i am so freaking glad it's spring! with all of the colds we passed around all winter, my asthma got worse than it has ever been. i have asthma that is triggered by other events, and then has to be treated; i take a singulair pill every day that normally controls it completely.
#2 son and i had to go get inhalers a few weeks ago. he got 100% better very quickly - ain't it great to be young? i took it for a week before i noticed ANY improvement, and another week before i stopped feeling sick, and a THIRD week before i started feeling wellish!
the dr. said we should take these through cold season AND allergy season, and hopefully won't have asthma attacks next year.
however. now that my asthma has improved, i can sing Good Morning Baltimore without being completely out of breath! woohoo!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
yikes!
DH's mom is 84, in pretty good health, but recently had a recurrent GYN cancer and has been taking radiation therapy. he planned when this came up to visit her this weekend.
so he was supposed to fly to Philadelphia yesterday morning. he got up at 3:30, got on the plane fine, got to Wilmington DE (which is where the low-cost airline flew). but they couldn't land b/c of fog; circled, considered whether it would clear, thought it would, decided it wouldn't, and CAME BACK TO GREENSBORO. we thought this is insane! why would they come all the way back HOME?
after that, DH took the refund offered and said i'm not going - he was flying home sunday morning anyway, had already put out the effort to get there, didn't feel like starting over for such a short trip.
this morning, the headline of our paper read: SKYBUS OUT OF BUSINESS. i'm so grateful DH isn't in PA! he would have had to take a bus or a train home, and would likely have missed work, and we both would have been very anxious and stressed.
sadly, we had purchased tickets for graduation (nephew graduating West Point 5/31! we're VERY proud!) through this airline; odds look like we SHOULD be able to get a refund, but we'll be driving all the way to new york now! guess the kids will miss a couple more days of school. i really had to work to get DH to agree to the trip in the first place, but the debate is over and we're still going.
there has definitely been someone watching over us this weekend! hoping that will continue for our other trip and, of course, all of our days.
deeper still
we had a sad event in March. Milly, our beloved kitty of 9.5 years' age, was put to sleep. she had developed a tumor in Jan.; #1 son told me about it and i took her to the vet Feb. 18, where it was diagnosed and was inoperable. it had grown by March 17 to this point. we miss her very much.
and it casts a pall over the whole family. except perhaps LaLa! i'm off my game, and i'm blaming this event. i've also been journaling more at cafemom.com, so maybe i need a little less outlet here. i don't know.
i'll hafta get some humor going on here to lift the tone. the Deep Thoughts title is supposed to be extremely tongue in cheek, not reality!
and it casts a pall over the whole family. except perhaps LaLa! i'm off my game, and i'm blaming this event. i've also been journaling more at cafemom.com, so maybe i need a little less outlet here. i don't know.
i'll hafta get some humor going on here to lift the tone. the Deep Thoughts title is supposed to be extremely tongue in cheek, not reality!
Friday, March 28, 2008
guilty pleasures
another deep thought, this time posted before it strayed away...
#1 son is home sick, poor lamb, with the johnny trots (they got him last night, too).
just as we have comfort food, we have "comfort movies." and his choice of comfort movie is so unlike my own! he's watching The Polar Express, which i really don't care for. he's in another room, so no big.
my comfort movies are usually "guilty pleasures," like charlies angels and bring it on. also hairspray and 7 brides for 7 brothers. just brought the VHS movies out of my bedroom that had been taken up when i was on bed rest; the boys picked them b/c i didn't care. some of my faves, some of theirs in the pile. iron giant, last of the mohicans.
movies are a big part of our lives. i spose that's part of why i've got a big butt. :p
#1 son is home sick, poor lamb, with the johnny trots (they got him last night, too).
just as we have comfort food, we have "comfort movies." and his choice of comfort movie is so unlike my own! he's watching The Polar Express, which i really don't care for. he's in another room, so no big.
my comfort movies are usually "guilty pleasures," like charlies angels and bring it on. also hairspray and 7 brides for 7 brothers. just brought the VHS movies out of my bedroom that had been taken up when i was on bed rest; the boys picked them b/c i didn't care. some of my faves, some of theirs in the pile. iron giant, last of the mohicans.
movies are a big part of our lives. i spose that's part of why i've got a big butt. :p
Monday, March 03, 2008
deepest thoughts
i've had a lot of deep thoughts to share in recent weeks, just can't keep them in my head long enough to share them, and am too busy anyway.
LaLa is on the move! and she is an energy drain now more than ever. first she learned to crawl - which is more a Marine crawl, an inch-worm movement, and adorable. then she REALIZED she could move where SHE wanted to go, and hasn't stopped since.
life is just a little more hectic, a lot more cute, and a ton more draining! and we wouldn't have it any other way.
LaLa is on the move! and she is an energy drain now more than ever. first she learned to crawl - which is more a Marine crawl, an inch-worm movement, and adorable. then she REALIZED she could move where SHE wanted to go, and hasn't stopped since.
life is just a little more hectic, a lot more cute, and a ton more draining! and we wouldn't have it any other way.
more Mother Teresa
if you google "mother teresa anyway" (quotation marks unnecessary), this is what you'll find. you'll also find another version by Dr. Kent M. Keith. either way, it's rather inspirational; whichever version inspires you more is the one you should keep handy!
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
Our pastor quoted some of this in church yesterday. Obviously I was impressed!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
baby daddy joke
I THINK YOU'RE THE FATHER OF ONE OF MY KIDS
A guy goes to the supermarket and notices an attractive woman waving at him. She says hello. He's rather taken aback because he can't place where he knows her from. So he says, "Do you know me?" To which she replies, "I think you're the father of one of my kids."
Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever been unfaithful to his wife and says, "My God, are you the stripper from my bachelor party that I made love to on the pool table with all my buddies watching while your partner whipped my butt with wet celery???"
She looks into his eyes and says calmly, "No, I'm your son's teacher."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
oops, i did it again!
once wasn't enough, apparently, b/c i got the crazy scissors out again and cut my hair!
i cut my bangs last week, and nobody noticed (haven't had bangs in five years or more). so i cut the whole thing, layered, textured, etc. didn't screw up too bad, or worse than you get at Great Clips anyway. i actually am getting compliments on my appearance - wearing yoga pants, no less!
i feel lighter, i look younger, and i can leave my hair down without it driving me crazy. all good stuff. still shoulder length, even after 4-6 MORE inches off, but flattering instead of utilitarian. photo to follow (next time i wear makeup, i'll have someone take one).
i cut my bangs last week, and nobody noticed (haven't had bangs in five years or more). so i cut the whole thing, layered, textured, etc. didn't screw up too bad, or worse than you get at Great Clips anyway. i actually am getting compliments on my appearance - wearing yoga pants, no less!
i feel lighter, i look younger, and i can leave my hair down without it driving me crazy. all good stuff. still shoulder length, even after 4-6 MORE inches off, but flattering instead of utilitarian. photo to follow (next time i wear makeup, i'll have someone take one).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
still singing
(reference meme below)
Good Morning Baltimore is still running through my head. i sing it in the shower, i sing it in the car. LaLa loves it (she loves all of Hairspray). it's SO not in my range - i can sing it an octave lower and sound like a drag queen, or in the proper range and be all breathy and unable to sustain. *sigh*
but i know all the words - even if i don't know "all the steps!"
Good Morning Baltimore is still running through my head. i sing it in the shower, i sing it in the car. LaLa loves it (she loves all of Hairspray). it's SO not in my range - i can sing it an octave lower and sound like a drag queen, or in the proper range and be all breathy and unable to sustain. *sigh*
but i know all the words - even if i don't know "all the steps!"
Friday, February 08, 2008
Mother Theresa's Prayer
i know, she's "Saint" Theresa now. but i grew up with Mother Theresa, and Mother Theresa she will always be to me.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
more politics (i should know better)
Here's a fun link that's supposed to help you decide if you should vote democrat or republican... what it really does is show you where you stand on the major issues and compare that to the parties' positions.
Your Vote Score: 26% Republican, 74% Democrat |
 |
Should You Vote Republican or Democrat?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
laugh at me!
When you cook a piece of toast, which side of the toaster do you put it in? one piece goes on the left.
Do you sing along to music? of course.
If so, chorus or the main singer? main singer, b/c i'm FABULOUS, dahling.
When was the last time you washed dishes? a couple of days ago.
Washed a dog? never
What did you have for supper last night? kielbasa
How old were you when your parents told you the truth about Santa? my parents didn't TELL us much of anything.
Do you think Pepsi is better in the bottle or can? it's better when it's Coke.
Have you ever shot an animal? No
What was the last song stuck in your head? Good Morning Baltimore
Have you ever talked to a pinecone? um, no.
What was the last thing you put on your head? headphones
What color is your cell phone? country blue
Have you ever put peanut butter on the roof of a horse’s mouth? um, no.
How about a dog? no again.
What type of deodorant do you use, assuming you use one? Degree Little Black Dress
Last show you watched on TV? Two and a Half Men, the episode where Charlie is up for an award, with Jon Lovitz... we did watch AFV afterwards, but i PLAN to watch 2.5 Men every day. i love charlie.
What is the best flavor of Jelly Bellies? peach
Have you ever body surfed at the beach? mhm
What is the strangest thing you have ever found? drawing a blank here
Have you ever said, “Brontosaurus Blubber butt”? i would now so i could say yes, but i don't want to wakt the baby.
Name one character from the Simpsons. Lisa
Name one character from King of the Hill. Luanne
Do you wear mirrored or regular sunglasses? regular
What is the best candle scent? spice, or hazelnut coffee, or vanilla... me likey candles
Have you ever stirred up a fire ant hill? no
Have you ever had a laughing fit in church? no
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? quoting Alana here, b/c it's exactly what i would say: One. Two. Three..crunch.. Three.
Have you ever speeded up a vinyl record just to hear squeaky voices? mm, no.
Ever fallen on a Christmas tree? No
Did you ever believe in the boogeyman? no, but i was afraid of the dark.
