Saturday, January 31, 2009

Melancholy

We'll be celebrating Sissy's third birthday today, even though her actual birthday isn't until Monday (more on that on Monday...). I should be feeling all happy and stuff.

We always did really big deals for Buddy's birthdays when he was smaller. Back when my parents were alive, that is.

It seems like without them here to enjoy the birthdays, it's just another day. It will be just the four of us, just like every year since she was born.

She never met either of them. My dad died in 2004, mom in 2005 and Sissy was born in 2006. Luckily, Buddy had a really strong relationship with them and still remembers them.

Plus with both kids being born in the middle of winter, it's hard to get motivated to do much. The weather is unpredictable so it's hard to plan much.

And if that weren't enough, we're dealing with some issues with Buddy at school. Not bringing homework home, some anger issues, etc. I actually broke down and ordered the Total Transformation kit to see if we can reign this behavior in before it gets worse. His teacher assured me that the hormonal changes in kids has been rearing its' ugly head earlier and earlier these days. It just makes me so sad because this is not the way I raised this child (or so I thought... I suck at being a mother).

I also have a few other little niggly things floating around my brain that need attention. I'm just having a hard time coming to solid conclusions on any of the matters I need to work on. (and yes, I end on prepositions all the dang time, because that's the way I really talk).

I think by the end of this coming week, I'll have a clearer head and a better attitude.

Until then, I've got a three year old birthday party to work on.

Adios, amigos.

A Cool Contest

Because this contest/give-away involves Our Name is Mud products - and I happen to love Lorrie's blog too, I wanted to get this info out there.

Supah~D is holding a really great contest. Just click the link for D and follow the rules.
Good luck!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Raggety-Tagness

I was tagged by Kerrie for the 8 Random Things blog.

I'm not quite sure how much more random or unknown things I can pull out my ass for you fine (but obviously not quite chatty) readers.

And, long time readers know how I feel about rules.

Here they are:

1. Each blogger starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog post about their 8 things and post these rules.

3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.

4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.

5. For the recipients, leave a comment for the person who tagged you, so they can go and read your answers.

Let's get this party started:

1.There are days I question my decision to be a wife and mother, but generally speaking, I think I chose well.

2. I LOVE BBQ chips.

3. And I love caramel.

4. I think body art, and body modification is beautiful.

5. I hate morning sex, but I enjoy flying solo in the mornings.

6. I have serious anxiety issues.

7. My husband is the most attractive and the sexiest man I have ever known.

8. I handle all the finances here and in some ways, I wish I didn't.

That is ocho, my gringos.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Feck

The school system called a 2 hour delay this morning. The last two days there hasn't been school at all due to the weather. My routine is totally in the garbage and I've gotten nothing accomplished this week at all.

This is Catholic Schools Week at Buddy's school. That is sort of like "spirit week" at other schools - you know, they have different theme days. Like, Monday was Pajama Day. The kids could wear their pj pants and tops, robes, etc. I had things lined up for Tuesday and Wednesday, but since there was no school, there was no need.

Today is Blue and Gold day (the school colors). They were supposed to be assigned one of the two colors at some point this week. The school is nothing if not known for waiting to the last minute on details.... I love that (not).

Anyway, I'm just sending him to school today in his uniform. It's blue, so I figure that's safe enough.

I just get so out of sorts if my schedule is not what is planned. That's why the winter weather drives me crazy.

I usually don't know until the last minute (thanks, County!) if school is canceled or on a delay or what....

At least I was able to sign up with a local news channel to receive text messages on my cell phone about school closings/delays.

I just put my cell phone on my nightstand and that way, I don't even have to get out of bed if there's something I need to know.

That is, depending on how early the county decides what their course of action is.

I'm about [thisclose] to selling this house and moving south. Forever.

But, since I'm lazy, I'll just continue to not recycle and hope that Algore's carbon footprint sends global warming my way.

Kumbaya and all that, gringos.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The University Guinea Pig

When my ex-boyfriend was at the university getting his Master's Degree in filmmaking, he happened to meet many interesting people. Even though I was at a different university (and later at a full-time job), I got to meet these people because we were dating.

As a side note: this boyfriend, just like everyone else I have dated in life, was older than me, but he was late entering college. He and I went through the entire undergrad process together, but by the time he had decided to get his Master's, I had graduated with a Bachelor's and moved on to the world of working drudgery. We never attended the same university.

Anyway, he met all these crazy college people and would use these fine folks in his independent films that he had to complete as class projects.

One guy was named "Sam" (not his real name). Sam was, I believe, of a middle European descent - because he had the most lovely olive skin tone. He was also a hairy mo fo.

Sam was teased in a fun manner by his friends because he did what was dubbed as the "Butt Job". Now, the butt job didn't always involve his butt - just sometimes. It was basically being the guinea pig for the university students who were studying pre-med.

He would participate in all these trial things and let the students "practice" techniques on him. He got paid for this work, but sometimes it involved a rectal exam or a few... He didn't seem to mind and actually laughed along with everyone else when he discussed the "butt job".

