Saturday, April 28, 2007

Our Remodeling Projects

We have several projects in the works to upgrade our house. We bought this house three years ago from the previous owners, who had been here 35 years. The house is 51 years old. The people we bought it from had done some updates (particularly the kitchen, which is really nice), but had particular tastes that just don't jive with ours.

To wit: The wife of the couple apparently LOVED the color pink. She didn't miss a trick to use pink if she could and it looks as if someone threw up Pepto Bismol in every corner. But, we knew the house had potential and nothing horrible was permanent.

The basement carpeting is obviously a relic from the 70s - it's a gold shag and it's falling apart. So that's on the agenda.

But, the biggest issue is the "main" bathroom. Back in the 50s, no one thought a master bathroom was a must-have (although I'm trying to talk the Evil Twin into an addition). So, we have the one main bathroom, and a half bath on the main floor. We have a full bathroom on the lower floor. It's obviously pretty modern-ish. The "main" bathroom is a freaking nightmare of pink and it's super crowded.

The Evil Twin made a proposition on Thursday to remove the glass doors from the shower/bath and just hang a regular curtain/liner on a tension rod. I was all for it. We spent $40 and it looks amazing. I already have picked a new vanity, mirror and toilet for that room. We plan on having it removed to the studs and redone. It will be an incredible transformation, but we'll have to use our other bathroom downstairs for a week or so. That should be interesting. I really plan on opening up the room (it's so small to begin with, but I think I've found the solution).

I'm getting excited because I love this sort of thing. It's a real pain in the ass during the process, but I'm always pleased when it's finished and I can enjoy my new surroundings. It won't be cheap, but it will all be worth it in the end. We did the same sort of thing with our old house right before we sold it. We will NOT be selling this one anytime in the near future! LOL.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

My Day Off

I feel like I have been constantly busy since early last week. Every day, it seems, I had an appointment or something else to tend to. I got my hair cut on Thursday. Friday, I had a regular appointment with my family doctor. The weekend was spent with the in-laws and celebrating my birthday. Monday, I had an appointment for my yearly "birdie inspection" at the OBs. Tuesday was grocery day... .Phew.

Yesterday, I just stayed home, but I did three loads of laundry, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. Today, I just hung out and played with the baby! It was great. When I put her down for her early nap, I plopped myself on the couch and just zoned. I didn't sleep, but I just totally relaxed.

Then, I got up and fixed myself a cup of hot tea out of a tea assortment a friend sent for my birthday. It was just so NICE.

I should be doing my thank you notes for all my gifts or filling out health insurance forms for the open enrollment at the Evil Twin's office. I always pick the same thing every time anyway, but because I had to list the baby's social security number on the form, I balked. After all, I'd have to GET UP from the couch and walk to my purse and then find her card. That can wait! Sheesh.

Every now and then, I just need a mental break. Today was a good day to take it.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Weekend Fun

The Evil Twin's brother, his wife and their two girls came up from South Carolina for the weekend. We all got together at my mother in law's house on Saturday evening. The ET sister and her twin step-daughters were there, along with the four of us, so we had a small crowd.

My mother in law fixed dinner and they had a birthday cake for me, which was a complete surprise. I totally didn't expect it. I really lucked out by marrying into this great family.

We ended up going down the street to the State Forest and running around like loons for a while. The weather was perfect and we had such a great time. The kids got all worn out (us adults did, too!). We came home, got the kids in bed and I attempted to drink my weight in wine. I don't think I was successful because I woke up Sunday morning feeling refreshed and content.

The familia took me to lunch at Olive Garden. I know Sissy likes pasta, so I figured I could find something on the kids' meal for her. She and Buddy both got Macaroni and Cheese. I had the Steak Gorgonzola with fettucine - there was soooo much, I had three meals out of it! I probably also consumed about 3000 calories from it, too! Totally worth it!

I'm really pre-occupied right now with some major "stuff". I'm afraid if I talk about it, I'll jinx myself, so if posting becomes a bit spotty over the next few weeks.... I promise to make up for it at the end of May. If you don't mind, just keep me in your good thoughts that things go smoothly for me in the coming weeks. I'll fill you in on more when I can.

Also, THANKS! to all who wished me a Happy Birthday! I can't tell you how good that made me feel. It's nice to know there are people out there who truly do care. May your lives have plenty of blessings, as well.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Random Thoughts

My boys had a great time at the circus on Wednesday. Buddy talked about it non-stop the next morning and after school. The Evil Twin said it was quite a spectacle and very well done.

