Sunday, November 30, 2008

List Of Four Days

My Thanksgiving

  1. First dinner was shrimp and small talk with my family.
  2. Second dinner was cold turkey and dry stuffing with his family.
  3. In between First dinner and Second dinner I put together a printer stand, a small cabinet and two contemporary shelves (don't ask, they were all free).
  4. I had to change the baby's clothes for each dinner. Luckily she has two Christmas outfits.
  5. The kids were bored, equally with both dinners.
  6. Macy's Parade was very enjoyable.

Black Friday

  1. Up at 3:15 AM.
  2. By 4:00 AM standing in line at Walmart.
  3. Hoping to score a Samsung 40" 1080 HDTV.
  4. When the doors opened, we RAN.
  5. RAN to the back of the store.
  6. Chaos.
  7. Sadly No TV for me.
  8. Instead, I snagged a Barbie jeep. The baby will be riding in style Christmas Morning.
  9. The rest of the day was spent CLEANING and decorating the house.

Parade Day

  1. Caring for two extra cats by day seven, is a bit much.
  2. Four loads of laundry.
  3. More Cleaning.
  4. More Decorating.
  5. The Parade was fun.
  6. But cold.
  7. What baby doesn't need a blow up Elmo on a stick?
  8. Subway for dinner.

Turkey Sunday

  1. Four more loads of laundry.
  2. I am sick of laundry.
  3. Lots of moving stuff around in attic storage spaces (trying to not be freaked out by the SQUEEKING).
  4. Colored lights are strung all around the kitchen and living room.
  5. The turkey goes in.
  6. The tree comes out of storage.
  7. Grief is given because the tree is FAKE.
  8. Argument ensues that FAKE trees don't shed needles or require enough water for an elephant. Plus it lights SO EASILY.
  9. Ornaments are brought down.
  10. Turkey is eaten.
  11. Turkey coma begins.
  12. Family movie, The Escape Clause (this is last year's Christmas gift movie that we, um, never got around to watching, until now), the baby figits the entire time.
  13. Finally the movie is over and the baby goes na-na's.
  14. Lots of stuff gets moved around, put back, relocated.
  15. Paperwork gets done.
  16. Preparation for a LONG ASS WEEK is complete.
  17. I am exhausted.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Moving On

Alright, so as I head into my Thanksgiving Holiday, I know two things are certain.

1) My family is going to drive me INSANE. And.

2) We are going to be eating TWO Thanksgiving dinners.

I am not going to complain here. I am instead going to state that we are blessed. Blessed with my parents who are going to pay our way to a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at the local restaurant (I mean who cares that this is the SIXTH year eating at the same place) where we will all indulge in appetizer, entree and dessert wherein the baby will cutely smear butter into the linen tablecloth.

Then, approximately two hours later we will be attending a Thanksgiving dinner put on by my wonderful Brother In Law, who cooks very ritzy gourmet food. There will probably be caviar and most certainly there will be expensive wine. I will hope that he has the good graces to NOT MENTION the fact that he is INDEED going to give money to my Sister-In-Law so that she can handle her pressing situation that will greatly affect her health. ~jabs fork in eyes here~

I'm just exhausted typing it. But I am GRATEFUL. I do realize I could have worse problems.

I just have to get through one more day at work. And while I am not going to blog here about my job and the fact the it is all MEN and three out of the five I work with were INCREDIBLY CRANKY today. One in particular had issues with me. (like issues with something that happened last week that I thought we had moved past, but apparently NOT) I CHOOSE to be GRATEFUL to have a job so I did my best to just trudge on.

By trudge on, I mean, leave early and go for a cut and color at my salon. Nothing says you are a team player, like getting the HECK out of mantown and running for cover. Hey I'm a girl, I'm allowed.

I am also GRATEFUL that tomorrow is the last day of the week and that there will be FOUR WHOLE DAYS OFF for me after that.

Turkey Day, Black Friday, Parade Day and Decoration Day. The weekend is looking good!

Monday, November 24, 2008

A Rare Sighting

So I ended up wearing all black Saturday night. As you could guess from my post, I was a little anxious about going and what I would wear and all that. It only took three, four, five, maybe ten wardrobe changes to figure out what I was comfortable in. I am all too familar with the all eyes on you as you walk in.