I suppose that's not a bad gig for a college student. It's a way to earn some spending money and the hours are good.

I mean, if I had the opportunity between that and say, fast food... I probably would have chosen the butt job too.

Anyway, one of the student films my ex did was about body piercings and Sam had decided he wanted a guiche. (link is NSFW or K {around kids}).

A guiche is a piercing of the taint. (for those unaware, the taint is the area between the balls and the butthole - as in "it aint your nuts and it aint your asshole").

As I said earlier, Sam was a hirsute man. His taint needed shaved prior to being pierced. All of that is on the film. It's hilarious. The guy doing the piercings is wearing surgical gloves and wielding a Bic razor as he tackles Sam's hairy taint (OMGosh, that's a great band name: Sam's Hairy Taint - feel free to steal it!).

The taint was shaved, cleaned and pierced. It looked great.

I lost touch with Sam years ago, but I hope where ever he is, he is doing well. I hope he earned a useful degree and no longer has to do the butt job.

And, I hope he "Taint Misbehaving!" (I couldn't resist - sorry!).

Adios, gringos.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Snow Day!

School is canceled. The Evil Twin can't get to work. The blog is canceled. For today at least.

Our city is really good about maintenance. The snow plows have already been down our street once, but it looks like we got about 2 more inches since then. Hopefully, the trucks will be around again at some point.

At any rate, I'm glad I ran into Kroger yesterday afternoon and picked up a few small items. It'll hold us over for a while.

In the meantime, I plan to spend the day snuggling around with my family. Sleeps are a definite possibility.

And in other news: we have a taller than average kitchen table. It has a leaf that folds up and is tucked in the middle of the table, so the underside is a few inches lower in the middle. I was sitting cross legged (yes, I do it all the time, even at the table) at dinner last night and when I went to get up, I cracked my left knee on that "concealed leaf" area.

I am now hobbling around like a handicapped person. I can't believe how much it hurt then and I'm really astounded that it hurts like the devil even hours later.

Perhaps a hot shower will help work out the kinks.

Well, I actually have to get motivated today, so hasta la vista, gringos!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Stop the Bus!

What a week and weekend! I'm ready to stop for a while!

Buddy's actual birthday was last Wednesday, but we really didn't do much on that day. On Friday, Sissy woke up with some sort of stomach bug and puked. And puked some more. And I did at least 4 loads of laundry.... She was so weak and sick, she just laid around all day. She didn't want food, but I tried to keep her hydrated with ice water and Sprite.

Saturday was Buddy's "party" and I say that loosely because we don't really do that big parties with loads of kids. It's too much hassle and expense - and besides, he doesn't NEED lots of stuff. You know if you invite people to a party and say "No gifts, please", they still bring gifts.

So, what we end up doing is Buddy invites his best friend over for a sleep over. We take them out to dinner. This year, Buddy's choice was Arby's... yeah, go figure. But, it's his birthday, right?

Prior to picking up the best friend, we needed to run to the Mart of Wal for a few items and also for a cake. WM was full of shufflers and just otherwise clueless individuals. Pretty stressful and add to that the fact that Sissy *still* didn't feel 100% better, but at least she wasn't throwing up anymore.

We went to dinner and by the time we arrived back home, everyone was too full for cake. The boys finally decided to have some around 10 pm. They ended up staying up 'til 3 AM playing video games. I think I conked out a little past 11 PM. LOL. I figured the Evil Twin would take care of things (he did).

I feel like time is just hurtling along right now. Sissy will be three on February 2nd and both kids have dentist appointments on the 5th, then both have pediatrician appointments on the 12th.

I have a laundry list of "to do" items - it's about a mile long! Deep breath - I WILL get it all finished. Eventually.

Probably next thing I know, it'll be March!

Oh well, that just puts us that much closer to Spring and with Spring coming, we get closer to May.

And May is Walt Disney World! :-)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Evening Chaos

I often wonder how I arrived at this point in my life. Not that I'm complaining or anything - it's just a simple observation.

I've always been a loner. The quiet one. The person who was happy to be alone most of the time.

Growing up, I was not the most popular girl in school - ever. I was the bookworm, nerdy type and found it easy to lose myself in a book, in a distant adventure. It kept me entertained.

I was the easy target to pick on. Many people pegged me as a lesbian (not that there's anything wrong with that), but I was not.

So, I got married and after 5 years, we had our son. When he was 5, we started trying for a second child. The Evil Twin really didn't want a second one, especially after I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and he worried if we had another, he or she might be born as early or earlier than Buddy and not fare as well.

I alleviated his fears and my OB convinced him that what happened with Buddy was unlikely to happen a second time. Plus, we had also found out that I have an unusual blood clotting disorder that makes miscarriages much more likely. Once we figured that out, we had a plan of action for if and when I became pregnant again.

Fast forward three years: We have two children. 11 year old Buddy and soon to be 3 year old Sissy. Plus, we have an annoying parakeet, Apple.

Add to that, the fact that the TV runs all day and the noise level after dinner can reach an almost unbelievable pitch. My brain literally starts jiggling, I think.

