%#$*#()!*@#

OW! OW! OOOOOOOOOOOW!

Fvcking rain! Fvcking wooden deck steps!

Walking out to the car this morning, on my way to work. I busted my ass on the middle step and went down. Bump, Bump, Slam!

I've got a 1 1/2" x 3" swollen bruise on my back where I hit the steps. I had to change my jeans because my butt was soaked. And I hurt. Very much.

Happy Oreo Day!

On this day in 1912, the first Oreo cookies were sold.

If you took all the Oreos sold in the last 95 years and stacked them on top of each other, you'd be able to make 12 trips to the moon and back.

Oreos and milk for all of blogland today!

*sticks out tongue*

So.There.

I'm in an ornery mood today.

My hand has a blister.

My desk looks like a grocery store. I have Cheez-It White Cheddar snacks, Cape Cod potato chips, French onion dip, and corn and flour tortillas. All brought in by my employees. I think they are trying to bribe me. For what, I don't know.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Jeff Foxworthy's new show on Fox is absolutely hilarious. DH called from work halfway through the show to tell me to turn it on. You have to know the answer, there is no multiple choice. However, you are given two cheats - to peek at the student's paper or to copy a student's answer. Some of the questions included:

*What is the longest bone in the body?

*What element on the periodic table is Na?

*What is the largest species of bear?

*How many states border the Pacific Ocean?

Without googling, do you know the answers?

I wanna be like you.......

Create your own Friend Test here

Fvck!

Friday night I got home, got the kids home. Turned on my computer and checked my email. Left the computer on, as always. Made dinner and decided to go ahead and give the dog her shower early. I'd finished bathing her and was about to turn of the water when it happened. At first, I thought it was the Rottens. Rotten2 had been in the bathroom for just a moment.

Lights on. Lights off. Lights on. Lights off. Lights on. Lights off. For two hours. Apparently our entire grid had a minor meltdown. And so did my computer, which was "protected" by a brand fvcking new surge protector.

So now, I'm on the hunt for a new power supply. And I have no computer of my own at home. DH and Rotten1 have theirs. But it's not the same, dammit.

*waves*

Sorry I've been slightly non-existant lately. Between Rotten1's birthday and being sick with the cold/flu bug, I've been about useless lately.

Happy Birth Day to Miss Kennedy! I'm so very happy for the Monsty family. I wish them all lots of love and joy.

For anyone who's news I've missed, point me in the direction of your blog and I'll get there soon, I promise.

*smoooooooooooch*

Kids are EXPENSIVE!

Rotten1's birthday is Monday. I took Rotten2 shopping last night for her brother's birthday. Total cost: $35.00 and some change.

Rotten1 needed lunch money. So did Rotten2. Of course, this is for two weeks. Total Cost: $50.00

The kids' school is selling tshirts, necklaces, and earrings to raise money for something or other. Today is the last day. Total cost (for now): $14.00

Our company is working with our sister company, Heely's. Two kids, a pair each. Total Cost: $60.00

All in all, in less than 24 hours, my kids cost me over $150. Damn.

Observations of a WalMart shopper

I went to the store tonight, partially for a Valentine's card for DH, partly because I needed a few miscellaneous household items, and partly because I had time to kill. The kids are at their dad's for the night, DH is at work. So I browsed through the store to see if anything caught my eye. And I learned a few things.

One man bought his wife's Valentine's card/gift a week ago. But he forgot his mother-in-law. The selection of mother-in-law Valentine's cards is nil on Valentine's Day.

Two men were shopping together and trying to find the "right" romantic card for their wives while proclaiming how cheesy the cards really are.

One woman and her daughter stood in the same spot, looking at the same card for five full minutes. And discussed what Jason did not do for Valentine's Day. If I am guessing correctly, no one really expected Jason to do anything, so it was not a great shock he did nothing. But they were still disappointed.

Another woman picked up a card, placed it in her basket, rolled off. Came back with Valentine's wrapping paper. Put back the card she originally had and took another. Left. Apparently put up the wrapping paper. Put back the card. Got another. Left. Came back with the paper, stared at the cards again. And left.

A man, staring at the cards for as long as I watched the people from the safety of the men's clothing area, remarked that it was his own fault there were no cards to choose from. If only he'd learned the last 23 years not to put off shopping til the very last minute.

And this? is part of the reason I just don't like Valentine's Day. Entirely too stressful to make sure you get the right card, gift and wrapping paper for everyone so they know they are loved by Hallmark and their family.

Survivor

Besides Boo, who is with me watching this season of Survivor? Seems a bit....interesting, I suppose. I'm tired of the Exile Island gimmick, but, who knows. Maybe it will be okay. *shrug*

I have.......

a new hobby/job! Yay me!

I'm making stethoscope covers! DH started this whole idea when he went into a medical supply/uniform store over in Dallas several months ago. Found one he liked and it cost $7. Okay. Let's dissect this thing - it's a piece of material, folded in half, with velcro at top and bottom. It takes 5 minutes to make. Costs so very, very little to make.

So. I found some kickass firefighter material for him and made one a week or so ago. He loved it. So. I went to Walmart and bought some Valentine's, St Patrick's Day, and just medical type stuff materials. And I'm sewing my little fingers right off. Ebay, here I come! I think I may tack a notice up on the bulletin boards at the hospital, too.

*sigh*

This has not been a good week in the Momma house. Rotten1 has gotten in trouble again at school for saying something he shouldn't. And this time, the punishment at school is much more severe than any of us feel it should be. So, I'm fighting hard for a reduced punishment. So far I've met with a stubborn, disrespectful principal and a professional, semi-open assistant superintendant. We'll see what happens, but .... the fight is no where near over. So if I'm a bit closed off or disappear for a bit, I'm probably too damn stressed to think straight.

Edited to add: Not 30 minutes after posting this, the assistant superintendant called me back. She'd concluded her investigation, spoken to the hard-ass principal and come up with a compromise that, while I'm not thrilled with it, definitely addresses my two main concerns. My son's quality of education will not suffer and he will be removed from the classroom where he is continually causing or getting in trouble with a certain group of children. It's not the best case, but it's workable. Unfortunatly, this is his last chance this school year. If he screws up like this again, there's not much we can do but deal with what the school hands out.

Lunch Dilemmas

Or, why I still haven't eaten my lunch from Monday.

See, I brought my Lean Cuisine chicken/pasta something or other Monday. But then we ate a huge department breakfast and I wasn't hungry, so one of the other girls and I split a roast beef sandwich. Then, yesterday, a girl from another department didn't bring her lunch and didn't have her car. She offered to buy my lunch if I took her to get something. Hmmm...okay. So I ate out. Today, I didn't bring a new lunch because Monday's lunch is still sitting in the freezer. And one of the girls who works for me brought in a huge Italian sausage casserole thing for everyone to share. Looks like Monday's lunch will continue to freeze.

What about you? What are you eating today?

