My computer is old. Very old! And despite months and months of changes, fixes, work arounds, new hardware, new software, etc. I'm pretty sure it's on its last leg.
But this time I'm prepared. The other day I ran out and bought myself a 60GB external hard drive. The original intent was to move the massive amount of music and .jpg files over to clear some space on my internal drive hoping that would help alleviate some of the problem. Got those all moved, ran some more scans, and updated some drivers. All yesterday it worked like a dream. Then this morning, it froze. Again. Shit!
So, now I've gone through every single important file and moved them ALL to the external drive. The desktop I had before this one crashed and died and was completely unrecoverable. The laptop I had before this one crashed and died, but I was able to recover some of the files. I refuse to lose my files again. And I'm hoping that by moving them all over I've bought myself some time before this damned machine calls it quits. Kinda like buying insurance. Cuz you know what? I don't have the money to spend on a new system right now. Especially a fancy new one with all the bells and whistles, not the crap that I'm running right now.
What are you running? I'm always looking at the latest and greatest even though I know I won't do anything about buying one until this one dies (that's just the way I am). But I'd be interested in hearing what you have and why you like it (or don't)? Because I want to have all my homework done when the time comes to make the switch.
Saturday, February 24
Friday, February 23
maybe it's just me
We live in your typical middle-income subdivision located in your typical mid-sized town. The houses are on decent sized lots - not large, sprawling acres, but not one of those postage sized lots where you feel like you can literally reach out your window and shake the neighbor's hand as he reaches out his. Most of the houses on our street are occupied by the "home owner", with a few renters thrown into the mix. Basically, a middle-America neighborhood.
After five years of living here, and several neighbors selling and/or moving, I've fought through a divorce, trying to find work, losing my job, and now trying to find work again to keep this house. I like my house, but that's not it. I like my neighbors even more. And to think of having to move to another place, starting over, not really knowing what to expect from the neighborhood or the neighbors is not appealing in the slighest.
There are two families I would consider friends. People I talk to on a regular basis. People I invite over, get together with during the holidays, and get invited to BBQ's and dinners at their house. And then there's the few that I chat with in passing but still know to a certain degree. All in all, it's a comfortable place to live.
Due to the climate where we live (read as rainy, rainy, rainy) there is little chance for seeing or socializing with the neighbors during the winter months as there is during the spring and summer when we're all outside taking care of our yards, washing cars, playing with the kids, etc. Except for maybe snow days when everyone seems to come out to marvel at (or bitch about) the white stuff.
So why am I spending all this time telling you about my neighborhood? I'll tell you. But first I have to give you a little more background on a couple of the neighbors.
At the beginning of last summer, one of our rental properties got new tenents. For purposes of identifying the different families we'll call them Family A, my next door neighbors will be Family B, and the second set of tenents to move in later in the summer will be Family C. So, B likes to entertain - especially during the summer months. Lots of BBQs, beer, food, beer, poker, and beer. She also makes this very wicked peach punch. And I do mean wicked! Anyway, shortly after A moved into the neighborhood, B was having the 'regular crowd' over for the usual party and decided to invite A. Family A is quite a bit younger (as in fifteen or twenty years younger) than the rest of the 'regulars' and wife of Family A took quite a fancy to the peach punch. So much, in fact, that she virtually drank the entire punch bowl full except for maybe a few small sips from unsuspecting others who'd never tried it before. Needless to say, A has not been invited back to anymore parties.
Then, towards the end of the summer along came Family C. Family C and Family A hit it off immediately despite the age difference and hang out together frequently and have their own parties that none of the 'regulars' are invited to. Not that we care really. Or cared. Until yesterday.
Wife of Family C works at one of the local drug stores, so I see her there more often than in the neighborhood. Yesterday, just as I was finishing up checking out she came back in off break. We started chatting and she asked if I'd met the "new" neighbors (these are the ones that moved in across the street after the ones who were having "random" attempted break-ins moved out). I told her I hadn't and she said, "Well, that's because you're so unsocial." HUH?? Then she laughed and said she hadn't either but wife of Family A had. We continued shooting the shit for a little while longer, then I left. But I can't help but think about what she said. Am I really unsocial?
Like I said, I have a few select neighbors that I get together with. Then there's the friends I chat with online and on the phone because they live in different states than I do. And I do have a small group of local friends that I not only hang out with online and on the phone, but also IRL. Granted I don't have a huge group of friends that I do things with on a regular basis IRL, but does that really make me unsocial? If because I don't want to hang out with a bunch of twenty-somethings whose husbands are in the military makes me unsocial, then I guess I am.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't think I'm unsocial. Do you?
After five years of living here, and several neighbors selling and/or moving, I've fought through a divorce, trying to find work, losing my job, and now trying to find work again to keep this house. I like my house, but that's not it. I like my neighbors even more. And to think of having to move to another place, starting over, not really knowing what to expect from the neighborhood or the neighbors is not appealing in the slighest.
There are two families I would consider friends. People I talk to on a regular basis. People I invite over, get together with during the holidays, and get invited to BBQ's and dinners at their house. And then there's the few that I chat with in passing but still know to a certain degree. All in all, it's a comfortable place to live.
Due to the climate where we live (read as rainy, rainy, rainy) there is little chance for seeing or socializing with the neighbors during the winter months as there is during the spring and summer when we're all outside taking care of our yards, washing cars, playing with the kids, etc. Except for maybe snow days when everyone seems to come out to marvel at (or bitch about) the white stuff.
So why am I spending all this time telling you about my neighborhood? I'll tell you. But first I have to give you a little more background on a couple of the neighbors.
At the beginning of last summer, one of our rental properties got new tenents. For purposes of identifying the different families we'll call them Family A, my next door neighbors will be Family B, and the second set of tenents to move in later in the summer will be Family C. So, B likes to entertain - especially during the summer months. Lots of BBQs, beer, food, beer, poker, and beer. She also makes this very wicked peach punch. And I do mean wicked! Anyway, shortly after A moved into the neighborhood, B was having the 'regular crowd' over for the usual party and decided to invite A. Family A is quite a bit younger (as in fifteen or twenty years younger) than the rest of the 'regulars' and wife of Family A took quite a fancy to the peach punch. So much, in fact, that she virtually drank the entire punch bowl full except for maybe a few small sips from unsuspecting others who'd never tried it before. Needless to say, A has not been invited back to anymore parties.
Then, towards the end of the summer along came Family C. Family C and Family A hit it off immediately despite the age difference and hang out together frequently and have their own parties that none of the 'regulars' are invited to. Not that we care really. Or cared. Until yesterday.
Wife of Family C works at one of the local drug stores, so I see her there more often than in the neighborhood. Yesterday, just as I was finishing up checking out she came back in off break. We started chatting and she asked if I'd met the "new" neighbors (these are the ones that moved in across the street after the ones who were having "random" attempted break-ins moved out). I told her I hadn't and she said, "Well, that's because you're so unsocial." HUH?? Then she laughed and said she hadn't either but wife of Family A had. We continued shooting the shit for a little while longer, then I left. But I can't help but think about what she said. Am I really unsocial?
Like I said, I have a few select neighbors that I get together with. Then there's the friends I chat with online and on the phone because they live in different states than I do. And I do have a small group of local friends that I not only hang out with online and on the phone, but also IRL. Granted I don't have a huge group of friends that I do things with on a regular basis IRL, but does that really make me unsocial? If because I don't want to hang out with a bunch of twenty-somethings whose husbands are in the military makes me unsocial, then I guess I am.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't think I'm unsocial. Do you?
Wednesday, February 21
happy birthday, and that's about it
Today is someone's birthday. Of course it's really many someone's birthdays, but I'm talking about my friend, Groove. And since he'll give me shit for even posting this, I might as well go the whole way and make it worth it. So, I've got two things - a little request and a little ode to my friend.
You, my readers, lurkers or regular commenter's alike, are requested to leave your birthday wishes for Groove on this post. The more the merrier!
I will leave my birthday message in the form of an ode.
Ode to My Friend Groove
Your name is Groove
and you often act rude,
except for the times
you feel the need to be lewd.
You're evil and silly,
and smart as a whip,
but one thing's for certain,
you don't take any shit.
The tough act you flaunt
makes everyone stare,
so I won't let them know
you're a big teddy bear.
You've given me guidance,
support, and laughing fits,
and rained piss on my "party"
when I'm down in the pits.
So, today, on your birthday
I just wanted to say,
you're a friend to the end.
Now go have fun... and get laid.
Happy Birthday Groove!!
You, my readers, lurkers or regular commenter's alike, are requested to leave your birthday wishes for Groove on this post. The more the merrier!
I will leave my birthday message in the form of an ode.
Ode to My Friend Groove
Your name is Groove
and you often act rude,
except for the times
you feel the need to be lewd.
You're evil and silly,
and smart as a whip,
but one thing's for certain,
you don't take any shit.
The tough act you flaunt
makes everyone stare,
so I won't let them know
you're a big teddy bear.
You've given me guidance,
support, and laughing fits,
and rained piss on my "party"
when I'm down in the pits.
So, today, on your birthday
I just wanted to say,
you're a friend to the end.
Now go have fun... and get laid.
Happy Birthday Groove!!
Sunday, February 18
bras, panties, and other assorted feminine things
I am in love!Yes, you heard me. In love!!
No, not with the girl pictured to the right, though she is stunning. I'm in love with the bra she's wearing. It's one from Vicky's Angels by VS Secret Embrace line. I got two - Poinsettia Red and Black. Okay, mine don't have the cutesy little butterflies on them, just a soft floral applique on the one side, nor do I look as hot and sexy as she does wearing them, but seriously, these are the MOST comfortable bras I've ever owned. And you want to know the best part? Saving $25. That's right - $25 off and a pair of free panties. How can you go wrong with that?
Speaking of panties, good Lord. Could there be any more options out there to choose from? I mean really. Bikinis. Boyshorts. Hiphuggers. Briefs. And my personal favorite - Thongs. Watch this then read on. And don't keep reading figuring you don't need to watch the video, or will watch it later. Look at it now or my story won't be nearly as funny. Even if you've seen it before because I'm sure it's been floating around the internet for awhile now, watch it again.
Okay, see ya in a minute.
Kotex Classic - video powered by Metacafe
Did you watch the video? Don't lie to me. I hate liars. Okay, well then let me tell you a funny story now that you've seen it.
So, I got this video sent to me in email earlier this week from my friend Terri. I then sent it on to a few more friends, including Stacie, who incidently will be here in 59 days. Well Stacie and I, doing what we do best, started talking about the video and laughing our asses off.
I said, "You know what kills me about that video? The clips where the girls are wearing low rise pants and the straps are sticking out the top - like how some girls wear their thongs today." She laughed and said, "I know. It's freakin' hysterical!"
As I said above, my personal favorite style of panties are thongs. Well this video, and my comment, got me going on a complete tangent about thong panties hanging out the back of low-rise pants. I mean really! Is it so hard to adjust your panties so they aren't hanging out? It reminds me of when the guys started wearing their pants ten sizes too big so they were practically hanging off the bottom of their butt cheeks while their boxers poured out over the top of the waist band that was strategically tied with a rope or something just so they wouldn't end up at their ankles. Talk about a poor fashion statement.
So now, here are these girls watching the tacky, bimbos like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan sporting their thong panties pulled fully up their butt cracks so they can be seen hanging out of the back of their ultra low-rise pants. Yes, I'm aware that sometimes when sitting or bending the pants will shift and a bit of the thong panty sticks out over the top, but when you're in an upright position and you see more panty than you should see showing like some sort of tasteless fashion statement, ugh. Really. It's ridiculous.
Of course there is one thing worse than showing off your thong panties. That would be sporting no panties at all. Why, oh why, would girls want to go au naturale under their jeans? Good Lord. I don't know about you, but I wear my jeans to fit. No, they're not painted on, but they fit around all the curves and places they're supposed to. And where do you think the biggest seam in a pair of jeans is? And not only one, but two seams joining together?? Right in the kootch. That's right. Right were if you walk, or sit, or bend the right direction and keep subtly moving around you're likely to find it a pleasurable sensation and then... oooh... aaahh. Um, yeah. All over your jeans. Not. So. Much. If want to walk around pleasuring yourself might I suggest this. It works much better for whenever you want to "make it happy".
But please. Wear some damn panties.
Thursday, February 15
and, what if?
I know all of you with kids have had this happen to you - the fixation on a certain subject, or specific terminology. Lately around here it's been 'what if?'. I don't know when it started, maybe a week or two ago, but it's driving me nuts. And it can be about any subject. Oh, yeah, there's also 'and'. I'll talk about that one later on down this post. For example, I've heard the following 'what if's?' just in the past few days.
What if you hit that guy in front of you and he ran off the road and bounced off that tree and then came back around behind you? (heard while driving to school in the morning)
What if you walk in and they say 'blah blah, okay bye'? (heard when trying to answer the question of how long my interview was going to last)
What if they let us collect onehundredgazillionbillion seeds to feed the birds? (heard while playing one of the games on his Leapster)
What if I were a giant and my teacher was in outerspace and I came over and picked up the world and ate it... the whole world? (heard on the drive home from dinner the other night)
And these are just the recent 'what if's?'. There's that 'and' again. Seriously, I could fill a notebook with all the 'what if's?' I've heard in the past few weeks. When this first started, I actually tried to answer the questions. Now I'm at the point of asking 'WTF?'. So that's what I told him. Well, not really. What I said was, "The next time, and every time after, you ask me 'what if whatever' I am going to answer you with 'what if?'". I'm sure you can imagine where that's gotten me. {sigh} I can only hope this phase will pass soon. I don't care 'what if?'.
