Middle Aged Hipster? No, Zitster

I love my moisturizer, I couldn't go a day without it. I use some other products on my face, but nothing has changed in a very long time.

That's why I'm surprised I've had three blemishes recently. I've been half-assed using Buddy's Proactiv. It might work better if I actually did the entire routine.

Why must I be so disgusting? I think I'm a bit long in the tooth to be sporting blemishes...Although I am apparently not too old to bleach and color my hair purple again.

I had let it go and dyed it all back to my original color (or the closest match thereof), because my hair had been abused by bleach and dye for far too long. I decided to give it a break.

I have a friend whose son was in Sissy's Kindergarten class. They became fast friends and we enjoy doing things with the family. We were at a birthday party for another classmate a few months ago and I said something about being 44.

She said, "You're not 44!" I said, "Yes, I am. I was born in 1968." We became FB friends shortly there after. Her birth year? 1985. I was a junior in High School.

But, I guess it's a nice compliment that she doesn't think I look my age and that she enjoys our conversations and spending time together. I have been that way most of my life too - i.e. being the oldest child in my family, I've always related better to people who are considerably older than myself. I can get along fine with others who are considerably younger than myself, too, but I've tended to gravitate to older friends.

Now that I've reached that "older friend" status/age, I should rethink my friendship picking strategy. After all, maybe they can give me advice on dealing with these blemishes!!!

Happy Wednesday, hooligans. Have a great one!

Love,

A Bird in the Hand

My day yesterday was completely thrown off when I went to check the mail. Usually, I'll go down the front steps, but I was cleaning up the kitchen after lunch and was closest to the back door.

I like to keep the door open, so we can enjoy some sun through the storm door. Bella, the cat, enjoys it too. It's like Kitty Kable in our backyard with squirrels, birds, rabbits, etc.

When I went out and got to the bottom of the concrete steps, I saw an itty bitty bird just sitting there. I kept my distance for a bit and observed it. He (?) kept opening his little beak and chirping. He could hop around, but not fly.

I looked up into our trees to try to find a nest he may have fallen out of and didn't see anything. I knew if I left him there, he would most certainly die. I also knew I shouldn't touch him.

I sat on a stair and kept watching. Finally, I decided I had to do something.
Since we have the two parakeets, I keep a smaller cage in case there is any emergency situations and one or both need to see a vet. The parakeet cage is actually large enough for Cockatiels and not easy to transport.

I scooped up the little fluffy feathery dude and called for Buddy to help me get the smaller cage. I got pooped on a couple of times. Blech! But, the little fella was obviously scared.

He seemed okay in the cage, while I called a local vets. Amazingly, they had an employee (a vet tech) who has cared for and hand raised several wild birds, getting them healthy with special food and then releases them back into their natural environment.

Sissy and I loaded into the car and Mr. Feathers got to ride shotgun, with the seat belt around the cage. :-) We took him in and in short order, the empty cage was returned to us. I spoke to the tech, just to make sure he would be well cared for. The receptionist I had spoken to earlier on the phone told me that little ones who fall out of the nest typically don't have good odds, but I was confident that this lady would have the resources and knowledge to give him the best chances.

Sissy was heartbroken that we weren't bringing the little bird back home with us. She cried for a long time. I told her we did the best thing for him and that he would be safe and happy there. She said she didn't care about any of that, she was just sad we'd never see the little guy again.

I recolored my hair purple and rescued some wildlife. Pretty cool day, huh?

Have a great Tuesday, hooligans! And remember, always stop to rescue an animal in need. :-) It makes your heart feel 3 sizes larger! :-)

Love,

WV Day

Was yesterday. June 20 marks the day WV officially seceded from Virginia and became its' own state. It's been 160 (? - Don't ask me, I'm an import) years and people STILL don't realize WV is NOT the Western part of Virginia.

Placing an order on the phone:

ETW: "Yes, West Virginia."

Customer Service Person: "I have a cousin who lives in Roanoke. Is that close to where you are?"

ETW: "No, West Virginia and Virginia are separate states. Roanoke is in Virginia." (in my head: "Did this person really graduate from high school?").

