Perhaps the biggest thing I'll remember about 2007 is that it went by really fast. I did sell my parents' house (finally) and settle the estate business. That was nice. We did a lot of remodeling to our own house. That was maddening, but now that it's all finished, we're happy we went ahead and did it.
2008 will bring me a 10 year old, a 2 year old and my 40th birthday. The Evil Twin inches one year closer to AARP age and will be 49 this year. We'll celebrate our 15th Anniversary in October. Wow.... It seems hard to believe it's been that long. Oh well... my dad wished us a LONG (and wanted to emphasize the "long" part) marriage.
There hasn't been anything terribly tragic happen this year, so that's good. No one in our families died. Well, except my sister in law's stepson who we had never met (he was in prison when they got married).
I'm looking forward to 2008 - seeing my children grow and change. I started working on a budget last year and I hope to have that running better and see some real changes in our bottom line.
I also hope to meet my biological mother and sister in 2008 and be able to visit my oldest childhood friend who I reconnected with this year after 20 years of not being able to find her. The internet is an amazing thing and for that, I am eternally grateful.
I've also met a lot of really cool, fun and funny fellow bloggers. They make my life a whole lot more interesting and I look forward to continuing to be a part of their virtual lives. Thanks for being there, friends!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Elder Abuse
My little Sissy will be 23 months old on Jan. 2 and she's still a tiny thing - tall but slender. That's the MO for both of my kiddos, though. Buddy was such a laid back little guy. Happy all the time and if you told him "No" once, that was it.
His sister, however, has a fiesty temper and is very persistent. She also likes to waller (wallow) all over us. She'll sit on your head, walk on your hair, try to pick your nose, and just generally wreak havoc on a body.
I am not a spring chicken by any stretch of the imagination, but I like to try to get down on the floor and roll around with her. Well, she takes that to mean open season on poor old mom.
Yesterday, I got a head butt to the mouth, which resulted in a blood blister on the inside of my lip. Today, she head butted me so hard in the nose, I was sure it was broken (it's not). I will not be surprised if I wake up with facial bruises tomorrow, though.
I knew it had to have hurt her head, but she wasn't fazed at all. She kept going. She is so cute and funny, we just laugh it off. It's hard to even get mad at her - she's just having a good time in her mind. She doesn't realize she's causing bodily harm.
She has a few new sayings. One is "I a pirate. (then real deep voice) Arrrghhh." Only she says pirate like parrot, which makes it even funnier. Her other big saying is "Boo! I scary now." She got that one from "Jack's Big Music Show" which we both love to watch.
I can't believe she'll be 2 in February and Buddy will be 10 in January. I'm not old enough to have a 10 year old! And I can't imagine life without either of them.
His sister, however, has a fiesty temper and is very persistent. She also likes to waller (wallow) all over us. She'll sit on your head, walk on your hair, try to pick your nose, and just generally wreak havoc on a body.
I am not a spring chicken by any stretch of the imagination, but I like to try to get down on the floor and roll around with her. Well, she takes that to mean open season on poor old mom.
Yesterday, I got a head butt to the mouth, which resulted in a blood blister on the inside of my lip. Today, she head butted me so hard in the nose, I was sure it was broken (it's not). I will not be surprised if I wake up with facial bruises tomorrow, though.
I knew it had to have hurt her head, but she wasn't fazed at all. She kept going. She is so cute and funny, we just laugh it off. It's hard to even get mad at her - she's just having a good time in her mind. She doesn't realize she's causing bodily harm.
She has a few new sayings. One is "I a pirate. (then real deep voice) Arrrghhh." Only she says pirate like parrot, which makes it even funnier. Her other big saying is "Boo! I scary now." She got that one from "Jack's Big Music Show" which we both love to watch.
I can't believe she'll be 2 in February and Buddy will be 10 in January. I'm not old enough to have a 10 year old! And I can't imagine life without either of them.
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Flu?
Ugh! Like a bad girl, I didn't get a flu shot yet. My insurance covers it for me every year (because of the MS).
Today, we got up and went to meet friends for lunch (Mayberry's! Hooray!). Lunch was great. Afterwards, one friend and her daughter came over to our house. Buddy wanted to play the Wii and even though his friend had gotten one for Christmas, it wasn't hooked up at her house yet.
It's always nice to chat with my friend. The Evil Twin made coffee for us and went downstairs. We gossiped and laughed and were having a great time. Then, my head started to hurt - really bad. I tried to ignore it, but it felt like someone was banging a ball-peen hammer on my forehead above my right eye.
The Evil Twin came upstairs and joined us. We were all talking about horror movies and ones we loved (my friend and the Evil Twin are the same age and are both really into the old Universal movies). I started feeling worse and worse. I was all sweaty and I thought I was going to have to excuse myself to the restroom and throw up.
Well, I really hate throwing up and the thoughts of losing my good lunch made me tough it out.
Finally though, I said I had to lie down for a bit. I felt like a horrible hostess, but I was getting light headed and probably was not good company at that point anyway.
I slept for a bit and when I woke up, my head hurt a lot less, but I still had a low grade fever.
I really do hope it's something else because the other friend we met for lunch is a teacher and I held her 3 month old son. That's really what bothers me most is the thought that if I have the flu or some other communicable virus, I may have given it to him. So please keep me in your thoughts that it's something milder or even something not air borne would be most excellent. I don't want my family to get sick, either!
Yuck.
Today, we got up and went to meet friends for lunch (Mayberry's! Hooray!). Lunch was great. Afterwards, one friend and her daughter came over to our house. Buddy wanted to play the Wii and even though his friend had gotten one for Christmas, it wasn't hooked up at her house yet.
It's always nice to chat with my friend. The Evil Twin made coffee for us and went downstairs. We gossiped and laughed and were having a great time. Then, my head started to hurt - really bad. I tried to ignore it, but it felt like someone was banging a ball-peen hammer on my forehead above my right eye.
The Evil Twin came upstairs and joined us. We were all talking about horror movies and ones we loved (my friend and the Evil Twin are the same age and are both really into the old Universal movies). I started feeling worse and worse. I was all sweaty and I thought I was going to have to excuse myself to the restroom and throw up.
Well, I really hate throwing up and the thoughts of losing my good lunch made me tough it out.
Finally though, I said I had to lie down for a bit. I felt like a horrible hostess, but I was getting light headed and probably was not good company at that point anyway.
I slept for a bit and when I woke up, my head hurt a lot less, but I still had a low grade fever.
I really do hope it's something else because the other friend we met for lunch is a teacher and I held her 3 month old son. That's really what bothers me most is the thought that if I have the flu or some other communicable virus, I may have given it to him. So please keep me in your thoughts that it's something milder or even something not air borne would be most excellent. I don't want my family to get sick, either!
