom in my dream house...oh and a fish tank built into the wall would be nice. I got this picture here.

And I came across this bedroom that I would feel like I was in heaven in.....not real Gothic as it is, but a mix of this with some of the original Gothic architecture would be really nice...I don't think I would ever leave the bedroom.....

My dream house definitely includes a pool...and this would be perfect if it opened out onto a big balcony. Overlooking the ocean of course...on top of a cliff, with a nice safe path down to the water.....doesn't that sound nice. Of course the kids rooms would all be big enough, with great views as well. Perhaps with a giant video game wall in a playroom. Oh, and a library...what Gothic dream house would be complete without a library? Not mine. I would also have a dog room that opens up into the back garden with their own little safe fenced in area. A nice place for them to be in or out while we are gone. So, when can I move in?

A Non Fictional Book- Day 14 Blog Challenge

2010-09-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

When I did the post on favorite books, many of my favorites are memoir type books. Most of the time that is what I perfer to read. I just got done reading the "Heroin Diaries" by Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx. Its non fiction and is taken directly from his diary during 1987-1988. The year I graduated high school (1987).

I love this book and it has earned itself a place on my favorites shelf, and gets five stars (out of five). Its shockingly honest, as a diary would be. Its amazing that he didnt cut anything out, because good heavens there is just some things that fall into "TMI" in it. It is as real as it gets. I knew rock stars lived a certain way, but honestly, even having that knowledge already, I was shocked by some of the things Sixx puts out there by publishing his diary.

I feel that anyone thinking about dabbling with drugs may change their mind after reading this book. I also feel that someone struggling with addiction may gain some insight as well, as Sixx touches on most of the excuses and feelings that are present when faced with the option of seeking help.

It takes a look into Sixx's childhood and the pain he feels from events in his childhood is as raw as it comes as he expresses it in his diary. From now on when I read a memoir I will wonder how much more the author would be telling us if it were coming straight from a personal diary.

Occasionally Sixx lies to himself when he writes in his diary, but that is usually about drugs and it is plain to see that his addiction is penning certain entries.

It also has writings in there, following some of the entries, from the perspectives of people who were around Sixx at the time, and how they viewed his state at the time. Sixx himself also offers asides and clarifications on some of his writings as well, elaborating on some of the stuff that the diary does not make clear to an outsider.

Truly, fascinating stuff.

A Fictional Book-Day 13 Blog Challenge (Didnt we do this already?)

2010-09-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I will write about the current book I am reading. Im reading Menonite in a Little Black Dress.

So far, so good.

Do you know what the difference between Amish and Menonite is? Most Amish, the "old order" completely seperate themselves from the way others, like me, known as "the English" live. No phones, television, computers, cars, electric appliances, higher education etc. Menonites can have all that stuff if they want, except "old order Menonites". But, like the Amish, they are Anabaptists and tend to live rurally, with lots of kids and lots of animals, and are conservative, like the Amish in the way they dress. Both groups are extremely passive and do not care for ritual in their worship and the church services are very simple without a lot of flash, ritual, and religious icon. The menonites are heavy into volunteer work and mission work, where as the Amish perfer to keep to themselves. Basically Menonites are "Amish-lite".

I have a confession to make....I kind of sort of envy those people. The Amish especially. I mean its a lot of hard work, but its also a simpler life. I have always felt a little jealous of their family life and all the time they get to spend together because they arent involved in the rat race; they work together. All those delicious recipes-making everything from scratch. I would love to have the time to do that everyday. I would love to be totally self sufficient by growing and raising our own food. We are a two income family and have become accustomed to certain things. If it were just me, well then....I could make the change. My hubby doesnt feel that way though. He raised pigs before for a while and he's not ever going back there again. Farming just wasnt his thing, I guess.

Im not thrilled about the clothing the women wear, because when its hot outside, I live in shorts or short skirts, capris and flip flops, or no shoes at all. I guess they just dont do that kind of thing. That part would suck. It would be nice though to not have to worry about what you wear because everyone is wearing the same thing. No striving to make sure your kids are in style, because it just doesnt matter in that community. There is an immense amount of freedom that comes from just that, I think. You could focus on the more important things in life; your family relationships, friendships nutrition, and spirituality. Really....what is more important than that? Nothing that I can think of. But when your are in this rat race the culture you are immersed in makes other things (like the latest movies, music, styles, fads, technology) important to keep up with. Imagine the freedom if nothing like that ever mattered. Wow.

I went to a menonites place once. They were selling a pop up trailer, and we were looking for one. They lived way out in a beautiful little spot...lots of kids running around, lots of animals running around, so peaceful really. But...I wasnt born into that culture and I guess its too hard for people to throw themselves into it; I have heard that it doesnt last for them when they try. Ill just have to be content with being an outsider, of being on the outside looking in through the pages of a book.

Something I am OCD about-Day 12 Blog Challenge

2010-09-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a hard one...I dont know even WANT to TALK about it. Those commercials for the ASPCA about animal abuse. I cant STAND those. I know they are necessary in some way, but I cant stand to watch or hear them. I feel like my head and my heart will explode....if one starts I have to either cover my ears and bury my head in the couch so I cant see it. Or leave the room. AND I have to quickly do something else to get my mind off what I KNOW was just on the TV. I have to pace or listen to loud music or read...something else to get rid of it. I cant sit and watch tv or I will think about it.

Wierd? Yeah, I know.....honestly seeing those commercials makes me panic.

Oh and food in the refridgerator that may or may not be expired. If it is one day past the expiration date, I will have to throw it out and this makes my hub mad. He says they can go a little beyond....I say they cant. Yuck. Ive learned to live with that one though. ...the animal one? I cant get past that....I have nightmares and terrible haunting thoughts about the stories I have heard or seen on tv in the past. They play over and over in my head and I hate it.....ok...now I have to go do something else..for real.

A Photo of Me Recently-Day 11 Blog Challenge

2010-09-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the challenge didnt specify that it had to be a good picture or even a clear picture of me. Just a picture that was taken recenty. Aaaand it didnt say HOW recent, right? Ok then. Get off my back. This photo is about two years old. The hub and I were going to Cabo for a surprise birthday of a friend of ours. Our friend had no idea that any of his friends were planning on going to Mexico with him and his wife. In fact, before he got to the airport he had no idea he was going to Mexico...just that he was going somewhere as a surprise. His wife had packed for him, so he truly had no idea. Anyway, so we between his wife and us we discovered that we were going to be on the same plane AND in the same row. We wanted to keep the surprise for as long as possible, so we decided (the hub and I) to wear disguises. Not that they would draw attention to us or anything. We just thought it would be funny, you know if he did notice us. Well he noticed us on the plane, not who we were but that there were a couple of freaks sitting across the isle from them. It was hard not laugh, and finally as he was looking at us, we took off the disguises. And indeed he was surprised. We laughed so hard all the way to Mexico.....

A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago of Me-Day 10 Blog Challenge

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Me, year one.......

Heh, heh, look at the bottoms of my shoes...you can tell I had been walking for some time before my first birthday (at 9 months), ....my poor mother.

OK...I Screwed Up...So Sue Me Already....

2010-09-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have screwed the blogging challenge up. I posted two on one day, which means Im a day ahead. Crud. So the one I posted today was supposed to be posted tommorrow....so tommorrow I wont post a blogging challenge item. I may post some other drivel though, if I happen to come up with anything.

A Photo I Took-Day 9 Blog Challenge

2010-09-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Im kind of proud of this picture that I took. I had taken a hundred shots of this church from the other side of it. From the side that you can see from downtown Puerto Vallarta and they were just ok...nothing special. Then we went to see Liz Taylor's and Richard Burton's house on this street. After the tour we decided to walk further down the street to unchartered territory for us, and low and behold, we could see THIS side of the church, framed by all the lovely flowers instead of a mob of vendors and people walking around. I was quite pleased...still am.

Photo that Makes me Sad-Day 8 Blog Challenge

2010-09-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Random thoughts about Ratts in the shower

2010-09-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have like the most random things pop in your head in the shower? I did today, only I guess it wasnt that random because it was triggered by something I was reading, but the memory was pretty random and something I havent thought about in like forever.....

This morning I was reading a couple of pages from Nikki Sixx's "Heroin Diaries" and he mentioned Robbin Crosby from the band Ratt and his freindship with him and how he died from AIDS contracted from dirty needles. I was thinking about this as I showered because I remember hearing of Robbin's death and assumed the AIDS was from his promiscuous rock star lifestyle. It never crossed my mind it was from dirty needles.

Anyway as I was thinking about him and Ratt, I remembered the one time I went for a younger man. I was in 10th grade and he was in the 9th, lol. He was a huge Ratt fan, and I really loved hanging out with this kid...we just connected. He was also going to my youth group at the time (a very short time) and we just really hit it off. We ended up going on a "date" although our parents didnt see it that way, Im sure.

We went to see Poltergiest 2 (I think-it may have been the first one, it was one of the two though). I remember eating a candy bar and going into the bathroom and throwing up for some reason. I remember his mom picking us up at the movies and dropping me off at my house.

I also remember that a week or so later, he broke my heart. He didnt want to "go out" anymore, he just wanted to be friends. He never really gave me an answer as to why. Now I strongly suspect his mom had something to do with it. And I can't say I blame her...I wouldnt want L "going out" with someone like me when he is ninth grade either! Im sure his mom thought he was a lot purer than he really was though. Thats the way it usually works.

Anyway, I had not thought about that in a long time. For as hurt as I was, it sure didnt matter to much as I grew up. Teenage angst sure sucks at the time, but eventually it fades away. Getting teenagers to understand that though is like pulling teeth. So I wanted to write this memory down somewhere so I can reflect back upon it when L is a teen (in a year and a half!) so I can remember how some of these things felt.

So now that Ive wasted a minute of your life you will never get back......can you remember a time of teenage angst that you thought you'd never get over, but did?

A Photo that Makes Me Happy-Day 7 Blog Challenge

2010-09-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Some might look at this picture and wonder why it makes me happy. Its just a picture of a house with a sign on it and some balloons, right? So it appears....

However, the reason why this picture makes me happy is deeper than what you see when you look at it. This is a picture of our house on the very day that we brought our kids home forever. Our most wonderful and awesome adoption worker did this before we got home, and it was a very nice surprise.

My whole life I wanted kids....and finally, a dream came true. Finally. This picture is a picture of my dream coming true and what it looked like as I approached it. When the five of us walked through those doors we were home, together, as a family....forever.

Hello? Anybody out there?

2010-09-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

It seems like the blog challenge and my answers have scared people away...its been a long time since I have had 0 comments for this many post in a row.....where did everyone go? Bueller? Bueller?

5 A.M. ramblings of a mad woman...

2010-09-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

...Its 5 A.M. on a Holiday and Im up. I must be out of my mind. I have a big paper to write for class today, so I figured I would try to make something "easy" for dinner. HA....its not easy if it requires getting up at the crack. Its crock pot baked beans, and after the beans had cooked for eight hours, I had to get up and mix the sauce stuff in it so it can cook another 10 hours. So, Im up. Dexter, my wire haired wiener is growling at nothing. He is protecting his chewie....even though NONE of the other dogs are around and even remotely interested in what he has...I guess it makes him feel better. Its making me grumpy though....I wish he would stop.

Okay in the middle of writing this, I discovered that one wiener (Carmen-the wiener princess) had not come in after I let them out to go potty. So, it had been about 15 minutes, and I was worried. I went out looking for her in the backyard (which isnt exactly small), in my robe and armed with a flashlight. Just about at the point I was going to panic, go get dressed and search the neighborhood frantically, I looked up and saw her looking out the sliding glass door at me. She was IN the house. Not sure how that happened, but I am losing it. Im sure my neighbors think Im nuts.

Analyze this: I had a dream last night that I got my tongue pierced. It was pierced with a big yellow tongue ring (barbell actually-is it scary that I know that term?) and it was flavored. It taste like lemon. So even though my tongue hurt a little it tasted good. I was trying to go around talking with this thing and hiding it from my parents and people at work.

I think Ill go raid the candy jar and see if there is a piece of lemon hard candy in there. Then Im going back to bed.......Next up today...next segment of the Blog Challenge. Later....

Twenty of My Favorite Things-Day 6 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

In absolutely no particular order what-so-ever....

