Alligator Shoes???

A young blonde was on vacation and driving through the Everglades. She wanted to take home a pair of genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking. After becoming very frustrated with the "no haggle on prices" attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the blonde shouted, "Well then, maybe I'll just go out and catch my own alligator, so I can get a pair of shoes for free!"

The shopkeeper said with a sly, knowing smile, "Little lady, just go and give it a try!" The blonde headed out toward the swamps, determined to catch an alligator. Later in the day, as the shopkeeper is driving home, he pulls over to the side of the levee where he spots the same young woman standing waist deep in the murky bayou water, shotgun in hand. Just then, he spots a huge 9-foot gator swimming rapidly toward her.

With lightning speed, she takes aim, kills the creature and hauls it onto the slimy bank of the swamp. Lying nearby were 7 more of the dead creatures, all lying on their backs. The shopkeeper stood on the bank, watching in silent amazement. The blonde struggled and flipped the gator onto its back. Rolling her eyes skyward she screams in great frustration, "THIS ONE'S BAREFOOT, TOO!

The Rottens love each other....Really....

How much do they love each other?

*Rotten2 was cleaning her room. And couldn't understand why her brother didn't help her. Well...it's because he hadn't been told he'd get paid to do it. Even though he did help make the mess.
*Rotten1 called his sister by the name "Weirdo" four different times throughout the course of the evening.
*Rotten2 through ranch dressing into her brother's hair because he was sitting at the table eating dinner with her.
*Rotten1 decided to help his sister get her dessert from the cabinet. By shoving her out of the way screaming "I said I'd get it for you!" Rotten2 then proceeded to slam shut the cabinet door on him.

But really...they love each other. They said so tonight. After a fifteen minute lecture on how to treat your sibling. During which I told them I was fed up with the crap and if they didn't start treating each other with love and respect (our word for the month of September - and probably October at this rate), they would no longer live in my house. Which prompted a round of "No MOOOMMMMMYYYYY! We have to live with you! You make our life happy!"

Little shits.

Ow #*#$%(*& !!!!!

So after our nice, fairly quiet but windy weekend ... I put the Rottens to bed. Kiss them goodnight. Head into the living room to read some of my book. Sit on the couch. Pick up book. *cue Rotten2 hollering for Momma* Get up. Go back in her room. Step on the floor and land inside the Barbie castle on the other side of the room.

What.the.fuck. It seems there was a pink, plastic high heeled dress up shoe left in the floor. And I stepped on it. And have now done something to my knee. After an hour last night of ice, four Ibuprofen, and a child that refused to sleep....I'm in serious pain. The good news? It's not black and blue and I can "walk." The not so good news? It's really swollen, hurts like a SOB, and my foot and toe movements are pretty limited.

*sigh*

Hmph.

I'm bored. Where is everyone? It's Friday. Play day. Pay day, even.

Hurricane Rita

For now, I shall try to confine all Hurricane Rita thoughts to this post, so check back often for updates.

I just spoke to DH. He's about halfway back from Houston. Should hit Dallas around midnight. First,an update - he ran into one of the nurses who he'd handed off the chart to. The chart. Of the man left behind in New Orleans. The only survivor in that particular hospital. She recognized him. And told him to expect a phone call from the man's lawyers. *cue my jaw hitting the floor and my heart pounding* Remember, technically DH and the others with him kidnapped this man across state lines. Yes, major medical hospitals legal teams advised them, but still...this has been a huge fear up to this point. Well, turns out the man is doing great and has been reunited with family in Chicago. And they are suing the shit out of the hospital, the doctors and nurses for abandoning him. DH is the hero of the day, in this man's eyes. *cue semi-normal, if slightly scared breathing* All will be fine. DH may be called to testify in this man's case against the hospitals. But NO ONE will be pressing charges where DH and his co-medics are concerned. Whew. *Giant sigh of relief here*

Now, on to the Hurricane at hand - Miss Rita. As of 9:30 CST, the National Weather Service has changed Rita's expected path slightly. She is now expected to land just west of Galveston. Which means that Galveston, Houston and areas east will be the hardest hit. Which is where my brother and his mom and step dad live. I've put in a call to him. If he plans to evacuate (which I'm really really hoping he does), I'm going to tell him to get his ass up here. Altho, at 22, he's invincible. *rolls eyes* He slept through the one and only hurricane he's ever lived through. Okay, so he was a whopping 5 months old at the time :)

And, with the slight change of Rita, her upgraded winds are now sitting at 175mph sustained with gusts up to 200 mph. Category 5. Worse than Katrina ever thought about being. And my house sits directly in her path only 300 or so miles inland. Rita is approx 300 miles wide. It's entirely possible that she could be a Cat 2 or slightly possible Cat 3 storm when she reaches the Dallas area. *cue Momma's freak out* DH and I are discussing evacuation plans via cell phone tonight. Depending on the next 24-48 hours, I may very well leave my house, as well. I don't want to do it. I will cry. I will bawl. But, I will survive. We live on the edge of Tornado Alley. And in all honesty, I don't know that my home can survive 70-80 mph winds. Right now, everything is speculation. But, I'm beginning to prepare myself for the worst. I'll be packing a few important papers and miscellaneous items tomorrow night, more than likely. The kids are supposed to spend this weekend with their dad. If I do leave, I'll be picking them up first. DH will be staying here. As he put it, someone has to be around to pick up the pieces. And he wasn't talking about our house. Sometimes, I hate the firefighter and medic that flows through his veins. The kids and I, if we leave, will head up to the farm. There's a tornado shelter and the ability to generate power and food for up to two weeks if needed.

I hate this. I don't want to have to deal with this at all. Hopefully, it won't be as awful as they are saying it could get. But, at this point, we are dealing with the 3rd largest hurricane in recorded history. Anything could happen.

EDITED TO ADD: As of Friday @ 11 am, here is Rita's projected landfall

For Monsty Doll

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON,
It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~Author Unknown

Here we go again....

Joy Joy Joy
Here we go again!

Hurricane Rita is heading for the Texas Gulf Coast - Galveston and Houston are expected to take a direct hit on Friday. Larry is headed to Houston as I type to help evacuate patients from hospitals prior to the Hurricane hitting.

*sigh*

Rotten Pictures

I've been meaning to post these for a month now...here are the Rottens on their first day of school.

And here I am with Rotten2 on her first day of kindergarten. Sorry about the half up the nose shot, I didn't have anyone else to take the picture...

And this was taken the other morning off our front deck.

Miscellaneous Monday Mishaps

Ten days ago Rotten2 had a nasty stomach bug - lasted about 48 hours. Friday, Rotten1 announces that his throat hurts. Well, it's a tad red, but no fever or anything. I attribute it to allergies and he keeps going like nothing is wrong. Saturday is much the same. Same with Sunday. Until 1:30 this morning. Rotten 1 wakes me up crying. Seven year old boys do not cry. His throat hurting woke him up. And he won't talk above a quiet whisper. He's burning up. So, back to his room we go. Five minutes later - he has 102.3 temp, a bright red throat, extremely swollen tonsils and refuses to drink. At 9:45 am our pedi broke the news - he has strep. I now feel like the worst Momma in the world for allowing him to go to the farm and run around like a little redneck child for the weekend with the cows and horses and ride four wheelers when I should have had him at home and at the pedi on Saturday AM. Also, I'm now wondering if this is really what Rotten2 had last week. My neice also has strep (confirmed today) and she also has a stomach bug with it. Hmm.. World's Worst Momma goes to......ME!