Shame on Momma!

Rotten2 lost her second tooth yesterday at school. At lunch. While eating the ham out of her ham sandwich. She was so proud of that little envelope that the nurse gave her to keep her tooth in. She even drew a picture during free time that said "I'm gunna see the toth farey. Yes! Yes! Yes!" She put the tooth under her pillow. She fell asleep in record time.

And I forgot.

I fucking forgot.

So I made up a story about how busy the tooth fairy must have been, since she had to visit another girl in Rotten2's class last night. And while she was brushing her teeth, the tooth fairy made a quick appearance.

All was well in Rotten2's world and now she has a story to tell her class today. I'm feeling absolutely horrid. The look on her face when she realized the tooth fairy didn't come....OMG. Never again. Never. Ever. Ever!

*frustrated screeeeeaaaaaaaaam*

So. DH calls at 8:30 am. Seems our septic system pump went out at some point recently and the septic is now overflowing into our backyard. All because he needed to do laundry. When I call at lunch, he finally was able to unclog the pump and it's running, for now. Needs to be replaced and there are no guarantees on how long it will last. *sigh*

Then he calls at 2:47. He's doing laundry finally. And heard water rushing. So he spent 30 minutes trying to stop the washing machine from overflowing and mopping up massive quantities of water. *big sigh* He's done laundry bazillions of times. Really. I swear.

Oh......and we have no phone at home. Which means no internet. And would I please call the phone company for the upteenth time to find out when they will be fixing it? *really, really big sigh*

Grouchy Grumpy Funk

Alright. I'll admit it. I'm in a grouchy, grumpy funk. I'm okay when it's just me, more or less. But if I have to be around anyone (kids, DH, work, strangers in the store), I'm in a craptastic mood. I've tried to pull myself out of it. And it works for a little bit. But then a small, teensy little bitty thing will put me in a foul mood and I just don't like anyone or anything. I've been not at all productive around the house, I just want to be lazy and alone. And it doesn't help any that DH is in much the same type of mood, so I think we're just irritating the shit out of each other lately.

So. HELP! Put me in a better mood.

In honor of Carey/Bravie/Whatshername

This is really the answer I got when answering truthfully.....

You Are Jan Brady

Brainy and a little introverted, you tend to think life is a lot worse than it actually is. And while you may think you're a little goofy looking, most people consider you to be a major babe.

What Brady Are You?

How.......

How do you teach a child to like to read? I'm not even going to push the loving to read thing at this point. I'd be happy if reading a book didn't result in all out war around these parts. I read to him all the time as a toddler and preschooler. He loved hearing the stories. He begged me to read to him every night. In kindergarten, reading began to be "un-fun" to him. Now, Rotten1 down right hates reading no matter how you put it to him. It doesn't matter what it is or why he's reading. He hates reading. *sigh*

He's read 5 chapters of a book that's about kids for school. He couldn't tell me the two main characters names 5 minutes after he finished Chapter 5. WTF am I going to do?

Horoscopes

You Are A Cypress Tree

You are strong, adaptable, and striving to be content.You're good at taking what life has to give - even if you don't like it.A passionate lover who can't be satisfied, you are quick tempered at times.You hate loneliness, want love and affection, and need to be needed.A bit of a live wire, you love to gain knowledge any cost... and you can be careless at times.

What's" Your Celtic Horoscope?

Do you think horoscopes have a hint of truth to them? Do you read your daily horoscope? I think the ones based on your star sign/personality traits are generally semi-accurate. The daily ones? Not so much at all. In fact, I haven't read my daily horoscope in years. And unless it's going to tell me that Rotten1 is NOT going to give his stomach bug to me, I don't want to read it.

Ack!

We were supposed to be through with ice. This morning, it's sleeting and snowing!

Kids are out of school, our high for the day has been reached and it's going to snow until 6pm. Lovely. Please explain to me why I'm at work.

For mm and her blistex......

Your Kissing Technique Is: Perfect

Your kissing technique is amazing - and you know it. You have the confidence to make the first move. And you always seem to know what kissing style is going to work best. Sometimes you're passionate, sometimes you're a tease. And you're always amazing!

Are You a Good Kisser?

I think......

..... I need new glasses.

......I am going to buy Rotten1 a pair of Heelys for his bday next month

......I want to bake cookies tomorrow

......My niece has hit a massive growth spurt in a month. I barely recognized her tonight.

......My ex-inlaws are pretty decent people.

......Jack Frost needs to go back into hiding. I was quite enjoying the 50-60 degree winter days. Below freezing days? Not so much. 27 degrees with an inch of ice on the roads with wind chills making it feel like 5 degrees is NOT humane.

Have you ever......

Have you ever seen someone in a store that looks so very much like someone you once knew that you would swear up and down it was the person you knew, even when deep down, you know it really can't be that person? Even if the resemblances are so strikingly similar that it takes every fiber in your being to resist the urge to go up to that person and ask them if they are the person you know? Have you ever walked up to that person?

Couple of Questions......

1. What snacky type foods do you tend to keep stashed? I've gone through a box of granola bars, half a box of cereal bars and a bag of goldfish at work this week.

2. How often do you sweep your kitchen floor? I usually do once a week, but it is getting to the point that I will have to do a quick sweep at least once during the week in addition to the weekly super sweep.

3. Is it time for the new "seasons" of our favorite shows yet? I'm soooooooo tired of paying for 180+ channels and having nothing to watch.

4. How young is too young to have a boyfriend or girlfriend? And how young is too young to call said boyfriend or girlfriend on the phone just to chat?

5. How can I get pictures on my computer when I have no scanner?

6. Are you tired of my randomly stupid questions yet?

Um. Yeah.

I had a whole new blog entry thought out, ready to type it in. And I've forgotten it. Dammit. And it wasn't even about the Rottens or my smoking.

Saturday Adventures

Slept in this morning. God, that felt GOOD! I haven't had a full 11 hour night of sleep in for.ev.er. Or at least, that is how it has felt lately. The dog woke me up because she needed to go outside. I took her out with a smoke in my hand. I lit it. She did her business. I noticed the neighbor's dog out running loose. Their black Lab never runs loose. So I brought my dog back in and called the neighbor. Sure enough, that was his Lab. So I brought her over to my house until he got down his driveway (about a quarter of a mile long) and across the street. Total number of cigarettes smoked: 3 drags.

Came inside, logged onto my computer, made myself a bowl of baked apple oatmeal and began playing.....and realized something. I'm going to log on and type or browse or read or something every time I want a cigarette today because I have no one here to talk to other than the dog or the cat or the fishies.

Fair Warning: This might get very long and very boring. If you don't read it all, I won't hold any grudges.