Yuck.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Post Holiday Schtuff
The gifts - in particular the Wii - were all hits. I'm having a good time with the Wii myself. I like that bowling game. Buddy got mad because I kicked his butt at it several times, but my parents were on a league when I was younger, so I spent every Monday night in a bowling alley for years. I know my way around the lanes.
My brother and his wife and their two children visited during the afternoon yesterday and it was a really great visit, Their kids are just adorable. They kept us all in stitches. Their son is 3 weeks younger than Sissy and their daughter is 3.5, so the three little kids had a blast running around together. Buddy was too busy with his Wii to care much about those pests. LOL.
The Evil Twin and I don't exchange gifts, which is fine by both of us. My brother and his wife did bring us cookies, which I thought was nice.
A friend of mine sent me a "We Are Marshall" hand blown glass ornament which I love. The box it came in was crushed in on one side and even the box on the inside was crushed, so I didn't have much hope for my ornament (she'd told me she'd sent it), but it was in perfect condition! Amazing.
Tomorrow, my mother-in-law and her husband will be dropping by. They always do holiday cookies and snacks, so they're coming with that stuff. I love all the snacks and things, but I have put on several pounds so far and I think for the first time in my life, I will be making a New Year's resolution to lose about 10 lbs. That will put me back under 120, which is where I'm most comfortable.
All in all, I've got to chalk this up to a very nice Christmas for us. Not too hectic or too many gifts, but still loads of fun. I hope you all have had wonderful holidays as well.
My brother and his wife and their two children visited during the afternoon yesterday and it was a really great visit, Their kids are just adorable. They kept us all in stitches. Their son is 3 weeks younger than Sissy and their daughter is 3.5, so the three little kids had a blast running around together. Buddy was too busy with his Wii to care much about those pests. LOL.
The Evil Twin and I don't exchange gifts, which is fine by both of us. My brother and his wife did bring us cookies, which I thought was nice.
A friend of mine sent me a "We Are Marshall" hand blown glass ornament which I love. The box it came in was crushed in on one side and even the box on the inside was crushed, so I didn't have much hope for my ornament (she'd told me she'd sent it), but it was in perfect condition! Amazing.
Tomorrow, my mother-in-law and her husband will be dropping by. They always do holiday cookies and snacks, so they're coming with that stuff. I love all the snacks and things, but I have put on several pounds so far and I think for the first time in my life, I will be making a New Year's resolution to lose about 10 lbs. That will put me back under 120, which is where I'm most comfortable.
All in all, I've got to chalk this up to a very nice Christmas for us. Not too hectic or too many gifts, but still loads of fun. I hope you all have had wonderful holidays as well.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Anyone Santa Watching?
I swear, I am so excited this year...and I'm not even getting anything. I think it's just going to be so fun in the morning with both kids, even though Sissy is really still just a tad young to "get" the whole thing.
We've had a pretty laid back day today. I did do a couple loads of laundry and picked up around the house a bit. This morning, I decided to run to McDs and get a couple of the McSkillet burrito things. I had a coupon for BOGO free, which is a good thing, because those suckers are $2.50 each! I got each of the kids a hash brown, because that's about all they'll eat from there off the breakfast menu.
Both the Evil Twin and I were less than wowed by the McSkillet. It's nowhere near as big as it appears on the commercial - but really, what fast food ever is? This excellent site really gets behind the comparisons: Ads vs Reality.
So, okay, the McSkillet is a bit on the small side, not as small as the Breakfast Burrito though. You might think the potato pieces would be a good idea and tasty, but that's clearly not the case. They become a bit smashy. And, the Evil Twin brought up the fact that for some reason, all restaurants feel like everyone must want a southwest flavor with their eggs (like green peppers, etc.). Some of us just want eggs and sausage, maybe a little cheese.
On the plus side, it did not give me explosive diarrhea, so that's something to cheer about!
It's back to the Sausage McMuffin (no egg) for me.
Merry Christmas, to all my good blog friends. I enjoy your comments and your blogs. I've learned so much since I started blogging myself and I am extra blessed to have stumbled across the best blogs on the web. Hope Santa is good to you, each and everyone!!! Love ya, Evil Twin's Wife
We've had a pretty laid back day today. I did do a couple loads of laundry and picked up around the house a bit. This morning, I decided to run to McDs and get a couple of the McSkillet burrito things. I had a coupon for BOGO free, which is a good thing, because those suckers are $2.50 each! I got each of the kids a hash brown, because that's about all they'll eat from there off the breakfast menu.
Both the Evil Twin and I were less than wowed by the McSkillet. It's nowhere near as big as it appears on the commercial - but really, what fast food ever is? This excellent site really gets behind the comparisons: Ads vs Reality.
So, okay, the McSkillet is a bit on the small side, not as small as the Breakfast Burrito though. You might think the potato pieces would be a good idea and tasty, but that's clearly not the case. They become a bit smashy. And, the Evil Twin brought up the fact that for some reason, all restaurants feel like everyone must want a southwest flavor with their eggs (like green peppers, etc.). Some of us just want eggs and sausage, maybe a little cheese.
On the plus side, it did not give me explosive diarrhea, so that's something to cheer about!
It's back to the Sausage McMuffin (no egg) for me.
Merry Christmas, to all my good blog friends. I enjoy your comments and your blogs. I've learned so much since I started blogging myself and I am extra blessed to have stumbled across the best blogs on the web. Hope Santa is good to you, each and everyone!!! Love ya, Evil Twin's Wife
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Enjoying the Spirits of Christmas
We had a load of friends over last night (hence, no Saturday update - I was far too plastered to attempt something that complicated). There were 10 adults, 6 children and more hootch than anyone has a right to.
The drinking got started around 5:30 pm and went downhill from there. But, oh!, we had such a wonderful time! The Evil Twin risked life and limb to trek to Kroger's and get chips and veggies and snacks.
Some of our guests had other people/parties to attend, so the crowd thinned out around 8:30. By 9:30, I was wrecked and ready for bed. I bid our other guests a good night and got in bed before I got naked or did anything else to embarass myself. I slept amazingly well and woke up at precisely 5 am.
I felt great, but I couldn't get to sleep again, so I decided to make myself useful. I got up and started the prep work for a beef stew in the crock pot. At one point, the Evil Twin, hearing noises in the kitchen, came in (naked!) to see what was going on. I assured him that I hadn't lost my mind and was just *awake* for the day. Before he went back down the hall, he said when I was finished in the kitchen, I could come back and finish the naughty business we had (apparently) been involved the evening prior.