Which Superhero are you? From here.
Name: Barbarella
Secret Identity: Momma's RL name
Special Power: Flight
Transportation: Shamu the Elephant
Weapon: Psionic Grenade
Costume: Spandex Pajamas
Sidekick: Festus
Nemesis: Tim the Elder
Tragic Flaw: Addicted to sugar
Favorite Food: Clam Chowder (Monsty, this part is not true.)

And there was something else...what was it? Hmm...Oh yeah...My Avon lady had an extra in her latest order, so...Carey, this is for you.

For Zombs.....

Smell any better now?

*grin*

Be patient

Sitting in the living room, doing puzzles nicely with her brother, my 5 year old Rotten begins singing "Be patient, be patient, don't have to hurry hurry..be patient, be patient, don't have to hurry hurry."

And I start dying laughing. If you knew my drama queen, my 5 year old who's going on 15 - or any 5 year old little girl, you'd know just how funny this really is. Patience is not something my children come by naturally.

Bored

Okay, so I don't want to do any work. And our phones are quiet - thank goodness. So I've been playing with blogger templates. And I've figured out a few things. I can change colors all over the page. Except I can't find colors that look pretty together yet. *sigh* What do you think of the blue? What would suit me better? Any ideas?

By the way, I need a picture......HELP!

Okay, Okay...threadjack the hell out of it. Sheesh.

Goldfish!

Why does it give me a freaking complex when I eat Goldfish crackers? I feel like I should be committing murder or something by eating these little fishie shaped crackers. Maybe if they didn't have that stupid grin plastered across their faces it wouldn't be so bad. Or maybe if the commercials didn't show them singing and dancing...

Blech!

I hate hate HATE being sick. Especially with stomach viruses.

And I really want to spray my kids down with Lysol and bathe them in a vat of antibacterial soap for bringing this fun bug home with them.

Blogthings.......

What Your Underwear Says About You

You have a lucky pair of underwear. And you wear it more than you should. You're a closet exhibitionist who gets a thrill from being secretly naughty.

The Underwear Oracle

Your Brain's Pattern

Your brain is always looking for the connections in life. You always amaze your friends by figuring out things first. You're also good at connecting people - and often play match maker. You see the world in fluid, flexible terms. Nothing is black or white.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

You Are 60% Weird

You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks!

How Weird Are You?

Warning: Emotional Post

Warning: Emotional Post Ahead. Please check all baggage at the gate and leave your floaties behind. It's about to get deep.

The more time passes since last Monday, the more I am able to sort through the emotions surrounding me. While I was not a victim of Katrina by any real stretch of the imagination (other than a 40 cent per gallon gas increase), it's outreaching waves did touch my house, my life, and my community.

My children are no longer naive. They now realize, at 5 and 7, that people really do lose everything and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. That even though I have had them donate to womens shelters several times a year, have had my father live with us for two years to keep him from living on the streets, and have spoken with them about children and families that have no home or toys or food - it's not been enough. It never became real to them until they saw the evacuees of New Orleans and surrounding areas here. In our own community. I've shielded them from the most graphic scenes, but they have watched the city flood. They have seen the coastline of Mississippi leveled. They have seen the debris left behind by a fallen home. And they now know that it happens. To people. Just.like.us. And they want to know why. I've abated some of the questions as purely weather related - a hurricane is Mother Nature's doing. People can't do anything about it. I've calmed the fears by having them help collect and sort donations. They have gone through their toys and found ones that they don't play with, ones that another child "needs." They have donated from their piggybanks to the Salvation Army. And it's been their choice. My son was in tears because he couldn't go to the campgrounds to play with these children who have nothing left in their lives but their parents. My daughter has wrapped her little brain around some of the facts and come away with the knowledge that sometimes Mommy and Daddy can't protect them from everything. At 5 and 7, these aren't things I would choose to teach them. I'd love to have preserved their innocence a bit longer. But, it wasn't to be. And, in a way, I'm glad. They are growing up in a home that holds community and love up as an offering, something to be a part of, to take care of. And now, they understand why a bit more. It's a lesson I never could have taught them on my own. In a way, I'm angry. And I'm sad. And a bit uncomfortable with it all.

I have even lost a bit of innocence that I clung to. Somehow, even after 9/11, I held on to the belief that if something tragic were to happen to our country, we'd survive, the government and our fellow countrymen would take care of us. And to a point, that has happened. Much more in the last 5 days than in the first 3 following Katrina's wrath. I still do not understand why it had to take so long. And why so many had to die. And I hate it. I hate that people died for little reason. I hate the fact that people were left to die in hospitals. I hate the fact that people could not or chose not to leave for whatever reason. I hate the idea that some felt like they had no other choice. I'm angry that it had to pan out this way.

As you all know, my husband went down to New Orleans twice. He and others from his company evacuated many from hospitals, nursing homes, and step down hospitals. These people had no way of evacuating. Two things really upset and anger me about this. First of all, why were these not some of the first places evacuated when the Hurricane was shown to be heading for the Gulf Coast and New Orleans three days earlier? Second, why were some of these people left for dead? How in the hell can nurses and doctors walk away from patients that they have taken an oath to assist? I just do not understand it. I cannot comprehend it. And to put first responders from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and many other states at risk to rescue these people just boggles my mind. It wouldn't have been such a big deal if the hadn't had to worry about the looters and shooters. But to have military and Department of Defense contractors as their armed guards....it just isn't right. There are no other words for it. And now, I sit here waiting on the phone call that says even though the evacuations are pretty well completed for the hospitals and all across the three states...my husband may be heading out to Louisiana or Mississippi at a moments notice to relieve others there and provide non-critical care to those still in the areas.

In the beginning, I was extremely angry with President Bush for his lack of response. Hanging out on vacation for a couple more days and then making a big show of flying over the horrid areas after he'd cut his vacation short by two days. And I'm still angry. He's the final stop in the chain of command. If others in lower positions couldn't handle it, he should have been available to step in and make the decisions to get things done. And that is the primary source of my anger towards him. It was lessened a bit by the realization a day or two ago that the federal government sent the Governor of Louisiana a legal proposal for assisting in evacuation of New Orleans and surrounding areas that was turned down. I still cannot get past the shock, anger, and pure ire that rises in me to know that there was an offer of help prior to the loss of life, the destruction, the anarchy that happened in that area. The stupidity of some continues to amaze me. To turn down the offer because it was too close to martial law? What.the.fuck. Martial law was declared Monday afternoon/evening. Lots of good it did to keep that from happening, hunh, Gov. Blanco?

