Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Smelly

Did I ever mention the time that I was coming down my stairs and I was greeted with a funk that was so incredibly bad, I seriously thought someone had tossed garbage at the bottom of the stairs.

It was eye watering.

And there was no garbage. I couldn't figure it out. I went outside, breathed in some fresh air, came back in, same bad smell. I couldn't pin point it exactly.

It faded. But the next day it was back and this went on for a few days, before I realized it was my son's shoes. My thirteen year old, odorous son, who does his own laundry.

Had no socks. Bare feet + Van's Sneakers = Garbage Smell. Who knew.

I had a personal parent/teacher conference today regarding my son. One of the various topics we discussed was his feet. That and the pig-pen type smell that is following him around these days. I don't quite get it because I make him shower.

Well, really he goes into the bathroom. The shower runs. He comes out sort of wet. Yet he still smells. His clothing smells, his hair is greasy and now kids are asking to be moved away from him.

My boy.

Thankfully, the rest of the conference talked about other more positive things.

But like stink, it lingered for the rest of the day with me.

So tonight, I took him to a local department store. I made him try on new sneakers, clean sneakers. He found a pair that fit (size TWELVE mind you, he was cramming his bare feet into size tens and swearing to me it was fine. FINE.), I took him over to men's clothing and picked out a brand new, stink free zip up hoodie (thanks Nike for being do darn expensive).

Then we went home and I made him wash all the laundry he had gathered up from around his room.

I might have sprayed some Lysol in there too. And I made him swear he would shower and use shampoo.

"But there is no shampoo."

"What?"

"There is no shampoo in the bathroom."

~cue the crickets~

"Son, I assure you, there is shampoo, it's on the shower caddy."

"It is?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

"So you'll shower and use the shampoo right?"

"Right."

"Excellent"

Except as it turned out, he forgot to shower. So he went to school, Thursday morning, in new sneakers, new sweatshirt, clean clothes and still dirty .... why????

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

There's A Surprise ...

I got an email, at 3PM today telling me that my evening work has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Excellent!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Too Many Irons

I cannot believe how stinking busy I am. And behind I am, in everything.

I find it incredibly annoying. But it could be worse and right now my life is on a smooth and steady course, if only everyone would just pause so I could catch up.

That'd be just GREAT.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The 35 Questions x2 MeMe: Part I

1. How far away is the last person you kissed? Upstairs at the moment.

2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever? Yes.

3. Last person you were in a car with? Umm all by myself.

4. Any plans for tomorrow? Monday + Work + Rain = WTH!

5. How long does it take for you to take a shower? Ten minutes, unless I'm daydreaming then it's like a time warp.

6. Best friend or close friends? Why choose. Both.

7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day? I hope so.

8. Did you kiss anyone friday? I did. My youngest's sweet chubby cheeks.

9. Ever thrown up in public? YES.

10. What's on your mind RIGHT NOW? A certain song I cannot get out of my head.

11. Who was the last person you talked to? My friend via Text.

12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school? Math. Hands down.

13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with? Yes, every day. I just grin and bare it.

14. What is your favourite colour top to wear? Purple or Red.

15. Have you ever been in a car accident? I have, so now I use the invisible brake as a passenger and I've been known to panic a little bit.

16. What's the closest thing to you that's green? Diego's Baby Jaguar Cage. What? You don't have one of those next to you?

17. Where would you like to be right now? Someplace WARM and TROPICAL. Preferably with a fruoofy drink in my hand.

18. Write down some lyrics to the song you're listening to? .... I'm gonna take you for a little ride ...

19. How many dogs do you have? One too many.

20. Is anything bugging you right now? That its suppose to rain for the next three days and that my basement will never be dry again.

21. Is life going right for you now? Not exactly.

22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself? Oh yes, always.

23. What made you laugh today? My youngest. Everything she sees on TV, she wants. So I tell her that very thing and she tells me ... "I only want couple, MaMa."