10:01 am - Look at me! I got my avatar back! Yay me!
1:51 pm - So I've taken a shower and run three hours worth of errands. In that time, I smoked two. However, I'm kinda proud of myself, as it's nearly 2pm and I've been awake for 6 hours and I've only smoked two. Going for the rest of the day will be a challenge. I can do this!
9:09 pm - Well. This afternoon/evening didn't go so well. I started out deep cleaning my living room and kitchen. And somehow, in the process, I upped my total number of smokes to 7. In fact, I just smoked #7. I'm slightly disappointed in myself, but. It is still progress. Sort of.

Dreary Drizzle

Ick. I hate mornings like this when I have to go to work. I just cannot seem to get motivated. It doesn't help that half of my yard is under water from all the rain we have gotten. Blech.

I did well yesterday - 10 smokes. Today, I will do it again. Tomorrow, when I am home alone, I will begin my attempt to cut that in half. I'm on my way! Yay!

So, help me think of inexpensive projects I can start to do to keep myself occupied. Or recommend something I can do to keep busy. I'm getting bored with my computer games.

What happened here?

My cute little Texas flag and pink cowboy hat avatar disappeared yesterday. It just showed a box with a red x. So I tried to upload it again. And again. And I couldn't make it work. *pout* So now I'm avatar-less.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

In other news, today's goal is the same as yesterday. Keep it under 10 cigarettes. I smoked 11 yesterday :(

Today's Challenge

So, as part of my baby steps to quitting, I signed up for a daily newsletter that is part of a online stop smoking support group thingie. The newsletter usually has a "Quit Tip" that is supposed to encourage the quitting thought process. Many of the ones I've read have been "old news" or very few that have made me just roll my eyes. The thing I like about them is they aren't too hokey. And the celebrate your milestones. Today's email has had me thinking, though. It asked you to make a list of your fears related to quitting smoking (ie. not hanging out with your friends, loss of your "image", etc).

The more I think about it, the more of a list I've actually compiled. At first glance, I was kinda like "Oh what a moronic excersize", but....well.....

5. Not remembering to take the dog outside to do her business
4. Losing 30-45 mins a day at work to bullshit with my smoker friends
3. Nothing to replace the cigarette in my hand
2. Lack of stress relief
1. Boredom/Nothing to do when I need a moment of peace

Hey Ya'll...you're invited!

We're going to ring in the New Year in style around here....

We've got Tostitos Scoops, salsa, popcorn (butter and white cheddar), cheese puffs, lasagna and brownies. On hand for your entertainment will be Rotten1, his friend Troublemaker, Rotten2, Princess Belle the kitten and Trouble the yellow lab. Rotten2's friend PrissyPants may be able to clear her schedule to join us.

Happy New Year!!!

Back to reality....

And boy, does it bite!

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all have a wonderful, safe, joyous, and stress-free holiday weekend with your family and friends!

Winter Solstice

Today is the first day of Winter, actually...it will be at 6:22pm.

Did you know that today will only have 10 hours of sunshine?

Did you know your shadow will be at it's longest today? Even Breezy and I will look tall! *grin*

*happy dance*

The news was announced today at work. Our plant manager, by "mutual decision" *snort*, is leaving the company. His replacement will be in on January 2. He will be gone no later than January 31.

Yay! Yay! Yay fucking hooray! This is such a huge relief for me. I'm not stopping the job search, but....this makes leaving a little less worth doing, if that makes sense.

Baby Steps Part 2 and an Update

First, an update on the baby steps to quitting. I've hit a roadblock. Temporary, but a bit of a roadblock, nonetheless. I dropped off my prescription yesterday. Went to pick it up today, with the intention of starting it tomorrow morning. However, my insurance denied the prescription because apparently this is too new of a drug and our plan doesn't cover smoking cessation products. And I don't have $113 to drop on the CVS counter 9 days before Christmas. I'll be calling the insurance company and the doctor's office first thing in the AM though.

As for the update...I am finished with Christmas shopping, except for three gift cards that need to be purchased before Saturday. I thought I was finished. But apparently not. *shrug* Gift cards are easy. Rotten2 came down with a stomach bug Friday night and was okay by Saturday. As Rotten1 and I were finishing up the Christmas shopping tonight, DH called. He now has the stomach bug. It hit right as he and Rotten2 were sitting down to eat. So...Rotten1 and I picked up dinner for Rotten2 and hauled ass home. DH is quite miserable. And I have never seen him this sick. He's not even pulling the typical male death from sickness routine. The rest of life is becoming slightly boring, yet a bit hectic. Nothing too out of the ordinary though.

Now, if you didn't see your Christmas present, go down to the last post.

Feeling a bit Christmas-y

Went to a Christmas party last night. Holy.shit. I haven't been that drunk in a loooooooooong time. I'm still feeling it this AM. Should have listened to DH and his partner and called in sick.

Ah well.

And now, my Christmas present to blogland....click here.

Baby Steps

It's all about the baby steps right now. I've been thinking about, talking about quitting. And yesterday, I made my first official step. I went to the doctor. I now have a prescription. I haven't filled it yet, as that's another step. However, I don't expect to make this change quickly. This is something I have to accomplish in my own time and with minimal expectations.

I smoked my first cigarette at the age of 14. I wasn't a consistent smoker until 16. I'm 29. I quit twice - with each pregnancy. This time, I'm going to do it for me. I hate spending the money. I hate the smell and the taste. I'm ready.

I'm scared.

'Tis the season

for Coughs and Colds,
Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Fa la la la la
la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

It's official. 20 days to Christmas and Rotten2 has a nasty cough and snot. Yay. Happens every year. Someone has to be sick on Christmas. If the timing plays out, it will likely be all of us.

Bah Humbug.

Wasn't Glowie's 1st wedding anni not too long ago? Did I miss it?

Hmm....

My brother is planning a visit. My 24 year old baby brother, the only sibling I have. He hasn't been up here in six years. Not since Rotten2 was 6 weeks old. His mother (my ex stepmother) doesn't know he's planning this. I'm not totally sure she knows we are even speaking. He wants to spend time with the kids before Christmas. He's also talking about finally moving out of his mother's house by spring. He has a real job.

I'm thoroughly confused/amazed/befuddled by this. I knew the day would come when he'd start to grow up and realize that life isn't like his mother thinks it is. I just didn't realize that day would be so soon.

Where am I?

It was 77 yesterday. We wore shorts and flip flops.

Tonight, it's 26, hasn't gotten above freezing since 2am and this is what I see outside. Never in my life do I recall seeing white frozen sleet, snow and rain in one day in November.

Dinner?

What's for dinner?

I think we're having breakfast for dinner.

Last Day of Freedom

The kids will be home from their weeklong Thanksgiving vacation tomorrow. DH will be back from work tomorrow. So, it's my last day of freedom.

