Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Last Thing I Noticed

We have two bathrooms.  Each has only 1/2 of a roll of toilet paper.  I have been on antibiotics that don't agree with me.  I can't spare a square!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Remarks

I have finished decorating for the upcoming Holiday at my house.  I just love how it turned out.  Instead of going crazy on the tree (crazy = every ornament I own, along with a whole village of houses underneath and a train that goes around) I kept it simple.  But that previous statement doesn't include the lights in the hallway, I went the extra mile there this year.  But that is okay right?  RIGHT?
Anyway, I used two boxes of ornaments, strings of red beads and the reflection of light off the floor to add a glow (as a side note, I am skipping the tree skirt/dust magnet/cat bed this year too)
You realize, I am doing this because of the four year old.  I figure I'll stress less over it this way.  No yelling "Leave those Christmas houses alone, the pretty ponies can live someplace else!" or "Quit knocking over the train")
Oh, by the way, the tree is fake.  This is something that my teenage son points out EVERY CHANCE HE GETS.  He would like us to have a real tree.  Too bad, so sad.
I changed around the living room and have made it somewhat difficult to play video games and use the computer in a hidden manner.  It is now very teen unfriendly.
Inadvertently I did this but now ITS WORKING OUT SO WELL.  I'm kinda proud of myself.  I can make eye contact with whomever is on the computer AND see what video games are being played EASILY.
I don't see this changing even after the holidays are over.
HA.
I will post pictures and give you the tour.  (as soon as I empty my camera of years worth of photos)
My youngest asks everyone she meets (boys and girls alike) if they want a Barbie Swimming Puppy from Santa too.  It is the cutest thing.
I will be wrapping up books this evening, so we can open it and read one each night leading up to Christmas.
Very exciting stuff here!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The Baker's MeMe

1. If you could interview anyone on your blog (alive or dead) who would you chose and why?  I'd interview Robert Downey Jr.  That is if I could even think straight, I'd be too busy screaming like a teenage girl.

2. What do you feel is your strength as a blogger?  That I'm creative.

3. Can you share a little bit about yourself that you have not already mentioned on your blog?  I can't think of anything at the moment.  So check back.

4. If you were forced to change the name of your blog, what would you change it to? Why?  This is the third change to my blog, I have used all my good creative names.  HOWEVER, I'm sure I could come up with something if I had to (how's that for a long answer that doesn't answer the question, HA)

5. What do you think is the most fulfilling part of being a blogger?  I am doing it for myself.  I don't care who reads (~waves to Boss~).

6. What would you do with your last day if you found you had only one more day to live?  I'd want to spend it outside, someplace beautiful.

7. You’ve been doing medical research for decades and have finally found a cure. What was it that you found a cure for and why did you choose this particular ailment?  Pancreatic Cancer.  It's nasty and it needs to have a cure found for it.

8. What is your most guilty pleasure?  Reading smutty romance novels.  Love.

9. Answer only one. What is your favorite book, movie or TV show?  Right now, I could watch that movie with Jennifer Garner, Thirteen Going On Thirty.  Over and over.  Don't ask why, I just could.

10. What do you think is the very best smell in the world? The one smell that can take you back to a time and place of a very vivid memory in your past?  This is weird, but I really love the smell of gasoline.  It reminds me of all sorts of memories.  Pumping gas in my Dad's car.  My very first car.  My car now.  Etc.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Two Second Movie Review

Lamest movie, evAH.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Y~A~W~N

The way I see it is there are two sides to Black Friday.  Those who don't care and those who DO.

I'm a doer people (that is TOO a word!).  I think this year was the best Black Friday out yet.  It came with me and my Supercool BFF thinking we could get into Wally World at midnight of Thanksgiving.  Try a big old steaming cup of NOT on that one.  (Per Mass Blue Laws, which is just wrong people.  Wrong!)  We did do a drive by and laughed at those already in line and then we headed over to Target.  She had chairs and a blanket.  We had umbrellas handy (the forecast called for rain and at one point, it did but we were under an awning so we lucked out!)  We stopped and get AMP and REDBULL and snacks and then we sat.

And shuffled forward and sat some more.  Shuffled.  Sat.  Shuffled. Sat.

It was mild outside even.  Previous years meant biting cold wind.   Not this time. 

The longer you wait ... the more you find that .... people you don't recognize become familiar, as you inch forward, and those same people are the ones who hold your spot in line if you have to run to the bathroom or go up the road to get coffee.  And then everyone bands together to keep those who think they can "cut" in line OUT.

By the time we got into the store I think we all were bleary eyed and running.  But there is a thrill at getting your hands on the items you wanted and at a good deal.  For me, it was a great success.