Do you have any scars on your left index finger? yeah, all my fingers have scars
Have you ever examined one of your digits? regularly
Have you ever eaten a jalapenõ pepper for money? no
When was the last time you actually wrote a letter to someone? yesterday, if email counts
Have you ever fallen out of a hammock by yourself? i don't think i've ever been IN one.
When was the last time you rubbed the Buddha’s belly? it's been a few years, but i'm gonna run downstairs and rub him!
Does your clock make noise? considering i use my cell phone for a clock AND alarm, it makes a LOT of noise, intermittently.
Do raisins belong in cookies? only oatmeal
How do you like your meat done? i like to not worry about parasites or bacteria, so medium.
Do you buy those email chains or just delete them as soon as you see them? they infuriate me, so i go to snopes and send the debunk link back to the sender with some choice, pithy comments.
Which is funnier, a mime pretending to be in a box, or trapped in a box? i always liked the mime who couldn't keep the piano lid up...
What is the best prank you have ever pulled? double faked-out DH with a Christmas gift/wrapping
Can you say the alphabet backwards? i have actually spent the last week practicing this... i can not only SAY it, i can SING it! quickly, in fact.
When was the last time you literally slapped yourself? i used to slap my face to keep myself awake when driving too late at night, or at school too late, when i was young and foolish... now i'm just old and foolish.
Do you sing along to music? of course.
If so, chorus or the main singer? main singer, b/c i'm FABULOUS, dahling.
When was the last time you washed dishes? a couple of days ago.
Washed a dog? never
What did you have for supper last night? kielbasa
How old were you when your parents told you the truth about Santa? my parents didn't TELL us much of anything.
Do you think Pepsi is better in the bottle or can? it's better when it's Coke.
Have you ever shot an animal? No
What was the last song stuck in your head? Good Morning Baltimore
Have you ever talked to a pinecone? um, no.
What was the last thing you put on your head? headphones
What color is your cell phone? country blue
Have you ever put peanut butter on the roof of a horse’s mouth? um, no.
How about a dog? no again.
What type of deodorant do you use, assuming you use one? Degree Little Black Dress
Last show you watched on TV? Two and a Half Men, the episode where Charlie is up for an award, with Jon Lovitz... we did watch AFV afterwards, but i PLAN to watch 2.5 Men every day. i love charlie.
What is the best flavor of Jelly Bellies? peach
Have you ever body surfed at the beach? mhm
What is the strangest thing you have ever found? drawing a blank here
Have you ever said, “Brontosaurus Blubber butt”? i would now so i could say yes, but i don't want to wakt the baby.
Name one character from the Simpsons. Lisa
Name one character from King of the Hill. Luanne
Do you wear mirrored or regular sunglasses? regular
What is the best candle scent? spice, or hazelnut coffee, or vanilla... me likey candles
Have you ever stirred up a fire ant hill? no
Have you ever had a laughing fit in church? no
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? quoting Alana here, b/c it's exactly what i would say: One. Two. Three..crunch.. Three.
Have you ever speeded up a vinyl record just to hear squeaky voices? mm, no.
Ever fallen on a Christmas tree? No
Did you ever believe in the boogeyman? no, but i was afraid of the dark.
Do you have any scars on your left index finger? yeah, all my fingers have scars
Have you ever examined one of your digits? regularly
Have you ever eaten a jalapenõ pepper for money? no
When was the last time you actually wrote a letter to someone? yesterday, if email counts
Have you ever fallen out of a hammock by yourself? i don't think i've ever been IN one.
When was the last time you rubbed the Buddha’s belly? it's been a few years, but i'm gonna run downstairs and rub him!
Does your clock make noise? considering i use my cell phone for a clock AND alarm, it makes a LOT of noise, intermittently.
Do raisins belong in cookies? only oatmeal
How do you like your meat done? i like to not worry about parasites or bacteria, so medium.
Do you buy those email chains or just delete them as soon as you see them? they infuriate me, so i go to snopes and send the debunk link back to the sender with some choice, pithy comments.
Which is funnier, a mime pretending to be in a box, or trapped in a box? i always liked the mime who couldn't keep the piano lid up...
What is the best prank you have ever pulled? double faked-out DH with a Christmas gift/wrapping
Can you say the alphabet backwards? i have actually spent the last week practicing this... i can not only SAY it, i can SING it! quickly, in fact.
When was the last time you literally slapped yourself? i used to slap my face to keep myself awake when driving too late at night, or at school too late, when i was young and foolish... now i'm just old and foolish.
Friday, January 25, 2008
more p. humor
please note the word HUMOR. this isn't any more real than the last post, that's why it makes us LAUGH.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnL9HRLNxIA
Barack Obama's top 10 campaign promises, as written by Letterman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnL9HRLNxIA
Barack Obama's top 10 campaign promises, as written by Letterman.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
political HUMOR
In a news conference Deanna Favre announced she will be the starting QB for the Packers this coming Sunday. Deanna asserts that she is qualified to be starting QB because she has spent the past 16 years married to Brett while he played QB for the Packers. During this period of time she became familiar with the definition of a corner blitz, and is now completely comfortable with other terminology of the Packers offense.
A survey of Packers fans shows that 65 % of those polled supported the move.
Does this sounds idiotic and unbelievable to you? Well, Hillary Clinton makes the same claims as to why she is qualified to be President and 50% of democrats polled agreed. She has never run a City, County, or State.
When told Hillary Clinton has experience because she has 8 years in the white house, Dick Morris stated "so has the pastry chef".
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
25 signs you're getting old
everybody likes a funny! this is a trend I should keep...
1. Your houseplants are alive and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 am is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in the elevator.
6. You watch the weather channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14 (if you're lucky!).
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those &%#$ kids next door wont turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payment goes up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings would severley upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofin and antacids,not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink like I used to!" replaces " I'm never gonna drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of the computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before you go to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh shit - what the hell happened?"
Bonus: 26. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old ass.
1. Your houseplants are alive and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 am is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in the elevator.
6. You watch the weather channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14 (if you're lucky!).
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those &%#$ kids next door wont turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payment goes up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings would severley upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofin and antacids,not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink like I used to!" replaces " I'm never gonna drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of the computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before you go to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh shit - what the hell happened?"
Bonus: 26. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old ass.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
b/c we all needa giggle
A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
to flog an issue...
one comment i've heard about Obama is that he doesn't have enough experience to run the country.
my immediate thought is, that might be a GOOD thing! b/c he hasn't had time to have his back scratched and accept the price involved, and to stop believing change is possible.
on this one i'd love to hear feedback.
my immediate thought is, that might be a GOOD thing! b/c he hasn't had time to have his back scratched and accept the price involved, and to stop believing change is possible.
on this one i'd love to hear feedback.
Friday, January 11, 2008
"Obama is a Muslim" email
if you've read this email, you probably have some negative thoughts.
now read this: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
i trust snopes. i don't trust random emails. hope this clears things up!
now read this: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
i trust snopes. i don't trust random emails. hope this clears things up!
politics
i have avoided politics my whole life. i don't discuss politics with my family** because for the most part, they believe what they are told, and they have been told that Republicans are good and Democrats will roast your children over their hellfire. i have never affiliated myself with a party because I believe that most politicians, regardless of party, are corrupt.
i watched a YouTube (linked to a campaign email) today that changed my life. because now i want to work to get this man (click the words to view) elected.
i was brought to the point of tears, because he is preaching HOPE. and this is something we terribly need right now. he is telling us we CAN change the world, and that is something i haven't believed in a long time.
with Oprah backing him, he will be our next President. and that is something i am EXCITED about. also something i have not done in a long time.
watch the video and see if you agree with his message; whether you think he CAN fulfill his promises or not, you will agree that he will try, and that's a huge step in the right direction.
we can change the world.
** that should read, SOME of my family, and they ruin it for the rest of us!
i watched a YouTube (linked to a campaign email) today that changed my life. because now i want to work to get this man (click the words to view) elected.
i was brought to the point of tears, because he is preaching HOPE. and this is something we terribly need right now. he is telling us we CAN change the world, and that is something i haven't believed in a long time.
with Oprah backing him, he will be our next President. and that is something i am EXCITED about. also something i have not done in a long time.
watch the video and see if you agree with his message; whether you think he CAN fulfill his promises or not, you will agree that he will try, and that's a huge step in the right direction.
we can change the world.
** that should read, SOME of my family, and they ruin it for the rest of us!
Monday, January 07, 2008
working with baby
LaLa is 6.5 months old. she is very focused and determined, from day one. when she yells at me, she does it with EVERY ATOM IN HER BODY. they are ALL telling me how very mad she is.
well, she likes to sit on my lap for short periods while i'm working - i usually just pick her up to make her happy while i wrap things up. and she usually faces the computer with me and watches my fingers and the screen and is happy.
today she's grabby. i have a headset on so i can hear my work. today, she faced me, sitting on my leg, holding herself up straight, and grabbed the wires. just a little at first to see if mom will let me - ooh, she did! wrap it around my fingers, then stick them in my mouth? NOPE - mom took the cord back. how about now? if i put them in my mouth again, will mom take them? yup. how about now? how about if i'm sneaky and use my other hand? how about if i keep doing it really fast so i'm a pest and maybe she'll give up?
now she's put me down and taken all my cords away. now i'm mad!
well, she likes to sit on my lap for short periods while i'm working - i usually just pick her up to make her happy while i wrap things up. and she usually faces the computer with me and watches my fingers and the screen and is happy.
today she's grabby. i have a headset on so i can hear my work. today, she faced me, sitting on my leg, holding herself up straight, and grabbed the wires. just a little at first to see if mom will let me - ooh, she did! wrap it around my fingers, then stick them in my mouth? NOPE - mom took the cord back. how about now? if i put them in my mouth again, will mom take them? yup. how about now? how about if i'm sneaky and use my other hand? how about if i keep doing it really fast so i'm a pest and maybe she'll give up?
now she's put me down and taken all my cords away. now i'm mad!
