That's D with his head on Oreo's butt and the cat curled up in front of him. So sweet to catch these moments
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ahhhh
For a few months now D doesn't want or won't take a nap. I've gotten used to it by now, but in the beginning it was rough. Well, there are days where I catch D napping on his own.
That's D with his head on Oreo's butt and the cat curled up in front of him. So sweet to catch these moments
That's D with his head on Oreo's butt and the cat curled up in front of him. So sweet to catch these moments
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2008 weather ALERT
For all of my non-Washington friends and family, it's snowing again this morning. UGH!! We're supposed to get another 3-5 inches of snow today!! HOLY MOLY! The roads are terrible, so we're hunkering down getting ready for Christmas. It's Christmas Eve and I'm going to be making homemade spaghetti sauce (lasagna), clean the house and help D make a gingerbread house. M had to go down to Eugene yesterday for a business meeting, so who knows when or IF he'll get home. Luckily he has chains on his car.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Snowapocalypse 2008
Here are some snow photos...
Thickness of the ice UNDER the 4" snow.
This was our first snowfall. This snowman pretty much took ALL of the snow in our front yard to create.
Adventures of 2 Mommies shopping
For the second year my MOMS Club has adopted a needy family from the Salvation Army. We tried to raise funds by devoting an entire Saturday to wrapping books at Borders, but "corporate" decided that it would be best to put the wrapping station in the way BACK of the store...as if people are going to pay for their books up front and then walk ALL the way to the back just to have them wrapped. Needless to say, our intake of funds was minimal. We hit up our members and they came through for us - again!! YES!!
Because of the harsh weather (and snow that NEVER happens up here) we postponed our shopping trip until Monday....HA HA HA!! Mother Nature decided to have our original shopping date be clear and nice, but our alternate day be the day after a HUGE 8" snowstorm hit. HA! Mothers - they're always getting in the way.
Luckily M put chains on his vehicle, and although it's a company vehicle, I commandeered it for the evening. Good thing. ANYWAYS, the family we were buying for called me that morning begging me to bring me at least the grocery items. The Salvation Army requires that 3 days worth of groceries be brought to the family. SOOO, I picked up Nikki at 5pm and off to Winco we went. CRAZY busy. Little over an hour later, we headed off to the family. AGAIN, little did we know that the family lived clear across town! We still had their Christmas gift shopping to complete. UGH.
Delivered the food and decided that heading back to the Mall area would be best. There is a Ross, TJ Maxx, Big Lots, Target and JC Penney's close together. HA HA HA!! Ross, Big Lots and TJ Maxx closed early because of "inclinement" weather. PULLLLEEEZZZZ! We need to shop, people! Off to Target. Bought a few things, but decided to head to WalMart instead (better prices) - there is a new Penney's across the street too.
Started at Penney's and bought 3 comforters and a set of dishes. Get to the register with our 4 items, and I request gift receipts for all items. She rings me up, I hand her some bills and the exact amount of change required - in return should be receiving $4 back. That just confused this poor girl. She finishes the transaction, hands me the receipts and it's then I notice that there are only 2 gift receipts. Now she's flustered. She summonded the manager who is right in front of the registers and when she looks up at the clerk proceeds to mop my shoes TWICE!! YUCK! Have to void entire transaction and rering. UGH. Line forming behind us - not good. While in line we did manage to had out a few MOMS Club business cards, so perhaps something good will come out of this.
She rerings the items, we recieve our receipts and exit. We had noticed that the box of dishes seems to rattle excessively. Nikki decides to check and sure enough, a few broken pieces. BACK into Penney's we go...maybe now the mgr can mop my pants too. The register area is empty (thank goodness) but the poor clerks eyes get very large and a scared look is on her face. We make the return/exchange and we're out the door.
WalMart was uneventful but sucessful - although we did forget to purchase a calander (which was on the family's list).
We laughed and laughed again this year. Apparently shopping for other people bring out the weirdness in us both.
Because of the harsh weather (and snow that NEVER happens up here) we postponed our shopping trip until Monday....HA HA HA!! Mother Nature decided to have our original shopping date be clear and nice, but our alternate day be the day after a HUGE 8" snowstorm hit. HA! Mothers - they're always getting in the way.
Luckily M put chains on his vehicle, and although it's a company vehicle, I commandeered it for the evening. Good thing. ANYWAYS, the family we were buying for called me that morning begging me to bring me at least the grocery items. The Salvation Army requires that 3 days worth of groceries be brought to the family. SOOO, I picked up Nikki at 5pm and off to Winco we went. CRAZY busy. Little over an hour later, we headed off to the family. AGAIN, little did we know that the family lived clear across town! We still had their Christmas gift shopping to complete. UGH.
Delivered the food and decided that heading back to the Mall area would be best. There is a Ross, TJ Maxx, Big Lots, Target and JC Penney's close together. HA HA HA!! Ross, Big Lots and TJ Maxx closed early because of "inclinement" weather. PULLLLEEEZZZZ! We need to shop, people! Off to Target. Bought a few things, but decided to head to WalMart instead (better prices) - there is a new Penney's across the street too.
Started at Penney's and bought 3 comforters and a set of dishes. Get to the register with our 4 items, and I request gift receipts for all items. She rings me up, I hand her some bills and the exact amount of change required - in return should be receiving $4 back. That just confused this poor girl. She finishes the transaction, hands me the receipts and it's then I notice that there are only 2 gift receipts. Now she's flustered. She summonded the manager who is right in front of the registers and when she looks up at the clerk proceeds to mop my shoes TWICE!! YUCK! Have to void entire transaction and rering. UGH. Line forming behind us - not good. While in line we did manage to had out a few MOMS Club business cards, so perhaps something good will come out of this.
She rerings the items, we recieve our receipts and exit. We had noticed that the box of dishes seems to rattle excessively. Nikki decides to check and sure enough, a few broken pieces. BACK into Penney's we go...maybe now the mgr can mop my pants too. The register area is empty (thank goodness) but the poor clerks eyes get very large and a scared look is on her face. We make the return/exchange and we're out the door.
WalMart was uneventful but sucessful - although we did forget to purchase a calander (which was on the family's list).
We laughed and laughed again this year. Apparently shopping for other people bring out the weirdness in us both.
Snowshoveling diary.
December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.
This afternoon the snow plow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a
disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature
dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took
my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and
sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon
and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do
quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this
way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer.
Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the
freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes
out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the
driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an
hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go
anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets
on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to
irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit
it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm
freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn
stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Goddamn snowplow came
by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said
they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the
only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and
they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're
lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and
bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more
inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold it probably
won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to
go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed,
pissed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire
Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he
says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife
wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is
she...nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says
she did but I think she's damn well lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel.
Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a
bitch who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his
balls. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish
shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour
and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife
wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents,
but I was busy watching for the goddamn snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the !=3D@x@!x!x1 slop
tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God I
hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation
and I hit him over the head with my shovel.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It
was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 28: Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. THE BITCH is
driving me crazy!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it
could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does
he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a
million dollars for the bump on his head. The wife went home to her
mother . 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8: I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they
keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
This afternoon the snow plow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a
disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature
dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took
my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and
sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon
and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do
quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this
way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer.
Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the
freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes
out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the
driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an
hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go
anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets
on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to
irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit
it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm
freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn
stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Goddamn snowplow came
by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said
they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the
only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and
they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're
lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and
bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more
inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold it probably
won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to
go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed,
pissed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire
Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he
says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife
wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is
she...nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says
she did but I think she's damn well lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel.
Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a
bitch who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his
balls. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish
shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour
and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife
wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents,
but I was busy watching for the goddamn snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the !=3D@x@!x!x1 slop
tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God I
hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation
and I hit him over the head with my shovel.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It
was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 28: Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. THE BITCH is
driving me crazy!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it
could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does
he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a
million dollars for the bump on his head. The wife went home to her
mother . 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8: I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they
keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
Friday, November 21, 2008
So much in so little time
We're leaving on a jet plane.....um, the song doesn't fit b/c I do know when we're returning. ANYWAYS, we're off to Chicago, cold cold cold Chicago. Why, oh why did we choose to go there in winter? Stupid us!! June, June is the time to go. It's still colder here and nice warm and sunny in Chicago.
I have lots to do, but at least all the laundry is done.
I have to complete the following tasks:
Pack - me
Pack - D
M is packed, I don't pack for him.
Drop dogs at kennel after 3pm
Pick up take-out dinner
After D in bed, run to WalMart and pick up Airplane toys, snacks.
Pack carry-on bags
Review what has been packed.
Make sure kitty has plenty of food/water
Take trash out - including kitty litter
Mentally prepare for the bitter cold waiting for us.
I know that the time we spend with family and friends will go by too fast. We'll have LOTS of fun and eat tons of food!! Chicago hot dogs, pizza, White Castle...etc!! Can't wait for that! That doesn't even include eating T-Day dinner!!
I have lots to do, but at least all the laundry is done.
I have to complete the following tasks:
Pack - me
Pack - D
M is packed, I don't pack for him.
Drop dogs at kennel after 3pm
Pick up take-out dinner
After D in bed, run to WalMart and pick up Airplane toys, snacks.
Pack carry-on bags
Review what has been packed.
Make sure kitty has plenty of food/water
Take trash out - including kitty litter
Mentally prepare for the bitter cold waiting for us.
I know that the time we spend with family and friends will go by too fast. We'll have LOTS of fun and eat tons of food!! Chicago hot dogs, pizza, White Castle...etc!! Can't wait for that! That doesn't even include eating T-Day dinner!!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Could have been bad, real bad!
I have/had a dentist appointment scheduled this morning. When the dentist called to remind me of the appointment, I told them that I need a new prescription for my pre-meds. Because of my heart surgeries, I must take an antibiotic premedication prior to the dentist appt.
"we'll call it in" said the receptionist.
After dinner last night, I drove over to pick it up. I went through the drive thru and didn't even look at the bag. Just stuck it in my purse and went home. Right before bed, for some reason, I decided to look at the bottle. Good thing I did. It was Amoxicillin!! I'm totally allergic!
I haven't taken any type of Penicillin since I was 2-3yo, but I don't want to know what would happen if I did. When I was a baby, I'd get hives. Those are not fun, but the pre-meds I take are 2000mg!! OMG! I shutter to think what may have happened.
Thank goodness I decided to look at the label. Always look, people. You just never ever know what may happen!
"we'll call it in" said the receptionist.