So the 'and' thing. Apparently they've learned at school that it's not correct to start a sentence using the word 'and'. I'm guilty of doing this here on my blog more than I care to admit. Whatever. It's my blog and I'll write it any way I feel like even if it isn't grammatically correct. Sometimes I really hate school. But my writing isn't the point. And yes, I know starting a sentence with 'but' isnt grammatically correct either. Sue me. The point is he was reading to me and whatever book it was started a sentence with 'and'. "You're not supposed to use 'and' to start a sentence," I was told. "Yes, I know" I responded. "Then why are they doing it?" he asked. Which could have started a whole discussion on why writers take liberties in their writing, and how even though there are rules of grammer sometimes they aren't followed, leading to sometimes rules in general aren't followed and it's not always neccessarily bad to not follow all the rules all of the time. Well, you get the point. Instead, my response was "I don't know. Why don't you ask your teacher?" Hehe.
On that note, since I know you've been missing me posting the Joke of the Day, I leave you with this.
Pearl: Rachel is a terrific housekeeper.
Shirl: Why do you say that?
Pearl: Because she's been divorced three times and has kept all three houses.
What if you hit that guy in front of you and he ran off the road and bounced off that tree and then came back around behind you? (heard while driving to school in the morning)
What if you walk in and they say 'blah blah, okay bye'? (heard when trying to answer the question of how long my interview was going to last)
What if they let us collect onehundredgazillionbillion seeds to feed the birds? (heard while playing one of the games on his Leapster)
What if I were a giant and my teacher was in outerspace and I came over and picked up the world and ate it... the whole world? (heard on the drive home from dinner the other night)
And these are just the recent 'what if's?'. There's that 'and' again. Seriously, I could fill a notebook with all the 'what if's?' I've heard in the past few weeks. When this first started, I actually tried to answer the questions. Now I'm at the point of asking 'WTF?'. So that's what I told him. Well, not really. What I said was, "The next time, and every time after, you ask me 'what if whatever' I am going to answer you with 'what if?'". I'm sure you can imagine where that's gotten me. {sigh} I can only hope this phase will pass soon. I don't care 'what if?'.
So the 'and' thing. Apparently they've learned at school that it's not correct to start a sentence using the word 'and'. I'm guilty of doing this here on my blog more than I care to admit. Whatever. It's my blog and I'll write it any way I feel like even if it isn't grammatically correct. Sometimes I really hate school. But my writing isn't the point. And yes, I know starting a sentence with 'but' isnt grammatically correct either. Sue me. The point is he was reading to me and whatever book it was started a sentence with 'and'. "You're not supposed to use 'and' to start a sentence," I was told. "Yes, I know" I responded. "Then why are they doing it?" he asked. Which could have started a whole discussion on why writers take liberties in their writing, and how even though there are rules of grammer sometimes they aren't followed, leading to sometimes rules in general aren't followed and it's not always neccessarily bad to not follow all the rules all of the time. Well, you get the point. Instead, my response was "I don't know. Why don't you ask your teacher?" Hehe.
On that note, since I know you've been missing me posting the Joke of the Day, I leave you with this.
Pearl: Rachel is a terrific housekeeper.
Shirl: Why do you say that?
Pearl: Because she's been divorced three times and has kept all three houses.
Saturday, February 10
my challenge
I was told by someone who reads my blathering on a regular basis - no names mentioned that my frivilous daily drivel doesn't amount to much compared to their infrequent novelettes. So I took mental note of that and took it as a challenge to write something more substantial, if you can call random ranting substantial.
WTF is up with people who tell you they're down on their luck and just need a couple of bucks to get by and, oh, by the way, are a little short on cash to pay the sales tax that since they're from Oregon where there is no sales tax and they didn't count on paying more on the new tire they unexpectedly had to put on their car in order to get back home? Sister, can you spare about $3.00? Yeah! That should do it. Notsomuch. What happened to the good old dime? Not the point.
The point is I certainly don't mind helping people who really need the help. This is usually reserved for people I know because, afterall, how the hell would you know if they really need the help if you don't know a damn thing about them? Of course some people, no matter how hard you try to help them, just won't help themselves, so you might as well not help them anyway because then you're just enabling. But that's not the point either, and definitely a subject for a different day.
The real point is just after getting out of the car in the Target parking lot this afternoon, WJ and I were approached by a dude asking for $3.00, or anything I could spare. He gave me the song and dance I just wrote about above. The first thing that went through my mind was 'strange dude approaching and it's just me and my son, he'd better not try anything'. Once I got over that initial 2.5 seconds of thought and really heard what he was asking I stood there for another 2.5 seconds just staring at him. As you well know, I've been out of work for nearly 6 months now. Never ONCE did I think about asking people for handouts. Shit! I wouldn't even take money from friends who offered it to me with NO strings attached. I've cut back on frivilous spending. Borrowed from myself. And, if it came right down to it and I absolutely needed the money and didn't have it, I would have taken ANY work I could get instead of holding out for something that will let me live my life comfortably and withing the lifestyle I've become accustomed.
Why do some people think it's okay to just walk around or stand on a streetcorner or freeway offramp asking for money? IT'S NOT OKAY! Let me repeat that. IT'S NOT FREAKIN' OKAY!!! Get a job. Any job. There's a shitload of them out there. I know cuz I've seen them. I'm just being a bit particular in my search. But if I really needed to work and bring more money home than what I've been collecting in unemployment and child support I would have been working within the first week of being cut by corporate computer giant. To expect others, hardworking or unemployed like myself, to just hand out money to help you because you got in a jam if you really did and aren't just bullshitting us while you run home and sit in front of your big screen plasma TV sipping on whatever drink is the fancy of the day is ludicrous. And rude. And not a game I want to play with you. Not today. Not ever.
Is this more substantial than the usual drivel?
WTF is up with people who tell you they're down on their luck and just need a couple of bucks to get by and, oh, by the way, are a little short on cash to pay the sales tax that since they're from Oregon where there is no sales tax and they didn't count on paying more on the new tire they unexpectedly had to put on their car in order to get back home? Sister, can you spare about $3.00? Yeah! That should do it. Notsomuch. What happened to the good old dime? Not the point.
The point is I certainly don't mind helping people who really need the help. This is usually reserved for people I know because, afterall, how the hell would you know if they really need the help if you don't know a damn thing about them? Of course some people, no matter how hard you try to help them, just won't help themselves, so you might as well not help them anyway because then you're just enabling. But that's not the point either, and definitely a subject for a different day.
The real point is just after getting out of the car in the Target parking lot this afternoon, WJ and I were approached by a dude asking for $3.00, or anything I could spare. He gave me the song and dance I just wrote about above. The first thing that went through my mind was 'strange dude approaching and it's just me and my son, he'd better not try anything'. Once I got over that initial 2.5 seconds of thought and really heard what he was asking I stood there for another 2.5 seconds just staring at him. As you well know, I've been out of work for nearly 6 months now. Never ONCE did I think about asking people for handouts. Shit! I wouldn't even take money from friends who offered it to me with NO strings attached. I've cut back on frivilous spending. Borrowed from myself. And, if it came right down to it and I absolutely needed the money and didn't have it, I would have taken ANY work I could get instead of holding out for something that will let me live my life comfortably and withing the lifestyle I've become accustomed.
Why do some people think it's okay to just walk around or stand on a streetcorner or freeway offramp asking for money? IT'S NOT OKAY! Let me repeat that. IT'S NOT FREAKIN' OKAY!!! Get a job. Any job. There's a shitload of them out there. I know cuz I've seen them. I'm just being a bit particular in my search. But if I really needed to work and bring more money home than what I've been collecting in unemployment and child support I would have been working within the first week of being cut by corporate computer giant. To expect others, hardworking or unemployed like myself, to just hand out money to help you because you got in a jam if you really did and aren't just bullshitting us while you run home and sit in front of your big screen plasma TV sipping on whatever drink is the fancy of the day is ludicrous. And rude. And not a game I want to play with you. Not today. Not ever.
Is this more substantial than the usual drivel?
Friday, February 9
sick watch, name calling, and just for laughs
Third day on sick watch here. {sigh} Every time I think WJ's fever is breaking/gone, it rears it's ugly head again. So being that it's Friday and he's already missed two days of school this week, I'm keeping him home again. I need him well by Monday so I don't have to scramble around looking for childcare to go to my interview.
I got a big laugh this morning while blog surfing my usual haunts. I came upon Elizabeth's blog last week via another one. She was celebrating her 40th birthday and being a very soon to be there compadre, I left her birthday greetings and have been back to read almost every day. This morning I read her post from yesterday and it was so funny I had to steal it and post here. It's another meme, but I won't call out anyone in particular to tag. But if you do this on your blog, post here and let me know!
Name Calling
L: Everyone loves you.
I : You are GREAT in bed.
S : Fuckin crazy.
A : You like to drink.
I don't know what to say!?! LOL
A : You like to drink.
B : You like people.
C : You are really silly.
D : You like to drink.
E: You are easy to fall in love with.
F : You are dead sexy.
G : You never let people tell you what to do.
H : You have very good personality and good looks.
I : You are GREAT in bed.
J : People adore you
K : You’re wild and crazy.
L: Everyone loves you.
M : Best kisser ever.
N: You like to drink.
O: Awesome kisser.
P : You are popular with all types of people.
Q : You are a hypocrite.
R : Easy to fall in love with.
S : Fuckin crazy.
T : You’re loyal to those you love.
U : You really like to chill.
V : You are not judgemental.
W : You are very broad minded.
X : You never let people tell you what to do.
Y: Best bf/gf anyone could ask for.
Z : You are Always ready
And finally, the Joke of the Day...
One afternoon, Signore Piani was startled to see a panda walk into his exclusive Italian restaurant. He sat the panda down at his finest table and had his best waiter serve him an exquisite meal. As soon as the panda finished his last bite, he stood up, pulled out a BB gun, and shot out all the lightbulbs. Then he started for the door. Both the waiter and the owner shouted after him, "How could you do such a thing and walk away?" The panda said, "What do you expect? Just look me up in the dictionary." Signore Piani and the waiter quickly ran to the dictionary and looked up panda. Then they understood. "Panda," it read, "an animal that eats shoots and leaves."
TGIF!
I got a big laugh this morning while blog surfing my usual haunts. I came upon Elizabeth's blog last week via another one. She was celebrating her 40th birthday and being a very soon to be there compadre, I left her birthday greetings and have been back to read almost every day. This morning I read her post from yesterday and it was so funny I had to steal it and post here. It's another meme, but I won't call out anyone in particular to tag. But if you do this on your blog, post here and let me know!
Name Calling
L: Everyone loves you.
I : You are GREAT in bed.
S : Fuckin crazy.
A : You like to drink.
I don't know what to say!?! LOL
A : You like to drink.
B : You like people.
C : You are really silly.
D : You like to drink.
E: You are easy to fall in love with.
F : You are dead sexy.
G : You never let people tell you what to do.
H : You have very good personality and good looks.
I : You are GREAT in bed.
J : People adore you
K : You’re wild and crazy.
L: Everyone loves you.
M : Best kisser ever.
N: You like to drink.
O: Awesome kisser.
P : You are popular with all types of people.
Q : You are a hypocrite.
R : Easy to fall in love with.
S : Fuckin crazy.
T : You’re loyal to those you love.
U : You really like to chill.
V : You are not judgemental.
W : You are very broad minded.
X : You never let people tell you what to do.
Y: Best bf/gf anyone could ask for.
Z : You are Always ready
And finally, the Joke of the Day...
One afternoon, Signore Piani was startled to see a panda walk into his exclusive Italian restaurant. He sat the panda down at his finest table and had his best waiter serve him an exquisite meal. As soon as the panda finished his last bite, he stood up, pulled out a BB gun, and shot out all the lightbulbs. Then he started for the door. Both the waiter and the owner shouted after him, "How could you do such a thing and walk away?" The panda said, "What do you expect? Just look me up in the dictionary." Signore Piani and the waiter quickly ran to the dictionary and looked up panda. Then they understood. "Panda," it read, "an animal that eats shoots and leaves."
TGIF!
Thursday, February 8
it's either all or nothing
Holy crow!!
I have not one, but TWO interviews scheduled for next week!!! Both called sometime between leaving the house at 12:45pm and walking in the door with a shitload of grocery bags. I almost broke my neck tripping over the dog to answer the phone.
Monday morning is with another state agency and Tuesday morning is a non-profit association. I think I'd be happy with either so I just hope this isn't one of those we already know who we're hiring but need to interview our obligatory number of people anyway sort of deals. Besides that, I just really want to move out of the UI payscale and into the JOB payscale. Hehe!!
Anyway, if you could send some good vibes my way, I'd really appreciate it! I'll be a nervous wreck come Sunday. So maybe sending some calm vibes would be good too.
I have not one, but TWO interviews scheduled for next week!!! Both called sometime between leaving the house at 12:45pm and walking in the door with a shitload of grocery bags. I almost broke my neck tripping over the dog to answer the phone.
Monday morning is with another state agency and Tuesday morning is a non-profit association. I think I'd be happy with either so I just hope this isn't one of those we already know who we're hiring but need to interview our obligatory number of people anyway sort of deals. Besides that, I just really want to move out of the UI payscale and into the JOB payscale. Hehe!!