It's so funny. I love this life, but I never ever could have imagined that it would be so opposite of my regular state of being and I could still be happy.

In fact, I don't know what I'll do with myself when I *don't* have all the distractions.

I might have to become the crazy cat lady.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Getting It Together

I have several ideas floating around in my brain, but none of them seem to want to gel enough for me to put a coherent post together on them. Sort of like diarrhea of the brain, I suppose.

Add to that that I had two loads of laundry last night and I was up until midnight mending Buddy's tie. He has to wear a tie on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at school, because they attend Mass. He had left the tie in his pants pocket and it got laundered and split a seam in the back. Seeing as how this is his last year at Catholic school and the school year is more than half over, I wasn't going to purchase a new tie. So, I mended it myself.

See, I usually type up my post the night before and have them set to automatically post at 6 AM the next morning. That's before I even wake up - but it's easier to do them at night, by myself, than during the day when I'm dealing with Sissy (and I'm sadly reminded of that fact right now).

Then also, to add to my tardiness, I had a cuddly Sissy demanding I do sleeps with her after we woke up. As I drifted in and out of sleep earlier, I had weird snippets of dreams or thoughts. So, maybe my brain diarrhea just needs some time to sort itself out.

Well, that or perhaps some Immodium AD.

Maybe I'll be back later on and have something solid. Maybe it'll be tomorrow morning at the same bat time and bat channel.

It will depend on how my day works out. One of the guys I used to work for before Buddy was born has written several books. He is currently working on a new one and when he gets his inspiration for stuff, he calls me for the typing up part of it. So, I've got that on my plate as well.

I wanted to thank everyone who left a nice comment or a Happy Birthday yesterday for Buddy. It means a lot to me. There is so much more I want to say on that subject, but I felt it was getting long enough and I don't want to bore anyone with all the details. It was a scary and wild time, and we're very lucky to have him with us. He's an amazing part of our family - case in point: He's been playing chess since he was four. We had to find someone who would teach him, because neither of us know how to play.

He even played on the school team and did several tournaments. Then, he kind of lost interest in it. But, he pulled out his chess set the other day and sat at the table, patiently teaching his barely 3 year old sister the names of the pieces. She has all that down, so next he's going to teach her how each piece moves and its' role in the game.

He has always wanted someone to play games with - I think he's finally met his match. Or should I say, his match is finally old enough to understand and play! LOL.

With all the diarrhea around here, I hope it didn't stink too bad. Sorry, kids!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

January 21.

When I got pregnant with Buddy, we were so cautiously optimistic. He was my 5th pregnancy and we had no idea if we actually had a "keeper" or not. The doctor thought my progesterone levels may not be high enough so, I was on progesterone suppositories. This was after nearly two years of trying and using Clomid (a very mild fertility drug) and also after I had lost my right fallopian tube to an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

The odds were stacked against us. But we managed to make it work. After the 12 week mark, we felt much more confident. I was due on April 15 - a tax day baby!

At 18 weeks, I had the AFP test, a few weeks later than recommended. I'm not sure why. But, suffice to say I had the dreaded call to tell me that my numbers were "high" for neural tube defects - that means spina bifida or worse. I was told by the doctor who called (not my OB, but another guy in the practice - and I'm glad they're not associated anymore!) that I needed a level 2 ultrasound immediately because at 18 weeks, if I wanted to terminate, I needed to make the decision - NOW! WTF???

An evening of worry for the Evil Twin and I turned into a morning of relief as we found at the level 2 ultrasound that not only was our baby developing normally, but it was a BOY!

We were thrilled. I kind of always knew he'd be a boy. I remember my parents were also thrilled. He was the first grandchild for them!

On January 20, I had a regular OB appt. for my gestational diabetes test and some other blood work. Everything came out okay, except my iron was low. I would need to take an iron supplement.

On January 21, at exactly 28 weeks gestation, I hadn't felt him move much that morning. It worried me and I became more and more concerned as the day wore on. Everyone said, "Babies sleep - he's probably asleep." But, it nagged at me until I called my OB and requested an ultrasound.

When I got there, they did a non-stress test and said everything was fine, but the doctor on call wanted me to have a biophysical profile at the ultrasound department. I went down and the next thing I knew the high risk OB was called in.

In between my non stress test and biophysical profile, I did stop to use the pay phone to call the Evil Twin. He decided to meet me at the hospital. Good thing that he did.

The doctor knew the baby was in severe distress and thought the cord was wrapped around his neck. We had no option but an admission and an emergency c-section.

I was three months from my due date.

They pulled out Buddy - all blue and purple and all. His APGAR score was one (1). A zero (0) is a stillborn.

The cord was fine, so they sent it all off for biopsy. It turns out, my placenta had aged to a full term pregnancy and was shutting down before time.

It wouldn't be until a few years later that we would learn I have a weird blood clotting disorder which causes frequent miscarriages.

Buddy was born at 28 weeks gestation. He weighed 2 pounds, 5 ounces. He spent 9 days on the ventilator and 48 days (6.5 weeks) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Here he is at 4 days old:



And I do this poem every year... it sums up things well.

