Oh my stars!
I've been tagged by the sweet Kimmy! For some reason, she thinks some of y'all might be interested in hearing more of my useless information! Imagine!?!
When did you first start blogging and why?
Initially, I started a blog because I wanted to chronicle some things going on in my life at the time. I no longer have that blog. I missed blogging though, so I created this one to give my thoughts a place which to escape.
What don't you talk about?
The things that I count too personal. Even here, I can't talk about everything. And politics and theology--I won't get into those either.
Are you and your blogging persona the same person?
I very much am the person in my blog. While I may not discuss everything, I very much am one and the same.
How do you use blogging to build friendships?
I think the internet is a powerful tool that, if used properly, can give you an avenue of discovery--for knowledge as well as friendships--which you wouldn't normally be able to attain.
(Crap! I just scared myself with that last sentence. What I MEAN, is: I've been able to meet (online and IRL some people I'd never have connected with without the benefit of the internet/blogging, and I think that is pretty cool!)
How would you describe your writing style?
Um...I dunno! I just write what's in my head. I try to make it interesting, because I like telling stories. Sometimes, I know I'm boring as a dead tree, but oh well--that's just part of me!
So...hmmm... *rubbing hands together gleefully* I'm gonna tag Miz Cheeky ('cause I can!)
(Only 5 posts left...)
Slapdash
I'm not real certain how this is going to come together, so just bear with me as I try to throw everything out that's been building up in my head. :)
Friday we had our first "family night." We've never had one of those before. We've never needed one. We've always spent so much time together because of homeschooling, that we had to schedule times AWAY from each other instead. ;) Initially, I was a bit apprehensive, but
it ended up being fun. I won, by the way. The Game of Life rocks! LOL Next up we're gonna try Cranium! I can't wait. :)
Saturday I took my mom to an Olde Tyme Country Concert. While it may not sound exciting to YOU, let me just say it was AWESOME! Don Helms, the last surviving member of Hank Sr's back up band, was there playing steel guitar. There were several performers doing covers of songs from Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Eddie Arnold, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubbs, Dolly and Porter and of course, Hank! It was so incredible to listen to the stories and witness this man still performing at 79!
He actually played on the original recordings of many of the songs performed that night. I was so pumped to see this show--and they didnt' let us down. Toe tappin'-hand clappin'-good! And to top it off, they closed the show with Johnny Cash's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "I Saw the Light" by Hank. Just fahbulous dahling!!
Work is kickin' my butt. Back to school time is always insanely busy, and I knew that. This year it's a little more difficult than most. M and her hubby haven't been in much at all this month. His dad passed away early in the month and this morning, her mom passed away. Complications got her down...she ended up developing pneumonia and a staph infection. Both which are typical complications from being on a vent and being in a hospital for any length of time. Her poor body just couldn't rally. For a few days it was looking much better. Last week, late, she started running a temp. And that was it. M is taking it very hard. It's now just her and her brother...and of course her children. But that's all the family she's got. Thank y'all for all in the past, but if y'all think about it, send another prayer up for her and her family.
On a brighter note, although work is super busy, I'm loving it. I'm getting to know more of the kids and their parents as they come in and register for this school year, and thank goodness my typing skills are excellent (thank you internet!!). There are days when I don't sit down for the first 2 hours I'm there simply because I'm running around answering the phones, making copies, dealing with a parent or doing faxes. Even though there is a chair at my desk, I always feel weird talking with someone while they're standing and I'm sitting, so I inevitably stand up to talk with them...then remain standing. What's the point of sitting down if I'm just going to have to get right back up, right? LOL
Oy vey! The boys just keep growing! Lil Guy has grown an entire INCH since the 7th of July!!
I'm not even certain the uniform pants I purchased for him the middle of June will still fit. Ugh.
I swear! If I have to return those pants I'm gonna scream! LOL Not really. It's all good. ;)
It certainly explains why he's been eating sooooo much food! And #1 Son? he's taller than his dad now...and still has at least 5 years left to grow. Imagine? SweetSon is growing at a slower pace--much to his chagrin. I never have to worry about him outgrowing anything at a rapid rate. ;)
Oh yes! Listen up! Only 6 more posts left til I reach my 100th. Get those burning questions in to me if you want them answered! I've got a list. I'm checking it twice. Some will be naughty and some will be nice! sthrngrace66@yahoo.com
Ciao*
Time: Friend or Foe?
My baby is...
Growing up--FAST!
He starts "real school" in less than 2 weeks. He looks SO FREAKIN' CUTE in his uniforms.
OMG And so grown up! *sigh*
This is it. He's the caboose. And as shocked and horrified as I was when I discovered I was pregnant with him (story for another day), I couldn't imagine my life without him. God gave him to me for a reason, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Don't get me wrong--all of my guys are special. Lil Guy's story is just different...and special in a special way.
I'm slowly adjusting to the fact that I am going to be giving up control to someone else...to people whom I don't know very well; in fact, to people I've only recently met. That is terrifying to me, yet other people do it all the time. I, on the other hand, am a little freaked out. I will survive this...and so will he. He'll probably survive it better than I, but that's okay. He's more malleable! ;)
Hi! Ho! Hi! Ho! It's off to work I go!...
Thursday Thirteen
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| Thirteen Things I REALLY DISLIKE
1. DUST
(I do believe it is the bane of my existence.)
2. People who don't take personal responsibility--
whether it's cleaning up after themselves or for some issue that is unresolved.