Anyway, if you could send some good vibes my way, I'd really appreciate it! I'll be a nervous wreck come Sunday. So maybe sending some calm vibes would be good too.
sixty-nine baby!!!
Hehe! That would be sixty-nine days until Stacie arrives!! What were you thinking I was talking about? Get your mind out of the gutter. Sheesh!Other notable events for today include my friend since we were 5 years old, Denise's 40th birthday. Haha! You're 40 before me!! Happy Birthday girl! And my parents' 44th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Damn! Can you imagine being married to the same person for that long? I don't know how they've done it but I'm amazed. And it's also Ms. Sizzle's two year anniversary of her first blog. See, got my party hat on for ya girl!!
Somewhat non-notable events for the day include WJ still being sick. Me still looking for a job. Oh, and Survivor Fiji starting tonight! I should have set up a Survivor pool. Damn, I always think about these things too late.
And now your Joke of the Day...
Saul: Do you believe that television causes violence?
Paul: Sure - my kids are always fighting over which shows to watch.
Wednesday, February 7
the uninvited guest
I have a sick kid. Ugh!
How is it when our kids get sick, we as parents are rendered seemingly helpless? Maybe I'm the only one who feels like this. I just hate watching my normally active child lay listless and lethargic while the creepy crud takes over his little body.
And there's this whole 'fever' thing that confuses the shit out of me. I know a fever is the body's natural mechanism for fighting off whatever virus is brewing, but when the kid's burning up with a temp of 102.5 I run around the house looking for the Tylenol or Motrin, or whatever else I can find to bring it down. Counterproductive? Maybe. Confusing? Definitely.
Anyway, that's what's happening here today. We're vegging out and fighting off the creepy crud. Antibacterial wipes and handwash are my new best friends.
Oh, and since I missed giving you your daily dose of the Joke of the Day yesterday, you get two doses today. Wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun.
Did you hear the one about...
...the frat boy who planned for his future? He bought two cases of beer.
Why was the chicken scolded?
For using fowl language.
------------------------------------------
Updated: Looks like it'll be another day at home tomorrow. My poor little guy!
How is it when our kids get sick, we as parents are rendered seemingly helpless? Maybe I'm the only one who feels like this. I just hate watching my normally active child lay listless and lethargic while the creepy crud takes over his little body.
And there's this whole 'fever' thing that confuses the shit out of me. I know a fever is the body's natural mechanism for fighting off whatever virus is brewing, but when the kid's burning up with a temp of 102.5 I run around the house looking for the Tylenol or Motrin, or whatever else I can find to bring it down. Counterproductive? Maybe. Confusing? Definitely.
Anyway, that's what's happening here today. We're vegging out and fighting off the creepy crud. Antibacterial wipes and handwash are my new best friends.
Oh, and since I missed giving you your daily dose of the Joke of the Day yesterday, you get two doses today. Wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun.
Did you hear the one about...
...the frat boy who planned for his future? He bought two cases of beer.
Why was the chicken scolded?
For using fowl language.
------------------------------------------
Updated: Looks like it'll be another day at home tomorrow. My poor little guy!
Monday, February 5
Monday again? Part III
Not exactly the most productive Monday I've had. And very long considering I was up at 4:48am. I guess that's what happens when you sleep like the dead for the first three hours of the night. Early wake-up call. I shouldn't complain though. I'd rather be on the sleep like the dead, early wake-up schedule than the can't keep my eyes open past 9:30pm schedule. That just bugs me.
On a good note, it's been an extremely funny day, so that should count for something. Yes? My girl Stacie and I laughed it up pretty good this morning. One subject after another. We even tormented poor Groove for awhile there apparently making his head spin. Now that's something I would have paid money to actually see!
Speaking of funny, did you watch the Super Bowl yesterday? Not the game. That was pitiful. After the opening runback, it just went down hill. Did you watch the commercials? Seeing all the new commercials is always the best part. For the most part, I was really disappointed this year. I'd already seen a bunch of them, and most of the others weren't worth a damn. Except for this one. It was hys-FREAKIN-terical!!!
And I must not forget the Joke of the Day!
Waiter, waiter
Max: Waiter, this soup tastes like sewer water!
Waiter: How do you know?
On that note, time to get the kiddo some grub. With lots of tomatoes!
On a good note, it's been an extremely funny day, so that should count for something. Yes? My girl Stacie and I laughed it up pretty good this morning. One subject after another. We even tormented poor Groove for awhile there apparently making his head spin. Now that's something I would have paid money to actually see!
Speaking of funny, did you watch the Super Bowl yesterday? Not the game. That was pitiful. After the opening runback, it just went down hill. Did you watch the commercials? Seeing all the new commercials is always the best part. For the most part, I was really disappointed this year. I'd already seen a bunch of them, and most of the others weren't worth a damn. Except for this one. It was hys-FREAKIN-terical!!!
And I must not forget the Joke of the Day!
Waiter, waiter
Max: Waiter, this soup tastes like sewer water!
Waiter: How do you know?
On that note, time to get the kiddo some grub. With lots of tomatoes!
Sunday, February 4
got any new music lately? or how about a movie?
I did! It all started last week when I saw the new Norah Jones album Not Too Late was released. I already had her other two albums and listen to them frequently, so knew I needed to get the latest. It's awesome! Just like the other two.
But I didn't stop there. Last night I went shopping and picked up a baker's dozen of assorted music from various artists including Rosie Thomas, James Blunt, KT Tunstall, Mark Joseph, and Amos Lee. Some very good stuff! Have you got anything new lately? Tell me about it.
I also saw the most hilarious movie. The Aristocrats. No. Not The Aristocats. Disney would have a heart attack before he's put his name on this movie. You have to see this. If you want raunchy, side-splitting humor beyond measure, rent this movie now. I seriously thought I'd pee my pants. It's a documentary about a private joke that's been passed on from comedian to comedian throughout the years since Vaudeville. It's disgusting, shocking, hysterical fun told by some of the best comedians out there.
Other than that the weekend was pretty much the same as most weekends around here. A little laundry. A little cleaning. A little football. A little craziness. All in all good. Hope yours was the same.
Oh, and lest I forget the Joke of the Day...
Rabbi: Do you know why Moses wandered the desert for 40 years?
Little Joey: Because he wouldn't ask for directions?
Exactly.
But I didn't stop there. Last night I went shopping and picked up a baker's dozen of assorted music from various artists including Rosie Thomas, James Blunt, KT Tunstall, Mark Joseph, and Amos Lee. Some very good stuff! Have you got anything new lately? Tell me about it.
I also saw the most hilarious movie. The Aristocrats. No. Not The Aristocats. Disney would have a heart attack before he's put his name on this movie. You have to see this. If you want raunchy, side-splitting humor beyond measure, rent this movie now. I seriously thought I'd pee my pants. It's a documentary about a private joke that's been passed on from comedian to comedian throughout the years since Vaudeville. It's disgusting, shocking, hysterical fun told by some of the best comedians out there.
Other than that the weekend was pretty much the same as most weekends around here. A little laundry. A little cleaning. A little football. A little craziness. All in all good. Hope yours was the same.
Oh, and lest I forget the Joke of the Day...
Rabbi: Do you know why Moses wandered the desert for 40 years?
Little Joey: Because he wouldn't ask for directions?
Exactly.
Thursday, February 1
e-i-e-i-o
So it appears the day's almost gone, and since I have nothing to say today other than I was a total moron yesterday and twisted my ankle after stepping into a pothole thus throwing my body into a forward motion and landing hard on my left knee and elbow which are now subsequently fucked up, you're stuck with the following Joke of the Day.
Mrs. Treemont: What is your son Junior going to be when he graduates from high school?
Blanche: About 30.
Yes, stupid. But just remember, I'm not writing them. Just sharing them.
Mrs. Treemont: What is your son Junior going to be when he graduates from high school?
Blanche: About 30.
Yes, stupid. But just remember, I'm not writing them. Just sharing them.
Wednesday, January 31
six things you probaby don't know (or care) about me
I was tagged with this meme by the weirdgirl and I'm supposed to tell you six things you don't know about me. Although there's hundreds of things you don't know (or care) about me, it's really hard to come up with six of them. Well, six interesting ones at least. So, here we go...
1. The first concert I went to was to see Shawn Cassidy. It was the late 70's, and he was the major teen idol. If going to see him isn't funny enough, I actually flew from California to Chicago to do it. Yep! My parents stuck me on a plane (my first time flying alone) and off I went to hear "Da Do Ron Ron" and "Morning Girl" over the screams and crying of thousands of other crazed teen girls.
2. I was a football fanatic. Is it any wonder why my kid is too? My first favorite team was the Miami Dolphins - because they had 'pretty' uniforms. Then I grew up and picked a real team - the San Francisco Forty Niners. My dad had season tickets and every home game we'd be there cheering them on. If you know anything about football in the 80's, you know about "The Catch". I was there, sitting six rows up from the field, at the endzone where the infamous catch was made. Even twenty-five years later I'm still in awe.
3. I used to travel, a lot. Both my parents worked for major airlines and we definitely took advantage of the perks. On one trip home from England, Whitesnake happened to be on my flight. They were heading to the US on tour, and I had tickets to see them just two weeks later. We were flying on a 747 and I was sitting in the upper cabin. At one point during the flight, David Coverdale came upstairs to 'relieve himself' and we started chatting. A few minutes into our conversation his wife at the time, Tawny Kitaen, came screaming through the airplane, looking for him, thus ending our blissful time together. I later found out that she was deathly afraid of flying, had been given a sedative just before boarding the plane, and had woken up finding him gone and freaked out. Bitch!
4. I don't wear skirts or dresses. I'm a jeans girl! I can dress 'em up, go casual, or completely bummy. The versatility is endless!
5. I used to be afraid of public speaking. No more. I was cured by being forced with five minutes notice to present a website rebuild I'd done to a crowd of over 200 telecommunications industry leaders. The 7 & 7's waiting for me at the end of the presentation were good motivation!
6. I too (like the weirdgirl) was on a runaway horse but don't remember how old I was. Maybe 8 or 9? We'd come to Washington to visit family and my cousin took me out riding. It was shortly before feeding time, and my horse was begrudgingly sauntering out to the back pasture. When we got to the property line and turned the horses around, my horse knowing we were heading back to the stable where his dinner awaited took off galloping across the field, faster and faster. I held on as tight as I could, laughing hysterically the entire way. It was then I realized how much of a speed fanatic I am, but that story will have to wait for a future meme.
So there you have it. Six things you probably didn't know (or care) about me. Now I get to tag six others to share their stories. How about Stacie, Creative-Type Dad, that Lesley girl, Norman, Liss, and Groove (even though he probably won't do it cuz he doesn't like to share anything too personal about himself).
-------------------------
And I can't leave you without today's Joke of the Day...
Personnel Director: So if you get this job, who should we notify in case of an accident?
Stupid Steve: A good doctor.
1. The first concert I went to was to see Shawn Cassidy. It was the late 70's, and he was the major teen idol. If going to see him isn't funny enough, I actually flew from California to Chicago to do it. Yep! My parents stuck me on a plane (my first time flying alone) and off I went to hear "Da Do Ron Ron" and "Morning Girl" over the screams and crying of thousands of other crazed teen girls.
2. I was a football fanatic. Is it any wonder why my kid is too? My first favorite team was the Miami Dolphins - because they had 'pretty' uniforms. Then I grew up and picked a real team - the San Francisco Forty Niners. My dad had season tickets and every home game we'd be there cheering them on. If you know anything about football in the 80's, you know about "The Catch". I was there, sitting six rows up from the field, at the endzone where the infamous catch was made. Even twenty-five years later I'm still in awe.
3. I used to travel, a lot. Both my parents worked for major airlines and we definitely took advantage of the perks. On one trip home from England, Whitesnake happened to be on my flight. They were heading to the US on tour, and I had tickets to see them just two weeks later. We were flying on a 747 and I was sitting in the upper cabin. At one point during the flight, David Coverdale came upstairs to 'relieve himself' and we started chatting. A few minutes into our conversation his wife at the time, Tawny Kitaen, came screaming through the airplane, looking for him, thus ending our blissful time together. I later found out that she was deathly afraid of flying, had been given a sedative just before boarding the plane, and had woken up finding him gone and freaked out. Bitch!
4. I don't wear skirts or dresses. I'm a jeans girl! I can dress 'em up, go casual, or completely bummy. The versatility is endless!
5. I used to be afraid of public speaking. No more. I was cured by being forced with five minutes notice to present a website rebuild I'd done to a crowd of over 200 telecommunications industry leaders. The 7 & 7's waiting for me at the end of the presentation were good motivation!
6. I too (like the weirdgirl) was on a runaway horse but don't remember how old I was. Maybe 8 or 9? We'd come to Washington to visit family and my cousin took me out riding. It was shortly before feeding time, and my horse was begrudgingly sauntering out to the back pasture. When we got to the property line and turned the horses around, my horse knowing we were heading back to the stable where his dinner awaited took off galloping across the field, faster and faster. I held on as tight as I could, laughing hysterically the entire way. It was then I realized how much of a speed fanatic I am, but that story will have to wait for a future meme.
So there you have it. Six things you probably didn't know (or care) about me. Now I get to tag six others to share their stories. How about Stacie, Creative-Type Dad, that Lesley girl, Norman, Liss, and Groove (even though he probably won't do it cuz he doesn't like to share anything too personal about himself).