speaking of which...
who noticed that Prince Charming in Enchanted is the same actor as Scott/Cyclops in X-Men, all 3? i sure didn't! he also plays *Corny Collins* in Hairspray! James Marsden sure gets around - who knew?
mmm-mooovies!
i'm such a retard, i alphabetized my DVD collection last night. was i bored? NO. i'd been meaning to do it for some time though. why? because it was a mess, always overflowing my cupboard, and nobody ever put anything away.
so i put the rated-R and otherwise-inappropriate-for-children movies (can you say Borat?) in a separate area, and also separated out musicals, because they're my greatest comfort-food-for-the-mind; i can see them together and pick one when i need a musical.
then i alphabetized the rest. sequels and series stay together, in order, regardless of title.
my kids love to watch movies. we hardly miss cable. but they had a terrible habit of just slopping the counters up, and things didn't ever get put away. i finally broke them of that with sustained nagging for months on end. now we have a library system; when you take it out, put the card in so you can find where it goes without having to THINK when you're done with it. when you're done with it, PUT IT BACK where you got it!
both sons are very good now about putting things in boxes, but will stack them up until they fall off the shelf.
we have a DVD/VCR player, and #2 son especially will very conscientiously remove the VCR tape from the player and return it to its box (then stack it on the counter if he can possibly balance it) - but he never REWINDS. he's 8, and he hardly knows what rewind means! the days of hitting REWIND after watching a movie were over before he started using the remote.
i feel old. and anal, but that's to be expected.
so i put the rated-R and otherwise-inappropriate-for-children movies (can you say Borat?) in a separate area, and also separated out musicals, because they're my greatest comfort-food-for-the-mind; i can see them together and pick one when i need a musical.
then i alphabetized the rest. sequels and series stay together, in order, regardless of title.
my kids love to watch movies. we hardly miss cable. but they had a terrible habit of just slopping the counters up, and things didn't ever get put away. i finally broke them of that with sustained nagging for months on end. now we have a library system; when you take it out, put the card in so you can find where it goes without having to THINK when you're done with it. when you're done with it, PUT IT BACK where you got it!
both sons are very good now about putting things in boxes, but will stack them up until they fall off the shelf.
we have a DVD/VCR player, and #2 son especially will very conscientiously remove the VCR tape from the player and return it to its box (then stack it on the counter if he can possibly balance it) - but he never REWINDS. he's 8, and he hardly knows what rewind means! the days of hitting REWIND after watching a movie were over before he started using the remote.
i feel old. and anal, but that's to be expected.
Friday, January 04, 2008
party pooper
i've spent the last couple of weeks stalking my friends' blogs, wishing they would post, cursing when they don't, wishing i had a real life and not just a cyber-stalker life...
and oh my goodness! look! i haven't posted much in december at all - and it's over! i've been too busy watching videos and visiting with my few real-world friends and posting movie reviews at myfamily.com.
i'll have to post me some movie reviews - i'm sure that would get some reactions! my current fave is HAIRSPRAY! I even went out and bought it last night. i'm so embarrassed - don't hate me b/c i'm in love with Hairspray!
and oh my goodness! look! i haven't posted much in december at all - and it's over! i've been too busy watching videos and visiting with my few real-world friends and posting movie reviews at myfamily.com.
i'll have to post me some movie reviews - i'm sure that would get some reactions! my current fave is HAIRSPRAY! I even went out and bought it last night. i'm so embarrassed - don't hate me b/c i'm in love with Hairspray!
Friday, December 28, 2007
birthday parties
#2 son kept up his homework for the rest of the term. however, i spent too much on christmas, and was worried about his tradition dinner out to Kimono. it's a japanese hibachi-style restaurant, but without the show; they cook in the kitchen, the food is as good or better as the other restaurants, but at a fraction of the price. our favorite place has sushi, too.
we go every year for his birthday b/c they have CALIFORNIA ROLLS. this is #2 son's favorite food. on his birthday he gets two orders to himself.
fortunately, MIL sent us some cash for christmas, and this is how we took him out for his birthday. we came home and gave him his BRAND NEW BICYCLE! for his birthday. #2 children don't get new bikes very often. so we got him one. it is GREEN and he loves it.
he is now getting up every morning early, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and begging to go out and ride his bike. he's 8 now, so i let him! he's very happy with his gift, and isn't complaining about lack of party AT ALL. i'm so proud of him.
he was SO sweet for christmas, pure and innocent, full of genuine gratitude and love. why can't life be like christmas all the times? well, b/c relatives can make you insane, apparently. but we had a great one.
we go every year for his birthday b/c they have CALIFORNIA ROLLS. this is #2 son's favorite food. on his birthday he gets two orders to himself.
fortunately, MIL sent us some cash for christmas, and this is how we took him out for his birthday. we came home and gave him his BRAND NEW BICYCLE! for his birthday. #2 children don't get new bikes very often. so we got him one. it is GREEN and he loves it.
he is now getting up every morning early, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and begging to go out and ride his bike. he's 8 now, so i let him! he's very happy with his gift, and isn't complaining about lack of party AT ALL. i'm so proud of him.
he was SO sweet for christmas, pure and innocent, full of genuine gratitude and love. why can't life be like christmas all the times? well, b/c relatives can make you insane, apparently. but we had a great one.
wine v. water
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information; I'm doing it as a public service.
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information; I'm doing it as a public service.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What Religion is Your Bra?
A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's, shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife."
"What type of bra?" asked the clerk.
"Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type?"
"Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from."
Relieved, the man asked about the types.
The saleslady replied: "There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?"
Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them.
The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple....
The Catholic type supports the masses;
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen;
The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright; and
The Baptist type makes mountains out of mole hills."
Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!
(A} Almost Boobs...
{B} Barely there...
{C} Can't Complain!...
{D} Dang!...
{DD} Double dang!...
{E} Enormous!...
{F} Fake...
{G} Get a Reduction...
{H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!...
They forgot the German bra. Holtzemfromfloppen.
"What type of bra?" asked the clerk.
"Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type?"
"Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from."
Relieved, the man asked about the types.
The saleslady replied: "There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?"
Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them.
The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple....
The Catholic type supports the masses;
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen;
The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright; and
The Baptist type makes mountains out of mole hills."
Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!
(A} Almost Boobs...
{B} Barely there...
{C} Can't Complain!...
{D} Dang!...
{DD} Double dang!...
{E} Enormous!...
{F} Fake...
{G} Get a Reduction...
{H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!...
They forgot the German bra. Holtzemfromfloppen.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
my favorite thing about Christmas
the days start getting longer! i hate the dark, and the cold. it's why i live in the South, so both are much less than elsewhere.
here's to brighter days soon soon!
here's to brighter days soon soon!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
ps
#2 son keeps coming into the kitchen and giving me bear hugs and telling me how much he loves me. guess i should've been baking all along!
Monday, December 03, 2007
and again i say
cookies!
just finished 7 doz. molasses cookies and 3 doz. chocolate chip pudding cookies. who's keeping score?
i'm switching to muffin breads tomorrow. gotta smash sweet potatoes and crush cranberries so i can make "leftover" muffins in mini loaf pans. yum!
just finished 7 doz. molasses cookies and 3 doz. chocolate chip pudding cookies. who's keeping score?
i'm switching to muffin breads tomorrow. gotta smash sweet potatoes and crush cranberries so i can make "leftover" muffins in mini loaf pans. yum!
update on cookies
let's see, i've baked 4 doz. andes, and 3 doz. sour cream cookies, and mixed up some crackle-top molasses cookies but they had to chill so they're not baked; today i'll bake them and maybe make some chocolate chip pudding cookies! yay me!
you'll have to keep track of my total for me.
you'll have to keep track of my total for me.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Christmas cookies
the year #2 son was born (on Dec. 21), i baked thousands of cookies. literally. i think i counted two dozen gross (keeping track of dozens got tedious after a while!). i baked early and froze them, b/c i knew i wouldn't feel like baking as i got close to delivery.
since then, i've baked very little, and i've missed it. since i'm missing my christmas spirit, i resolved to BAKE this christmas! until my pants split. then i'll quit. yesterday i baked some cookies with ANDES MINT CHIPS, chopped up andes candies, by their recipe on the back of the bag. they came out yum! and there were a few left to put away, yes.
#2 son is in alt. he can't believe how many cookies i can bake. i've done ONE BATCH of 4 dozen, a relatively small number of cookies in my mind. we'll just hafta see how he handles the number i plan to bake - FAR FEWER, yes FAR fewer than i did in '99, but also far more than i have in his lifetime.
since then, i've baked very little, and i've missed it. since i'm missing my christmas spirit, i resolved to BAKE this christmas! until my pants split. then i'll quit. yesterday i baked some cookies with ANDES MINT CHIPS, chopped up andes candies, by their recipe on the back of the bag. they came out yum! and there were a few left to put away, yes.
#2 son is in alt. he can't believe how many cookies i can bake. i've done ONE BATCH of 4 dozen, a relatively small number of cookies in my mind. we'll just hafta see how he handles the number i plan to bake - FAR FEWER, yes FAR fewer than i did in '99, but also far more than i have in his lifetime.