I've been to the book store, the fabric store, Wal-Mart, and I've dug out the Christmas crap. The poor kitten doesn't know what to think. I haven't told her no this many times since we got her in August *grin*

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's going to be a very quiet, very small affair here. Very unlike any Thanksgiving in the past 10 years. We had two invites, where we'd do minimal preparation with some driving. But, driving 2 hours up to the farm for dinner and then driving 2 hours back didn't seem necessary. And I wasn't too thrilled about driving an hour to spend the day with my aunts and uncles at my grandma's house. This is going to be a very emotional holiday for them (and me, too), and I just can't bring myself to deal with in her house. The Rottens left Saturday for the lake with the ex-in-laws and won't be home until Sunday.

So. DH gets off at 6 am. I bought a honey and brown sugar glazed ham. I have some stuffing and other veggies and rolls. I'm making a cheesecake. If I get out of my pajamas, I'll be surprised.

And I will enjoy sitting on my ass, eating, watching movies and football and the Macy's Turkey Day parade.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

What does it mean.....

When a bird poops on you?

As in, walking down a sidewalk in the downtown area under a tree and a bird just shits right on your arm.

I'm just a happy little stressball!

I've come to that realization today.

How are you?

My new version?!?!

I don't recall ordering a new version of Blogger, but apparently it's ready for me to pick up. According to the blurb I just read, it's "the same" features and content, with new easy to use features.

I don't waaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaa change! I don't want a new blog. I like it just like it is.

Why must they do this to me on a Monday?

Random Momma Questions....

*Is it wrong to buy the Rottens iPods for Christmas, when I don't own one?

*Why do I really, really want Gretchen Wilson's book Redneck Woman, Stories from My Life? And should I go buy it?

*Why does my knee ache?

*Why is my ex-husband such a frigging moron who now wants to cheat his kids out of the back child support he owes them?

*Why does my kitten insist upon climbing any available screen, including the sliding glass screen door?

*What is the next downloadable game that I should buy?

*Most importantly, why did it take 6 weeks for my new radio to come in from Rockford Fosgate? And where am I going to find 2 hours to take my car to the dealership to have it installed?

Wow!

Tonight was the monthly PTO meeting at the kids' elementary school. Rotten1 was in the program, so we made sure to attend. I usually do anyway, but it was extra important tonight. So, we get there and the PTO is having a drawing. Buy a ticket for $1 and get a shot at a bike, metal lunchboxes, candles, bath & body stuff, a CD boombox, etc. So the kids' dad bought 8 tickets (which was about 8 shocks in itself) and gave the kids 4 a piece.

Rotten1 won a Dale Jr lunchbox. Rotten2 won the bike!

Of course, Rotten2 is quite thrilled and has been dancing and bouncing and singing as often as she can get away with. Rotten1, not so much.

Politics 'round these here parts...

Or Why I'm about thisclose to voting Kinky for Governor.....

Governor Rick Perry, Republican - Currently touring the state with his wife on a "Take No Vote for Granted" trip. He sent Texas Guard troops to the Mexico-Texas border six whole months before Bush recommended it (and is proud of this during numerous radio spots). Chuck Norris, the NRA, and the Texas Christian Coalition endorse Rick Perry, unfortunatly so does the State Firefighter's Association. He has refused almost every single television and radio ad during his reelection campaign - most notably, the DFW area NBC station's repeated request. Why? "No comment." But the most confoundedly stupid statement I've heard lately is this: "Having a job means security for the family, hope for their children's future and a chance at the American Dream."

Chris Bell, Democrat - Currently touring the state on a "Bell on Wheels" trip. Most of his campaign has focused on the things Perry hasn't done or did wrong. Never mind what he plans to do about it. Bill Clinton endorses Chris Bell. He will be racing in Austin's Komen Race for the Cure tomorrow. And my favorite quote from his website is this: "By winning the New Texas Revolution, we can have the best schools. We will cure disease and heal the sick. We will restore ethics to our government, and take moral stands based on religious convictions of what is right and what is wrong."

And then we have "One Tough Grandma", Carole Keeton Strayhorn - Currently running on the "Let's Shake Austin Up" ticket. WTFever that means, but apparently it involves making the government more open and honest. Major endorsements for her campaign include several mid-size town newspapers and the largest Houston newspaper. She and Perry have been in a pissing match for months. She has continually torn him a new ass, handed him his head on a platter AND figured out solutions to problems. Okay, so the solutions aren't exactly feasible, workable or halfway imaginable most of the time, but...it's better than a sharp stick in the eye.

Finally, the one who will never win, Kinky Friedman - Currently touring Texas with cowboy hat planted firmly on his head and cigar in hand. This man has become the poster boy for the Anti-Partisan Political Campaign. It's funny, he's last in the polls, he has the college age group support (no one in Texas has managed that in .... forever), he's got the support of many farmers and ranchers, he's drawn national attention to the governor's race, hell the man has been on Letterman! "And if Jesse Ventura and Arnold Schwarzenegger can be governor, why the hell not Kinky?" *snort* Scary part of his whole campaign? He's saying things that most Texans have said in private for years about the state of our government. And funding part of his campaign with an online store of tshirts, biker gear, cds, action figures etc. Best tshirt I've found - "May the God of your choice bless you. Kinky in 2006"

And if you missed it, Halloween pics are still below.......

Halloween in Texas!

It was mid-70s on Saturday when we carved our pumpkins - a funny face for Rotten2 and a bat flying in front of the moon for Rotten1.

And then it was a whopping 45 degrees on Halloween with north winds blowing 15-20 mph. Brrrrrrrr!

Well.

Doesn't that suck? Blogger let me upload 2 of the 4 Rotten Halloween pics with no problems. Then it decided to error out 4 times. So, to add to my craptastic day, I'll just count that as to be expected.

I woke up in a great mood, slept well last night, and then at 7:09 it started. The moron boss called me on my cell phone to ask me for info that was at work on my computer. It went downhill from there. *sigh*

The only real "up" to my day is that I have the house to myself, so I can be in a shitty bitchy mood without worrying about how it's upsetting/angering/bothering others.

And Carey and Breezy? I'm really not mad at you two. I'm just giving you a hard time. I could have called you two, right? *smoooooooooch*

*yaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwn*

I hate Daylight Savings Time. I really, really do. BC (Before Children) it didn't phase me. Now, it's a pain in my ass.

Is it bed time yet?

Impressive Kiddos

All right. For all the crap I've given Rotten1 over the last week between his progress report and getting in trouble at school twice, he showed me he's not a total fruit loop all of the time today.

Today was DH's normal day to work. Normally, the kids go to the neighbor's house behind us with their friends that ride the bus. Today, for some reason, the neighbors didn't ride the bus and their mom wasn't home. So they walked to our house, made sure DH wasn't home, wrote me a note and stuck it under a "rock" on the porch and carefully crossed the street to another neighbor's that they knew was home.

I am quite proud of the two of them, especially with the note they wrote. Rotten2 told me that Rotten1 was the "boss of her" when they crossed the street and he made sure no cars were coming. Now, the "rock" they put the note under? Had a house key hidden in it. *snort* They could have walked in the house, looked on the wall at my work phone number, cell phone number, and DH's cell number and called us. However, they knew they weren't supposed to be home alone.