-------------------------
And I can't leave you without today's Joke of the Day...
Personnel Director: So if you get this job, who should we notify in case of an accident?
Stupid Steve: A good doctor.
Tuesday, January 30
Heh*
* aka 'notsomuch'; not to be confused with 'hehe'
As in I have 'heh' to say today.
Kinda funny that the Joke of the Day is taking the alternate route. LOL
Blanche: I just read a statistic that says that the average person speaks ten thousand words a day.
Herb: Yes, but you are far above average.
Monday, January 29
Monday again? sheesh!
The weekend flew by. Again. After the week of productivity, I took a couple of days off. Until last night, that is. Started making my plan for the week by measuring my room and all the furniture to see if I could rearrange it. The good news: I can! The bad news: First I have to clean out the junk room, move furniture out of my room to the junk room, swap furniture with WJ, and then it'll all work out. Basically it'll end up being an upstairs redo except for the bathrooms and guest bedroom. I made a good dent in it today, but am too embarrassed to post any pics of the awful mess I'm wading through to do it.
Anyway, while I was digging through the mountains of shit that'd accumulated, I came across a desk calendar from 2001 that'd never been opened. The Original Jokes! PUNS & Riddles Calendar. Guess what? 2001 had the same schedule as 2007. So, I can actually use it. Hehe! Not that I'll really "use" the calendar, but I will subject you to the stupidity of it on a daily basis. So without further ado, I bring you the.....
Joke of the Day
Did you hear the one about the termite?
He walked into a saloon and asked, "Is the bar tender here?"
Oh c'mon! It's funny!! Sheesh, tough crowd.
In other news...
Work Watch
Received my "thanksbutnothanks" letter from state agency today. Talk about a tough crowd. Oh well! There's gotta be something out there for me. Right?
That's about it for today. Time to go crack open a cold one. Enjoy!
Anyway, while I was digging through the mountains of shit that'd accumulated, I came across a desk calendar from 2001 that'd never been opened. The Original Jokes! PUNS & Riddles Calendar. Guess what? 2001 had the same schedule as 2007. So, I can actually use it. Hehe! Not that I'll really "use" the calendar, but I will subject you to the stupidity of it on a daily basis. So without further ado, I bring you the.....
Joke of the Day
Did you hear the one about the termite?
He walked into a saloon and asked, "Is the bar tender here?"
Oh c'mon! It's funny!! Sheesh, tough crowd.
In other news...
Work Watch
Received my "thanksbutnothanks" letter from state agency today. Talk about a tough crowd. Oh well! There's gotta be something out there for me. Right?
That's about it for today. Time to go crack open a cold one. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 27
afternoon at the movies
Yep. I did it. I dragged the kid to see Night at the Museum. And, just as predicted, he loved it! It seriously is a great movie. If you haven't seen it yet, get out there while you can. For those of you who don't "go" to the movies (you know who you are), put it on your list for when it comes out on rental.We laughed so hard! The special effects with animals and statues is terrific, but the allstar casting of Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Brad Garrett really puts it over the edge. All incredibly talented and equally hysterical. Williams plays President Teddy Roosevelt, and (yes Stacie) I now can't imagine anyone else in the world filling that role. Wilson is Jedediah (the little guy in the picture above), a cowboy out to run Stiller over with a train. He may have been little in the movie, but his character proves to be bigger than life.
On the way home I was told "I loved that movie! Can we go rent it?" For a kid that had to be hogtied to go, he certainly had a good time. This one will definitely be on our must buy list when it's released.
Friday, January 26
and on this next page, I wrote about...
The past couple of days I've been really productive. Not sure what bit me in the ass, but I'm going with it. Or at least I was until last night.
See, there's this little thing I might have mentioned once or twice before. I need a job! What? You didn't hear me? I need a job!! Yeah, we're back to that again. Actually, we never left, but I'm sure you get tired of hearing me complain about it as much as I get tired of bringing it up.
Never heard back from state agency after the last we haven't scheduled second round interviews yet email. Uh huh. Well, the first round was two weeks ago, so I'm pretty sure that one's in the toilet now. Submission deadline for corporate computer giant is today, so now I start the panicky jump every time the phone rings hoping it's a call for an interview feeling again.
In the meantime, I keep looking. Surfing the web. Printing out job descriptions. Filling out applications. I've reworked my resume and cover letter again, because let's face it there's obviously something they just aren't seeing that's really important to them. I wish I knew what it was.
Anyway, so back to yesterday. I finished the updates, had my stack of job reqs in front of me, and started going through collecting the various information each requires for its application process. Typically it's the standard cover letter, resume, references, and most times (government) an application. Let me share with you the application process I encountered in yesterday's stack:
APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit the following:
There you have it. It's no wonder I can't find a damn job with obscure requests like that. Now if they'd asked me to create a scrapbook for them, I'd have had it sealed.
See, there's this little thing I might have mentioned once or twice before. I need a job! What? You didn't hear me? I need a job!! Yeah, we're back to that again. Actually, we never left, but I'm sure you get tired of hearing me complain about it as much as I get tired of bringing it up.
Never heard back from state agency after the last we haven't scheduled second round interviews yet email. Uh huh. Well, the first round was two weeks ago, so I'm pretty sure that one's in the toilet now. Submission deadline for corporate computer giant is today, so now I start the panicky jump every time the phone rings hoping it's a call for an interview feeling again.
In the meantime, I keep looking. Surfing the web. Printing out job descriptions. Filling out applications. I've reworked my resume and cover letter again, because let's face it there's obviously something they just aren't seeing that's really important to them. I wish I knew what it was.
Anyway, so back to yesterday. I finished the updates, had my stack of job reqs in front of me, and started going through collecting the various information each requires for its application process. Typically it's the standard cover letter, resume, references, and most times (government) an application. Let me share with you the application process I encountered in yesterday's stack:
APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit the following:
- A cover letter that clearly describes how your experience and education have prepared you for the duties of this position and the requirements listed on this announcement. CHECK - tweeked the letter to include key words from the announcement
- A resume that provides clear, detailed information about your job-related education and experience. CHECK - just reworked that one!
- A certificate with your typing speed and accuracy. What the? Ok. Not to worry. I can get one of those.
- The names of three or more professional references including contact information and a statement from you granting permission to contact them. CHECK
- Three or four writing samples demonstrating your ability to write clearly, concisely, with proper grammer and spelling.
There you have it. It's no wonder I can't find a damn job with obscure requests like that. Now if they'd asked me to create a scrapbook for them, I'd have had it sealed.
Wednesday, January 24
the best banana muffins ever
Or so I've been told by WJ's first grade class. Hehe!So you remember the other day I was making banana muffins for WJ's un-birthday at school? Apparently they were a big hit. How big a hit you ask? A half dozen or so of them asked for the recipe. Yes! You read that right. First graders asked for the recipe for my banana muffins. Too funny! I typed it up, took it to school, and made copies for the teacher to handout. I'm sure their parents will be thrilled.
For those of you who might want to try the best banana muffins ever, here's my secret recipe. Enjoy!
Banana (Nut*) Muffins
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
2 eggs
1 ½ cup mashed ripe bananas**
(3 to 4 medium)
1/3 cup water
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
½ cup chopped nuts (omit nuts if desired)*
Heat oven to 400◦. Grease bottom only of muffin tins (or loaf pan to make bread). Mix sugar and margarine. Stir in eggs until blended. Add bananas and water; mix thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts just until moistened; stir in nuts. Pour into tins (or loaf pan). Bake approximately 23 minutes or until dark golden brown.
*I use chopped walnuts in mine, but you can also use pecans or omit the nuts entirely.
**I take bananas that have started to turn and throw them in the freezer until I’m ready to make muffins (bread). Thaw in a bowl the day before. Note: The banana skins will turn black while in the freezer, but the soft, ripened bananas are the best for this recipe.
Tuesday, January 23
and the blood spew forth from the spawn in rivers
There's this little game called basketball. The one where you take a round, orange ball and hurl it towards this little hoop hoping to make it in. Have you heard of it? Here in our house we have three forms of said game: 1) watching it on TV, 2) shooting with a regulation sized hard ball into the hoop purchased by The Rents residing in our garage, and 3) shooting the mini sized Nerf soft ball into the mini hoop hanging on the laundry room door. The latter being the most used at this time of the year and apparently also the most dangerous of all.
Last month, after donning the house with Christmas cheer, I entered the family room to find WJ sitting on the couch, extremely upset and fighting back tears. After asking what the problem was I was told about how the soft Nerf basketball had bounced off the rim of the cheap plastic hoop hanging off aforementioned door and careened into one of the equally cheap plastic candles adorning the mantle. Said candle then toppled off the mantle, crashed to the floor, and smashed the glass bulb to smithereens. Was WJ hurt? Had glass shards ricocheted off the train table and flown into his eyes causing him sudden and permanent blindness? Of course not. The problem wasn't pain inflicted by the breaking of the bulb, or the candle for that matter. It was fear that the revered hoop would be removed, dismantled, and potentially thrown away because this soft Nerf basketball had smashed the cheap ass piece of shit candle. If you haven't gotten the correlation yet, maybe last night's incident of epic proportions will clear things up for you.
After playing a few rounds of "first to ten" on the cheap plastic hoop with the soft Nerf basketball, I retreated to the comforts of my barstool. No. I do not have a bar in my house. It's what I sit on while working on the computer that's perched on the breakfast bar between the kitchen and family room. Though putting in a bar isn't a bad idea. Anyway, I digress. The TV was playing some college basketball game and WJ continued to shoot hoops while occassionally glancing at the screen. I lost myself in the world of Internet surfing and tuned out the dull noises permeating from the background.
I vaguely remember WJ telling me he needed a Kleenex and telling him to go to the bathroom to get one. But when your kid steps out of the bathroom door and says, "Hey Mom! There's blood on my Kleenex." your entire being jumps to ready attention and heightened sense of alert. I got up, wandered into the bathroom to investigate, and just as I turned to look at his nose the river of bright red blood spew forth dropping onto the floor. Thank God for linoleum. I grabbed a tissue, held it to his nose, and saw the pristine white paper product turn into a soggy red mess in my hands. WTF? How did this happen with a soft Nerf basketball? And more important, how the hell do I get it to stop?
A nose bleeder I am not. Never had one in my life. Not even after getting smacked so hard in the nose with an elbow coming straight down on the bridge during a (say it with me now) basketball game. I had no freakin clue how to get the river to subside, so after bringing WJ out to the couch, having him lay down while holding several more pristine white tissues to his nose, I returned to my post at the computer to search for some advice. I also sent an IM to a friend I'd been chatting with only minutes before. No response. And trying to read the various do this but don't do that articles online was taking too long when your kid is asking if he's going to die and you feel like you've just been dealt a hand you have no idea how to play.
So I did the only thing I could think of. I made the panic call. The oh my God, WJ's got a river of blood spewing from his nose and I have no idea in hell how to stop it call. I called the only person I could think might have a solution. A friend who's kid plays sports and, by the way, who's wife is a nurse. It's great to have friends in high places. Cold compress, light pressure. Seemed so logical after hearing it. And guess what? It worked. Within minutes the incident of epic proportions was over and peace was once again restored to our little kingdom.
Oh, one last thing. I think Nerf needs to come up with a different adjective to describe their toys because soft just ain't doing it in this household.
Last month, after donning the house with Christmas cheer, I entered the family room to find WJ sitting on the couch, extremely upset and fighting back tears. After asking what the problem was I was told about how the soft Nerf basketball had bounced off the rim of the cheap plastic hoop hanging off aforementioned door and careened into one of the equally cheap plastic candles adorning the mantle. Said candle then toppled off the mantle, crashed to the floor, and smashed the glass bulb to smithereens. Was WJ hurt? Had glass shards ricocheted off the train table and flown into his eyes causing him sudden and permanent blindness? Of course not. The problem wasn't pain inflicted by the breaking of the bulb, or the candle for that matter. It was fear that the revered hoop would be removed, dismantled, and potentially thrown away because this soft Nerf basketball had smashed the cheap ass piece of shit candle. If you haven't gotten the correlation yet, maybe last night's incident of epic proportions will clear things up for you.
After playing a few rounds of "first to ten" on the cheap plastic hoop with the soft Nerf basketball, I retreated to the comforts of my barstool. No. I do not have a bar in my house. It's what I sit on while working on the computer that's perched on the breakfast bar between the kitchen and family room. Though putting in a bar isn't a bad idea. Anyway, I digress. The TV was playing some college basketball game and WJ continued to shoot hoops while occassionally glancing at the screen. I lost myself in the world of Internet surfing and tuned out the dull noises permeating from the background.
I vaguely remember WJ telling me he needed a Kleenex and telling him to go to the bathroom to get one. But when your kid steps out of the bathroom door and says, "Hey Mom! There's blood on my Kleenex." your entire being jumps to ready attention and heightened sense of alert. I got up, wandered into the bathroom to investigate, and just as I turned to look at his nose the river of bright red blood spew forth dropping onto the floor. Thank God for linoleum. I grabbed a tissue, held it to his nose, and saw the pristine white paper product turn into a soggy red mess in my hands. WTF? How did this happen with a soft Nerf basketball? And more important, how the hell do I get it to stop?