Friday, November 30, 2007
children who won't do homework
don't get birthday parties!
let me tell you the saga of #2 son. i got a phone call from his teacher yesterday. she asked if i was aware that he didn't have his homework to turn in nearly every day. i said, but he does it! we've gone to extreme measures to help him stop "forgetting" to bring it home. every night i look at his assignments, sign the page, and he does work on his homework.apparently, that doesn't mean he finishes it. he picks and chooses what he wants to do. when i ask if he is 100% finished and ready for school the next day, he always says yes. but apparently, he isn't. he does what he wants to, and then quits. doesn't turn the work in.
the problem is the child is so damn smart. i was the same way, and stubborn like him to boot. he's bored out of his mind doing the busywork that homework means when you've already learned what you are supposed to learn.
however. he's been lying to me every day, and his teacher is about to pull her hair out. he's IN the "AG" program for academically gifted kids. today i told him if he would just DO the damn homework, they'd have put him up in the HAG program (highly academically gifted), where he would go to a special school and could fly if he wanted. the program is there in the public schools!
i took away his computer privileges for a month, his gameboy indefinitely, and his tv privileges for a WEEK. and i told him his birthday party was suspended, would only be reinstated IF he got 100% homework for two weeks (his birthday is 12/21).
what do you do with a child who is bored with the program but can't qualify for the better program (to fit him) without doing the busywork? pull your hair out, i guess! i'm going to get his teacher a NICE gift for all she does!
let me tell you the saga of #2 son. i got a phone call from his teacher yesterday. she asked if i was aware that he didn't have his homework to turn in nearly every day. i said, but he does it! we've gone to extreme measures to help him stop "forgetting" to bring it home. every night i look at his assignments, sign the page, and he does work on his homework.apparently, that doesn't mean he finishes it. he picks and chooses what he wants to do. when i ask if he is 100% finished and ready for school the next day, he always says yes. but apparently, he isn't. he does what he wants to, and then quits. doesn't turn the work in.
the problem is the child is so damn smart. i was the same way, and stubborn like him to boot. he's bored out of his mind doing the busywork that homework means when you've already learned what you are supposed to learn.
however. he's been lying to me every day, and his teacher is about to pull her hair out. he's IN the "AG" program for academically gifted kids. today i told him if he would just DO the damn homework, they'd have put him up in the HAG program (highly academically gifted), where he would go to a special school and could fly if he wanted. the program is there in the public schools!
i took away his computer privileges for a month, his gameboy indefinitely, and his tv privileges for a WEEK. and i told him his birthday party was suspended, would only be reinstated IF he got 100% homework for two weeks (his birthday is 12/21).
what do you do with a child who is bored with the program but can't qualify for the better program (to fit him) without doing the busywork? pull your hair out, i guess! i'm going to get his teacher a NICE gift for all she does!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
dreams again
so, i keep having this dream that Brad Pitt is leaving Angelina Jolie for me... i know, crazy! i mean, crazy that i should be dreaming about them in the first place; i'm clearly the superior physical specimen.
couldn't even type that without ROFLMAO!
so, last night, i dreamed i was married to Tom Cruise (nothing sexual in that, trust me), and he moved Penelope Cruz in as his other girlfriend. this does not seem strange behavior for TC, let me add. she had a debit card on our account, which was no larger than it is now. and right after i got paid, she went out and spent $1100 on this card. (nobody had any money in this dream.) i was paralyzed in the dream, couldn't think what to do. i finally confronted her, and she was what's the big deal? i was yelling how our mortgage was going to bounce, the house would be repossessed, didn't she care about ANYTHING?
and finally i started having rational thought in the dream, like, WHAT AM I DOING HERE? there is no way i'm putting up with this shit!
then the house burned down.
couldn't even type that without ROFLMAO!
so, last night, i dreamed i was married to Tom Cruise (nothing sexual in that, trust me), and he moved Penelope Cruz in as his other girlfriend. this does not seem strange behavior for TC, let me add. she had a debit card on our account, which was no larger than it is now. and right after i got paid, she went out and spent $1100 on this card. (nobody had any money in this dream.) i was paralyzed in the dream, couldn't think what to do. i finally confronted her, and she was what's the big deal? i was yelling how our mortgage was going to bounce, the house would be repossessed, didn't she care about ANYTHING?
and finally i started having rational thought in the dream, like, WHAT AM I DOING HERE? there is no way i'm putting up with this shit!
then the house burned down.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
me vs DH
Who eats more? me, but i'm cutting back
Who said "I love you" first? definitely me
Who weighs more? sadly, me again
Who sings better? me again!
Who’s older? finally, DH!
Who’s smarter? toss-up - we've always felt about equal
Whose temper is worse? i think DH, but he'd probably say me. when i get pissed off, i do a good job of it. but it takes a lot these days to push me there.
Who does the laundry? mostly me, some DH; i actually just started some.
Who does the dishes? kids do the dishwasher, mostly DH does the pots and pans; i do a little bit
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? me again!
Who plays golf better? oh, that would be DH; i haven't the patience. i enjoy a par-3 course/chip & putt type deal, only takes a couple of hours.
Who’s better with the computer? neither of us is VERY techie, but i developed my skills earlier, so i guess i win!
Who pays the bills? me, when they get paid...
Who cooks dinner? mostly me, since his commute grew to 3 hours daily. but i let him help on the weekends.
Who drives when you are together? mostly me; we both love to drive, and he gets plenty in with that commute!
Who pays when you go out to dinner? it's a joint account, but whoever has their wallet ready to hand; usually me.
Who is the most stubborn? tie game!
Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? well, neither of us is ever wrong. it's very hard to resolve a conflict this way!
Whose parents do you see more? i'd call this a tie, too, it's all infrequent. only DH's dad passed many years ago, so if you count two sightings for my two parents, and only one for his, i would win.
Who named your pet? #1 son!
Who kissed who first? DH - i could never make the "first move."
Who asked who out? DH asked for my number, was very slow in asking/calling. after the first date, i had to steal a magazine from him to get him to call again (i was at his house with his sister). but that got things rolling.
Who’s more sensitive? we might each claim title to this...
Who’s taller? DH
Who has more friends? our current friends are equal/joint, and we've left a lot behind in our many moves that we would each still consider friends. so probably another tie.
Who has more siblings? DH - he has SEVEN, i only have FIVE.
Who wears the pants in the relationship? oh, me. b/c i always get what i want - eventually. i let DH think he does, and i let him think he wants the same things i do. :D
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
christmas survey!
Alana had some hilarious grumpy replies to these... her answers will be in WHITE after mine when i couldn't resist copying them.
1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
wrapped. Santa doesn't wrap the presents. He outsourced it to India.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
colored on the tree (it's pre-lit), white on the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No.
Yeah because I like lovelry poisonous berries all over my house for the kidlets to eat.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Whenever DH gets around to it...
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
um... (tries to think) ... guess i don't have one.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
wrapping presents; the smell of Scotch tape will always mean Christmas to me!
Listening to Dad cuss through the ducts at toys he was trying to assemble on xmas eve.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
i honestly don't remember, but it's been a big deal #1 son finding out...
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
yes, to appease those who insist they need to. and it's jammies.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
i claim i need to work and let the family do it.
11. Snow, love it or hate it?
i have moved to NC twice, and it ain't for love of snow.
12. Can you ice skate?
i can stay up on them.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
no. i remember what i DIDN'T get that i wanted. ain't i a stinker?
OK, fave from DH is tickies to Phantom of the Opera. as a child, it was the big tin mom gave me with all kinds of fun office supply type jazz to play with. really.
14. What's the most important thing about the Christmas time for you?
if i gotta pick, it's cookies. and kiddies.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Fudge. only mine is MAKING fudge. and cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
being with the big family and opening presents for hours. nobody else wants to do this anymore, but i love it. *snif*
17. What tops your tree?
we're talking about sticking our LaLa up there this year...
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
giving. receiving has been particularly disappointing in recent years. if you really wanna hear me bitch, i'll tell you about last christmas, when DH gave me a movie i'd told him i DID NOT WANT IN THE HOUSE, and a book that he had given me the previous year also. my giving tends to be much less problematic.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night.
Elf's Lament. And if you don't know it you suck reindeer balls.
20. Candy canes?
mmhmm. in my pockets all season.
21. Favorite Christmas movie?
Nightmare Before Christmas.
22. What do you leave for Santa?
nuthin. i eats up all the cookies!
23. Have you ever caught mommy kissing Santa Claus?
stupid question, i refuse to answer.
1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
wrapped. Santa doesn't wrap the presents. He outsourced it to India.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
colored on the tree (it's pre-lit), white on the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No.
Yeah because I like lovelry poisonous berries all over my house for the kidlets to eat.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Whenever DH gets around to it...
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
um... (tries to think) ... guess i don't have one.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
wrapping presents; the smell of Scotch tape will always mean Christmas to me!
Listening to Dad cuss through the ducts at toys he was trying to assemble on xmas eve.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
i honestly don't remember, but it's been a big deal #1 son finding out...
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
yes, to appease those who insist they need to. and it's jammies.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
i claim i need to work and let the family do it.
11. Snow, love it or hate it?
i have moved to NC twice, and it ain't for love of snow.
12. Can you ice skate?
i can stay up on them.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
no. i remember what i DIDN'T get that i wanted. ain't i a stinker?
OK, fave from DH is tickies to Phantom of the Opera. as a child, it was the big tin mom gave me with all kinds of fun office supply type jazz to play with. really.
14. What's the most important thing about the Christmas time for you?
if i gotta pick, it's cookies. and kiddies.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Fudge. only mine is MAKING fudge. and cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
being with the big family and opening presents for hours. nobody else wants to do this anymore, but i love it. *snif*
17. What tops your tree?
we're talking about sticking our LaLa up there this year...
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
giving. receiving has been particularly disappointing in recent years. if you really wanna hear me bitch, i'll tell you about last christmas, when DH gave me a movie i'd told him i DID NOT WANT IN THE HOUSE, and a book that he had given me the previous year also. my giving tends to be much less problematic.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night.
Elf's Lament. And if you don't know it you suck reindeer balls.
20. Candy canes?
mmhmm. in my pockets all season.
21. Favorite Christmas movie?
Nightmare Before Christmas.
22. What do you leave for Santa?
nuthin. i eats up all the cookies!
23. Have you ever caught mommy kissing Santa Claus?
stupid question, i refuse to answer.
Monday, November 19, 2007
you won't believe this
it's the story of Dog and his Sweet Potato, link courtesy dooce (http://www.dooce.com/) last week. such a descriptive story deserves many links.
http://littera-abactor.livejournal.com/7748.html#comments
i only wish i knew how to edit those links to have cute little words that made you go where the codes do...
http://littera-abactor.livejournal.com/7748.html#comments
i only wish i knew how to edit those links to have cute little words that made you go where the codes do...