CSP: "Ohhhhh."

I think that's why WV is shaped like a big F You to the rest of the US. Look at it:



Turn your right hand, so your palm is facing you, and try it. ;-) You'll see the obvious evidence that the people of WV have a great sense of humor!

The Evil Twin had the day off, so we went to the grocery and did a couple other errands. It was a good relaxing day and we were able to get stuff done around the house and chill a bit, too. :-)

Hooligans, I hope you have a lovely Thursday. And, I will be back soon!

Love,

The Nerve

I survived (barely) the dance rehearsal/recital weekend. Friday evening, I spent 5 miserable and cold hours watching the rehearsal. It was just me and Sissy. We arrived home at midnight because she was starving (I wonder why?), so I got her McDs. I also needed to put gas in the van, so it was just a very, very long ordeal.

We had to be back at the auditorium by 1:30 on Saturday, even though the show didn't start until 2:30. I am a "follow the rules" person, so we were actually a little early. Sissy's first routine was #12 on the list of 40 (!!!!), not including #41, the grand finale. In fact, in the line up, her group was #12, #27 and, wouldn't ya know it, #40.

It started a little late (imagine that!) and I decided we'd be leaving after her last routine, but before the finale. We got out of there at 7P! The Evil Twin and I were freezing and starving and our butts were numb from sitting in the not so comfy seats.

When I took Sissy up to the staging area - where they line up the dancers about 3 to 5 dances back - I wanted to let someone know not to hold her backstage for the finale, but to release her to me.

I saw another mom, a mom I know and in fact, lives just up the street from us and I've known her for several years, since we all attended the same pool. She had been working backstage, and her daughter is one of the main dancers, so it seems they're always hanging around. But, I knew that she would be able to help me...I just needed to know who to speak to about getting Sissy after the last routine.

It was obvious I was standing at the doorway for a reason. She was busy looking thru some costumes, so I stood back and waited until she was done with whatever, then - GET THIS - she turned and looked at me, smiled, turned and walked away! I even had my mouth open to ask, "Who can I speak to about....." I didn't even get one squeak out.

I KNOW she knows that place like the back of her hand. I also know she could've answered my question or if not, directed me to someone who could.

I get snubbed like that a lot. I get dissed on Facebook by people I thought I had some semblance of a relationship (guess I cared more than they did). Almost all of the moms at the pool stopped speaking to me after a few summers.

I didn't do or say anything offensive. I didn't use bad language (I rarely do). I know I am not like most moms, but I certainly try to blend in regarding certain situations.

Am I really a terrible person? Is it my breath? I'm just not sure.

I'm not brokenhearted or anything. I don't need more friends. I've always kept a couple or three close to me all my life and am not the social butterfly type.

However, I am also not so petty to ignore someone just because there may be something I don't particularly like about them. Oh well.

Have a great Monday, hooligans! I still have errands to run! Yahoo (not). :-)

Love,

Make The Glitter Go Away!

I like to wait 'til the last minute, so today, I've been putting Sissy in her costumes (total of three), taking notes on what needs to be taken in, etc. I really only have one ballet skirt that will need a pin and one tap costume belt that will need a pin.

One outfit makes her all itchy and the clip on earrings she has to wear for two routines pinch her ears half off.

It'll be interesting when Saturday rolls around and I'm backstage doing her hair and make up. I considered false eyelashes, but figured that might go over as well as a turd in a punch bowl. She is NOT my prissy girl who just goes along with people (Mom, for example), pulling her hair, curling her hair, making her sit still for mascara, eyeliner and lipstick.

I went and bought her some make up that will be flattering to her skin tone - she is lighter than me. But, I do understand the need to really overdo the facial definitions. If not, she will just blend in with the scenery and not be seen from the stage lights. It's nice to have been sent to several charm schools and then learn from the best: the Drag Queens.

My little tartlet will look amazing...or at least as amazing as I can get her to be until she throws a fit and say "Fuck it. Go on with your bad self." My patience only runs so far.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be worn out by Saturday evening. I think this will be the end of the dance lessons.