A nose bleeder I am not. Never had one in my life. Not even after getting smacked so hard in the nose with an elbow coming straight down on the bridge during a (say it with me now) basketball game. I had no freakin clue how to get the river to subside, so after bringing WJ out to the couch, having him lay down while holding several more pristine white tissues to his nose, I returned to my post at the computer to search for some advice. I also sent an IM to a friend I'd been chatting with only minutes before. No response. And trying to read the various do this but don't do that articles online was taking too long when your kid is asking if he's going to die and you feel like you've just been dealt a hand you have no idea how to play.
So I did the only thing I could think of. I made the panic call. The oh my God, WJ's got a river of blood spewing from his nose and I have no idea in hell how to stop it call. I called the only person I could think might have a solution. A friend who's kid plays sports and, by the way, who's wife is a nurse. It's great to have friends in high places. Cold compress, light pressure. Seemed so logical after hearing it. And guess what? It worked. Within minutes the incident of epic proportions was over and peace was once again restored to our little kingdom.
Oh, one last thing. I think Nerf needs to come up with a different adjective to describe their toys because soft just ain't doing it in this household.
Monday, January 22
how the hell is it Monday already?
What did I do all weekend that I didn't even have time to blog? The answer is nothing. Nothing at all. Well, not really nothing. But that's neither here nor there. Here it is. Monday. The start of a new week. My "to do" list is getting longer so I thought I'd better at least pop on here and say "hey" before I wake up and it's Friday already.
So, borrowing a phrase from Chag, here's some stuff only I care about. (If you haven't read Cynical Dad yet, go now and check it out. Seriously. This can wait until you come back as it truly is stuff only I care about.)
Work Watch
Going into the second week of waiting to hear whether I'll get a call back from state agency for a second interview. I have to tell you. Waiting sucks. I can't possibly imagine why I wouldn't get a call back on this one, but hell. I've thought that way before and been slammed. Also counting the days till the end of open filing for the spot at corporate computer giant. Again, assuming they aren't just fishing, or that someone internally doesn't jump on this one, I can't imagine why I wouldn't at the very least get a call. Again though. We wait. Oh, and one more thing to wait for, but this one is worth it. Finally got my UI claim restarted and should be getting a check this week. We'll see.
Get Out the Party Hats
No. For those of you who really know me, this isn't another pity party. Sheesh! Give me some credit. Today is WJ's un-birthday party at school. Yeah. The shitter about having a summer birthday. And being that his half birthday was right in the middle of Christmas vacation, here we are on some random Monday in January celebrating his un-birthday at school. What this means for me is I have to make banana muffins. Yes, you read right, banana muffins. My kid doesn't like cake, or cupcakes. He likes homemade banana muffins. Whatever. I'll do it. He'll be happy. Enough said. Hey! Speaking of party hats, have you looked at the counter lately? We're in the eighties now. 86 days! Woohoo!!
Quarter Million Dollar Tenements
With all the supposedly perceived potential break-ins across the street, neighbors have officially vacated. The "for rent" sign went up this weekend. This could go either way. Though previous neighbors were nice enough, some of the shit that was going on over there (or supposedly going on over there) during the past few months is now over. Done. Gone. This is a good thing. Problem is who might move in. It sucks having rentals around the neighborhood. You'd think with the cost of the homes in this area (yes, I've seen a recent valuation thanks to someone not taking into account that a personal follow-up might happen) the rentals wouldn't stay rentals for long. First, the owners could sell and run in this area. Not as quickly as a few months ago, but still. And, second, if you're going to pay that much in rent, why the hell don't you just go out and buy a house. At least then you have something of your own.
Okay, that's it for this morning's stuff only I care about. Time to get this week rolling. Happy Monday ya'll!
So, borrowing a phrase from Chag, here's some stuff only I care about. (If you haven't read Cynical Dad yet, go now and check it out. Seriously. This can wait until you come back as it truly is stuff only I care about.)
Work Watch
Going into the second week of waiting to hear whether I'll get a call back from state agency for a second interview. I have to tell you. Waiting sucks. I can't possibly imagine why I wouldn't get a call back on this one, but hell. I've thought that way before and been slammed. Also counting the days till the end of open filing for the spot at corporate computer giant. Again, assuming they aren't just fishing, or that someone internally doesn't jump on this one, I can't imagine why I wouldn't at the very least get a call. Again though. We wait. Oh, and one more thing to wait for, but this one is worth it. Finally got my UI claim restarted and should be getting a check this week. We'll see.
Get Out the Party Hats
No. For those of you who really know me, this isn't another pity party. Sheesh! Give me some credit. Today is WJ's un-birthday party at school. Yeah. The shitter about having a summer birthday. And being that his half birthday was right in the middle of Christmas vacation, here we are on some random Monday in January celebrating his un-birthday at school. What this means for me is I have to make banana muffins. Yes, you read right, banana muffins. My kid doesn't like cake, or cupcakes. He likes homemade banana muffins. Whatever. I'll do it. He'll be happy. Enough said. Hey! Speaking of party hats, have you looked at the counter lately? We're in the eighties now. 86 days! Woohoo!!
Quarter Million Dollar Tenements
With all the supposedly perceived potential break-ins across the street, neighbors have officially vacated. The "for rent" sign went up this weekend. This could go either way. Though previous neighbors were nice enough, some of the shit that was going on over there (or supposedly going on over there) during the past few months is now over. Done. Gone. This is a good thing. Problem is who might move in. It sucks having rentals around the neighborhood. You'd think with the cost of the homes in this area (yes, I've seen a recent valuation thanks to someone not taking into account that a personal follow-up might happen) the rentals wouldn't stay rentals for long. First, the owners could sell and run in this area. Not as quickly as a few months ago, but still. And, second, if you're going to pay that much in rent, why the hell don't you just go out and buy a house. At least then you have something of your own.
Okay, that's it for this morning's stuff only I care about. Time to get this week rolling. Happy Monday ya'll!
Thursday, January 18
oh, the weather outside is...
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but...
It's raining!!! YAY!!!
After a week of snow and ice and school closures, we are FINALLY back to our normal weather pattern. Including rain. Halleluia! Of course, if the rain keeps up for too many days, I'll start bitching about it again, but for now, I'm thrilled.
In other news, it's been a week now since my interview with state agency. No calls. No emails. No form letters. Nada. This could be going one of two ways. After the first interview she said there would be a second round. They'd hoped to have that second round this week, but with Monday being a federal holiday it might not be until next week. So, maybe they haven't scheduled them yet? More than likely, however, they've scheduled the second round and I just haven't heard anything because I'm not being invited back for the second round. That's just the way my job search seems to be going right now. We'll see.
Interestingly enough, I found out on Tuesday that there's an opening at corporate computer giant. Of course I jumped all over that one, submitting my resume and contacting my former manager. She put in a sparkling recommendation. And my super sleuth friend, Groove, is keeping his ears open as well. I was asked to send my info directly to the hiring managers and am now in the pool waiting to hear something. Seems like I do a lot of waiting!
Well, that's the news of the day. Nothing earthshattering. And now, I'm off to get the little man to school and me a desparately needed haircut. Never know what style I might be sporting by this afternoon given the mood I'm in lately. Stay tuned to find out.
[UPDATE: I emailed state worker to ask about the second round interviews. They haven't been scheduled, so there may be hope yet.]
It's raining!!! YAY!!!
After a week of snow and ice and school closures, we are FINALLY back to our normal weather pattern. Including rain. Halleluia! Of course, if the rain keeps up for too many days, I'll start bitching about it again, but for now, I'm thrilled.
In other news, it's been a week now since my interview with state agency. No calls. No emails. No form letters. Nada. This could be going one of two ways. After the first interview she said there would be a second round. They'd hoped to have that second round this week, but with Monday being a federal holiday it might not be until next week. So, maybe they haven't scheduled them yet? More than likely, however, they've scheduled the second round and I just haven't heard anything because I'm not being invited back for the second round. That's just the way my job search seems to be going right now. We'll see.
Interestingly enough, I found out on Tuesday that there's an opening at corporate computer giant. Of course I jumped all over that one, submitting my resume and contacting my former manager. She put in a sparkling recommendation. And my super sleuth friend, Groove, is keeping his ears open as well. I was asked to send my info directly to the hiring managers and am now in the pool waiting to hear something. Seems like I do a lot of waiting!
Well, that's the news of the day. Nothing earthshattering. And now, I'm off to get the little man to school and me a desparately needed haircut. Never know what style I might be sporting by this afternoon given the mood I'm in lately. Stay tuned to find out.
[UPDATE: I emailed state worker to ask about the second round interviews. They haven't been scheduled, so there may be hope yet.]
Monday, January 15
nanny nanny boo boo, stick your head in doo doo
I'm sure you were all in the same boat - a no school day. Normally it would've been no big deal. Except, if you recall from my rantings last week, there was barely any school because of the snow and ice. Certainly made for the long holiday weekend to seem even that much longer. With the snow and ice still hanging on, and the ever so slight snow flurries from this morning combined with my totally pitiful, apathetic outlook on life today - we did nothing.
After waking with a massive headache which I can only assume was stress related seeing as I had more than enough sleep, though fitful, last night, I was pleasantly surprised to find some Fandango bucks in my email. A gift from a friend so WJ and I could head out to a movie today. After insane amounts of caffeine to try and rid myself of the pounding ache in my head, neck, and shoulders, I pulled up the Fandango site to check out the movie schedule and make our purchase. Sights were set on Happy Feet. But since it's been out for so long now, there was only one showing. At 11:30am. Less than an hour from the time it was then. Bah!
When we went to see Charlotte's Web a few weeks back, we'd seen the previews for Night at the Museum and it looked pretty good. Plus, the neighbor kids just went with their grandpa on Friday and gave it a thumbs up. So, I pulled open the trailer, and called WJ over to watch it.
"Yeah, I've seen this already, Mom!"
"I know," I replied, "doesn't it look good?"
"I guess," he said.
Without hesitation I told him, "Hold on a sec!" and pulled up the trailer for Arthur and the Invisibles.
"I've seen this one too," he mumbled, all the time looking across the room at whatever was playing on the TV.
"It looks good," I pressed. "Would you rather see this one?"
"Nah, not really."
I was dumbfounded.
"Well, we have some Fandango bucks to go to the movies today. Which one do you want to see?" I asked.
"Do we have to go to the movies?"
"Well... no!? I guess not."
"Okay, good. Can I go play now?"
"Uh, yeah."
And with that, he was gone.
I was frustrated, baffled, and pretty much disappointed. My kid, who asks me to do things with him, take him places, and buy him things, while noting that I don't always have the time or money to do so, was given the opportunity to do all three things at once thanks to the generosity of a friend. And he turns it down. I don't get it? I know if I'd just told him we were going and didn't give him the choice he'd have complained the whole way there but enjoyed it in the long run. But I wanted it to be something he wanted to do - not something I was making him do. Was I asking too much?
Maybe I was being selfish? I really needed this outing. Needed to get out of the house. Needed the distraction from the chaos of my life. Instead we did nothing. He played and I puttered around aimlessly trying to get things done but finding roadblocks in my way.
Tomorrow's another day. The normalcy will return. School will be open. There won't be some stupid federal holiday shutting things down, keeping me from taking care of issues that will hopefully relieve some of my stress. And, with any luck, I won't have another massive headache to contend with.
After waking with a massive headache which I can only assume was stress related seeing as I had more than enough sleep, though fitful, last night, I was pleasantly surprised to find some Fandango bucks in my email. A gift from a friend so WJ and I could head out to a movie today. After insane amounts of caffeine to try and rid myself of the pounding ache in my head, neck, and shoulders, I pulled up the Fandango site to check out the movie schedule and make our purchase. Sights were set on Happy Feet. But since it's been out for so long now, there was only one showing. At 11:30am. Less than an hour from the time it was then. Bah!
When we went to see Charlotte's Web a few weeks back, we'd seen the previews for Night at the Museum and it looked pretty good. Plus, the neighbor kids just went with their grandpa on Friday and gave it a thumbs up. So, I pulled open the trailer, and called WJ over to watch it.
"Yeah, I've seen this already, Mom!"
"I know," I replied, "doesn't it look good?"
"I guess," he said.
Without hesitation I told him, "Hold on a sec!" and pulled up the trailer for Arthur and the Invisibles.
"I've seen this one too," he mumbled, all the time looking across the room at whatever was playing on the TV.
"It looks good," I pressed. "Would you rather see this one?"
"Nah, not really."
I was dumbfounded.
"Well, we have some Fandango bucks to go to the movies today. Which one do you want to see?" I asked.
"Do we have to go to the movies?"
"Well... no!? I guess not."
"Okay, good. Can I go play now?"
"Uh, yeah."
And with that, he was gone.
I was frustrated, baffled, and pretty much disappointed. My kid, who asks me to do things with him, take him places, and buy him things, while noting that I don't always have the time or money to do so, was given the opportunity to do all three things at once thanks to the generosity of a friend. And he turns it down. I don't get it? I know if I'd just told him we were going and didn't give him the choice he'd have complained the whole way there but enjoyed it in the long run. But I wanted it to be something he wanted to do - not something I was making him do. Was I asking too much?
Maybe I was being selfish? I really needed this outing. Needed to get out of the house. Needed the distraction from the chaos of my life. Instead we did nothing. He played and I puttered around aimlessly trying to get things done but finding roadblocks in my way.
Tomorrow's another day. The normalcy will return. School will be open. There won't be some stupid federal holiday shutting things down, keeping me from taking care of issues that will hopefully relieve some of my stress. And, with any luck, I won't have another massive headache to contend with.