24. What was the last movie you watched? I can't even remember the last movie I watched. That's sad.

25. Whats the last conversation you had about? Picking up my son's room and why can't he just FIX THE BROKEN RECLINER ALREADY. Yes, I am that much fun.

26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning? Trying to ignore the song being sung by my three year old over the baby monitor.

27. Do you like your hair long or short? I like long hair.

28. Do you want to see somebody right now? I don't think so.

29. Do you like the rain? When it's warm and in the middle of summer.

30. Did you have a valentine this year? I did. A very sweet blog valentine.

31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go? Absolutely.

32. Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else? I would, in a heartbeat. I realize this sounds crazy but that is how much I care.

33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you? I wouldn't change a thing because I spend very little time, looking back.

34. How do you feel about boys smoking? Don't get me going on smoking. It's so bad and I've quit but let's just say even with all the health risks, I still find it appealing.

35. Could you see yourself with someone forever? I totally can.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Friends In All The Right Places

I don't think I could have had a nicer "friend" Saturday. I went from having no set plans (other than the usual, SLAVE LIST) to doing some fun things.

The first was an invite to go to a High School Yard Sale. I don't know if any of you have had the chance to attend one of these but they always have interesting things. Without missing a beat I was up for going (I mean who can beat, INDOOR yard sales, no one really) even if it meant leaving the house at 7:30 AM on a Saturday morning.

It's not like I'm sleeping past 7 AM on any given morning anyways. (passes a glare to the youngest child in the family) We used the GPS to get us there. Which was sort of interesting because I swear the GPS has a mind of it's own. It's great to see my youngest (age 3) get into walking around and finding treasures. She left with a few goodies and who cares if all the pieces aren't there, she certainly didn't.

My second invite was related to a birthday celebration at the Mall that my oldest daughter was invited to. I guess I was a mall hound at her age too, but these days, I'm so NOT FEELING the mall. I really get the impression it's trying to pry every bit of change or dollars out of my wallet and that's before I've gotten out of my car. Heh.

But I was invited. Lunch was offered and these two gals (while they aren't a replacement for Supercool JennyJ, they are incredibly sweet and kind to me, so I'll keep them) spent the entire time entertaining me with different stories about their own children, work and what not. The time flew by and ended with an AVON Overstock goody bag for me. Oh YEAH!

I think the hardest part I had about the whole day was that I got NOTHING DONE.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Full Steam Ahead

Into the weekend that is.

Top three things I'm looking forward to doing ~

  1. Yardsale-ing with Supercool JennyJ.
  2. Going out to dinner with a bootcamp friend.
  3. Reading a hot novel.
Top three things I am not looking forward to doing ~
  1. Finishing up my taxes.
  2. Scrubbing toilets.
  3. Dump runs
Oh yes and the biggest and the most important one

SLEEP!

Endless Thursday

I had one of those days at work where you feel like your day has been endless but nothing got done.

Like nothing. Business, personal or otherwise.

I guess training new people will do that to you. We had a new manager start this week. (waves at boss) So there were lots and lots of questions. Forms to be filled out, in triplicate and processed. We are still dealing with the water logged matter. It continues to be the same or get a little worse since we are still in a monsoon.

But it was the phones that really made it the hardest to get anything done. And that is a good sign. Phone calls mean orders and orders mean our product is moving again.

So that part is very cool.

On the downside? I have loads of my own evening work to do this weekend, in addition to everything else.

Boooooooo!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I Don't Care What Anyone Thinks ...



I really like this song and everyone I talk to, cannot stand it.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

By A Thread ...

Here it is Tuesday. I found something out Friday. Something that I think, if I'm honest with myself, has changed me. Made me harder. Made me believe less that there is good in this world for me.

I can't elaborate on it. I'd like to ... but it's a really private matter.

Right now? It's totally eating me up.

Monday, March 22, 2010

My Statement

I just don't know right now.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Not Even Close

There won't be any Sunday Stealing today. I'm too dang tired to even think about answering a bunch of questions.