1) My Family
2)Puppies (and dogs in general)
3)The wind
4)Thunder and Lightning Storms
5) The sound of rain against my windows and roof'
6) The smell of a wood fire
7)Sunsets
8)The ocean
9)Fall
10) Coffee
11) A good book
12) A hot bath
13) Laughing until I cry
14) Rock n Roll
15)Back massages
16) Spending time with great friends
17) Sleeping In
18) Dreaming
19) Getting lost in a good TV show or movie
20) Traveling

Favorite Quote (s) -Day 5 Blogging Challenge

2010-09-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Ok my favorite quotes come from a dude who walked the earth a very long time ago......

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets"- Jesus

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."-Jesus

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"-Jesus

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye-Jesus

And.....this one, by Stephen King that just tickles me.....

People want to know why I do this, why I write such gross stuff. I like to tell them I have the heart of a small boy....in a jar on my desk.

Favorite Book (s).....Day 4 Blog Challenge

2010-09-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

This question wasnt too hard, although I love many books. I just went to my shelfari and shazam!....my favorites are all listed there, so there wasnt any thought required, and these days I am all about not thinking (wait...that doesnt sound right).

I have a pretty eclectic taste in books (just like music, I guess). I dont read Westerns or those Romance novels. I'll give pretty much anything else a chance though. My favorite things to read are memoirs. Ok here is my list:

First of all...The Bible. There is no other book that I depend on and try to live my life by (though I fail constantly) than the Bible. That being said....here are the rest....

I Know This Much is True-Wally Lamb.
This is a very long book. Its huge, but well worth it. It is about the life of twin boys growing up in the 50's and 60's, with a loving mother but a step father who is rather hard to live with. It follows the twins through their lives as they come to grips with one of them being diagnosed with schizophrenia and the healthy twin's struggle to come to grips with it as well as with his own demons, his stepfather, his girlfriend, ex wife, and loss of an infant, as he vows to take care of his brother for the rest of his life.

Undone-Wally Lamb
Another Wally Lamb book that I absolutely adore. Its about a girl who encounters a horrific event in her young life and how it destroys her until she finally ":comes undone" and fights her way back to something that resembles normal. Funny and at times heartbreaking.

The secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4-Sue Townsend
A must read for those who love British humor and coming of age stories, although this coming of age is quite different. Laugh my butt off every time I read it.

The Catcher in the Rye-JD Salinger
Despite this being the book that supposedly (in his warped mind) encouraged Mark David Chapman to asassinate John Lennon after he asked the Beatle frontman to sign it, I love this book. A coming of age book about a boy who temporarily loses his mind. Wanna know something stupid? I found a hard cover of this book, an early edition, in a second hand shop and some wise guy had written in the inside of the cover: "To Mark, enjoy the book, Love John". Im serious. Jerk. Maybe they were going to try and sell it as THE book that Lennon signed before he was shot. Im sure that one is in an evidence bag in NYC.

The Glass Castle-Jeanette Walls
The memoir of a girl who grew up with mentally ill parents and the life that she and her siblings had to live with them. Running from the law and social services, living in extreme poverty and enduring abuse of all kinds until they were old enough to work and save money to get all three kids, one by one out of their situation. A story of survival for sure. Beautifully written.

Blackbird-Jennifer Lauck
Another great memoir. A tragic tale of a young girl's life. The stuff that this young girl endures is incredible. Even more incredible that she was able to heal from it. There is a sequel to this book too. I read it because I had to know what happened in the rest of this girl's life.

Prince of Tides-Pat Conroy
I love Pat Conroy's stories. You may have seen the movie of the same title. Dont judge this book by the movie though. The book is full of rich goodness, and I love the way Pat Conroy writes about the south. I can taste the food, hear the bugs, feel the heat, and smell the watere the way he describes it. The book is about a man's quest to find answers to his sister's illness, and remembers many things about growing up in his family along the way.

Bag of Bones-Stephen King
My second favorite horror writer, but one of my favorite all time authors. This book is a haunting love story. At once frightening and a heartbreaking. Ive read many King books, and this one is by far my favorite.

Running with Scissors-Augusten Burroughs
I really enjoy Burroughs' books, and so far this one is my favorite. Again, dont judge a book by its movie. Supposedly a true story, a very weird childhood indeed. Somehow he manages to make it funny at the same time. I love the way he describes his mother in particular and how he felt as a young boy. Its hard to believe there are people in the world like the one's he ended up being sent to live with; its hard to believe they could continue on with what they do for so long before someone stops them.

Raising Demons-Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson is my favorite horror writer. However, this book is not one of her horror books. It is the tale of raising her children and it is hysterical. Its hard to describe the horror stories of Shirley Jackson, but her stories of raising her children are funny and very entertaining. She is one of my heros and was what I had in mind when blogging about my kids.

Life Among the Savages-Shirley Jackson
Another non horror book from my favorite Horror writer. The same deal as Raising Demons, just different funny stories about her life as a mother in Vermont, where she always felt like an outsider.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle-Shirley Jackson
Hey whatta ya know? Its an actual horror story by my favorite horror author. Stephen King references Shirley Jackson and her stories in several of his own works. One of his books was dedicated to the memory of Jackson; it read; For Shirley Jackson who never had to shout. Dont ask me which one of his books, because I dont remember. I do know exaclty what he means though. Her writing is so subtle, the horror is so quiet and barely there..so subtle its scary. She is best known for "the Lottery" an extremely creepy and disturbing story made into an even creepier and more disturbing short film in the seventies, and "The Haunting". I first read "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" in the ninth grade. My friend had read it and passed it on to me. To this day we both love the book. I cant really do it justice by telling you what its about, because whats so great is the surprise of what exactly has gone on in the big house. It full of subtle creepiness, mystery,madness, strange people and strange relationships. Good old fashion nightmare fuel, as my friend Ryan would say.

Favorite TV Show....Day 3 Blog Challenge

2010-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

So, all these "favorites". Dont the people who make this stuff up know how hard it is to pick ONE. Sometimes Im not very good at following rules so....Im doing an "old and new" thing...because honestly comparing some older shows with shows they have today are like comparing apples and oranges.

My old favortie tv show is WKRP in Cincinatti. Do you remember that one? It was a show about a rock n roll radio station staffed by more than a few wierdos. There was Lester Nessman, the station news guy, who could never pronounce any famous person's name right, and who is always screwing other things up too. . There was Jennifer, (the receptionist) who was played by Lonnie Anderson, who was a sweet character and who all men drooled after. There was Bailey, the smart bookish girl, who was the accountant and some time news on scene news reporter. There was the advertising account executive.....an absolute sleezeball, named Herb, who donned the most hideous suits, and spent his days being sneaky and drooling over Jennifer. There was "the big guy", Mr. Carlson, the stations general manager and son of the stations owner who was terrified of "mommy". In one of the most famous episodes, Mr. Carlson heads up a promotional stunt to drop live domestic turkeys (which dont fly) from a helicopter around Thanksgiving and proclaims "As God as my witness, I thought Turkeys could fly" as the whole city is terrorized by the turkeys falling to their deaths all around them. Then the program manager, Andy Travis, who was kind of cute, and a pretty "normal" guy who always seemed to want to the right thing, but was fought constantly by members of the staff. Venus Flytrap, was the nightime soul DJ. A real smooth cool character, extremely likeable, and last but not least...my favorite...Dr. Johnny Fever. The daytime Rock n Roll DJ. I loved this guy. He acted stoned 60% of the time, but boy did he love rock n roll, and had a "could care less" attitude about anything else...when I was 14 or 15 years old, this was pretty cool.

I used to plop down and watch this in our family livingroom and just howl with laughter at the ridiculousness of some of these "adults". Johnny said the coolest things too, and to top it off, he had various pictures of my heros Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in both his DJ booth and his apartment. The show is kind of hard to explain, but it cracked me up.

In one episode they recreated the night when eleven people were trampled to death at a Who concert (another band I love) in Cincinatti and it was definitely they most somber episode of the whole series...not much laughing going on there. They dedicated the episode to those who had lost their lives that night.

Its been a very long time since I have seen the shows reruns anywhere, and I do have one season of it on VHS. I guess its time I look for it on DVD, I could use a good laugh like that sometimes.

Two other shows I consider my favorites are much more recent. I am a huge Sopranos fan. So is my husband. We are constantly bouncing lines from the series around at each other and cracking up. We have the entire series on DVD and have had many a Soprono marathon...when the kids arent around, of course.

A newer favorite of mine (and my husband's) is Dexter. I guess we really love it because we named our wirehaired dachshund "Dexter". Dexter is the serial killer that you love, despite yourself. He only kills people who have preyed on the innocent, which brings about inner conflict because how can you completely dislike that? When an episode is over and you look at each other with your mouths hanging open in disbelief...you know its good. It is. I love this series...to death (I crack myself up).

Watch a trailer from WKRP below (but dont forget to pause my pesky play list).

Favorite Movie...Day 2 Blog Challenge

2010-09-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Naming a favorite movie is kind of like naming a favorite song, its hard to do, but not impossible I guess. I love a lot of movies, and its hard to name just one movie, but when asked what my favorite movie is I do have a standard answer, because I do love this movie, and I suppose it is my favorite.

Its Terms of Endearment. I saw this movie as a teen and have loved it ever since. I have many parts memorized, and I love to watch it...although its been a while. I am a huge Jack Nicholson fan, I love his acting and his acting in this is no exception. It is quite star studded with Shirley MacLain, Jeff Daniels, Danny Devito, Johnathan Lithgow, and Debra Winger in it. This movie makes me laugh and sure as heck makes me cry. It hits pretty close to home, but thats a story for a different day-otherwise I might ruin it just IN CASE there is someone out there that hasnt seen it. If you havent seen it, and want to....be warned. You will probably cry your eyes out. There are many lines from this movie that I use in my life today....and one I have used on this blog more than once.

Id rather stick needles in my eyes....

See? A movie that has a line like that in there has got to be good.

Watch the trailer (but dont forget to pause my playlist first:)):

30 Day Blogging Challenge...Day 1

2010-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE SONG:

Ok..does anyone really have a favorite song of all time? Is that even possible? I mean, I find a song that I love, and I listen to it a lot...and then for a while its not my favorite anymore because Ive heard it so much I dont want to hear it for a while right? I want to hear something else? Is it just me?

So, my favorite song changes continuously. I love music, and sure I have favorites...plural. But way too many to list. Sooo....I'll talk about what Im listening to currently.

As far as newer stuff goes...I have been checking out Belle and Sebastian...I think I like them. Not all that new, I know..but new for me. But not yet a favorite...

I have been listening to a lot of Bruce Springsteen lately. It brings back a lot of good memories for me, which is what a lot of my favorite music does, and is why I like it. My current favorite Springsteen songs.....that would have to be Thunder Road, The River, Born to Run, and Badlands. Yeah, the good old Bruce. Point Blank is good too.

Back in the 80's when he came out with Born in the USA and was touring, my friend M and I were listening to him a lot. Mostly the old stuff, but the new stuff too. Her brother was a big fan, and I had a HUGE crush on him....so I HAD to listen to it, right? Her brother was quite a bit older and probably just saw me as the stupid little girl I was, but whatever. It was fun anyway. I remember going downtown on the day that they were selling Springsteen tickets. She and I had this favorite new and used record store we used to go into all the time. We could get four records for a dollar. They knew us by name there, and that is where I spent all my allowance; on tons of records. They sold shirts and stuff there too, and one day we bought Springsteen shirts and on the day the tickets went on sale, we wore our "Boss" shirts. Of course, the best part about it (for me) was that her brother was there in line, waiting to by tickets. So, of course we had to bother him a little.

I havent listened to Springsteen in a while, and now Im re discovering it, and enjoying the memories.

So what are you all listening to? Old and new?

30 Day Blogging Challenge....

2010-09-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ok. this sounds like fun, and Lord knows I can use something to blog about on some days. I got this from Rain. The following is the list of what to blog about. Ill still blog my usual stuff too...if there is anything say.

Day 1-Favorite Song
Day 2- Favorite Movie
Day 3-Favorite TV show
Day 4-Favorite Book
Day 5-Favorite Quote
Day 6-20 of your Favorite Things'
Day 7-A photo that makes you happy
Day 8-A photo that makes you angry or sad
Day 9-A photo you took
Day 10-A Photo taken over ten years ago of you
Day 11-A photo of you recently
Day 12-Something you are OCD about
Day 13-A fictional book
Day 14-A non fictional book
Day 15-Your dream house
Day 16-A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17-An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18-Your wedding
Day 19-A talent of yours
Day 20-A hobby of yours
Day 21-A recipe
Day 22-A Website
Day 23-A youtube video
Day 24-Where you live
Day 25-Your day in great detail
Day 26-Your week in great detail
Day 27-Your worst habit
Day 28-Whats in your handbag/purse
Day 29-Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30-A dream for the future

Wow...some of these I prolly honestly wont get around to doing, because well....I dont want to. So there. No, I will try my best. I think....