I gave Mr. Twin an early Christmas present. We were talking and I was sitting up in bed about halfway. I reached over to grab my tube of Vaseline I keep on the nightstand (NOT intended for dirty use). It's what I use before bed to moisturize my lips and when I wake up and they feel dry ... I'll give 'em a swipe of Vaseline and they feel great.
So, I'm slathering it all over my mouth when I notice that it didn't smell like Vaseline. No, it wasn't. In the dark, I had picked up a similar sized tube of DIAPER RASH CREAM and was liberally coating my lips with it.
I asked the ET if he could hand me the jizz towel on his side of the bed. He said, "Well, it's covered in jizz." and I said, "It's also going to be covered in diaper rash cream because I'd rather have jizz on my face than diaper rash ointment."
After that bit of excitement, I was able to lay back down and snooze for another hour or so until Sissy woke up.
We still have loads of booze left, so I think it's going to be a very Merry Christmas, indeed at Casa Evil Twin.
The drinking got started around 5:30 pm and went downhill from there. But, oh!, we had such a wonderful time! The Evil Twin risked life and limb to trek to Kroger's and get chips and veggies and snacks.
Some of our guests had other people/parties to attend, so the crowd thinned out around 8:30. By 9:30, I was wrecked and ready for bed. I bid our other guests a good night and got in bed before I got naked or did anything else to embarass myself. I slept amazingly well and woke up at precisely 5 am.
I felt great, but I couldn't get to sleep again, so I decided to make myself useful. I got up and started the prep work for a beef stew in the crock pot. At one point, the Evil Twin, hearing noises in the kitchen, came in (naked!) to see what was going on. I assured him that I hadn't lost my mind and was just *awake* for the day. Before he went back down the hall, he said when I was finished in the kitchen, I could come back and finish the naughty business we had (apparently) been involved the evening prior.
I gave Mr. Twin an early Christmas present. We were talking and I was sitting up in bed about halfway. I reached over to grab my tube of Vaseline I keep on the nightstand (NOT intended for dirty use). It's what I use before bed to moisturize my lips and when I wake up and they feel dry ... I'll give 'em a swipe of Vaseline and they feel great.
So, I'm slathering it all over my mouth when I notice that it didn't smell like Vaseline. No, it wasn't. In the dark, I had picked up a similar sized tube of DIAPER RASH CREAM and was liberally coating my lips with it.
I asked the ET if he could hand me the jizz towel on his side of the bed. He said, "Well, it's covered in jizz." and I said, "It's also going to be covered in diaper rash cream because I'd rather have jizz on my face than diaper rash ointment."
After that bit of excitement, I was able to lay back down and snooze for another hour or so until Sissy woke up.
We still have loads of booze left, so I think it's going to be a very Merry Christmas, indeed at Casa Evil Twin.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Alone At Last
The one thing I truly love about Friday nights is that most of the time, the Evil Twin and Buddy will abscond to our downstairs den and watch a scary movie for the evening. They do popcorn, sodas and other snacks and turn all the lights off for their evening of scariness. Sometimes, they watch a more humorous movie or just whatever they feel like seeing. Doesn't matter to me one whit.
All I care about is I have my upstairs den all to myself. Sissy is in bed. It's warm and quiet. Plus, it gives me an evening off of laundry. They don't like it when I run the washer and dryer, since the utility room is downstairs also and the noises interrupt their good movie viewing - although most evenings, I can hear their TV even upstairs and this house is super soundproof. The guy who built it was a shift worker for an engineering plant, so if he needed to sleep during the day, he was gonna be damn sure he could sleep during the day.
I'm going to take advantage of my time this evening. I'll have a glass of wine and admire the Christmas tree, I'll check my YouTube favorites and laugh like a loon. I'll sort thru Christmas cards and make sure I haven't missed anyone on my list (there's still time to send out a few late ones!) and I plan on engaging in some online banking thrills and paying off some debt that's been bugging me, but I've been too cheap to part with the dead presidents in my account.
Doesn't that sound like fun, folks? I'm making some small changes for the New Year and I think 2008 is going to be a good one for Casa Evil Twin.
All I care about is I have my upstairs den all to myself. Sissy is in bed. It's warm and quiet. Plus, it gives me an evening off of laundry. They don't like it when I run the washer and dryer, since the utility room is downstairs also and the noises interrupt their good movie viewing - although most evenings, I can hear their TV even upstairs and this house is super soundproof. The guy who built it was a shift worker for an engineering plant, so if he needed to sleep during the day, he was gonna be damn sure he could sleep during the day.
I'm going to take advantage of my time this evening. I'll have a glass of wine and admire the Christmas tree, I'll check my YouTube favorites and laugh like a loon. I'll sort thru Christmas cards and make sure I haven't missed anyone on my list (there's still time to send out a few late ones!) and I plan on engaging in some online banking thrills and paying off some debt that's been bugging me, but I've been too cheap to part with the dead presidents in my account.
Doesn't that sound like fun, folks? I'm making some small changes for the New Year and I think 2008 is going to be a good one for Casa Evil Twin.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Christmas Movies I Like
Probably my number one favorite is "Scrooged" with Bill Murray. It's funny and sweet. I don't know what my scoop is with Bill Murray. I don't think he's a hottie. For whatever reason, most movies I pick from Netflix have him in them - and I often don't realize that until the movie gets here. The Evil Twin thought I was trying to foist some sort of Bill Murray brainwashing on him.
When my family moved to Kansas from Georgia, we got cable TV. Wow. Including HBO. Us kids didn't know what to make of this all movies all the time thing. One of the first Christmas seasons we lived there, HBO was running "Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas" and I think I watched it every time they ran it. I've thought about it off and on over the years - and I'm now on a quest to find and own a copy of my own.
No one would be even remotely human if they didn't list "Charlie Brown's Christmas". Watching it as an adult is really not the same. I don't feel the same heart full of joy as when I was a kid, but it's fun to watch my kids enjoy it.
And the list wouldn't be complete without "The Grinch". And I'm not talking about that POS with Jim Carrey. Whoever thought they could improve upon the original must have been on acid.
Whenever we flip around the channels, if we see "A Christmas Story", we at least have to stop and watch part of it. It's just too cute to pass up.
There are some other movies I enjoy, but don't really lump them as strictly Christmas, like Bad Santa - very funny movie, set at Christmas time, but not really a heartwarming tale of Christmas Spirit (unless the spirits are in the booze scenes). "Elf" is also a cute movie, but if it weren't for Will Farrell, I'd have to give that one a pass. National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" is a classic, for sure, but it seems to be less about Christmas than the foibles of the Griswold family - who do some very funny shit!