3. Being frightened
4. Waking up when I'm not ready to wake up.
5. Bad coffee
6. Blue ink.
7. Being late
(I don't mind if YOU are late, but I can't stand it if *I* am.)
8. Long nails on men
9. Being sweaty
(other than for extracurricular reasons *wink*)
10. Clutter
11. Feeling like I need to sneeze but I can't
12. Rumpled sheets
13. Rudeness--
both in others and myself.
I don't tolerate it at all.
Wow. That went really fast.
There are lots more things I could add,
but guess I'll have to save them for another week!
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Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged!
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I Have No Title
As of today's post, there are only 10 left til I hit my hundreth post.
I've decided to do what I've seen others do, and post several things (I'll shoot for 100, but likely won't make it) about myself you don't know. And I'll even give you an opportunity to fine tune the post! So put your thinking caps on, and if the question isn't horribly crass, I'll answer it. *wink* You can email the questions to sthrngrace66@yahoo.com. I'll get back with you, in ten days or so, with the answers. *grin*
This morning was just a glimpse of what is to come--it was still dark when I woke up at 7am. Ugh. There is nothing that stalls out my morning more than having to be "perky" while it's still freaking dark outside. Double Ugh. Thankfully, this darkness was due to the inclement weather, so I'll have a few more months to adjust to the ever darkening mornings...weeeeeeee! (NOT)
I've really been having a tough time sleeping, too. I was so exhausted last night yet I couldn't go to sleep. The last thing I remember is listening to Nancy Grace's voice but I woke up 3 times to use the bathroom (for cryin out loud!) and then my eyes popped open at 5:30. I forced myself to stay in bed and managed to fall asleep about 20 min before my alarm went off. Great, huh? LOL Classic.
I'm really busy at work. It's going well, though, so I have no real complaints. The owners (my friend, M) are still out of town. Hopefully they'll be returning today. An update on M's mom:
Miraculously, she is stable. They are continuing to be hopeful that she will recover completely, but it's a LONG road. They are weaning her off the ventilator and BP meds and believe she won't need dialysis again. They're allowing her to remain concious for longer periods of time and beginning to do some mild PT with her. She will be a walking miracle if she recovers. The doctors had pretty much given up hope of her surviving. Proof that miracles DO still happen. :)
Thank you for your prayers. Feel free to continue. ;)
Time to scoot this boot(y) into gear.
May you all have wonderful days!
Is it just me...?
Or does anyone else thing the actress who plays Colleen Carlton (on the Young and the Restless) should really go back to acting school?
Her storyline is getting more involved and she just isn't carrying it very well. For someone uncovering all this horrifying information about her dad, she just doesn't seem to be able to convey the emotions of "shock" and "betrayal" very well.
(Okay, yes! I wrote myself a note so I wouldn't forget to watch it this afternoon! LOL Sue me!)
Awkward Picture Monday
Jenny, over at Mommy Adventures has declared:
It's time once again for us to share those photos that will never see the light of day in a frame.
Nope, they won't be displayed on the mantel or hung on the wall. Why we keep them is a mystery at all. Masochists, blackmailers, whichever you are, pull them out now and give the world of the internet a peek at the poses "you'll never share with another living soul"--except, that is, US!
So, here's my peek for this week:
Mom popped in for a visit with the grandchildren.
Whew. Good thing I made coffee, eh?
;) Didja play?
Perfect Prescription
- A night out with a good friend...
- A few drinks (OMG) in great clubs...
- A LOT of laughs...
- A possibly scandalous picture that may end up in a local, independent paper (It's scandalous only IF they mention the name of the club in which it was taken.)
- And a LOT of great memories.
Just what the doctor ordered.
I was going to kind of go into detail about what went on last night, but I just can't.
There're so many details I don't want to leave out, but if I were to give all of them enough detail, this post would be pages long. Just trust me when I say it was ideal. And I can't wait to do it again!
I love music and I got a HUGE dose of it last night--several different genres, in fact.
A little 80s, a little club house/dance, a little Cajun...Every place we went was so unique in its identity (as were the clientele), but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at each place.
Stopped at a Greek place for food and had the most interesting conversation with the waitress.
She's from somewhere else (sorry, don't remember where LOL) and she said she started waitressing because it seemed like something interesting to do and while waitressing won't be her chosen profession, it has been all she ever expected and more. And to top it all off, she's met some wonderful people and had wonderful experiences. How cool. Not some burnt out, down-on-her-luck chick thinking what she does is scraping the bottom of the barrel. We gave her a full 50% tip. You should've seen her face. I swear Christmas lights went off in her eyes. It was great.
She was adorable and totally deserving.
I miss Chloe. I do. I realize she's better off, but I still miss her. It'll be awhile til the ache goes away, but I can do this.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 Don't worry. LOL Sometimes things just come to me. And because you're sitting there reading this, you get to see them, too. Ain't that just cool?
(*insert chuckle*)
I hope y'all had a nice day. Mine was fairly lazy and peaceful. I am glad.
Enjoy your evenings.
No SPF Today
Felt like I needed to warn ya cuz if you popped over here to check it out, I didn't want you to get caught up in the long-ass blog below.
Y'all have a great day. :)
It's 5:26 a.m. And I can't sleep.
And if you hang on for the ride, maybe you'll understand why.