Jefferey's Poem
By Garrison Keillor

When I first saw you, kid, you were tiny and thin,
And slimy and red and your head was mushed in,
I says to your mother, "He looks kind of sloppy,
And two pounds four ounces ain't big for a crappie."

But something about you, the look in your eyes,
Said you fully intended to grow to full size,
They slapped your backside and you let out a cry,
And I said, "We will keep him, at least we shall try."

Some babies are born in nine months, by the clock,
Some babies are born, and they sit up and talk,
Some babies are born, and no doctor is there.
Some babies are born, on a wing and a prayer.

Poor little fetus, as big as your hand,
Poor little fish thrown up on dry land,
Who came in April, though he had till July,
Too small to live and too precious to die.

They shipped you downstairs to the big Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit's computerized cradle
And attached you to wires and stuck you with tubes
Monitored closely by digital cubes.

And thanks to the latest neonatal therapeusis
And regular basting with greases from gooses
And hot chicken soup intravenously fed
You did not fade away, you grew up instead.

We'll always remember those months that you spent
With tubes in your head in the oxygen tent
And the mask on your face with the wires attached,
Sweet little boy who was only half-hatched.

I'm sure you'll grow up to mature and extend,
To six feet six inches and become a tight end,
But I'll always remember each doctor and nurse in
The NICU who helped make you a person,
The kid who crash landed, who was carried away,
Who survived it, this bundle we bring home today.

Happy 11th Birthday, Buddy! You've brought so much joy to your dad and me - our lives wouldn't be the same if it weren't for you. Thank you for the experiences!

Monday, January 19, 2009

It Was Haircut Day

Sissy and I had hair cuts last Thursday. It was her first "main" cut. So far, I've managed to avoid anything other than having her bangs trimmed.

When we found out it was a girl, I told the Evil Twin that her hair would never be cut - much like Rapunzel. But I've buckled a bit. Mainly because she routinely woke up with hair that looked like this:



Okay, that's pretty bad. We decided to have it shored up a bit.

A few snips later and, voila!:



And! She actually lets me blow dry (on the lowest cool setting) her hair now, so she doesn't wake up with crazy hair.

We joined a local playdate group and this morning (11 ish), they're having a make your own pizza playdate for the tot set. We're going to that. I'm excited! :-) I just hope she doesn't go all bossy bear on them....

Sleeps

On most weekday mornings, Sissy and I get up and get our pillows and blankets out. We make a little nest on the floor and we'll snuggle up there, watching whatever is on the Disney Channel. I can usually manage to snag little moments of sleep here and there.

We call it "Sleeps". Sissy doesn't like it if I get up from sleeps to get more water, check my email or whatever. She wants me down on the blankets beside her - which is really sweet.

It's also really nice to do sleeps right now where it's been so cold in the morning. Brrrr. It takes me a bit to get acclimated to the dreary overcast day and actually WANT to get in the shower and get moving.

On Friday, school for Buddy was cancelled. It hadn't snowed in our area, but the temperature was just barely above freezing, so I guess they took pity on the poor school children who would have to be out in that weather waiting for a bus.

So, Buddy got in on sleeps too! Here's what it looked like around here:



We keep it like this most of the day - except we don't usually have Buddy's Star Wars blankets in the mix. The Evil Twin remarked that it looked like a hobo camp.

The only thing missing is the can of sterno to heat up some beans and a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 off to the side! LOL.

I'm sure there will be fewer mornings of sleeps once the weather perks up a bit. I suppose that will give us something to look forward to next Winter!

If you have the day off for MLK day, like the Evil Twin and Buddy do, I hope you enjoy it! Otherwise, just try to make the best of it. :-)

I think I'll hit the Mart of Wal by myself today... we'll have to see how the weather pans out.

Time for sleeps, peeps!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Honest Meme (aka Have I Lied To You?)

I was tag teamed by Honeywine and Gingermagnolia for this latest meme.



The honorees of this award are to: A) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

First things first, I don't tag people. If you're reading this and you WANT to be tagged, then I would run with it if I were you!

1. If I become your friend, you will never find one as loyal as myself.

2. From childhood, I wanted to be a wife and mother. I especially wanted to be a stay at home mom. I appreciate that I've been given the opportunity.

3. Out of all the household chores, laundry is my favorite.

4. I've found that trying to please everyone typically pleases no one. I catch the most fall out.

5. Honestly, I hope my children don't suffer the same peer abuse (bullying) I did as a child. Honestly, I think I've already let my oldest be subjected to more than he should have.

6. All I want in life is peace and a bit of quiet on each day. That's all I ask.

7. I wish my dad was still alive. I figured I'd have him into my 50s or so. I never expected to be a full orphan by the age of 36.]

8. Are you happy to be reading this thing? I'm not.

9. I love babies, but I don't want any more of my own. I shall be happy to love on those of my friends from now on.

10. Didn't enjoy what you just read? Don't let the mouse hit your ass on the way out.

And, that's honesty.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Tag 2

Over at Attentive Aphorist, themom tagged me on this meme.