Once that was done I needed to figure out the whole shoe thing. My friend had suggested flats because there would be lots of dancing.

Did I listen to her? Umm hell no. I wore my cute Nine-West 2inch heels. I have a love/hate relationship with those shoes. I love how they look but I hate how they feel after I've been wearing them.

Let alone dancing. Oh and walking even.

We ended up going to a sports bar, to see a live band play. My friend considers herself a groupie and after spending the night watching the show with her, I can see why. As soon as we get there, she introduces us to the band.



This is the lead singers wife. She made sure she got pictures of EVERYONE on the dance floor. I would like to say that I escaped but sadly, because we were new and thanks to my friend there are many pictures of us. Soon to be put up on their website.

Here is the lead singer. He rocked. I loved that he used a cordless microphone and during all the different songs, he would walk out among everyone in the audience. He came over to visit me and my man SEVERAL times. Calling us virgins. He also made sure he danced with my friend and shook hands with everyone. It was very cool.



This is a band that plays cover tunes. They did songs from Godsmack, Rage Against the Machine, Breaking Benjamin, Korn and Disturbed to name a few. They had a killer sound system, lighting and a tech guy who helped with it all.



Everyone got into it. I was enjoying myself so much that I got up and danced ALOT. It was wonderful until I took that last trip to the bathroom and lost my footing on some uneven floor.
I knew as soon as I stepped and began to loose my balance that it was going to get ugly. There was a group of drunk girls all in a circle that I was trying to walk around. I wasn't looking at the floor, so I didn't see the step up for the handicap ramp.
All I can say is thankfully I was able to fall against the wall and save myself somewhat. And luckily I didn't break the heel of my shoe.
Grace I am not.

Here I am, ready for my night out.


Woohoo!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Favorite MeMe

1. Political show: I don't usually mention this. But I cannot stand politics. Or news for that matter. Sorry Brit Hume and Greta VanWhatEvAH, I am done with you.

2. Picnic food: Chocolate cake.

3. Mixed drink: Sex on the Beach. (Hey, it's been a long time since I had a drink, ok)

4. U.S. President: Grover Cleveland.

5. Kind of student to teach: One that is willing to learn (um duh!)

6. Hobby you do or wish you still did: Drawing. I haven't done it in years but I used to be pretty good at it.

7. Sports commentator: I'm as anti sports as it gets.

8. Sport to watch on TV: Boxing will hold me attention beyond two seconds.

9. Animal to have as a pet: A Rock. All pets require work.

10. Halloween costume you have worn: A tigress. It was fun.

11. Kind of dessert: Cheesecake. Any kind.

12. Comic strip: The Far Side. I cannot get enough of those cartoons.

13. Ice cream flavor: Black Raspberry (I bet you thought I'd say chocolate)

14. News source: Jossips Gossip Sheet. (WHAT?)

15. Vacation spot: Cancun.

16. Wine: Ick.

17. Way to waste time instead of working: b.o.o.k.s.t.o.r.e.

18. Reality show: Celebrity - Rehab. I am addicted. I admit it.

19. Children's movie: Hands down, The Lion King.

20. Celebrity you wish would retire: Heather Locklear. Definitely.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Somewhere In-Between

The countdown is on.

Three hours. Three hours until I get myself ready to go out. Three hours to mull over wardrobe options.

I just did a "quick peek" in my closet and found a couple of options. I won't know until I try them on with those special garments that suck in all that loose flab I have around the middle.

Oh quit groaning. I DO have it. I may hide it well. But it's there, trust me!

Moving on ... I looked at my shoes. For someone who lives in sneakers I do have a lot of choices. All in black. All in different styles. While I would love to just wear comfy low heeled shoes it was pointed out to me that if I am going to get all dressed up, I might as well go all the way. (You in the back, stop laughing!) So I picked out a couple pairs that I can probably wear all night without too much complaint.

I know it will be fun. I just wish it was right now so I can stop obsessing about it.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Something I Just Don't Understand

I do love my MIL dearly. But sometimes I don't understand her.

Like at all.