This is a fitting example of "be careful what you wish for.", huh? Momma's not as young as she used to be.

AND, at this point, the house is covered in glitter and sequins.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow, I have a tale of Three Turtles. If I didn't love these kids so much, I would have gone bonkers a looooong time ago!

Have a happy Thursday, hooligans. Please say a prayer or send good thoughts my way for this evening. I can't say why - it's nothing like I might have cancer or anything near that pressing, but I'm gonna need some courage. Thanks, guys.

Love,

1234

Or 12:34...This is post 1,234 and it is exactly 12:34 on the clock right now. I have a friend who loves it when she looks at the clock and it's 12:34, because all the numbers are in a row.

Personally, I like 4:22, but I haven't seen that time in the AM in a loooong time.

Anypoodle, I guess over 1200 posts is not to shabby in the scope of things. I don't always have anything interesting to say, but when I have diarrhea of the mouth - LOOK OUT!

We're gearing up for Sissy's Dance Recital this Saturday and there are so many things to remember/do. I still haven't tried on her ballet costume, the tap costume was a wee loose in the shoulder straps when I tried it on her in February, so either: Let's hope she has grown or feel sorry for me trying to take up those straps with a needle and thread.

And, yes, I do have a sewing machine (squeee!), but it seems like an awful lot of trouble to haul out just to tighten 2 little straps. I'll just pin it and do it by hand, if necessary. Friday evening is the dress rehearsal, so I need to work quickly.

I also have mounds of laundry, kitchen work and grocery shopping. I need to find time to sort thru bills (not as quick and easy as most people think).

Alright, hooligans, I'm off to check the laundry and take care of a couple other little things, then Sissy and are off to the Mart. :-) I hope you have a Happy Hump day!

Love,

A Week of Summer Fun

We've been busy this week. I'm trying to catch up on housework, banking and trying to keep the kids entertained.

In our little burg, they're having a Fair/Carnival for the first time since the early 70s. They're raising money for a community center for the younger people in our area.

Our two kids had never been to a rickety old carnival before, so we figured it might be fun for all. I invited a friend of mine and her two boys (the younger one and Sissy are good friends) to come along with us. She doesn't drive and the family only has one car. Her husband works long and late hours, so I figured they get bored in the evenings - they were thrilled that I thought of them, although it was really nothing on my part. Giving a friend a hand is never a big thinking process for me - Generally, I'm a "more the merrier" type if I know the "more" well.

We didn't tell the 3 smaller kids what was going on. I did tell Buddy, but I said, "You can't tell the poo poo diaper babies what we have planned because it's a surprise." It was funny to listen to the smaller kids try to guess where we were heading.

When they spotted the ferris wheel, they all went bonkers...Except for Buddy, who at 14, is way too cool for that sort of display of happiness. He DID have a good time, though and rode several rickety rides with my friend's 9 year old, who was too tall to ride the same rides that Sissy and her Bestie were under the height limit to ride (the "kiddie" rides).

Here they are entering the area of the carnival:



They held hands or were hugging each other all night. :::Swoon::: I love my future in-laws! :-)

Of course, it was the typical carnie atmosphere. Complete with toothless individuals with crappy prison tattoos, but it was fun and crowded, but not too crowded.

I told the children that they just haven't lived until they eat carnie food from some dude with a herpe on his lip. Even I had a funnel cake. Who doesn't at a carnival? Those things are tasty as all get out. And yes, I did have diarrhea this morning. Thanks for asking.

I've got to run off and plan dinner and also deal with laundry. I hope all my hooligans have a super happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!!

Love,

Tootsie Update

I went to the docs yesterday afternoon. He was particularly concerned about the swelling, redness and edema on the top of my foot.

Lucky me, I got an order to get x-rays. I'm supposed to hear something today, but as of this time, I haven't gotten a call. Even if I broke it, even if there is a hairline fracture on another bone, there really isn't much they can do about it.

I haven't had a shower yet and had a few things on the docket for today, but I guess they can wait 'til tomorrow. Then, I just got a call to expect the window guys to be here around noonish to replace some windows that had breaches in the seals. Thank you, lifetime warranty!