Things I did this weekend ~

  • Lots of raking.
  • Lots of picking up sticks.
  • Hardly any laundry (someone else did it for me).
  • Chased a ball around with my pre-schooler.
  • Drew funny faces on the driveway.
  • Breathed in lots of dried up grass.
  • Had the nerve to borrow the neighbors lawn mower.
  • In pristine condition mind you.
  • Cut my hayfield. Note: Mower was no self-propelled.
  • Wah.
  • Had to thoroughly clean pristine lawnmower before returning it to said neighbor.
  • Started to get the deck set up for SPRING.
I am so excited to see new life growing in the yard. It gives me hope and I need some of that right now.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

I'm AWAKE

There is nothing like being WIDE awake at crack-o-dawn thirty on a Saturday morning.

Must be the sunshine and the promise of weather in the 70's.

Or the fact that I'm incredibly pissed off right now.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Black Day

There is no Happy Friday today. I deserve better than this.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Little Therapy Please

Dear Mr. Therapist ~

I would like to respectfully point out that playing Chess for the entire hour of my son's therapy session, doesn't constitute THERAPY in my mind.

Let alone that I just paid you a $20 co-pay to do it.

For that price I think a little hygiene brainwashing should be included.

Fondly,
Mig

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Drowning Irish

I am in awe of the volumes of water I am seeing wash out roadways. My place of employment abuts two rivers that combine into one river. With forty days, I mean four full days of rain, the rivers have rose up, above and beyond anything I've ever seen.

Our mining area is now underwater. We were set to start up less than a week from today.

OIY!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

It's All About The Pump

Dudes,
This whole water in the basement thing? Is. Not. Fun. I actually tricked my brain into thinking that it wasn't deep and that I could just tip-toe through it to get to the corner, where I could assess the situation.
Yeah, tip-toe was more like a giant splash followed by a WAVE of water that lapped back and forth in between the half finished floor and stray wood pallets.
My basement is now a sea of dirt.
As if that isn't bad enough, there isn't a single solitary water pump available in a 200 mile radius around my house. Well, that's not entirely true, there are a couple of models available for the rip-off price of $250+ each.
I think I'll use a straw and a bucket before I pay that jacked-up price.
Instead I did what any sane person does these days. I Facebooked about it. (what? if you were in dire straights, you might do that too ...) And the people who read my stats? Continue to surprise me. A friend of a friend, who happens to be my friend on FB, came through for me.
I repeat ~ came through, for me. I only know this woman from brief meetings at birthday parties over the years.
By 5pm tonight, we had a working pump. Just added a garden hose and before long the entire wet contents of my basement was steaming down the driveway and into the street.
EXCELLENT. Was all I had to say.

Monday, March 15, 2010

In Sixteen Years

I haven't seen this much water in my basement in the entire time I have lived in this house.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sunday Stealing: Judd's Merged MeMe

1. What were doing 10 years ago? My kids were just old enough that I could go back to work. So I did.

2. Five snacks that you enjoy in a perfect, on weight-gaining world. Shrimp w/ cocktail sauce, chips and dip, baked stuffed mushrooms, bbq boneless tenders and mozzarella sticks.

3. Five things you would do if you were a billionaire: Pay my friends mortgages, vacation, donate time to charity, buy clothes and make investments.

4. Three of your habits: Cleaning, straightening and shutting off lights.

5. Five jobs that you've have had: day care worker, hostess, babysitter, secretary and cashier.

6. Five places that you've lived: In a Ranch, In a Split-Level, In a Colonial, In an apartment and In a Victorian House.

7. Five things that you did yesterday: Laundry, Roller Skated, Ate Cake, Went out to Dinner and Exercised.

8. Five people you would want to get to know more about: My three followers in blog land and two others.

9. Abortion: for or against it? Against. I'm okay with pro-choice, I just
prefer to see the baby survive.

10. Do you think the world would fail with a female president? Not the world. The U.S. We aren't ready for a woman president here.