Here are the completely random thoughts running through my head:
1. I don't have to work today. I have a long day ahead of me. I should really sleep in.
2. I have so much work to do, I should really go in this morning. Back 2 School packets need to go out next week and my bosses have been away most of the month dealing with family crises (that's the plural form, folks, not a typo). They're out of town now, and I'm not certain when they'll be back. I have the rough draft (finally) and need to get it put together. I can do it at home but I concentrate better at work. Ugh. I'll see how things go this morning.
3. I also need to go shopping. I have plans tonight and would really like to get a new outfit, or at least a new piece of clothing.
4. I'm so disgusted with myself these days. Since my surgery, I've put on 20 pounds and I suck. I had an appt. with the doctor a few weeks back and cancelled it because my hubby didn't feel it a "necessary" appt. I just wanted to get my blood taken and see if there was something wrong with me. I am NOT eating more than I was (I know y'all are thinking--yeah, right), and I'm actually moving more (cuz I feel better). No, I'm not on any regular exercise routine, but I'm moving more. And that has to count for something. I am eating less and even attempting what some might call a diet. I have read that hypothyroiodism oftentimes sets in with menopause and since I was thrown into menopause after my surgery, and gained this weight with no change in my diet or routine, I just want a freaking blood test to prove I'm okay...or not.
5. Hey! TKW! Want some booty? I got your portion (and a few others) right here, hon! Why can't we share body fat? I mean, once our bodies have what they "need", why can't God had made it easier to share that stuff? I'll be sure and ask Him that, one day. Trust me. I won't forget.
6. It infuriates me that my husband says it "doesn't matter" to him that I've gained weight.
I mean, it really pisses me off when he tells me I "look nice". It pisses me off even more when he says he "loves my body" (right before he wants to have sex). He's a flippin' liar. I see what's in the mirror every day, dude. I'm not blind. I look like a freakin' road map from all the surgeries--2 C-sections, hysterectomy(not done in the same place as the C-sections, tyvm), gall bladder. Just get a marker. Maybe the dot-to-dot that is my abdomen will make a pretty picture. And then you can take a picture. And then I'll be in the Guiness Book of Records. And then we'll be rich. Yeah. This might work.
7. I just realized while I was ranting that I have forgotten to take my hormone the last several days. I don't remember the last time I took it. Maybe Monday? So, um, maybe that accounts for some of my irrational attitude. Okay, okay, I got up and took it. It's pretty bad when even *I* don't want to live with me. Give me a day or two for levels to get back up and I'll be just peachy again. :)
8. I want to start walking in the mornings before I get out, but Lil Guy has some kind of crazy radar on him that alerts him when I'm awake. For instance, this morning, I was up 30 min earlier than I normally am, and who comes trodding out here 5 min after I sat down? Yup. He did. Now, explain to me, how I'm supposed to get up and go for a walk with the risk of him waking up and getting the other boys up. Once the school year starts, I'll need to be up at 5:30 am every day. That means that to get a walk in, I'd need to be up by 4:45 am. He's four. He can't be waking up that early, number one. And number two, the older boys need more sleep than that, too. Ugh. Whine. Gripe. Whine. Just. Stop. Talking. K.
9. I need someone to fix my life. I don't seem to be doing too well.
10. Chloe had a rockin' night last night. She got grilled hamburger (broken up into pieces), a hot dog, and she got to sleep in a BED.
She got some serious play time and attention, too. She got so wound up at one point (while #1 Son was playing with her), she snapped at Lil Guy when he tried to get into the action.
And. she. didn't. get. disciplined. (She only pinched the skin and he'll have a bruise.) We just separated the two of them and I told #1 he needed to calm her down. LOL Poor baby. Lil Guy was quite distraught.
And Chloe was quite sorry. She couldn't quit trying to lick him, which led to another ruckus. LOL We did get them all calm, eventually.
11. I don't think I'll blog about what happens today. I'm tired of feeling sad and depressed and guilty. Y'all have been so awesome. You've put up with my self-pity and my sadness. You've been awfully sweet and kind, and compassionate. Compassion is such a lost art. "Be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another, just as in Christ, God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Don't worry, I'm not gonna preach at you. That's just one of the memory verses I learned years ago. And this is my brain ramble, so that's what you get--whatever is in my head. :)
12. Forgiveness is something I don't do very well. Trust, once broken, is hard won. They seem separate, and I guess they're supposed to be, but they're connected, nonetheless. It's just so incredibly hard to get beyond the broken trust. True forgiveness is when you can say you've "wiped the slate clean"; you remember it no more; and most important, you don't bring it up in the future. Argh. Why is it I can forget to take my medication (which I need) but not forget that time when __________ did/said __________? How sucky is that? *sigh* What can I say? I'm a work in progress.
13. Finally, I think I'm out of thoughts. LOL Is that a paradox or what?? I guess, since I'm up soooo early, I'll go take a shower. Won't be any exercising going on this morning so no need to waste time pretending there will be. Lil Guy has made sure of that. :) Good thing he's so darn cute. ;)
14. Oh wait. I knew there was more. No SPF again this week. I just don't have the oompah-pah for it. Besides. I can't show you what's under my kitchen sink. Let's just say it's top secret. If I showed ya, I'd have to kill ya. And I'd hate to do that.
You'll have to check Flickr for a pic of Chloe (blogger is being a butt). She doesn't photograph well. Just thought I'd share that with you now. Can't seem to ever get a decent picture of her, but you'll "get the picture". LOL
May you all have really wonderful days :)
You know the saying...