After dinner last night, I drove over to pick it up. I went through the drive thru and didn't even look at the bag. Just stuck it in my purse and went home. Right before bed, for some reason, I decided to look at the bottle. Good thing I did. It was Amoxicillin!! I'm totally allergic!
I haven't taken any type of Penicillin since I was 2-3yo, but I don't want to know what would happen if I did. When I was a baby, I'd get hives. Those are not fun, but the pre-meds I take are 2000mg!! OMG! I shutter to think what may have happened.
Thank goodness I decided to look at the label. Always look, people. You just never ever know what may happen!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
This was the year that D "got it" and he was EXCITED!! Except when it was time to actually go out trick or treating, he wanted to watch his movie. Once he got out, there was no stopping him. However, we almost ran out of candy. Good thing D is young b/c the candy that he wouldn't eat, we "recycled".
The last 24 hours have been fun and full. Pumpkin carving, school Halloween party and then Trick or Treating. PHEW!! Time for some rest and relaxation.
The last 24 hours have been fun and full. Pumpkin carving, school Halloween party and then Trick or Treating. PHEW!! Time for some rest and relaxation.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Random items
Potty mouth Mommy:
D's preschool has a from-the-car drop off area. Mom's don't have to get out of the car to drop their kids off at school, the teachers come to the car to get them. So we're waiting in the line on Tuesday and there is a car ahead of us who pulled up to the door area. D obviously thought that we were going to be next b/c the next thing he does is throw his hands into the air and proclaim "aw crap!" NICE!! I put my head in my hands and realized that I've got to clean up my potty mouth.
The Mommy look:
I took D to the park on Saturday and we started at park the backside of the elementary school, but then moved to the park which is a city park. There were older kids at the park who had their bikes and skateboards on the equipment. I generally tell these kids (cuz I run into a lot) that for the time that little kids are around I'd appreciate if they'd not have their "toys" on the playground equipment. I have yet to have a kid ignore my request. So, these kids stopped their "playing" and moved onto racing each other in foot races. GREAT!! It's fantastic to see 12-13yo's actually playing.
As we were playing, an older (mid-upper 20's) man starts walking to the playground and the kids seem to know him and go over to him. The man enters the playground area talking on a cell phone and proceeds to drop a few F-bombs. WELL, I shot this man a "Mom" look b/c in the very next instant he looked right at me and said "sorry, really Sorry." "It won't happen again". WHEW!! I got it! I've got a MOM look that will even bring adults to apologize for their behavior.
Pumpkin guts:
A few months back a friend of mine posted something on a web board about using a canning lid to scrape the guts from a pumpkin. Well, today I decided to test it out. FANTASTIC!! Holy moly! Why didn't I know about this years ago? The canning lid doesn't have a handle, so no getting that caught on the opposite side of the pumpkin or your own arm. The lid fits perfectly in your hand, has a sharp enough edge to get to the pumpkin core in just a few swipes and it doesn't bend!! If you haven't carved your pumpkin yet, try this and if you have, put it in your mind for next year.
D's preschool has a from-the-car drop off area. Mom's don't have to get out of the car to drop their kids off at school, the teachers come to the car to get them. So we're waiting in the line on Tuesday and there is a car ahead of us who pulled up to the door area. D obviously thought that we were going to be next b/c the next thing he does is throw his hands into the air and proclaim "aw crap!" NICE!! I put my head in my hands and realized that I've got to clean up my potty mouth.
The Mommy look:
I took D to the park on Saturday and we started at park the backside of the elementary school, but then moved to the park which is a city park. There were older kids at the park who had their bikes and skateboards on the equipment. I generally tell these kids (cuz I run into a lot) that for the time that little kids are around I'd appreciate if they'd not have their "toys" on the playground equipment. I have yet to have a kid ignore my request. So, these kids stopped their "playing" and moved onto racing each other in foot races. GREAT!! It's fantastic to see 12-13yo's actually playing.
As we were playing, an older (mid-upper 20's) man starts walking to the playground and the kids seem to know him and go over to him. The man enters the playground area talking on a cell phone and proceeds to drop a few F-bombs. WELL, I shot this man a "Mom" look b/c in the very next instant he looked right at me and said "sorry, really Sorry." "It won't happen again". WHEW!! I got it! I've got a MOM look that will even bring adults to apologize for their behavior.
Pumpkin guts:
A few months back a friend of mine posted something on a web board about using a canning lid to scrape the guts from a pumpkin. Well, today I decided to test it out. FANTASTIC!! Holy moly! Why didn't I know about this years ago? The canning lid doesn't have a handle, so no getting that caught on the opposite side of the pumpkin or your own arm. The lid fits perfectly in your hand, has a sharp enough edge to get to the pumpkin core in just a few swipes and it doesn't bend!! If you haven't carved your pumpkin yet, try this and if you have, put it in your mind for next year.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sniffle snuffle cough cough
I've figured out that I get sick around Halloween every year.....well, at least this year and last year. I was thinking back to Halloween last year and I missed the Halloween bunco b/c I was hacking and wheezing. Same this year. UGH!! I've been disinfecting this house like a mad woman, but it's not helping. My cold is just going from bad to worse. I still sound like Kathleen Turner - the deep breathy voice. GREAT!!
D is coughing and has a runny nose, but nothing like what I have going on. Pretty much the entire month of October has been either D sick, me sick or the both of us sick.
I'm ready for change and I'm not talking about the election either.
D is coughing and has a runny nose, but nothing like what I have going on. Pretty much the entire month of October has been either D sick, me sick or the both of us sick.
I'm ready for change and I'm not talking about the election either.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Pumpkins here, pumpkins there, pumpkins flying everywhere!
Yesterday we got up and ready to go to the local pumpkin patch. FUN FUN FUN!! Even for the $8 each price of admission (you get a pumpkin of any size with that admission), it was well worth the fun.
First, we had to get ready for the day. D put on his orange shirt and then we spiked his hair. Well, with the spikes, must come color. ORANGE!! It was awesome!
The pumpkin patch had all sorts of fun things to see and play on. A huge hay bale pyramid, a corn sandbox (a big giant pit of corn kernels), pony rides, hay ride, pumpkin patch, face painting, petting zoo, pumpkin launch. The camera battery died before we were done for the day. We got 2 HUGE pumpkins and walked away very happy people.
First, we had to get ready for the day. D put on his orange shirt and then we spiked his hair. Well, with the spikes, must come color. ORANGE!! It was awesome!
The pumpkin patch had all sorts of fun things to see and play on. A huge hay bale pyramid, a corn sandbox (a big giant pit of corn kernels), pony rides, hay ride, pumpkin patch, face painting, petting zoo, pumpkin launch. The camera battery died before we were done for the day. We got 2 HUGE pumpkins and walked away very happy people.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
YAHOOOOO!!
The cake is DONE!! And it's cute! I'm also adding pictures of the disaster cake that I made 2 weeks ago.
Ok, the monkey has no hands. I just couldn't figure out how to make them and have them look right.
Ok, the monkey has no hands. I just couldn't figure out how to make them and have them look right.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I'm baking....again
Yes, I'm baking another cake. This one shouldn't be too difficult. It's a monkey cake. It should turn out to look like this, but I think/hope mine will be cuter.
Hopefully the cake disaster I had 2 weeks ago will not plague me this time. I've already baked the cakes, I'll make frosting tomorrow and start assembling. If my blogging suddenly ends...well, I've made a frosting rope and hung myself with it!! HA HA HA!
Hopefully the cake disaster I had 2 weeks ago will not plague me this time. I've already baked the cakes, I'll make frosting tomorrow and start assembling. If my blogging suddenly ends...well, I've made a frosting rope and hung myself with it!! HA HA HA!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
If it wasn't so funny it would be tragic.
Ok, I'm going to have a mini pity party.
This is my birthday weekend and it's completely gone to hell. First AF made her arrival yesterday with a vengence. Cramps and moodiness galore! FANTASTIC!! D is FINALLY on the mend from being sick, but he's very whiny. I have a cake to bake for someone that WAS to be delivered tonight.....WAS being the operative word.
I got the Monster Truck cake baked and put together, and I was making the frosting for the cake. THE FROSTING!! I was ALMOST done. D wanted to help, but knowing he was sick I was just letting him watch. I had just finished coloring the frosting the exact green color it needed and D sneezed into the bowl!! OMG!! There was nothing I could do. I had to dump the ENTIRE batch of frosting. I had used the last of the powdered sugar as well. SO I put on my shoes and headed to the store. Get out of the store with my sugar and more butter (just in case) and I see that my cell phone has a voicemail. It's M and NOT good news.
"Um, you may want to pick up more cake mix b/c the dog just ate your cake".
OH. MY. HELL. (thanks Casey for this phrasology)
Back into the store I trudge to grab more cake mixes dreading the fact that I'm going to be up VERY late and that I have to start over. The "new" cake is baked and cooling. The basic frosting is done to assemble the cake so once it's cooled, I can assemble. Once put together, I can then get to the nitty gritty of frosting this damned thing.
Doesn't look good for Birthday Breakfast out tomorrow morning nor does the family trip to the pumpkin patch.
Oh and the topper to EVERYTHING......I have a coldsore!!
******adendum******
I woke up this morning to find all the truckbed sides to the truck cake had fallen off during the night..... HOLY HELL!!!!
This is my birthday weekend and it's completely gone to hell. First AF made her arrival yesterday with a vengence. Cramps and moodiness galore! FANTASTIC!! D is FINALLY on the mend from being sick, but he's very whiny. I have a cake to bake for someone that WAS to be delivered tonight.....WAS being the operative word.
I got the Monster Truck cake baked and put together, and I was making the frosting for the cake. THE FROSTING!! I was ALMOST done. D wanted to help, but knowing he was sick I was just letting him watch. I had just finished coloring the frosting the exact green color it needed and D sneezed into the bowl!! OMG!! There was nothing I could do. I had to dump the ENTIRE batch of frosting. I had used the last of the powdered sugar as well. SO I put on my shoes and headed to the store. Get out of the store with my sugar and more butter (just in case) and I see that my cell phone has a voicemail. It's M and NOT good news.
"Um, you may want to pick up more cake mix b/c the dog just ate your cake".
OH. MY. HELL. (thanks Casey for this phrasology)
Back into the store I trudge to grab more cake mixes dreading the fact that I'm going to be up VERY late and that I have to start over. The "new" cake is baked and cooling. The basic frosting is done to assemble the cake so once it's cooled, I can assemble. Once put together, I can then get to the nitty gritty of frosting this damned thing.
Doesn't look good for Birthday Breakfast out tomorrow morning nor does the family trip to the pumpkin patch.
Oh and the topper to EVERYTHING......I have a coldsore!!