11. Do you believe in the death penalty? Yes. I'm the eye for an eye type.

12. Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already? I vote MAYBE.

13. Are you for or against premarital sex? Oh hell no I'm not against it.

14. Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized? Sure, why not.

15. Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA? Yes, they need to pay their fair share of taxes too!

16. Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen? Nope. The more difficult it is for them to get it at that young age, the better (course I can say that now because I'm old, if I were 18, I'd have a completely different answer.)

17. Should the war in Iraq be called off? Yes. It's gone on too long now. Enough already.

18. Assisted suicide is illegal: do you agree? That one is tricky. In some cases maybe it is the best solution, who am I to judge.

19. Do you believe in spanking your children? I don't. But sometimes I want to.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers? Nah.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Saturday's To Do's

  • Kickboxing.
  • Laundry (boo!).
  • Wrap Birthday Gift.
  • Attend Roller Skating Party.
  • Try to enjoy yourself.
  • Date Night.
  • WooHoo.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Finally Friday!

Dudes,
What a loooooong and did I mention long week? Whew!
Today I took my oldest girl to the dermatologist. We are back trying to figure out why she has hair loss. After answering many questions and having to leave the room do the doctor could ask my girl a question "in private" we have determined the following:
  1. She is not taking any supplements that are causing hair loss.
  2. She has very bad acne.
  3. She did have the flu earlier this year, which might be the cause of the hair loss.
  4. Except she has been experience the hair loss for over a period of years
We left with a brown bag of moisturizer. A prescription for three months of antibiotics (for the acne), a prescription for Retin A and notes to purchase Cetaphil Cleanser.

We also stopped at the lab. My girl left behind five vials of blood for them to test further. We go back in six weeks.

On the ride home my daughter came right out with the "question" that the doctor asked when I left the room.

"She asked me if I was on birth control" ~my girl tells me this an in indignant voice~
"I figured as much."
"I'm not interested in boys, I already told you that."
"I know that, but they don't know that, most girls your age could very well be."
"That's not me" ~there might have been some huffing~

I don't think she could be more opposite of how I was at her age. That's a good thing.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

EBF

Today marks another awkward conversation with my ex-best friend.

For some reason, we seem to meet at the Dentist office.

I hate that I get a pit in the bottom of my stomach when I pull in the parking lot and see her truck.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Well That Was Interesting ...

Some of you may already know this ... but parent teacher conferences are weird for me. Especially for my oldest girl. She will always pave the way for her brother and sister. She shares more with me than her brother so I understand her point of view before I meet with the teacher. For example, her Science teacher. A few nights of dinner conversation involved hearing how this man would share his fishing stories that took place in our Town during class. And that other students would try and get him back on topic.

I couldn't wait to meet him. ~she says sarcastically~

Then there's her English teacher. From what I understand she is sort of mean. Talking down to the class. (rumor has it that she called her 8th grade class retarded, she then moved to teach High School) My girl sits in the front of the class and is a "model" student. Then there's the red pen on her writing assignments, taking off points for minor mistakes.

So, armed with the latest progress report (A/B's, which is excellent for her, usually there is a C in there somewhere) I headed off. I also brought with me the latest book I'm reading. There is lots of standing in line time.

The Science teacher was certainly an interesting man. Short, round, gray beard and glasses. The man oozed boring. But judging by his classroom he does teach Science, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

The English teacher was even more interesting. I felt that I had met her before. And I almost want to say that my daughter did have her in 8th grade (which OIY!), before I have too much time to dwell on that last thought, we immediately stepped into this conversation.

"Hello Mrs. Teacherwhocallstheirstudentsretarded." "I'm Mrs. Mig." "Oldestdaughter's Mom."
"Oh yes. How is she doing medically?"
"She's doing good" ~I'm confused here, because I don't think I've talked to anyone this year about her medical condition~
"Oldestdaughter is doing acceptable in class." ~opens gradebook~ "She just handed in several late assignments" "I gave her credit for them, since she has so much going on."
"Going on?"
"Yes, medically." "While I don't know exactly what it is, I do know that it can be incredibly stressful." "I allowed her to hand in those assignments late."
"Oh"

At this point we review her test grades and I hear how she scored a 93% on her essay test on Julius Caesar. I inquire about the red pen and find that it is actually a pencil because she doesn't want to discourage the kids. I tell her she does not need to cut my child any slack. We talk about Honors English for her next year, a request that I have to put in and she will back up.