Now, this may seem VERY similar to yesterday's meme. But, look carefully at line 3:

The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

3 states to write six RANDOM things about (my)self. In yesterdays blog, #3 states to "share six non-important things/habits/quirks about (my)self". Okay, perhaps you could easily interpret them to be the same thing, but they are not. Yesterday, I listed "things/habits/quirks". Today, I will list "random" things.

1. I have a dry scalp. Back in high school and college - my punk grrrl days - I wore a lot of black. I finally realized that walking around with my shoulders coated in what appeared to be a breaded veal cutlet really wasn't all that hot. I do use the dry scalp shampoo, but I also avoid wearing dark shirts.

2. I really, truly do love our home. It's not the Taj Mahal, but it feels safe and it's big enough for all of us to find our own space when needed. We've also done quite a bit of remodeling in the (nearly) five years we've lived here, so I feel comfortable when I look around. The Evil Twin leaves lots of decision making up to me - but that's because he knows I have a tendency to lean towards masculine decor and he knows I'm not about to bust out all "country goose" on him.

3. If I'm interested in something, I can research it to within an inch of its' life. I love research.

4. I've never been big on sweets, but when I was pregnant with Sissy, I bought a bag of Halloween-size Snickers every time I went to the store. I couldn't get enough of them.

5. When I was in college, I had one course I hated. I "borrowed" a paper from a friend - who had received a B on his paper from the same instructor. I changed only the name and a few words and turned it in. I got a C. Proof positive that, sometimes, grading is purely arbitrary. I will hate that teacher until the day I die - not because I got a C, but because her job is to be objective and not grade on feelings. (Update: I know what I did was wrong and it was the only time I did anything like this in my entire "5 year plan" college education - I really wanted to prove a point more than cheat. I wanted to prove she picked favorites. I think I did that).

6. January 15th was the 4th anniversary of the Evil Twin quitting smokes. I'm immensely proud of him for sticking to his guns. I know he still craves the cigs, but he's much stronger than they are! I'll forever be in awe of his willpower. Happy No Cig Anniversary, Honey. :-)

And just like that, *poof* I'm finished.

I'm outta here.

Friday, January 16, 2009

A Taggety Fool

I was tagged by four people for three different memes. (two people tagged me on the same one). That's cool. It gives me something to work with for the day.

I was tagged by SoLow and Jenny Fabulous for this one:

1. Link to the person that tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Okay, we all know I'm lazy as all get out, so I will not be tagging others, but feel free to steal if you wish (and link back to me... yeah, that's the ticket. I'll let you all do ALL the work...).

I'm not sure if there isn't much about me you all DON'T know already. I'm odd and I don't mind sharing that. But, I will earnestly try to come up with six I haven't shared previously.

1. I've only had one pedicure in my whole life. It was the week before Sissy was born and I was having a bit of a hard time reaching my toenails. I like for my feet to look nice at all times, so I allowed someone else to pamper them. Not that it mattered much... at the hospital, they give you these little non-skid footies to wear, so I don't think anyone saw my feet the entire time. But, I digress. So, I had the pedicure and while it was nice, I was a little perturbed having to choose a color at the salon. I have one color I like - Revlon Color Stay "Always Vintage" - and I don't vary. With that said, I guess you can come to the conclusion that I prefer to do my own pedicures.

2. I love to lightly stroke the insides of my arms with the fingertips of the opposite hand, from wrist to elbow and back again. It feels good, somewhat tickly, but good. Calming. Reassuring. I don't know when I started this exactly, but I remember it from early childhood.

3. I have always been very introverted, so I think it's a good thing I married an outgoing Leo - the Evil Twin is super friendly and can talk to anyone. I think it has helped me come out of my shell somewhat as well. Side note: if you and I are close friends in real life, you'll be saying "Huh?", but trust me, it takes me a while to warm up to people. After I get comfortable with people, I just know no shame.

4. I really love Merlot, but I drink Chardonnay, so I won't stain my teeth. I plan to get them professionally whitened soon.

5. If I see a pubic hair in the bathroom, I know it's not mine. Since the age of 19, I have shaved everything from the neck down every day - save the small bit of hair on the tops of my forearms. Otherwise, I'm hairless.

6. By the time I was in 2nd Grade, I was reading at the college level. For free reading time, I would often choose the dictionary to read. I'm fairly sure that's the reason I love word games so much these days. Give me a word search, a crossword puzzle or a cryptoquip and I'm a happy little puzzle solver.

Okay, that's as much as I could mine for this post. There will be two more much in the same vein. So, I plan to do a Saturday and Sunday post, and that way I can get back to my usual pathetic topics on Monday.

But, if you're trolling around over the weekend - stop by! I'll have something new up!

It's a glamorous Friday and they closed school today too! A four day weekend for your intrepid hausfrau!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Things that go VROOM!

We have a neighbor who is a total sweetheart. He's a really nice guy. But, he's a single guy and he has two trucks and a car. The car and one truck are "new-ish" models. The other truck is, from my best guesstimate, an 80s model.