Maybe they will turn out okay after all.

I'm gonna KILL that child!

So the Rottens get home from school this afternoon. And I ask how their day went. Rotten2 had fun. They read about skeletons in a book and talked about what would happen to you if you didn't have a skeleton. You'd be flat, just in case you were wondering. Rotten1, however, got in trouble. And not just a wee bit of trouble that might cause me to have to talk to him about behavior. Oh no. He got sent to the office. Why? Well, you see, there was a group of boys talking and at some point, he looked at one of his friends and said "I didn't know you sucked a cow." Several other "innocent" comments were turned "ugly" by my 8 year old son, as well. And the boys weren't smart about this "dirty" conversation, either. They conversed with a teacher nearby. So, about 3-4 boys were sent to the office.

Now. First of all, I had to ask what the hell "sucking a cow" was about. DH and I were thinking maybe we're a bit behind the times with the kids' slang. Nope. He was referring to sucking a cow's wiener. No, I didn't go into the anatomy of a cow vs a bull, although I was tempted. And I didn't laugh, although I wanted to. What I did ask, in much nicer terms, was what the hell he was thinking when he said what he did. Naturally, his response was "I dunno."

He is now grounded - no TV, no Playstation, no playing with friends, no telephone - and more chores as I think of them. Of course, this comes on the heels of his progress report that I got last week where I discovered that he had an F in Reading (which has now been brought up considerably).

The child is gonna die. Or hate me. Or something.

My list.....

Jumping on the list bandwagon of a million things to do this week/weekend....

Finish laying linoleum in Rotten2's closet - this required a trip to buy more lineoleum tiles because I didn't buy quite enough. Which then prompted a trip to buy paint, because the interior of the closet looks pretty dingy now with new flooring. And now the painting project is on hold because I can't find any ONE of the 35 paint brushes I own.
Clean new window in living room
Get heater fixed "first thing Saturday AM" - done!
Bathe dog and cat - cat is bathed. She gets a bath every few weeks, just because. And yes, she does have her claws.
Find and borrow power washer - I've decided to postpone this one.
Winterize flower beds - nope. First I have to pick the glass out of the flower bed in front of the house where the old window was. See clean new window above.
Go to Hanger Texas Hold Em Party Saturday night
Go to Sonya's Home & Garden Party Sunday afternoon
Buy nails for trim in living room
Pay a bazillion bills
I've also swept the kitchen, watched DH mow the yard, done a couple loads of laundry, helped DH replace the dryer vent hose thingie, bought the cat a new litter box which provided many moments of my amusement when she discovered it, and watered my plants.

*sigh* Being a grown up and a homeowner sucks sometimes.

Trouble and Princess Belle

Epiphany updated...

So I went on the job interview...it's an insurance agency in town about 7 minutes from the house. It started as a one man company 30 months ago and is now a 55+ person agency with plans in the next six months to expand to a 150+ employee company. The job would be a combo PR/marketing/website content editor and possibly scheduler position - all of which I've done. I emailed the owner tonight and told him I am definitely interested and to contact me early next week when he returns so we can discuss particulars. That's what he said to do if I wanted the job, so....I'm going for it.

In other job related news, a friend called me today. He has another friend who is the Chief Maintenance Engineer for the DFW area Marriott hotels and they need a Maintenance Scheduler/Contractor liaison for one of the area hotels. Would I be interested? Umm...gee...what do you think? *snort* THEN I got a call from the local town paper, where I'd sent in my resume for a editing/proofreading job and she wants me to come in for an interview.

YIKES. It might really work out this time! Please, please, please continue to think good, happy thoughts for me on the job front. PLEASE!

In other news, Rotten1 and I finished his 3 part project tonight and it all turned out great! Rotten2 is now chock full of "project" ideas she wants to do just because we have leftover material. Something tells me it's going to be arts and crafts weekend at my house with paints, glue, construction paper and all the magazines. *grin*

I also have the cutest picture to post of the dog and cat, but I have to find my camera cable. I know it's around here somewhere.

I've had an epiphany

After the stress of last week, a few enlightening moments about life and loved ones, and a grand total of 6 days off in a row...I've had a "Coming to Jesus" moment. I cannot continue to work where I do and retain any semblance of a normal life. I did not realize how stressed out that place made me. I did not realize how much of a bitch I had become in the evenings. I did not realize that I was taking so very much around my house for granted. It's no longer a want to find a new job type of search. It is a must happen fast type of search.

I just cannot continue to live life at that price. Even if it does pay the bills well. I may have to give up a few things - dinner out a few times a week, less driving, something. But my mental health and my family are entirely too important. I like myself more than that.

So I'm going to an impromptu job interview. Now. As in, I talked to the guy 15 minutes ago after emailing my resume this morning. And now I'm going to discuss a job. Eeeeek.

Whew

What a week. Grandma's visitation was Friday night, the funeral was yesterday morning. All in all, it was a very emotional, slightly stressful, and extremely thought provoking week. We did spend quite a bit of time with my family, which is always good for a laugh and a cry - sometimes at the same time. Ever spent time just sitting and watching one side of the family for a while? Did it ever make you realize just how normal you really are?

End is near

And so it goes.....I went to the hospital Saturday, where Grandma was having a pretty decent day. It's been very much downhill since. Yesterday evening, the doctors thought she was slipping into a coma. Turns out, she was unable to be woken up for about 5 hours, but then came to on her own quite disoriented. Today, she's been in and out of conciousness and lucidity.

Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. At this point, all we can hope for is minimal pain.

ETA: About 20 minutes after typing out this post, Grandma passed away.

Quizzes

Because after today's funeral and a day at the hospital looming on the horizon, I'm in desperate need of silly funny stupid shit.

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways.In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

What's Your Personality Type?

You Are As Cool As They Come

Rational and relaxed, no one could accuse you of being dramatic.You roll with the punches, and nothing ever gets you too worked up.You are able to maintain perspective and see the big picture. And even if you're emotional inside, you don't let it show.You're great at keeping it together, and you're rewarded for that.People see you as an ideal friend, employee, and partner.

<

Your IQ Is 105

Your Logical Intelligence is Below Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Exceptional Your Mathematical Intelligence is Average Your General Knowledge is Exceptional

You Are Mud Pie

You're the perfect combo of flavor and depthThose who like you give into their impulses

If you didn't heed yesterday's warning, please do it now. No really. Right.Now.

My aunt called this afternoon on my way home. Grandma, my last living grandparent, is in the hospital and it's not looking good. What started as a simple sinus infection with pain in her left side from coughing has turned out to be a horribly enlarged liver with at least one tumor and several troubling spots. No one knows when, or if, she'll be home. The prognosis and her attitude aren't exactly great right now. We'll see.

*sigh*

For all that is good...

And right and normal, hug those you love and tell them. Call your parents, siblings (even if you'd prefer not to speak to them), kids, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins...whoever and tell them they mean the world to you.