******adendum******
I woke up this morning to find all the truckbed sides to the truck cake had fallen off during the night..... HOLY HELL!!!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
What would you do?
I can't wait to see the responses I get to this blog cuz it's an interesting choice with no right or wrong answer.
Let's say you're given the opportunity to donate some money to a desperate family who would use it to feed their children, but were only able to do so if you donated the same amount of money to someone you knew would use it to buy crack. Would you do it?
I'll give you my answer later.
Let's say you're given the opportunity to donate some money to a desperate family who would use it to feed their children, but were only able to do so if you donated the same amount of money to someone you knew would use it to buy crack. Would you do it?
I'll give you my answer later.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sickies everywhere....
I'll start with the darned dog. More than 3 weeks ago, Dakota had surgery on his foot to, hopefully, fix this thing that keeps happening. Months ago, I wrote about Dakota having that pine branch stuck in his paw. Well, the site kept getting infected with this pussy ball thing (almost like a pimple). The Vet gave us more antibiotics (and it would go away, but return) so finally she stated that maybe she needs to really open up the area and make sure that ALL debris is gone. WELLLLLL - the puss ball is back again!! grrrrrrr. Poor Dakota is back to wearing his cone around his head and back on antibiotics. I just don't know what to do. I'm keeping his cone on his head until I know all the infection is gone.
Sickie number 2 - D. He has CROUP. There is no mistaking the barking seal cough that they get. Plus he keeps getting a fever. We're on day 2.5 of this, so today my job is to disinfect this house. It's supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon, so windows will be opened and bleach water will be wiped over all surfaces, doorknobs and light switches. I want to be rid of this virus as fast as possible. I ran to the movie store yesterday and rented a couple movies for him, we've watched them 3-4 times each already. I can't have D play too much b/c any activity starts him coughing and croup is not an illness where coughing is good.
Vaporizor - CHECK
Apple Juice - CHECK
Vodka - almost empty....er....I mean.....hiccup.
Clorox, here I come.
Sickie number 2 - D. He has CROUP. There is no mistaking the barking seal cough that they get. Plus he keeps getting a fever. We're on day 2.5 of this, so today my job is to disinfect this house. It's supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon, so windows will be opened and bleach water will be wiped over all surfaces, doorknobs and light switches. I want to be rid of this virus as fast as possible. I ran to the movie store yesterday and rented a couple movies for him, we've watched them 3-4 times each already. I can't have D play too much b/c any activity starts him coughing and croup is not an illness where coughing is good.
Vaporizor - CHECK
Apple Juice - CHECK
Vodka - almost empty....er....I mean.....hiccup.
Clorox, here I come.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Why did the chicken cross the road?
BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for change! The chicken wanted change!
JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One! that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either for us or against us. There is no middle road here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
SARAH PALIN: Where's MY gun? That chicken's got no choice!
COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.
OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty ! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.
JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay, too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side.' That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.
EVERYONE'S GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heartwarming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one???
JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One! that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either for us or against us. There is no middle road here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
SARAH PALIN: Where's MY gun? That chicken's got no choice!
COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.
OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty ! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.
JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay, too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side.' That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.
EVERYONE'S GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heartwarming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one???
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Run Forrest....er...Christine Run!!!!
I had a friend running in the Portland marathon today. I got this CRAZY idea to go cheer her along the way and ended up having a GREAT time!! I called up a mutual friend this morning to see if she wanted to go and away we went. Thank goodness for GPS.
So, we started at mile 17.5.....well, we started the wait at mile 17.5. When we got there, Christine was only at mile 14/15...and walking! So, we waited and waited. We saw all sorts of people running, old, young, fat, skinny. Christine and I kept in touch via phone and texts. Then she went running by.
I thought that would be it. I mean, it is raining today and pretty cold - in the 50's. Nope, we decided to mosey onto another spot. We ended up at mile 24 with LOTS of time to spare, so we walked around Portland for a while. While doing this we happened upon an Office Max and being cold we went in. It was there we decided to buy materials for a sign.
Sign made, we went back to the marathon and waited. Christine was more than surprised with our being there, but also the sign!! We were on top of a bridge, so she went by and we then went down the stairs to meet her again when she passed under the bridge. We saw all the same people running, they probably thought we were a bit strange for being at 3 different places. Christine was GREATLY surprised by our presence again. This time, she hugged us. She was so happy to have friends out to support her.
Standing in the rain for hours at a time doesn't sound like fun, but when it in support of a friend, it's well worth it.
So, we started at mile 17.5.....well, we started the wait at mile 17.5. When we got there, Christine was only at mile 14/15...and walking! So, we waited and waited. We saw all sorts of people running, old, young, fat, skinny. Christine and I kept in touch via phone and texts. Then she went running by.
I thought that would be it. I mean, it is raining today and pretty cold - in the 50's. Nope, we decided to mosey onto another spot. We ended up at mile 24 with LOTS of time to spare, so we walked around Portland for a while. While doing this we happened upon an Office Max and being cold we went in. It was there we decided to buy materials for a sign.
Sign made, we went back to the marathon and waited. Christine was more than surprised with our being there, but also the sign!! We were on top of a bridge, so she went by and we then went down the stairs to meet her again when she passed under the bridge. We saw all the same people running, they probably thought we were a bit strange for being at 3 different places. Christine was GREATLY surprised by our presence again. This time, she hugged us. She was so happy to have friends out to support her.
Standing in the rain for hours at a time doesn't sound like fun, but when it in support of a friend, it's well worth it.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
No Privacy - Oh! I have boobs!!
You know, it's bad enough that I can't even go to the bathroom by myself anymore. Instead I have an inquisitive 3yo asking me questions ranging from what he's watching on TV to why Mommy doesn't have Lightening McQueen underwear.
NOW, my last private alone time has been compromised. The shower. D all of a sudden has an interest in taking a shower - with ME!!! For the last few days, I cannot take a nice HOT shower where I can be quiet with my thoughts and let hot water wash my cares away. Nope, now it's all about luke warm water and answering another gazillion questions. D finally realized that mommy has breasts today. "Mommy, is that?" he asked. As if I only have one. After some simple questioning, I finally realized what he was talking about. Then he stated that mine were bigger (duh), that I had two and that when he gets bigger than his will get bigger. hmmmmmm.....
Looking at his sweet face, I couldn't crush his dreams of bigger breasts. He has plenty of time to realize and learn that he won't get boobs like mom.
Ho-hum. I know that in 10 years I'll be complaining that I don't have any hot water at all b/c he'll have used it all during his OWN shower.
NOW, my last private alone time has been compromised. The shower. D all of a sudden has an interest in taking a shower - with ME!!! For the last few days, I cannot take a nice HOT shower where I can be quiet with my thoughts and let hot water wash my cares away. Nope, now it's all about luke warm water and answering another gazillion questions. D finally realized that mommy has breasts today. "Mommy, is that?" he asked. As if I only have one. After some simple questioning, I finally realized what he was talking about. Then he stated that mine were bigger (duh), that I had two and that when he gets bigger than his will get bigger. hmmmmmm.....
Looking at his sweet face, I couldn't crush his dreams of bigger breasts. He has plenty of time to realize and learn that he won't get boobs like mom.
Ho-hum. I know that in 10 years I'll be complaining that I don't have any hot water at all b/c he'll have used it all during his OWN shower.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Open Letter to ALL Toddlers
I stole this from my friend Traci - I'm sure she won't mind.
An Open Letter to All Toddlers
Dear Toddlers:
We love you kids. Really. Most of the time you're absolutely adorable. That little thing you do when you wrap both your arms around our necks, kiss us on the cheek, and say, "I love you, daddy"? Kills us every time. We can't get enough of that!
We also love that you're speaking coherently now. Life is so much easier now that you can verbalize the fact that wearing green socks makes you go completely insane. Sorry about that. Really, we had no idea. Our bad.
Seeing your imaginations at work these days has been a blast. It's unbelievably cute watching you use the remote control as a telephone. We wish you'd stop hiding it though. Putting it in the refrigerator was a good idea. We never would have looked there.
And who knew you toddlers were so damn funny? We LOVE that "everything is a hat" routine that you do. When you wrapped daddy's jeans around your head, you looked like the cutest little suicide bomber this side of Tehran! And that comedy bit about pretending to eat the dog food is the funniest thing since Eddie Murphy's "Raw." Really, almost everything you do these days totally cracks us up.
But, listen up, my little 3-foot friends.
You're not going to be toddlers forever. Pretty soon, that "being cute" thing is going to start wearing a little thin. You're going to need to back it up with some serious substance. After all, the world is filled with formerly cute kids who couldn't quite cut it at the next level. If you want all this continued love and affection, you're going to need to raise your game.
Here's some advice.
1. Enough with the whining. Nobody likes a whiner. Trust us on this one. Seriously, you've really got to cut that out. It's driving us fucking nuts. Every time you whine (especially in public,) you make us want to leave you on the side of the road. Besides, if you lazy toddlers ever took the time to run a cost/benefit analysis, you'd notice that the whining thing almost never pays off. Service with a smile always works better. Remember that, kiddos.
2. Make a decision and run with it. This waffling has got to stop. You toddlers change your minds faster than Rudy Guiliani changes his politics. Do you want the freaking apple or don't you? Do you want to go in the stroller or not? Do you like looking at the pigeons or do they scare the crap out of you? You're starting to remind us of that schizo ex-girlfriend from college. Never a good sign.
3. Knock off the diva routine. You toddlers have a bit of prima donna in you, n'est-ce pas? I know you're part of the "ME Generation" but many of you behave like some spoiled actor who starts actually believing all the crap his publicists are telling him! So knock off the Sean Preston Federline act, kiddos. We're not rock stars. We're just regular, working parents. No breakfast at noon. No ice cream for lunch. And no 24-hour room service. Ok?
4. It's NOT yours. You seem to have adopted a mantra of "If I can see it, it's mine. If you have it, it's mine. If I think about it, it's mine." Let me tell you something, kiddos. You know when all of us leave in the morning, only to return home 8 hours later? We're at work earning a living. And while we're firm believers in the "mi casa es su casa" philosophy and don't really mind sharing our things with you, you need to ease up a little, ok? That Blackberry? Mine. Those car keys? Mine. The cell phone, the sunglasses, the ipod? Mine, mine, mine. Please keep your peanut-butter-and-jelly fingers off them.
5. Show some gratitude. There is no clean underwear fairy. There is no magic pop tart machine. And vomit doesn't just clean itself up. We have no problem doing all these things for you. Just don't take them for granted. After we've spent the past 4 hours blowing bubbles, drawing Elmo, pushing you on the swing, and wiping the dog poop off your shoes, sometimes we just need to hear a little "thank you" from you so that we don't feel like indentured servants.