(Warning: If you're looking for uplifting and perky, keep moving. This post is damn depressing.)
"There's always someone who has it worse off than you?"
Well, I know that someone. Keep reading...
I went to work today with a heavy heart. I had to make the call to the vet and schedule an appointment for Chloe. After talking with my mother (who has taken in stray animals for years and volunteered with vets and the Humane Society in her area), we decided it was in Chloe's best interest to "take care of matters" now--before she got really sick. The vet's blood tests won't be wrong. There's no mistake. She will definitely be getting sicker the longer we wait.
So...
You know we'll be spoiling Chloe rotten between now and then. Shoot. It started last night. We NEVER give her table scraps. Last night she got her own grilled hot dog! Tonight she's having hamburger. Don't know what she'll get tomorrow. Maybe steak. I don't normally allow her to sit on the furniture (she has a pallet on the floor). Fugitaboutit. She's queen of the sofa right now.
Friday at 1:30 pm. Mom is coming with me. I need her to be there with me. We all have our support systems. I am the support system for my children. Mom is mine. :)
Prayers, happy thoughts, peaceful vibes, whatever it is you'd like to send will be more than appreciated. It's gonna be a tough afternoon...
And speaking of tough things to deal with...
My friend, M, is going to see her mother in Memphis this weekend. Her mother was being treated for cancer and ended up being allergic to the chemo. She. may. not. make. it. The medicine is going to be the thing that kills her, not the cancer. Where is the justice in that?
M and I have been friends for 10 years or so. Our kids were in kindergarten together. They moved here the 2nd week of school. She lost her father when she was in college. And now, at the age of 38, she may very well lose her mother. All I'm losing is a dog.
My heart breaks for her.
If y'all don't mind...send her some good thoughts and prayers too.
I know she'll feel 'em.
Thanks.
Forgive me if I ramble...
What started as a frenzied search for our escaped rat terrier, Chloe, and mediated as a possible broken leg, has resulted in our discovery that she has stage 5 heartworm disease.
When she came limping up to me after I saw her, I naturally assumed she'd injured the leg she was favoring. She growled and snapped at me when I tried to examine it, so I just bundled her up in a blanket and #1 Son and I took her to the vet.
They were extremely busy, so they asked that we leave her there and told me how much it might possibly be if they had to do X-rays. I told them to just do whatever was necessary. I was told she should be ready around 4, but to call first.
We returned home, slightly concerned for our Chloe, but knowing she was in good hands. At 4:20pm I phoned the vet. The receptionist told me I needed to come in and that Dr. Kevin would talk with me when I got there. I thought that a little strange, but really didn't get too concerned.
When I got to the vet and all the ladies kept looking at me, I started to think something serious had either happened to Chloe or that something was seriously wrong. I was right.
When we got back into the room where the Dr. was, I'll admit, I was a bit anxious and when he told me my dog had a heart murmur, I maybe got a little in his face. I assumed it was an undiagnosed condition. I was wrong. Unbeknownst to me, heart murmurs are caused by serious heartworm disease.
Once I got calmed down, he proceeded to explain to me about the 6 stages of heart disease. The last time my dog was at the vet was a year and a half ago. (She's been an inside/outside dog in general good health. There just wasn't any reason to bring her.) They tested her then. She was negative. This means the mosquito bit her and she's developed stage 5 in a year and a half.
Her problem this afternoon had nothing to do with her leg. When I found her she was in the throes of congestive heart failure. Rat terriers aren't hard wired to understand that when they dont' feel well they slow down, so her body did it for her. She was just short of actually passing out when I got to her. By the time we got to the vet, she was still in shock. They gave her fluids and a sedative. And now this Dr. is telling me we "could" treat her, but she's only got about a 30% chance of survival due to the intense congestion and her breed--a breed that doesn't know how to "stay quiet". He said even if we get through six weeks of treatment, if she somehow gets out of the house and runs into the yard, she could drop dead right there. We're talking 3 - 4 months of being in the house in a dog kennel and leash walking only; weekly vet visits to have blood tests done; hundreds of dollars for the treatment and follow-up visits, all with the possibility that it could all be for naught if she gets overly excited--if we choose to treat her.
Hubby has already assumed we're putting her down. Honestly I can't rationalize the expense.
We (I) love the dog, truly I do. She has been a part of Lil Guy's life since he was born. But we just don't have the funds available to put out...I just don't know.
Let my neglect/naivete be a lesson to you all:
Get your dog tested for heartworms and put on a preventive.
It really could save their lives.
And it could save your heart as well...
FINALLY!
A man who understands my needs--for creature comforts! A/C Guy was on the way home when he remembered about my plight and turned around to come and check on my situation.
Now HE is a man who truly understands (that no one should have to suffer in 90+ degree temperatures for any length of time)!
When A/C Guy showed up last night before our pitiful supper of cold cuts n cold tea with ice cream for dessert (do ya see a theme??), I met him at his truck and said, "I'm not saying you look like Jesus or anything, but I do believe you're my savior!" He just grinned and gave me an "aw shucks" kind of look. LMAO
Turns out it was "only" a disconnected connection (of some sort) that had evidently been working itself loose for some time (insert technical talk) and it took him all of FIVE minutes to fix it. He gave us a "deal" cuz he went to highschool with Hubby, but let me tell you, these guys are doing pretty darn good. Ugh. Thank goodness for "deals" in any form. That's all I gotta say.