I guess we'll be having a late lunch today.

Crap happens and I just have to roll with it. That's ok, I have plenty of work to do around the house. I'll just be hobbling around to do it all. Awesome!

I know all four of you are on the edge of your seats to find out more about my foot and I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. :-)

Have a great Thursday, hooligans....It's almost FRIDAY! Yay! Enjoy your day and the weekend. I'll be back tomorrow.

Love,

No Pain, No Gain?

I beg to differ.

Yesterday morning, Sissy woke me up earlier than I would have liked and upon leaving the bedroom, I was yawning and shuffling along. I know this house like the back of my hand, so I wasn't concerned about inflicting bodily harm.

I was OH SO WRONG. We have an older house, which means our heating/cooling vents are not flush mount to the floor, but rather semi wall mounted, on the floor, but have a half of a triangle shape.

In my half sleep stupor, my little left pinky toe cracked into the corner of that vent. The pain brought me to my knees and I spilled the cup of water that is my ever present BFF.

Ok, so at first, it just was a little on the sore side, but then... it started to swell and change colors.

This morning 3/4 of my foot is swollen and bruised. My toe was black yesterday and this morning, it's more purple. I can move it and walk on it (not well - I kinda have to walk on my instep). I don't think anything is broken, but the Evil Twin wants me to get it checked out.

I see my regular doc today later on.

What do y'all think? Medical attention necessary or just ice that mofo, build a bridge and get over it?

And an extra value-added side view:

Momma needs to repaint her toenails and do something about the cuticles, but at this point, I'm not so concerned about the glitter or even proper trying to look decent with my feet. So, try to block out the hideous toe care. I've been busy, y'all!

Hooligans, have a great Wednesday. I'm off to get a shower and get ready for my stunning foot appearance at the docs office.

Love,

Network FAIL

When I am home by myself, the TV never comes on...unless I decide to watch something I've recorded on the DVR. Once the show is over, I turn the TV off again.

The kids' last day of school was Thursday, May 24 and when they are home during the day, the TV is often on.

I pick either kid friendly shows/cartoons (iCarly, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) or I'll pick things like "How it's Made" or "American Pickers" or "Sand Wars"... shows that are not filled with profanity and offer some sort of interesting content.

Well, the other day, I had it on the channel that plays iCarly. During a commercial, they were promoting a new show premiere, "Rags". I just happened to look up and see this:

WHAT? A major network? And, I saw this frame several times before it mysteriously disappeared. I saw it the first time I saw the ad. You know this went thru several dozens of producers, directors and who knows who else and they didn't notice it before broadcasting it.

This picture was taken when I paused the frame and had the Evil Twin figure out "what is wrong with this?" "Didja see it??"

A few days later, the frame was back in the commercial, but the spelling was corrected.

I noticed it in a split second, so that tells you what kind of spelling geek I am. Hey, someone's got to do it.

Have a great Tuesday, hooligans! Hope you all had a nice long weekend and continue to have a nice week!

Love,

Number One Sleepover

It has been a long, very long school year.

This weekend, Sissy had her first sleepover. She had invited her dear friend from school over - those two are like peas in a pod. One thing I noticed is that girls are much quieter than boys, but just as messy. Her room is a disaster zone.

Anyhootch, the girls watched a "Hello Kitty" DVD, then the "Tinkerbelle" DVD. By that time, it was 10:30. The Evil Twin got them tucked in and I thought for sure they would sleep in a bit on Sunday morning.

Nope. They were up just after 7A. They had already changed out of their PJs and into "daytime" clothes because they wanted to go out back and play. They proceeded to track sand from the sandbox and chalk from the sidewalk chalk inside. After that, ETW declared a "no shoes in the house policy". And, I also made them use the hose to clean their feet off before coming inside.

I can't tell you how many times I heard that back screen door open and close. They were thirsty or someone had to use the restroom. Then, those little hooligans wanted breakfast. What do I look like - a short order cook?