I have a sister in law who is a CrAzYnUtSo person. When I met her she was a stripper. Drank too much. Did drugs. Got pregnant (I know it was not her first time but this one she carried to term). Stayed straight. Couldn't keep it together. Back to drugs. Lost custody of her child. Back to more drugs. Convinces doctors to give her drugs. Convinces MIL to believe her various tales of how she no longer does drugs. MIL buys her a trailer to live in and sets her up on SSD.

We have not see this sister in law in years. Like twelve years to be exact. But with each and every MIL visit we get an update on what she has been doing.

A few months ago she was close to dying. Apparently she had given herself epidurals a number of years ago, you know for "back" pain and then her spine became infected. So infected that she almost died.

She recovered. They removed the infected bone. And to this day she continues to work the doctor's and hospitals for drugs. But somewhere in there she picked up a boyfriend. We have no idea what happened to him.

Here's what we do know.

My MIL, yesterday, gave my sister in law, my man's cell phone number. This is BAD NEWS HERE PEOPLE. I have to believe that my MIL knew exactly what she was doing when she did this. Essentially she gave my sister in law the ability to HAUNT her brother.

There were no less than TWENTY SIX calls from her in his caller ID. Today.

She is wanting a phone number from him. A phone number she could surely get from somewhere else (think directory assistance). A phone number that I am almost 100% sure that my MIL has in her possession ....

She is looking for money. She is pregnant. She insists she cannot keep the baby or she will surely die.

The whole situation makes me angry. Where IS the boyfriend for all this? I don't even want to know. I would actually rather not know that ANY of this is going on EIGHT states away from here. My man feels the same way.

Which I think was my MIL's point in giving her his number.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Struggling

I think ... I might have to admit ... that the flu shot I got. Has given me a touch of the flu. Is that crazy? Could it be true?

It freaking feels like it.

I haven't felt this awful ... in a long damn time. And it sucks.

Wah. Next topic.

For the fourth year in a row now, I have made dinner reservations for my family, my parents and my brother. For Thanksgiving. I am not looking forward to this fake dinner.

You can say anything you want here but turkey is not round and sliced in 1/4 inch circles. I usually rebel and order chicken or a surf & turf combo. This year it will be more of the same. I don't know what possesses me to say yes when my mother asks me to make reservations. My head is screaming NO. No. No. And then maybe a few more meek no's but my then my head nods yes and it's a done deal.

In the same conversation, my mother and I talked about Christmas. I gave her suggestions for the kids and my man. I was about to give her a few for myself (think books, new towels and dishes that we need) but she cut me off saying she had already taken care of me.

Then she went on to tell me how she got it all on "Home Shopping".

~sigh~

I'm thinking there will be some glittery sweaters and probably a wall hanging of some sort. Next year I'll have to get her by the 4th of July.

Quit laughing.

In other news, my HSF stopped by to visit this week. Called me on her way over and stayed to chat for a while. Said hi to the kids and caught me up on what she's been doing for the last ... well ... year since I've seen her. We live two streets from each other but since the EBF fallout, and since EBF gave me a GIGANTIC earful about her, I have been laying low.

She invited us out to a club to see a band play this Saturday night. Insisting we will have fun. Insisting we need to go. It's not high on our list of things to do but I it would appear that we are going. My oldest will babysit. I have nothing in my closet that screams, headbanger groupie anymore so I have no idea what to wear.

Somehow my black turtleneck doesn't seem appropriate. Maybe it's time to dust off those 2 inch heeled leather boots.

Just at the thought of that makes my feet scream FLATS to me. We'll see who wins.

In other, other news. The kids got report cards this week. Both of them made honor roll.

I am so proud.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Death By Insantiy

What a day.

Let's just put aside the fact that I spent the entire weekend dealing with the worst sore throat I've had in a very long time. A sore throat that made me miserable.

A sore throat that by the end of today, actually FELT better.

Cue the annoying headache.

That aside ...

Mid work day I hear from daycare. The baby? Here eye is oozing green gunk. They aren't kicking her out but they felt I should know. A quick call to the pediatrician told me two things. One. He was booked solid until closing. And. Two. Without seeing said eye, he prescribed eye ointment to the pharmacy of my choice with the caveat that the baby? Must stay leave daycare and stay out until Wednesday.

Lucky me.

I finished up my day. Told my boss and went to get the cherub. Here eye? SWOLLEN. IRRITATED. Her mood? Fantastically happy. We got her medication and brought her home.