My birthday is on Sunday, which is also Earth Day, which started when I was one year old. Do the math. I got some lovely flowers from my aunt (she always sends flowers!), some delicious caramel and nut Brownies from my friend across the street and a card from my long lost best childhood friend who I reunited with in July (after a 20 year absence and I had been trying to find her for years). She said she sent me a gift separately, so that is a surprise.

The Evil Twin family will go to lunch or dinner somewhere of the Evil Twin's Wife's choosing on Sunday. When you get to be my age and you're a mom, birthdays aren't nearly the biggest deal on the planet.

Sometimes when I think back on my life and my circumstances, I wonder how I got so lucky. I was born at the Salvation Army Home Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. That's an unwed mothers type place. My biological mom lived in Huntsville, but was sent to Birmingham, probably about midway through her pregnancy to have me and give me up for adoption. She gave me a name, though, so I think that shows she cared somewhat.

I know her name, her birthdate, her age, and approximately where she is living now. I've done a massive amount of research to garner that information. But, I'm too chicken to do anything about it. I think if I had to give up a baby, and I gave her a name, and I carried her for 8 or 9 months, I'd want to know how she was doing and did she have a good life?

I had an excellent life, thank you, biological mom. My parents - I couldn't have picked two better if I'd had a choice. All the things that have happened in my life - my adoption, my dad who worked for the Federal Government and got moved around a bit, meeting the Evil Twin and getting married and then having our two beautiful children - these things have all been a huge gift.

If you believe in all that horoscope bizness, Taureans are supposed to be very lucky. So, it's either that, or fate has been berry, berry good to me.

My parents took a picture of me when I was a baby (well, they took lots), but this one in particular is of me, on their bed, holding a silver spoon. They said I was born with it in my mouth. LOL. I know they loved me and I loved (still love) them.

Well, I'm getting all verklempt over here, so let's call it a night, shall we?

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Tumbleweeds and Crickets

That's what I feel like when I come by my dusty little corner of the webs. It's quiet here at home tonight, too. The Evil Twin took Buddy to the circus. I decided to sit this one out. Sissy is too small to enjoy it and frankly, I don't enjoy the smelly circus with all their heavy duty crowds of humanity. There isn't enough anti-anxiety medication being manufactured to help me cope with that business. No sir!

Buddy has never been to the circus before, so he was all a-titter about it for the last few days. I hope they have a good time. They'll probably be in late tonight. Buddy does have school tomorrow, but he'll be okay on a little less sleep than usual.

I've been a bit bummed out since Monday - the whole Virginia Tech thing. My dad graduated from VPI, so did 2 of my uncles and several of my cousins. One of my cousins was named Alumni of the Year in the 80s. We're all a very big Hokie family. I would have gone to VT myself, but I wanted to major in Journalism and Marshall University offers one of the best programs for that on the East Coast. VT is the school you want for engineering or technical type degrees. My Dad was a civil engineer. He retired as the head of the WV region of the Federal Highway Administration. He had 40 years in with them.

If he were alive today, he'd be very disheartened, as I'm sure all my other family connected to the university is, as well. If you've ever been to Blacksburg, you know the campus is idyllic and peaceful. Seems like such a contrast to be the scene of such evil.

Please keep the families and students of Virginia Tech in your good thoughts.

Monday, April 16, 2007

A Task from Spiffytown

Okay, I'm running low on steam here, so when Biff Spiffy offered a chance to be interviewed by him, well, I just couldn't resist.

This was much harder than I thought it would be! But, fun too!

As seems to be customary, I will highlight Biff's questions in GREEN.

1. What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you in the last 10 days?
Sadly, I had to look at my calendar and count back 10 days. The Evil Twin is always good to me and he has let me sleep in on a number of occasions over the last week or so.

2. A mime approaches you on a crowded street. What's your first reaction?
Avert my eyes, and try to look interested in something else - quickly. Make NO eye contact! Ever!

3. Would you rather get stuck on the top of a Ferris Wheel in a windstorm or inside the Tunnel of Love during a power outage? Why? Please show your work.
I'll take the Tunnel of Love. I'm not afraid of the pitch black. I am afraid of heights, so the top of a Ferris Wheel with brisk wind would send me into panic mode. Besides, with any luck, the Evil Twin would be by my side in the Tunnel of Love and we could have some smoochies.

4. If you could trade places with a movie star, which one and why?
That's a tough one, but I'll say Steve Buscemi. He seems so normal and yet, not normal...I'd love to spend a day in his head. He seems to have a great sense of humor.