So the moral of this story? If your hubby is gonna screw up, make sure he calls on a good friend to fix it for ya when it really goes wrong so you have to suffer the least amount of time and be given a "deal" so it hurts less in the pocket. That ensures they both get hugs at the end of the day. :)
And oh yeah--I'm making July 17th "Hug Your A/C Guy" day. They sooooooooooo deserve it!
Oh Me; Oh My! Awkward Picture Monday!
I almost forgot today was Monday (except for the fact I had to get up and go to work n stuff...)!!! 
Brought to you courtesy of Jennifer over at Mommy Adventures.
This is where you get the "opportunity" to post your freakiest, most embarrassing photos!
They can be of you, your husband, your friends, your in laws, whoever happens to be in a "most awkward" moment. :) So have fun! And if ya play, let us know!
Here's my loverly little post for APM this week--
Me and Sweet Son in Florida at an English fort.
It was scorchingly hot that day too. Difference? We are outside. It's supposed to be hot outside. Big difference. Just sayin'.
Can ya see the exhaustion and the sweat on my face? I certainly can. Ugh. Oh wait. That's what I see in the mirror today. Silly me. I get confused like that when my brain is frying.
See the goofy expression on Sweet Son's face? Who knows what that's about. This is the only picture we took there cuz it was extremely HOT. LOL
That's the only reason it got saved in the archives.
Update? Hubby called A/C Guy and he "promises" to be here before dark.
It's 5:28 pm. I'm watching the clock. Worry not.
See ya.
89 Degrees
That's the temperature inside my house right now.
I'm from the school that says you're not supposed to bad-mouth your husband in public 'cus it's just bad manners, but I'm telling you right now that I'm fixin' to do some bad-mouthin'. Brace yourself, Grandma.
THREE WEEKS AGO I noticed that our A/C wasn't cooling as well as it had been. (It's basically brand new--we got it March 2005--and we've been soooooooo thankful that we finally had one that wasn't a dinosaur who insisted on eating our money rather than the green leafy's provided by nature.) I was having to turn the thermostat a lil lower to get it in the same coolness range that I like. I mentioned it to the slacker who lives here my husband and he said he'd check to see if there were any blockages, blah blah blah (insert technical talk here). He came to me and said he couldn't find any and that HE would call the A/C guy we use. Days went by--nothing. I ask him if he's heard anything from A/C Guy. He says, "Oh Man! I forgot. I'll call him tomorrow (since it's now 10:30 pm and I'm turning the thermostat down because it's too warm). " Okay, so I wait a couple more days and think, "Well, it's summer and that's always a busy time for them...I'll be patient." Another week goes by and I ask AGAIN when A/C Guy is coming. He says, "Oh Man! I forgot." (Insert deadly glare here.) Ooooookay. "Do ya just want me to call him?" I ask.
"Ohhhh No No No. I got it hon." Yeah. Right. See me holding my breath?
Today I get this frantic call at work: "Dear! There's something wrong with the A/C! It's been running for hours and it's 84 degrees in here. I couldn't sleep at all! (He works nights and sleeps in the early morning/afternoon.) I think we need to call A/C Guy!" (Genius, ain't he?)
At this point I almost threw the phone across the room...but didn't because I was at work and it wasn't my phone, and he wasn't standing in front of me. Instead I simply said, "Weren't you supposed to call him several weeks ago?" "Oh yeah. Wow. Well, I'll call him now, k?" *eye roll*
So, I come home and IT IS FREAKIN' HOT IN THIS PLACE.
I've got every fan blowing.
I've borrowed fans.
I have windows open.
I have even stood in front of the freezer with the door open.
I have one of those "cool neck wrap things" around my neck.
I am typing this with my "cool" mask I use for headaches strapped to my head.
The kids are outside in swim trunks playing with water balloons and in the sprinkler.
Why can't I be allowed to run around in a pair of shorts, topless? That's what I want to know.
A/C Guy is "supposed to make a pass" some time this afternoon. It's 4 pm now. If he doesn't "make a pass" this evening. You'll be hearing about me on CNN and FOX, I'm sure, cuz the destruction I'm going to wreak ain't gonna be pretty.
And oh yeah, it looks like it might rain. Great. I'll have to close the windows. Shoot me.
That is all.
(And to top it all off? Blogger won't let me post the picture of my thermostat at 89 as proof that it's FREAKIN' HOT. GRRRRRRRRRR.)
You'd never know...
by looking at this picture, but this cat takes her job very seriously.
Last night everyone was already in bed and I was sitting up piddling around working on the computer when suddenly I heard something hit the wall in my living room with great force. I jumped and turned to where my sleeping cat (Frosty) had been in the center of the room and was shocked to see only her rump sticking out from under the telephone table--tail twitching madly. I shook my head, mumbled something about psychob*tch cats and went back to goofing off work. Not a minute later I am greeted with the most Godawful sound imaginable. I turned once again and saw my cat prancing, yes, prancing and meowring around the living room with something hanging out the side of her mouth--WIGGLING. I thought, "Dear God, please don't let her have caught a lizard. I will absolutely D I E if she drops a lizard on the floor." In the meanwhile, she was prancing in my direction. She stopped just short of my chair and dropped a HALF DEAD MOUSE beside me. I squealed, the mouse attempted to take off on its two little working front legs, and my cat pounced on top of it, then sat there continuing to meowr-- looking rather smugly up at me.