And then there's the whole FEMA/Department of Homeland Security issue...The Dept of Homeland Security was formed after 9/11 to protect this country, to plan for disaster. FEMA was restructured, gutted, and re-born with one of their primary objectives being a plan to evacuate a major city in the time of disaster. Where the hell was FEMA during the first couple of days??? I realize it takes time to organize troops and get them on the road and into the city. BUT. They had warning. It's not like Katrina just popped up off the Gulf Coast and slammed into Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama all within 12 hours. And for the idiots to stand around with their thumbs up their asses and not be able to figure out that CNN was reporting live and telling them where people were...ugh. If I could figure it out, you'd think they could too. It's not like MSNBC was making up the footage of thousands of evacuees hiding at the NO Convention Center.

And then...there's the news coverage. I realize the NO was 80% under water due to the levee break. But...why is New Orleans getting 95% of the news coverage? Many towns outside of New Orleans - in Louisiana and Mississippi were leveled. Looters went beyond downtown NO. Hell, they were in small towns across the Gulf Coast. They even stole vans from NEW YORK and DROVE DOWN TO LOUISIANA!!!! Homes, towns were gone....and where were the reporters? Hovering in New Orleans. Why were they not giving equal coverage to the other affected areas? Are those areas less important? Is there damage any less? Are their lives worth little? Are the rescues not needed?

The bright spot in much of this for me has been Mayor Nagin. He may not have done everything he could, but as Mayor, I'm not real sure what his capabilities were. What surprised me was that he actually stayed in New Orleans for the storm. He didn't leave his people. And in the aftermath, he continued to stand with his city in a falling down Hyatt with no water, no electricity and minimal food. His conditions were better than those in the Superdome or on their rooftops, but you know what? He was there. He was trying to get help. He made public pleas for assistance. And probably most upstanding of all? He called out the Governor and the President and FEMA for their lack of assistance, the lack of communication, the chaos of it all. He wasn't afraid to display his anger, his sadness, his remorse. He wasn't afraid to speak up as the voice of those in downtown, in the Superdome, in the Convention Center and those who had evacuated prior to Katrina. Finally, even if only for a few brief days, we have a politician, an elected official willing to tell the truth and to speak out. I swear, if this man runs for Governor, Senator, or even higher - he's got a better publicity rating going that Rudy did in New York. And now, to realize that he has had to once again issue a mandatory evacuation order, possibly involving force to get people to leave their homes due to major health hazards...shows that he is willing and able to take care of his own people in their time of need. He has not left them. And that says a lot. Even if he screws up, he's there. And the man is trying. Which, unfortunately, is more than I can say for many.

There it is. Anger, sadness, despair, frustration...and lack of emotion. All rolled into one. What am I going to do about it all? Right now, I'm channelling it all into our county. Over 200 people are here. And they need help. So I'm helping. Beyond that...I'm not sure. That's one I'm still sorting through in my mind. But, for now, suffice it to say, Katrina has changed the way my husband and I will live our lives.

I have a new pet!

I have a new pet! It's a teeny, tiny little Gecko looking lizard thingie that was found in the hallway at work today. I almost stepped on him! Or her....I'm not checking to see which it is. Right now, he's running in circles around the little plastic jar I put him in. What do lizards eat? And why was he in my office building? And...what should I name him?

*splash*

Okay, got to have the shallow end today! So, here we are...with new words to make up. Whatcha got?

*sigh*

I don't know how my hubby is dealing with all of this. The hurricane relief efforts and evacuations are about to drive me insane. I don't know how much more I can take. Depression and sadness seem to overcome my days - or at least the few quiet moments I have alone. The stuff that used to be a big deal doesn't even concern me anymore. I can't focus on the crap that surrounds me - it's all so freaking trivial.

Last night Larry came home from the fire station and said that the Chief has been out at the fairgrounds every day, and many nights since Saturday. The bad news: the city (our county seat) is only providing one full time police man for the over 200 evacuees. There are 5 known registered sex offenders, 25 children, many women, and quite a few men. The good news: All is well, most are treating the grounds as they would their homes, many are cleaning up continuously, several are helping repair things that have needed repair, and many are hopeful about getting a job quickly and moving on. Edited to add: It appears our county, who was so willing to take in these evacuees has now realized the efforts are more than they can, or are willing to, handle. And since the area volunteer fire departments did such a wonderful job over the weekend of organizing and making things happen, the county is just going to let the fire departments continue to handle it all. This decision was made the day the City ran an article talking about all the things the county would be doing and how appreciative the City and the County were of the local fire deparments and thanking them for a great job. And the City and County were in contact with the Red Cross and Salvation Army to come in to aid. And, also realized after the article, the Red Cross and Salvation Army are quite busy and cannot relieve the City and County of their duties for about 30 days. Joy. Stupid fucking councilmen for a city I don't live in. So...looks like Larry and I and many others will continue to volunteer our time. At the moment, it appears that meals are taken care of for the next couple of weeks.

So...I've turned off the steady CNN feed and tried to distance myself from the reports a bit. Today at lunch, we are hosting a few of the local families from the hotels for a barbeque. Keep me in your thoughts - I'm going to need some strength to get through this one.

International Help

Nice to know that the Prez finally decided he was man enough to accept assistance from other countries after his most ignorant statement ever that we could take care of our own.

The list of countries offering assistance astounded me....and the types of assistance was almost heartwarming. Hell, I thought most of these countries hated us.

Canada offered troops, copters and cash
Mexico offered help
Afghanistan pledged $100K
Venezuela pledged a crap load of gasoline
Qatar offered a lot of money
Cuba (!?!?!?) offered support...

And I know there are several others....

And then of course, there's the idiotic statement from He Who Irritates Me saying he will oversee a panel to figure out what went wrong. WHAT WENT WRONG?!!??! It was a fucking hurricane. Everything went wrong. But...I'm trying to stay on the good side of it all today, so we'll save that for later.

The good in people can shine through...

Most of Sunday was spent down at the volunteer fire station where DH spends much of his "free" time. The kids and I headed there to help collect donations, organize them and pack them into trucks to take to a couple of designated refugee temporary homes. Four ambulances were filled. Over $200 in cash was donated. More people promised to be back on Labor Day with more stuff.

At 3pm Sunday afternoon, the county fairgrounds called to say please hold all donations. They had more than enough to begin assisting the 200+ people there. They wanted to divert some of it to places that had not received their slated evacuees yet or any donations. Reunion Arena in Dallas has halted donations temporarily. As have a few other places in the area that I've heard about so far. Most are saying to give them this week to find out what else is needed and go from there. So for now, our department voted to go with my suggestion and send what we're holding to a local women's shelter. And as more comes in, we're holding it and waiting.

I cannot believe the sheer volume of shoes, toys, clothes, coats, linens, towels, diapers, toothpaste, shampoo, etc that I sorted on Sunday. Our county is not by any stretch a rich area. In fact, I'd venture to guess that 50% of the county lives below the national poverty line. And to see these people bring in brand new toiletries, barely used clothes and toys to aid in the evacuees' help. It was a wonderful thing.