I was met at the door by my oldest. Wanting. Begging. To make cookies.

People. I cannot make this stuff up. I say fine. She will do it all. And she does. And so does the baby. There is flour, there is sugar. There is vanilla and there is butter. EveryFREAKING where.

We can't just have one BATCH. We must make TWO or THREE. I lost count after a while in the haze of mess. I might have popped an Advil or two at that point.

Or it might have been when the baby was on her sixth cookie and babbling from the sugar coma she was about to slip into.

It blissfully came to the end. Of the batter that is. Then I sopped up some spilled juice. Some spilled freeze pop. Set the dog free to lick crumbs. Three plates of cookes later ....

Now I'm sitting here ... feeling better ... and wondering ... what to do tomorrow.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Women's Work 45 MeMe

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Why, yes.

2. Favorite late night snack? Ice Cream.

3. Do you own a gun? Hell no.

4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? N/A

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? YES. That is why Xanax is my friend.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I try not to think about it when I eat one. And it never is more than one at a time.

7. Favorite Christmas song? "The Twelve Pains Of Christmas" It cracks me up every time I hear it.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Ice Cold COKE.

9. Can you do push-ups? Yes, 50+

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? My Italian Link gold chain. My man gave it to me our first Christmas together, I have worn it ever since.

11. Favorite hobby? Is cleaning a hobby? Ok that's sad. How about reading.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? I think I might.

13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I look so dorky in any picture taken.

14. The last disease you contracted? Seriously? I'd like to think I'm disease free.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. My throat hurts. My throat hurts oh and MY THROAT HURTS.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Coke and Gatorade.

17. Current worry right now? Money.

18. Current hate right now? The girl at bootcamp that keeps SITTING IN MY SPOT.

19. Favorite place to be? These days, the Library. But if I were rich? Borders Book Store.

20. How did you ring in the New Year? Trying to stay awake.

21. Like to travel? YES. If only everyone else in my family did too.

22. Name three people who will complete Sunday Stealing this week: Don't know. Don't care.

23. Do you own slippers? YES, LL Beans. They are awesome.

24. What color shirt are you wearing? An over sized purple shirt with a fairy on it.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No because the pillow always falls off the bed.

26. Can you whistle? Yes I can.

27. Favorite singer/band? I used to love Guns N Roses. But these days Distrubed is one of my favorite bands.

28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? I think I could do it.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? "Hey, Hey, We're the Monk ..ee...ee..s"

30. Favorite girl’s names? Jessica and Tiffany.

31. Favorite boy’s name? Douglas.

32. What’s in your pocket right now? candy wrappers and change.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Nothing this weekend, I can tell you that.

34. Like your job? I sure do.

35. There is no 35. Weird.

36. Do you love where you live? When we bought this house, I wasn't sure. But now, I positively love it and the area we live in.

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? Six. That is just wrong, wrong, wrong.

38. Who is your loudest friend? I'm it. Loud. Always.

39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed? I speed.

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Yes. And I do my best to discourage it.

41. What is your favorite book? I have many favorites. I just added Water for Elephants to that list.

42. What is your favorite candy? 3 Musketeers. Mint.

43. Favorite Sports Team? Yeah. None.

44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping.

45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? That my throat STILL hurts.

I got this MeMe from here. Check it out.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Not Necessarily The News

I let my son walk home today. From school. By. Himself. No need to worry here (picture me breathing heavily into a paper bag) except he didn't call me when he got home. I figured all was well when I came home and found the downstairs door open. When I inquired as to why he didn't follow through on my instructions? His answer was that his sister doesn't like him using her phone.

Too bleepin' bad I say. When I say call, I mean CALL.

We are clear on that now. And his teeth? While still very sore, he seems to be, shall we say, handling it better today.

Thank heaven.

I volunteered after work at a flu shot clinic. The town offers free shots to the elderly. The nurses? Can't wait to stick ya. I was asked no less than three times if I had my shot yet. I finally relented. It was free after all. I am not even going to complain about how my arm hurts now. Nope.

Tonight there was a controversial committee meeting. Notice how I am not there? This meeting was with the elected officials and it involved that report I didn't understand a few weeks ago. I love public access TV. I'm sitting here blogging and staying involved all at the same time. Phoning it in aside ... of course ... ahem.