Thanks, toddlers. Feel free to take all of this advice with a grain of salt. We really do have your best interests at heart. Besides, in 15 years, you're going to be begging us to buy you a car and you'll totally be sucking up to us.
Our advice? Start now!
Love,
Your parents
P.S. Where the heck did you put my Blackberry?
An Open Letter to All Toddlers
Dear Toddlers:
We love you kids. Really. Most of the time you're absolutely adorable. That little thing you do when you wrap both your arms around our necks, kiss us on the cheek, and say, "I love you, daddy"? Kills us every time. We can't get enough of that!
We also love that you're speaking coherently now. Life is so much easier now that you can verbalize the fact that wearing green socks makes you go completely insane. Sorry about that. Really, we had no idea. Our bad.
Seeing your imaginations at work these days has been a blast. It's unbelievably cute watching you use the remote control as a telephone. We wish you'd stop hiding it though. Putting it in the refrigerator was a good idea. We never would have looked there.
And who knew you toddlers were so damn funny? We LOVE that "everything is a hat" routine that you do. When you wrapped daddy's jeans around your head, you looked like the cutest little suicide bomber this side of Tehran! And that comedy bit about pretending to eat the dog food is the funniest thing since Eddie Murphy's "Raw." Really, almost everything you do these days totally cracks us up.
But, listen up, my little 3-foot friends.
You're not going to be toddlers forever. Pretty soon, that "being cute" thing is going to start wearing a little thin. You're going to need to back it up with some serious substance. After all, the world is filled with formerly cute kids who couldn't quite cut it at the next level. If you want all this continued love and affection, you're going to need to raise your game.
Here's some advice.
1. Enough with the whining. Nobody likes a whiner. Trust us on this one. Seriously, you've really got to cut that out. It's driving us fucking nuts. Every time you whine (especially in public,) you make us want to leave you on the side of the road. Besides, if you lazy toddlers ever took the time to run a cost/benefit analysis, you'd notice that the whining thing almost never pays off. Service with a smile always works better. Remember that, kiddos.
2. Make a decision and run with it. This waffling has got to stop. You toddlers change your minds faster than Rudy Guiliani changes his politics. Do you want the freaking apple or don't you? Do you want to go in the stroller or not? Do you like looking at the pigeons or do they scare the crap out of you? You're starting to remind us of that schizo ex-girlfriend from college. Never a good sign.
3. Knock off the diva routine. You toddlers have a bit of prima donna in you, n'est-ce pas? I know you're part of the "ME Generation" but many of you behave like some spoiled actor who starts actually believing all the crap his publicists are telling him! So knock off the Sean Preston Federline act, kiddos. We're not rock stars. We're just regular, working parents. No breakfast at noon. No ice cream for lunch. And no 24-hour room service. Ok?
4. It's NOT yours. You seem to have adopted a mantra of "If I can see it, it's mine. If you have it, it's mine. If I think about it, it's mine." Let me tell you something, kiddos. You know when all of us leave in the morning, only to return home 8 hours later? We're at work earning a living. And while we're firm believers in the "mi casa es su casa" philosophy and don't really mind sharing our things with you, you need to ease up a little, ok? That Blackberry? Mine. Those car keys? Mine. The cell phone, the sunglasses, the ipod? Mine, mine, mine. Please keep your peanut-butter-and-jelly fingers off them.
5. Show some gratitude. There is no clean underwear fairy. There is no magic pop tart machine. And vomit doesn't just clean itself up. We have no problem doing all these things for you. Just don't take them for granted. After we've spent the past 4 hours blowing bubbles, drawing Elmo, pushing you on the swing, and wiping the dog poop off your shoes, sometimes we just need to hear a little "thank you" from you so that we don't feel like indentured servants.
Thanks, toddlers. Feel free to take all of this advice with a grain of salt. We really do have your best interests at heart. Besides, in 15 years, you're going to be begging us to buy you a car and you'll totally be sucking up to us.
Our advice? Start now!
Love,
Your parents
P.S. Where the heck did you put my Blackberry?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
What to do? Go to the zoo!!
It's Thursday and no new playgroup per se.
What to do, what to do? I know! Go to the zoo!
Packed up the car. We didn't drive far.
We started at the calf, who was all the way in the back half.
OH he was adorable and the mom didn't act horrible.
She was giving a call to her baby so small
A great sound to hear, some people gave a small cheer.
From all around, other elephants gave a trumpeting sound.
With much glee, the baby was fun to see.
Here are the pics from our camera clicks.
I need to add some info here: Oregon is having a zoo referendum on their ballot this November, so they were filming the animals the day we were there to make commercials. The polar bear was licking off something from the windows and was right there close. Even his tongue is bigger than D's head. They were feeding the hippo's apples, so they had their mouths wide open - did I take a picture - NO! Dumb me. Same with the penguins. It just happened that we were at the habitats at the same time they were filming. However, D may be seen in a commercial - we had to sign a waiver at the Polar Bear exhibit.
What to do, what to do? I know! Go to the zoo!
Packed up the car. We didn't drive far.
We started at the calf, who was all the way in the back half.
OH he was adorable and the mom didn't act horrible.
She was giving a call to her baby so small
A great sound to hear, some people gave a small cheer.
From all around, other elephants gave a trumpeting sound.
With much glee, the baby was fun to see.
Here are the pics from our camera clicks.
I need to add some info here: Oregon is having a zoo referendum on their ballot this November, so they were filming the animals the day we were there to make commercials. The polar bear was licking off something from the windows and was right there close. Even his tongue is bigger than D's head. They were feeding the hippo's apples, so they had their mouths wide open - did I take a picture - NO! Dumb me. Same with the penguins. It just happened that we were at the habitats at the same time they were filming. However, D may be seen in a commercial - we had to sign a waiver at the Polar Bear exhibit.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Change
The Japanese have a term called "kaizen," which means continual improvement. It is a never-ending quest to do better. And you do better by changing. Standing still allows your competitors to get ahead of you.
I guess I'm not afraid of change. I don't understand why others may be resistant to it. Hmmmm, is it the fear of the unknown? I see change as a positive and will always "try it out" before deciding whether it was a good idea or not. My hair is a great example. I was willing to make a change and embraced it.
So, friends, I ask this of you....look toward the positive aspects change can bring to you. Before you judge, take some time and see if the change works. If you're not happy with the change made, then get involved and make some changes yourself.
To prevent yourself or your organization from becoming "stranded on the mudflats of an obsolete ideology", you must become a champion of change.
I guess I'm not afraid of change. I don't understand why others may be resistant to it. Hmmmm, is it the fear of the unknown? I see change as a positive and will always "try it out" before deciding whether it was a good idea or not. My hair is a great example. I was willing to make a change and embraced it.
So, friends, I ask this of you....look toward the positive aspects change can bring to you. Before you judge, take some time and see if the change works. If you're not happy with the change made, then get involved and make some changes yourself.
To prevent yourself or your organization from becoming "stranded on the mudflats of an obsolete ideology", you must become a champion of change.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering 9/11
Being in Illinois at the time, I was only 1 hour behind the East Coast. I was getting ready for work and had the TV on to the Today show. I didn't have to be to work until 9am, and worked just a mile from home. I remember hearing about the first plane crashing into the tower while putting on my makeup. Then the second plane hit while I was watching the TV. It was then that Matt Lauer or someone stated that we may be under attack. I called M at work and told him what had happened and that the US was under attack.
Went to work and luckily we had a TV. My boss hadn't heard anything, so we turned on the TV and watched in stunned silence. The TV stayed on all day and for the rest of the week.
That afternoon, M and I had an appointment sign paperwork on a house we were going to build in another town. We went to the appointment. 2 days later we canceled the contract b/c we were unsure about the state of the world. Can you believe that the builder had the gaul to KEEP our earnest money?!!! Cheap bastards!
I also remember the erie silence from not having planes flying overhead for the next 3-4 days.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I am no Martha
Although I try to be like the great Martha Stewart, I just cannot be. I took down the two front window blinds today b/c they were FILTHY and needed to be cleaned. I hauled them upstairs for a bath in the tub. This is where I am no Martha.
As I took a scrub brush to the slats, all I could think of was stupid MS. How would she clean these blinds? She, of course, would meticulously scrub each and every slat - on both sides. Then she'd probably take a soft (always white) cloth or perhaps a soft tooth brush and scrub each inch of the strings. She'd never pay attention to the backache forming from stooping over the tub and each slat would then be dried by another pristine white cloth.
Yea, that didn't happen. I did scrub the blinds with a brush, but I probably missed more area's than I hit. Mostly, I swished those blinds around the water hoping that Mr. Clean will get the grim off himself. AND, who am I kidding, MS wouldn't wash them in a tub, she'd probably have a special cleaning area just for blinds. AND, more importantly, she'd have someone else clean the blinds.
As I took a scrub brush to the slats, all I could think of was stupid MS. How would she clean these blinds? She, of course, would meticulously scrub each and every slat - on both sides. Then she'd probably take a soft (always white) cloth or perhaps a soft tooth brush and scrub each inch of the strings. She'd never pay attention to the backache forming from stooping over the tub and each slat would then be dried by another pristine white cloth.
Yea, that didn't happen. I did scrub the blinds with a brush, but I probably missed more area's than I hit. Mostly, I swished those blinds around the water hoping that Mr. Clean will get the grim off himself. AND, who am I kidding, MS wouldn't wash them in a tub, she'd probably have a special cleaning area just for blinds. AND, more importantly, she'd have someone else clean the blinds.
Ummmm, I am working....hard!
About 2 months ago, D came down with a fever illness that sidelined me from going to the gym for 2 weeks. THEN, I came down with a cold and then I did something to my shoulder. SOOOO, I haven't been to the gym in 2 months - at least!
I went back today. UGH! It was hard. It was hard to get motivated to go and then the workout was hard too. My shoulder still hurts, but I'm tired of not going to the gym and the Chiro can't really determine what is wrong, so I decided that gaining 5lbs was not good.
As one imagines, not exercising for months takes its toll on the body. I was struggling during class. I take a Power Circuit class where we have different aerobic type stations with a small group and work for 3-5 min. Like jumping rope or running up and down stairs. I'd do a small amount of work, then have to either walk a bit or get some water - just to catch my breath. But I was working and working hard.