And the best part of the day? Seeing an 8 year old little girl for a second time. She and her mom and brought in several huge bags of clothes and toys. They came back about an hour or two later (time seemed to stand still Sunday) because one toy had fallen out of the bag in the backseat of their car.

There are still good people out there. And they surround us all.

Live from New Orleans...with a bit of time delay

Text message #1 at 4:17 CST: It's damn messed up
My reply: What's up?
Text message #2 at 4:17 CST: Pray
My reply: You? Or all of New Orleans?
Text message #3 at 4:24 CST: Fucked up
My reply: I can only imagine
Text message #4 at 4:26 CST: Horrible. So sad.

And then the phone call from 20 miles east of Lafayette, LA:
He's on the way to Houston. Four patients in their truck, the other three trucks are loaded much the same way. They were supposed to only load nine patients from step down hospitals. Five criticals and four non. By the end of it all, they had 15 evacuated. A Marine stopped them two minutes from the time they were to leave and asked them to please follow him to a hospital that had been evacuated two days ago. He'd found a man alive in there that had been left for dead. The Marine had made rounds through the hospital yesterday and thought the man was dead. Today, he realized he was alive. DH and four other medics and two Marines got him out, made a walk through of the entire hospital and found 15 others...who they believe had been left for dead as well. And they had passed on. As they finished loading all of their patients, a NO cop came up to them and told them to get the hell out. The looters near the convention center had noticed the trucks and were on their way to the hospital, which was only a few blocks away. Needless to say, they loaded and took off. DH did say that they couldn't and wouldn't leave anyone they found alive, even if they are overloaded with patients. They also have four nurses with them from the hospital, who have been working since Sunday night. DH has four in the back of his truck, and one riding up front with him.

They had been escorted in, and out, by a helicopter with two shooters hanging out over their truck and two Marines per truck. They left town with two Department of Defense people who are riding all the way to Houston with them. They DoD guys have to get to Galveston to re-load with supplies and head back. DH and the others from the company will be heading back here after they take their patients to Houston hospitals.

DH said mentally and physically, he cannot go back for a day or two. It's just too horrid. He took some pictures with his camera phone....I can only imagine what he must have seen and heard and felt.

...........................................................

I thought 9/11 changed the US forever. Hurricane Katrina will do more to the US than the terrorists ever thought about doing. There are 8 families that arrived in our town today to stay at a local motel. One of the men has already secured a job at Wal-Mart. All 8 families are saying they will not go back to New Orleans. They've lived their entire lives there, and cannot bear to return. The memories, the pain, the heart ache, and the destruction are too much for them to handle. I know they are only a few of thousands upon thousands of evacuees. But how many of them feel this way? How many have seen their life long homes for the last time? How many cannot bear to return? And will their lives (and ours) ever be the same again? Somehow, I think this is even more tragic. More devastating.

New Orleans, Part Deux

And so, at 9pm tonight, Central Standard Time, hubby made his trip to the grocery store. Three cases of bottled water, food, and miscellaneous supplies were purchased. By 10, he and his partner and three other crews were on the road, heading back to New Orleans. All four trucks are to be double loaded and make a quick turnaround run. By quick, they could be sitting in line in New Orleans for up to 24 hours. There's just no way to tell.

I hear the frustration in everyone's voices, in their words. The frustration that comes from not knowing, the anger at the government not doing what they should, not reacting fast enough, not having enough sense to plan this all out. And DH is the first to admit that right now, New Orleans is a giant clusterfvck. Over 300 ambulances are lined up most of the time to evacuate. Airports are jammed with jets, planes, and helicopters moving patients from New Orleans hospitals to other areas. And it's slow moving. Very slow moving. The primary reason? FEMA and the Red Cross are trying to keep track of who is being taken where. First priority (beyond medical help) is knowing who and where. Being able to track these folks - for family and friends. Not to mention, so the government can reimburse the ambulance companies, life flight companies for their costs in transporting these patients. Yes, the government is footing the bill for ALL evacuations. The busses going out with people, the ambulances, the helicopters. All of it.

I won't get into my personal feelings about the political aspect of it all. The massive screw ups by FEMA and the Red Cross and the Dept of Homeland Security and the President. Suffice it to say, four years later, we are still no better prepared to evacuate a semi-large city in the face of disaster. I will say, I know 16 people who were staged in Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday of last week, before Katrina hit, to move in as soon as the storms passed to begin setting up triage areas. Those 16 are local firemen and EMTs. This has put our county at a major disadvantage...but...everyone else is willing to pick up the shifts and the workload of those who have been gone for over a week now. Hopefully, they will see some relief soon. It appears that our county is readying another crew of 16 to head in and take over for those. And I'm sure that our county is not the only one who did something similar before the hurricane.

And now? They are reporting that the Astrodome is at capacity, according to the fire marshal. Roughly 5000 people. It appears San Antonio and Dallas are next on the list of evacuation sites. From what I've heard through DH, Reunion Arena in Dallas is quickly being converted to a large shelter. So are a few of the other local convention centers.

And through all of this, knowing what is going on in New Orleans...my biggest fear is DH heading down there on the ground. Right in the path of the fvcking morons who felt the need to shoot at helicopters and rescuers today. It wasn't so bad yesterday when he was in the jet. My only comfort? Sitting on the console between him and his partner will be his pistol.

A girly, fun type post

Or d) I need a new hairstyle

Or...I really need a break from thinking about the hurricane disaster. Or...I've skipped over 3) because I'm about 30 seconds from quitting my job right now. Just say one more stupid thing, Mr. Boss Man. Look at me the wrong way Mr Director of Manufacturing. Come on, I dare you!

So...right now, my hair is a dark blond (or is it blonde?), light brown type color. It's got long layers. I think the shortest layer is about 2 inches below my shoulders. The longest part is mid-way down my back. It's wavy, and thick. And a royal pain in my ass. I want to cut it all off. It's driving me nuts.

Most of you have seen pictures of me in the last couple of months. If not, I'll find a recent one and post it. So...give me some ideas! I need low maintenance. Really low maintenance. Or close enough to it. And, I'd like to still be able to pull it up in a clip or ponytail.

What drink are you?

You Are a Mai Tai

You aren't a big drinker, but you'll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you're drunk, watch out! You're easily carried away.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Your Expression Number is 6

You have an outstanding sense of responsibility, love, and balance. You are helpful and inclined to comfort those in need. You have many artistic and creative talents, but you only use them to better others. You are loving, friendly, and appreciative of others. You have a depth of understanding that produces much kindness and generosity. Openness and honesty are apparent in your approach to all relationships. Sometimes, you can be too demanding of yourself. At times, you tend to sacrifice yourself for the welfare of others. At other times, you have trouble distinguishing between helping and interfering.

What's Your Expression Number?

Hurricane Katrina affects Dallas...or my house...

*sigh*

As many of you know, DH is an EMT and a firefighter. Last night, his company was contacted by FEMA to assist in search, recovery, rescue and transport in the New Orleans area. Three trucks were sent last night, four crews are in planes and helicopters now heading out. DH and his partner are next in line to go. More than likely, he will be relieving one of the four crews that left at 6:30 am. But, depending on what happens, he and his partner could leave as soon as 3pm today as an additional crew. We just don't know right now.