Sad to say, but I don't think I've seen "It's a Wonderful Life" all the way through. Or any of the "older" Christmas tales. Not sure why... The planets just haven't aligned in such a way that I can catch any of those on TV or whatever. Maybe someday, I'll buckle down and make a long list of Christmas movies I haven't seen and put them on our Netflix list!
On the agenda for this evening, courtesy of Netflix, is "Eight Crazy Nights" which was on The Film Geek's favorites list. (he's over there to your right - check him out!).
When my family moved to Kansas from Georgia, we got cable TV. Wow. Including HBO. Us kids didn't know what to make of this all movies all the time thing. One of the first Christmas seasons we lived there, HBO was running "Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas" and I think I watched it every time they ran it. I've thought about it off and on over the years - and I'm now on a quest to find and own a copy of my own.
No one would be even remotely human if they didn't list "Charlie Brown's Christmas". Watching it as an adult is really not the same. I don't feel the same heart full of joy as when I was a kid, but it's fun to watch my kids enjoy it.
And the list wouldn't be complete without "The Grinch". And I'm not talking about that POS with Jim Carrey. Whoever thought they could improve upon the original must have been on acid.
Whenever we flip around the channels, if we see "A Christmas Story", we at least have to stop and watch part of it. It's just too cute to pass up.
There are some other movies I enjoy, but don't really lump them as strictly Christmas, like Bad Santa - very funny movie, set at Christmas time, but not really a heartwarming tale of Christmas Spirit (unless the spirits are in the booze scenes). "Elf" is also a cute movie, but if it weren't for Will Farrell, I'd have to give that one a pass. National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" is a classic, for sure, but it seems to be less about Christmas than the foibles of the Griswold family - who do some very funny shit!
Sad to say, but I don't think I've seen "It's a Wonderful Life" all the way through. Or any of the "older" Christmas tales. Not sure why... The planets just haven't aligned in such a way that I can catch any of those on TV or whatever. Maybe someday, I'll buckle down and make a long list of Christmas movies I haven't seen and put them on our Netflix list!
On the agenda for this evening, courtesy of Netflix, is "Eight Crazy Nights" which was on The Film Geek's favorites list. (he's over there to your right - check him out!).
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Ready to Exhale
Buddy's last day of school is tomorrow and then he's off until January 2nd. The Evil Twin will be off from Monday the 23rd until January 7th! How great is that? I'm really looking forward to having the whole family around and having a real loose schedule.
The baby and I have spent the last two days being a bit lazy. Tomorrow will be the Christmas party at Owen's school and I'll be there to help set up and help out in any other way they need me. Their parties are always really nice and the kids have a good time. It's nice for me because I get to spend time with other moms and adults! Something I don't get much of during the week.
I'm really hoping that our Christmas will be fun, but I'm feeling doubtful and ashamed. I did something I shouldn't have done and the Evil Twin is upset with me and rightly so. I'm trying soooo hard to make it right, but he tends to hold his grudges close to his heart and is reluctant to move on. So we'll see.
I know the kids' will be excited and I'm excited for them. We've been careful to set Buddy up that the Wiis are sold out everywhere and so he's not entirely sure he's getting it. It's already wrapped and under the tree, along with a few games - that Sissy keeps picking up and saying "Book". LOL. I guess they're roughly book shaped and the case is hard like her board books.
Thank goodness for her. She's been keeping my spirits up. She's a real snuggler and she's learning all kinds of phrases, like, "Boo!" "Am I scary?" or "Ready, Go!" then she jumps up, or she just says "jump, jump, jump" all the way down the hall.
Well, my oldest kid is still up, doing his homework when he should be getting his shower and getting ready for bed at this time. I've got laundry and bills to pay, so this should be a great evening for me.
The baby and I have spent the last two days being a bit lazy. Tomorrow will be the Christmas party at Owen's school and I'll be there to help set up and help out in any other way they need me. Their parties are always really nice and the kids have a good time. It's nice for me because I get to spend time with other moms and adults! Something I don't get much of during the week.
I'm really hoping that our Christmas will be fun, but I'm feeling doubtful and ashamed. I did something I shouldn't have done and the Evil Twin is upset with me and rightly so. I'm trying soooo hard to make it right, but he tends to hold his grudges close to his heart and is reluctant to move on. So we'll see.
I know the kids' will be excited and I'm excited for them. We've been careful to set Buddy up that the Wiis are sold out everywhere and so he's not entirely sure he's getting it. It's already wrapped and under the tree, along with a few games - that Sissy keeps picking up and saying "Book". LOL. I guess they're roughly book shaped and the case is hard like her board books.
Thank goodness for her. She's been keeping my spirits up. She's a real snuggler and she's learning all kinds of phrases, like, "Boo!" "Am I scary?" or "Ready, Go!" then she jumps up, or she just says "jump, jump, jump" all the way down the hall.
Well, my oldest kid is still up, doing his homework when he should be getting his shower and getting ready for bed at this time. I've got laundry and bills to pay, so this should be a great evening for me.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Insanity
That would be the only word I could use to describe our decision to go out shopping on Saturday - 10 days before Christmas! LOL.
Before we set off on our journey, I had the family pow-wow with my gang. I said, "Today is a beautiful day. We will all have fun and smile at everyone. We know it's going to be hectic out there, but let's make the best of it." Surprisingly, there was no whining, cussing or grousing about the situation. And that goes for the kids, too!
Buddy really needed new tennis shoes and of course, he has to be with you to try them on, so it became an outting for the whole family. We went to Kohl's for the shoes. He also needed socks and a new belt, so we were able to get all that there and even though the store was crowded, it was crowded in an orderly way (at least at the check out lines).
After Kohl's, there was the daunting trip to the Toys R Us. TRU was a bit nuttier than Kohl's and even more crowded, but still manageable. Since I still needed to get a few small stocking items for each child, The Evil Twin took Buddy to check out the electronics and I took Sissy in the cart and did the shopping. We had to divide and conquer since Buddy would totally be on to us if he saw the items I was buying. I finished up quickly - we're not having a lot of extraneous "junk" this year - and made it out the store.
A quick trip into the IGA for bread and coffee by the Evil Twin and we were on our way back home. Now, some folks may not know about our weekly Saturday tradition of eating out, or grabbing fast food. It's our one special junk food night. As usual, none of us can agree on a location. I always vote on Wendy's, but I think I've burnt everyone else out on Wendy's. Buddy always wants McDs - which kind of gives me the willies - but I went along with it for the sake of peace.