I made them go wake up Daddy to go to McD's. With these two, it's monkey see monkey do. Sissy's friend wanted a fruit and yogurt parfait and OJ. That's what Sissy had as well. Even though neither of my children are OJ fans. Buddy just outright despises it and Sissy is not a fan of most juices.

Once fed, they ran out back again and had a great time. 11A rolled around and now, they wanted lunch. What do I look like - a short order cook?

It was peanut butter sandwiches and a little tiny cup of Coke on ice for the both of them.

A little bit later, they wanted a snack. Geez! The thing about these girls is that they may only be 6, but they are both built solid. They are not overweight at all - or even close to it - but they are solid muscle.

The evening before the awesome sleepover, one of Sissy's classmates had a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. I dreaded it, but managed to make it there. Friday was a long day. Saturday was a long day. Sunday was a long day, but you know what? I actually had fun!

I'm exhausted today and Buddy has his 8th grade trip to the amusement park tomorrow. Then, on Wednesday, Sissy has her Kindergarten "Fun Day". I need to send her to school with a swim suit under her clothing (they're doing water activities) - Let's see if we have a swim suit that fits. Otherwise, I'll be out shopping this evening. It's all fun at the end of the year for the kids....For parents, not so much.

I hope all my hooligans have a great Monday!

Love,

I got my Mother's Day wish

I really, really wanted a white gold necklace. The Evil Twin had told me to pick what I liked and order it. So, I did. I'm not gonna turn down a "choose it yourself" gift. Those are my favorites.

It takes me a while to look around and decide on something, but I finally did and the chain arrived on Tuesday. I put my skeleton lady cameo pendant on it and I'm in love! The chain that came with the pendant was made of some sort of mystery metal and I have a hard time with doing a clasp by myself, so I had worn it in the shower a few times.

It didn't look so good and it smelled weird. I'm all about things that don't smell right. It will drive me crazy. I don't buy paper towels with a pattern on them or toilet paper that isn't all white. I can smell the dyes and for me, the odors are just too much.

I buy Febreze by the boatload. Lysol, Tide, Bounce detergent sheets....all of those pass my sniffer test. I even smell glasses from the cupboard before I use them. I also generally smell plates and utensils, too. I'm weird, what did you expect???

Now, I have a new necklace I can wear in the shower and it won't get all grody and corroded. Life is good, huh?

Have a great Thursday!! :-)

Love,

A Good Day to Wait

It's all rainy and gloomy outside. I had some things I did want to do today, but I'm waiting on our contractor to return to finish a repair.

I don't mind. His wife and I graduated high school together - and were, in fact, in the same home room all three years. We've known them forever. He and I worked together at his Dad's company before Buddy came along (and I quit to stay home with the baby).

We trust him and I would leave him a key if I *really* needed to leave the house, but my errands can wait. Besides, I like to be here if he has any questions or needs anything. I always tell him to make himself at home and he does. He knows where the sodas are in the fridge and if he wants anything else, he is more than welcome to help himself (food wise, not our personal belongings, but he's not the shady type LOL).

It's a good day to stay in and just chillax. I had a wonderful day yesterday. The Evil Twin took care of the kids and made the meal of my request: burgers and hot dogs on the grill, side of chips. That's all I wanted.

I was so lazy, I didn't even get a shower! My OCD side said, "ETW, what are you thinking, girl? Get yo stank ass in the shower." (yes, my OCD side has an attitude and a little ghetto humor). But, I just ignored that bitch and pulled my greasy hair back into a head band and proceeded to lounge on the sofa.

It's all good. Right?

I hope that all my hooligans - moms, dads, everyone - had a great day yesterday and that y'all have a great Monday as well. Mine has been peachy! :-)

Love,

Another Weird Week

My sad little schedule has been turned upside down again...

Have I mentioned how much I hate the last few weeks of the school season? It seems like they want to cram every little thing in at the last minute.

I am NOT a last minute kinda gal. It makes me all nervous and then I get a rash on my butt. Seriously. A rash ON MY BUTT. Knock on wood that said butt rash has not been around this year (so far).