Thursday, November 15, 2007
i am SOCCER MOM!
ok, hopefully not really.
in an effort to keep kids' homework current AND get a little exercise, i have commenced this week picking them up from school instead of riding the bus. thus, they can DOUBLE-check their homework is coming home BEFORE leaving school. i'm parking across the street at the square/park, and walking; we're hoping to get to play at the park before going home most days. i'm actually feeling the effects from that little bit of walking, too; weird!
that's the theory, anyway. Monday they were out for Veterans' Day. Tuesday went well, but it was starting to rain, and we went to get flu shots instead of playing at the park and keeping moving. due to special activities, #2 son did not have homework, and his is the problem that has reached crisis state, and made me initate this change.
Wednesday, i arrived on time. #1 son was waiting for me. #2 son was nowhere to be found. checked the office, checked with his teacher, she thought he probably had gotten on the bus in error, though SHE knew he was to be a "car rider." when i got home, he was at the neighbor's (default when i'm not there when he's a bus rider). when asked when he did not go to the car line, he said, "I didn't have a note today."
you can 'splain and 'splain things, and still your children will make you want to beat your head against a brick wall.
so, not much homework this week or next. let's hope #2 son understands what being a car rider FROM NOW ON means before i start pounding those bricks to dust. and i'm getting moving, which is a baby step to being more fit!
in an effort to keep kids' homework current AND get a little exercise, i have commenced this week picking them up from school instead of riding the bus. thus, they can DOUBLE-check their homework is coming home BEFORE leaving school. i'm parking across the street at the square/park, and walking; we're hoping to get to play at the park before going home most days. i'm actually feeling the effects from that little bit of walking, too; weird!
that's the theory, anyway. Monday they were out for Veterans' Day. Tuesday went well, but it was starting to rain, and we went to get flu shots instead of playing at the park and keeping moving. due to special activities, #2 son did not have homework, and his is the problem that has reached crisis state, and made me initate this change.
Wednesday, i arrived on time. #1 son was waiting for me. #2 son was nowhere to be found. checked the office, checked with his teacher, she thought he probably had gotten on the bus in error, though SHE knew he was to be a "car rider." when i got home, he was at the neighbor's (default when i'm not there when he's a bus rider). when asked when he did not go to the car line, he said, "I didn't have a note today."
you can 'splain and 'splain things, and still your children will make you want to beat your head against a brick wall.
so, not much homework this week or next. let's hope #2 son understands what being a car rider FROM NOW ON means before i start pounding those bricks to dust. and i'm getting moving, which is a baby step to being more fit!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
weather changes
seems like we had hot and steamy FOREVER; that being the nature of the South, i didn't complain. much. finally it broke, and has been cool for a week or two.
#1 son has decided this is soup weather. every time i ask him what we should have for a meal, he says SOUP. stocked up on progresso and chunky campbell's, and he loves those.
this week, we have made soup twice. steak and two-potato soup from a southern living cookbook, hearty and comforting; and a chili recipe my mom found in a mystery novel, simple but filling. what will it be next week? possibly WHITE chili, with chicken and cannelini beans. another southern living find, another mmm-mmm delish!
today we're up to 70 again, but the highs are below 60 for the most part, so it's soup weather!
--- was this a good break from my rhapsodizing about baby? hope you're happy, b/c i'm sure that's going to occupy my mind for the most part for some time to come! ---
#1 son has decided this is soup weather. every time i ask him what we should have for a meal, he says SOUP. stocked up on progresso and chunky campbell's, and he loves those.
this week, we have made soup twice. steak and two-potato soup from a southern living cookbook, hearty and comforting; and a chili recipe my mom found in a mystery novel, simple but filling. what will it be next week? possibly WHITE chili, with chicken and cannelini beans. another southern living find, another mmm-mmm delish!
today we're up to 70 again, but the highs are below 60 for the most part, so it's soup weather!
--- was this a good break from my rhapsodizing about baby? hope you're happy, b/c i'm sure that's going to occupy my mind for the most part for some time to come! ---
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Gnome
He makes shrieky sounds and babbles at you when you squeeze his belly. It's not too irritating, makes me laugh! It also makes the baby laugh. This is what distracts LaLa when she's screaming, calms her down, and is the FIRST item she has reached for.
Go figure.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
the year in review
yeah, it's a little early for that title, but it's a year ago that i got my BFP (pregnancy test), and that lends to some introspection/retrospection. or something like that.
reading my posts from a year ago, i'm so much better now! i'm not exhausted (well, not the same), i get lots more done, i'm not as despondent! having a new baby is a much better place for me than being PG. as i've mentioned before, old wives like to say to BIG pregnant women "it's much easier to take care of them now than after they're born," to which i reply HOGWASH! life and living is so much easier after they're born, plus you get a baby-moon to recover in and get used to taking care of an infant again.
it's been a VERY full year. i'm thinking of writing a book about this last year - i have so much material, i could write a dozen! when i start remembering, so much comes back that i am amazed i made it. but we both did! and life is good.
life is still hard, but i'm HOPEFUL that it will improve, and have plans on how to effect that. in fact, i'm more hopeful than i've been in some time; probably since i dropped out of school again a few years ago. that may be related to my decision to FIND A WAY to return and get a degree. we'll never be able to retire otherwise, and i live in dread of something happening to DH (for many reasons). i haven't felt close to him in a long time, and i'm feeling closer now than i have, too, so that makes a big diff.
DH turns 48 tomorrow! yeah, he's an old man. his daddy passed at 48, so the next year will be emotionally difficult for him. once he's 49 he's home-free!
i also rant about bras every year at this time, but don't see much point now; i'll be thrilled when i can sleep without one again, and put away the industrial-strength nursing bras, but anything i have to say right now has been said enough.
reading my posts from a year ago, i'm so much better now! i'm not exhausted (well, not the same), i get lots more done, i'm not as despondent! having a new baby is a much better place for me than being PG. as i've mentioned before, old wives like to say to BIG pregnant women "it's much easier to take care of them now than after they're born," to which i reply HOGWASH! life and living is so much easier after they're born, plus you get a baby-moon to recover in and get used to taking care of an infant again.
it's been a VERY full year. i'm thinking of writing a book about this last year - i have so much material, i could write a dozen! when i start remembering, so much comes back that i am amazed i made it. but we both did! and life is good.
life is still hard, but i'm HOPEFUL that it will improve, and have plans on how to effect that. in fact, i'm more hopeful than i've been in some time; probably since i dropped out of school again a few years ago. that may be related to my decision to FIND A WAY to return and get a degree. we'll never be able to retire otherwise, and i live in dread of something happening to DH (for many reasons). i haven't felt close to him in a long time, and i'm feeling closer now than i have, too, so that makes a big diff.
DH turns 48 tomorrow! yeah, he's an old man. his daddy passed at 48, so the next year will be emotionally difficult for him. once he's 49 he's home-free!
i also rant about bras every year at this time, but don't see much point now; i'll be thrilled when i can sleep without one again, and put away the industrial-strength nursing bras, but anything i have to say right now has been said enough.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
more cheap "glasses"
hahaha - i went to walmart (yes, the evil empire has seduced me back into its clutches with its insanely low prices) and got 5-for-a-dollar plastic halloween cups. breakage may finally diminish!
and on the "glasses" subject, Da Boyz both had eye exams and don't need glasses. woohoo!
and on the "glasses" subject, Da Boyz both had eye exams and don't need glasses. woohoo!
family pictures
Lifetouch does a church directory, and we were due for a new one (every 3 years). so we went and got our photo made Tuesday night.
it's exhausting. i will never take pictures at the end of the day again.
they were running behind, so by the time it was our turn, LaLa had had it. #2 son was antsy and kept shifting, and making bunny ears. #1 son was very good. DH and i bickered.
we all wore (dark) red b/c DaBoyz like that color a lot, and we all look good in it (well, i don't look terrific, but i like it anyway). got LaLa a lovely little Christmas plaid dress at Once Upon a Child (my new favorite place) - for $3.50.
she was spitting up all day. big spit-up just before time to get dressed. so we hopped in the shower and got clean. DH wasn't home yet so i went in in my undies, let #1 son take her from me and dry her off. while i was drying off and putting on clean/dry underwear, she spit up all over herself again. so DH wrapped her in a towel and off we went with her dress in hand. DH gets anxious when it's time to leave for such things and was nagging me. (the source of the bickering.) i put my makeup on anyway; dark red looks best if i have a face to go with.
so we got the poses, took forever, b/c LaLa was fascinated with her new dress and the ribbons attached, wouldn't look up. she generally has chin-to-chest-itis anyway. but it takes LOTS of concentration to play with those ribbons, mom! then they took us to the computer to pick poses to pay for. (we get a "free" 8x10 and church directory, anything else we have to pay [through the nose] for.)
this was the worst part. i actually nursed LaLa while we looked at poses. she was exhausted, hungry, i was exhausted. so we picked christmas cards, b/c they were cheaper than buying wallets to enclose. and the boys were rambunctious and DH wouldn't discipline and i was losing my hair that hadn't turned gray... DH wanted a shot for his mom, only $25 for one print. gr.
and i don't look like myself AT ALL. if the camera adds 10 pounds, so does looking in the mirror, b/c i look much bigger than i really am. and smiling adds wrinkles and i certainly don't have any of those.
my inner image of myself isn't stuck at 18, but it sure hasn't made it up to 37 yet. *sigh*
it's exhausting. i will never take pictures at the end of the day again.
they were running behind, so by the time it was our turn, LaLa had had it. #2 son was antsy and kept shifting, and making bunny ears. #1 son was very good. DH and i bickered.
we all wore (dark) red b/c DaBoyz like that color a lot, and we all look good in it (well, i don't look terrific, but i like it anyway). got LaLa a lovely little Christmas plaid dress at Once Upon a Child (my new favorite place) - for $3.50.