The kicker? This is what he did for four years in the Army. He is (and will always be) a flight mechanic. A crew chief. Add in the EMT and firefighting experience....he's sorely needed. And he will be heading out to help evacuate New Orleans.

Whenever he goes, while I will be extremely proud of him, I am scared. It's not exactly a civilized area in New Orleans right now.

b) Rotten2's Kindergarten Experience

Or...Momma wants to beat her head on the wall. And repeat. Over. And Over. And..you get the picture, right?

I thought I was prepared to take my baby girl to big school. After all, we'd been doing the daycare thing for almost 5 years now. Kindergarten wouldn't be that big of a step right? It was only half-day, which means a whopping 3 hours. And then she'd go back to daycare. No biggie.

Yeah. Right. And monkeys are flying out of my ass as I type.

I'll admit it, I teared up. The sight of that cute froggy inspired room, the perfect energetic perky enthusiastic kindergarten teacher, the teeny little tables, the tinsy little chairs...it got to me. Almost as much as seeing Rotten2's name on a little cubby and table and name tag. I almost bawled. Thankfully, I had Rotten2 to save me the embarrassment. She moaned and whined for me. And clung. And turned into a toddler with seperation anxiety for the first time in her five years and 3 months. And made me want to escape with a bit of dignity intact for this wasn't MY child. My child did not behave this way. Surely someone swapped my self assured, smart mouthed, Princess-loving child who was 5 going on 15 the night before for this insane, grabby child who couldn't handle Momma leaving. And as I glanced around the room, I realized my child was the only one putting on this big of a dramatic display. Others were unsure, a bit freaked, but nothing to rival the Emmy winning performance of this blond haired blue eyed drama queen holding on to my shirt and pleading with me to stay for just one more minute.

Finally, I convince her that it's okay to stay. Her teacher knows her brother. And her daycare teacher. And her cousin. And her daycare teacher's daughter was in this class two years ago. And the teacher knows her aunt. And her grandma. And really, even though I've taught her for years not to talk to strangers, it's okay to go to kindergarten and trust this pretty, nice, sweet lady that she'd only met briefly twice before. Really. It's okay.

So I leave. And when I pick up Rotten2 later that day, she's had a wonderful time. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. Mrs. K Teacher is wonderful. The bestest teacher ever. And I hear stories about the day for three hours.

So tomorrow comes. And we have a repeat performance. Right down to me picking her up and hearing all that stuff all over again, only with the new events. So then it's Wednesday night. Daddy night. Oh shit. Daddy always screws things up. I'm fearing for my daughter's life at this point because how in the world is she going to survive her dad taking her to school? Then I find out that Dad actually got semi-smart. Or was lazy and didn't want to get up that early. Either way, his sister took the kids to school. And Rotten2 walked in with her cousing, went to class and had no dramatic scars to show when she got home. Cool. So Friday rolls around. I convince Rotten1 that it's okay to be seen walking his younger sister to class. I convince Rotten2 that her brother, who has been at this school for two years prior, really does know where her classroom is. And we're off. I pull in, Rotten1 gets out. Rotten2 stays put. No way in hell are wild horses dragging her out of my truck. And I'm holding up SoccerMom traffic in the carpool lane. The tantrum begins. I finally get ready to tear out my hair and send Rotten1 into school. I pull over and park. I take Rotten2 by the hand, walk her into school, to her room, and try to send her off with a huge hug and kiss. Nope, she's not having any of that. So in order to hopefully escape the wrath of another fit, I walk into class with her. And it begins. Clothes are being pulled, limbs are being ripped off, whining commences...and the Wonderful K Teacher intervenes. She takes Rotten2 off, I tell her goodbye and I head off on my way to work - where I will be late for the 4th day that week.

I get an email from her teacher a few hours later. As soon as I was out of sight, again, my self assured, smart mouthed, Princess-loving child who was 5 going on 15 returned. And life was good.

*big sigh*

Tomorrow is Monday. I have promised McDonalds on Thursday if we can make it to school for four days without a fit. We'll see......I'm skeered.

a) Why I have no time

Otherwise known as: I still have no life.......

So it began about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I'd taken the day of work because ... well... my boss thinks I was puking. But, in all reality, had I gone in to work that day, I'd have had to have been committed to the nearest State Mental Hospital. By 3 pm, I was almost wishing I HAD gone into work. See, I thought I'd be nice, and I decided I'd check my emails and voicemails from home. Extremely cordial of me, since it was a Friday and they thought I'd turned my stomach inside out at 3am. What do I find, but an email from our Director of Manufacturing, notifying me that my division's production supervisor had been fired at 10am. *sigh*

I knew it was coming, but I didn't expect him to do it until my semi-lead type fill in was back from maternity leave in September. And I sure as hell didn't think he'd do it on a day I wasn't there. See, our lovely Director of Manufacturing has NO EFFING CLUE how to run my little division. None. Not one. Couldn't be bothered the day they were on clearance at the Dollar Store.

So...I flip out, call him at work, and ream his ass. Mind you, I'm only our company's equivelant to a Product Manager. Not exactly on par with the Director of Mfg. But I do it anyway, cause well, I'm me and they expect nothing less. Which he basically said. Right before he asked me if I would be willing to cover that position. Because. Well. You see, I created that position three years ago. That was half of my job back then. Until it became more than I could handle to do both production/inventory control and sales/marketing. So we split my job in half a year ago.

Apparently, you must have more than 2 brain cells to perform a production supervisor/inventory control job. And, those 2 or more brain cells must be able to communicate. And did you know, that in our little town, right outside the HUGE Metroplex does not house any individuals who meet those qualifications? Because in over a year, we've been through THREE different production supervisors. And they all have the smarts of a box of rocks. Ugly rocks, at that. *snicker*

So, I'm back to running around work like an idiot. Which brings me to that other update I must write. Why my job might become easier.

Added to that, we have the insane amount of house cleaning (I bought a new vacuum cleaner..yet another update) I've accomplished, getting my truck's air conditioning fixed, the kids starting school, and the insane amount of shopping that is required to send two children to school dressed and supplied. Which brings me to that other update - Rotten2's kindergarten experience.

Flags and spam

Okay...so I'm finding it amusing that Blogger now has flags to send a blogger a notice about objectionable content on your own blog.

And? there's a thingie in the profile section that allows you to turn on "word verification" to disallow comment spam.

*snort*

Yes, folks, it's all about the little things tonight.

yeah, yeah, yeah...update already dammit

Okay, Okay. I know I need to update. I've been thinking about it for a week now. And I have tons to write about, but no freaking time to freaking do ANYTHING other than make it through another day. So...I will let you, my loyal reading audience (yes, all three of you), decide what you want to read about.

a) Why I have no time
b) Rotten 2's first day of Kindergarten
3) My horrible, rotten, no good, very lousy job situation that maybe getting better.
d) My need for a hair cut but no clue what style I want
e) My new vacuum cleaner
6) The god awful amount of $$$ it took to fill up my Explorer on Sunday
OR
g) My secret admirer package that I figured out all by my little self.