School is in Session

2010-08-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school. I took the morning off. I tried to walk L to the bus stop, but I could see his silent protest, so I only walked him to the edge of the driveway. He's a big middle-schooler now. I threatened to ride the bus with him too, just to be mean. I did walk the other to school and stayed with them until class started. Saw where they were sitting and who they were next to.

I have a great feelling about A's teacher this year; no more being ignored about my child this year, hopefully. This one seems like she is experienced and has a clue, which is helpful. S's teacher seems great too, but then again I didnt have the year with her last year that I did with A and his "teacher".

L's first day of middle school went well and he said it "wasnt as bad" as he thought it would be. He was very chatty and happy when he came in. S and A were happy when they came home too. A informed me that he "didnt even get a yellow or orange card, just a green". I was happy to find out that green meant he was good. Apparently there is a red card and a brown card and those mean a call home and a trip to the principal's office. I dont need any of THOSE, thank you very much.

Domestic Dingbat?

2010-08-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night I made homemade veggie./beef stew. The same kind, mind you, that I HATED as a kid. Well, I like it now. As a friend pointed out to me: Im grown up now. My kids didnt hate it though, and thats cool, because it really was good and pretty friggin' easy too. I also made apple crisp...with help from S. Apples were from our backyard, which always makes it better, IMO.

While I was channeling Betty Crocker, I had removed the garbage can lid so the boys could take the garbage out..and in the process, I misplaced it. The garbage can lid. Yeah, I did. It took us TWO days to find it. We were joking that one of the dogs took it outside and buried it. I was really freakin' out about where the lid went and while I was at the office doing some extra work, my husband found it. Where? Where does one lose a garbage can lid inside of a house?

In the pantry. Yep. We have a huge drawer thing that slides out from the pantry and somehow the garbage can lid was put in there, and the drawer pushed closed. Yeah, its a big drawer. Yeah, its gross and yes..I had to scrub the drawer and contents down. Ick. But hey...with THIS around, is it any wonder I get destracted:

The Fair

2010-08-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

We had a relaxing weekend, our last weekend before the start of the school year. Went through closets removed clothes that no longer fit the kids. On Friday we went to the fair in the next county over, and on Saturday the kids played hard with friends.

The kids had a blast in these "hamster balls"..best money spent at the fair, in my opinion....

......and in theirs.

A thought this ride would be a good idea...they had to stop it to let him off...he was not liking it.at.all

My Kids Crack Me Up

2010-08-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Overheard the other day while A (7) and S (10) were arguing about the way something had taken place:

A: S, you dont know what you are talking about, you have short term memory loss.

Lyrics to a song S wrote the other day:

So just tell me what is the matter? Why are you acting so strange?
So if your not going to tell me
then I will ask everyone in the school
See if they have any answers

I will ask your coach
See if he answers

If I find out you told them not to give me an answer
Your DEAD MEAT...DEAD MEAT.

How I will punish you is when you talk to me I will ignore you
If its something important, I might listen to you.

Hmm...Angry White Chick music in the making? I think so. Look out Pink......

Im so exited.....

2010-08-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

...and I just can't hide it. Im about to lose control and I think I like it.

Ha. What song is that? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

I like days like this. When Im in an really good mood, and I dont even know why. Maybe its because Monster Puppy let me sleep in a little bit today. I'll bet thats it....

Why am I excited? Well...lets see. A new season is almost here (I love the anticipation of a new seasson..and fall is my favorite), school is starting Monday for the squids, and I like all things school for some reason. I love to see them learning and getting involved in things. Football season for A is almost here (and probably L too, but more on that later), and he is so stinking cute when he plays football...and he's good! At the end of September I will be DONE with school...for now. I will be getting my Bachelor's which I NEVER thought I would do (I HATED school growing up).

I just realized that the end of school for me coincides with spending time on the coast (ADULT ONLY TIME) with my husband and two of our best friends. It also the weekend of J's birthday (who is one of the friends we will be with), so between that and my end of school...there will be much celebrating. Perfect. I love a celebration.

Im also putting together a little "canning" class at my house. One of my co workers cans and me and another co worker have always wanted to know how, so she is going to give us a class at my house...we will make it a fun silly day too. Perhaps involving a little vino. Good thing they are both dog lovers, or I wouldnt be able to host it....due to my plethora of canines; 3/4 of which are pretty ill behaved (read spoiled).

Lets see, what else....Oh the 4th season of Dexter is out on DVD and I snagged it the other day...and I am on Disc three now...and LOVING it. One of the best.shows.ever. So, hopefully this weekend the hub and I can finish watching it.

Oh and GICOEs not here AGAIN today. That always makes for a good mood. However, he is having pretty serious health issues. Im not really happy about that because he IS someones husband, and father.....and I dont wish those kinds of problems on anyone. So, Im conflicted......

I have asked my hubby for an IPOD for a graduation present. What kind should I get? I need suggestions....Its bad enough that I dont have one yet....its overdue, I know...but there are different types...and I need some advice from you people.

So, I have a lot to be happy about I guess. What kinds of things are you looking forward to this fall season?

Should I be admitting this?

2010-08-23T13:54:00.001-07:00

Know what one of new found fun things to do is? Watch some silly stuff on the Disney channel. Yeah...I have spent a lot of time avoiding those kinds of programs without really giving them a chance. My kids watched a lot of Discovery type stuff...ie Shark Week, or stuff like American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, Dog Whisperer, Underdog to Wonderdog..stuff like that. Well, because its stuff I kinda like too and safe for the kids. '

The other day a fellow mom was talking up the cartoon Phineas and Ferb...and it got me interested....I watched it and I LAUGHED...I really did. So we watched the next show....The Suite Life on Deck..and I LAUGHED (I still cant believe it, but I did)...then came Good Luck Charlie...and I REALLY LAUGHED. My kids laughed with me. I even think our animals were laughing...well except maybe the cat (she was too busy plotting evil). Please tell me Im not alone in this. Please tell me more moms out there like these shows as much as I did. Please? Even if you have to lie a little bit......

A simple sentence and an update

2010-08-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

While the kids were swimming yesterday and I was reading..I actually came across a sentence in my book that made me put the book down and I havent picked it up yet again...and Im almost done! Im sure I will finish the book, its a really good book, its just that I have to let the little visual clear my head first.

It was describing hurricane Hugo in Pat Conroy's "South of Broad" and it was describing what the characters were seeing as they stared out the window. It said:

"A dachshund went flying by the window screaming".

Yeah, so if it had simply said a dachshund went flying by...it might have been somewhat funny as I can picture my wieners flying by with their floppy ears flared out like Dumbo. The "screaming" part indicates terror or pain and well.....I just cant handle the thought of my little wiener dogs experiencing either. Never in my life has one sentence had that affect on me. But then again Im pretty sure I have issues anyway....

The start of the school year happens in one week. L will be going to middle school...and Im not sure I am ready for this. I have heard that they will be combining the grades in some classes too. Math for instance, will contain students based on level and not on grade...so L, who is an A+ student in that area, may be in classes with 7th or 8th graders. Socially, I dont believe that is a good idea. But who am I? Just his mom.....not a thing I can do about it either, I guess. On the bright side the school is having a bbq tomorrow for new sixth graders and their parents which I think is a good idea for all the questions there are about the big world of middle school. He is really nervous too poor kid. I was terrified on my first day of high school.

GICOE is out sick today....and Im thrilled. Its like a day off when that happens. No bellowing sea lion noises barreling down the hallway today. No stupid questions, no micro managing, no printing out things for him that he has access to himself, not to mention that he HAS a printer in his office. I guess he cant figure out where to hit "print". Seriously. The other day he said to an employee in his gruff, assholish way..."seems like you have a problem with something". Forgetting that a week and half ago the poor man lost his son to suicide....yeah. And when he was reminded of this he said: "Well, I'll apologize to him, but there comes a time when you just have to get back to normal". Yeah, as if a week in a half is sufficient enough time to resume "normal" after something like that. Im pretty sure the poor man's "normal" is altered forever....what an insensitive, soulless POS.

Hopefully REAL soon, Ill be leaving this position and moving to a different position, which would be awesome..but I'll miss blogging about him. He provides so much material. He's known agency wide, so Im sure Ill still have some stories though.

Im trying to lose some weight. I hate food...because I love it so much. Why cant I be genetically blessed with a body that has a super high metabolism? Is that really too much to ask? Thats all I have to say about that...Im not going to blog about weight loss though...I'll just let you all know when and IF Im successful when its all said and done.

I would love to blog daily....however, Im not sure I can accomplish that. Tomorrow I start my last class before I get my Bachelors...and sometimes I get sick of being around the computer when Im eyebrow deep in schoolwork, but I'll do my best. I hope you all are well...

summertime blues and shark week....

2010-08-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Im here....kind of. Im sorry I have been soooo absent on everyone's blogs. I guess I needed another break from blogs...I have been on FB a lot more though. Going through stages, I guess. I guess I am just lucky in that my kids have adjusted so well, so there isnt a whole lot to talk about right now. There are relatively few issues; something that will probably change once school starts (it always seems to).

This summer has not been a great one. Because of work schedules and GICOE's bright (NOT) ideas, there is a lot we did not have time for. We went on our annual family camping trip, so that was nice. We have been having a good time watching Shark Week on the tube. However, Im finding myself having to convince A that it really is ok to swim in the ocean in most places and that these attacks on tv are very rare (which means I had to define "rare"). Maybe shark week wasnt the brightest of parental moves?

Im on a small hiatus from school, which feels really nice. Im scheduled to start again in a couple of weeks. It will be my last class before I get my degree. Then Im taking another break...a looong one before I trudge on. It would be really nice if I could figure out what I wanted to be when I grow up; I still kind of dont know. Instead of going home and doing homework, I get to come home and play video games with the kids for a bit. I am addicted to "Animal Crossing". I only wish that making $100,000.00 only took a week like it does on that game. How nice would that be?

Anyway, I guess Ive felt kind of comfortable lately. Which doesnt give me much blog material since Im tired of bitching about work. I did make some homemade lemonade and cherry limeade the other day I guess I could have blogged about that.......Im off to check on you followers with blogs!

Open Letter to Nancy Grace

2010-07-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Nancy,

I used to be addicted to your show. I couldn't get enough of it. You covered the stories of missing children and adults to get their faces out there so they could be brought home. Well...since you lately feel like spoiled celebrities, who should be thankful for what they have and aren't are more important, I guess I wont be watching very much. Why are you concentrating on these people who are either abusing other people, cheating on their spouses, or killing themselves slowly? There are plenty of stories of people who are missing and their loved ones who are caught in a nightmare, that you are ignoring so Lindsey "I'm a spoiled, suicidal superstar" Lohan can get her face on television yet again. I just read a bunch of comments on your facebook from your fans who feel the same way. We don't care! If I did, I would be watching some drivel like those entertainment news shows...and I'm not because I don't care. Do you really need to be reminded that little Kyron Horman is still out there somewhere? So is Lindsey Baum...and Jacob Wetterling...and what about little Hayleigh Cummings? Those are only the well known ones. There are many more that are missing but many dont knows about because your too busy with the likes of Mel Gibson and Lindsey Lohan. What about Caylee Anthony? Her so called "mother" and so called "grandmother" and so called "uncle" were at court the other day for a hearing related to her murder, but Lindsey Lohan is more important than the pursuit of justice for little Caylee. Keep it up Nancy Grace producers...you will lose MANY of your viewers.

Sincerely,
Sick and tired of Lindsey, Mel and Tiger.

PS
What if someone out there would recognize little Avery Blakeley if you were to feature him on your show? What if he could come home safe? Isn't that more important than whether or not Lindsey goes to jail? I think so.

Pardon Our Appearance....(geek talk...please feel free to ignore)

2010-07-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

So, Im trying to change my picture at top and Im running into problems; problems I have never had before blogger started messing with stuff. For those of you who are far geekier than I; how come whenever I want to put my picture "behind blog title and description", does my picture come out huge and cut off half of who is in it? When I choose the "place description below image" option, its fine. Except I WANT my title and desc. ON the picture...dammit. What am I doing wrong?