It was enlightening really. Which is why I go. I also like hearing about how good my child is doing. Above all else, I'm proud of her and the potential she shows for Art. I didn't get to see any of work (I am ashamed to admit that I completely forgot to ask, even though my daughter told me to ask ...) but I saw her grades in his grade book and they were excellent.

He mentioned an Art School in the city. Just the thought of it got me excited for her. In just two years she graduates. My baby. How I love her.

On the ride home I got to thinking about that English teacher and what would make her give my child extra anything. There was real sympathy there. I ask my girl about it and she was just as surprised as me to hear it.

I think she should have an A in that class. Her writing skills are phenomenal (and yes, that is my humble opinion, why do you ask?). But as always the story, she slacks on homework and it always kills her grade. She "knows" this. ~insert eye roll here~

What can ya do?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Things I Don't Want To Do

The Tuesday Edition ~

  • Work tonight.
  • Work today.
  • Figure out what we are having for dinner, if anything.
  • Decide which paperwork is relevant for daycare.
  • Reschedule a couple of appointment conflicts.
  • Goto Bootcamp.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Glad

That Monday is over.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday Stealing: Another MeMe About Me

1. Are you currently in a serious relationship? Yes I am. Too serious sometimes ... I think.

2. What was your dream growing up? I waned to be a figure skater.

3. What talent do you wish you had? Sharp Whit. You know, I want to be the person who has the snappy comebacks "in the moment" and not a half a day later.

4. If I bought you a drink, what would it be? An ice cold Coke.

5. What was the last book you read? Starting Out Sideways. It was meh. I'm having a hard time enjoying any book after reading "The Help", which was awesome, btw.

6. What zodiac sign are you? Aquarius.

7. Any tattoos and/or piercings? I have a rose with a heart being pierced by thorns on the inside of my right lower calf. I loved it when I got it, just as much as I love it today.

8. Worst habit? Cleaning up stuff before people are done. I do it to everyone in the house, including the preschooler.

9. What is your favorite sport? Boxing. I used to watch the fights with my dad, when I was a kid.

10. Do you have a pessimistic or optimistic attitude? Optimistic. I think it gets you farther in life.

11. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Well, one of the worst things, was hitting a parked car, while taking the test for my drivers license. I swore I'd never drive again.

12. Tell me one weird fact about you. If you move something in any of my rooms I will notice. TRUST ME. And I will turn it or put it back where it belongs. Guess me and Monica on Friends have something in common. (okay, more than one thing, heh.)

13. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? I've seen both and prefer the cute ones.

14. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I would LOVE to be blonde for a day.

15. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Okay, so to answer this question honestly? I could go either way depending on how bad it is.

16. Ever been arrested? Hell no.

17. If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Plan a family vacation. In a heartbeat!

18. What's your favorite place to hang out at? My book nook upstairs. It has this calming effect on me that I can't explain.

19. Do you believe in ghosts? I do. I've felt them ... or I've felt something.

20. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Ok, so don't laugh here. Aside from reading and cleaning, I like making bracelets. The friendship kind.

21. Do you swear a lot? ~hangs head in shame~ I do.

22. Biggest pet peeve? Driving while texting.

23. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Loyal.