In between the circuits the instructor usually has us do some weights, push-ups or some other form of muscle building torture. During one segment, she had us do push-ups. I tried to do one, but it really hurt my shoulder, so I opted not to do more. The instructor questioned me and I told her about the shoulder. She then chided me about my performance...."um, most of the activities today didn't require you to use your shoulder". OK, if this wasn't an instructor that I knew pretty well and I know her sense of humor I'd be offended, but I brushed it off and continued.
My legs are putty, my back hurts, I'm sweaty and feeling great!! Those endorphins are great things to make you feel good.
I'm back again for another round of torture on Wednesday!!
I went back today. UGH! It was hard. It was hard to get motivated to go and then the workout was hard too. My shoulder still hurts, but I'm tired of not going to the gym and the Chiro can't really determine what is wrong, so I decided that gaining 5lbs was not good.
As one imagines, not exercising for months takes its toll on the body. I was struggling during class. I take a Power Circuit class where we have different aerobic type stations with a small group and work for 3-5 min. Like jumping rope or running up and down stairs. I'd do a small amount of work, then have to either walk a bit or get some water - just to catch my breath. But I was working and working hard.
In between the circuits the instructor usually has us do some weights, push-ups or some other form of muscle building torture. During one segment, she had us do push-ups. I tried to do one, but it really hurt my shoulder, so I opted not to do more. The instructor questioned me and I told her about the shoulder. She then chided me about my performance...."um, most of the activities today didn't require you to use your shoulder". OK, if this wasn't an instructor that I knew pretty well and I know her sense of humor I'd be offended, but I brushed it off and continued.
My legs are putty, my back hurts, I'm sweaty and feeling great!! Those endorphins are great things to make you feel good.
I'm back again for another round of torture on Wednesday!!
Friday, September 5, 2008
And he's off....
So today started out normal as usual, except that I didn't come downstairs and read the news on the computer. Instead I jumped into the shower right away. It was a very important day. First day at PRESCHOOL!! I was afraid that today wouldn't happen b/c yesterday D had 1 bout of diarrhea. YES YES YES, I know you're supposed to keep them home for 24 hours and I would have kept him IF he had another run in with the runs, but it was just the one time. PHEW!
Off we went to preschool. Here is the picture of his first day. YEA!!
He was very excited to see Daddy when we picked him up. He couldn't really tell us what he did, but the few things we got out of him, the red mustache and the papers sent home, seems like he had a good time. Back to school again on Tuesday!!
Off we went to preschool. Here is the picture of his first day. YEA!!
He was very excited to see Daddy when we picked him up. He couldn't really tell us what he did, but the few things we got out of him, the red mustache and the papers sent home, seems like he had a good time. Back to school again on Tuesday!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
15.5 hours and counting
**Sniff sniff** My big boy starts preschool tomorrow. In 15.5 hours to be exact. OMG!! HOW?!?! Where has the time gone? My baby is getting bigger. I may not let go of him. I may have a tantrum right there and the teachers are going to have to pry my hands off of him.
I know in a few months, it'll be the school sending me a notification that peeling out of the parking lot at school is not allowed, but for now, sniff sniff, my baby is going to school!!
I know in a few months, it'll be the school sending me a notification that peeling out of the parking lot at school is not allowed, but for now, sniff sniff, my baby is going to school!!
Adding to another blog....
My friend, Nikki, blogged (That's My Whine) today regarding the antenna balls and their recent resurgence in our society and it got me thinking....
I've noticed that the Jesus Fish symbol attached to cars is not as prominent as it once was. HOWEVER, it's being replaced. The new sticker I see simply says Only God. It's a simple sticker in black with white letters or just the opposite. hmmmm... I'm not a huge fan of bumper stickers myself, but I do love to read the occasional funny unique ones. It's the MOPAR, Calvin peeing on a Chevy symbol (or any car symbol), or the weird font window stickers that I question. WHY? OHHHH and the newest WHY....the family stickers on the back of mini-vans of course. You know the ones - it has stick figures of Mom, Dad and the kids, dog, cats, fish, hamster, rat, bird....etc. I've seen ones that, I swear, are the entire family tree!! No one has that many kids and don't have their own TV show on TLC.
I've noticed that the Jesus Fish symbol attached to cars is not as prominent as it once was. HOWEVER, it's being replaced. The new sticker I see simply says Only God. It's a simple sticker in black with white letters or just the opposite. hmmmm... I'm not a huge fan of bumper stickers myself, but I do love to read the occasional funny unique ones. It's the MOPAR, Calvin peeing on a Chevy symbol (or any car symbol), or the weird font window stickers that I question. WHY? OHHHH and the newest WHY....the family stickers on the back of mini-vans of course. You know the ones - it has stick figures of Mom, Dad and the kids, dog, cats, fish, hamster, rat, bird....etc. I've seen ones that, I swear, are the entire family tree!! No one has that many kids and don't have their own TV show on TLC.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
If D can do it, so can I!!
Yesterday was filled with excitement. I took D down to Little Clippers to get his hair cut and he didn't cry. Not even a whimper!! YES YES YES! He even had clippers used on him for the first time ever. He's such a big boy!
Apparently, he inspired me to call for a hair appt. I needed a color SOOOO bad. M disagreed - he said that it was very popular and stylish to have the ring of dark hair on top of the head of blond hair. As I was speaking to the girl on the phone, she asked if I wanted a cut too. SUUUUURRE! Why not, my bangs are hanging in my eyes. That evening I zoomed off to my appt. and sat in the chair to determine what I wanted to do. I was bored with my current look. I needed a change. After speaking with the stylist and seeing some pictures, I looked above the stylists chair and saw the cut I wanted. Just then my colorist walked over to say hi and I pointed out what I wanted. She then got TOTALLY excited and started talking about how she was going to color my hair.
Love it LOVE IT LOVE IT!!
Yep, it's short and dark! I really think that it shed about 10lbs from my body. Can't wait to show everyone....LIVE!!
Apparently, he inspired me to call for a hair appt. I needed a color SOOOO bad. M disagreed - he said that it was very popular and stylish to have the ring of dark hair on top of the head of blond hair. As I was speaking to the girl on the phone, she asked if I wanted a cut too. SUUUUURRE! Why not, my bangs are hanging in my eyes. That evening I zoomed off to my appt. and sat in the chair to determine what I wanted to do. I was bored with my current look. I needed a change. After speaking with the stylist and seeing some pictures, I looked above the stylists chair and saw the cut I wanted. Just then my colorist walked over to say hi and I pointed out what I wanted. She then got TOTALLY excited and started talking about how she was going to color my hair.Love it LOVE IT LOVE IT!!
Yep, it's short and dark! I really think that it shed about 10lbs from my body. Can't wait to show everyone....LIVE!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Well, if Buzz can do it....
When I put D down for a nap or to bed, I know that he doesn't go to sleep right away. He'll play for a while and finally pass out. Which is fine with me. I still get some peace and quiet in the house. Last night D was up WAY past his bedtime (all my fault) and I knew he needed a nap. After a bit of playing in his room I knew that I needed to step in and get him to bed.
When I opened his door, I saw him standing on his foot stool (you know from that cute soccer chair) at the window. But there was something different and wrong about the window. It was VERY clear and....the book D was looking at was....um...half OUTSIDE the window!!!
The screen was missing! I walked over to D and got him off the footstool and looked out the window...down 2 stories.
Apparently, if Buzz Lightyear can fly, so can most of D's toys.
We're heading to Home Depot to buy some window locks. This way he can have his window open, but only a little bit.
When I opened his door, I saw him standing on his foot stool (you know from that cute soccer chair) at the window. But there was something different and wrong about the window. It was VERY clear and....the book D was looking at was....um...half OUTSIDE the window!!!
The screen was missing! I walked over to D and got him off the footstool and looked out the window...down 2 stories.
Apparently, if Buzz Lightyear can fly, so can most of D's toys.We're heading to Home Depot to buy some window locks. This way he can have his window open, but only a little bit.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Stink, Stunk, Stank
Went to the movies this evening. Finally saw The Dark Knight - Batman....on the IMAX screen of course. Eh, the IMAX didn't really heighten the Batman experience. Anyways, there were 2 seats next to us open on the isle and a older kid and a younger one sat there. The older one sat next to me.
WELL - the guy who sat next to me had the WORST breath ever! PLUS, he was a mouth breather. HOLY COW, it was bad. Then, to top it off, about half way through the movie he farted! Nope, I'm not making this up. Really, how much stink could come from one body? I guess the cherry on top of the sundae would have been B.O. About 2/3 through the movie I couldn't stand the breath anymore and had to cover my nose with my hand. I was extremely uncomfortable sitting like that, but I had no choice. Yes, I should have switched seats with M, but that's just a pain to do in a crowded theater.
WELL - the guy who sat next to me had the WORST breath ever! PLUS, he was a mouth breather. HOLY COW, it was bad. Then, to top it off, about half way through the movie he farted! Nope, I'm not making this up. Really, how much stink could come from one body? I guess the cherry on top of the sundae would have been B.O. About 2/3 through the movie I couldn't stand the breath anymore and had to cover my nose with my hand. I was extremely uncomfortable sitting like that, but I had no choice. Yes, I should have switched seats with M, but that's just a pain to do in a crowded theater.
And the Russian judge gives it a 8.2
We're talking Olympics. I'm obsessed with them, but they're killing me. Last night was the womens gymnastics all around, but it didn't finish until almost 1am! I didn't make it. I made it half way through the last exercise - floor rountine. There were only 2 competitors remaining, the Americans. I couldn't do it. I couldn't last.
HOWEVER, on a better note, today we're getting a cable upgrade AND dvr!! YES!! No more staying up late to watch the Olympics, I can just record and watch later. YES YES YES!!
HOWEVER, on a better note, today we're getting a cable upgrade AND dvr!! YES!! No more staying up late to watch the Olympics, I can just record and watch later. YES YES YES!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What's bugging you?
Well, in my house it's just bugs. All things bugs. I bought a Praying Mantis egg from Lowes in the spring and D has been fascinated with it since. I tied it to the bushes like the directions stated and we began to wait....and wait....and wait....and wait.... - ok, you get the picture. Until 2 weeks ago.
Just when I was going to give up and toss out the egg, I went to the zoo. At the zoo there is a nice bug exhibit and I saw a baby Praying Mantis, so I decided to ask about my egg. I thought a PM egg only held 1 or 2 PM, but I learned that it can hold up to 500!! HOLY MOLY!! The "bug man" said he would be surprised if my egg didn't hatch anything. He said that the egg wouldn't burst open like a chicken egg, but rather there would be a small hole in the egg.