Hurry! Cast your votes now for America's Choice.

MORE and more thievery

1.What is your first name? Claire
2. Were you named after anyone? No. Altho, my father seemed to think he had a sense of humor. He wanted to name me Claire Annette. Thank GOD for my mother.
3. Do you wish on stars? Yes.
4. When did you last cry? A few weeks ago.
5. Do you like your handwriting? Most of the time.
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Hickory Smoked Honey Ham.
7. What is your most embarrassing CD? The CDs aren't so bad. The tapes, on the other hand...
8. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? Depends on the day of the week :)
9. Do you have a journal? Does this blog count? Yes, I think it does.
10. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Who, me? Sarcasm? Naaaaaaaah.
11. What are your nicknames? I don't have a nickname.
12. Would you bungee jump? Not just no, but oh hell NO!
13. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Only my boots.
14. Do you think that you are strong? Physically? No. Emotionally/Mentally? I'd never have gotten this far in my life if I wasn't.
15. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? It's a tie between Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, and Peanut Butter Cup.
16. Shoe Size? 6 1/2 or 7, depending on the shoe.
17. Red or pink? Pink.
18. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I have no real interests anymore - everything I used to enjoy has pretty well died off since I had kids and most of the time, I'm not sure who I am or what I enjoy - outside of the kids, the house and work.
19. Who do you miss most? My mom's twin sister - my aunt died when I was 9 and she was the closest person to my mom that I'd ever known.
20. Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? Since I'm not "sending" it to anyone, I guess the answer would be ummm...NO.
21. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? No pants, only plaid boxers. No shoes.
22. What are you listening to right now? What Not to Wear on TLC.
23. Last thing you ate? White Cheddar Popcorn
24. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple.
25. What is the weather like right now? Warm and Muggy.
26. Last person you talked to on the phone? Hubby.
27. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? See Arkie's answer.
28. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Which one did I steal it from? *grin*
29. Favorite Drink? Coke, Jack and Coke, Margaritas...
30. Favorite Sport? Baseball - when I actually pay attention to sports. Wait, does NASCAR count as a sport?
31. Hair Color? Very light brown, with some golden highlights - all of which is natural, but enhanced by a bit of color.
32. Eye Color? Blue
33. Do you wear contacts? No
34. Favorite Food? Hmm...I love Mexican food
35. Last Movie You Watched? I haven't the slightest clue. Probably the Spongebob Movie with the kids a few nights ago.
36. Favorite Day Of The Year? June 21 (or is it the 22nd?)- the first day of summer.
37. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy Endings.
38. Summer or Winter? Summer, without a doubt. I'm a total summer chick.
39. Hugs or Kisses? Both.
40. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Cheesecake.
41. Who Is Most Likely To do this Meme? I'm not sure who hasn't done it yet.
42. Who Is Least Likely To do this Meme and comment? I dunno
43. What Books Are You Reading? Eleven on Top *waves to Glowie*
44. What's On Your Mouse Pad? No mouse pad at home.
45. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? Big Brother
46. Favorite Smells? The ocean, clean laundry, babies right after a bath, and citrusy clean smells.
47. Favorite Sounds? These days? Any sound that means my kids are actually getting along!
48. Rolling Stones or Beatles?I can't choose between the two. I like them both.
49. What's the furthest you've been from home? Texas to New Jersey when I was 5.
50. Do you have a special talent? It takes all kinds of talent to raise two kids :)
51. What is your ring tone? I haven't the slightest clue what it's called

Home Gardening Projects

So usually I'm pretty decent when it comes to gardening - flowers, shrubbery and the like tend to do well in my yard. And I don't kill them off too often. Unless of course we have umpteen zillion days of 98+ degree heat, 90% humidity, and rainfall in the negative digits. Which we've had lately. Still, my shrubs are thriving, my wildflowers are blooming, and a few other miscellaneous annuals are still alive.

Here's the thing though. I bought this metal archway thingie for our wedding. We looped garlands of fake flowers and some tulle through it for the ceremony. I thought it would be awesome to use as a trellis after the ceremony and grow some pretty, viney type flowers on it. Easy enough, right? Do you know how impossible it is to find a pretty, viney type flower that will grow in Texas, in the middle of summer, with 75% sun and minimal shade, negative rainfall, a couple of Rotten kids and a dog? Not to mention a hubby who seems to take aim with the weedeater at new growths in the yard. Even the lawn and garden specialists at Home Depot and Lowe's have given me the hopeless look.

*sigh*

My archway may just end up dismantled and put away til next year.

More thievery....

This time from Dweeze...

He has a link to Sloganizer on his blog. And a cool new bloggie slogan. So I figured what the hell....I'll play. Here's what I got...

Feel it - Texas Momma!
Momma's Time, one for all
Passion for Texas Momma
You know when it's Texas Momma
Do it with Momma's Time

and my favorite so far:
The Gods made Mommas Time

What would you do?

You have to go visit the potty at work. You work on the second floor of the building. You walk in and one of the two lights is burned out. The lights over the stalls are still lit. As you pass by the mirrors and sinks on the way to the stalls, you notice a dead cricket on the floor. He is not squished, he's just on his back dead. On the second floor of the building. Do you continue on to the stall? Or do you go downstairs to the other restroom?

Online and Traveling

The more time I spend talking to certain peeps online or on the phone, the more I realize that the Internet has become a necessary evil in my life. It has opened my world up to things I didn't know about, people I never knew existed and made me much more aware of life around me. But it also seems to have widened a gap I've always felt. California always seemed half a world away. Now, it's a click of a button...but seems even further. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts - I've been to NJ once as a child. I don't remember much of it, but it was cold. Yet, I'd like to go back someday.

Everything is so easy to get and say and do when you're online. Shopping at a store you don't have nearby - easy. Checking out weather where your friends are? No problem. Understanding the whys and wheres and whats of international news that's not reported at 5pm? Click here. and there.

And yet...it's become a chore to drive over an hour away. Why? Cause I don't have a reason to - I can take care of those errands over the net. And visiting those places? It's free when you're online. Granted, you don't have the sensations of actually being there, but....it's not as imperitive that you really visit when you can get the gist of it all. Then again, it tends to increase the desire to visit some places even more.

And now? I'm going to stop rambling before I confuse myself anymore.

Like a virgin

Why do I hear Madonna in my head? Oh yes. That's why. I have lost my OT virginity. No, I didn't have a peep meet. I had a phone call. And I didn't realize it until after I hung up the phone, but we talked for FORTY FIVE minutes! I haven't talked to anyone on the phone for that long in ..... gosh, I don't know how long. And it was great! And, yes, I had to go smoke after.

*smooch*

Caught with my pants down???

Alright, alright....I did it, dammit. I made my linkies and I didn't ask permission. I did it more for my benefit than anyone else's...I didn't want to have to make a favorites thingie for everyone. Oops. So...since everyone else is being so nice and polite and cordial...I will ask in retrospect for those I've linkied to and to those I have not linked to yet and would like to...may I please linkie to your bloggie?