And even better when you get to laugh and chat and laugh and chat with your best friend.

I couldn't have had a better time if I tried.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For This Thanksgiving

  1. I survived 2010.  It just about killed me with all the hurdles and roadblocks and at one point I seriously considered throwing in the towel.  But even in my darkest hours, giving up has never been my style.  So surviving 2010 it is!
  2. My three children.  They each are inspiring to me in their own way and without every realizing it.  I see myself in each one of them and while two would rather die than admit they have my traits, my youngest embraces being like me.  I'll take all of it, wrapped up with a pretty bow and filled with love.
  3. The enhanced reading skills that I have.  I don't often take even a moment to appreciate my own abilities but being able to read quickly has really helped me this year.  I know that I am more efficient because of it and it doesn't hurt that I can read your email, over your shoulder, faster than you can click the red x.  HAHA.
  4. To the new tenants downstairs.  They are rounding out their first full year here and while it was a sort of rocky start for them (she gave birth to twins and her husband had an awful infection in his heart, at one point both were hospitalized) but has since turned out beautifully.  They are really kind and thoughtful and I get to hang with her new little babies for a little bit each day when she goes to pick up her husband at the train station.  Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I love babies!  And here's to paying rent in 2011!
  5. I couldn't have survived this year without the Financial Aid of my parents.  Yes, they drive me crazy with my Mom always trapping squirrels and reporting the count to us and my Dad who is slowly loosing his super sharp mind to dementia (read:  instead of using words, he now uses hand gestures).  But they are my parents and they have bailed us out this year.  Buying me a washing machine, mattress, clothing and paying for our bankruptcy filing.  They are the best and I love them bunches for everything they have done.
  6. My health.  As I said in #1, this year has been a rough one and my body has often paid the price for all the stress the year has brought.  But it is and continues to be strong.  Allowing me to lift 5 gallon water jugs with ease and letting me run at three mile stretches.  In return, I have pledged to give up my favorite beverage, Coca-cola to drink more water.  So far, so good.
  7. Friends played a big part for me this year.  You all know who you are.  You mean the world to me and all of you have stood by my side and support me through the crap that I was dealt this year.  I cannot put into words how much I appreciate all of you.  ~someone get me a tissue please~
  8. My job.  Its no longer a challenge but its consistent and I'm employed, so I'll take it.
  9. Books, glorious books.  This year has offered up plenty of opportunities to get get my hands on lots and lots of reading material.  Not only for myself but for my family and friends too.  I have a lovely library filled with lots of reading material, this makes me feel blessed.
  10. Last but not in the least bit, the least.  I am thankful for my husband.  Twenty years of our lives we have shared with each other.  Our road has never been 100% smooth sailing but it has always been ours.  And with this year, marking a significant turning point for us, my man has showed himself to be a man of his word.  He has turned himself around.  He has grown up and he has changed.  I am grateful that we have both decided that each other is worth it and I hope that we continue to grow and love as we have been.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Post Date This

Three and a half years ago I started the process for a dental implant.  I had a tooth that went bad and instead of going the root canal and cap route, I chose to do the fake tooth, metal root route.  (say that five times fast, haha)  It was pricey but I had already done the scraping of roots on a previous tooth and just let the whole thing go, on piece of tooth at a time.  So this time I decided to remove and fake it.

Big mistake.  See ... my dentist recommended this other dentist that did extractions and implants (which why is that even?  I remember when the dentist did it all in one office, not a completely separate appointment someplace else).  Anyway, I went finally.  Got a price for an implant and did the tooth removal, bone graft (which is as gross as it sounds) and metal post implanted.  Bruised for a bit, I healed.

This dentist was wonderful.  There is IV medication on top of the best Novocaine and a good supply of pain meds just for good measure.  It was all bearable.  I even cut down on my calorie intake for a bit.  Win win.

Until I healed, and saw the xrays.  This metal post looked pretty crooked to me.  But what did I know.  I dutifully went back to my dentist, he saw the xrays and expressed the same thought.  He called the other dentist and explained that he cannot put a fake tooth on a crooked post.  I had to go back to the other dentist ... (are you confused yet?  because that's how I felt after going back and forth between the two of them several times)

Finally, there was much apologizing by the implant dentist, who messed it all up AND there were assurances of a full refund, I just had to make an appointment to get it done.  Fast forward to two years later.  Come to find out this dentist no longer does implants (GEE YA THINK?)  And que yesterday, when I had it removed finally.  Sedated again.  Swollen again.  Thinking having a gap in my molars isn't really a bad thing.