I forgot about the egg until later that week and I went to look at it. Sure enough, the egg was MUCH lighter and there was a small hole. So the hunt was on. WE HAVE PRAYING MANTIS' in our garden!! YIPPEEE!! I've counted at least 10. Ranging in size from 1 inch to 2 inches ling. So, our new thing in the mornings is to go outside and search through the flowers and decorative grass to find the Praying Mantis'. I did catch one the other day - WOW they're fast - and D held it in his hand.
I became fascinated in them when I was student teaching in a 1st grade class. One of the kids brought one in for Show and Tell....well, it never left our classroom. I got a cage (large pickle jar), put dirt and sticks in it and fed our class "pet" live crickets every week - it was a full sized adult, probably 5 inches long. It's cool to watch a PM eat. They're fast hunters and will quickly sever the head of a cricket....I know TMI, but it's COOL!!
The picture shown is NOT a PM from my house. It's just a pic I found online.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Soggy
This weekend was the annual camping trip for my MOMS Club. When I asked M about it months ago, he didn't want to go. All of a sudden M wanted to go camping this weekend, so I reminded him of the MC trip. Yes, we'll go. However, this was on Thursday so we knew that we wouldn't be ready to depart on Friday, so we just planned on going up on Saturday. Which is fine cuz the opening ceremonies for the Olympics were on Friday night.
We got everything ready and we were off Saturday morning at 9. It's just over an hour drive, so we pulled into the camp before 10:30am. PERFECT!! We knew that there were going to be 2 families per campsite which was fine with us, but the family we were going to share with brought 2 tents. Then we were told that they were packing up and leaving, so we decided not to unpack our stuff until they left. I'll just preface now that nothing was unpacked.
The morning was nice, cloudy but not cold. The kids were having a BALL playing in the dirt, squishing bugs and riding bikes. Until the rain started. Not just sprinkles, but RAIN. Down pouring rain which would last for about 15 min and then stop completely. The sun would peek out and tease us. Still, it didn't stop the kids from playing. All day long, rain and stop, rain and stop. There was one point where D was just a soggy pup.
We decided not to set up camp and went home around 8pm. It was nice to sleep in my own bed, take a hot bath and have warmth.
Blogger right now won't upload more pictures....when I can, I will.
We got everything ready and we were off Saturday morning at 9. It's just over an hour drive, so we pulled into the camp before 10:30am. PERFECT!! We knew that there were going to be 2 families per campsite which was fine with us, but the family we were going to share with brought 2 tents. Then we were told that they were packing up and leaving, so we decided not to unpack our stuff until they left. I'll just preface now that nothing was unpacked.
The morning was nice, cloudy but not cold. The kids were having a BALL playing in the dirt, squishing bugs and riding bikes. Until the rain started. Not just sprinkles, but RAIN. Down pouring rain which would last for about 15 min and then stop completely. The sun would peek out and tease us. Still, it didn't stop the kids from playing. All day long, rain and stop, rain and stop. There was one point where D was just a soggy pup.
We decided not to set up camp and went home around 8pm. It was nice to sleep in my own bed, take a hot bath and have warmth.Blogger right now won't upload more pictures....when I can, I will.
Friday, August 8, 2008
ARRRRGGG!! -vent about nasty stuff.
Ok, it's not often that I vent on my blog, but this has been bothering me for a few days. M was out of town on business on Monday night. At dinner after picking him up from the airport he told a story which has really really bothered me about his character or perhaps societies lack of involvement.
Apparently on Monday M was at a restaurant where he witnessed a man overstepping the boundary of punishment to a toddler - under 2 year old. M saw this man spank the child - extremely hard. Ok, for some, spanking isn't bad and I also will let it go when I witness it happen. However, this man with the toddler then continued to spank the child many many more times because the child would not stop crying. Yanking the childs arm so the child is almost dangling off the ground and the man taking full swings to the childs butt, lower back and probably upper legs.
I asked M if he stepped in to say something and he said No. WHAT!!??? You're witnessing the abuse of a child and you did nothing? I then asked if anyone else in the restaurant did anything, and No, no one did anything. I then asked WHY he didn't step in, his reply: "Why? It's not going to change the behavior of that man. He's not going to change because I said something."
My blood turned HOT and I was angry. Have we become so self involved that we are no longer willing to help someone who needs it? Would people have stepped in if he was abusing an adult? Probably not because people don't want to become involved. And sometimes when they do, they end up getting physically hurt. As was the case of an attack in my neighboring city a few months ago. On a commuter train, some guys were harassing an old man, a woman stepped in to help and she had the cr@p beat out of her!!
It makes me sick that not one single person stepped in to help this child who clearly needed help. I told M that the LEAST he should have done was call 911 and report it to the police. And who knows, if someone did step in maybe that man would have changed his behavior. We have no idea how our reaction affects people. We hear stories all the time about an alcoholic who was given words of advice and suddenly they decided to get sober....it can happen. Or at least I'd like it believe that it can.
Apparently on Monday M was at a restaurant where he witnessed a man overstepping the boundary of punishment to a toddler - under 2 year old. M saw this man spank the child - extremely hard. Ok, for some, spanking isn't bad and I also will let it go when I witness it happen. However, this man with the toddler then continued to spank the child many many more times because the child would not stop crying. Yanking the childs arm so the child is almost dangling off the ground and the man taking full swings to the childs butt, lower back and probably upper legs.
I asked M if he stepped in to say something and he said No. WHAT!!??? You're witnessing the abuse of a child and you did nothing? I then asked if anyone else in the restaurant did anything, and No, no one did anything. I then asked WHY he didn't step in, his reply: "Why? It's not going to change the behavior of that man. He's not going to change because I said something."
My blood turned HOT and I was angry. Have we become so self involved that we are no longer willing to help someone who needs it? Would people have stepped in if he was abusing an adult? Probably not because people don't want to become involved. And sometimes when they do, they end up getting physically hurt. As was the case of an attack in my neighboring city a few months ago. On a commuter train, some guys were harassing an old man, a woman stepped in to help and she had the cr@p beat out of her!!
It makes me sick that not one single person stepped in to help this child who clearly needed help. I told M that the LEAST he should have done was call 911 and report it to the police. And who knows, if someone did step in maybe that man would have changed his behavior. We have no idea how our reaction affects people. We hear stories all the time about an alcoholic who was given words of advice and suddenly they decided to get sober....it can happen. Or at least I'd like it believe that it can.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Yeeeehaw Everyone!!!
What says summer more than a County Fair? Guess what? I went to one last night. Catrina asked me to go and see one of her favorite country music singers who was playing. WELL, being such a HUGE non-country music fan, I agreed to go. It has been years since I've been to a fair - I probably haven't been since I was 8 or 9. Which is strange because literally 1 mile from the house I grew up in was the fairgrounds for my county.
AND, you cannot have a county fair unless the weather is 90+ degree's - even in the PNW. Yesterday was no exception. It was 94 degree's. I left D at home with a sitter cuz I knew the fair would be "too old" for him at this point. Off I went.
I think I know why I haven't been to a fair in years. Rednecks. Lots and lots of rednecks. We didn't drive, so I can't really critique the auto's found in the parking lot, but I'm guessing there would be a lot of pick up trucks.
So, we were sitting in the bleachers listening to the concert and people watching. There was a man, woman, toddler and 2 strollers. Hmmmm, why 2 strollers and only 1 child? It's because the man was pushing a stroller for his DOG!! His DOG! Yes, this man was a redneck. Long long hair, wrangler jeans, HUGE belt buckle, cowboy boots and hat. Looks like he came right out of Hee Haw (for those who remember that show). He paid more attention to the dog than he did to his toddler. He scooped that dog into his arms, danced with him and everything. As soon as I can figure out how to get the photo off of my phone, I'll post it here. Catrina and I barely watched the concert cuz we were too interested and stunned about the man.
There were 3 cute little old ladies sitting in front of us, but in front of them was this crazy woman who stunk to high heaven. She also was a bit "off" cuz she collected all the streamers (like handfulls) that were blown into the audience. With the exception of her stink (which we could smell without a problem 2 rows up), she looked and acted perfectly normal the entire time.
After the show, was RIDES. I haven't laughed that much in a very long time. We rode 3 rides and had a blast. We were like kids.
The bus ride back to the shuttle parking was also interesting. The person sitting 2 people from me all of a sudden barfed into the isle. Wouldn't be so bad if we weren't sitting in the seats which didn't ride sideways. So the barf trickled it's way down the isle and we had to sit the entire ride with our feet up!! I was wearing flip flops, so there was NO way I was going to put my feet down! At least it didn't smell.
Ah, summer time at the fair.
AND, you cannot have a county fair unless the weather is 90+ degree's - even in the PNW. Yesterday was no exception. It was 94 degree's. I left D at home with a sitter cuz I knew the fair would be "too old" for him at this point. Off I went.
I think I know why I haven't been to a fair in years. Rednecks. Lots and lots of rednecks. We didn't drive, so I can't really critique the auto's found in the parking lot, but I'm guessing there would be a lot of pick up trucks.
So, we were sitting in the bleachers listening to the concert and people watching. There was a man, woman, toddler and 2 strollers. Hmmmm, why 2 strollers and only 1 child? It's because the man was pushing a stroller for his DOG!! His DOG! Yes, this man was a redneck. Long long hair, wrangler jeans, HUGE belt buckle, cowboy boots and hat. Looks like he came right out of Hee Haw (for those who remember that show). He paid more attention to the dog than he did to his toddler. He scooped that dog into his arms, danced with him and everything. As soon as I can figure out how to get the photo off of my phone, I'll post it here. Catrina and I barely watched the concert cuz we were too interested and stunned about the man.
There were 3 cute little old ladies sitting in front of us, but in front of them was this crazy woman who stunk to high heaven. She also was a bit "off" cuz she collected all the streamers (like handfulls) that were blown into the audience. With the exception of her stink (which we could smell without a problem 2 rows up), she looked and acted perfectly normal the entire time.
After the show, was RIDES. I haven't laughed that much in a very long time. We rode 3 rides and had a blast. We were like kids.
The bus ride back to the shuttle parking was also interesting. The person sitting 2 people from me all of a sudden barfed into the isle. Wouldn't be so bad if we weren't sitting in the seats which didn't ride sideways. So the barf trickled it's way down the isle and we had to sit the entire ride with our feet up!! I was wearing flip flops, so there was NO way I was going to put my feet down! At least it didn't smell.
Ah, summer time at the fair.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Bubble Fest 2008
Bubble fest was a bust. I wasn't planning on taking D to it, but then I thought that it may be great fun for him. Thursdays are generally our standing playgroup day, but several of us were going to bubble fest.