she was spitting up all day. big spit-up just before time to get dressed. so we hopped in the shower and got clean. DH wasn't home yet so i went in in my undies, let #1 son take her from me and dry her off. while i was drying off and putting on clean/dry underwear, she spit up all over herself again. so DH wrapped her in a towel and off we went with her dress in hand. DH gets anxious when it's time to leave for such things and was nagging me. (the source of the bickering.) i put my makeup on anyway; dark red looks best if i have a face to go with.
so we got the poses, took forever, b/c LaLa was fascinated with her new dress and the ribbons attached, wouldn't look up. she generally has chin-to-chest-itis anyway. but it takes LOTS of concentration to play with those ribbons, mom! then they took us to the computer to pick poses to pay for. (we get a "free" 8x10 and church directory, anything else we have to pay [through the nose] for.)
this was the worst part. i actually nursed LaLa while we looked at poses. she was exhausted, hungry, i was exhausted. so we picked christmas cards, b/c they were cheaper than buying wallets to enclose. and the boys were rambunctious and DH wouldn't discipline and i was losing my hair that hadn't turned gray... DH wanted a shot for his mom, only $25 for one print. gr.
and i don't look like myself AT ALL. if the camera adds 10 pounds, so does looking in the mirror, b/c i look much bigger than i really am. and smiling adds wrinkles and i certainly don't have any of those.
my inner image of myself isn't stuck at 18, but it sure hasn't made it up to 37 yet. *sigh*
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
babies
keeping up with babies and work is distracting me from blogging about digestive processes. i do apologize.
well, it took her nearly four months, but she's got us all wrapped around her little fingers. AND SHE KNOWS IT. (we were wrapped from day one, but now she's figured this fact out.)
she beams at me and laughs, and tries to convince me it's PLAY time, not sleep time. one minute later (with the lights off and me gone), she's sound asleep. she pops off the breast and babbles to me, tries so hard to get me to play. and yeah, i frequently do.
it's wonderful having a (relatively) easy baby. we have our moments and our days, but for the most part, this is a cakewalk compared to the first two. thank God! and the boys wrapped around her little fingers who help out tons. now if only we could move closer to Richie's work, life would improve considerably. it's always something.
well, it took her nearly four months, but she's got us all wrapped around her little fingers. AND SHE KNOWS IT. (we were wrapped from day one, but now she's figured this fact out.)
she beams at me and laughs, and tries to convince me it's PLAY time, not sleep time. one minute later (with the lights off and me gone), she's sound asleep. she pops off the breast and babbles to me, tries so hard to get me to play. and yeah, i frequently do.
it's wonderful having a (relatively) easy baby. we have our moments and our days, but for the most part, this is a cakewalk compared to the first two. thank God! and the boys wrapped around her little fingers who help out tons. now if only we could move closer to Richie's work, life would improve considerably. it's always something.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
cheap glasses
i was SO excited at back-to-school shopping, as i found really inexpensive glassware. i've had my sons doing dishwasher duties, and the price of that help is a high degree of attrition in glassware. i needed more glasses, and cheap is always good!
except this time, b/c cheap meant pressed-glass, and these not only break easily, but also SHATTER easily. maddening! my OLD dishes survive short falls, but these do not. never again! i may just give these away (to someone without children) so i can buy some safer ones.
dagnabit, i thought i had a solution! as with most solutions, it was only temporary. *bleagh*
except this time, b/c cheap meant pressed-glass, and these not only break easily, but also SHATTER easily. maddening! my OLD dishes survive short falls, but these do not. never again! i may just give these away (to someone without children) so i can buy some safer ones.
dagnabit, i thought i had a solution! as with most solutions, it was only temporary. *bleagh*
Friday, October 05, 2007
where i've been
i just noticed i hadn't posted in days; further, hadn't had much to say. this is highly unusual for me. (surprise!)
i came down with the family cold finally on Friday last. it's been through the family, and now it's my turn. i'm AMAZED to be feeling better today. i cannot remember the last time i caught a cold and cleared it on my own without it becoming bacterial/infected and needing treatment with antibiotics. let's hear it for immune systems!
i've had the putrid sore throat that makes you want to scream, but you know that will only hurt worse, so you don't. i think LaLa has that; she gets fussy, and cries and cries. then i give her Tylenol and she feels better. she's not too stuffy and we've had the vaporizer running most of the time. i'm sure that helps both of us.
i'm so stoked that i'm getting well without getting much worse first. this cold is bad enough without becoming bacterial/bronchitis/sinus infection/all of the above!
i came down with the family cold finally on Friday last. it's been through the family, and now it's my turn. i'm AMAZED to be feeling better today. i cannot remember the last time i caught a cold and cleared it on my own without it becoming bacterial/infected and needing treatment with antibiotics. let's hear it for immune systems!
i've had the putrid sore throat that makes you want to scream, but you know that will only hurt worse, so you don't. i think LaLa has that; she gets fussy, and cries and cries. then i give her Tylenol and she feels better. she's not too stuffy and we've had the vaporizer running most of the time. i'm sure that helps both of us.
i'm so stoked that i'm getting well without getting much worse first. this cold is bad enough without becoming bacterial/bronchitis/sinus infection/all of the above!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
wild hair
so, i got a wild hair up my butt. grabbed my good scissors and whacked my hair.
it had gotten really long, but it was stringy at the ends, damaged, and falling out postpartum. so i whacked off a good 6-8 inches, but it's still below my shoulders. i actually like it. did a good job, except the center of the back comes to a point; someone else will have to trim that. may run next door after the bus gets here...
i pulled it forward over each shoulder and lopped it off even, so it would curve in the back. then i pulled small chunks out and gave it some texture, chin length and longer. it's about as long as jennifer garner wears hers (see 13 going on 30). and it feels so much healthier!
i think i managed to do this without leaving any major holes, too. i've done this about two other times in my life; both times i was majorly depressed/stressed, and wasn't happy with the results. this time i planned, instead of reacting. and i'm happy! i just couldn't find time to go get it done, so i did it myself!
it had gotten really long, but it was stringy at the ends, damaged, and falling out postpartum. so i whacked off a good 6-8 inches, but it's still below my shoulders. i actually like it. did a good job, except the center of the back comes to a point; someone else will have to trim that. may run next door after the bus gets here...
i pulled it forward over each shoulder and lopped it off even, so it would curve in the back. then i pulled small chunks out and gave it some texture, chin length and longer. it's about as long as jennifer garner wears hers (see 13 going on 30). and it feels so much healthier!
i think i managed to do this without leaving any major holes, too. i've done this about two other times in my life; both times i was majorly depressed/stressed, and wasn't happy with the results. this time i planned, instead of reacting. and i'm happy! i just couldn't find time to go get it done, so i did it myself!
Friday, September 21, 2007
oh hell
LaLa has been growing, sleeping all day to do it. finally slowed down her feeding to every three hours all day, so i've gotten a nice break where i could get something done - not BFing constantly and she's asleep to boot!
today, she's hungry again. it was fun while it lasted... two whole days with less than constant demands. *sigh*
today, she's hungry again. it was fun while it lasted... two whole days with less than constant demands. *sigh*
Thursday, September 20, 2007
his eyes will never be the same
last night, #1 son came into my bedroom (through the closed door) without knocking, exactly 10 seconds too late to scar him for life, but too soon to prevent seeing some nudity he'd rather not have seen.
it was bound to happen eventually. and that's what i told him. i also recommended knocking on the door if shut.
haven't bitched DH out yet, but have been nagging for FIVE YEARS for him to switch the bedroom doorknob (on which the lock doesn't work) with the bathroom doorknob from the master bath (which lock DOES work). instead, he placed a doorstop in the doorjamb (which apparently did NOT work, either), and proceeded to give me a massage.
repercussions? well, i threw my clothes on (remember, it was after the important stuff), and went to the boy. "you couldn't sleep?" "no." "and now you never will again!" (see subheader, i.e., inappropriate sense of humor.)
the child didn't freak out (and this is the one who does NOT want to know the facts of life, determined not to know), but he definitely won't come in without knocking any time soon!
it was bound to happen eventually. and that's what i told him. i also recommended knocking on the door if shut.
haven't bitched DH out yet, but have been nagging for FIVE YEARS for him to switch the bedroom doorknob (on which the lock doesn't work) with the bathroom doorknob from the master bath (which lock DOES work). instead, he placed a doorstop in the doorjamb (which apparently did NOT work, either), and proceeded to give me a massage.
repercussions? well, i threw my clothes on (remember, it was after the important stuff), and went to the boy. "you couldn't sleep?" "no." "and now you never will again!" (see subheader, i.e., inappropriate sense of humor.)
the child didn't freak out (and this is the one who does NOT want to know the facts of life, determined not to know), but he definitely won't come in without knocking any time soon!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
odd little bits
4th-grade humor:
If there is H2O on the inside of a fire hydrant, what is on the outside?
K9P
and a couple special ones from Eddie Izzard:-There's two positions in snowboarding. One is looking cool and the other is DEAD!