Also....I made a super cool blog header picture using clip art and microsoft publisher and spent the last 4 hours trying to convert it into a jpg file to upload load it to blogger as my header picture....I cant figure it out. I feel like it should be easy...but maybe thats for people who are a lot smarter than me.

I would appreciate any geeky comments and advice, thanks.

2010-07-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

I got this little time/blog filler from Rain at Its Always Raining

1) If you could live in any country but the USA, where would you live?
I think Scotland. I was there once and loved it and my lineage is partly Scotish. On the other land, I love, love, love Mexico..you know the beautiful beachy parts like Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areaa. Of course I would want to have lots of money and live in a big house on the beach, or even in the jungle NEAR the beach...with my own security etc. Yeah, Im dreaming....

2) Why did you title your blog "From 0 to 3 in 90 days"?
Because its supposed to be about how my husband and I went from 0 kids in the house to three kids in the house.

3) How many "in real life" people know about your blog?
My mom and dad know it exists, but they dont read it..dont know how to find it or something. My brother knows, he reads it. My best friends know about it (but they dont live in my community, so its not like they can tell anyone else). My grown up stepchildren know about it, as does brother and sister in laws, and some neices and nephews. I dont think ANYONE in my community knows though. Which is good.

5) What kind of clothes do you wear?
It really depends what is happening. Around the house, I look like a slob. sweats, workout pants (not that there is any working out that gets done), cut offs, shorts and t-shirts. Other times I could be found wearing anything from capris, or shorts nice tops, with sandals or flip flops, jeans and t shirts, and boots or sneakers, I like to wear skirts too, and during the summer when going out somewhere like dinner or something I like to wear summer type dresses with sandals.

6) What are you having for dinner tonight?
I had a paper due tonight, so it was left over meatloaf and mashed potatoes with some grapes for desert.

7) Where do you "blog" at?
When Im doing it at home, Im usually sitting in the living room, in the corner of the couch, with the foot rest up, and one terrier and two weiner dogs beside me, and one weiner dog on the back of the couch behind me.

8) Do you like to cook?
Unfortunately I do. I dont have time to do a lot of it though. So it doesnt happen very often. I like to cook for hubby and my kids, but I dont really cook for company very much. If we have company over we either go out, or we will just grill on the bbq (thats hubbys area). I love to bake and at Christmas I bake a lot of stuff and pass it around to friends and family.

9) What's your beverage of choice at night?
At night after dinner sometime, I drink herbal tea, or water, and once in a while a glass of wine, but usually tea.

10) What would you most like to know about your fellow bloggers who read this?
What are your favorite books?

Hes Coming Home

2010-07-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

...L has been gone for a whole week...again. First he went away on a boyscout camping trip (supposed to be a SPELUNKING trip, but cancelled the cave part due to recent earthquakes there), which was just a weekend, then he went to church camp for a week (with about two weeks in between the two) then 1.5 weeks later, he was off to a week long boyscout camp. The kid has been gone longer than he has been home this summer. But he is having a blast...making up for lost time. No longer does he have to sit around a foster home all summer doing nothing while kids his age are playing sports, swimming, etc. He is definitely making up for lost time..he has learned so much..how to ride a bike, how to swim, how to play baseball, how to play football, and a lot of other stuff to in the almost three years he has been with us. Not patting ourselves on the back at all; the credit goes to him, instead of giving up and feeling like he would never catch up with other boys, he went for it and is doing awesome at just about everything he tries.

Im sure he had a great time at the camp. Hub was a boyscout and says it is something L will remember for the rest of his life. That makes me happy. Everyone deserves those types of childhood summertime memories. We sure did miss him around here though.

Well, gotta round up my other kids, so we can go pick him up!

Oh by the way, will someone PLEASE tell me how to post pics now that blogger has screwed with stuff? I cant find an image option. Please?

What the heck is going on?

2010-07-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Im just going to change my blog name to "The Bitching Blogger" because it seems that is what I do. Sorry. Hopefully you can at least laugh at my discomfort in society.

What is wrong with people these days>? Its like they are sleeping, are stupid, and have no consideration for anyone else.

Yesterday I went out to lunch with a co worker, like we do every other Wednesday. We went to S@bway, and I decided to have a salsd instead, in an effort to lose some weight. I tell one girl what kind of meat I want on it, and she sticks it in the warmer and slides my bowl to the girl working the veggies. Im standing there, waiting for her to put LETTUCE in the bowl..and she is just looking at me. Finally she says "what would you like in your salad?" Ok, figuring she wants to know what ELSE I want in my salad I start naming veggies. She shakes her head and says:

"I have to put lettuce or something in it first, so...?"

Im standing there listening to crickets chirp. Im not sure what the heck she wants.

"Ummm...ok...lettuce." Then she puts the lettuce in a bowl. What the...? Is it really necessary to have to say that I want LETTUCE in my SALAD? Apparently it is. What really got to me is she was acting like I was the stupid one. Yeah. I mean, yes, there is spinach, but most people want lettuce unless otherwise specified, right? Sheesh.

Ok fast foward to several hours later. My family decides they want to eat out, which is fine with me after working all day. We go to SH@ri's. BIG mistake. We have had problems with them in the past and have recently felt forgiving towards them and things appeared to be better. Nope. Not really. We sat down and ten minutes later they ask us about drinks. No, they are NOT busy....and now I know why. We wait 15 more minutes and our order hasnt been taken. The waitress has walked by us about 20 times....I lose all control when I witness a man waltz up to the counter and say he wanted some pies to go....and the same waitress who ignored us, starts getting them for him. I said quite loudly: YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

The hub is fed up too and I usher the kids outside, and he goes to pay for the drinks. Aside from feigning shock that no one took our order yet, they said nothing....no compensation, no apology...NOTHING. So, that is the absolute last time we go there. S said it perfectly when she exclaimed in the parkinglot on our way to the car:

THEY ACT LIKE WE ARE INVISIBLE.

Exactly. Why? Are people this stupid? Have all the video games, tv, etc turned brains and human compassion and consideration to mush? Im afraid it has.

Yes, there is more. I called the salon I go to (when my most awesome talented s daughter Robin isnt in town to do my hair) for a hair and waxing appointment. I have to wait 10 minutes for them to even be able to see where the openings are because the girl at the desk shut the computer off, and it takes a really long time to come back up. At least they apologized up and down. And you know what? That goes a long way with me...at least thats something.

HEY....what happened to the "add image" feature on Blogger? Now THEYRE messing with me!!!!

WARNING: Big whiney post.

2010-07-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

ok....I just typed this big huge rant out and now its gone, which is just as well I guess. In a nutshell, GICOE, who is my hubby's boss too is screwing him over. My hubs hasnt had his regular days off in months and he is mentally and physically exhausted. He is a supervixor and the supervisor beneath him got another job a few months ago. He was the only one on my hubs shift who could fill in for him. Supervisors at his level used to be able to appoint a temporary to fill in in case this happens, just until promotions could be made, but GICOE has changed the rules. All of a sudden. The kiss ass supervisor on another shift was in the same boat a few months ago and he was able to appoint someone right away, but then again his nose is really brown, and thats the way GICOE likes them. My hub will pretty much tell GICOE when hes stupid or full of it. Anyway if my husband wants a day off he has to ask one of his equals on another shift to work for him, which a couple of them are willing (because they think this all pretty unfair) but its a lot to ask, AND why should he have to ask? No one else has to beg for a day off, so why should he?

Im pissed. GICOE is blaming the people above him for the promotion not being made yet, but pretty much everyone says that b.s. My hub cant ask the big wigs either because while there is an open door policy, one of them is on leave for two weeks, and the really big guy is in meetings every single day until noon, and my hubs is dead by noon as he works nights. Besides, he has kids at home.

So because the man is mentally and physically exhauseted, he is not easy to live with. Nothing is getting done at home either. Our sprinkler system is busted, so I have to water by the other type of sprinklers, which dont cover the whole yard, and so grass is dying. It also means our backyard is still dirt, because no water means no grass can be planted. Also, our pool is not open. Its July, and in the hundreds and our pool is still closed because doesnt have time to open it. My kids are sad about this, because they want the pool open, and frankly so do I.

When I came to work this morning to learn there was still no light at the end of the tunnel, I went into my office, shut the door and had a good cry. I know its not the end of the world that the grass is dead and the pool isnt open...but my husband is so miserable, and I hate to see him like this. Really, its no fun at my house right now and half the time, I just want to run away. Hubs is so stressed out and tired and its taking its toll on everything. And the powers to be, just dont give a shit. For THAT I am angry.

I feel a little guilty whining about not having grass and no pool when some people dont even have jobs, or houses to have grass and pools at. So, I guess I should be thankful....and I am, I just need my husband to stop being hurt like this, and I need my family to be happy. Ok....rant over, not back to our regular scheduled programming.

Oh, by the way. GICOE never showed up in time to cut watermelons the other day, so I did them myself...which is absolutely fine with me. Of course, it means I didnt witness any of his usual behavior and stupid remarks, so I cant blog about it. Im sure he'll do something stupid today. If I could just get myself to open my door long enough to witness it, is a different story.

Dont Laugh....

2010-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

...but tomorrow I have to attend a "mandatory fun" event at work. AND at this event I have to help GICOE slice watermelon. Yeah. Please dont laugh...pray.

Ho Hum...

2010-07-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

...thats how I feel these days about blogging. Just being honest here. I have been busy though, and just dont seem to have a lot to write about. AND Ive lost 2 followers...what is up with that? I'll blog soon, I hope. I havent been reading blogs lately either, and for that I do apologize. I still like you guys, Im just feeling blah....I'll get back into the swing of things shortly, I think.

GICOE is driving me nuts, but nothing really blog worthy, just being his same ol' clueless self.

I had to fire my daycare lady. I think not being available when dropping children off in the morning is a pretty good reason, dont you? So for now my mom is watching them for the few hours in the morning that the two youngest are usually in daycare. They will still be asleep most of that time too.

L has been helpful and caring around the house lately, even more so than usual. Which is nice.

S is patiently waiting for someone to call us back about signing up for girlscouts (or whatever it is they call it for her age), you would think they would return calls right? Wrong.

A is amazing me with what comes out of his mouth. Yesterday we went to see Karate Kid (which was great, by the way) and we left the house in a hurry, so we wouldnt miss the showing and have to go to a later one. I didnt have time to put any makeup on. So, we are sitting in the theatre, the only ones there, had it all to ourselves. A says:

A: You forgot to put on your makeup
Me: Yes, well, I didnt have time
A: Good thing we are the only ones here.

Thanks a million, kid.

The other day a friend of his, we will call him Josh, was coming over to play. He arrived at our door with his parents and brother, who had driven him over. A answered the door, and upon seeing his friends 10 year old brother, (We will call him Anthony) said to Josh and Anthony's mom:

"You can take Anthony home". In other words, he only wanted to play with Josh. I was horrified, as you can imagine.

I promise, Ill read blogs soon, and maybe even blog on a more regular basis. Hopefully, I'll start feeling it soon.

Anya Needs to Come Home

2010-06-25T00:13:00.001-07:00

Please watch this and share this. Anya needs to come home to her sister and a mother who already loves her, but yearns to nurture her. It just doesnt make any sense why the powers to be wont make this happen. I dont get it. Do the right thing already. To visit her blog go here

Uh Oh

2010-06-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today, GICOE was in my office trying to get on my good side or something, and he made the comment:

"I give you and your husband credit...going from 0 to 3 all at once. I couldnt do it".

For real...he said "from 0 to 3". Coincidence, I hope so, I mean he does know we adopted three kids, its just his wording that freaked me out. I really dont want him reading my blog, know what I mean? Not like he could DO anything about it...everything I have written is true. Im sure its coincidence...he doesnt strike me as a blog reading (or reading period) type of guy. And I have told NO ONE at work about my blog. In fact, no one except maybe one person, in our community knows about it. Ok...so thats it. Im done worrying about it..

As far as ABC gum boy..his throat hurts today (as does mine), and so I used that opportunity to point out that its probably the disease he got from chewing someone else's Already Been Chewed gum. But..I seriously hope it isnt related to that, because thats disgusting.