I know she was only trying to get me to give her an "attagirl", and I am really happy she caught the rodent (shudder), but try as I might, I just couldn't give her a whole lot of praise until that critter was out of my house. So I went into the kitchen, dug through my oldest utensils and came up with a broken pair of tongs. I walked back over to Frosty and she started growling at me! Did you know cats growl? I've only ever heard her do it when her territory was being threatened by another cat, but here she was growling at ME! I'm her bread and butter, dammit!! Anyway, I had to get that mouse away from her.
I tentatively reached towards her with the tongs and attempted to pinch the mouse's tail, but she was onto me. With the speed of light, she lifted one paw and with the other one, batted the mouse into the living room. She leaped, from a full sitting position, three feet onto that wiggling mouse and BEGAN BATTING IT AROUND MY LIVING ROOM--like a hackie sak.
Good Grief! Bat. Dying mouse struggle to run. Leap./ Bat. Dying mouse struggle to run. Leap. You get the picture. She did this for a full 3 minutes, all the while I am just praying that she doesn't accidently gut it with her razor sharp claws. Ew. Thankfully, the mouse quit moving and then she was bored. I swear I saw her yawn as she walked away and curled up next to the couch. AT that point, I was able to finally retrieve the mouse and put it and the tongs in the garbage.
Then I gave her a good scratching... and went and set traps.
Thursday Thirteen
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| Thirteen Things That Make Me Swoon
1. eyes that have a story
2. laugh lines
3. dimples/cleft chin
4. sense of humor (he has to appreciate mine, too)
5. loves his family/family values
6. polite to waiterstaff/servers/housekeeping
7. firm pecs (chest muscles)
8. well-defined legs
9. nicely tended nails--they don't have to be "manicured" but think about it...do you want some greasy, slimy, broken-down nail-handed guy touching you???
10. closely trimmed hedge ;)
11. goatee
12. artistic tattoos
13. a sense of adventure and a willing spirit
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Overheard at my house today:
SweetSon: "What's on your butt?"
Lil Guy: "I dunno. (He reaches behind himself trying to move whatever is there) Get it off."
SweetSon: "It's your sucker!!"
All a mother can do is shake her head at things like this. I tell ya. Makes me think about how truly blessed my friend, TKW, is because her daughter's sucker did not end up anywhere on her flower girl dress (or anyone elses, for that matter).
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Call I received at work today:
Caller: "I just saw the ad in the paper for an English teacher for this school year..."
Me: "Yes, that's right."
Caller: "Um, I still have a job, right?"
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Conversation I had:
Hubby: "Man, I'm beat. Work is kickin' my butt, my back is still hurting from this weekend, my lats are aching, my elbow feels like it's stuck in park, my feet hurt..."
(He opens door and begins to walk outside.)
Me: "Where ya goin'? Why don't you just rest?"
(Yeah, right. What? I must've been smoking crack!)
Hubby: "I'm going to work out."
Me: *eye roll*
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This is an addendum to yesterday's Awkward Picture Monday.
It's only for TKW! No one else is allowed to see it! LOL
This is what happens when a "lil tiny bit" of champagne is chased by Bailey's.
Heh.
Awkward Picture Monday
Okay y'all, Jenny over at Mommy Adventures has created a new photo-posting op.
It's called Awkward Picture Monday. What do you do for APM? Well, you know those pictures of you, your kids, your husband, your best friend, your mother, your mother-in-law, etc that you keep but you don't really want to show to anyone?
This is the format for them!
You now have a place to post those pictures you'd never show to anyone else in the entire world--except your dear blog friends. *grins* So let's see 'em. Show us what you've got!
Let us know if you played. I mean, we wouldn't want to have your most embarrassing photos go unseen, now, would we??? *wicked laugh*
This week's photo was a hard decision. There are just so many from which to choose! I figure that I'll start with my oldest child. He's been with me the longest and therefore, I have the most pictures of him. :) I have a couple of pictures that I know my #1 Son would pay good money to keep from ever being seen...This is just one. Heh.
Here he is doing his Steve Erkel impression.
(Notice the green boxers hanging out from the bottom of the shorts??) LMAO
Didja play? Lemme see!
Gracie Was Tagged!
Alrighty then...Ms. Cheeky tagged me and passed on this lil question and answer sesson to me. Wasn't that soooooooo sweet of her to think of me while on her vacation? *snicker* Yeah, I thought so too. ;)
Heeeeeeerrreeee ya go!
1. The book nearest me - "Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons" (whispered mumbles) "Huh? But I thought she was sending all her kids to school next year. Why is she looking at a book like that??" Welp, folks...it's like this. I'm totally anal. I admit it. It's a disease. Yes, I know Lil Guy is going to school next year, but I can't help myself. I have to give him a headstart. I mean, I've been working with him (in a very relaxed fashion) all this time, and I think he's ready. Why on earth do I want to just quit? He loves learning. *sheepish look*
2. Stretch out left arm what do you touch? - bottle of water
3. Last thing watched on television? - I rented "The Family Stone" last night and just got around to watching it this afternoon. It was really quite better than I expected. It was a bit cliche'd but still good.
4. Without looking what time is it? - four-ish
5. What actual time is it? - 4:07 pm I'm good, huh? ;)
6. With the exception of the computer what can you hear? - Lil Guy is in the living room playing "Star Wars" and he's having a fight with someone. I hear the sounds of "struggle", "pain", and "last breaths"... He's a one-man play, lemme tell ya.