-There was Pope John if you remember, now there is Pope John Paul. The next Pope's gonna be John Paul George and we can see where they're going.
something right
you know you're doing something right when your child - who "doesn't like to sing" - comes home from church singing the hymns. seeing your kids happy is one of the great joys of life!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
going organic
but first, a rant. b/c you love me.
it all started with Quaker and Sam's. i get hooked on a breakfast cereal and eat it daily for literally YEARS before i change. i was on Special K vanilla almond for the last several years. after baby, i bought some Quaker granola. sam's carries it in big boxes. or i should say, USED to carry it. last week when i went to get it, really anticipating it, there was none.
i was so damn mad. it's crunchy and sweet and virtuous all at the same time. there are days when i eat it for lunch, too. i honestly was so mad i'm about ready to quit sam's. except their squishy chickens are the best in the biz.
so i went home and went to myfamily.com, where my family keeps in touch. it works fabu for us - everybody is as close as a click, even the brother who lives in Japan. honestly, i hear from him as well as i did when he lived 5 miles from me. my mother had posted recipes for granola that SHE used to make when i was a kid, as well as my grandmother's recipe (dad's mom), that we had when we went to her house (rarely, long trip, broke family).
the ingredients are mostly mass-market, except "rolled wheat." couldn't find it at the supermarket. asked mom (via myfamily) where to get it, and she said the health food store, dummy.
so i took a trip to Whole Foods. this is an awesome store! their prices for organics are often less than the supermarket's for chemicals and preservatives. grains available in bulk, 69c/pound. bought up a bunch of grains for my granola and went home to try it out, see if it was worth making my own. also picked up some organic milk, as it was cheaper than supermarket and only a little more than sam's.
making granola is seriously about the easiest recipe i've ever made. you stir up your grains (oats, wheat flakes, wheat bran, wheat germ, etc.), heat up your liquids (oil, honey, water, brown sugar, vanilla, salt) to dissolve the sugar, combine the two, and bake in the oven. they stir together easily, not like some stiff doughs. cleanup is a breeze. it's a bit messy b/c you have to stir on the cookie sheets multiple times. but i have homemade, organic granola, at minimal effort.
the best part is, i'll be saving tons on metamucil! all that bran is impossible to resist!
i still shave my armpits, though.
it all started with Quaker and Sam's. i get hooked on a breakfast cereal and eat it daily for literally YEARS before i change. i was on Special K vanilla almond for the last several years. after baby, i bought some Quaker granola. sam's carries it in big boxes. or i should say, USED to carry it. last week when i went to get it, really anticipating it, there was none.
i was so damn mad. it's crunchy and sweet and virtuous all at the same time. there are days when i eat it for lunch, too. i honestly was so mad i'm about ready to quit sam's. except their squishy chickens are the best in the biz.
so i went home and went to myfamily.com, where my family keeps in touch. it works fabu for us - everybody is as close as a click, even the brother who lives in Japan. honestly, i hear from him as well as i did when he lived 5 miles from me. my mother had posted recipes for granola that SHE used to make when i was a kid, as well as my grandmother's recipe (dad's mom), that we had when we went to her house (rarely, long trip, broke family).
the ingredients are mostly mass-market, except "rolled wheat." couldn't find it at the supermarket. asked mom (via myfamily) where to get it, and she said the health food store, dummy.
so i took a trip to Whole Foods. this is an awesome store! their prices for organics are often less than the supermarket's for chemicals and preservatives. grains available in bulk, 69c/pound. bought up a bunch of grains for my granola and went home to try it out, see if it was worth making my own. also picked up some organic milk, as it was cheaper than supermarket and only a little more than sam's.
making granola is seriously about the easiest recipe i've ever made. you stir up your grains (oats, wheat flakes, wheat bran, wheat germ, etc.), heat up your liquids (oil, honey, water, brown sugar, vanilla, salt) to dissolve the sugar, combine the two, and bake in the oven. they stir together easily, not like some stiff doughs. cleanup is a breeze. it's a bit messy b/c you have to stir on the cookie sheets multiple times. but i have homemade, organic granola, at minimal effort.
the best part is, i'll be saving tons on metamucil! all that bran is impossible to resist!
DH is thrilled about the idea of drinking organic milk all the time, so i may be saying sayonara to sam's most of the time. fewer hormones in our lives can only be a good thing, right?
i still shave my armpits, though.
Monday, September 17, 2007
a great big weird survey
1-The phone rings. Who do you want it to be? Lana said Ed McMahon, and i gotta stick with that answer.
2-When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? no, i make my 10-year-old do it!
3-In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? talker
4-Do you take compliments well? no, but i give them liberally
5-Do you play Sudoku? i particularly like the A-Z ones (25 across by 25 down). little bit obsessive...
6-If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? it's a lot more likely now than it was a few months ago.
7-Do you like nipple rings? no, they freak me something fierce
8-Did you ever go to camp as a kid? went to school camp, Clear Creek, loved it except for the coming home part. generally love camping any time they have TOILETS. will not squat over a trench for anyone.
9-What was your favorite game as a kid? Monopoly
10-Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? that's about all the dates i ever had... DH and i started in the same place (none), and have reached the same place regarding faith now, so it's all worked out.
11-Do you like to pursue or be pursued? i like to be pursued, but my nature is to pursue.
12-Do any songs make you cry? where were you when the world stopped turning?
13-Are you continuing your education? trying damn hard!
14-Do you know how to shoot a gun? innit like a camera? point and shoot?
15-If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grab? kids, purse, keys - don't hafta grab hard drive like alana, b/c i bought a fire safe and stick backups of my photos in there.
16-Do you think more about the past, present or future? mostly present; too busy to think about other stuff!
17-Favorite children's book? Princess Picky.
18-What color are your eyes? green
19-How tall are you? 5-5
20-Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes
21-Where was the furthest place you traveled today? ooo, i went to the grocery store around the corner - my exciting life.
22-Do you like mustard? just a little bit
23-Do you look like your mom or dad? mom, but dad's eyes (hopefully just appearance, not function; he's blind beyond joking)
24-How long does it take you in the shower? 15-20 minutes
25-Can you do splits? never could
26-What movie do you want to see right now? Bourne
27-What did you do for New Year's? don't remember... not much, i was PG.
28-Do you think The Grudge was scary? didn't see it
29-Do you own a camera phone? no, and no desire to
30-Was your mom a cheerleader? no
31-What's the last letter of your middle name? e
32-How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-8, but i nap on 6 days
33-Do you like care bears? um, no
34-What do you buy at the movies? tickets
35-Do you know how to play poker? yup, love it!
36-Do you wear your seatbelt? it became a law the year i got my license, so i never went without it
37-What do you wear to sleep? whatever i have on
38-Is your tongue pierced? yuck - did a speech on how hazardous that is in college a couple of years ago, at my last failed attempt to finish my degree.
39-Do you like Liver and Onion? i used to LOVE them but rarely eat them after taking anatomy and learning how the liver works. eeewwwww.
40-Are you in love? i fell in love again this June, you should try it!
41-Do you like funny or serious people better? oh, funny, definitely - the ones who think i'm funny are the MOST fun!
42-Ever been to L.A.? hadta visit Alana there
43-Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? no, i don't download
44-What do you and your parents fight about the most? religion and politics if i dare bring them up - mostly i pretend they don't exist and we're all happier.
45-Are you a gullible person? i prefer to be gullible to cynical, but i can't always choose.
46-Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? um, the last time i didn't have one i was 20. i like to think i'm mature and balanced enough to be happy without a SO.
47-If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? B&B owner - it's a great fantasy, doubt i'd really like it.
48-Are you easy to get along with? _I_ think so. _I_ get along GREAT with me!
49-What is your favorite time of day? mornings - time for granola!
50-Would you rather sleep alone or with someone? SLEEP - alone.
51-Would you give up the one you love/care for the most to become immortal? stupid question - what kind of life would it be hating yourself for your choice?
52-What animal are you most like? a human
53-What kind of tea do you like the most? peppermint
54-Do you laugh at peoples' stupidity? yes
55-Do you feel guilty for doing so after you're done laughing? only if they caught me
2-When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? no, i make my 10-year-old do it!
3-In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? talker
4-Do you take compliments well? no, but i give them liberally
5-Do you play Sudoku? i particularly like the A-Z ones (25 across by 25 down). little bit obsessive...
6-If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? it's a lot more likely now than it was a few months ago.
7-Do you like nipple rings? no, they freak me something fierce
8-Did you ever go to camp as a kid? went to school camp, Clear Creek, loved it except for the coming home part. generally love camping any time they have TOILETS. will not squat over a trench for anyone.
9-What was your favorite game as a kid? Monopoly
10-Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? that's about all the dates i ever had... DH and i started in the same place (none), and have reached the same place regarding faith now, so it's all worked out.
11-Do you like to pursue or be pursued? i like to be pursued, but my nature is to pursue.
12-Do any songs make you cry? where were you when the world stopped turning?
13-Are you continuing your education? trying damn hard!
14-Do you know how to shoot a gun? innit like a camera? point and shoot?
15-If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grab? kids, purse, keys - don't hafta grab hard drive like alana, b/c i bought a fire safe and stick backups of my photos in there.
16-Do you think more about the past, present or future? mostly present; too busy to think about other stuff!
17-Favorite children's book? Princess Picky.
18-What color are your eyes? green
19-How tall are you? 5-5
20-Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes
21-Where was the furthest place you traveled today? ooo, i went to the grocery store around the corner - my exciting life.
22-Do you like mustard? just a little bit
23-Do you look like your mom or dad? mom, but dad's eyes (hopefully just appearance, not function; he's blind beyond joking)
24-How long does it take you in the shower? 15-20 minutes
25-Can you do splits? never could
26-What movie do you want to see right now? Bourne
27-What did you do for New Year's? don't remember... not much, i was PG.
28-Do you think The Grudge was scary? didn't see it
29-Do you own a camera phone? no, and no desire to
30-Was your mom a cheerleader? no
31-What's the last letter of your middle name? e
32-How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-8, but i nap on 6 days
33-Do you like care bears? um, no
34-What do you buy at the movies? tickets
35-Do you know how to play poker? yup, love it!
36-Do you wear your seatbelt? it became a law the year i got my license, so i never went without it
37-What do you wear to sleep? whatever i have on
38-Is your tongue pierced? yuck - did a speech on how hazardous that is in college a couple of years ago, at my last failed attempt to finish my degree.
39-Do you like Liver and Onion? i used to LOVE them but rarely eat them after taking anatomy and learning how the liver works. eeewwwww.
40-Are you in love? i fell in love again this June, you should try it!
41-Do you like funny or serious people better? oh, funny, definitely - the ones who think i'm funny are the MOST fun!
42-Ever been to L.A.? hadta visit Alana there
43-Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? no, i don't download
44-What do you and your parents fight about the most? religion and politics if i dare bring them up - mostly i pretend they don't exist and we're all happier.
45-Are you a gullible person? i prefer to be gullible to cynical, but i can't always choose.