L came back from his non spelunking (just an excuse to type that again) trip yesterday. His scout leader (master? Whatever he is called..the ADULT in charge) said he needed to talk to us...of course no parent likes to hear that. He told us that there was an incident (no parent definitely wants to hear THAT). He said there were some inappropriate name calling going on (Dueche Bag) and that it was overheard by another scout. He talked to L and the other boy involved and L said he didnt say anything. He got the witness again who said he didnt actually know which boy of the two said it, but it definitely came from that tent. Then the other boy admitted that L didnt say anything, it was just him. Phew....although Im pretty sure that L doesnt even KNOW that word. Anyway, it was nice that OUR father's day was dampered by news that our son was acting inappropriate. Let someone else deal with that one..lol. Dont know if I could have handled ABC gum chewing, puppy diarhea, lying daughter, AND calling other kids "Dueche Bag" all in one weekend.

So I hope everyone had a nice father's day. We did. S and A gave T their fathers day gifts/cards. We went out to lunch and took my father and mother and had a good time. L had already given his gift to T, but missed the lunch due to still being on the trip Once again everyone is back at home for one more week...then L and S are off to thier summer camp. I want to go to summer camp!!! For a whole week......nah, I think Id end up being bored, too much goes on at my house.

ABC Gum, Upset Puppy Tummys and Summer Camp Blues

2010-06-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like anymore my posts are nothing but hodgepodge of whinery or cute things the kids say or do. I used to be more organized and more rounded...maybe someday Ill get back to posting some of the other posts again. Someday, perhaps when my ship comes in.

My kids, well two of them, are giving me fits. The oldest one is at a camp out with boyscouts (the spelunking was cancelled. damn it.), the little boy just came back from three days at camp, and S will be going to camp, and L will be going again too, in about a week.

My first experience with sending the little boy away? Not good. First of all the little punk didnt even say goodbye when we dropped him off. I know he was excited about it, and from what Ive been told, I acted the same way when dropped off at summer camp. But still....couldnt he have mustered a weak little "bye mommy" maybe with some watery eyes? For me? Sheesh....This is what really gets me...when he came HOME he cried. Yeah, he did. He said he missed his counselor? WTH? Hes known the guy all of three days. I dont get it. I know I shouldnt take it personally, older adopted children can have some issues about things and what they do often isnt normal. Still, it stings a little bit and Im a little confused about it.

Today, while looking at some clothing at the store, I notice that I hear A chewing gum. It registers that I didnt give him gum...so I ask:

Where did you get the gum?

A: Uh oh. Ummm...I picked it up.
Me: From where?
A: The ground.

ACCCCCKKKKKKKKK

Again, wth? So once again we talked about germs. I took him to the bathroom where he washed his hands and rinsed out his mouth real good (which I know was pointless, but I thought maybe it would help the idea of how GROSS that is sink in). So...I thanked him for not lying, and I didnt return the toy I just bought him because he told the truth (a huge improvement), but he was told he would get no more gum. period. I explained that all he had to do was ask for gum. I told him that Grandmas alway have gum in their purses and he should have asked Grandma for some, since she was with us. Ick...Im just at a loss with what to do about his putting things in his mouth.

Our puppy had an upset tummy. I mean severe diarhea..without any other signs of illness. And yes, he is up to date on all shots. Instead of freaking out I pulled out my trusty first aid for dogs book. It told me to:

Give puppy Pepto (about two tsps for his size)

Suspend all food for about twelve hours

Boil some hamburger and some rice, mix together with a little low fat/low sodium chicken broth (for flavor) and feed in small frequent meals.

If by the third day the stool is normal, slowly introduce puppy food back into diet by incorprating it with the beef/rice mixture...adding more puppy food each time until all the food is puppy food.

If by third day, stool is still runny, take puppy to the vet.
If there are any other syptoms with diarhea such as fever, yellow in whites of the eyes, blood in stool, lethargic puppy, severe loss of appetite and vomiting...disregard "do it yourself" cure and take puppy to the vet.

Know what? It worked. Poopydog is all better and Im so relieved I dont have to pay yet another couple hundred dollars at the vet.

Monday Mumbling....

2010-06-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Im tired today (as I am every Monday) and I had a big 'ol post planned out, and now for the life of me, I cant remember what I was going to say. Oh well....

Little A is a prankster, and I hope this wont get worse as he gets older. Lately he has been pulling fast ones on me at bedtime, and Im just too dense to see them coming I guess.

Ill tuck him in, read a story, talk, whatever, and then I turn his night light on, and turn his overhead off, and close the door. Only my brain is so overloaded, sometimes I forget one of the last three steps.

A few nights ago, as I made my way down the hall away from his room I hear:

"Moooooommm....mommmm...you forgot to turn my night light on!". So, knowing how he doesnt want to be in the dark, I scurry back to his room and throw open the door. His night lights WERE on. I sigh, and he breaks out into hysterical laughter.

Just last night, I am halfway down the hall and I hear:

"Mooooommm....moooommmm...you forgot to turn my big light off". I go back to his room, open the door to a softly night-light lit room. The big light was off. Now, I feel silly...and again hysterical laughter from him. This time though, the laughter goes on until Im all the way up stairs and can hear it no more. Sigh....I really am going to have to watch him.

Oh a nice peice of advice for those who are investing in a new area rug AND who also happen to have a new, as of yet potty trained puppy:

DO NOT GET AN AREA RUG WITH A LOT OF DARK BROWN OR BLACK IN IT. Just trust me on this one. Being able to SEE the poop, is a much better option than not wanting to see stains on your rug. Seriously.

Why I Hate Socks and other late night ramblings...

2010-06-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

I hate socks. HATE them. I used to have a rather tolerant relationship with socks, now I view them as the enemy, on a mission to drive me nuts. It doesnt matter how many I buy for the kids or for the hub, they just disappear....Everyone knows about the great mystery of the disappearing sock in the laundry, but what about when they ALL disappear? Thats whats happening to me. I just BOUGHT socks for the little boy, now he's down to just a few pair, and now I have to buy them again. Seriously? What IS going on?

For a few days I thought our puppy was doing something with them, because I have caught him running through the house with one here or there in his cute wittle mouf, but since Ive been careful, and they are still disappearing. It takes Sooooo long too, to sort them and remember who has what type of sock. Im forever putting the wrong socks in people's drawers, and children are forever criss crossing hallways and going up and down stairs to trade socks because Im incompetant when it comes to that. Im about ready to give up and tell everyone to keep track of their own damn socks.

I feel like crazy dog lady now for sure (shut up those of you who know me..you may already feel that way about me, but I havent until now). Today I took THREE dogs to the vet, and the other day I took 4 to the groomer. Rocky had his little gonads snipped, Carmen had her teeth cleaned and Joey Bug got some shots. Pretty expensive stuff, but its got to be done, know what I mean?

Tonight S finally got it! She can now ride a bike. Her brothers learned last year...and she just couldnt do it. Tonight she was bored and watching A ride around on his bike, so she took L's bike and decided to give it another try. She came running into the house all excited. She keeps walking around saying, "Im so proud of myself", and "I cant beleive I couldnt DO that last year, its so easy!" Good for her.

Tommorrow A is going on his first cubscouts activity. They are having cubmobile races. He's excited, and Im excited for him. I think L is going to stay home...he has massive amounts of mucas flowing from his nose and a nasty cough. He is supposed to go on a (wait for it) SPELUNKING (such a neat word) trip next weekend and I want him well. But really, if you could have seen what came out of that boy's face earlier tonight.....

Boy Scouts, Obama, Dear God and Almond Joy bars.

2010-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

I hate it when I dont know what to title a blog. I end up with something stupid, just so I can hurry and get to the meat of the blog. Know what I mean?

Anyway the Boy Scout thing had me very confused until last night. See, A is in cubscouts, and L is in Boyscouts. They both just started. So, I was all confused about, dens, packs, troops, etc. I kept asking about L's den meeting, and my exasperated hub kept telling me that they dont have dens in boyscouts, thats cubscouts. Then I kept asking about A's troop, and once again my once-a boyscout-always- a- boyscout husband would tell me troops are for boyscouts...or something like that. See? Im probably still screwing up. I give up. Last night L had his first whatever its called meeting. I think its going to be good. He gets to go Spelunking. Know what that is? Its cave exploring...of course, as I was listening, I was picturing the "Goonies". Such an 80's geek. But its a fun word to say, Spelunking. Go ahead try it. You know you want to, just do it.

A gives me quite a giggle when he says our presidents name. The other day he informed me that " A lot of people are losing their houses because of "A rock a bamma". Not sure where, he got that information, but it wasnt me. I just love the way he says the name.

Last night before dinner the kids got a lecture about pulling some stuff they have been talked to about before many times. When we sat down to dinner, A must have still had the lecture in his mind because when asked to say the prayer he said:

"Dear God, please help us kids get our heads out of our a..."

Hub was quicker than me, because he was able to cut him off before he swore at the Lord. So, I finished the prayer and afterward we had a talk about bad words, and what probably isnt appropriate to say in a prayer. It wasnt all that funny last night, but this morning I was sitting at my desk laughing so hard about it, I started to cry. Good stuff.

On the work front, things are as lovely as ever. Yesterday, I was told that GICOE sat in the office of one of my coworkers and raided his candy drawer, I mean really rated it. The eye witness claims that GICOE sat there and downed NINE Almond Joy bars. Nine. The full size ones too, not the little snack size. Unbelievable, but I totally believe it.

Too True Tuesday

2010-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today's Too True Tuesday deal with procrastination (for more TTT go here). I am a procrastinator at most everything, so it is hard for me to pick one thing to talk about. I suppose I am the worse procrastinator about taking care of "business" of any sort. Like any sort of email that I have to answer that isnt related to anything "fun". Oh heck, email period...Im just a procrastinator when it comes to checking it, and Im not sure why. I think its because I get a lot of "businessy" email and bad news. Like emails from my college telling me rates are going up, or sending me a summary of my account for school, or news that my virus protection is almost up, or that my dogs are due for shots. Whatever. Email often brings new of something that I HAVE to do, so I procrastinate on checking it. This has caused me to get more phone calls...calls that say...you were sent email, but you need to ____ (insert boring business, non fun related chore here). Usually the news on what I have to do, or renew, costs money, and its never any fun to get rid of money in non fun related ways. I just dont like to be bored, I guess, and that kind of thing bores me...so Id rather not now. Know what I mean? No? Its just me?...Oh.

I even tried setting up a "fun only" email account, but somehow the other crap found its way into it. So now I have TWO email accounts that I rarely check. So, I have that going for me.

Cluing in the Clueless..or Advocating for Your Older Adopted Child in a World that Doesnt Get it.

2010-06-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ok..this is a rant about a teacher. Im not anti teacher, there are some great ones out there. I am related to a few. However, I call a spade a spade, if you know what I mean.

We have been having a bit of an issue with A's teacher. She claims he has Attention problems and when I go to conferences I have to listen to her complain about him, and even giving us a form for the Connors test, which tests children for ADD or ADHD.

Ok..maybe thats included in her job. However, these behaviors are completely managable at home and also at church, and anywhere else except for school. She would refuse to give him consequences for getting out of his seat, for instance. Refuses. Even when I suggested she might try that. She automatically felt it wasnt his fault. I left the conference shrugging my shoulders, because I KNOW what he can and cannot control. I am his mother after all. I cant tell you how many times I got in trouble for getting out of my seat in first grade. They tried putting me on meds, the teacher suggested it, the doctor told my mom to tell the teacher to stick to what she knows. lol. They tried doing the same thing to a few other people that I know who did not need it.

Im not anti meds, Im really not. But why is it is the FIRST thing some people, people who dont know the WHOLE story, run to?

Case in point: During our meeting with this teacher, counselor, and vice principal, our teacher was bringing up the fact that twice the previous day, A was seen crying. Implying that he has issues. It was hard for me to hold my anger in while she finished her list of "behavioral and attention difficulties" witnessed during that day, in preperation for this meeting, I might ad.

She admitted she didnt know why he was crying. Okay...isnt it her job to find out? Isnt she his teacher? Maybe she needs medicine to "stay on task". Im just sayin'.

I said that I did know why he was crying. He told me that very night. The day in question just happened to be the day the fifth graders, of which his brother L is, were giving their "goodbye" concert to the rest of the grades, as they are moving on to middle school. I explained (again) that they were recently adopted, and that they are very close sibling group, as its been the ONLY constant in their lives. Even that wasnt constant as they were split it briefly on a few occasions. I explained that "goodbye" to A, means something different to him than to other kids. I explained that the chewing on things, and fidgeting with his clothes could very well be insecurity, as they all three do this. The older two STILL have issues with fidgeting and sticking things in their mouths, but by no means do they have problems focusing. Neither are on meds, both are fabulous students. I realize that not all siblings are the same, but the child's history has got to count for something doesnt it? Not to them....stick them meds. Do it now, so I the teacher can have a better day. Sorry, its not going to be that easy to convince these parents of that, not when we have seen different in our home.