7. When did you last step outside? - A couple of hours ago. Came home from the grocery store with the ones the-psycho-bi*ch-with-no-memory I forgot to buy.
8. Before this survey what did you look at? - Um...MSN article about the best sunglasses for your face shape. LOL
9. What are you wearing? - Burgandy T-shirt and khaki capris
10. Did you dream last night? - Yep. I always do. Thankfully I haven't had another anxiety dream. I am pretty sure I got the issue worked out, so that is a relief. There'll be something else--there always is. LOL
11. When did you last laugh? - 20 min ago
12. What is on the walls in the room? - A Monet print--The Artist's Garden at Argenteuil, a print of Pirate's Alley in the French Qtr, a painting my aunt gave me as a wedding gift that her friend did, a mirror, a print of magnolias, bookcases.
13. Seen anything weird lately? - LOL yeah...my kid does this impression of Carlos Mencia (comedian) that is absolutely hilarious. It's like his whole body is possessed. He cracks me up.
14. What do you think of this quiz? - If I were a pair of underwear, I would be Matthew McConaughey's favorite. Oh wait. That wasn't the question. Heh. Silly me!
15. What is the last film you saw? - Well, as you already know, I just saw "The Family Stone" this afternoon in the comfort of my bed, but Friday evening I went to the show and saw "The Devil Wears Prada" which was a good one, too.
16. Tell me something we don't know - I think every woman needs three husbands. Now, before you all start freaking out, let me explain. ;) You need one for financial stability, one for hot, Hot, HOT sex, and one emotional support and understanding (and help with the chillens).
17. If you could change one thing about the world, what would you do? - "That would be... harsher punishment for parole violaters, Stan. And world peace!"--Gracie Lou Freebush ("Miss Congeniality")
18. Do you like to dance? - Yup. But I'm kinda stuck in the 80s. LOL
19. George Bush? - He is the president.
20. Imagine your first child is a girl - Oooohhhhhhhhh FUN!
21. Imagine your first child is a boy - No imagination necessary. (Pssssstttt...secret? My hubby's girl-makin'-thingie is broken.)
22. Would you consider living abroad? - Yes. Yes. Yes. When? Where? Do I have a temporary visa??
23. What would God say to you when you reach the pearly gates? - My name is in the Book, right? (silence) Right?? *nervous laugh*
23. 6 people who will do this quiz - Oh for cryin' out loud! I have no idea! You people draw straws. LOL That works for me!
Weekend Words Challenge
and it may be my last! LOL
It looked interesting and it's definitely challenging.
Because this was a last minute decision,
I've combed through my files and found some pictures
rather than going out and taking new ones.
Although they're not new,
I do think they fulfill the challenge nicely.
You be the judge.
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1. Entice
Domke Falls--Washington
2. Fulfill
First Steps--9 mos + 2 days old
SPF--Love, Honeymoons, & Something Blue
This week closes out the wedding theme brought to us by the lovely Kristine who is getting married TOMORROW! Woot! Woot!
Her requests this week are for:
1. Your Love (show us some love)
2. Take us on a Honeymoon! (bring us somewhere with your pictures)
3. Something Blue (No sad faces before my wedding!)
So without further adieu, here ya go:
My Love:
Mine is a story about how I thought love had died, and how it was ressurected. I could go into great detail about it, but it wouldn't serve any purpose if I did. Rather, I will just give you the "Cliff's Notes" version. :)
After having completed our family, a little blessing appeared in the form of a double pink line. Once the shock wore off, I was estatic. Unfortunately, this blessing was not to come to fulfillment in this life. With his death came the death of my own emotional life. Although I still had two beautiful, healthy children and a husband, I just couldn't deal with the loss of the one. In essence, I died. After many traumatic months and trials, my husband and I started slowly building our lives again and I started coming to life. In an amazing twist of fate, I discovered I was pregnant again--1 week later than I'd discovered I was pregnant the year before.
After the shock and the anger wore off, I started enjoying the pregnancy. This baby wasn't to blame for any of the things I'd experienced. I owed it to him/her to do everything in my power to ensure s/he had all the opportunities the others had. My Lil Guy was born 10 days before my due date the previous year. I cried a lot...for a lot of reasons. Birthing ain't no easy feat (c-sections aren't fun) but also I cried for the loss...and for life. When I first saw him, I couldn't believe it. I was still in denial of sorts. When I was finally able to hold him, I physically felt the dam break. My love was renewed. And while "my love" is about my whole family, my heart is most grateful to my Lil Guy for bringing it back to life.
This is the cemetary where my Jacob rests.
And here is a picture of the Lil Guy responsible
for bringing my love back to life.
Kristine & Shaun's Honeymoon:
The Venetian in Las Vegas, baby!
Something Blue: How bout a lil something blue (the sky)
and a second option for "the honeymoon?" The beach!
Didja play? I wanna see!
Anxiety Dreams
You ever have them? You know, those dreams where your stomach is in knots and your heart is racing about some scenario your subconcious has woven. I hate 'em. This is the second time in a week I've had an anxiety dream. I think I need to sit back and analyze what's going on...
I was jerked out of my sleep this morning before 5am due to a disturbing dream I had about someone I'm not really friends with anymore. Oh, we play the game, but the real friendship is gone. The dream really bothered me because for whatever reason, I was seeking her approval and I couldn't get it. And I panicked. Now I'm stuck with this hung-over feeling that I can't shake. And that sucks.