He's an older guy - no children, has a dog. He's very friendly, but he's a SINGLE dude. He doesn't need 2 trucks and a car, really. But, for whatever reason, our neighbor prefers to drive that older truck. And, that's fine with me. The vehicles belong to him... he can do whatever he wants with them.

But, he starts that older model truck engine vvveeerrryyy early in the AM. For example, the Evil Twin and Buddy left the house at 7:30 on Wednesday morning. I decided to slip back in bed, even though I wasn't tired, I just wanted to lounge for a bit.

All I could hear was that engine. Remember: 7:30AM, okay? And it had been running long before that. Finally, at 7:48 AM, I hear the truck drive off. Ahhhhh.

8:13 AM - Sissy is awake, so I get her up and get her milk, cereal, etc. I uncover the bird cage and finish up some housework things. 8:48 AM - The neighbor pulls back up into his driveway! One (1) hour total from getting in the truck to drive lord knows where and then back.

What is the need for a nearly half hour engine warm up if you're only going to be gone for an hour?

If I were going out on a cold morning (it was 18 degrees here yesterday morning), and I had an errand that was only an hour round trip, I think I'd take one of the less maintenance intensive vehicles.

The whole thing just made me laugh.

The craziest thing is: of the three vehicles at his disposal, he chooses the old, loud truck almost every time (as far as I can tell: he never even starts the other two).

Oh well. It beats the hell out of of our old neighborhood where the neighbors were certifiably nuts - 90% of them at least. I'll have to tell you more about the Nut Nuts. (we had nicknames for them all).

Sissy and I are off to get "real" haircuts this morning. So, I'll be around after I get several inches of uncooperative hair cut off. :-)

The Patron Saint of Quality Programming

As part of his job, the Evil Twin has had to travel to Santa Monica, California a few times.

Each time, he brings back some cute things. He really likes the kitschy figures - like the Dunny from Kidrobot or other unusual vinyl figures.

I'm a Catholic, but I know hilarious when I see hilarious.

He brought home a box containing a figure of Saint Clare. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. Seriously, us Catholics have saints for everything! We're not about to leave any stone unturned or any prayer or need without a saint!

I kept it in the box on top of our dresser until she was spotted recently by Sissy.

Sissy wanted to "look" at her. So, I let her see the box. When we went to the Mart of Wal on Monday, Sissy wanted to take St. Clare along.

Eventually, I decided to take St. Clare out of the package and let Sissy just play with her.

Sissy alternately calls her "St. Clare" and "Woman". Too funny.



Notice the halo and the remote control in her left hand.

The card included in the box states, "Saint Clare: Patron Saint of Television" "Protector of televisions, telephones, embroiderers, goldsmiths, laundry workers and eyes."

Prayer to Assist in Experiencing Quality Television

O wonderous St. Clare, I ask that you bless my television with clear reception and good color balance. I also ask for your assistance in choosing quality programs that provide me with endless hours of enlightening entertainment. Amen.

Judging by what's on the 4 million channels we have right now, it doesn't seem like such a crazy request!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Late Again

Today's post is later than usual. I was all worn out from yesterday's ordeal. You know, reaching my hand into a bag of Scrabble tiles to select letters for those who wanted one, over and over again.

I think I got carpal tunnel!

Anyway, it was fun and I used the Scrabble tiles, so I wouldn't feel guilty or have to overthink certain letters. I did pull a Z out of the bag for one person, but I threw it back in and selected again. I figured I wasn't going to make anyone suffer with Z, Q, X or U. Those are just too out there.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's entries... the ones who have posted already have really awesome lists!

So, if you want to check out my comments from yesterday and find out who decided to play along, I highly recommend you check out their blogs too! There are so many funny peeps on my blog roll!

And, speaking of that, I have been "following" lots of people these days and I've had some new ones following me. In the last few days, I've been trying to check them out and return the favor. I'm also in the process of adding some new blogs to my blog roll.

If I comment at your place on a regular basis and you're not on my blog roll just yet, give me a day or two. I'm adding them as I can. I promise!

All right, I'm going to take a break for now and try to get my act together this morning. I'll be around to check in with everyone in a bit.

Until then, have a glamorous Tuesday!

A, B, C, D, E, F......

Over at my friend Kat's place, she participated in a fun internet meme.

It's actually called “Brought to you by the letter…” game. Here’s how it works…

You leave a comment on this post, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on. (I copied that from her and she copied off someone else, so... feel free to rip it off again).

So, I left a comment and tried to butter her up a bit. I didn't want a really obscure letter like the much maligned Q (poor Q). Really, about the only place Q gets any respect is in the game of Scrabble. It's worth a ton of points!

Kat assigned me "W". I like W.

Here's my list (probably won't be many surprises on here as to what I love that begin with W):

1. Water. This one is a no-brainer folks! The way I feel about water exceeds love and is probably more in the category of obsession. But, the water has not hit me with a restraining order, so I will continue to enjoy it.

2. Wine. Shocked, yet? I didn't think so. I prefer Chardonnay. In a box. In my fridge.

3. Wieners. Now, this is a two parter.
A. The kind possessed by the Evil Twin.
B. The kind served on hot dog buns.

4. Waters, John. He is my very most favorite director in the world. His style is not for everyone, but I love his irreverent manner.