Moral of the story: If you are adopting older children, you should be prepared to fight the system and plead your child's case. Unless a big ole picture is drawn for them, they may try to lump your child into a category that looks like what fits them best, BEFORE they ask questions. Dont let them do it. Stick to your guns, you know your child, he cant speak for himself, you are going to have to do it.

Now, next year, after we get a teacher who isnt afraid of using consequences and asking questions, and who has read the report on this meeting (which they are supposed to), and he is still having problems of this magnitude, we will look into other avenues. We do want what is best for A, not for us...but finding the solution isnt always a quick. It would be a crying shame to stick him on meds that he doesnt need.

The getting out of his seat and general messing around are things I have seen at home, during times it was inappropriate to do so, like church, meals, study time, etc. These are also the things he rarely does now, because there are consequences for doing them. The oral gratification of sticking things in the mouth, or fidgeting with clothing, are all things that have not gone away, though they have decreased some. We see the difference, we are his parents. Hopefully our meeting will help for next year...the plan is for them to use consequences for the behavioral issues (getting out of seat, etc)and see if he is better in the classroom, not just automatically chalk it up to something "he cant help". If they still treat him he has no control, without at least trying consequences, well, then we may be home schooling, or sending him to a private school. There are always options.

Just some ramblings about stuff that may or may not matter

2010-06-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

We have one more game of baseball left for the little guys. A did great last night, involved in two plays that resulted in an "out" for the other team. And the best part? Both plays were involving his best friend J. Team work.

My stepdaughter R came to visit over the weekend with her significant other, J. Who we like A LOT. And we got to see our grandson, C. It was a good weekend. The boys played hard together all weekend, and I even got in on some of it. I took all six kids (my three, C, J, and his brother A) to the park for a pick up baseball game. It was fun, I even batted. Now Im sore..Im too old, I tell ya.

I just got a text from our daycare lady. Apparently A ate some frosting off of a cake that he wasnt supposed to touch, and then was going to let her three year old take the blame. Great. Since Im blogging about it, what would you all do about this? He seems to not be able to leave sugary things alone when they dont belong to him, or he just doesnt have permission...and Ive about had it with this. And his lying about it.

On a lighter note, AI is over, and so is my obsession with Simon Cowell. No more Simon, and it breaks my heart. I dont care who they get to replace him, it wont be the same. I guess Im done watching the show. I like some of the artists that have come out of that show, but if Simon's not on it, I cant see it holding my interest anymore. The kids are over it too now, anyway. When they first started watching it they were enthralled, but now they get a little bored...so, bye bye AI.

Hell's Kitchen started a new season last night. Of course, I was at baseball, but I recorded it, so dont tell me anything about it.

I think people who have cottonwood trees in their yards should pay me restitution for pain and suffering. If Im not on allergy pills, then Im miserable and sneezing. If Im on allergy pills, I feel lethargic and dopey...even the "non drowsey" stuff does that to me.

Our new puppy Rocky has definitely entered the "brat zone". I liked it better when he slept alot. Now he just chews alot...I know, its what they do. He has plenty of toys, and we try to keep other things off the ground and out of mouths reach AND we kennel him when we are gone, but still. He manages to find someones underwear, socks or pants laying around, and if we arent quick, hes chewing it. He lost two teeth in one day the other day, so he needs to chew, I just wish he'd stick to his stuff.

The highlight of my weekend was while we were out to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and A said quite loudly, for some unknown reason:

"BURRITO".

This struck my stepdaughter R, funny and so she shouted

"ENCHILADA!!!!

There really wasnt that many people in the restaraunt, so it wasnt like we were being overly disruptive...just a little. Anyway, her doing that tickled my funny bone like it had not been tickled in a while. I know...Im easily amused.

I want to win this thing.

2010-05-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so over at JennyMac's blog, which is totally worth going to for the blog itself..she is a fantastic writer, there is a super cool giveaway. A perfect father's day gift or an any type of gift if you like art work and photos of your loved one rolled into one. Check out. Wish me luck.

Because everyone should want to know about me and my awesomeness

2010-05-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

I swiped this from Rainchild. I need something like this in my drafts incase Im desperate for blog material. Im not really desperate right now...I just feel like crap. Allergies. GICOE is annoying me by just the sound of him breathing, and I have a ton of work to do...despite all this, I feel like I should post something and what better to post about than myself. Just kidding....but here you go.

99 Things About Me (Everything that I have accomplished is in bold)

1. Started your own blog – Uh, no, I never did. duh.
2. Slept under the stars - Too many times to count...even in a graveyard at night. Stoopid teenager stuff.

3. Played in a band - Nope. Was a groupie to a few though.
4. Visited Hawaii-Not yet.
5. Watched a meteor shower - Yep. Loved it.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to DisneyWorld-I guess DISNEYLAND doesnt count?
8. Climbed a mountain - Yes, a small one, but yes.
9. Held a praying mantis-YES...it is my favorite bug.
10. Sang a solo -Yes, in church...like a trillion years ago.
11. Bungee jumped-HECK NO THAT IS FOR CRAZY PEOPLE
12. Visited Paris-Twice
13. Watched a lightning storm - I LOVE storms...yes, every chance I get.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - I dont think so.
15. Adopted a child-Ha...yes, three of them.
16. Had food poisoning - UGH...yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables - YEP...and Im going to do it again.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France-YES. Its a lot smaller than I thought it would be.
20. Slept on an overnight train-maybe when I was little....
21. Had a pillow fight- Who hasnt?
22. Hitch-hiked - Yes, with my husband, but it was an emergency. We were stuck in the mud in the mountains in New England...in the middle of NO WHERE. We had to.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - Who me? No.....never, uh-uh. nope never have. not me.
24. Built a snow fort- No but got drunk one night a long long time ago and hid in someone elses.
25. Held a lamb - I havent held one, but Ive bottle fed one.
26. Gone skinny dipping- Does the nude section in a german schwimm-bad count?
27. Run a Marathon - no.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice- No...would like to though.
29. Seen a total eclipse-Im not sure.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - Of course.
31. Hit a home run-No...and Im still bitter about it, okay?
32. Been on a cruise-
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person-YES!!! My hubby is from there.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors- Yes went to Scotland and England in 2006.

35. Seen an Amish community- No, but they fascinate me.
36. Taught yourself a new language- Im always brushing up on my spanish.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - For a VERY short time.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - No
39. Gone rock climbing-No...sharp things and heights? No thanks.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - Yes!!
41. Sung karaoke- Oh boy...yes, lots of times.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight- Most definitely
46. Been transported in an ambulance - Yes, quite needlessly, I might add.
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris-Yes...twice...Once on New Years Eve.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling-Snorkeling, not scuba because Im afraid of the "bends".

52. Kissed in the rain- Probably...I was a teenager in the Seattle area...so yeah.

53. Played in the mud- yep.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater-Many times....lots of memories there.

55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business - Working on it.
58. Taken a martial arts class- Not officially.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen- Oh yes...lots of times.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies -
62. Gone whale watching-Yep...could watch them from our suite balcony in Cabo.

63. Got flowers for no reason - Yes, my hubby loves me.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma- Yes, I used to. I cant now though because I lived in Germany during a certain period, and because of some cow disease there then, they wont take our blood.
65. Gone sky diving-Again, that is for CRAZY PEOPLE
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp-No...and I really regret that I didnt. Its on my bucket list to go back to Germany and visit the death camps...so sad.

67. Bounced a check- Sadly, yes. I was young and stupid.

68. Flown in a helicopter-Yes, a couple of times
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy- Yes...and then some butthole stole it. Now Im gonna cry.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar-Yes, and I spit it right the heck out. NASTY!!!!!!!!!!
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square-Yes, shortly after 9-11.
74. Toured the Everglades-No but I want to really, really, bad.
75. Been fired from a job-not yet...stay tuned..lol.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London-Was there, but didnt wait for the changing...we were on a time schedule. We are morbid and wanted to get to the Tower of London.

77. Broken a bone - Nope...not yet.
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle-Yes, a few times.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person-Coming up next year, I hope.
80. Published a book - No, damnit.
81. Visited the Vatican-
82. Bought a brand new car - Yes.
83. Walked in Jerusalem -No..but would love too...if it wasnt so dangerous. Ye
84. Had your picture in the newspaper- Yep.
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve- Not that I remember...
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-Uh, no. That would be my husband.
88. Had chickenpox - Yes, when I was in my twenties. It sucked.
89. Saved someone’s life- Possibly. I caught a really old woman in Boston...she fell from the top step, and I caught her under the arms before she hit the ground.

90. Sat on a jury-No..they never want me cuz of my law enforcement connections.
91. Met someone famous- Yes.
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo Yeah, I have one, but its old and faded and Id like to get something else over it.

94. Had a baby - No
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit -
98. Owned a cell phone-WHAT????
99. Been stung by a bee-No..I never have...they like me because I ignore them and dont piss them off.

A little tiny bonus post because I told my mom I was telling on her.

2010-05-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

I hate it when my mom (who is in her 70s)talks about dying. I mean I HATE it. And she knows this and likes to mess with me about it. She is kind of onery (isnt that like, the weirdest word?) like that...well, she is VERY bad, but those are stories for a different time.

We are sitting in the bleachers at L's last game of the season tonight and it is cold out. She was all wrapped up with her little hood around her head, and its obvious she is cold. Because she is old, I worry about her constantly. She knows this, and thinks its fun (I told you she is onery). Anyway here is the convo:

Me: Its cold...are you too cold?
Her: No, Im not TOO cold.
Me; Well...I could go see if I could find you a blanket.
Her: No. Its OK...I have to start to get used to it. The grave is pretty cold, they say.

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH. Stop it. Shut.up.now.

What has been making me tired lately....I

2010-05-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

Its a pooping puppy. A bratty puppy. Boy is he bratty. Little punk has razor sharp teeth. Of course Im the dork that sticks me nose near his mouth because I heart puppy breath:). So now, yeah, we have four dogs. We're done. I promise. My cat really does hate me now, but thats ok. She is evil anyway. It took the pooping puppy (whose name is Rocky by the way) a while to figure out that he can pretty much harrass kitty as much as he wants to because kitty has no claws. Thats right, we declawed her long ago. The last rotten cat I had shredded a perfectly good leather couch, so it was either leave her on the street where she was starving and parasite infested, or agree with my hub about declawing. But I digress....

Rocky is actually S's puppy. He sleeps in HER room, and SHE takes him out at 0' butt thirty in the morning to go potty. But I STILL have to wake HER up so she can take him out...because she sleeps like the dead. So Rocky wakes me up, and I wake HER up. That is how Im rollin'. She has begged for her "own" pet since day one. We plan on getting her into 4H with Rocky pooping puppy, but we have to wait until August, because she has to be in 4th grade first. Itll be good for her. She is already learning that there is tons of responsibility involved and not all soft cuddliness, playing, and puppy breath. There is poop. Lots of it, and sharp demon teeth, and the constant trips outside to "go potty", only so the puppy can do anything but go potty. Ah, yes....I love puppies, and everything that goes with it, but then again, Im a little nuts, they say.

Retro Friday...its back...for a while.

2010-05-14T13:16:00.001-07:00

Look at me. Im am p.o.ed about something. Not sure what exactly. Im sitting with my ultra cool Uncle Dean, and life should be good. Maybe its Junior Soprono sitting behind us? I dunno. Or is it because Im probably wearing those awful patten leather shoes and the little lace socks that went against my tomboy nature. Thats probably what it is. Look how pale I am. Like vampire-tot. Remember the little kid Vampire in "The Lost Boys"? Like him...only a girl. I have no idea where this picture was even taken...maybe there were Circus Clowns there (shudder). Eww...I just scared myself.