Saturday, January 13
somewhere between childhood and becoming an adult
At some point on the road of parenting you expect to have conversations with your children about being a parent. Not at the age of six and a half (the "half" being very important to acknowledge to this six year old)!
The other day, while driving WJ to school, he was in a chatty mood. Normally he's quiet on the morning drives - one of the very few times he's quiet all day long. Our drive is only 10 minutes long so we don't usually get into deep conversations, but on this morning (after having been forced to be home for two days because apparently "some" people live too far from school to be able to get there safely when there's a mere 2" of snow on the ground) he chose to talk about parenting.
"When I am a father I will drive my children to school and pick them up too."
"Uhm... maybe," I mumbled.
"I don't know whether I'll have more than one or just one kid though," he continued.
"....." (Huh? I'm trying to concentrate on looking for ice patches on the roadway and he's talking about having kids???)
"And I don't know what I'll name them either."
Peering in the rear view mirror and seeing him lost in thought, looking out the side window, I say, "Well, you have a long time to think about that."
"Mmmhmm."
As I've later been informed by another parent of the male species, he won't have to worry about the naming. I think I'll leave that discussion for sometime in the very distant future.
The other day, while driving WJ to school, he was in a chatty mood. Normally he's quiet on the morning drives - one of the very few times he's quiet all day long. Our drive is only 10 minutes long so we don't usually get into deep conversations, but on this morning (after having been forced to be home for two days because apparently "some" people live too far from school to be able to get there safely when there's a mere 2" of snow on the ground) he chose to talk about parenting.
"When I am a father I will drive my children to school and pick them up too."
"Uhm... maybe," I mumbled.
"I don't know whether I'll have more than one or just one kid though," he continued.
"....." (Huh? I'm trying to concentrate on looking for ice patches on the roadway and he's talking about having kids???)
"And I don't know what I'll name them either."
Peering in the rear view mirror and seeing him lost in thought, looking out the side window, I say, "Well, you have a long time to think about that."
"Mmmhmm."
As I've later been informed by another parent of the male species, he won't have to worry about the naming. I think I'll leave that discussion for sometime in the very distant future.
Thursday, January 11
day of complete insanity
School closed. AGAIN. Only one in the entire district and surrounding districts. What crap! Public school is looking more and more appealing.
Another possible house break in. Same house. Same black from head to toe clad thugs. Thankfully they're moving so hopefully they'll take their thugs with them.
Interview is done. Now the wait starts to hear if I get a call back for round two - maybe to be done next week, or possibly the week after. They "hope" to have a decision made by the end of the month.
Also got a call from the contract place for an opening back up at computer company I worked at last year. Resume submitted, so we'll see if there's an interview to follow.
So that's my day. Now that the insanity is done it's time to de-stress and grab a cold one.
Another possible house break in. Same house. Same black from head to toe clad thugs. Thankfully they're moving so hopefully they'll take their thugs with them.
Interview is done. Now the wait starts to hear if I get a call back for round two - maybe to be done next week, or possibly the week after. They "hope" to have a decision made by the end of the month.
Also got a call from the contract place for an opening back up at computer company I worked at last year. Resume submitted, so we'll see if there's an interview to follow.
So that's my day. Now that the insanity is done it's time to de-stress and grab a cold one.
Wednesday, January 10
our morning
Woke up this morning to a few inches of snow, and more falling. School was cancelled. Of. Course. So, we bundled up and headed out to have some fun.
Now it's time to get stuff done around the house and get ready for the interview tomorrow. I just hope we don't get more snow, or worse yet, ice.
Tuesday, January 9
damn storm isn't even here yet and already the crooks are out
Apparently some people are either very stupid or very selfish. Feeling entitled even.
I headed up to bed around 10:20pm after watching the weather. Another big storm is on the way - this one supposedly bringing snow and another cold front. By 10:45pm it was clear I wasn't going to fall to sleep any time soon, so I got back up and came down to putz on the computer. At midnight I was finally ready for sleep, stopped out in the garage for a quick smoke (yes, I know I need to quit, so no lectures please!), and when I walked in the house the phone was ringing.
WTH?
Turned out to be my neighbor across the street.
Around the time I got back out of bed, he heard what sounded like footsteps on his roof and quiet talking over his garage. While sneaking around the house investigating he spotted two people in his back yard - one male, one female - dressed from head to toe in all black. He called the cops. Of course by the time they arrived, the crooks were gone.
After the last winter storm neighbor went out and bought a generator. With two small children at home he didn't want to be stuck without power again. He was storing the generator on the back patio. Probably not the best place to store it, but with both gates padlocked I guess he figured no one would be able to get to it.
Obviously the crooks don't want to be without power again either.
Needless to say, it was a long night.
I headed up to bed around 10:20pm after watching the weather. Another big storm is on the way - this one supposedly bringing snow and another cold front. By 10:45pm it was clear I wasn't going to fall to sleep any time soon, so I got back up and came down to putz on the computer. At midnight I was finally ready for sleep, stopped out in the garage for a quick smoke (yes, I know I need to quit, so no lectures please!), and when I walked in the house the phone was ringing.
WTH?
Turned out to be my neighbor across the street.
Around the time I got back out of bed, he heard what sounded like footsteps on his roof and quiet talking over his garage. While sneaking around the house investigating he spotted two people in his back yard - one male, one female - dressed from head to toe in all black. He called the cops. Of course by the time they arrived, the crooks were gone.
After the last winter storm neighbor went out and bought a generator. With two small children at home he didn't want to be stuck without power again. He was storing the generator on the back patio. Probably not the best place to store it, but with both gates padlocked I guess he figured no one would be able to get to it.
Obviously the crooks don't want to be without power again either.
Needless to say, it was a long night.
Monday, January 8
so it wasn't a prank
"State worker" returned my call this morning. Apparently it wasn't a prank call on Friday. At 12:30pm this Thursday I have an honest to goodness interview for a state job. I can still hardly believe it.
Other than that, it's Monday. I need to make a list of things I need to get done cuz I keep getting sidetracked and didn't get much accomplished over the weekend. The weekend was good. And the Seahawks held on to advance to the next round for the playoffs. (Of course short of a miracle, they'll be out of the game next weekend.)
Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
Other than that, it's Monday. I need to make a list of things I need to get done cuz I keep getting sidetracked and didn't get much accomplished over the weekend. The weekend was good. And the Seahawks held on to advance to the next round for the playoffs. (Of course short of a miracle, they'll be out of the game next weekend.)
Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
Saturday, January 6
someone pinch me!
They say bad things happen in 3's, right? Well they usually do in my life at least. What about good things?? Do they happen in 3's too? If so, then I'm due one more good thing. But I'm insanely happy with the two I just received yesterday, so if there's no 3 I'm fine with it.
As you can see from yesterday's post, my super incredible friend Stacie is coming out to see me in April! (WOOOOHOOOO!!!!) For those of you who don't know our background, Stacie and I met several years ago at an on-line scrapping forum. We became friends, and over the last few years have gone through SO much together - good, bad, happy, sad, and everything in between. But we've never had the chance to actually be in the same place at the same time. At some point in the last week I said, "So you'd better get going on booking that trip for April!" or some other sassy tease. (Why April? Because I'll be officially crossing into another decade of years I've graced the earth with my presence.)
Yesterday started off like any other except that WJ's class was finally performing the short play they were supposed to have done before Christmas vacation, so I promised him I would go and watch. (It was very cute, but I'll do another post on that later.) Shortly after getting home I called my girl, Stacie, to see how her day was going, and the conversation went something like this:
Me: Hey, what's going on?
Stacie: Same ole. How's your day?
Me: Good....
Stacie: Hey... I've got a question for you!
Me: OK, shoot.
Stacie: What are you doing at 9:10PM Wednesday, April 18th?
Me: Hopefully picking up your ass from the Seattle airport!? (oozing sassiness)
Stacie: That's not too late? (giggle giggle)
Me: What??? Are you serious??? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
Stacie: (laughing)
Me: OMG!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, you get the gist. She was booking the flight while on the phone with me and I was bouncing off the walls. Once she got the flight booked and my feet were on the ground again, I got to hear how she hit up Steve to make the trip. (She's very tricky!) Thank you Steve!!!! You rock!! And thanks Stacie's mom (can't remember if Stacie's ever actually used her mom's real name on her blog, so I won't throw it out there just in case she hasn't) for watching the kids so Stace can make this trip "kid free" (of course, they are always welcome to come!).
I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon floating on air. What a great way to start my 2007! A few hours later I ran out to do some errands and meet up with a friend for a couple hours. On my way home, I decided to call and check my voicemail (can't miss any of my fans calling! lol). There was one new message. And what do I hear?
"Hello, this is (state worker's name) calling from the (state agency's name). We would like you to come in on Thursday for an interview......." OMG!! I almost drove off the road. Two awesome phone calls in one day!
At the beginning of December I'd finally gotten off my ass and uploaded all my info into the state's new on-line hiring system. The Friday before New Year's, I'd received an email from one of the agencies asking me to complete an additional questionnaire for one of the posted jobs, so I was optimistic that someone was actually looking at my stuff. And now this call from yet another agency! Someone pinch me!!
I called State Worker back, but since it was Friday at 4:15PM I didn't expect to get her. Which was right. So, I left a message and am now waiting on a return call on Monday with the time and location. But I HAVE AN INTERVIEW!!! And with "the State" no less!
Well, that was my Friday! If my weekend ends up completely uneventful, it won't matter cuz yesterday rocked and two out of three ain't bad odds!!
As you can see from yesterday's post, my super incredible friend Stacie is coming out to see me in April! (WOOOOHOOOO!!!!) For those of you who don't know our background, Stacie and I met several years ago at an on-line scrapping forum. We became friends, and over the last few years have gone through SO much together - good, bad, happy, sad, and everything in between. But we've never had the chance to actually be in the same place at the same time. At some point in the last week I said, "So you'd better get going on booking that trip for April!" or some other sassy tease. (Why April? Because I'll be officially crossing into another decade of years I've graced the earth with my presence.)
Yesterday started off like any other except that WJ's class was finally performing the short play they were supposed to have done before Christmas vacation, so I promised him I would go and watch. (It was very cute, but I'll do another post on that later.) Shortly after getting home I called my girl, Stacie, to see how her day was going, and the conversation went something like this:
Me: Hey, what's going on?
Stacie: Same ole. How's your day?
Me: Good....
Stacie: Hey... I've got a question for you!
Me: OK, shoot.
Stacie: What are you doing at 9:10PM Wednesday, April 18th?
Me: Hopefully picking up your ass from the Seattle airport!? (oozing sassiness)
Stacie: That's not too late? (giggle giggle)
Me: What??? Are you serious??? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
Stacie: (laughing)
Me: OMG!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, you get the gist. She was booking the flight while on the phone with me and I was bouncing off the walls. Once she got the flight booked and my feet were on the ground again, I got to hear how she hit up Steve to make the trip. (She's very tricky!) Thank you Steve!!!! You rock!! And thanks Stacie's mom (can't remember if Stacie's ever actually used her mom's real name on her blog, so I won't throw it out there just in case she hasn't) for watching the kids so Stace can make this trip "kid free" (of course, they are always welcome to come!).
I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon floating on air. What a great way to start my 2007! A few hours later I ran out to do some errands and meet up with a friend for a couple hours. On my way home, I decided to call and check my voicemail (can't miss any of my fans calling! lol). There was one new message. And what do I hear?
"Hello, this is (state worker's name) calling from the (state agency's name). We would like you to come in on Thursday for an interview......." OMG!! I almost drove off the road. Two awesome phone calls in one day!
At the beginning of December I'd finally gotten off my ass and uploaded all my info into the state's new on-line hiring system. The Friday before New Year's, I'd received an email from one of the agencies asking me to complete an additional questionnaire for one of the posted jobs, so I was optimistic that someone was actually looking at my stuff. And now this call from yet another agency! Someone pinch me!!
I called State Worker back, but since it was Friday at 4:15PM I didn't expect to get her. Which was right. So, I left a message and am now waiting on a return call on Monday with the time and location. But I HAVE AN INTERVIEW!!! And with "the State" no less!
Well, that was my Friday! If my weekend ends up completely uneventful, it won't matter cuz yesterday rocked and two out of three ain't bad odds!!
Friday, January 5
WooooooFREAKINhooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Do you see the counter? Over there on the sidebar! Take a look.
It's counting down to PARTY time!!
What party, you ask?
The forking HUGE party my girl Stacie and I are gonna have when she arrives here in Seattle!!!
WooooooFREAKINhooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
It's counting down to PARTY time!!
What party, you ask?
The forking HUGE party my girl Stacie and I are gonna have when she arrives here in Seattle!!!
WooooooFREAKINhooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 4
Thursday Thirteen - Round 12
Thirteen Things I'd Like to Do in 2007
1. Get a job! (really, I need one. this is getting ridiculous!)
2. Pay down my credit cards (obviously I'll need a job first)
3. Start working out again (ever since I got laid off, I haven't been doing much in the way of exercise. are we sensing a theme here?)
4. Travel back East to see Stacie & Liss (it's about time... dontcha think?)
5. Get rid of the Mazda (yeah yeah... shoulda done that last year!)
6. Do some housepainting (all the white walls are making me feel like I live in a sanitarium)
7. Get the fourth bedroom cleaned out once and for all (and not use it anymore as a dumping ground for shit I don't know what to do with)
8. Go to Vegas (in March!)
9. Get a tattoo (my birthday present to myself)
10. Take WJ to Disneyland (it's time to share the magic!)
11. Read lots of books (I'm so happy I started reading again!)
12. See the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie (at the theater)
13. Continue blogging (because when I get busy with other stuff, it's one of the first things that I slack on)
Wednesday, January 3
Happy New Year!