5. Walt Disney World. Many of you know I've been planning a trip to visit the mouse since April of 2008. Our trip is booked for early May 2009. To say that I'm a teeny bit obsessed with this would be a major understatement. I have at least 7 different guide books and belong to several online sites where I've been gathering intel and making plans. Mwah ha ha.

6. Wire. The British band. Technically, the Evil Twin loves them more than I do, but as I always strive to bring a little entertainment to y'all:



7. Watches. I never leave home without a watch on. I like to know what time it is ALL the time! My anal retentive nature won't allow me to be late to functions.

8. Wireless Internet. This is the greatest invention, EVER! It means I can sit here at my laptop and tap out my little missives and still be able to watch the football game and ign... I mean, keep an eye on my kids.

9. West Virginia. It took me a few years for WV to grow on me, but I've been here 25 years. I still consider myself an import, but I allow that WV has some strengths. It's a beautiful area, the cost of living is low, crime is low, and it's a good place to raise children.

10. Winning! Who doesn't like to win things? It's exciting. I was lucky enough to win a few give aways towards the end of 2008, the Evil Twin won something from a site he likes to read and I even hosted a give away myself! Spread the love, ya know?

BONUS: Wife. I love being married to the Evil Twin. We've been together 17 years, married for 15 and he still makes me feel butterflies in my stomach (sometimes, other times, it's just bile). He's an awesome dad and partner and he works hard so I can stay home and raise our kids. Can I get a collective "Awwwww"? Thanks!

So, if you want to leave a comment, but not play along, just say so. I don't like making people feel obligated.Plus, I'm a comment whore (there's that classy W again!) Otherwise, I'll have to assign you a letter - and that's a lot of work on my part. Y'all know I'm lazy.

Friday, January 9, 2009

The Water Cup

Okay, so the other day, I mentioned I had a specific cup from whence I enjoy my ice water - even 3Carnations asked about it.

And I'm here to tell you: the cup exists!

I searched high and low for this cup:



It's an orange plastic insulated cup. I like it because:
1. It doesn't "sweat" (i.e. get condensation on the outside, threatening to leave a water ring on wood furniture).
2. It holds a good amount of water and ice.
3. It fits under the ice/water maker on the fridge.

I've had it for years. At least a decade, so I hope nothing happens to it. Shit, I should try to find a couple more now!

Plus, it's a real dilemma for me when it does have to spend time in the dishwasher.

At those times, I'll usually just drink out of the bottled waters we keep in the fridge. I keep those around for times I'm on the run - I like to have water with me at all times. COLD water. With the bottles, I can just throw one in my purse and run my errands.

But, if I'm at home - I have my trusty orange cup. I fill it with lots of ice and then water. I can drink about 4 of them before The Evil Twin even leaves for work (I get up at 6:30 AM and he leaves around 7:30 AM).

I don't like to drink out of glass glasses if I can help it. I think they smell weird.

I have an unusual sense of smell - I won't buy paper towel with patterns on them. I only buy plain white, because if they get wet (and let's face it, they're paper towels and usually used to wipe up wet spills), I can smell the dyes and it turns my stomach.

I'm like "Pee-U" while I hold my nose and make a face. It's the same thing with glasses of ice water.

It's 7:06 and I'm on my third cup of water in my orange cup!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Bath Phobia Updated

Remember back in November when I posted about Sissy and her mounting fears. The most frustrating was the bathtub...

We tried all of the suggestions and then some other things we just thought up. Finally, we remembered a bucket of foam bathtub blocks that we had acquired at some point when Buddy was a tot. They're really neat - when they're wet, they stick to bathtub surfaces and come in assorted shapes - like circles, squares, rectangles, arches... And, they also float so a variety of things can be made from them.

A few of the blocks had teeth marks in them and the bucket was in bad shape. We had stored it in our "workshop" room of the house. The workshop room is where the Evil Twin used to smoke (I'll have more on that later). So, the bucket is dingy and gross.

We brought those foam blocks up anyway and really hyped them to Sissy. She was still timid, but didn't scream as much as normal and she did play with the blocks.

Then, we found two little plastic frogs. I don't even know where they came from, but she loved them. So, we named them Hopper and Bopper and she can't wait to get back to the tub to play with the blocks and frogs.

I decided to look for a new set of blocks to replace the half bitten ones that are a decade old, but I looked at the Evil Empire (the mart of Wal), and could only find a pack of foam letters and numbers. We're having fun with those now...I'll keep looking around for blocks.

Of course, the Evil Twin uses the letters to make dirty words or phrases. Last night, it was "Foxy Ass".

I guess it's a good thing Sissy can't read yet. LOL.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

A Discovery

Over our looong Christmas/New Year's break, also known as the Too Much Togetherness Tour 2008 (or TMTT '08), every morning was very laid back and every morning, we were able to "sleep in" (at least, sleep later than the normal 6:00 AM wake up), so I was able to kind of ease into the days. That was nice.