*smooch*

Forgive me? Please?

Stolen....

from Knockers and Glowie and OJ and...

1) My uncle once: owned a boat that we took out on the lake every summer. He was the reason I love to go out on boats and water ski.
2) Never in my life: have I owned a brand new car.
3) When I was five: I started kindergarten. My daughter is now five.
4)High school was: four years of wasted time where I actually learned quite a bit about real life and who I wanted to be as a person
5) Fire is: something DH fights regularly
6) I once saw: a naked man. Okay, so I've seen that more than once, but it was the first thing that popped into my mind.
7) There’s this woman I know who: has answered these questions
8) Once, at a bar: Which time? And what did you see?
9) By noon I’m usually: ready for a nap.
10) Last night: I started a new book
11) If I only had: done what Knockers said in her #11
12) Next time I go to church: *sigh*
13) The best thing about my last relationship was: the sex
14) What worries me most: Death before my children grow up
15) When I turn my head left: I can see that way
16) When I turn my head right: I can see that way, but not the other way
17) You know I’m lying when: my nose grows like Pinnochio
18) What I miss most about the eighties: We're supposed to miss the 80s?!!?!?
19) If I were a character written by Shakespeare, I’d be: lost.
20) By this time next year: I'll be a year away from 30.
21) I have a hard time understanding: stupidity
22) You know I like you if: I speak to you on a regular basis and actually put forth some effort into a friendship.
23) If I won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: Dpends on the award and if I had any help
24) Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferraro: have nothing to do with one another?
25) Take my advice, never: marry my ex.
26) My ideal breakfast is: One I don't have to cook
27) If you visit my hometown, I suggest you go to: Jitterbugs. After all, it's the only place off campus that is worth visiting. Okay, not really...but...
28) Why doesn’t everyone: use their brains?
29) If you spend the night at my house: expect to be up early...ugh!
30) I’d stop my wedding: not applicable. I actually went through with mine
31) The world could do without: Stupid people
32) My favorite blonde is: Knockers. Even tho she doesn't like blondes.
33) If I do anything well, it’s: my job. And raising my kids.
34) And by the way: It's 5:00
35) The last time I was drunk, I: not going there. nope. not gonna tell you that.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Okay, so far today, I've been called old. And young 'un. I'm not old dammit! I'm not even a "young 'un" either....I'm just stuck in the middle.

So Larry says we're going to go out this weekend and do something special for my birthday. Okay...no clue what he's got up his sleeve, other than dinner. And a friend at work gave me an awesome candle and some smoothie mix. Another friend bought me a Coke - a running joke we have around here. I've gotten a couple of cards from others....and a gift certificate to Kohl's from another! Yippee! I get to go shopping!

And now, the joys of my day are over until after 5. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go...La da da dee dee. Yeah, like I'd ever whistle and be that happy about it.

It's finally FRIDAY!!!!!!!

Wooohooo!

And tomorrow I get to head out in the morning with the kids, the dog and the man to the family farm. A weekend of quiet - more or less. A couple hundred acres for the kids to run and play and act like .. well .. kids. The dogs will follow. The four wheeler or Ranger will be in motion. The snakes are in the pond - ICK! But the kids can probably go fishing. Or just shoot the turtles with Rotten1's bb gun. And we'd best hope that no one tries to put a lead rope on one of the calves again.

And I? will try to read a couple of books that a friend at work gave me. Has anyone ever read Linda Howard? I read a couple she wrote not too long ago and they were okay. I can't decide if I really like her style or not.

Oh..and is there anyone out there that hasn't read the Stephanie Plum books?

Stolen from Iggy

the Ham (21% dark, 60% spontaneous, 33% vulgar)

your humor style: CLEAN SPONTANEOUS LIGHT Your style's mostly goofy, innocent and feel-good. Perfect for parties and for the dads who chaperone them. You can actually get away with corny jokes, and I bet your sense of humor is a guilty pleasure for your friends. People of your type are often the most approachable and popular people in their circle. Your simple & silly good-naturedness is immediately recognizable, and it sets you apart in this sarcastic world. PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Will Ferrell - Will Smith My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 0% on dark You scored higher than 99% on spontaneous You scored higher than 68% on vulgar

I like my job, really, I do

Or so I keep telling myself. It is never dull...and if by chance it is, well then I just hop online and pretend I'm working. But you know, the day to day grind just really is shoving my nerves into a pit of despair. I don't want to get up, get dressed, and get in the truck Monday thru Friday. Saturday and Sunday don't bother me in the least. Maybe it's my newish boss, maybe it's the amount of workload I've taken on over the last 6 months, maybe it's the lack of appreciation, or maybe I'm just burned out. The scary part is I have no motivation these days. I could care less about looking for another job, maintaining this one, or fighting for the recognition I deserve here. Why can't I just win the lottery? That would make my life so much easier. I wouldn't have to worry about the bills and I wouldn't have to deal with this insanity. Oh yeah, I remember why I can't win the lottery. I tend to forget to play. Oops.

Harry Potter......

Blantantly stolen from the Wheezus...


I'm a Slytherin!

*sa-moooooooooooooch*

to Glowie and Knockers. Just for you, at some point today, I will update my blog. I have a serious entry and a fun entry that I need to sit down and write, I just haven't had a free moment.

For now? Drinks on me!

Tick Tock...Watching the Clock

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock...Okay, so the digital clock on my computer doesn't make the tick tock sounds, but my brain does. I have been sitting here at my desk all morning trying to focus on redoing these files for our Purchasing Department and all I can manage to do is play on the 'Net stare at the clock and occasionally shuffle papers around to make it look like I'm actually being productive. And you know, I actually have waded through about 25% of the files in front of me for today. Not too bad for staring at the monitor and wishing it was lunch time. Mmm...lunch time....on the menu today? Popcorn and a Lunchable. I hate Thursdays before paydays in the middle of the month. You'd think I could get my budget together, but damn if this week doesn't break the bank every effing month. *sigh*

Off to pop the corn, I suppose.

From that "Other Place"

My T Time....or Get to know Momma...