RIP Ethan

2010-05-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

To read Ethan's story go here

Only read this if you have a strong stomach......Rest in peace, Ethan.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Best Mother's Day Ever

2010-05-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome Mother's Day. I really, truly did. I can remember Mother's Days gone by, where I didnt even want to get out of bed, I was so depressed. That was when I didnt have any kids, but really wanted them. It was awful...I would go to church and I would just be sad and usually end up crying. I hated it. I celebrated it for my own mom, but if it wasnt for her, I would have pretended the day didnt exist, it was less painful that way. My first Mother's Day as a mother, I had had the kids for exactly 3 days. I was still in shock. Last year, I think THEY were still in shock, and still didnt believe they were there to stay. This year, the shock is gone, and Im certain they know they are home for good.

This morning I woke up at 6:20 to noises in the kitchen. I got up to let the puppy out (yes, a puppy, Ill explain in a different post)and see what was going on. L stopped me in the hall and told me that they were "setting up". I said "can you 'set up' in an hour or so?" Looking slightly dejected, he and A went back downstairs. I told S to get up and go outside with HER puppy and went back to bed.

I lay there feeling cranky and guilty..so when S came in, I told her to tell her brothers they could "set up" now, if they were quiet about it. Once I heard them come back upstairs, I let myself go back to sleep.

About an hour and twenty minutes later I woke up and again was stopped in the hallway by L. He informed me that they were ready but I had to be blind folded. I relunctantly complied and he tied a kitchen towel around my eyes. I was led by the other two into the dining room, and they took the blind fold off. They had set up the table were thier cards, an electric candle and in my vase were several plastic and paper flowers.

They sat me down and gave me the "menu". I have posted a pic of the menu below. It said:

How many waffles free
Toast with Butter or Peanut Butter free
Cereal with Milk free

with coffee

I ordered two waffles with butter and syrup. They brought me my coffee...which I politely put in the microwave because evidently they made it an hour earlier and it was with one of those one cup makers, that dont keep it warm.

The flowers L gave me were wrapped in a paper with words describing me.
A gave me paper flowers with things he will do for me. I know his teacher probably laughed because along with "take out the trash" and "feed the cat" was "help you find your keys". I have a problem with keeping track of my keys, now his teacher knows this too.

S gave me the lamenated book she made for me in class, and its one of the greatest things I have ever received. The teacher had typed on top of each page things that kids would answer about their mothers. I got a kick out of a couple of these pages like:

What kind of little girl do you think your mom was?

S's answer: Calm sometimes, rowdy sometimes but mostly calm.

HA!!! She has that backwards.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

S's answer: My mom watches the news in her spare time. She wants my brothers and I to go downstairs so she can watch it. I guess there might be stuff not for us.

For the record, according to my husband what I watch isnt "news". I watch Nancy Grace and other true crime shows, like stuff on ID (Investigation Discovery). And no, they shouldnt be watching it.

This one broke my heart: Why did you get your mother and not another mother?

S's answer: Maybe I got this mom because it might suit me best. Maybe I got this mom because she wanted me more than another mom wanting me a lot.

The committee process when we were selected to adopt them was briefly explained to her, and obviously she was listening. Except for the part about the other mother. That other family really wanted the kids too, thankfully, the other mother did get selected for some kids, so it all worked out. I excused myself to wipe away the tears that were threatening to bust loose at this.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

S's answer: Ingrdiants my mom is made of is are Johnnys seasoning, candy, love, trees, coco, cereal, and spples. Maybe some oranges, broccly, carrots, ranch, thousand island, and buffalo wings too. I think she left out coffee, puppy breath, and a dash of sarcasm.

It couldnt have been a better Mothers Day. After church we took my mom to eat at Red Lobster, it was pretty much a perfect day. Oh, my most awesome husband got me a bracelet and earrings, which are awesome, but they didnt make me cry. I hope all of you mothers had a great day too. Those of you who are waiting...hang in there, it will be well worth your wait.

Earth day pictures...better late than never.

2010-05-09T21:37:00.001-07:00

Ok..here are the earth day pics. Next year Im not walking with the kids to the nature park and dam. Nope. I will drive.vI will meet them there. I will walk around and be part of the activities and then I will hope in my car and go home. I will not walk up that horrendous hill next year. The walk there isnt bad, no problem....that hill on the way back sucks. It does. Im old. Anway it was a good day, I went with S's class this year. I prolly spent as much time with her as I did with a boy on L's baseball team who is in S's class, because he cracks me up and he likes me. My favorite part of the day was lunch..no, not because of the food, but because I got to walk around and find my boys too with their classes and visited each one for a few minutes before I went back to S's class. I get to spy on them too, which is always kind of neat.

This is going DOWN the hill. Going UP the hill really stinks. I mean, really.

Some guy and the huge Salmon he caught down there.

S would kill me if she knew I was posting this one. Here she is being teased by her friend's brother.

S looking at stuff through a microscope.

Learning about living things in the river.

L was in charge of two second graders as part of a "buddy project" his class was doing. Scary.

My little boy wearing his classroom shirt...he was happy to run into me!

S at the Salmon ladder.

S participating in an activity that involves reading a hand held GPS.

GICOE is back.

2010-05-06T09:24:00.001-07:00

Ugh. AND he is in rare form. He wanted me to "clean up" a letter for an award that he wrote for another employee (one of his pals)...here is an example of some of the cleaning I had to do. Remember, this guy is my boss. He is ICOE (in charge of everything). He makes a lot of money. Here is a snippet of the letter I had to "clean up".

"Officer (insert his pals name here) is trustworthy and dictated to his job. He is an asset to the unformed division".

In case you dont know, dictated is supposed to be "dedicated", and unformed is supposed to be "uniformed". Yeah, see what I deal with?

Oh, and the beautiful part is that all day long, I have been listening to him fart. Seriously. Kill.me.now.

Moron Girl

2010-05-04T10:57:00.001-07:00

That would be me. Want to know what I did? Sure you do....
Before I took my mini blogging break, I set my comments up for moderation. There was some wierd comment on my blog a couple weeks ago, and it freaked me out. So anyway, I FORGOT that I set it up. So, when I said I would be going away and I checked on my main page and it kept saying "0 comments", I thought, "thats wierd...oh well no one is commenting because Im going to be gone and they figure I wont read them anyway". Cool. So then I do my "Im baaack" post and still...no comments. I thought, "what the hell? No one likes me, now that Ive taken a break?". So, Im all worried and stuff, and I go to do an entry about why no one is commenting, and then I see the "20 comments need to be moderated" message. Yeah, Im a moron. Oh and of course its when my brother decides he is actually going to start leaving comments (its about time!). So, comment away....now that I know what Im doing, I'll actually see them!

Im baaaack!

2010-05-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Did anyone miss me? Im back....kind of. I probably wont write anything real riveting, not that I ever do, but Im going to try to get back into the swing of things. I hope all my bloggy buds have been well. I'll be dropping by your blogs and seeing what you all have been up to. I may have some news to share tomorrow...maybe.

Both boys are doing great in baseball, they have learned the difference between being on a team, and just..being and being on a team and contributing and doing their very best. I think they got that now. It seems like they do anyway.

Later on I will post some of my earth day pictures. Every year I have gone on the big earth day field trip with the school...and I think this will be the last year I participate in the same way I have been. Because I.am.old.

Pictures as promised

2010-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

The floor is all in, but now we have to put everything back! I dont like Stephen King much, do I?

L is helping me put movies back on the shelves...alphabetically, of course.

Stuff put back on shelves...finally.

Now time to chill....

Easter Pic....

L with his teacher after he got an award for academics and citizenship.

Whats his name again?

2010-04-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Im sitting here, in the living room and Im supposed to be doing homework, but my "give-a-crap meter" isnt working, so neither am I. Instead Im messing around on the internet and watching TV....because that is how I roll.

Its been kind of a productive weekend. All the stupid inspections at work are over with and supposedly I did well. Which is nice...Im releived that its over, for the most part. I still have to do some stuff, but my role in it is fairly small (I think).

Thursday hub and I went to the school, because L was getting an award. So, he isnt really on my "list" anymore. I was so proud of him, and I will post pics later. He got a couple of these awards last year too. He rocks.

Our doggy smelling carpet is GONE. Its history. Im elated....nothing on the floor now but nice clean, cool shiny Pergo stuff. I will never go back to carpet in the living room/hall way again. After a week of chaos and clutter, my livingroom is back together. I will post pics of the mess and after the mess later. All the windows and doors on the backside of the house have been replaced as of Friday...Monday they are doing the rest. I already cant believe how quiet it is and our heat and AC bills should be a little saner now too. So yay.

Now....a little advice for those of you who are adopting and are changing names. You might think, like I did, that it is a good idea to keep a first name, as a middle name and give the child a new first name, but keep calling him his old name....in other words he or she will go by his middle name. Are you confused yet?

Anyway, we did this and you should really avoid doing this. L goes by his middle name (his old first name)...and his new firt name (starts with a D) is used for all offical papers etc. Today was opening day for the boys Little League and during the opening ceremony they introduce all the boys on all the teams. They got to L's team and went down the list of names. No "L"...even my husband and my friend were like, "hey, they missed L, thats not cool..." and as I was stewing over this, an idea hit my square in the back of my meaty head...

"Oooooh...they said "D'...that is his name..."

Yeah, you will be forgetting that your child actually has a different first name. I did this at the dentist office too. They asked if he had been there before and I said "yes"...they searched and searched the computer, and were scratching their heads wondering what happened to his records when it dawned on me...."Oh you know what? His name is D. I was exactly the moron that I hate to deal with at work. So think twice if you are thinking about this.

Oh and one more thing....I want a goat...well, only a baby one. I spent like 10 minutes in a pen full of adorable baby goats today. If you dont think a goat is cute when its a baby...think again.

Time is (Not) on My SIde

2010-04-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Im kind of numb right now. Im so busy and have so much going on that Im numb...does that even make any sense to anyone except for me? Its like I have all this stuff going on, all these responsibilities at home, work, and school, and I should be frantic....but Im not. Im just like...muddling through it one piece at a time. The problem is that, Im procrastinating a bit too. Which isnt good. Laundry is piling up..and Im ignoring it. Im exhausted when I get home, which isnt until about 8:00 or so. Two baseball practices back to back...after a ten hour work day.

I have financial forms to fill out for school, that Im ignoring...and they have to be done THIS week. I have field trip forms to sign...I could have/should have signed them last night but I didnt. I have homework to do, that Im working on, but could be doing more and Im putting it off.

Im going through a major inspection at work, and I think that is taking all my energy. Its like Im holding everything off until its done. Which doesnt make any sense because..all the work I can do for it is done...Im just waiting for it to be inspected. So its not like Im busy at work right now. Its like Im holding my breath, and in doing so no other part of my life is getting attention until this is over. Its really weird. I should be panicking about all that Im NOT doing....but Im not. Hmm...maybe Im procrasinating on the panicking too...I'll panic later.

Monday Mumbling....

2010-04-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

...so, I was going to post some cute pics of the kids doing Easterly things. Perhaps I will later, however, Im not in the mood for cute right now. Right now I am mad at my 11.5 year old.

He has recently been given the opportunity NOT to go to daycare in the morning before school, since we had felt he was mature and responsible enough to handle himself for 1.5 hours before school. He was tired of getting teased by his friends about going to daycare, so he quit going, we thought it was ok. Grandma is right down the street, and I have an awesome neighbor he can go to if he should need to. We had all kinds of rules about what he could and could not do while at the house alone, which he seemed to be following. All except for one..that we know of.

This morning my husband (who works at night) came home a few hours early. Apparently L wasnt in the house. It was 7:30 AM...he is not supposed to leave the house until five minutes before 8.

So, of course hub calls me to find out where L is,thinking I took him somewhere for some reason before work. Of course I said, "he isnt there?". Its now after 8 O clock, so I call my mom to see if he went to her house for some reason before school. Nope. Now I call the school. He is there, thank God. So, I ask to speak to him.

When asked what time he left for school, he sighed and said 7 O clock. I asked why. He said he didnt know (his favorite answer), I asked again (I dont accept his favorite answer, ever.). He said he just wanted to hang out. I asked him what in the world he was doing...he said, playing around on the playground, shooting hoops, etc (really stupid considering he has his OWN basketball hoop and basketball at home). The rest of the convo went like this:

Me: Well, its too bad that you felt you had to do that. What do you think will happen now?
L: I will go back to going to daycare?
Me: You got that right. You are in pretty big trouble, have a good rest of the day. (I know, a little mean, but I was mad!).

This week is not going to be any fun. We have tests of sorts all week long at work. Big important people have flown in to make sure everyone is doing their jobs. The only nice thing about it is that GICOE is still on medical, so he isnt here to have his panties in a bunch about things. Im sure they are still bunched up, but I dont have know about it.