5. You're bitten by a mutant spider and can now shoot webs out of your wrists. Would you become a superhero or keep that little tidbit about yourself a secret?
I would definitely try to use my powers for good. Just think, I could zap a diaper into my hand from across the room. I guess I'd have to get a really cool costume first, though.

BONUS QUESTION - What would be your perfect day?

SUN! High 70s. We'd pack a really awesome picnic lunch and eat by the New River, then tour the Mystery Hole (again). Just spending time with my family where everyone is relaxed and happy. Then, on our drive home, we'd stop and buy a lottery ticket. It would be a winner, of course, then we could do some real traveling during summers.

To keep it going, paste this:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Friday, April 13, 2007

It's Home

When the interstate was being built through our little section of WV - years and years and years ago - the area where we live lobbied to not have the interstate too close. They enjoyed being off the beaten path. We are accessible to the interstate, it's just not right down the road. No big deal.

Some folks say it's like Mayberry here. Which is really true. It also happens to be the name of a family run restaurant in town. The people who own it have children who attend the same school as Buddy - they're very generous with helping at the school plus, the food there is delicious. Sure, it's a sandwich place - nothing fancy. But, that's part of the charm.

It's decorated with Coke wallpaper, Andy Griffith and Mayberry posters, Elvis is also predominant.

We eat there almost every Friday. And, we usually order the exact same things. The girls who waitress are all really sweet and they take extra special care of us. Today, they had Sissy behind the counter and were showing her off to the other patrons!

As is customary, we ate there today and it was great. We had Buddy and Sissy with us, since this is still Spring Break for Buddy. The thing I like most about it, aside from the food, is that nearly every time we're in there, we see at least one person we know. It's such a neat place and I'm so glad we have it here in our town. So, Biff and Blitz, if y'all do want to come down and fix my light (damn electrician still hasn't called!), we'll take you to Mayberry's! :-)

But, as with everything in our little burg, it's closed on Mondays.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

It's Not Much

I guess my site traffic would be better if I posted every day or at least updated every once in a while! I just really haven’t had much exciting going on here.

The Evil Twin and some of our friends like to attend these wrestling shows every now and then and tonight happens to be one (I don’t get it either, but it’s something he enjoys and it gives him an opportunity to hang out with friends on his own…. I like that). So, he won’t be home until pretty late.

I’ll get the baby in bed by 8 or so and send Buddy to his room to watch TV and have a little quiet time to myself. I suppose I’ll watch the results show for AI, although last night’s show was so boring, it could be any of them going tonight.

A couple of days ago, I got a book in the mail, “The Care and Feeding of Husbands” by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Now, she’s a pretty controversial character and has made some comments in the past that really ticked me off, but I did like this book. It’s pretty much the way I already do things at our house. I am a typical housewife and I am not ashamed to admit that.

I don’t seem to be normal, no matter what the aspect. I was just thinking this morning that I’m not normal - even as a person with MS. Most people with MS absolutely cannot stand being hot - it exacerbates their symptoms. After nearly 39 years on this planet, I’ve come to the conclusion that I am quite possibly cold blooded, like a lizard. Give me a heat rock to lounge on and I’m happy as a clam. I hate the cold weather. This recent change of events from happy, sunny Spring-y weather to cold and wet, sometimes even snowy, has me so down.

On a completely unrelated note: American Idol was so super boring last night, I almost fell asleep. I love Salsa/Latin music, but it is really a specialty category. I don’t think any of the contestants (besides maybe Blake) pulled it off. So, we’ll see who goes tonight. That’s all I got for you right now.

C Ya Later!

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Things That Make Me Feel Good

I don't really understand all this "site meter" business and I rarely ever even check it out - it's just very confusing. However, what I love in particular, when I DO check it, I get the banner ad that says, "Your site traffic sucks". Gee, Thanks! I knew that already!!

People, please, throw me a bone here. Come back several times a day - even if you never comment (although I wish you would!), so my numbers don't suck.

I must say that's the only thing in my life that does suck, so that's good! Life could offer so much more suckage.

We had a lovely Easter, even if it was colder than a witches tit (that saying courtesy of my dad). Since Buddy gave up hot dogs for Lent, we had Holy Hot Dogs for dinner tonight! Yum.

I think I mentioned before that this is our (Buddy's) Easter Break week from school, so we're kicking that off. Sissy had a low grade fever this evening - I gave her some Tylenol and the Evil Twin got her to sleep and in bed. She and he have their evening bedtime ritual where he sings the "Go To Sleep" song to her (to the tune of "Lullaby"). It's her favorite song and she'll hum it along with him. So cute.