The Library just sent a book I've been waiting for that was on hold. I only had a half hour between work and the flu shot thing BUT I made sure five minutes of that time was spent at the Library springing the book. My kids don't get why I enjoy biography's. To them reading about someone elses life is boring. Not to me.

We are trying to conserve energy in our house this winter. I've been vigilant at keeping the thermostat at 60 degrees. People? Even with some strategically placed electric heaters, this is freaking cold. I might have to rethink this when the outside temperature drops below 20.

The baby is slowly but surely picking up my catch phrases. This is not a good thing. TRUST ME HERE. I was behind a guy this morning that took freaking FOREVER to take a right. I was just about to say something when from the back seat ... I heard this ...

"GO! Dude."

If that isn't cute enough? Everyday when we come home, the neighbor's dogs run to the see thru chain link fence and bark at us. I loathe it. Today, the baby, with the appropriate hand gesture (pointing, people, not the finger) said this ...

"Shut Out!" Sooooo close to being the right thing to say. I quickly corrected her to say "Hush" instead.

Geeze. Good thing I'm trying not to use my potty mouth these days.

In closing ... I have had no work in the evening for the past two weeks ... and let me tell ya ... I could totally get used to it. Too bad we need the money.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Agony

Its been a very long time since I've seen tears, let alone witnessed first hand, how uncomfortable my boy is.

I came home to find him doubled over with stomach pains. My first thought? Stomach virus. My first question?

What did you eat today?

Nothing.

What?!?

I can't eat. It hurts.

He suffered through haircuts. I could almost hear his tummy rumbling. Even if I couldn't you could see the pain written All. Over. His. Face.

I got him donuts. His favorite kind. He couldn't even manage that. He cried to me.

"It hurts to eat, It hurts to not eat" "I can't win ... sob"

Oh my.

I got him Advil. Two. And ice cream, a gigantic bowl of it. Awhile later, I gave him an Excedrin PM. Only one, he's always so wound up, I figured if nothing else he'd stop stressing.

I just checked on him now. He sat up and asked me this ...

"Do you have any books I can borrow Mom, I need to have one tomorrow for English."

I think he's going to be just fine. Now.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Sensory Overload*

*Now with dark crappy pictures.

Today was a big day for my son. He wasn't excited about it. Frankly, neither was I. Dread would be more appropriate. Today, my boy, got a full set of braces.

They cost no less than an arm, leg AND kidney.

Because, my boy has sensory integration issues (which means, certain tastes, smells, sounds or touch will freak him out) the plan was to take the whole braces thing, slow.

He got bands on his back molars two months ago (see slow reference).

Today, it was no less than TWO hours of torture. TWO hours of ME, anxious, watching my son's hands clench into fists, his feet wiggle back and forth, his body tense AND occasionally a moan/squeal combination to get through it.

He did well, all things considered (and by all things considered I mean, he didn't jump out of the chair and run for his life). He knew he didn't have to go back to school. He knew that I understood that he would be feeling out of sorts.

About midway through (think 1:00:00) he looked at me and I could read his mind ... "HELP!" They used this cheek stretcher and I could tell it was getting to him. I got up and I held his hand. I told him to squeeze as hard as he needed to (and he did, how I am typing right now, I have no idea). We (and I do me WE) survived the placement of eight brackets.

He had an array of elastic colors to choose from. Yellow, Black, Clear, Red, Orange, Gray, Green, etc. He picked purple, his favorite color. After a couple wire issues (as it turns out my son requires the LARGEST wire size they make - A "42") it was time to finish up.

The last half hour, drove me to the edge and back. One final bracket to put an elastic on. One final bracket to cause the most difficulty. Pick, twist, poke, pick, twist, poke. Whimper. Then drill off glue. Pick, twist, poke, pick twist, poke. Whimper. More drilling to get off glue. More picking, more poking, more twisting ...

Are you being driven mad yet? I totally was.

I stood up and said ENOUGH. I said STOP. The gal, apologized and said it would be fine, to just leave it. GEE YA THINK?