46-Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? um, the last time i didn't have one i was 20. i like to think i'm mature and balanced enough to be happy without a SO.
47-If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? B&B owner - it's a great fantasy, doubt i'd really like it.
48-Are you easy to get along with? _I_ think so. _I_ get along GREAT with me!
49-What is your favorite time of day? mornings - time for granola!
50-Would you rather sleep alone or with someone? SLEEP - alone.
51-Would you give up the one you love/care for the most to become immortal? stupid question - what kind of life would it be hating yourself for your choice?
52-What animal are you most like? a human
53-What kind of tea do you like the most? peppermint
54-Do you laugh at peoples' stupidity? yes
55-Do you feel guilty for doing so after you're done laughing? only if they caught me
Thursday, September 13, 2007
HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain = Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain = Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening... . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
Monday, September 10, 2007
happier now
cute kid stories!
we watched Chicago last night. LaLa has discovered musicals, and the boys have seen it before so aren't scandalized by its reprobate nature.
at bedtime, i was still singing "the gun, the gun, the gun, the gun, oh yes, they both reached for the gun, for the gun." Tyler (#2 son) says "That's the problem with Chicago; it's got so many great songs, you can't get them out of your head." He's right! however, i'm thrilled they've supplanted the songs that WERE running through my head... [you're just jealous b/c the voices only talk to ME!]
and LaLa has this adorable habit. you burp her, and after she burps, she plants her pointy chin on your shoulder and swings her head back and forth rapidly. she's a bobble-head! especially to music.
i've got her hooked on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers already! #1 son's first favorite movie, he named his kitten Milly.
we watched Chicago last night. LaLa has discovered musicals, and the boys have seen it before so aren't scandalized by its reprobate nature.
at bedtime, i was still singing "the gun, the gun, the gun, the gun, oh yes, they both reached for the gun, for the gun." Tyler (#2 son) says "That's the problem with Chicago; it's got so many great songs, you can't get them out of your head." He's right! however, i'm thrilled they've supplanted the songs that WERE running through my head... [you're just jealous b/c the voices only talk to ME!]
and LaLa has this adorable habit. you burp her, and after she burps, she plants her pointy chin on your shoulder and swings her head back and forth rapidly. she's a bobble-head! especially to music.
i've got her hooked on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers already! #1 son's first favorite movie, he named his kitten Milly.
more exciting topics
are boobies more exciting than baby farts?
i have been accused previously of being obsessed with breasts. i disagree, but this will serve as further evidence for the person who so accused me!
i'm in PAIN!!! LaLa likes to have growth spurts, followed by seemingly-drugged sleep days. and on the days she ISN'T nursing every 1.5 to 2 hours, i'm producing that level of milk, and have the tatas from hell!
rant will have to wait - the leech is waking and i can relieve some pressure NOW!
i have been accused previously of being obsessed with breasts. i disagree, but this will serve as further evidence for the person who so accused me!
i'm in PAIN!!! LaLa likes to have growth spurts, followed by seemingly-drugged sleep days. and on the days she ISN'T nursing every 1.5 to 2 hours, i'm producing that level of milk, and have the tatas from hell!
rant will have to wait - the leech is waking and i can relieve some pressure NOW!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
ssshhhhhh!!!!!
i hate to admit it, but LaLa is sleeping through the night. consistently. i wake up at 6:30 to the sounds of her sucking her thumb and grunting, and go feed her. then she sleeps some more.
very very quiet cheering sounds going on! what a gal!
very very quiet cheering sounds going on! what a gal!
Friday, September 07, 2007
open letter to Always manufacturer
This is an open letter written to the branch manager of Proctor and Gamble:
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core* or Dri-Weave* absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my panties.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now... As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills."
Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: *"Have a Happy Period."*
Are you !@#$!@#$ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness *actual smiling, laughing happiness* is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, Unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately,there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending Bullcrap. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin, TX
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core* or Dri-Weave* absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my panties.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now... As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills."
Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: *"Have a Happy Period."*
Are you !@#$!@#$ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness *actual smiling, laughing happiness* is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, Unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately,there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending Bullcrap. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin, TX
critics
everyone's a critic.
today's topic is the last thing i did WITHOUT a baby. also the first thing since she was born, other than a couple of quick grocery trips. (with a big fat pppppbbbbtttt to Alana. because i love her.)
i took the boys to see Shrek 3 at the $2 theater without the baby. because loud noises bother her, and all movies have loud noises these days. she did fine in Harry Potter 5 at age 4 weeks, but didn't do well at all in Spider-Man 3 shortly thereafter. too many loud noises.
so- here's the part without a baby. :D i checked the times and took the kids to the 4:30 show. we got there at 4:15 and bought popcorn, checked out all the quarters in the cash drawer to try to complete our collection, pre-emptive strike at the bathroom, all the good stuff. went into the theater to see - the middle of the movie. it started at 4:00.
fortunately, Da Boyz had seen this as a new movie with their auntie when i was incapacitated, so it wasn't the end of the world. slightly upsetting for mommy to realize just how decayed her brain had gotten, but a survivable screw-up, anyway.
even without seeing the beginning (which all the previews presumably gave away anyway), it was an enjoyable movie.
here's the part about critics. Critics go to movies to - surprise! - critique them. comment about what was wrong with them, in other words; rarely about something right with them if they just can't help themselves. WE go to movies to HAVE FUN. this is why i ignore most critics' ratings. if it's low humor, it's getting a D at best, and i'm gonna enjoy it anyway. if it's something i expect to get a B and it flunks, yeah, i'll probably avoid it until i hear word-of-mouth.
the critics had NOTHING nice to say about Shrek 3; overplayed, under-original, been-there done-that feel to it, nothing funny about it.
they were wrong. no, it didn't strike us as the most original thing we'd seen in ages, like the original Shrek did at times. but it did make us laugh, and it had good messages. sure, it's facile; its intended audience, after all, is CHILDREN. but we'll buy it, and we won't feel (very) guilty about it.
then i came home and laughed at baby farts some more. let's face it, if you think i'm supposed to have a more exciting life, you'd better come get me and drag me out.
and after all, there were green baby farts involved in my escape from baby-fart topics.
EDIT: after viewing this lovely post, i'm hungry for mint oreo's. wonder why? but i can't eat any more of them b/c i have NO self-control. *sigh*
today's topic is the last thing i did WITHOUT a baby. also the first thing since she was born, other than a couple of quick grocery trips. (with a big fat pppppbbbbtttt to Alana. because i love her.)
i took the boys to see Shrek 3 at the $2 theater without the baby. because loud noises bother her, and all movies have loud noises these days. she did fine in Harry Potter 5 at age 4 weeks, but didn't do well at all in Spider-Man 3 shortly thereafter. too many loud noises.
so- here's the part without a baby. :D i checked the times and took the kids to the 4:30 show. we got there at 4:15 and bought popcorn, checked out all the quarters in the cash drawer to try to complete our collection, pre-emptive strike at the bathroom, all the good stuff. went into the theater to see - the middle of the movie. it started at 4:00.
fortunately, Da Boyz had seen this as a new movie with their auntie when i was incapacitated, so it wasn't the end of the world. slightly upsetting for mommy to realize just how decayed her brain had gotten, but a survivable screw-up, anyway.
even without seeing the beginning (which all the previews presumably gave away anyway), it was an enjoyable movie.
here's the part about critics. Critics go to movies to - surprise! - critique them. comment about what was wrong with them, in other words; rarely about something right with them if they just can't help themselves. WE go to movies to HAVE FUN. this is why i ignore most critics' ratings. if it's low humor, it's getting a D at best, and i'm gonna enjoy it anyway. if it's something i expect to get a B and it flunks, yeah, i'll probably avoid it until i hear word-of-mouth.
the critics had NOTHING nice to say about Shrek 3; overplayed, under-original, been-there done-that feel to it, nothing funny about it.
they were wrong. no, it didn't strike us as the most original thing we'd seen in ages, like the original Shrek did at times. but it did make us laugh, and it had good messages. sure, it's facile; its intended audience, after all, is CHILDREN. but we'll buy it, and we won't feel (very) guilty about it.
then i came home and laughed at baby farts some more. let's face it, if you think i'm supposed to have a more exciting life, you'd better come get me and drag me out.
and after all, there were green baby farts involved in my escape from baby-fart topics.
EDIT: after viewing this lovely post, i'm hungry for mint oreo's. wonder why? but i can't eat any more of them b/c i have NO self-control. *sigh*
Thursday, September 06, 2007
skrewt update
LaLa is quite the BES. i went in to check on her yesterday morning and heard her blasting away. she has figured out how to toot when she needs to! her tummy muscles have matured! woohoo!
so i laughed and said "you figured out how to play your tooter!" she's a natural with a musical instrument. she's very excited that she figured out how to do this; she's practicing that concentration and tooting away!
LaLa practiced her new skill all day yesterday, went through many diapers b/c sometimes the toots are not solely gaseous. i laughed and laughed. she is so funny.
she slept 9 hours last night and has finally found her thumb. grandma taught her to take binky but she doesn't do it much for anyone else. she'd rather have a thumb, but couldn't figure out how to get it in there... she's making all kinds of funny noises, talking in her bed, while i'm working. grunts and clicks, and coos and suckling fists. she's very happy b/c she SLEPT NINE HOURS last night! and thus so am i!
so i laughed and said "you figured out how to play your tooter!" she's a natural with a musical instrument. she's very excited that she figured out how to do this; she's practicing that concentration and tooting away!
LaLa practiced her new skill all day yesterday, went through many diapers b/c sometimes the toots are not solely gaseous. i laughed and laughed. she is so funny.
she slept 9 hours last night and has finally found her thumb. grandma taught her to take binky but she doesn't do it much for anyone else. she'd rather have a thumb, but couldn't figure out how to get it in there... she's making all kinds of funny noises, talking in her bed, while i'm working. grunts and clicks, and coos and suckling fists. she's very happy b/c she SLEPT NINE HOURS last night! and thus so am i!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