24. Do you believe/appreciate romance? YES and I need more of it in my life.

25. Do you believe in God? I do.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday's To-Do List

  • Sleep in (or at least until 8 AM)
  • Kickboxing
  • Bank
  • Sulk
  • Visit w/ Acquaintance
  • Laundry
  • Prepare Chicken w/ Mash Potatoes
  • Reading

Friday, March 5, 2010

No Witty Posts Today

Just a Happy Friday to everyone!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sweet Sixteen

My oldest girl turns sixteen today. At 12:10 pm roughly. Her birth certificate probably does say the exact time on it, but I'm too lazy to dig it out and see for sure. I was sort of in a drug induced haze at that point but I do know it was after the "Price is Right".

This time last year my girl was fantasizing about a sweet sixteen party. Which surprised me because she's not that kind of girl. I didn't say yes or no (although in my head I was think, hell no) I just took it as a random thought. She has lots of those.

She made no mention of it this year. Her biggest wish is to see "Alice in Wonderland" on opening night at the closest mall theater tomorrow night.

We couldn't switch it to Saturday night because it would be easier for me. So we are going with Friday night, I consider it my extra gift to her. (You know because I had OTHER plans for Friday night, which I have no canceled)

I'm the mom that gives their children the option of going to school on their birthday or staying home. This is not something my Mom did for me. It's something I wished she did. I usually take my kid's birthdays off, to make that day special for them.

And special for me. After all I spent that day traumatized (0h to a certain extent, work with me here people) and hospitalized after each birth, I might as well celebrate too.

Today my girl decided she wanted to go to school. For her first class. ART. I wrote her a note dismissing her at 8:45 AM. I wrote her note and added my phone number at the bottom for good measure.

The school called me to confirm she was being dismissed and boy for about ten seconds there, I thought I was in trouble too. Heh.

I picked her up and we scooted off to breakfast. Where we scoffed down pancakes (her), eggs, toast and homefries (me) and bacon (both of us, yum).

Then I took her to the mall for those certain gifts I can't pick out anymore. Like yards of fabric in colors that she is making Anime Costumes with. I also treated her to some Class A Window Shopping. Where we looked at expensive cool things and I didn't buy any of them for her (she didn't ask, it was nice to look at) but we did hit the bookstore and she picked out a few Anime Novels with weird titles.

She was thrilled. So was I.

We went home and hung out in the living room. Her playing an xbox game (another gift she picked herself) and me hanging on the computer. Both of us joking and chatting.

I made and frosted her cake, completely with the number candles on it.

We had tacos for dinner. Her choice. Her favorite. I had a few presents for her to open, they were just silly stuff. Nail polish, learners permit study book and her favorite candy.

It couldn't have been a nicer day and I wish I could bottle it up and keep it in my pocket.

It was that good.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Facebook Math That Doesn't Add Up

Husband + Facebook + Old Girlfriend Finding Him = Chat messages that say "love you bunches" + "love you too :)

W.T.F.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Less Sucktastic!

Everone is entitled to take a vacation. I definitely get more than my share. But when two guys, in our five person office, decided to go golfing together for an entire week.

I thought, Cripes, that's going to make one long week for me.

But here we are, second day, and I'm home early.

This ROCKS!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Duds

I don't know about you ... but sometimes I judge a book by its cover.

Literally. I see the book, it has a nice picture or a nice title and I think, this book MUST BE GOOD. It's so purdy.

I find the odds to be about 80/20 on that. 80% chance it's decent. And 20% chance it's not.

All by my standards, of course.

So I found a high school friend had read "Life In My Father's Shadow" A daughter writes about Orson Wells. And I though. Hmmmm. Looks good. I like biographies.

I also found a book at my local Library (oh I know, Library? Book? Go figure) titled "Precious". With all the hype from the movie and seeing the lead character on a talk show I watch, I thought, THIS must be the BOOK the movie is loosely based on.

Yeah. No.

The book is painful to read through the first three pages. It's about a father and two young girls and how his life is falling apart, while a friend of his kids disappears and blah, blah, blah.

And the Orson Wells biography. It's all blah, blah, blah too. Took an entire chapter for me to say ...

Yeah. No.

The good thing about this, I'm not wasting my time, forcing myself to read something I'm not remotely interested in.

Does this mean, I'm grown-up? ~gasp!~