We go back in six weeks. My boy? Is taking it all in stride. Better than his mother (who feels that tequila shots are in order, like SIX of them)


He got a brand new Right Stuff kit. The same as his sisters (whose I tossed after this lovely comparison photo).

I thought you might like to see a BLURRY picture of what is inside. Heh.



Here they are. Poor lighting and all. I figure that by tomorrow, maybe he'll feel comfortable enough to close his mouth. I am so not kidding.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Falling Back

It would seem I am not the only one struggling with the time change this past week. At first I couldn't put my finger on it. That "out of sorts" feeling. Everything in life proceeds as normal but underneath it all seems like a jumbled mess.

If you can follow that.

It was pointed out to me that the time change probably had something to do with it. Here everything shifts by an hour. Making the early evening dark before 5 PM.

I am not liking it. It's hard to get used to.

This week will probably be better and as I get the kids to go outside and rake wet and sticky leaves with me today I am hoping the fresh air will help as well.

In other news, the latest craze in Mig's house is B~A~R~N~E~Y. The baby, she loves him. And if I let her, she will sit with all her babies lined up in a row (think eight) and watch the show. Over, Over, Over AND Over.

While its cute that she has found a show that speaks to her. It is slowly driving me INSANE one "I love you" & "Have a snack" song at a time.

I am not kidding people.

I've been reading in other places here in blogland that people aren't looking forward to the next two months for any number of reasons, I feel lucky to say that ... I am.

This is my favorite time of year. A time of giving thanks. A time of making donations. A time of surprises. You never know when any of those three things will happen but I find that they come from where you least expect it.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Cheers

I'm almost over the near miss from the other day. Just a few more xanax and I'll be good as new. Seriously? I keep thinking about it. That whole coulda thing, has been lingering.

Nothing the weekend can't resolve, I AM SURE.

For whatever reason, this week has been EXHAUSTING. I haven't had my usual evening work meetings, so it's not that. I totally skipped out on my controversial committee meeting this week, so it's not that.

I guess all those sleep deprived days are catching up with me and by 8 PM every night this week I can barely keep my eyes open. If nothing else, I'm catching up on my beauty rest. I hope.

Just have to get through today. FRIDAY! Yipee!

This weekend, I have no plans. Okay, scratch that. No plans YET. I am hoping to do some clean up in the yard because seeing all those leaves everywhere is making my face tic. I was walking around the yard with the dog last night and it looks to me like "someone" put a big pile of branches behind my garage. Granted we have had a couple good wind storms but these would appear to be purposely placed in a pile.

I looked around to see if someone was messing with me. I asked everyone in the house if they happen to .. you know ... make up a pile of sticks behind the garage. Heh.

So WTF? My little old lady neighbor decided to throw them over the chain link? I can't quite figure it out but I'm pretty sure that I am annoyed by it.

Makes me want to gather up some dog poo and return the favor ....

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

ThisFREAKINGclose

I almost hit a kid today. It was just about dark. I was turning onto my street. The baby was fussing in the back. My son, sitting in front, had eye watering armpit smell emanating from him.

To say I was distracted is a HUGE understatement.

There was a van in front of me, it went straight when I turned left. They were in the crosswalk. Two boys on bikes. No helmets. Wearing dark colors. One of them kept going. The other one stopped and stared ... at my bumper for a couple seconds before pedaling on.

Thank God, I saw them at the very last second.

Thank God, I just had my brakes done on Friday.

Thank God, the Jeep stopped.

Thank God, I didn't hurt anyone.

Thank God. Thank God. Thank God.

The Hangover

I'm politically hungover today. So tired of the endless banter about candidates on the news channels and such.

I'm glad it's over. Not my candidate of choice but I'm okay with it.

With that said, I am horribly disappointed in my state and it's votes on Question 1 and Question 3. What the masses are thinking I have no idea.

I won't let it ruin my day.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Rock The Vote

In honor of today's election, here is a speech my son wrote for his English Class. Please note, where he is quoting his "Mom", it is not me.

***********

… I am running for President. As a child I took many years of piano lessons. In High School I was on the chess team. I went to Community College. There, is where, I graduated with pride. My hobbies include reading manga and watching anime. I also enjoy swimming and track. I can help out in many ways. We could try cutting down less tress and try using a little more stone. Our health care could use some sprucing up too. It’s nature’s world we are just living in it.