Oh, yeah, and this weekend? I had to take Dexter into the vet. Apparently he had eaten half of a plastic toy dog or bear (a really small one). Only half was eaten because the other half, unbeknownst to us, had got wedged in his back teeth, embedded in his gum, causing everything to be infected. We noticed he had a lump on his jaw, and that his breath smelled terrible, and he was very inactive. They had to put him under, to remove the toy. Now I have to watch him constantly to make sure he doesnt eat random stuff. Our other dogs dont have that habbit (they have others, trust me), so Im not used to watching for that. The good news is $233.00 later, he is like a new dog.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so I totally stole this idea from MiMi. because Im sick and I dont have anything real to say that isnt a bunch of bitching and complaining about how I feel. So, here are somethings that made me laugh...and then sent me into a 25 minute coughing fit.

Oh, to see more of these funny and ridiculous t shirts go here

Monday Mumblings....

2010-03-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

I woke up with a sore throat...again. No way I could NOT go to work today, so here I am, and Im kind of cranky. The good thing is that I have to leave early today to keep an appointment.

I poured my protein shake powder into my shaker, and poured the water, and then began to shake, and felt cold sticky all over my chest and arm. Yeah, I forgot to shut the little spout thing all the way. So, I have that going for me.

I was approached twice today with possibitlites of employment in different areas here at work. I dont know yet what Im going to do. As crazy as it sounds, I might be staying right where Im at. As much as GICOE makes me want hang myself, Im comfy in my position....we shall see.

Carmen the wiener princess was very naughty this weekend. She drew blood twice on two different dogs. One was the very sweet, slightly dopey Peyton, R's boxer, and the other was our sweet little Dexter. All over food. Typical doxie behavior, but we usually avoid that kind of thing by making sure we take the proper preventative measures. I guess we were just preoccupied this weekend. I can say though, that she being the hubs dog, Im kind of relieved. Usually my Joey's behavior (although he has NEVER drawn blood-(well, except for the dumb butt groomer who didnt muzzle him when clipping his nails..after being warned)-brings about all kinds of comments. He wasnt an angel this weekend with Payton around, but he was mostly noise, where Carmen meant bidness.

Tonight is baseball practice x2. T will probably take L, and I will take the little guy. Im actually looking forward to it...if it wasnt for the fact that I feel like crap.

A Girl and her Birthday Party

2010-03-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a birthday party for S. To celebrate her 10th year on this earth. It was her first birthday party, ever. Every girl needs a party at least once in her life. She kept saying..."I never thought it would happen to ME". She was so happy and it was truly a special day for her. Her big sister came and did her hair, and helped with the party, so it was extra special. Here are some pics.

Peyton was our special canine guest for this occasion.....he is R's (T's oldest daughter) dog. He came to celebrate too.

We ended up buying book mark making kits, made out of that foam stuff. I was going to do picture frames so they could make their own picture frame, and then give them each a picture taken of them or a freind at the party...but...Michael's didnt have any, so I we did book marks. It was fun..they put their names on them with foam letters and decorated with flowers, birds and leaves...it went with the whole spring theme of the party...and all the girls seemed to enjoy it. We also did an easter egg hunt out in the front yard (plastic eggs with candy). All in all it was a great party.

The girl Caty, mentioned in a previous post who enjoys "torturing" my eleven year old boy made him a book mark. It said:

"Im coming for you" on one side, and "love u" on the back. Then she and S put it on his dresser so he would see it when he got home. He saw it and was completely mortified by it. Poor boy....

Open Letter to Zen Office Guy

2010-03-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Zen Office Guy,

While your office may provide you with a tranquil place to retreat to while at work, it is messing me all up. Consider someone other than yourself dude. Im sure that your (not one but TWO) trickling, gurgling, fountains relax you. Thats wonderful, really it is. The problem is that when you are not in your office (which is a great deal of the time) you leave your door open and the fountains on, which means when I walk by your office, I always feel like I have to pee. So, thanks for that.

Im sure that keeping your over head lights in you office off makes you feel at one with whatever,and that the soft lamp glow gives you the ambiance you desire. However, Im already tired when I come to work, and as the day progresses, I get more sleepy, so your office darkness is torture. AND that soft asian music? It doesnt help either. It makes me want some Chicken Sub Gum and hot tea BEFORE I nap.

Constantly peeing, wanting chinese food, and desiring a nap are not condusive to a productive work day. Its no wonder that you get NOTHING done, and that people are always complaining about your lack of progress.....you are TOO RELAXED.

Do no be surprised if after a hard day (my hard day, not yours), you find me in the middle of your office floor in the lotus position (or whatever the meditation position is called)....you kind of asked for it.

Sincerly,
the Classic Rock Blaring Office Girl.

Clarification on the "0".

2010-03-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Its been bugging me for a while (ever since my hub pointed it out)that my blog title indicates that there were previously NO children in our lives. It is true that prior to adopting our three, we had NO children in the home and I have NEVER had children I could call my own, living permanantly, under the same roof as me. It is true that since T and I have been together we have never had children, living with us, as far as our lives went TOGETHER IN our HOME.
What needs to be clarified however, is that this isnt the first round of fatherhood for T. He has two wonderful grown kids from a previous marriage. He is a bit older than me, so while technically possible, its not probable for me to be old enough to be his kids' mother, but technically I am thier stepmother. They have never lived with him and I, and I had no part in raising them.

SO....the 0 in my title refers to our lives TOGETHER. We had 0 kids togehter, had 0 kids living with us, we had never raised any kids together. We took pretty awesome vacations, and were fairly self indulgent when we were able to do so...and then, we adopted 3 kids and our life changed ALOT. Gone were the weekends of "Sopranos" marathons, or just driving off into the distance for days at a time, hitting every antique or record store on the way in search of a treasure for days gone by or to add to our monsterous vinyl collection. Gone are the days when we could do what we wanted, WHEN we wanted to do it.

Gone are the days when we slept and ate, WHENEVER we felt like it. Gone are the days of leaving a bottle of wine open on the kitchen island, ready and available, whenever. Gone are the days of watching WHAT we wanted to watch WHEN we wanted to watch it.

This is the reason for my title. We (together as married couple) went from 0 kids in the house and taking over our DAILY lives to 3 kids in the house and taking over our DAILY lives, in just 90 days.

Maybe I should change the title. That will take some thinking.....which a lot to ask of me, right now.

Monday Mumbling...

2010-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

So, GICOE is still gone. Its so nice and quiet around here...everyone is walking around with smiles and I swear I saw a co worker actually floating down the hall earlier. The air is just so much lighter around here.

Im having second thoughts about taking the other job IF I get it? Why? Because at this point I dont want to work HARDER. Yes, I would get away from GICOE...but I would have to do all my homework at home, and its just easier to do it here. But...I might change my mind if GICOE was here right now. I'll probably decide I dont want it, and then he will come back and I'll kick myself for not taking it. I dunno. I guess Ill just wait and see.

I have learned a very important lesson this week. See, I have never thrown a kids birthday party, so I made a rookie mistake. I bought the plates, etc, BEFORE I ordered a cake. Now I cant just find a cake that matches. She wanted Barbie and I thought I could have a Barbie cake made to match the plates etc (that are NOT Barbie)...but the only Barbie cake our local bakery has is purple. Yeah, not pink..purple. They said they cant change it up because its "copyrighted". Okay. They said they could make a pink cake and I could put my own Barbie toys on it...but I keep having vision of CAKE WRECKS...so Im not going to do that. Instead Im taking in a cup today so the decorator can make a cake that matches the decorations. So, no Barbie cake. Its okay, I really dont like her anyway, she is so fake.

We had a yard sale this weekend. I sold a van that doesnt run. Cheap....some guy bought it for parts. I was practically giving stuff away. I just want all the crap gone...and the van will be gone from the front of the house, so it makes it all worth it. My new chair with the hood over it (for shade) didnt work out as well as I hoped it would...I still got sun on my face and its pinkish now. I prefer to be a pasty white, thank you.

I had a good chuckle over a note between L and S that I found. She had written out her party guest list with the title "My Birthday Party Girls". It listed a bunch of her friends, one which was Caty (not her real name). Now, Caty is a girl who chases L around. She chases him at school and she chases him at church camp. He calls it "torture"..."she was torturing me". Lol. Anyway at the bottom of the list here was the correspondence between S and L:

S: Danger, L. On March 27th, danger. Caty.
L: Who cares, S.
S: I do.
L: I dont.
S: What if she takes your back pack and wont give it back?
L: Mom will make her give it back and besides, I am stronger than her.
S: Im just warning you...danger.
L: I dont care.

It cracks me up that they must have sat at the table and pushed the paper back and forth at each other...like it was some huge secret, and then leave it laying there. So funny.

Im going to be posting a clarification on the title of my blog. I feel its misleading in a way. I mean, it makes sense to me, but I am afraid that it is misunderstood by some people that I love, and so I want to clarify. I'll probably do that tommorrow. Or maybe later today, if I get a wild hair.

Should I stay or should I go?

2010-03-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I received a call from someone who works for GICOEs boss...I mean, GICOE is In Charge of Everything having to do with me, however, he does have a boss, in a different building (if I tell you anymore, I will have to kill you). Its pretty much common knowledge that this guy thinks GICOE is a moron too.

Anyhoo...they more or less told me to come interview for a job over there. Its complicated and I cant explain it here, but basically I was going to interview so my position Im in NOW, will still be mine, when (and if) it gets upgraded to higher pay level. So, the interview was going to actually be for something else, but also would apply for my job (if upgraded). Lost yet? I am.....every.single.day.

I was also told that I do have the option, if selected, to move from my position in moron world. You know what? Im thinking about it, seriously. I will have less "downtime", meaning that I wont be able to do homework or blog about stoopid things people I work with, while Im actually at work. THAT is the only downfall......so, Im considering. Provided they pick me for actual position, that is. I had like four hour notice for this interview so Im really thankful that I didnt do my usual "casual Friday" thing and actually look professional today. Yeah, I KNOW its not really Friday...but it is my Friday, so there.

Wish me luck.....

One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small....

2010-03-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

Ok. So, I was really excited to see the new Alice and Wonderland movie. And, I was not disappointed. I believe I feel a new obsession coming on. I hearted the movie. In fact, I felt it was so good, entertaining and magical, that I will try to see it again in theatres...AND buy it when it comes out on DVD.

If you have the chance, go see it. Yes..its wierd..but so is the original story. Yes, the writer was probably on drugs, but it doesnt mean it isnt any less fun. I smiled many times during the movie, I was captivated.

Of course, not much needs to be said about the acting job done by Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. It was of course, superb. Helena Bonham Carter as the red queen was nothing short of perfection. I loved the heart drawn on her lips in lipstick and I want to do that to my own lips, just for fun. Oh, and the very strange Crispin Glover was in it too, which was a pleasant surprise for me...although I should have known he would be.

It was a visually pleasing movie...lots of eye candy to captivate. Just a beautiful to look at. I especially loved the red queens castle...all white black and red, which I have a lot of in my own house.

That wasnt the only similarity between the red queen and I however. She loves a "warm pig belly to put my feet on"...and hey, I love a warm dachshund belly to put mine on.

When it was advertised on TV, I announced to the family that I was going to see it. My 11 year old son said, "not me, it looks too creepy", my seven year old boy agreed with him, as he often does. Fine, I said. S and I will go. My hubby was not in the room so I didnt get his opinion on it.

When it came time to go, the boys changed their mind and went with us. A covered his little eyes once during the movie (no spoilers here), but afterwards when L said that it wasnt all that creepy, A once again agreed.

I think it looks a lot creepier on the commercials than it actually is. I think it is a movie the whole family can enjoy. Mine will be enjoying it for a loooong time to come, because I have a feeling its moving high up on my favorite list, which means it will be on a lot in my house for years to come.

Right after the movie I thought: Where in the world was the Jefferson Airplane song, "White Rabbit"? THAT was the only disappointment for me, that this song was NO WHERE in the movie. Now that I have been singing that song to myself now for days, I have remembered that the drug references are thick as reefer smoke in the lyrics. Being that a lot of kids will see this, it was probably a good idea to use a different song. My bad. Hollywood did the right thing...go figure.

LOST BOY LOST

2010-03-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

COREY HAIM 1971-2010

"Your'e a vampire Michael. My own brother, a...vampire. Wait till mom finds out!"

"Death by Stereo"

"They're only noodles, Michael".