I guess I need to back track a bit here: I rarely drink anything other than water or wine, but I'm not about to compare myself to Jesus. That got The Beatles into all kinds of hot water some 40 years ago or so.

But, it's true. I take a glass of ice water to the bedroom each evening to be perched on my nightstand and then, when I wake up, I want fresh ice water. That's where my ice/water through the door side by side fridge comes in handy. It's paid for itself on that feature alone (and it was a cheap fridge, too!).

Anyway, one morning I woke up and I couldn't find my water cup - and yes, I have one cup I like to drink ice water from and no other cup or glass will do - so I looked in the fridge and grabbed a Coke. Normally, I would have chosen a Sprite if I wanted a soda, which I almost never want, but there were no Sprites in the fridge. The Cokes were in there and nice & cold.

I drank it. Later, I felt like crap. I ended up on the floor - on my left side as that is the preferred side to stave off poor circulation and such, and I continued to feel like crud.

Then, I had a tickle in the back of my throat and knew... I just KNEW, I was gonna hurl, so I ran off the bathroom and what came up? Only brown liquid. Coke.

One morning, I drank a bit of coffee. A tiny bit, about a third of a cup and felt all queasy.

I think I recognize a pattern here: on an empty stomach, I should just stick with ice water.

After breakfast, a bit of coffee or any other type drink is acceptable. I've never had any problems with just water in the morning. Maybe I should just give up on other fluids all together.

Just water and just wine. Sounds good to me. And Jesus.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Things I Don't "Get"

Call me crazy, call me half-cocked, crazy-assed, slack-jawed redneck, but don't call me Shirley!

There are many things in this old life that I just plain out "don't get".

1. Scrapbooking. I'm sorry and I don't mean to imply that people who scrapbook are as squirrel-ass nutty as I am, but PLEASE: think of the photos before you cut them out into cutesy heart-shaped or any other shaped angle. It's just not right! Sure, the pages are real cute when they're finished, but the whole thing is expensive and I still just don't "get it".

2. Facebook. I've had my Facebook account for quite some time now and I will never understand the need for some people to want to add me to their vampire club or throw a cow at me. That's just not normal. And, no one likes the abnormal like me, but time-wasters are NOT COOL. Comment or whatever, but please, for the love of pete, no more add-ons.

3. iPods - Is there a difference between an iPod/iPhone and any other MP3 player? Seriously? Until someone convinces me otherwise, Steve Jobs will continue to get 0 of my dollars.

4. People who don't send Thank You notes - it's not hard, people. Just grab a note card and write that you appreciated a gift. If you're not capable of doing that, I have no interest in sending more gifts. (This is a shout out to someone I'm related to, but I don't think they read this anyway.... just to get it off my mind, ya know?)

There are more - waaay more, but these are all I could think of off the top of my head.

Monday, January 5, 2009

The Deal

First off, I want to thank everyone for the kind words on Friday - and it worked, because I am feeling better! I'm thinking that my malaise might have been due to smelling an overload of paint fumes.

And on that front, the Evil Twin painted our bedroom, then painted the hallway later in the week. The worst part was that while I was laying around on the couch in the den, feeling like homemade crap and drifting in and out of sleep due to being hopped up on cold meds, I had to make sure the kids stayed IN the den. All day! But, the walls got painted and they look amazing.

I tried to get a shot of the bedroom walls, but I'm not sure how well the color will translate on the computer screen. The color for both bedroom and hallway is called Cotton Whisper and it's an off white, with a bit of a yellow-y undertone. It's really a huge improvement for both locations:



Now, I've been on the Evil Twin for a while to paint these areas and it was taking a while. Finally, he decided he would do it while he was off on vacation IF I would sort thru a veritable pile of paperwork that has been sitting around for years.

After my mom passed away, and I was prepping their house to be sold, I dragged home a lot of old paperwork. My dad apparently never tossed anything. There were income tax returns from the late 50s in some of those boxes!

I've sorted through a bunch of it already and have indicated piles which need to be shredded or burned, have gone through about 3 large industrial size trash bags, and have a pile of things I really don't know what to do with (or things I think may need to be passed on to another family member).

There was 40 years worth of marriage and a life together in that house, and so much traveled along to this house because I couldn't make the decisions right then to toss or whatever. It was just too much and too emotional.

I've also sorted through some of my old papers from high school and college and have seen some hilarious things. You know, like "Deep Thoughts from an Angst Ridden Teen".

I was a dork even back then! I've just become more comfortable in my dorkiness as time goes on.

And, I'm not nearly as angst ridden.

Growing up has its' advantages....

Friday, January 2, 2009

Creeping Crud

I woke up Thursday morning and my throat was sore and my head was all stopped up. I think I'm getting some sort of sinus infection or something. But, I'm just taking some over the counter meds for now - if it gets worse, I'll go see my regular doctor some time next week.

So, I've been feeling a bit puny.

I sure know how to ring in a new year the right way, huh?

I just wanted to check in. I'll be back on Monday morning - same bat time, same bat channel.

Love ya! ETW