I believe that the environment is also a very important issue. Se we need fresh air and we need trees to get fresh air. We are also every minute we are cutting down trees we are destroying homes of amazing species of animals. My mom says, “Nature is one of the only places that one can go to get away from our problems.” Nature is the greatest thing we were ever given. But it’s not too late to try and reverse it. Every tree you cut down you should plant another. Maybe try cutting down less trees and try using a little more stone. We need clear air and forests can give it to us. We should try a new tactic for earth’s sake.

I believe health benefits are one of the biggest problems. My mom says “All of these price cut will be kill the hard working man”. I believe companies are being big cheap skates, cutting back on their hours so they don’t get health benefits. Yet everyone in management is keeping their benefits but workers done. My mom says “It’s unfair in all ways” and I agree. If management keeps their benefit than we should keep ours. To make matters worse their killing two birds with one stone, we don’t’ get benefits and we get paid less. What do these people think we are!?! We’re going to be out of our houses and out of a job in no time.

Finally my last topic is taxes. Taxes have to be the biggest cams of all time. I mean can’t the government get its money some other ways. And taxes really put a dent in the money that you’ve made over the month. There are also these annoying sales taxes. It says $29.99 but really its $33.00. Ripoff. I know it’s for a good cause but still.

I hope you got my point of view today. I also hope you get all of the problems I brought up today. However, I can only hope that I get your votes. Then I will do what I must to make this dream reality. But I can’t unless you vote for me. So please, when Election Day comes, make the right choice. I hope I have some sort of influence on your decision. Now please lend a hand. Now god bless every hard worker in this country and god bless America. I hope this impressed you, I bid you adieu.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Ghostacular

Well I survived it! Barely. I took Friday off, which made everything a HECK of alot easier. Granted I spent the day running errands and barely had time to sit down.

Without further adieus, here are the ribbons for the costume contest. I will say this was a most excellent idea. HAD I NOT FORGOTTEN COMPLETELY ABOUT IT. Three of us put our heads together the next day and decide who should get what. Scariest - an evil witch. Coolest - Karate Master with a beautifully embroidered silk robe. Most Original - for dressing like a China man.


SNACKS. For all the fretting and work that went into preparing these goodies ... it all was for naught. Who knew that six teenagers would prefer walking to local convenient store OVER snacks sitting right in front of them on the kitchen table. More for me!



The invitation had alluded to pumpkin carving. But I knew, when it came right down to it, would you rather shriek and jump up and down, or focus using a teeny tiny saw. EXACTLY. So I went ahead and gutted these in ADVANCE, so when my two oldest came home from the school, it was the first thing they did. BTW - two did arrive with pumpkins and two left with those same pumpkins untouched.



Ahhhh. My living room. Before.




I couldn't help myself. I. Cleaned. Her Room. Seriously, I couldn't allow three girls to sleep on dirty clothes and food wrappers.

Here it is. The costume. Oiy.


I HAD to take pictures of her drawings. They are amazing and she draws them in what seems like only a few minutes.


No pictures in the chair. Sheesh.

So ... here she is. All. Legs.


The drummer from Kiss stopped by. Scared the buh-jeeze-us out of the baby. And me. It was kinda freaky.


Here is my living room. Full. With weird dancing.



I was so busy enjoying it all. That I burnt the pizzas. Another good think about teenagers, they don't care. Gone in twenty seconds. All of them. I did better the second time around.


Then it was time to go out. The cute little baby? Wore this ensemble. I especially like the dirty mittens that she sucked on for the first 15 houses. Good times.


The boy. I had a hard time keeping track of him and his friend as they made their way ahead of me the entire time. The mask lasted about halfway and then he ditched it completely.


The pumpkins carved. The top pumpkin had a unique anime drawing on it but due to my sucky photography you cannot see it. The middle one is my creation. The bottom one was done by my son. I have no idea where my children get their creativity from. Clearly it's not from me.



The baby's loot. No one even cared that she didn't have a costume on. She enjoyed opening every single piece of candy. Some she ate, most she just wanted to take out of the packaging and put it someplace else. I think it will be weeks before I find all the candy stuck in her toys.


So the NEXT day ... she wore her costume and she even SMILED for me. Would I do it all again? You bet.