I got a Big Mac and about half hour later, I had RonnieZuma's Revenge. Damn those Big Macs!
When I finished my ass-plosion, I came back to the den where the Evil Twin was setting up the new "King Kong" (Peter Jackson version) on the DVD player. He had seen it before, but wanted to watch it on the BATV (Big Ass TV). I got interested in it and even though it's 3 hours long, it's very fast paced and the CGI effects are amazing.
It was a nice ending to a crazy day!
Before we set off on our journey, I had the family pow-wow with my gang. I said, "Today is a beautiful day. We will all have fun and smile at everyone. We know it's going to be hectic out there, but let's make the best of it." Surprisingly, there was no whining, cussing or grousing about the situation. And that goes for the kids, too!
Buddy really needed new tennis shoes and of course, he has to be with you to try them on, so it became an outting for the whole family. We went to Kohl's for the shoes. He also needed socks and a new belt, so we were able to get all that there and even though the store was crowded, it was crowded in an orderly way (at least at the check out lines).
After Kohl's, there was the daunting trip to the Toys R Us. TRU was a bit nuttier than Kohl's and even more crowded, but still manageable. Since I still needed to get a few small stocking items for each child, The Evil Twin took Buddy to check out the electronics and I took Sissy in the cart and did the shopping. We had to divide and conquer since Buddy would totally be on to us if he saw the items I was buying. I finished up quickly - we're not having a lot of extraneous "junk" this year - and made it out the store.
A quick trip into the IGA for bread and coffee by the Evil Twin and we were on our way back home. Now, some folks may not know about our weekly Saturday tradition of eating out, or grabbing fast food. It's our one special junk food night. As usual, none of us can agree on a location. I always vote on Wendy's, but I think I've burnt everyone else out on Wendy's. Buddy always wants McDs - which kind of gives me the willies - but I went along with it for the sake of peace.
I got a Big Mac and about half hour later, I had RonnieZuma's Revenge. Damn those Big Macs!
When I finished my ass-plosion, I came back to the den where the Evil Twin was setting up the new "King Kong" (Peter Jackson version) on the DVD player. He had seen it before, but wanted to watch it on the BATV (Big Ass TV). I got interested in it and even though it's 3 hours long, it's very fast paced and the CGI effects are amazing.
It was a nice ending to a crazy day!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Neighborhood and Nicknames
When the Evil Twin and I got married, the next order of business was finding a home to buy and settle in. We looked all over. We eventually learned that in our price range (almost zilch), there wasn't much available that seemed even somewhat habitable.
I would check the classifieds for houses and the real estate guides, and then I stumbled upon information on a new subdivision being built, in the next county over and the prices were what we could afford. So, we set about choosing a lot and having our little 3 bedroom, mid-entry built.
After many months and many set-backs and many altercations with the contractor (who was only slightly evolved from a caveman), we signed the closing papers and moved in - one month shy of our first anniversary. We were so proud to be homeowners and our little house was fine for the time being.
Then, we get to know the neighbors. Oh my! What a pack of loons we were surrounded by. The next door neighbors were fundamentalist Christian (not that there's anything wrong with that). However, they were so hyper religious, we dubbed them Ned and Maude Flanders (after "The Simpsons" cartoon characters). They were okay, but if you were on your driveway more than 5 seconds, Maude would come out and proceed to chat your head off. She also targeted other people walking their dogs or strolling by. After a while, we started to refer to this accosting as "being Flandered". We got Flandered a lot. They eventually moved out.
The neighbors behind us were just trash. We called them "The Nut-Nuts". The Nut-Nuts had two nut-nut kids who were menaces to the neighborhood. They would turn out their little dog, Co-co and then stand at the back door, hollering "Co-co, Co-co, Co-co" ad nauseum until I wanted to run out there and just grab the nasty, barking moron and hand it to them. One night, Mr. Nut-Nut went to the store to buy more beer and was pursued by the cops until he wrapped himself around a tree and killed himself. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Nut-Nut had a new boyfriend living there. He had precisely four teeth and they got a pit bull that was so aggresive, I would not allow Buddy in the back yard. And, I traveled very quickly from the car into the house with my small child. (I feared "Little Benny" would jump the fence and maul us both).
When the house across the street went on the market, we were happy when a nice young couple with two girls bought it. Well, until the husband would ring our doorbell at odd hours of the evening for coffee or something else to mooch when he was over there doing remodeling before they moved in. He was quite possibly the hairiest man on the planet and he would often mow his grass shirtless (with an electric mower, no less). He was dubbed "Captain Caveman". Once, the Evil Twin was getting out of his car and Captain Caveman was mowing his grass. When he saw ET, he stopped his mower to come across the road for a chat. Later, the Evil Twin related that Captain Caveman had a large, yellow snot wad that was just dangling right on top of his mustache and apparently had no clue. Poor ET, it was all he could do not to wretch right in front of the dude.
Our next door neighbor was the superintendent of the county school system. He was a sauce hound and was always drunk. Nice, huh?
The neighbors in the cul-de-sac had two see thru children we called "The Albinos". The Albino children and the Nut-Nut children often ran around together. Once, we were running the sprinkler in our front yard and they were all out in OUR yard (before we had children) - playing in the sprinkler. Fine, fine. I let them do it. Then, they rang my doorbell and asked for towels and popsicles!!!! I said I had neitherand they went away.
The toothless boyfriend of Mrs. Nut-Nut would go around the neighborhood and offer to do "odd jobs", so he became "Odd Jobs". Odd jobs, as I mentioned, only had four teeth - what appeared to be 2 eye teeth up top and two similar placed teeth on the bottom. As a result of his toothlessness, he pronounced his Js as Ds. So, the older couple on the top of the hill (who also owned the lots therein) were Dim and Dune (Jim and June).
Another couple moved in - he was a cop, she was a nurse. They had differing stories on their marital status, but they had a little boy and later had a girl. They were a biracial couple (again, nothing wrong with that), but we honored them with the nicknames "Ebony and Ivory". Ebony was the cop and he would tell the biggest lies in the world. For example, he had a detail once in which he did security work when President Bush was in town. Later, he told us all that the president was coming to their BBQ at their house. We all laughed and wondered where he'd land Chopper One.
After 10 years of living amongst these colorful characters, we had enough. The interest rates were good and we had enough equity and we needed more room. So, we put our house on the market and started searching again. This time, we knew we weren't going to build... we wanted an older house, one with character and not a fixer upper. We found our current house and fell in love. It was more than we wanted to spend, but we figured we'd save money by being closer to Buddy's school and with a large down payment, our mortgage wouldn't be a complete strain.