However, maybe the butt rash is mocking me and turning up as a patch of psoriasis (or some sort of flaky skin problem) near my left eye. Luckily, my hair covers it. But, if this Cortizone10 doesn't do something soon, I'll have to pay a visit to my doc. And, I hate appointments. That's why my hair looks like shit right now. I just don't have the energy to pick up the phone and make an appointment.

I have one hairdresser. She's been my one and only for over 20 years and she stays busy. No walk-ins around that place. I need to call her before the kids get out of school - and that date is hurtling ever so fast at me right now.

I'm a nervous wreck because Buddy has an end of the 8th grade year field trip coming up. To King's Island, which is an amusement park approximately FOUR HOURS AWAY FROM ME. I don't like it, not one bit. Do you think anyone would notice if I followed the tour bus and then stood outside the gates and cried?

And to think my parents put me on a plane when I was 12 - by myself - to visit relatives for three weeks one summer. I had a great time and they even trumped spoiling me over my parents. That's saying something there because my parents were champs at the spoiling. Like it was their job or something.

The Evil Twin thinks I need to chill and let Buddy experience some freedom. I asked his friend if they could be "Bus Buddies", but everyone laughed and said it sounded too close to "butt buddies". Then, I said, "Well, could you two at least hold hands in the park?" Again, gales of laughter all around. I guess I can't keep him shielded at all times forever...

It never gets easier, does it? People have told me that lie since he was born.

Time to get ready to pick up my Sissy baby girl. Hope all of my hooligans are having a great Thursday and a less hectic week than yours truly!

Love,

Running Out of Steam

The kids only have 20 days of school left and my schedule is even more hectic than usual. Today is the Kindergarten "Teacher Appreciation Day" and I said I would bring some sort of fruit tray. It starts at 11A, it's almost 9 now and I haven't even made the purchase.

When it comes to perishable food items, I like to wait til the last minute to get it. That way I can be relatively assured it's as fresh as it can be.

I'm also cooking a beef brisket for dinner. I put a dry rub on that mofo last night. I just dumped a bunch of spices that sounded good into a bowl, stirred it up and went to town. Then, I put it in a rubbermaid container and back in the fridge overnight. I did some research on cooking methods - I've never done a brisket before - and it looks like low and slow is the best. So, I plan on cooking that beyotch for about 6 hours. I need a roasting pan and a side dish or two. I'll pick up what I need at the store when I run out to get the fruit tray.

To say I'm exhausted is an understatement. And, it's also why I didn't have time to update yesterday or the day before.

I'm just so glad it's Friday and maybe I can catch up on some rest and chores (alternately, of course - I like to pace myself...or maybe I'm just lazy. Hmmmmm.)

I hope all my hooligans have a great Friday and a great weekend! :-)

Love,

Can You Smell....Oh, Nevermind.

That's supposed to end with "what The Rock is cooking?", but I didn't want to sully his name in any way.

I had to go to the police detachment down the road yesterday to renew my registration. I go there every year and like it because it's very convenient.

However, yesterday, I went around 11:45. It's a teeny little building - not much larger than our main bathroom.

It was packed to the gills. I hadn't anticipated "the lunch hour crowd". It was also hotter than Satan's nutsack.

There was a guy a few people in front of me. He was covered in flop sweat and didn't have any teeth. To say he was disheveled would be on the kind side. He seemed nice enough, though and was plenty chatty.

OK, we're talking a very small space with about 10 or so people crammed in and it's HOT. Did I mention that already?

I know you can see where this is going: small, hot room...toothless man covered in flop sweat....And, I have a very keen sense of smell. I'm not going to name any names or even describe the person I think was responsible for the overwhelming BO smell. But, it was bad.

The line was moving ever so slow. I was in that sardine can (and I think perhaps a sardine can might smell better) for close to ONE FULL HOUR.

I have never been there when it's that crowded. But, my plan was to get the registration and then move on to the Mart and be back to get Sissy by 3 pm. I knew when I was finally released from my tiny hell on Earth, there was no way I'd make it to the store, shop and be back before 3.