You being here is thanks enough. So, how about we begin and you can start your honeymoon. How long have you been coming to Reality TV World? I started lurking on Survivor Spoilers about two years ago. I had started reading summaries on another Reality TV website, which got me interested in the spoiling side of it, because they'd reference spoilers in the episode summaries. So, a quick search on Survivor spoilers led me here. I lurked, read, and amazed my friends and family with the vast spoiling I picked up here.
I do that too. I tell my family who the final two of Survivor will be before it even starts to air.
The next season, I was bold enough to post in Bashers and Fanatics. Big Brother forums came next...and it was finding the BB forums that lead me to OT, my current home away from home.
What are your favorite shows? Here's where it gets semi-amusing. I don't watch much tv. There's no time to watch what I want with kids around. So reality shows are Survivor and Big Brother and Non-reality, well, do SpongeBob Squarepants, Jimmy Neutron, The Fairly Oddparents, and a slew of Disney animated movies count?
They sure do. So you have to pick one contestant that you like and one that you don't like and spend two weeks on a deserted island. Who do you choose and why? Let's see...I lvoe Bobby Jon (sorry Glowie!)
Ok, I have to stop this right now. What is the fascination with Bobby Jon? First off, he has two first names. Secondly, need I remind people of the hotness that is Colby and Will Kirby? Sheesh. are you blind? He's so, so.
You can say all you want, you will never convince me that he is better than Colby or Will. So your least favorite contestant? I intensly disliked Tom, from last season's Survivor. See, with Bobby Jon, my every fantasy could be fulfilled. And Tom would make sure we had food, shelter, and all our other "needs" met.
If you could be on any reality show, which one would it be? Probably, it would be Big Brother. I know all too well that I'd never last on Survivor, and as DH put it Thursday night, BB is like the luxury, soap opera version of Survivor.
I would choose Big Brother too. So,if your life was a soap opera, what would the name of it be and why? Ah, the soapy question from the soap queen! Probably it would have to be All My Children, even though I only have two kids. My life tends to revolve around them most of the time.
That's my favorite soap! Your screen name is txmomma26. You recently became txwife. How was the day for you? Describe it for us again because we all love weddings. My wedding was perfect - calm, relaxed, laid back, very much who we are as individuals and as a couple. There was no pomp, no flash, just us, our friends and family and a party atmosphere. And of course, the fire engine! The only things that really drove me nuts about that day was my daughter deciding at the last minute that she didn't want to be the flower girl and refusing to smile in any of our pictures AND my now step mil bitching about us not having a wedding cake. But you know, it's all pretty funny now. And it's something that we'll never forget. Oh - and we were married on DH's neice's 15th birthday, so we had a cake for her, a few presents and she played a big part in my flowers and helping with the littler kids that were there that day.
That is seriously how I would want my wedding to be,laid back and fun. So tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living, etc. I have no identity. I am Rotten1 and Rotten2's momma. *grin* Seriously, I'm something of a cross between a country girl and a city girl. I enjoy the finer things in life, but hate the hustle and bustle of the city. I prefer quiet country dirt roads, crickets, horses grazing, and open areas to be free. I work full time for a manufacturing company as a product coordinator. Its a position I sort of created for myself as I have moved up within the company over the last 6 years. Hopefully, as I move on in life, it will lead me to bigger and better things.
I am sure you will. What do you do in your spare time? Is married life treating you well? Until the last few weeks, I had forgotten all about spare time! I read, I play on the computer, I try to avoid my Sims games...I used to write, but haven't in years. My pens are a bit rusty. Maybe one of these days the creative side will resurface. DH and I also have a 65 Ranchero that we are slowly but surely restoring and modifying. It's really his baby, but I've taken on a few minor projects. Mostly detail painting, polishing, etc. He's promised that as soon as the truck is finished, it's my turn for my Mustang! I can't wait.

Hump Day!

I'm never going to survive the kids being gone if my ex doesn't quit calling expecting me to do stuff for the kids! Altho, I have to remind myself once again exactly why I lvoe my daycare. Conversation between director and ex last night when he picked up the kids:
*hands ex paperwork for son's upcoming summer production*
Ex: Save that for the next time you see Momma.
Daycare: Why? Don't you have the kids for the rest of the month?
Ex: Yeah
Daycare: Then you will need this.
Ex: No, she'll take care of it.
Daycare: What? You aren't a responsible enough parent to keep up with the things the kids are doing?
Ex: No
*takes kids and leaves*

FUCKING IDIOT. So then he calls me at 8:30 this morning to relay all of this to me. And, oh, by the way, he has NO clue what field trip my son is going on today, has no idea what he needs and sent him to daycare with nothing. UGH Ugh ugh.

Trials of Mommydom

So my kids are supposed to be with their father for 6 weeks out of the summer. Never before has he actually taken this time with them. For some insane reason, this summer he decided to. Now, I would have fought this tooth and nail if he wasn't living with his mom. But, his mom's house is run much like mine - the rules and discipline and schedule is pretty much the same. So there's little adjustment between my house and hers. Unlike when he lived on his own. There were no rules, discipline or schedules to abide by. So two weeks ago, off they went...fully prepared to live with Daddy for 6 weeks. Within two days, they'd seen their father for 2 hours total and spent most of the time with Maw and Paw and their aunt, uncles, and cousins. Not a big deal. Well, the whole fam-damily was going out of town to the lake for the 4th weekend thru this past Sunday. Maw decided to take my kids with her - a bit of a sanity saver for her and for me. At least this way, we knew the kids would be fed, bathed and generally taken care of. Of course, this worked out great for their dad too, since he wasn't going to the lake. So the kids had a wonderful time for 10 days on the lake. Tubing, swimming, playing and just having fun. They got home Sunday and I received the first phone call - "We don't want to stay with Daddy. We want to come home. We miss you." As any normal (and some abnormal) parents can attest, this type of phone call will break your heart. But, being the fair parent I am (HA!) and needing the break from my children as badly as I do, I convinced them that their daddy wanted them to stay, and they'd have plenty of fun with him. Sunday night passes, Monday passes, Monday night passes, no word from my kids. I'm beginning to feel a bit more comfortable with the idea of them being with him for another month.

Til my phone at work rings at 9:30 AM. Between the 5 year old crying about how much she misses me, the 7 year old asking how our house was, and the tales of McDonalds, school, and what they were wearing...I came to realize that another month with their father was going to be damn near impossible. They are both wanting to come home - they miss the comforts of our house, of me, of their new stepdad, of their pets, and of their friends. *sigh* Do I cave in and allow them to come home, even though it could be construed as not following a court ordered visitation? Not to mention...I need this vacation from them. It's my un-Mommy time. Something I haven't had in over 7 years. Something I desperately want. And they need this time with their father. He hasn't exactly been the most upstanding, responsible parent, but he does care about them. And they do love him. And they have fun with him. And his mom takes care of them. :)

*sigh*

I never thought this would be easy, but I guess two weeks isn't too bad. Of course, this is the longest they've been away from me. And after a day or two, they'd probably be ready to go back to his house. Maybe I'll take them this weekend.

Stoopid Mother Nature....

I spent all day yesterday cleaning my truck - detailing it, making it shine, I even bought it new windshield wipers, an air filter and got it's oil changed. Made it look pretty...since I supposed that I can't buy a new truck yet, I'll just have to make mine look as pretty as possible, right? So I watch the weather last night and it's clear skies and sun and 100 damn degrees for the next 5 days. Cool, my truck will stay clean for a few days at least.

HA! Mother Nature felt the need to play a mean ol' trick on me. Out of nowhere comes a huge storm cloud and proceeds to pour on my beautiful, shiny truck on the way home today for about 5 miles. Just long enough to kick up dust and dirt off the road and the other cars' tires.

ARGH!

Okay, so I've discovered the world of blogging...for whatever that's worth. I guess if Knockers and Augie and Buggy and Monsty can do this, I can too. Right?

So what do I say? At the moment? I say I want to go home. I hate Mondays. And...I need a nap. And food. And damn, I'm a bit whiney.

*smooch*