Now, we only have one set of neighbors with nicknames and that's the couple across from us. They moved in a few months after us (that house was on the market when we bought this one). And, ever since then, they are rarely seen. So, we call them Momma and Poppa Roach. It's like daylight would kill 'em or something.
But, that's fine with us. I'd rather they be stand offish than be all up in our bizness all the time (not that we're cooking meth or anything - we just like our privacy). Socializing with the people we choose as friends is much better.
I would check the classifieds for houses and the real estate guides, and then I stumbled upon information on a new subdivision being built, in the next county over and the prices were what we could afford. So, we set about choosing a lot and having our little 3 bedroom, mid-entry built.
After many months and many set-backs and many altercations with the contractor (who was only slightly evolved from a caveman), we signed the closing papers and moved in - one month shy of our first anniversary. We were so proud to be homeowners and our little house was fine for the time being.
Then, we get to know the neighbors. Oh my! What a pack of loons we were surrounded by. The next door neighbors were fundamentalist Christian (not that there's anything wrong with that). However, they were so hyper religious, we dubbed them Ned and Maude Flanders (after "The Simpsons" cartoon characters). They were okay, but if you were on your driveway more than 5 seconds, Maude would come out and proceed to chat your head off. She also targeted other people walking their dogs or strolling by. After a while, we started to refer to this accosting as "being Flandered". We got Flandered a lot. They eventually moved out.
The neighbors behind us were just trash. We called them "The Nut-Nuts". The Nut-Nuts had two nut-nut kids who were menaces to the neighborhood. They would turn out their little dog, Co-co and then stand at the back door, hollering "Co-co, Co-co, Co-co" ad nauseum until I wanted to run out there and just grab the nasty, barking moron and hand it to them. One night, Mr. Nut-Nut went to the store to buy more beer and was pursued by the cops until he wrapped himself around a tree and killed himself. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Nut-Nut had a new boyfriend living there. He had precisely four teeth and they got a pit bull that was so aggresive, I would not allow Buddy in the back yard. And, I traveled very quickly from the car into the house with my small child. (I feared "Little Benny" would jump the fence and maul us both).
When the house across the street went on the market, we were happy when a nice young couple with two girls bought it. Well, until the husband would ring our doorbell at odd hours of the evening for coffee or something else to mooch when he was over there doing remodeling before they moved in. He was quite possibly the hairiest man on the planet and he would often mow his grass shirtless (with an electric mower, no less). He was dubbed "Captain Caveman". Once, the Evil Twin was getting out of his car and Captain Caveman was mowing his grass. When he saw ET, he stopped his mower to come across the road for a chat. Later, the Evil Twin related that Captain Caveman had a large, yellow snot wad that was just dangling right on top of his mustache and apparently had no clue. Poor ET, it was all he could do not to wretch right in front of the dude.
Our next door neighbor was the superintendent of the county school system. He was a sauce hound and was always drunk. Nice, huh?
The neighbors in the cul-de-sac had two see thru children we called "The Albinos". The Albino children and the Nut-Nut children often ran around together. Once, we were running the sprinkler in our front yard and they were all out in OUR yard (before we had children) - playing in the sprinkler. Fine, fine. I let them do it. Then, they rang my doorbell and asked for towels and popsicles!!!! I said I had neitherand they went away.
The toothless boyfriend of Mrs. Nut-Nut would go around the neighborhood and offer to do "odd jobs", so he became "Odd Jobs". Odd jobs, as I mentioned, only had four teeth - what appeared to be 2 eye teeth up top and two similar placed teeth on the bottom. As a result of his toothlessness, he pronounced his Js as Ds. So, the older couple on the top of the hill (who also owned the lots therein) were Dim and Dune (Jim and June).
Another couple moved in - he was a cop, she was a nurse. They had differing stories on their marital status, but they had a little boy and later had a girl. They were a biracial couple (again, nothing wrong with that), but we honored them with the nicknames "Ebony and Ivory". Ebony was the cop and he would tell the biggest lies in the world. For example, he had a detail once in which he did security work when President Bush was in town. Later, he told us all that the president was coming to their BBQ at their house. We all laughed and wondered where he'd land Chopper One.
After 10 years of living amongst these colorful characters, we had enough. The interest rates were good and we had enough equity and we needed more room. So, we put our house on the market and started searching again. This time, we knew we weren't going to build... we wanted an older house, one with character and not a fixer upper. We found our current house and fell in love. It was more than we wanted to spend, but we figured we'd save money by being closer to Buddy's school and with a large down payment, our mortgage wouldn't be a complete strain.
Now, we only have one set of neighbors with nicknames and that's the couple across from us. They moved in a few months after us (that house was on the market when we bought this one). And, ever since then, they are rarely seen. So, we call them Momma and Poppa Roach. It's like daylight would kill 'em or something.
But, that's fine with us. I'd rather they be stand offish than be all up in our bizness all the time (not that we're cooking meth or anything - we just like our privacy). Socializing with the people we choose as friends is much better.
Friday, December 14, 2007
OMWord, I Ate Too Much
The Evil Twin typically picks up pizza on Fridays and today was no exception. It was so good, I had 4 pieces. Yikes. But, now, I'm all bloaty and sick feeling. Yuck. It was just so good and I just had to have one last little tiny piece (and it was tiny, but apparently the slice that pushed me over the edge).
I recieved my Christmas card pictures today, so this evenings chore is to work on cards. I already have a few addressed and ready to go, they just need the pics slipped in and stamps. I'm really feeling behind on things this year, but it's just so crazy.
Buddy is going to be happy when Christmas finally gets here. Don't tell - but he's getting a Wii. I had to sign my soul over to Satan to get it, but it's here and most of it is wrapped. I found a good deal on a bundled package fom Gamestop and that came with the console, three games, extra controllers, the recharging dock and a memory card. We're giving him the Wii and a couple of games. Santa will bring the rest. I also found a deal at Toys R Us a couple of weeks ago for buy 2, get 1 free on Wii games. I got online and ordered those, so he's set. It's an all Wii Christmas for him. I know he'll be thrilled. It was really the only thing he wanted.
Sissy is getting an Aquadoodle and a My Little Pony. I might get her a couple of Santa gifts and a stocking toy or something, but that will be it for her. She's not even 2 and has no clue. I found an old Blue's Clue stuffed animal this morning out of Buddy's old things and she's toted it around all day and went to bed holding it. I told the Evil Twin, I should have held onto it and wrapped it for Christmas. Mwhahahaha!
Amazingly enough, she has left the tree alone. She'll look at the ornaments and point and name the things she knows, and twice, she's brought me a present over - but I put it back and said "No." and miracle of miracle, I think she's finally understanding that word. That's my Christmas present!