A friend of mine passed away yesterday morning after a very short, extremely agressive bout with bone/brain cancer she didn't know she had. Thirty-five with a husband and two boys. She was given 14 months to two years two weeks ago. Thursday she was given two months. Yesterday, with her husband at her side, she passed away.

I love you guys!

First Day of Fall

For those of you who guessed Shave Augie's Head Day, I'm sorry. You failed the test. For the rest who guessed that yesterday was the last day of Summer, you win! What? You want a prize? Umm...uh.... *looks around sheepishly* umm...So, uh... *insert attempt to change the subject* What's the weather like in your area for the first day of Fall?

Guess what today is!

Really. Guess. Today is something that Augie will hate.

Survivor ???s

Who's watching? Who cares? Who found it boring? Who do you like? Who do you already hate? Do you see the race card as a big deal? What about the re-run of Exile Island with the race card thrown in?

Yay! Rain! Gas Prices! Lazy Sundays!

It's the best of all worlds.

It's been raining steadily for about hours now, plus off and on for a few hours before that. With our lakes at least 15 feet below normal and major drought conditions, these couple of inches of rain are a huge blessing. It also gave me the opportunity to coerce the Rottens into doing some major cleaning of their rooms. Six hours, a quick lunch, and a short break = very clean kiddo rooms.

Gas prices around here are dropping steadily. I filled up this morning for $2.21 a gallon! Yay! In my nice, new fuel efficient car that equalled a whopping $26 for a full tank of gas.

And tonight, DH is at work, the Rottens are camped out with the Disney Channel and it's almost peaceful around here. Almost.

Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Blame it on Carey. She made me think of this blog entry.

So.....what kitchen gadgets do you have that were "must owns" that you've used once or twice, if that, and never thought about again?

I have an air popcorn popper, a teensy crockpot for queso, a Slurpee machine, and about 18 different cutting boards.

I want a wok, a quesadilla maker, a bread machine, an ice cream maker and a sandwich maker. I also need a new griddle.

Then there are the gadgets I couldn't live without...but that's a post for another day.

Blog Spam

It's that time of year...yay. Kids' school fundraisers. So...if you want to see what the kids are selling, let me know and I'll spam you. Otherwise, I shall sit here in misery staring at several things I wouldn't mind owning.

Random News

...Or at least, what passes for random news in my world.

*Rotten2 made a "delicious meal" for us tonight with my help. Tacos and burritos. Mmm...*rolls eyes* She's become insistent that she "help" with dinner.

*Rotten1 is going thru a major attitude phase right now. I'm ready to ship him off. Who knew 8 year old boys were so moody?!

*DH and I have started walking almost every night with the kids. Roughly a mile to a mile and a half. Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

*My bruises have started to appear this weekend. First a faint yellow now turned to a yellow-green color. Quite lovely. *snort* Wonder what color they will be next?

*squinty eyes*

Who ate all of my cheese sticks? And when did you take them out of the freezer, cook and eat them without my knowledge? I've been home all freaking week!

Damn. I wanted those cheese sticks tonight. Do I drive 7 miles one way to the grocery store or do I settle for something less desirable?

*looks around*

*waves*

I don't wanna go back to work tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to. I still can't much move my left arm without my shoulder and side of my boob hurting.

In other news, Rotten2 got in trouble at school today for talking. Oops. Rotten1 is in third grade. His spelling list this week, among other words, includes miraculous, phenomenon, anxiety, exertion and commotion. Yikes.

I'm home.

It wasn't too terribly awful. The cysts were perfectly round and surgery went well. Got home around 2:30ish, after a stop at CVS and the post office *waves to Breezy* I've slept off and on all evening with some discomfort, but hey, that's what the pain pills are for :)

DH has been quite wonderful and pretty much waited on me, as needed. The kids' dad even came through and picked them up after school and is keeping them tonight.

Thanks for thinking of me today.

*nervous*

Remember those three "friends" I have living in my left oobie? They are being evicted on Tuesday by unanimous vote. Sequester shall be a lab somewhere far, far away from my oobies.

Wish me luck, say a prayer, hope like hell I get good drugs because I'm going to have to wear a bra 24-7 for ten days after this.

Stupid Villagers!

So Sunday I got a bit bored after doing all my chores and errands and such. So I went to my new favorite game download site and found a trial that looked semi entertaining. It's called Virtual Villagers. Basically, your people shipwreck on an island and have to survive and learn skills and such.

I'm addicted to these stupid little people. Breeding them is hilarious. Hoping like hell that they learn to farm before the berry bush runs out of berries is a bit stressful. Watching them research is boring, but it rewards you with points so you can buy more categories for them to advance in.

*sigh*

Off to check on the breeding, eating, farming goobers.

It's Sunday!

Yay! Today is my favorite day of the week. Or, this week, at least. It means that I have the house all to myself for at least 8 hours. DH is at work, the kids are at their dad's...Yay! Of course, it also means I have a list of stuff to accomplish at some point today....Blah.

In other news, we've decided that Princess Belle (the new kitten) is a spaz. She runs through the house faster than lightening, she stalks and torments the Lab, she's discovered a "fishing pole" with a hairy mouse thing attached that has become her favorite toy and will spend hours flipping, stalking, pouncing and jumping this thing. She's such a trip to watch.

The kids are loving school and their teachers. It seems they've started a contest between the two of them to see who makes more friends first. *rolls eyes* Rotten2 is claiming the lead at the moment because "Ashley has six brothers and sisters and they are all my friends". Seven kids, one house. Can you imagine?!?

*smooches* to all.

Bad, Good, Better...Maybe.

The bad: The cat electrocuted herself.
The good: We now have Princess Belle.
The better: She's so freaking loveable!

The bad: My truck's transmission exploded.
The good: I now am the happy owner of a brand new car.
The better: Gas mileage is awesome!

The bad: The air conditioner in the house caught fire and tried to burn down the house.
The good: DH was home while I was at work, so the house did not catch fire, just the A/C. And the smoke was able to be cleared out of the house in three and a half hours.
The better: We only went for 38 hours without A/C and a "cold front" came in dropping the highs from 106 to 102.

The bad: The septic system aerator pump went out.
The good: It can be fixed.
The better: Well...I'll let you know on that one.

I thought bad shit was only supposed to happen in threes. In the last two weeks I've had four. Five, if you count truck transmission actually crapping out twice. *sigh* I'm trying really hard to find the bright side to all of this shit before I go absolutely fucking loco and am committed to a mental hospital due to a nervous breakdown. Did I mention I'm absolutely effin' broke right now?

OMG OMG OMG....

I'm driving home last night and I lost overdrive. Again. Got it home in "Limp Home Mode" where DH was able to "fix" it again. This morning, I called into work and told them I had to deal with my truck issues or who knows when I'd be back.