We met at the park as usual and then Casey stated that she was loading the kids to go. That got me thinking, so I asked D if he wanted to go. YES! He was excited. Bubbles to a 3yo are fun....well to a 38yo too. Then Krista packed up her kids and off we went to the library for Bubble Fest. I don't know what I was expecting, but I felt that the activities were geared to older children - Kindergarten and older. PLUS, it was packed!! Lines were long and people were rude by butting in.
D's favorite thing at Bubble Fest was the bubble cup that he received. You take a plastic cup, punch a hole in the side, cover the top with cloth and secure with a rubber band. Squirt a little dishwashing liquid on the cloth and wet with a spray bottle. Then stick a straw in the hole and blow. Mounds of foamy bubbles are generated from this "machine". AND because I wasn't planning on going to BF 2008, I didn't have my camera on me. You can check out pictures of bubble fest on my friends blog - Dancing on the Edge.
We met at the park as usual and then Casey stated that she was loading the kids to go. That got me thinking, so I asked D if he wanted to go. YES! He was excited. Bubbles to a 3yo are fun....well to a 38yo too. Then Krista packed up her kids and off we went to the library for Bubble Fest. I don't know what I was expecting, but I felt that the activities were geared to older children - Kindergarten and older. PLUS, it was packed!! Lines were long and people were rude by butting in.
D's favorite thing at Bubble Fest was the bubble cup that he received. You take a plastic cup, punch a hole in the side, cover the top with cloth and secure with a rubber band. Squirt a little dishwashing liquid on the cloth and wet with a spray bottle. Then stick a straw in the hole and blow. Mounds of foamy bubbles are generated from this "machine". AND because I wasn't planning on going to BF 2008, I didn't have my camera on me. You can check out pictures of bubble fest on my friends blog - Dancing on the Edge.
147 days left
It's August 1! HOW?!! WHERE did the year go!?? I was watching CNN news yesterday and saw on the scrolling ticker there are (I think) 153 days left in the year. WHY? Why would they put that on the ticker? Is it that important for us to know? Why not just state that there is 147 days left till Christmas? Yes I made the calculations. Get shopping now. Geesh! Time does get away from us. Soon we'll hear that there is only 5 days left for shopping.
Well, to celebrate the remainder of the summer and perhaps year, I'm off for a girls weekend away. Don't know if it'll be a wild weekend - one of my friends is getting a root canal done this morning. We may just be babying her, but it'll still be fun to get away. I've been looking forward to this trip for a while.
Well, to celebrate the remainder of the summer and perhaps year, I'm off for a girls weekend away. Don't know if it'll be a wild weekend - one of my friends is getting a root canal done this morning. We may just be babying her, but it'll still be fun to get away. I've been looking forward to this trip for a while.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
**WARNING** not for children who can read
THE MOST FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH WORD...
HOPE THIS MAKES YOU SMILE
Well, it's shit ... that's right, shit!
Shit may just be the most functional word in the English language.
You can smoke shit, buy shit, sell shit, lose shit, find shit, forget shit, and tell others to eat shit.
Some people know their shit, while others can't tell the difference between shit and shineola.
There are lucky shits, dumb shits, and crazy shits. There is bull shit, horse shit, and chicken shit.
You can throw shit, sling shit, catch shit, shoot the shit, or duck when the shit hits the fan.
You can give a shit or serve shit on a shingle.
You can find yourself in deep shit or be happier than a pig in shit.
Some days are colder than shit, some days are hotter than shit, and some days are just plain shitty.
Some music sounds like shit, things can look like shit, and there are times when you feel like shit.
You can have too much shit, not enough shit, the right shit, the wrong shit or a lot of weird shit.
You can carry shit, have a mountain of shit, or find yourself up shit creek without a paddle.
Sometimes everything you touch turns to shit and other times you fall in a bucket of shit and come out smelling like a rose.
When you stop to consider all the facts, it's the basic building block of the English language.
And remember, once you know your shit, you don't need to know anything else!!
You could pass this along, if you give a shit; or not do so if you don't give a shit!
Well, Shit, it's time for me to go.
Just wanted you to know that I do give a shit and hope you had a nice day, without a bunch of shit. But, if you happened to catch a load of shit from some shit-head...........
Well, Shit Happens!!!
HOPE THIS MAKES YOU SMILE
Well, it's shit ... that's right, shit!
Shit may just be the most functional word in the English language.
You can smoke shit, buy shit, sell shit, lose shit, find shit, forget shit, and tell others to eat shit.
Some people know their shit, while others can't tell the difference between shit and shineola.
There are lucky shits, dumb shits, and crazy shits. There is bull shit, horse shit, and chicken shit.
You can throw shit, sling shit, catch shit, shoot the shit, or duck when the shit hits the fan.
You can give a shit or serve shit on a shingle.
You can find yourself in deep shit or be happier than a pig in shit.
Some days are colder than shit, some days are hotter than shit, and some days are just plain shitty.
Some music sounds like shit, things can look like shit, and there are times when you feel like shit.
You can have too much shit, not enough shit, the right shit, the wrong shit or a lot of weird shit.
You can carry shit, have a mountain of shit, or find yourself up shit creek without a paddle.
Sometimes everything you touch turns to shit and other times you fall in a bucket of shit and come out smelling like a rose.
When you stop to consider all the facts, it's the basic building block of the English language.
And remember, once you know your shit, you don't need to know anything else!!
You could pass this along, if you give a shit; or not do so if you don't give a shit!
Well, Shit, it's time for me to go.
Just wanted you to know that I do give a shit and hope you had a nice day, without a bunch of shit. But, if you happened to catch a load of shit from some shit-head...........
Well, Shit Happens!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Cakes
As many of you know, I bake cakes for other people. I make myself crazy while trying to complete them, but the reward of seeing them complete is AWESOME!!!
Here are a couple that I completed in the last few days. And some from the past.
Here are a couple that I completed in the last few days. And some from the past.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Maybe I say it too often
D has a new saying: That's OK. It happens. AND, the funniest part is that he knows how and when to use the phrase properly. Apparently, I use this phrase often.
Something else that has also "sunk in" is potty training. I was on the computer this morning and I heard D playing with his dino's in the TV room. Here is what I heard:
"No going pee pee in your pants"
"Makes mommy and daddy mad, and me too"
"You go pee pee in the potty"
"Is pee pee coming? You tell me when it coming"
"That's OK. It happens"
During this monologue I peeked my head around the corner to see what/who he was talking to. He was potty training his dinosaurs!! Yep, he had them lined up in front of him and telling them about going potty.
Apparently, potty training is now ingrained into my poor child's head.
Something else that has also "sunk in" is potty training. I was on the computer this morning and I heard D playing with his dino's in the TV room. Here is what I heard:
"No going pee pee in your pants"
"Makes mommy and daddy mad, and me too"
"You go pee pee in the potty"
"Is pee pee coming? You tell me when it coming"
"That's OK. It happens"
During this monologue I peeked my head around the corner to see what/who he was talking to. He was potty training his dinosaurs!! Yep, he had them lined up in front of him and telling them about going potty.
Apparently, potty training is now ingrained into my poor child's head.
Friday, July 25, 2008
MIA - Search Party on Standby
I'm headed to the DMV today....well, not the DMV proper, but I have to get the car emissions done and get new plate tags today. AND, I have to take D with me. I may go insane.
IF you do not hear from me, send a search party. I'll need food, water, and rescuing if not heard from in days.
****UPDATE****
I survived and, surprisingly, was in and out of BOTH places in less than 1/2 hour!! Pulled up to the emission testing and got right in. That took about 10 min total. Then went next door to the DMV and there was NO line for renewing plates!! YES!! It was my lucky day.
IF you do not hear from me, send a search party. I'll need food, water, and rescuing if not heard from in days.
****UPDATE****
I survived and, surprisingly, was in and out of BOTH places in less than 1/2 hour!! Pulled up to the emission testing and got right in. That took about 10 min total. Then went next door to the DMV and there was NO line for renewing plates!! YES!! It was my lucky day.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It's the new spa treatment?
Last week as I mentioned in a previous blog, I was not feeling well at all. I was achy, headache and tired. I decided on Wednesday to go and take a hot bath. I stuck in a movie for D and proceeded to fill the tub....with bubbles too.
I got into the bath with my book and started reading when I was visited by D (it may have been 32.5 seconds of alone time). He wanted to help wash Mommy. I gave him the washcloth and he washed my shoulder, arm and knee - the 3 body parts sticking out of the water at the time. Once he got bored, he left the bathroom (YES, alone time) only to return a minute later sans pants, underwear and socks (DAMN!). He can't quite figure out how to remove his shirts yet. He wants to get into the tub with Mommy. After much protesting, on my part, I took off his shirt and he climbed in.
We played for about 5-10 min and then I had had enough. I got out. So much for my relaxing bath. I was in and out of the bathroom for the next few minutes while getting dressed and finally D stated that he was all done and wanted out. I got him out of the tub and dried him off, these day's he prefers to go naked, so I asked him if he had to go potty.
"no. No pee pee coming" he said
"Oh, it's been a long time since you've gone, why don't you try" I say
"No, mommy" he whines as he's looking into the bathtub "I already went pee pee." "Pee pee in the bathtub with Mommy."
Yes folks, he pee'd in the tub while Mommy was still in it. I remind you, I'm FULLY dressed and still feel like crud when he informs me of this. The last thing I want to do is go and take a shower - I'm too tired. So I chalked up the pee pee to being a new type of spa treatment that's good for my skin. Plus, really, the 2-3Tbsp of pee mixed in with ALL of that water really isn't that bad. Just gross to think about.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Heeeeeere's Martha!!
Martha Stewart that is. I'm thinking about changing my name after my evening last night. I made (SUCCESSFULLY) homemade raspberry preserves. Jarred and everything!! AND it tastes fantastic!
One of my MOMS Club friends sent out an email a while ago about purchasing berries in bulk. The local Rotary club was offering fresh picked raspberries, strawberries or marionberries for CHEAP! I bought 5lbs of raspberries for $11.
So the other day, I bought jars, researched recipes and canning methods. Last night I took out my big pot and got to work. WOW! It was easy. M and I had to switch off stirring the pot cuz it requires constant stirring until the berries boil. Well, if I wanted any arm hair I needed someone to take over.
Here is the result of my labor. I'm very excited that all the jars are sealed properly too!
OH! I had some on toast this morning for breakfast.....YUMMY YUMMY! Step aside Martha, I'm getting my canning on!
One of my MOMS Club friends sent out an email a while ago about purchasing berries in bulk. The local Rotary club was offering fresh picked raspberries, strawberries or marionberries for CHEAP! I bought 5lbs of raspberries for $11.