I'm off to work on cards~ Catch ya tomorrow!
I recieved my Christmas card pictures today, so this evenings chore is to work on cards. I already have a few addressed and ready to go, they just need the pics slipped in and stamps. I'm really feeling behind on things this year, but it's just so crazy.
Buddy is going to be happy when Christmas finally gets here. Don't tell - but he's getting a Wii. I had to sign my soul over to Satan to get it, but it's here and most of it is wrapped. I found a good deal on a bundled package fom Gamestop and that came with the console, three games, extra controllers, the recharging dock and a memory card. We're giving him the Wii and a couple of games. Santa will bring the rest. I also found a deal at Toys R Us a couple of weeks ago for buy 2, get 1 free on Wii games. I got online and ordered those, so he's set. It's an all Wii Christmas for him. I know he'll be thrilled. It was really the only thing he wanted.
Sissy is getting an Aquadoodle and a My Little Pony. I might get her a couple of Santa gifts and a stocking toy or something, but that will be it for her. She's not even 2 and has no clue. I found an old Blue's Clue stuffed animal this morning out of Buddy's old things and she's toted it around all day and went to bed holding it. I told the Evil Twin, I should have held onto it and wrapped it for Christmas. Mwhahahaha!
Amazingly enough, she has left the tree alone. She'll look at the ornaments and point and name the things she knows, and twice, she's brought me a present over - but I put it back and said "No." and miracle of miracle, I think she's finally understanding that word. That's my Christmas present!
I'm off to work on cards~ Catch ya tomorrow!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Melchior and the gang
On Tuesday, after my neuro appointment, I went to Wally Mart to get fabric that looked "Wiseman"-ish and I found the perfect stuff. I only spent $8 too, so of course that made me really happy. It's been kind of a whirlwind since then.
Today, I just had to get to the post office (groan...) and then to school pick up and then after the Evil Twin came in from work, we all got in the van and headed to Mayberry's for dinner. Then, we went across the street to the sc hool and watched the play.
We are soooo tired this evening. Next Thursday is Buddy's last day of school and then, we'll have a couple of weeks off of the old crazy schedule.
Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for the germ comments! I don't want to come off as a germ-0-phobe or anything - cause I really am not. It's not that my steering wheel IS dirty, it's my perception of the situation. I do carry wipes in the car, too, so if I truly felt too skeeved out, I could get a quick wipe down.
So, I don't have much to report. Oh! I did get some really cute stamps at the post office. They're called Holiday Knits and they're little swatches of knitted Christmas themed stamps. How cute?
As is my typical MO, I didn't take the camera or video camera to the play. It wouldn't matter anyway, because I'm always in the way back and only hear a few lines of dialogue. It's always hotter than hell in there and I just bide my time until Buddy is on stage and then I go all goo-goo. LOL.
Hopefully, there will be something new to report or discuss tomorrow. I did have some things lined up, but my brain is on vibrate right now. ZzZZZZzzzZZzz.
Today, I just had to get to the post office (groan...) and then to school pick up and then after the Evil Twin came in from work, we all got in the van and headed to Mayberry's for dinner. Then, we went across the street to the sc hool and watched the play.
We are soooo tired this evening. Next Thursday is Buddy's last day of school and then, we'll have a couple of weeks off of the old crazy schedule.
Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for the germ comments! I don't want to come off as a germ-0-phobe or anything - cause I really am not. It's not that my steering wheel IS dirty, it's my perception of the situation. I do carry wipes in the car, too, so if I truly felt too skeeved out, I could get a quick wipe down.
So, I don't have much to report. Oh! I did get some really cute stamps at the post office. They're called Holiday Knits and they're little swatches of knitted Christmas themed stamps. How cute?
As is my typical MO, I didn't take the camera or video camera to the play. It wouldn't matter anyway, because I'm always in the way back and only hear a few lines of dialogue. It's always hotter than hell in there and I just bide my time until Buddy is on stage and then I go all goo-goo. LOL.
Hopefully, there will be something new to report or discuss tomorrow. I did have some things lined up, but my brain is on vibrate right now. ZzZZZZzzzZZzz.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Poach and a Confession
A few days ago, Buzzardbilly posted a blog called A Hillbilly Will Help You Out in which she focused on two occasions where friendly mountain folk helped her out in public restroom settings.
One comment was that the toilet seat in a public restroom was actually not as filthy as the things your hands touch in the restroom. And, that's true. I once read or heard that a pubic lice (crab) cannot live on a toilet seat for very long at all. They need a host and a cold old toilet seat is not going to cut it.
Now for the TMI and confession part. I do not lay down toilet paper, use the complimentary toilet seat covers (if you can find one) nor do I "hover". I just sit down. Because, if there is some poor crab lying in wait for a host, he won't find anything warm and hairy on that part of my body to snuggle in and I don't put my orifices on the seat. They are positioned directly in between the hole. The only part of my body that touches the seat is the back of my legs and some bottom flesh.
I'm a quick peer and I never do #2 in a public facility unless it is an absolute, dire emergency. So, I figure my contact with the seat is minimal anyway.
Trust me, when I was pregnant with both kids, especially Sissy (who I could swear was riding my bladder like a mechanical bull for 39 weeks), I had to pee alot. I became very familiar with all the restrooms up and down Kanawha County. For the record, The Cracker Barrel in Cross Lanes is always nice, it smells good and seems sanitary.
So, I got to thinking about the sinks and door handles on public restrooms, which is where the majority of filth and germs live. I DO wash my hands and I do try to use the paper towel to then open the door to exit the ladies' room.
Another place I suspect is a freaking germ wagon is the steering wheel in my car (or yours, or yours or even yours!). Let's think on this. We go out about our business and imagine all the items at a store or restaurant that your hands come into contact with. Money or your debit card, which is handled by the cashier then back to you. Front doors. Items in stores that you fondle and either buy or put back. Then, you hop into the car and drive home.
I can't tell you how relieved I am to get home because the first thing I do is wash my hands.
And, yes, I carry the Purrel type of antibacterial, but nothing really says clean to me like warm water and real soap!
One comment was that the toilet seat in a public restroom was actually not as filthy as the things your hands touch in the restroom. And, that's true. I once read or heard that a pubic lice (crab) cannot live on a toilet seat for very long at all. They need a host and a cold old toilet seat is not going to cut it.
Now for the TMI and confession part. I do not lay down toilet paper, use the complimentary toilet seat covers (if you can find one) nor do I "hover". I just sit down. Because, if there is some poor crab lying in wait for a host, he won't find anything warm and hairy on that part of my body to snuggle in and I don't put my orifices on the seat. They are positioned directly in between the hole. The only part of my body that touches the seat is the back of my legs and some bottom flesh.