Well, I dealt with them from 8:30 am until 4:30 this afternoon.... Meet my brand new 2006 Nissan Sentra in Radium (?) with a whopping 52 miles on it.

We went to look at used cars - an 03 Diamante and an 05 Elantra to be exact. This is what we came home with. It goes back in next Friday for tint. Yay!

Meet the Kitten

11 weeks old

Yay me!

Anyone else stuck watching The Suite Life of Zach and Cody all.the.time? Anyway.

I went out yesterday AM and ran a bunch of errands in my truck, keeping a close eye on everything. I didn't even blast the radio like normal, so I could hear any strange noises or whatever. It's a bit sluggish, but....for the moment, my truck is working semi-properly! Yay! DH is going to check out the transmission and fluid again today and we'll go from there.

So on my errand list yesterday was a stop at Kohl's for their early bird sale. I found Rotten1 a pair of Nikes for school for $21 in a size three. I found Rotten2 a pair of Skechers loafer style shoes with the chunky heel for her skirts and dresses for $14.99 in a size one. Holy shit! When did my kids get that big?! Then it was on to TJMaxx, Ross, and Walmart - where I finally found Rotten2 a pair of tennis shoes on clearance for $9! In case you're wondering, that's $80 worth of shoes for $44. Yay me! Now we'll just have to see if the Rottens like their new school shoes.

In other news, we're thinking about a kitten. The house just doesn't feel right without a cat to torment the dog *grin* I also woke up with a fever blister this AM. Stupid stress.

%^*&*(#(**&#$@

So I'm on my way back to work yesterday after my doctor's appointment to discuss surgery to remove the friends living in my boobs...driving 65-70 on the highway...when my truck's RPMs surge momentarily, I sense a transmission shift and this little light on my dash starts flashing at me out of nowhere telling me that my overdrive is off. WTF?!?! So I push the little button to turn overdrive back on. Nope. Nothing. I push it again. And again. And again. Still nothing. Still a little blinky light taunting me saying "Here I am". So I pull of at the next exit and cruise into a gas station parking lot. I turn the truck off. I get out. I get in. I turn the truck on. The little light is still blinking and taunting. I'm waiting for the little fucker to start calling me names. Called DH, who, thankfully was home yesterday. He, in not so many words, said to get the truck home the shortest route possible. NOW! Crap. That can't be good.

So I get the truck home. It seems that my transmission has decided to up and die. Just.like.that.

Six hours, some nasty little burns on DH's arms, and $80 later we've decided that the truck will live. The light is gone, overdrive is back. We just don't know how long it will last. I could lose it again today. Or the truck may go for another 150K miles. *sigh*

Got any suggestions for cars?

And...School is about to start!

Tonight was Meet the Teacher night at the kids' new school. Both teachers seem very nice. Rotten1's teacher seems a bit strict and has a special certification in reading and places big emphasis on reading. Yay! Rotten2's teacher is cute, friendly, bubbly and very enthusiastic. Rotten2 is going to have a new best friend *grin*

And now? We have three days until school starts!

*pout*

Gizmo not only escaped from the bathroom last night under the door, but made a beeline for the front door as I was leaving this morning. :( She's no where to be found. She doesn't go outside! She's only escaped twice before and then got so scared by the great wilderness that she returned to the porch within 2 minutes.

DH and the kids have been searching the neighborhood off and on all day. I spent 20 minutes this morning calling her and looking for her.

*sigh*

*wipes tear*

And Swami, she was living in our bathroom because we didn't want any infection to spread to the dog or kids from the wound sight.

ETA: One of my most favoritest pictures of Rotten1 and Gizmo in June of 2004, when we got her.

Lookie!

In an effort to keep my mind off the stupid, poor baby living in my bathroom, I made myself a purse today!

Electrocuting the Cat...

Not smart, peeps. Not smart at all. Please inform your kittens and cat children that this is not fun.

Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, apparently, my two year old cat felt the need to chew through a lamp wire behind the couch. I didn't realize it until Wednesday night.

Wednesday morning, I got up and took my shower. Normally, by the time I get out of the shower, she's winding around my legs whining for her breakfast. She wasn't. I looked at her food bowl and saw she still had food. Odd, but whatever. I finished dressing and whatnot and went to work. DH was home yesterday, so I figured he'd feed her when she got hungry again. He didn't see her all day. I got home last night and the cat wasn't in her usual welcoming spot. Odd, but again...she's a cat and cats can be bizarre at times. About 15 mins after I got home, she comes creeping out of Rotten2's room, crouched down low. I picked her up and the smell hit me. It was like super magnified bad morning breath after a massive drunk. I looked at her and saw puss just oozing off her mouth and chin. What.the.fuck. DH and I cleaned her up and started examining her and realized that both sides of her mouth (but not the middle of the mouth) were oozing. We pried her mouth open and there is a diagonal line across her tongue and the entire tip of her tongue is whitish and oozing a bit. At this point, DH and I both started freaking out and I nearly cried. We cleaned her a bit more and rinsed her mouth with mouthwash. Amazingly enough, she barely flinched.

After 2 hours of research on the internet and a call to the vet, we couldn't figure out what the hell she'd gotten into. She's an indoor only cat. DH and I were both feeling very helpless and not sure what to do. I went to the store and bought her some canned cat food, unsure of whether or not she'd eat it. Got home and she more or less licked the juice...but it was something. She was also meowing and walking around...so she was feeling better.

As it got dark, DH turned on a couple of lamps in the living room. Or tried to. The one by the couch and his desk wouldn't come on, so he pulled out the couch to make sure it was still plugged in. That's when he found the cord...chewed clean in half.

*sigh*

My poor kitty. Stupid cat.

Monsty's meme

What curse word do you use the most?
It's a toss up between Shit, dammit and WTF?

Do you own an I Pod?
Nope.

What time is your alarm clock set for?
6:30 am. Although that will be changing shortly when school begins.

What color is your room?It's a whitish wall paper with light colored stripes. I hate it, but DH has forbidden anymore painting in the house for a while.

Flip flops or sneakers?Flip flops.

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?Take it.

What was the last movie you watched?
I have no idea. None.

Do any of your friends have children?I'll just echo Monsty's sentiments.

Morning bird or night owl?Both, depending on the day, my mood, and the sun's rotation or something.

Do you ever take medication to help you sleep better?Very rarely.

What CD is currently in your CD player? I think it's a mix I made of mostly female country singers.

What kind of milk do you drink? Whole milk, if and when I drink it. Am I the only one who drinks whole milk?

Who was the last person to call you on the phone? My boss

Are you nosey? Kinda. I love to hear gossip and talk about life, but I rarely if ever seek it.

Are you shy around the opposite sex? Nope. Not at all.

Do you own any band tshirts? Not anymore.

What is your favorite salad dressing? Probably Italian.

Do you cry a lot?No.

Who was the last person to text you a message?Probably my DH a few months ago.

Desk top or lap top? Desktop.