Sitting around for an hour with a weird bunch of people really zaps your energy. I came back home and waited for the Evil Twin to get home from work. Then, I dragged my sorry self to the Roger of K. (which is not too far from where we live - the Mart is about 15 minutes away in a different little town).

And now, I am off to do laundry duty, empty the dishwasher, reload the dishwasher, make the beds and assorted other chores on my daily list. Don't I have a adventurous life? I mean, what with the practically passing out from heat stroke to get a sticker for my plate on the van to tooling around the grocery, then coming home to cook? For a good time, email eviltwinswife@gmail.com and maybe I'll let you run around with me and experience all the good times! :-)

Love,

Ack!

I looked at the school lunch menu yesterday and realized that May 24th is the last day. Typically, the last day is sometime in early June. But, we only had one snow day this year (and the county builds those into the schedule), the kids will get an early Summer break.

Good for them, I guess. LOL.

It'll just be more crunch time for me to get things finished - you know, the usual variety of chores, appointments and whatnot that are easier for me to do by myself.

Yesterday, the Evil Twin took Sissy to see the "Chimpanzee" movie. Sissy asked why I didn't like theatres and I said, "Because I seem to have an "Idiot Ray", so the most annoying movie patrons can find me and sit in my close proximity." I did not add, "Which makes me all stabbity and feeling a desire to kill them."

OK, I would never kill them, but I might make a scene. I'm good at that, y'all.

Anyhoodle, when they returned from their little outing, the Evil Twin informed me that there was a family behind them who did running commentary on the film, said "Awwwauh" every. single. time the little chimp Oscar was shown (about every other frame) and also remarked about the "bad tribe" of chimps by saying "Oh, no!" or "Uh oh!".

And, I am vindicated! I will enjoy the movie when it comes out on DVD in the privacy and silence of my own home.

Although, the Evil Twin said he had seen his fill of chimpanzee vaginas and buttholes, and that he also enjoyed the part where the larger chimps ran across a group of smaller monkeys, then plucked one out, tore it apart and ate it. That's nice for the kids. I'll have to hide my eyes for that scene.

I'm SO glad I stayed home! :-)

Have a great Monday, hooligans.

Love,

Friday Fun

Last week, the Evil Twin had to buy a new lawn mower. We are on two lots and the front is very steep. He wears soccer cleats and has to use a self-propelled mower to then spend about 4 or 5 hours getting the yard into a golf course like state. We have more yard equipment than most professional landscapers.

Anyhoodle, the mower gets major usage. And his died weekend before last. OK, this is not something we can just shove to the side. We don't want our lawn to look like our neighbors across the street - the "man of the house", from what we hear, has a bad back. However, I guess his back is okay when he is tilling up a large area in the front to plant flowers and construct a rock retaining wall.

Then we have the neighbors on the other side. The house was purchased by a contractor at least 2 years ago. The folks who live there are renters. The home itself is only partially remodeled and the "yard" is a hot mess. In the process of this remodel, our fence that runs in behind this home is destroyed. We've been assured that it will be fixed, but come on! There is a quarter of the house that still lacks siding. The "yard" is not maintained. I call the city (along with a few other neighbors) regularly, but the deal is: they'll send the contractor a notice of fines, but if he makes even a tiny effort once a month, he skates.

They can let their property go to seed, but we won't. So, the Evil Twin has his new mower. He hasn't used it yet because it's been rainy around here for a bit.

Since he got a new mower, I decided it was time for my own new mower. For the carpets and floors. That's right - a VACUUM! Now, our Electrolux works fine, but it was made in 1985. It's a canister, which I like, but it's also kind of bulky to lug around. I'm used to it, but I hate that every time I use it (almost every day), I end up banging up my shins trying to get it to different areas.

My ingenious little brain decided Momma needed a new house toy. Here I sit.... My Dyson DC39 canister is on its' way today!!! And I'm gonna put that bitch through its' paces. How you like them bird feathers, Dyson?? The hardwood floors? Area rugs? Porcelain tile? Berber carpet? And, let's not forget the cat hair!! Oh, you are in for a treat! I can't wait 'til it arrives! I'll let y'all know if it meets the ETW's standards on appliances.