Yes, I know I'm a few days late in wishing everyone a Happy New Year, but with doing NaBloPoMo all November, Holidailies most of December, and then having the craziness of the holidays and the Rents here for two weeks I guess I've gotten a little burned out on blogging and am lacking much in the way of creativity.
But I will be back, hopefully later this week, with more stories, rants, and whatever else comes to mind. In the meantime, I hope everyone's 2007 is starting off well!
Cheers!!
But I will be back, hopefully later this week, with more stories, rants, and whatever else comes to mind. In the meantime, I hope everyone's 2007 is starting off well!
Cheers!!
Thursday, December 28
Thursday Thirteen - Round 11
Thirteen Things that make me happy (in no particular order)
1. WJ
2. friends
3. my iPod
4. Starbucks
5. reading
6. family
7. driving fast
8. music
9. the sound of WJ laughing
10. snow
11. traveling
12. chocolate
13. my computer
Monday, December 25
Sunday, December 24
today's the BIG day
Today's the BIG day! Well, the big day for WJ that is. Tonight he will be going to his first professional football game - the Seattle Seahawks and the San Diego Chargers.
His entire Christmas has revolved around football. A new Seahawks tree ornament from his paternal grandmother. Seahawks jacket from the Rents. Seahawks helmet and uniform from me. And the Seahawks game from his dad. I'm sure this is one Christmas he will not soon forget!
I hope he calls me when he gets to the stadium, but he probably won't. I'm tempted to call myself, but they probably won't hear the phone. And I'm sure the Chargers are gonna kick some Seahawk butt today, but I hope I'm wrong.
As much as I wish I was there, with him, to see the smiles and feel his excitement, I'm also glad I'll be sitting in the warmth of the house watching the game on TV. And looking for my little man in the stands.
Saturday, December 23
open house
Another busy holiday day for us. The Rents and I headed across the bridge to Barb and Steve's pre-Christmas Eve open house. It's the first time I've been out that direction. Beautiful area. Right on the water and very rustic.
Barb had so much food it looked like she was feeding an army. And it seemed that an army of people were streaming in and out all afternoon. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure I won't be needing dinner tonight after all the nibbling I did all afternoon.
She also gave us two bags - one for The Rents and one for WJ and I - of homemade peanut brittle. I've never been a big fan of the stuff, but her's is to die for. Oh, the holiday season is murder on my waistline!
Hope you've all had an enjoyable pre-Christmas Eve day!
Barb had so much food it looked like she was feeding an army. And it seemed that an army of people were streaming in and out all afternoon. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure I won't be needing dinner tonight after all the nibbling I did all afternoon.
She also gave us two bags - one for The Rents and one for WJ and I - of homemade peanut brittle. I've never been a big fan of the stuff, but her's is to die for. Oh, the holiday season is murder on my waistline!
Hope you've all had an enjoyable pre-Christmas Eve day!
Friday, December 22
now that we've "had" Christmas, what are we going to do "on" Christmas?
WJ's leaving for his dad's this afternoon and I'm okay with it. We had our Christmas last night. All of it.
I was planning on just giving him his two bigger presents - Seahawks helmet and Seahawks jacket - and holding everything else until Christmas day (since he'll be home around 2pm). He opened both and was so excited. Then, he wanted to give me one of my presents. A photo of him with Santa. Then another, and another. Next thing I knew presents were being doled out and ripped open by all. It was crazy!
So, now that we've already had Christmas, what are we going to do on Christmas day? LOL
Oh well! Everyone's happy. We all got what we wanted. And I get to still look forward to spending part of Christmas day with WJ.
I was planning on just giving him his two bigger presents - Seahawks helmet and Seahawks jacket - and holding everything else until Christmas day (since he'll be home around 2pm). He opened both and was so excited. Then, he wanted to give me one of my presents. A photo of him with Santa. Then another, and another. Next thing I knew presents were being doled out and ripped open by all. It was crazy!
So, now that we've already had Christmas, what are we going to do on Christmas day? LOL
Oh well! Everyone's happy. We all got what we wanted. And I get to still look forward to spending part of Christmas day with WJ.
Thursday, December 21
Merry Christmas! But not really
Wasn't I just telling you about how mellow and friendly everyone seems to be during this holiday season? I guess I jinxed myself. Not everyone is mellow and friendly. And apparently they feel the need to share their "bah humbug" with the rest of us.
Yesterday afternoon after filling up the gas tank, I popped over to the Starbuck's just across the parking lot. They're located at the far end of a strip mall and parking (right in front of the store, not anywhere else in the stip mall) is at a premium. So, when I saw someone backing out I smiled at my good fortune, pulled in, and got out of the car to go get my fix. While crossing the drive area in front of the store a large white SUV rolled past. I happened to look up and make eye contact with the passenger and found her glaring at me. Not just staring out the window with a disgusted look. Truly glaring at me. Like if she could shoot daggers out her eyes they'd be headed straight for me. I couldn't figure why that look would be meant for me, so I dismissed it.
After meeting up with a friend (already inside), we took our coffee outside and stood chatting for a little while. While we were laughing and talking and enjoying our special brews, a woman neither of us has ever seen before walks up.
Her: I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Me: (surprised) Well, thank you!
I was pretty shocked that a complete stranger, one that I hadn't had any interaction with at all, was wishing me good tidings. But wait! She wasn't really.
Her: I guess you didn't see my SUV sitting in the parking lot with the blinker on waiting for the parking space you just whipped into after going around me?
Me: (totally shocked now that a seemingly nice conversation was nothing more than an opening to slamming me against a wall) No, I truly didn't. I'm sorry!
Her: Uh huh! Sure.
With that, she walked away leaving friend and I dumbfounded.
I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt that her caffeine level was at a seriously low level right then. Otherwise I'd just have to bitch about how some people should just put a sock in it.
Yesterday afternoon after filling up the gas tank, I popped over to the Starbuck's just across the parking lot. They're located at the far end of a strip mall and parking (right in front of the store, not anywhere else in the stip mall) is at a premium. So, when I saw someone backing out I smiled at my good fortune, pulled in, and got out of the car to go get my fix. While crossing the drive area in front of the store a large white SUV rolled past. I happened to look up and make eye contact with the passenger and found her glaring at me. Not just staring out the window with a disgusted look. Truly glaring at me. Like if she could shoot daggers out her eyes they'd be headed straight for me. I couldn't figure why that look would be meant for me, so I dismissed it.
After meeting up with a friend (already inside), we took our coffee outside and stood chatting for a little while. While we were laughing and talking and enjoying our special brews, a woman neither of us has ever seen before walks up.
Her: I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Me: (surprised) Well, thank you!
I was pretty shocked that a complete stranger, one that I hadn't had any interaction with at all, was wishing me good tidings. But wait! She wasn't really.
Her: I guess you didn't see my SUV sitting in the parking lot with the blinker on waiting for the parking space you just whipped into after going around me?
Me: (totally shocked now that a seemingly nice conversation was nothing more than an opening to slamming me against a wall) No, I truly didn't. I'm sorry!
Her: Uh huh! Sure.
With that, she walked away leaving friend and I dumbfounded.
I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt that her caffeine level was at a seriously low level right then. Otherwise I'd just have to bitch about how some people should just put a sock in it.
Thursday Thirteen - Round 10
Thirteen Things I’d Grab If I Only Had 15 Minutes to Evacuate the House
(people and pets not included)
1. cell phone
2. camera
3. scrapbooks
4. framed photos
5. WJ’s “friends” (aka stuffed animals)
6. computer
7. purse
8. clothes
9. prescriptions
10. portable DVD player
11. DVDs
12. sleeping bags
13. and pack it all in the car
Tuesday, December 19
Christmas shopping extravaganza
Do you want to know the best reason to go to the mall at Christmas time? It's a people watching haven. Truly. There's no better time than during the holiday season to see every walk of life come together in the same place. Especially now that the schools are on holiday break.
My past two days have been filled with shopping - at the mall, home improvement stores (as mentioned in yesterday's post), and a variety of others including drug stores, warehouse stores, and your typical mega chains. The sheer amount of people shopping is staggering. But I'm sure we'll hear after the buying season is over that retail is reporting a loss this holiday season. Isn't it always? Then what's in the bags everyone is carrying to their cars?
Anyway, I digress. The point of this post is the people you see shopping at this time of year. I love to people watch. In fact, it's much more fun for me to just sit in a mall people watching than racing from store to store shopping for things.
The one thing that's surprised me this year is just how mellow everyone seems to be. The sales people are friendly and helpful. The shoppers have smiles on their faces. And the children seem to either be very well behaved, or have very attentive parents. Never have I encountered so many people in such a small space seemingly enjoying themselves in a stress free manner. Maybe it's just that I'm not feeling any stress right now and that's given me a different perspective on things? Either way, it's been a pleasureable shopping experience. Now if I could just find the remaining few items on my list I could call it done.
I guess there's always tomorrow.
My past two days have been filled with shopping - at the mall, home improvement stores (as mentioned in yesterday's post), and a variety of others including drug stores, warehouse stores, and your typical mega chains. The sheer amount of people shopping is staggering. But I'm sure we'll hear after the buying season is over that retail is reporting a loss this holiday season. Isn't it always? Then what's in the bags everyone is carrying to their cars?
Anyway, I digress. The point of this post is the people you see shopping at this time of year. I love to people watch. In fact, it's much more fun for me to just sit in a mall people watching than racing from store to store shopping for things.
The one thing that's surprised me this year is just how mellow everyone seems to be. The sales people are friendly and helpful. The shoppers have smiles on their faces. And the children seem to either be very well behaved, or have very attentive parents. Never have I encountered so many people in such a small space seemingly enjoying themselves in a stress free manner. Maybe it's just that I'm not feeling any stress right now and that's given me a different perspective on things? Either way, it's been a pleasureable shopping experience. Now if I could just find the remaining few items on my list I could call it done.
I guess there's always tomorrow.
Monday, December 18
tree fun
There are definitely pros and cons to waiting until the week before Christmas to get your Christmas tree and other assorted holiday paraphenalia. I know because I spent half the day today running from store to store looking for these items.
Pros
Cons
Pros
- Christmas trees are 50% off at Lowe's right now
- Holiday lights are 33% off at Rite Aid
- Christmas tree stands (that Lowe's didn't have and sent us to Target for and they didn't have that we ended up at Rite Aid for) are 50% off right now
Cons
- You might have to wait awhile for the guys at Lowe's to get the chainsaw fixed so they can trim the bottom of your tree and wrap it up for you to take home (apparently they need to fix the one chainsaw they have... I guess they don't know a store that sell more)
- What happened to the old fashioned tree stand? The sturdy, small ones that could be easily hidden by a tree skirt? The damn stands are enormous these days.
- Speaking of tree skirts, they cost a mint ($40) and since they're buried under the mountain of stockings that have fallen off the display wall chances of them actually being bought are slim to none
Sunday, December 17
almost ready
I figured I'd better get a post up this morning before things start to get hectic around here. We're picking up the Rents today. They'll be here for the next two weeks, so my blogging time (and computer time in general) will be at a minimum.
Yesterday was spent playing catch up (again!) after having been without power for over 24 hours. It's truly amazing all the normal, everyday stuff you cannot do without power. Aside from computer time and TV time I mean. Things like laundry, vacuuming, running the dishwasher. Hell, even taking a shower. My neighbor pointed out that it (electricity) is really what separates us from the 19th century. I have to agree.
This morning we're almost ready. Just a few last minute things to take care of before heading to the airport. Blogging being one of them.
Before all the weather related setbacks, WJ had his Christmas program (Thursday night). It was the usual singing of Christmas songs by each of the classes. Off key. Off beat. But cute all the same. I tried to get pics of WJ singing, but every time he'd look at me with the camera aimed his direction, he'd look away before I could snap the pic. I couldn't believe it. My "camera hound" kid had suddenly turned shy. So, the only pics I actually got that are worth a damned are the one's I took before the performance.
The first one is Mrs. Farrimond (our school principal) and WJ. The second is WJ and "the two Jacks".The most disappointing thing about losing power was missing school on Friday. WJ's class was to perform a play after mass, and he had a speaking part that he'd been preparing for all week. They were also supposed to have their Christmas party and ornament exchange. Plus, the books I'd ordered at the last minute were supposed to be there for pick up. I called his teacher yesterday to see if by some chance she'd gotten them, but no. The post office is still without power. Then she told me about the damage at school. Our classroom had a tree branch come through the roof... right over her desk. Thankfully (she said) she'd moved all of the children's things to a bookshelf on the other side of the room, but she lost some of her stuff due to water damage. The computer lab and science lab also sustained damage. It all sucks! I'm just happy the kids weren't at school when it happened.
Well, that brings you up to date for now. I gotta run and finish up some stuff around here. Enjoy your Sunday!
Saturday, December 16
shock & awe
I have received the most wonderful Christmas gift I could imagine. And it's not even Christmas yet!
WJ will be coming home in the afternoon on Christmas day!!!! So, his father will have him in the morning, and I will have him in the afternoon.
If I receive nothing else for Christmas this year it won't matter. I will get to spend part of the day with my little man.