On the bright side, I've been able to catch up on reading all the blogs I've been missing out on!
Some of y'all have been busy! Others have been busy with other things (life) and I'm sure will have lots to blog about when you have a minute to catch your breath. :) Either way, it's been an enjoyable time. I still haven't shaken that "feeling" but now the LilGuy is up and my day will really begin...and I'll be distracted--a pleasant distraction, too!
May you all have wonderful, stress-free days!
Ohhh, how I would love to show you pictures of our family and friends sitting around a picnic table scarfing down grilled hotdogs and chips and cookies and watermelon and sipping soda all the while resembling DROWNED RATS, but alas, I can't, because SOMEONE forgot the camera. So instead, you'll get the writen word version. :)
We knew going into this day that we would likely get wet. The weatherman predicted 70% scattered thunderstorms. But hey, we're optimistic, so we thought we might be in the 30% that wouldn't get rained on.
Getting up this morning to a gloriously sun-shiney day helped keep our optimism high.
We (I) finished packing up the picnic things while the Hubs and kids did the outside stuff. (Read: stayed out of my way.) Our friends showed up right on time and we proceeded to toodle along to Chicot State Park. Halfway there, it didn't start raining, it started POURING. I mean, pouring-so-hard-I-couldn't-see-the-car-in-front-of-me pouring. It was at this point I thought, "Ut oh." But we were half way there and I could see a break in the clouds ahead of me and after a quick call with our friends, we figured, "Oh well. Might as well see if it lets up." So we continued.
And sure enough, the rain let up and the sun came out and we pulled into the park and from out of nowhere, black clouds appeared and burst open as we pulled into the parking pad. Again, I had another brilliant thought, "Ut oh." We sat and waited for about 10 min, tried to call our friends but lo and behold, there is NO CELL SERVICE 10 miles from Podunk, USA. Go figure. My hubby ran over to our friends' vehicle and J got out of his van and they stood in the rain discussing whether or not we should try and stick it out. J had the foresite to bring along a pop-up gazebo thingie and so Hubs and J set that up over a picnic table in the pouring rain . We cheered them on from the fair comfort of the dry, air conditioned vehicle. I secretly wondered which one of them was going to hold the umbrella over my head as I walked from the car to the picnic area. (Um...neither.)
When Hubs came back to our car he told me that he and J had decided that the rain would "probably" be letting up and that we should go ahead and try. *insert pained sigh*
So we did.
And that is how we got to the point with which this story began.
Thankfully for Hubs and J, the rain did stop. The sun did come out again. And we did have a wonderful time fishin' and swimmin'. And we did get the picnic area broke down before the heavens opened up again!
Bathroom Math and Other Stuff
Overheard in my bathroom:
Lil Guy: MOOOOMMMMM! I'M DOOOONNNNEEEE!
Me: *mumbling* Great
LG: Wow! Mom! Check that out!
Me: *looks into toilet and exclaims with fake horror* EEEEK! There's a SNAKE in my toilet!
LG: Noooooooooo Mom...*duh look* It's a SIX!
Yep, my boy is brilliant. He knows his numbers, alrighty. *proud mom look*
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Overheard in my car:
Me: *driving* Oh, don't worry too much about it #1Son. Yanno, some girls are just fickle.
Not much you can do except buy a voodoo doll just move on.
*pats him*
Me: *nervous laugh* That felt weird...
#1Son: Um Mom?
Me: *still driving* Yes Sweetheart?
#1Son: Um, that was my ball.
Me: AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
There was a hackie sac in his pocket. Argh. He's a piece o' work, lemme tell ya.
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Me: *thinking* Gah. Smells like sauerkraut... *yells to random place in house* Hon, did you open the sauerkraut jar in the fridge?
Hon: *hollers back* Nope.
Me: *yells back to spot from which holler came* Damn. It stinks in here. Smells like something freakin' died. Maybe you should get under the house and check it out.
Hon: *hollered again* Sure. Can it wait til I'm done in the bathroom?
Ugh.
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Thus far, we've had a great time this weekend.
While some people wouldn't think being left at home alone and cleaning all day is a "good" experience, it is one of the best things you can do for me. I can't clean (properly) if people are home. There's always someone getting in my way or talking to me while I'm concentrating on something else. (Dirt and grime removal is intensive work, I tell ya.)
So everyone else in my house was away doing something else yesterday and I cleaned like a mofo. When they all came trudging home yesterday afternoon, they thought I was joking when I told them they'd have to shack up at a motel til I managed to dirty it up a bit cuz I wasn't going to allow them to do it for me. Hmmph. MEN (and their predecessors: BOYS).
They managed to sneak in the back way...
We spent a very pleasant evening at some friend's home. Our children are kind of stairstepped in and they all get along really well. They have "late blessing" as well, so that really helps because then the little ones can keep each other occupied and the grown-ups can hang out pretty much unencumbered. :)
We're looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and... I get to go school uniform shopping tomorrow! WEEEEE! Not. I'm just praying that every other mother and her bratty lil children won't be at the store taking advantage of the 30% off uniform sale.
And we're off to Chicot State Park for the 4th! A day of hiking, and fishing, and picnicking, and dealing with 500 bajillion other people who thought it'd be a great idea to take their families to the park for the day! Woohoooo! Pray for me. I'll need it.
Y'all have a happy and safe 4th of July!
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