I'm also going out to lunch today with a beloved friend. She works at a very swanky restaurant in town. I've never been to it, so I'll have a little adventure trying a new place. I can't wait.

It's a good way to kick off the weekend! And, I hope all my hooligans have a great weekend, too.

Love,

An Interesting Week

I honestly wonder when I will have a week that isn't like a three ring circus. I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself. Yesterday, the schools were on an early dismissal. Don't ask me why...I still haven't figured it out. But, I also had to be home for two service calls and also be ready to pick up Sissy by 1P. Buddy was having some issues with his laptop, which is still under warranty (Thank Ghandi), so I had to wait on the tech person to come by to fix it and then, I had to wait on someone to swing by and look at a home repair job that is out of the Evil Twin's or my skill set. By the time I met with both parties, I didn't have time for a shower before I needed to pick Sissy up from school. I was already exhausted from Tuesday (Sissy's dance class....it makes me INSANE), so I wasn't really of a mood to deal with much else the next day (Wednesday). Today, I'm finding it most difficult to rustle up any motivation whatsoever. Don't get me wrong....I have a good life. I just get overwhelmed when too many activities seem to stack up and often overlap each other. Sometimes in life, you just have to suck it up and deal with it - and I do, but that doesn't mean I have to necessarily LIKE it. I keep on keeping on. Even if being in bed with the covers over my head sounds much more appealing. LOL. After all, the world might stop spinning on its' axis if I just threw my hands up and went to live in a treehouse out back. Sure, it sounds appealing, but I like indoor plumbing and hot showers (with mega water pressure - I don't enjoy taking a shower that feels like the water gods are merely just spitting on me). I'm just slightly spoiled to "Happy Shower Time". My exasperated parents sent me to Summer camp many years in a row and then I also lived in the Marshall University dorm for a year, so I know a shitty shower when I find one. The Evil Twin removes all the "low flow" valves from our water sources. If we're paying the bill, then we want a good amount of water. A pox on whoever came up with the low flow shower heads and made it mandatory. I fart in their general direction!! Welp, that being said, I'm headed off to my good shower time. I hope my hooligans are having a great Thursday! Love,

Something New? Again?

Those of you who use Blogger have by now noticed that "they" have changed the whole set up. Again. Now, I have to learn this new system. Have I mentioned that I am a busy person? I've had my "smartphone" for a year and a half and still haven't read the entire users manual. The manuals for my cameras? Collecting dust. Thanks, Blogger. Thanks a lot. I suppose I'll get used to it just like everything else new that falls into my lap. But, dangit, I don't have to be happy about it! I feel like so many things are just trying to get under my skin lately. Nothing terribly bad or end of the world type stuff, but things that make me have to juggle my routine and sometimes, I have to leave a few things undone. Like the ol' blog here. If my day has any variables, then I have to shuffle stuff around and most times, that means leaving things in the dust. Do I blog or get to the grocery? The family likes to eat. Do I work on laundry or blog? I can't send the crew out naked. I don't mind my lot in life - I actually enjoy it. I just don't enjoy having to re-arrange my schedule at a moment's notice or for what ends up being a total waste of time. I didn't do a damn thing this weekend, since my birthday was Sunday. Around here, we don't do anything elaborate for birthdays or anniversaries, etc. The birthday person has the final say, but it's also diplomatic - everyone can throw in their own thoughts. Birthday person can agree or veto or come up with their own plans. I wanted a relaxing day. That's what I had. And, it was wonderful! We watched a movie. The Evil Twin went out to pick up lunch and the birthday girl's bottle of wine. But, it was back to the regular routine on Monday - or not so regular as I would have liked. New and confusing Blogger. Time wasted on an important detail in life (I'm not going to discuss it - it's nothing bad, but we had an important appointment and a no-show of the important person we had arranged to meet). Good Ghandi! Why can't people just DO what they say they will do? So unprofessional. I'm outta here. Laundry, vacuuming and kitchen detail await my most inspired assistance. Have a great Tuesday, my hooligans and we'll chat soon! :-) Love,