WJ will be coming home in the afternoon on Christmas day!!!! So, his father will have him in the morning, and I will have him in the afternoon.
If I receive nothing else for Christmas this year it won't matter. I will get to spend part of the day with my little man.
i'm back... warm and thankful
Well, I guess yesterday was one of those unforeseeable (and uncontrollable) Holidailies non-posting days!! We lost power at midnight Thursday night and went without until approximately 1:15am today.
As awful (and cold) as it was, I'm back... warm and thankful!!
More to come later today, but for now I've got a mountain of things to get done before the Rents arrive tomorrow.
As awful (and cold) as it was, I'm back... warm and thankful!!
More to come later today, but for now I've got a mountain of things to get done before the Rents arrive tomorrow.
Thursday, December 14
Holidailies recipe swap
The cookie recipes are from my dear Aunt who passed away last Thanksgiving. Every Christmas she would bake up a storm and have tins full of wonderful delights for everyone who came to visit. Yum!!
Lemon Squares
Blend 1 can condensed milk with 1 tsp lemon rind and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Set aside to thicken.
Cream 2/3 cup margarine with 1 cup brown sugar.
Sift 1-1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt.
Add 1 cup oatmeal and mix.
In lightly buttered 12/13 pan spread 1/2 mixture in pan. Add lemon milk mixture over top and spread. Add remaining crumb mixture over top.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
Cool 14 minutes and cut in squares. Leave in pan till school. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Butter Balls
1 cup margarine or butter
4 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 cups sifted flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
Cream butter and sugar, add flour, then nuts and vanilla. Knead with hands and form into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes (until lightly brown). Roll in powdered sugar.
Note: Do not use mixer! Mix by hand.
Almond Cookies
Cream 1 cup margarine with 1 cup sugar. Add 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp almond extract. Blend well. Add 2 cups sifted flour and 1 cup chopped almonds. Roll in hands to form balls. Press down slightly.
Bake at 325 for 15 minutes. Cool and spread with tea frosting. Top with 1/4 almond.
Tea Frosting
Dissolve 4 tsp plain instant tea into 2 Tbsp milk. Cream 1/2 cup margarine. Add 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar and tea mixture. Beat until spreadable. Ice cookies and top with 1/4 almond.
Thursday Thirteen - Round 9
Thirteen Things I Want To Do That I Haven't Done (Yet!)
1. travel to Egypt
2. skydive
3. travel to Australia
4. drive a racecar
5. take a photography class
6. go to a culinary academy
7. ride in a hot air balloon
8. visit Stacie and Liss
9. go on a cruise
10. win the lottery
11. take WJ to Disneyland
12. go to a taping of the Oprah show
13. decide what I want to be when I grow up
Wednesday, December 13
holiday food
"What's the one food it simply wouldn't be [your winter holiday of choice]without?"
My paternal Grandmother was a chef. Not a career chef. A chef in her own right. Several years ago, when I was a scrapbooker, I created a layout about her cooking. Ironically it seems fitting to answer today's writing prompt for Holidailies.
The Art of Cooking
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are two side dishes made in honor of Grandma - Pennsylvania red cabbage and honey glazed carrots. Probably not dishes that would be considered "must haves" for most, but definitely something it wouldn't be Thanksgiving or Christmas without in our home."If there were one passion in my life that I can attribute to heritage, it would have to be the art of cooking. Grandma Smith was one of the best cooks that I know. And she could literally create a gourmet meal out of what seemed to be nothing more than two or three items in her refrigerator.
Her kitchen was the size of a postage stamp, but was stocked with every kitchen gadget that her cabinets could hold. Almost every Sunday we would visit Grandma and delight in the smells and tastes of her wonderful cooking. She delighted in making sure there was something on the table that everyone could enjoy. If it was Dad's favorite entree, then it was Mom's favorite side, and my favorite dessert. And though she would never admit it, I think she delighted in eating too. She would trim one more piece off the meat, or cut one more sliver of pie, just to "even it out", she would say.
On holidays she would fill the tables with a feast of traditional treats, some of which I have continued as traditional dishes at our holiday meals. Not only did Grandma cook for family, but also spent years catering parties in San Francisco for the likes of well known individuals, such as Shirley Temple Black.
She never followed a recipe, and never wrote one down. Her recipes looked more like grocery shopping lists with no instructions, left up to the maker to decide what the final product would look like. When Grandma passed, I was lucky enough to be given many of those "recipes" and have attempted to recreate some of her masterpieces. Though I know they will never be quite as good as when Grandma made them, I delight in honoring her by enjoying the art of cooking."
Tuesday, December 12
the hurdle
I truly thought about taking a day off from blogging. In just less than 3 hours I would have succeeded.
With playing catch up on the homefront, I spent the day finishing the Christmas gift wrapping and scrubbing the house from top to bottom to get rid of the nasty cold germs that might be lingering. I am tired. Not just physically, but emotionally as well.
I spent the evening with my son. Initially we were both doing our own thing. He watching TV and playing. Me reading. At some point in the early evening he wandered into the living room and said the words I've been longing to hear. "I'm going to miss you on Christmas Mommy."
We spent the next hour talking about how we would spend our Christmas - apart. How and why his father and I divorced. How much we love and depend on and care for each other. We took silly pictures. Laughed. Cried. Spent much needed time together.
I am drained.
The hurdle I've been avoiding for weeks doesn't seem so high anymore.
Because we have each other.
With playing catch up on the homefront, I spent the day finishing the Christmas gift wrapping and scrubbing the house from top to bottom to get rid of the nasty cold germs that might be lingering. I am tired. Not just physically, but emotionally as well.
I spent the evening with my son. Initially we were both doing our own thing. He watching TV and playing. Me reading. At some point in the early evening he wandered into the living room and said the words I've been longing to hear. "I'm going to miss you on Christmas Mommy."
We spent the next hour talking about how we would spend our Christmas - apart. How and why his father and I divorced. How much we love and depend on and care for each other. We took silly pictures. Laughed. Cried. Spent much needed time together.
I am drained.
The hurdle I've been avoiding for weeks doesn't seem so high anymore.
Because we have each other.
Monday, December 11
two days behind
The only two things I've kept up with this weekend is my Holidailies posting (if you could call my pitiful whining about being sick worthy posting) and the laundry (well, sort of - it's washed and folded, but hasn't been put away yet). I now have a mountain of things that all need to get done before Sunday.
But first I want to quickly catch up on some of the daily prompts I haven't blogged about yet. I like having the prompts, but don't always use them. So, get ready for the Reader's Digest version to catch me up!
12-01-2006: "Introduce yourself and your website to Holidailies readers."
If you haven't already read mine, you can go here.
12-02-2006: "Appreciating the smallest things"
Did this one too... just a day later than the prompt.
12-03-2006: "Sunny or snowy: Which makes for the better holiday season, and why?"
Short and simple. Snowy. We get enough sun during the summer and I love the change of seasons.
12-04-2006: "Holiday music: essential part of the season, or 'no way, it makes my ears bleed'?"
Another one I used. And on schedule.
12-05-2006: "Tell us your favorite shopping-mall horror story."
I honestly don't have a horror story to tell. I try my damnedest to get my shopping done early, during the week, and NOT at the mall. Why? The cashiers are crabby. The babies are screaming. And the shoppers feel entitled when they shouldn't. Sometimes avoidance is the best course of action.
12-06-2006: "Today is St. Nicholas' Day: Did you believe in Santa Claus/Father Christmas? How did you find out the truth? Would you tell your kids about Santa?"
Yes, there is a Santa Claus!
12-07-2006: "Write about a memorably perfect day in your life."
The only memorably perfect day in my life was the day WJ was born. Since I don't remember all of it, it's perfect! LOL
12-08-2006: "Letter to Santa (or another potentially gift-bearing entity)"
Dear Santa,
Can you do me a favor? Wake me when you get here so I can ride along with you for the rest of the night. I really don't wanna be home this Christmas.
Sincerely,
Lisa
12-09-2006: "Are you blogging to avoid doing something? Release your troubles! "
Yep! Did you read my first paragraph? I'm two days behind on things that MUST get done. Figured I'd procrastinate a little longer. If I keep ingoring it, ya think it'll just go away??
12-10-2006: No prompt today
12-11-2006: "Those mass-produced family holiday newsletters"
Been. There. Done. That. Not this year though. Can't decide whether it's good or bad that there wasn't anything that noteworthy happening in our lives to write an entire holiday newsletter about? Hmmm!
So there it is. All the prompts used. Probably not as those who suggested them intended, but hey. Cut me some slack. I tried!
But first I want to quickly catch up on some of the daily prompts I haven't blogged about yet. I like having the prompts, but don't always use them. So, get ready for the Reader's Digest version to catch me up!
12-01-2006: "Introduce yourself and your website to Holidailies readers."
If you haven't already read mine, you can go here.
12-02-2006: "Appreciating the smallest things"
Did this one too... just a day later than the prompt.
12-03-2006: "Sunny or snowy: Which makes for the better holiday season, and why?"
Short and simple. Snowy. We get enough sun during the summer and I love the change of seasons.
12-04-2006: "Holiday music: essential part of the season, or 'no way, it makes my ears bleed'?"
Another one I used. And on schedule.
12-05-2006: "Tell us your favorite shopping-mall horror story."
I honestly don't have a horror story to tell. I try my damnedest to get my shopping done early, during the week, and NOT at the mall. Why? The cashiers are crabby. The babies are screaming. And the shoppers feel entitled when they shouldn't. Sometimes avoidance is the best course of action.
12-06-2006: "Today is St. Nicholas' Day: Did you believe in Santa Claus/Father Christmas? How did you find out the truth? Would you tell your kids about Santa?"
Yes, there is a Santa Claus!
12-07-2006: "Write about a memorably perfect day in your life."
The only memorably perfect day in my life was the day WJ was born. Since I don't remember all of it, it's perfect! LOL
12-08-2006: "Letter to Santa (or another potentially gift-bearing entity)"
Dear Santa,
Can you do me a favor? Wake me when you get here so I can ride along with you for the rest of the night. I really don't wanna be home this Christmas.
Sincerely,
Lisa
12-09-2006: "Are you blogging to avoid doing something? Release your troubles! "
Yep! Did you read my first paragraph? I'm two days behind on things that MUST get done. Figured I'd procrastinate a little longer. If I keep ingoring it, ya think it'll just go away??
12-10-2006: No prompt today
12-11-2006: "Those mass-produced family holiday newsletters"
Been. There. Done. That. Not this year though. Can't decide whether it's good or bad that there wasn't anything that noteworthy happening in our lives to write an entire holiday newsletter about? Hmmm!
So there it is. All the prompts used. Probably not as those who suggested them intended, but hey. Cut me some slack. I tried!
Sunday, December 10
how close we are
The problem with being sick is you pretty much just sit around doing nothing all day. Just to be clear so you don't run off without reading... this is not another "I'm sick and feel like ass" post. (Cuz I'm sick of those already, and starting to feel a bit better too.) It's a reflection post on "being sick". Being sick and still having to take care of children, household chores, and myself.
I remember the times I was sick as a child. My mother would dote on me, bringing me juice and soup, warm blankets, books, and the various medications she thought would make me better (most of which were so awful tasting I thought I'd rather eat brussels sprouts than have to swallow yet another dose). My favorite memory of being sick (yes, I actually have a good memory of those times) is the smell of Vicks Vaporub. To this day, whenever I'm feeling under the weather, I open a jar of Vicks and the comforting smell envelopes me like a warm blanket.
Fast forward to the present.
Nowadays, being a single parent, being sick doesn't stop the world. It might slow it down a bit, but the basic, regular, daily activities still happen and need attention. Things like meals and snacks, homework, laundry, and the very basic spending time together. Fortunately (very fortunately) I am the mother of a wonderful, caring, supportive child who is so in tune to me and my moods.
For the first time in several years I had someone to take care of me. To a certain degree. And it felt great. Someone to bring me Kleenex before I sneezed. Someone who wanted to cover me up when I lay down to take a nap. Someone who drew pictures and get well cards to cheer me. And most important, someone who didn't complain at all that we didn't leave the house since coming home from school on Friday afternoon. It's moments like these that remind me just how close we are, and how far we've come together.
Thank you sweetpea for everything you do! I love you!
I remember the times I was sick as a child. My mother would dote on me, bringing me juice and soup, warm blankets, books, and the various medications she thought would make me better (most of which were so awful tasting I thought I'd rather eat brussels sprouts than have to swallow yet another dose). My favorite memory of being sick (yes, I actually have a good memory of those times) is the smell of Vicks Vaporub. To this day, whenever I'm feeling under the weather, I open a jar of Vicks and the comforting smell envelopes me like a warm blanket.
Fast forward to the present.
Nowadays, being a single parent, being sick doesn't stop the world. It might slow it down a bit, but the basic, regular, daily activities still happen and need attention. Things like meals and snacks, homework, laundry, and the very basic spending time together. Fortunately (very fortunately) I am the mother of a wonderful, caring, supportive child who is so in tune to me and my moods.
For the first time in several years I had someone to take care of me. To a certain degree. And it felt great. Someone to bring me Kleenex before I sneezed. Someone who wanted to cover me up when I lay down to take a nap. Someone who drew pictures and get well cards to cheer me. And most important, someone who didn't complain at all that we didn't leave the house since coming home from school on Friday afternoon. It's moments like these that remind me just how close we are, and how far we've come together.
Thank you sweetpea for everything you do! I love you!
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