So the other day, I bought jars, researched recipes and canning methods. Last night I took out my big pot and got to work. WOW! It was easy. M and I had to switch off stirring the pot cuz it requires constant stirring until the berries boil. Well, if I wanted any arm hair I needed someone to take over.
Here is the result of my labor. I'm very excited that all the jars are sealed properly too!
OH! I had some on toast this morning for breakfast.....YUMMY YUMMY! Step aside Martha, I'm getting my canning on!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
I'm SOOO pretty!! (warning about pictures)
The illness that D had last week has transferred to ME!! YIPPPEEE!!! Now, instead of being the supermodel mommy, I've been reduced to this:
Yes, that is a raging case of pink eye! Hurting, burning, watering pink eye!! YUCK! This is the worst case I've had so far. So, I went off to the Dr. this morning cuz the medication that I have from previous bouts is not working. SO, a stronger prescription was ordered.
Fun fun!! I'm off to put some warm compresses on my eye.
Yes, that is a raging case of pink eye! Hurting, burning, watering pink eye!! YUCK! This is the worst case I've had so far. So, I went off to the Dr. this morning cuz the medication that I have from previous bouts is not working. SO, a stronger prescription was ordered.
Fun fun!! I'm off to put some warm compresses on my eye.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Loves the chair
On Sunday we went out and bought new bedroom furniture. At the store there were these cool chairs for kids, well, M being a sucker, bought one for D. It's a soccer ball chair. It's round like a soccer ball, has all the markings and the foot stool is just like a soccer ball. D LOVES the chair.
So much so that the other night, this is how we found him sleeping.
His blanket is covering the foot stool, but that's what his lower body is on.
So much so that the other night, this is how we found him sleeping.
His blanket is covering the foot stool, but that's what his lower body is on.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Reality TV
I have been addicted to Reality TV since the inception of The Real World on MTV. But it didn't really hit me until Survivor started. I'm a loyal fan. Every Thursday at 8pm, I'm glued to the TV to watch.
Fancy that I meet a friend out here who is also addicted. So much so, that she wants to be ON the show. Since I met Catrina almost a year ago, she's been talking about getting onto the show. Guess what? We got her application and video done!! WHOO HOOOO!!! The deadline for it to be completed is Tuesday the 15th. She Priority Mailed it today. No problem for it not to make it on time.
I think the angle we took with her video application was a good one. We went with SHOCK value rather than just blathering on about who she is. It was decided that we needed to utilize the I was once married and have 2 kids, now I'm divorced and came out angle. That may offend some people, but HEY if it gets her on the show....SO WHAT!! Outwit, outplay and outlast.
My friend applied to be on Survivor!! How cool is that!!??
Sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Today was the last straw!! We're on day 4 of fevers and now D has diarrhea - BAD! I called the dr at 8am and got an appt. for 9am. It was 8:15. QUICK - get into the shower! So I leave D on the couch while I go get ready. I come downstairs ready at 8:40 (I said it was going to be a quick shower) and here is what I find.
Poor little man! AND I had to be the bad guy and wake him up to get him dressed and into the car.
So, he has a virus. Can't do anything for a virus. Just have to let it run it's course. GREAT!! The best thing is that the dr. said that the diarrhea can last for several more days. EXCELLENT!! Even more days stuck inside the house.
Poor little man! AND I had to be the bad guy and wake him up to get him dressed and into the car.
So, he has a virus. Can't do anything for a virus. Just have to let it run it's course. GREAT!! The best thing is that the dr. said that the diarrhea can last for several more days. EXCELLENT!! Even more days stuck inside the house.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cherry on top of the sundae
D is still feeling miserable and having fevers. Hopefully today is IT. Last evening we thought we were done with this cuz D was outside wanting to hit baseballs. We did that for about 30 min. Then we just rolled the ball down the driveway.
BUT, the cherry on top of the sundae is that D fell and skinned both knee's. BAD. So not only today is he still feeling poorly from being sick, but now his knees hurt him. He doesn't understand that, yes, they are going to hurt to move for just a little bit, but the more you move them, the less they'll hurt. He's not wanting to hear that. Instead, he's walking around like a little old man on bent knee's. Mostly he wants to be carried like the Prince he believes himself to be, but Mamma isn't having that today.
BUT, the cherry on top of the sundae is that D fell and skinned both knee's. BAD. So not only today is he still feeling poorly from being sick, but now his knees hurt him. He doesn't understand that, yes, they are going to hurt to move for just a little bit, but the more you move them, the less they'll hurt. He's not wanting to hear that. Instead, he's walking around like a little old man on bent knee's. Mostly he wants to be carried like the Prince he believes himself to be, but Mamma isn't having that today.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Poor Little Man
Today is the nicest day we've had in a few weeks and, of course, D is sick. VERY sick. He's had a stuffy nose for a couple of days and a raspy voice, but I couldn't tell if it was allergies or a cold. Well, today, I can say for sure that it's not allergies. He's got a fever - 104 has been the highest today.
Oh, he's just pathetic looking. He's just laying on the couch (we're on movie #3 today), sometimes shivering violently and has a glassy look in his eyes. He doesn't want anything to eat, but will drink, so I'm ok with that. I'm guessing that his throat hurts. He wet through a diaper at nap time, so I'm not concerned about his liquid intake.
It's so hard as a Mother to see your child feeling so rotten. All he wants is for me to take away his misery and I can't. The medicine works for a while, then starts to wear off.
No going to the beach tomorrow. No parks for a few days. It's going to be a LONG week.
Oh, he's just pathetic looking. He's just laying on the couch (we're on movie #3 today), sometimes shivering violently and has a glassy look in his eyes. He doesn't want anything to eat, but will drink, so I'm ok with that. I'm guessing that his throat hurts. He wet through a diaper at nap time, so I'm not concerned about his liquid intake.
It's so hard as a Mother to see your child feeling so rotten. All he wants is for me to take away his misery and I can't. The medicine works for a while, then starts to wear off.
No going to the beach tomorrow. No parks for a few days. It's going to be a LONG week.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Done
Cross my fingers and slap me silly, but I do believe that I can officially declare that D is potty trained!! Well, at least for Number 1, number 2 still has yet to make an appearance.
There has only been 1 accident in 3 days which included an entire day, today, being dragged from one store to another. YIPPEEE. His accident occurred yesterday at the 4th of July party we were at. He must have been playing too hard and forgot.
I'll never forget the look on his little face when he told me. He walked up to me with his head hung low and mumbled something. I asked him to repeat it, and he stated that he was wet. I thought perhaps it was from the bubbles he was playing with, but then his hand went to his pants. He looked up at me with the saddest puppy dog eyes and remorse probably thinking that he was going to have to go home. No, I didn't take him home like I threatened to, I took him inside and peeled off the wet clothes and put on new shorts I had in my purse.
Apparently, instead of carrying around diapers and wipes, I now carry around MORE stuff. Clean underwear, pants AND wipes....oh, and a grocery bag to put the wet clothing in. The wipes are for....er...um....any solids.
****Amendment*****
As of 10am this morning, we have poo poo in the potty!! WHOOO HOOOO!!!! He went all by himself, didn't tell us until he was done.
There has only been 1 accident in 3 days which included an entire day, today, being dragged from one store to another. YIPPEEE. His accident occurred yesterday at the 4th of July party we were at. He must have been playing too hard and forgot.
I'll never forget the look on his little face when he told me. He walked up to me with his head hung low and mumbled something. I asked him to repeat it, and he stated that he was wet. I thought perhaps it was from the bubbles he was playing with, but then his hand went to his pants. He looked up at me with the saddest puppy dog eyes and remorse probably thinking that he was going to have to go home. No, I didn't take him home like I threatened to, I took him inside and peeled off the wet clothes and put on new shorts I had in my purse.
Apparently, instead of carrying around diapers and wipes, I now carry around MORE stuff. Clean underwear, pants AND wipes....oh, and a grocery bag to put the wet clothing in. The wipes are for....er...um....any solids.
****Amendment*****
As of 10am this morning, we have poo poo in the potty!! WHOOO HOOOO!!!! He went all by himself, didn't tell us until he was done.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Potty Training Made Simple
I think I found D's motivation to FINALLY pee pee in the potty. THE PARK!! On Tuesday afternoon, I had a playdate at a park. Well, bad mommy, forgot to change D's diaper before we left. I have no idea how his diaper got sooooo full, but it was actually leaking. Again, bad mommy, forgot to bring diapers with me, so I had him go commando under his shorts. BUT, I told him that he HAD to tell me when pee pee was coming cuz if he wet his pants, we'd have to go home and no more park.
I kept asking if he needed to go...no no no. So we walked quite a ways down to the river, played in the sand/water and started walking back when he told me he had to pee. Down came his shorts and I had him pee in the grass. SUCCESS!! Plus, he thought it was fun to pee in the grass like the dogs. HA HA HA.
Today, I decided to test my theory on his motivation to be at a park and not wet his pants. Our regularly scheduled playgroup was meeting at a park, so I put D in underwear (Mickey Mouse if you wanted to know) and again reminded him that if he had to pee to come tell me. That if he wet his pants, we'd have to go home and no park. Once again, lots of "do you have to potty?" questions and lots of "no" answers. Finally, I had to go, so I dragged D into the bathroom. SUCCESS again!! He went. Kept his underwear dry for 4 hours today until nap time when I put a diaper on him.
This afternoon, we'll be pool side in the backyard, so I'll just have him in his bathing suit. We'll see what success I have.
I'm excited!! This may work!! I'm off to the park again tomorrow morning to see if this will get him to potty train!!
I kept asking if he needed to go...no no no. So we walked quite a ways down to the river, played in the sand/water and started walking back when he told me he had to pee. Down came his shorts and I had him pee in the grass. SUCCESS!! Plus, he thought it was fun to pee in the grass like the dogs. HA HA HA.
Today, I decided to test my theory on his motivation to be at a park and not wet his pants. Our regularly scheduled playgroup was meeting at a park, so I put D in underwear (Mickey Mouse if you wanted to know) and again reminded him that if he had to pee to come tell me. That if he wet his pants, we'd have to go home and no park. Once again, lots of "do you have to potty?" questions and lots of "no" answers. Finally, I had to go, so I dragged D into the bathroom. SUCCESS again!! He went. Kept his underwear dry for 4 hours today until nap time when I put a diaper on him.
This afternoon, we'll be pool side in the backyard, so I'll just have him in his bathing suit. We'll see what success I have.
I'm excited!! This may work!! I'm off to the park again tomorrow morning to see if this will get him to potty train!!
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