Do you have any tatoos or unique peircings? No.

Would you ever date someone with tatoos? Seeing how DH has a tribal band from Cancun on his arm....

Is sex before marriage wrong?No, no, no.

When was the last time you slept on the floor? No idea.

How old will you be at your next birthday? I just turned 29 last week. You do the math.

Do you like cottage cheese? Yes, but I haven't had it in forever.

What will be your next big purchase? Does the A/C for DH's hot rod count?

Last wicked fun thing you did? Went to the farm this weekend. I had a pretty good time.

Friday Night Dinner

So it's Friday night. The kids are at their dad's for the weekend. DH is at work. And I am eating the bestest dinner! A Subway Ham sammich with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, salt, pepper and honey mustard, a huge peanut butter brownie, and a Coke.

What'd you have for dinner?

It's all about ME!

I woke up this morning, the one day a year that is all about me. Spoiled, rotten, ME!

I've had two kinds of brownies, a ginormous chocolate chip cookie, some new Bath & Body Works stuff, a candle, a book, a sweet heart necklace, half a dozen pieces of mail, a hot cowboy, and a dozen homemade cards given to me. I've also had several phone calls! Yay!

Guess why!

China and Crystal

Here's part of the reason for going over to my aunt's house this weekend - my mom and dad's crystal and china from their wedding in April 1973. My aunt (and grandma) kept it all and even added to the collection over the years since my mom's passing in 1980. Up until this past week, I had no idea that anyone still had this stuff.

Segovia #2216 by Noritake

Fostoria - Debutante Gray

I haven't even begun to take inventory of it all. All I know is there are three huge Rubbermaid containers filled to the brim, several pages of order forms from 1990 and handwritten inventory that gives me a 12 place setting of china and almost 12 of each of about 8 different sizes of the crystal. Plus tea cups, saucers, salt and pepper shakers, creamers, sugar bowl and who knows what else.

Now I have to find a place to put all of it...

Boring Day

That is what today has been. I have had very little motivation to do anything lately, and I can't figure out why. I'm just freaking exhausted all the time. So today, the kids and I hung out, washed my truck, watched tons of cartoons, and took a three hour nap.

Tomorrow should be more interesting, to say the least. We're going to my aunt's house, which is a hour or two away. I haven't seen her in a year and a half - since my grandpa died. I miss seeing her. We were pretty close as I was growing up. Then life got in the way and I don't see her as often as I should.

Handwriting Sample

So Jen started it and a few others have followed suit....

The Countdown Begins......

31 more days until the Rottens go back to school! Yay!

Another growing up moment...

So this past week, the kids were at the lake with the ex-in-laws....And Paw and Daddy decided to take Rotten1's training wheels off her bike. She rode it a bit with lots and lots of help then decided to wait until she got home to have me teach her because they were boys. Or something.

Monday night, we started around 7:15 or so. Several (and by several, I'm talking 40-50) trips across the yard later, she had managed to go about 50 feet by herself plus a running start of about 10 feet with me holding one handlebar. By 8:30, she was going an average of 75-90 feet at a time with about a 5 foot hold from me. And then it happened. The big crash. Not only did she manage to jam one handlebar into her chest, but she knocked the chain completely off the bicycle. Of course, this was better than running into the pool. Or so she said after she stopped crying. Then she was madder than hell because I couldn't get the chain back on her bike and it was starting to get dark. *grin* Of course, this resulted in a phone call to DH immediately to ensure that he would fix her bike chain as soon as he got home from work in the morning.

Tuesday night, we did much of the same as Monday. Rotten2 was riding further and stopping better, but still not starting off on her own. Then the Rottens went to play next door and took their bikes. Well, all of a sudden, Rotten2 realizes we aren't there to help her get started. Instead of pushing her bike home, she takes off! On her own! Yay!

Here it is Thursday and you can't keep her off the thing. She's doing great!

Underwear talk

Blame it on Carey.

Do you wear underwear?

Do you know what size you wear?

Do you purchase it or does your Mr/Mrs?

Do you have a favorite pair of underwear?

Eeeeeek! Mouse!

I think we have a mouse. Either that or the cat is stalking dust bunnies under the fridge. She's been parked there for about 4 hours now.

Oh, and I posted pajama pics below.

I'm a sewing fool!

It's official - I've got a new addiction. My sewing machine. So far I've made pajama pants for me and Rotten2 and pajama shorts for Rotten1. Tonight I made a new attempt - boxer shorts for DH. And after a minor confusion with the whole fly/flap thing, I did it! Yay! I even deviated from the pattern and put on a pocket for Mr. Pumpie (DH's insulin pump, so named by Rotten2). Double Yay! Now Rotten1 wants boxer shorts made, too. And Rotten2 is putting in requests for girl boxers and a nightgown.

I think I've created some monsters!

ETA Pictures. First is my pajama capris and DH's boxers. Second is Rotten2's pajama capris and Rotten1's pajama shorts.

4th of July

As previously noted, republishing brings your blog back from the gray screen of death. In celebration, I have these...taken Tuesday night at a nearby small town's First Annual 4th Fest and Parade. The first picture cracked us all up - they had many of the town's children in the parade on their decorated bicycles. This boy took it a step further.

Sorry for the blurriness, but he was riding/walking as I took the picture.

Hello?

Am I here?

I'm going to try something.....

My mom was an awesome seamstress. She could make anything. Seriously. I've seen the pictures, I still have some of the clothes, and my grandma swears it. I've been feeling slightly unproductive lately ... creative juices want to flow and do something .... so this weekend I pulled out my mom's sewing machine. Poor thing had a layer of dust on the case that had to be 1/2" thick. Mom would have killed me!

So last night, on my way home from work, I bought these:


Pajama pants patterns! So...if this works and I can do this, I've found my new addiction. So many patterns, so many fabrics!!! I could have a whole new wardrobe!

Weekend Update

It's Day 3 without the Rottens. And DH is working. Yay! A whole 24 hours to myself! So far today, I've...

*Gone to a job fair. There were 5 pretty good prospective employers there. Cross your fingers!
*Gone to the outlet mall. I only spent $70 in Old Navy - 2 pairs of shorts for DH, 2 pairs of shorts for Rotten1, 2 skirts and 3 shirts for Rotten2, and a tshirt and a tank top for me. Could someone please tell me how, in the process of buying some new shorts for me, which I didn't even buy, I ended up with tons of stuff for everyone else?! Ah well. I'm putting the Rottens' stuff up for school clothes.
*Gone to Walmart and found a baby nursery for the dollhouse, some conditioner, Cokes and Diet Dr Peppers, curtains for Rotten1's room, and some new thread and bobbins for my sewing machine.

And tonight? I plan to watch a couple movies, see if my sewing machine still works, and just veg out. Tomorrow, I will probably do a whole lot of nothing.

*smooches*

Happy 4th of July weekend! Or Canada Day weekend, whichever applies.