I hope you all had a great day and many blessings!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Hippity Hoppity Holy Moly!

I am so disgusted! We just had a massive snow shower plow through here. And last week, we had temperatures in the 80s. I told Buddy that the Easter Bunny won't be able to get here - this is Santa weather.

Actually, at nine, I'm not sure if he still believes in the Easter Bunny or not. He seems very thrilled about the whole thing and was very excited to color eggs today. We all had a good time with the eggs. If we do hide them this year, it'll have to be indoors. Doncha love this "global warming"? I think I need to spray my Aquanet a few more times each day!

I'm feeling a little guilty about not making a bigger deal out of Easter. When I was a kid, we got a new Easter outfit every year and went to church that morning. Then mom always had a huge meal - all the fancy dinnerware and such. I'm just not into stuff like that. Will my children suffer because I'm lackadaisical?

Don't get me wrong - we do go to church, but I am the non C & E Catholic. You hear people joke about being ONLY C&E Catholics - they only attend church on Christmas and Easter. My anxiety reels out of control in large crowds, so I avoid those holidays like the plague. I figure if I go the rest of the year, I'm doing a lot more than those who only attend twice a year.

I think since both my parents have passed away, it's time for my little family to make some of our own traditions.

Well, for Peter Rabbit's sake, I hope this weather warms up a bit before Sunday morning or he's going to freeze his little fluffy tail off!

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Check It Out!

Taking a cue from Wordnerd - with her comment that SHE has the ugliest light ever, I had to take a snapshot of our li'l beauty. Doesn't this just SCREAM 1970s whorehouse? I haven't heard from the electrician yet, but I'm actually getting eager to get this monstrosity out of my house, no matter what the cost!

Buddy is off school tomorrow and all next week for Easter Break. It will be nice to forego the usual schedule for a week, but I also don't do well with change. It's also supposed to be a bit on the cooler side - when we just had temps in the mid 80s last week! Go figure. I hope we're able to get out and enjoy a couple of fun activities.

I wish the Evil Twin could get a day or two off next week, but who knows? Their employee pool is dropping like flies over there. They just lost another writer this past week.

I'm watching Survivor as usual and it's really getting interesting over there. I don't know who is going home tonight, but I hope it's Lisi. She's obnoxious. I was happy about Rocky last week, too, Blitz! Okay, now I know, but I'm not telling! Nyah!

The blogging has been kinda spotty this week because my real life is interfering with my beloved be-logging. Damn American Idol and Survivor! LOL. I'll keep you all updated on my light fixture situation. Maybe I'll even post an "after" pic when the new fixture goes in. You just never know what craziness I'll come up with next.

Monday, April 2, 2007

It's Electrifying!

We had a bit of excitement here yesterday morning. A little background, though, is needed.

We bought our current house about three years ago and it's an older home. It definitely needs some updates, but we thought it had a lot of potential and we knew we'd get around to making it "ours" someday. It took me eight years to decide on some updates on our first house, then we turned around and sold it! LOL.

Anyway, along with this house, we got the loveliest (ahem) ceiling fan in our dining room area. This thing looks like it was salvaged from a cathouse in Reno in the 70s. Gold, faux marble look -- just really, really awful. I knew it had to go. But, I'd been looking around for the "perfect" replacement. Like I said, I like to bide my time and look at lots of options.

It's got three gold "tubes" that each house a light bulb. About midweek last week, I was in bed after the Evil Twin got up and I heard this loud kind of buzzing noise, but thought it was coming from outside. When ET came to get me, he asked if I had heard the noise and explained that one of the three lights had shorted out, so there were only 2 working lights on the fan.

I figured we'd limp along with the two lights until we had some other remodeling done (future plans). Well, that ceiling fan decided it had different plans. When the Evil Twin turned the light on Sunday morning, it popped, cracked, sputtered and issued forth with some stinky smoke. I really wasn't too bummed because I do truly hate it.

We had to go to Home Depot and find a replacement. Then, I had to call the electrician. Here's where my fretting comes in. We have 4 lights total that need to be replaced. Lord knows how much it's going to cost. We've used this electrician in the past and he really wasn't super overpriced, but still, it's money and it's my money and there are some other big expenses coming up, but as always, I will manage.

Anyway, I get a new light (finally!) and we had a little fireworks show thrown in for good measure, and the house didn't burn down, so it's all good.