HOWEVER, I did get my full refund.  Can you say hello to CHRISTMAS?  And bill paying even (yes there was that much, implants are expensive!)

So after dreaming about all the things we can check off our lists to purchase this morning, at lunchtime I went to deposit the big fat check.

.... and it's dated November 29th.

WTF?

Monday, November 22, 2010

Where I Have Been

Hey There, whoever the random few are that read here, I'm back.
It has been a seriously wacky few months.  I think all has settled now and I'm finally able to get back into a routine.
I've missed you, all.
Where have I been?  Here is the recap.
  1. Lice.  The only one who didn't get it was my man.  I have never experienced this before (can't say that anymore now can I?) and it hit our house hard.  I spent weeks combing and picking out nits, only to have my youngest continue to be infested.  My wonderful hairdresser did an intervention and helped me.  I can now say we all are lice free AND I would totally wish this on my worst enemy.  It's evil.
  2. Stress, over finances.  Its been a tough year, all around for us.  Thanks to my wonderful parents, who keep assisting us.  They make sure our essentials are covered (like a new washing machine, a mattress for my son and paying for our bankruptcy filing).  We couldn't have made it the last few months without them.
  3. My man's back and feet are in tough shape.  We have been in the process of trying to get him on Short Term Disability since August 8th.  We have yet to receive any compensation.  Its very frustrating and we are at the mercy of the Plan Administrator (for his company), the Insurance Company and the Doctor's Office (who sends medical records and fills out needed forms).  We are hoping this week to get some sort of payment.  In the meantime, Physical Therapy and Co-pays are killing him/us.
  4. The Middle Child in the house is have problems his first year in High School.  He is not transitioning well and his peers are jerks.  I am pushing for another evaluation through his therapist and the school has intervened due to some bullying issues.  Not fun.  Lots of worry there.
  5. The Gigantic Craft Fair put on by the mother's club that I am President of was this past Saturday.  It is now BEHIND ME.  So I don't need to fret over details, like volunteers, baking, cash boxes, facility rentals and signs.  This pleases me like you would not believe.
All in all not horrible things but at times very overwhelming.  And if it weren't for the antidepressant I am currently on, I think I probably would have lost my mind by now.

But I'm still here and I feel blessed.  Which is huge.  HUGE.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sunday Stealing: Questions ala Randomness, A MeMe

What was the last thing you put in your mouth?  Toast spread with Nutella.  Yum.

How late did you stay up last night and why?  I went to bed at 8:30 last night.  I spent the entire day running a Craft Fair, that was a huge success, I was beat.

If you could move somewhere else, would you?  For years, I'd said no way but now that my older kids are almost graduating and my youngest has yet to get into school, I am thinking maybe someplace warmer and with a cheaper cost of living.

Have you ever been kissed under fireworks?  Not that I can remember.  But when I was in 5th grade, I met a boy at the Fireworks who I really liked and we sat on the water's edge and watched them together.  He held my hand.  My parents lost sight of me with all the people there and were really mad when I met back up with them.  They had no idea what I was doing.

Do you believe ex’s can be friends?  For the sake of the kids, you should be.

When was the last time you cried really hard?  Not in a couple of months now.  It's a good thing.

What items could you not go without during the day?  My black eyeliner, chapstick and water.  (Up until two weeks ago the water would have been Coca-Cola, but because I overindulge, I'm two weeks Coke free.  HAHA)

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?  I can't even remember.

How do you feel about your life right now?  Pretty good, for a change.

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find?  Messages from my Mafia War Clan, because I'm a dork like that.

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?  Please see blog title.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before?  Yes, many people have and it bugs the crap out of me.  No one is perfect.  I would never call myself that either.  Yes, I am nice and Yes, 99.5% I do the right thing.  But that .5% isn't pretty.  Trust me.

Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m.: who do you want it to be?  Publishers Clearing House telling me I've won a million dollars.

Do you think too much or too little?  Lets just say this ... "over analyze much?"

Do you believe in fairy tales?  I will believe in fairy tales, once pigs fly and hell freezes over.

Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?  Nope but I've used Windex on it.

What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?  I met an 18 year old guy at a rollerskating rink, when I was twelve.  We skated all night and made out for a bit of it.  I am still amazed that he didn't realize I was only TWELVE.  But whatever.

Have you ever been on a blind date?  Yes.  In High School, my, so called, friend set me up on a blind date with a guy who did nothing but try and get into my pants the entire evening.  He didn't.  I wasn't even remotely interested.  My, so called, friend talked to me the next day to share that HE HAD JUST GOTTEN OUT OF JAIL.  Needless to say we weren't friends after that and no more blind dates for me.

Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?  I do, several.

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?  Does having one right now count?  My 16 year old's Social Studies Teacher is handsome.  Needless to say, at parent teacher conferences I found myself using the word "Um" frequently and was unable to speak intelligently.  I WISH I had him for a teacher when I was in High School.

What song do you want played at your funeral?  Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry.  What?

Would you tell your parents if you were gay?  Yes.  And I would hope they would accept it and encourage me to find someone I could live my life with.

What would your last meal be before getting executed?  An Asian Chicken Wrap with fries and a Coke.

Do you walk around the house naked?  What and scare the cats?  Nah.

What do you do as soon as you walk in the house?  CLEAN IT.  I look forward to the day that I return to my house and find it looks the same as when I left it.

Who is the person you can count on the most?  Myself.  And I have always thought that way.

What is your favorite Holiday?  Christmas. Hands down.

Would you ever get plastic surgery?  No but I might try a facial peel to get rid of these brown spots.

Have you ever caught a fish?  Heck no but I've seen plenty be caught.

What is the first thing you notice about people?  Their shoes.  Don't ask why, I have no idea, I just do.

What is the farthest you’ve been from home?  France and that was over 20 years ago.

How did you meet your spouse or significant other (or most recent one)?  Working in the big city, in an office and he was running cable by my desk.  I asked for his assistance in cutting the speaker over my desk (it played piped in classical music, which drove nuts) and the rest is history.

Where was the last place you drove (other than home/school/work)?  To the movie theater to drop my teenager off.  She is going to see the latest Harry Potter movie.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday Stealing: Another 14 Questions MeMe

1. Lots of pillows or just one? Describe your pre-sleeping rituals.  My presleeping ritual is to fall into bed at the latest possible hour and instantly go to sleep.  I use three pillows.  Two under my head and one between my knees.  I've been doing this for years.

2. What kind of books do you read?  I love historical romance novels that take place in London's "Ton".  I also like to read Horror and Biographies.  While I do read other fiction for my bookclub, which is good, but its not my favorite.

3. What are your neighbors like?  I have older neighbors to the right of our house, which is fine.  But to my left we have a bad-ass group of young kids that are OBNOXIOUS.  Lots of burning rubber, loud talking and rabble rousing.

4. What's really creepy to you?  Older, weird looking men, that stare at you.

5. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?  I love Robert Downey Jr. and reading People Magazine.  Does that count?

6. Do you prefer your junk food sweet, salty or savory?  How about all three.  I'm an equal opportunity junk food eater.

7. What was the last thing you expensive bought?  Our flat screen TV for the bedroom.  A total luxury.

8. What is your greatest fear?  DYING.  Isn't that everyone's?

9. Do you get cravings? If so, what do you crave?  I don't usually get cravings but if I do, it's probably for anything chocolate.

10. What do you do to change your mood?  ESCAPE to someplace quiet and relax for a few minutes.  No guarantee that will help but it's a good band-aid.

11. What was the last meal you ate that you loved?  I had an Asian Chicken Wrap that was to die for, I've also been lucky enough to have the best lasagna ever.

12. Do you want to learn another language? If so, why?  French or Italian.  I'd love to live over there someday, as crazy and unrealistic as that sounds.

13. What's something that you'd like to say to someone right now?  I'd like to tell all those idiots that drive in front of me, everywhere I go, to MOVE IT ALREADY.  Heh.

14. What are you looking forward to?  The Holidays.  Even with  money being tight, it's still my favorite time of year.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The Fourteen Question MeMe

1. What do you consider your hometown to be?  Where I live right now.  I have lived here as long as the town I grew up in, AND I remember it, clearly.  HAHA.

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day?  The mornings, getting everyone's butts out of bed (including my own) and to school.

3. The easiest? Why?  Work.  Because its only about me and no one else.

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst?  Coca-Cola.  I'm addicted.

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself.  I want to write a book that is unique and interesting.

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing.  It has to be a consistent pain for me to take it seriously.

7. Where do you find solace?  In my Library, sitting between two large bookshelves, filled with my favorite reads.  It recharges me on tough days.

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news?  Anything involving the death of children.  Its senseless.

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack?  Chips & Dip.  Yummy!

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time?  Overboard with Kurt Russel & Goldie Hawn.  I could also watch House Sitter.

11. What boy/girl first made you cry?  My first real/serious boyfriend.  He broke my heart many times and I kept going back to him.  What an IDIOT!

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often?  Neither.  Cuz ew.

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves?  I can dig either way.  I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon?  Seriously?  Neither.