I'm a quick peer and I never do #2 in a public facility unless it is an absolute, dire emergency. So, I figure my contact with the seat is minimal anyway.
Trust me, when I was pregnant with both kids, especially Sissy (who I could swear was riding my bladder like a mechanical bull for 39 weeks), I had to pee alot. I became very familiar with all the restrooms up and down Kanawha County. For the record, The Cracker Barrel in Cross Lanes is always nice, it smells good and seems sanitary.
So, I got to thinking about the sinks and door handles on public restrooms, which is where the majority of filth and germs live. I DO wash my hands and I do try to use the paper towel to then open the door to exit the ladies' room.
Another place I suspect is a freaking germ wagon is the steering wheel in my car (or yours, or yours or even yours!). Let's think on this. We go out about our business and imagine all the items at a store or restaurant that your hands come into contact with. Money or your debit card, which is handled by the cashier then back to you. Front doors. Items in stores that you fondle and either buy or put back. Then, you hop into the car and drive home.
I can't tell you how relieved I am to get home because the first thing I do is wash my hands.
And, yes, I carry the Purrel type of antibacterial, but nothing really says clean to me like warm water and real soap!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday is Day Off Day
And I had a fairly productive day in spite of it. I made a few phone calls and followed up on a few items on my "To Do" list. 2 loads of laundry, emptied and reloaded dishwasher and cleaned the shower. My brother called (he never calls).
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. It's my regular check up with my neuro. For those who may not know - I've had MS for about 7 years now and I'm doing great. My appt. is later in the day, so I'm going to have to send Buddy to After School Care. He's thrilled about it. He loves going and having extra play time with his friends. He once asked me why he couldn't go to ASC more often and I replied that since I don't have a job outside our home, I'm always available to pick him up when school ends. He wasn't real happy with that answer.
But, there are times when After School Care saves my butt and tomorrow will be one of them. Of course, I'll get charged for it, but it's really not that expensive and it is nice to blow off that 2:45 deadline from time to time. I think I'll visit the doc and then hit Kroger's before I make it over to the school. That'll make him happy.
On Thursday night is the school play. Buddy has the role of Melchior (one of the wise men for those atheist or agnostics or just don't give a poo about religion types - not that there's anything wrong with that. The Evil Twin is agnostic). Anyway, it's my job to costume my child. The Evil Twin suggested a turban and I thought some purple fabric draped over his shoulder and a rope belt would be sufficient. After all, the wise men were kings, so they dressed vividly and not in rags! Right? If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. I have until Thursday evening to put this costume bizness together.
I have a sneaking suspicion that I will come home tomorrow or Wednesday with a sewing machine - even if it's just a basic model.
I grow more domestic by the minute.... Scary times, kids.
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. It's my regular check up with my neuro. For those who may not know - I've had MS for about 7 years now and I'm doing great. My appt. is later in the day, so I'm going to have to send Buddy to After School Care. He's thrilled about it. He loves going and having extra play time with his friends. He once asked me why he couldn't go to ASC more often and I replied that since I don't have a job outside our home, I'm always available to pick him up when school ends. He wasn't real happy with that answer.
But, there are times when After School Care saves my butt and tomorrow will be one of them. Of course, I'll get charged for it, but it's really not that expensive and it is nice to blow off that 2:45 deadline from time to time. I think I'll visit the doc and then hit Kroger's before I make it over to the school. That'll make him happy.
On Thursday night is the school play. Buddy has the role of Melchior (one of the wise men for those atheist or agnostics or just don't give a poo about religion types - not that there's anything wrong with that. The Evil Twin is agnostic). Anyway, it's my job to costume my child. The Evil Twin suggested a turban and I thought some purple fabric draped over his shoulder and a rope belt would be sufficient. After all, the wise men were kings, so they dressed vividly and not in rags! Right? If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. I have until Thursday evening to put this costume bizness together.
I have a sneaking suspicion that I will come home tomorrow or Wednesday with a sewing machine - even if it's just a basic model.
I grow more domestic by the minute.... Scary times, kids.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Getting Merrier
This is the mostly done tree. I've added an ornament here and there since last night. We decided to tackle the major decorations after we put Sissy in her crib for the night. We figured she'd be really excited this morning, but I think it just freaked her out.
There is a Mickey Mouse ornament on the tree and the Evil Twin hung it fairly low, so she'd be sure to see it. That was one of the first things she did pay attention to, and she kept pointing and saying, "Mouse". Yep, baby, that's a mouse. Then she went to her room and got one of her stuffed Mickey Mouses to tote around the house. Something tells me we've got a trip to Disney in our future. LOL.
So, I don't know if it was the tree or what, but I woke up this morning feeling good. I even made a trip out to the WalMart world of Walmartians. I knew it would be packed and it was, but I was happy and I smiled at everyone. I took my time on my shopping - I left the kids at home with Daddy who didn't want to venture out due to football.
But, it was a really nice day - the temperature was about 60s and it didn't rain all day, as predicted. We did have a spot of sunshine about mid day.
I think I'm going to try to wrap a few more gifts this evening, so it looks even more festive. We don't buy a lot for our kids, but they get plenty from other family. We started out when Buddy was smaller by putting a limit on the amount of things he could ask for Santa, and from us. He makes sure he chooses carefully and it also lightens the burden on our budget. I think kids get way too much these days anyway - all the time. It seems like it's always some holiday! Buddy's birthday is less than a month after Christmas and Sissy is my Groundhog Day baby (February 2), so it's a constant party here from Halloween to February.
Let the party begin!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Yummy?
Last night, Buddy had his best friend over to spend the night. Since I am almost out of any decent cereal, the Evil Twin had promised to run to Tudor's this morning for breakfast.
Tudor's is a local fast food restaurant known best for their breakfast - in particular, their biscuits. They offer a wide variety of choices and they're all tasty.
I must have Buzzardbilly on the brain, 'cause I ordered her favorite, the Mary B. Why it's called the Mary B. I have no idea, but it's a biscuit with bacon, egg and cheese. I get my egg portion scrambled because I no likey the bouncy egg form usually presented.
The danger with the Mary B. is within the bacon part. Sometimes, the bacon is so done, it's practically burnt and sometimes, it's barely done at all which makes for stringy, chewy bacon hell.
Wonder what I'll get this time?
I hope it's just right. Because of the bacon iffiness, I often opt for the Dottie - hash brown, egg and cheese on a biscuit. Again, I go for the scrambled egg on this one. It's about the biggest biscuit I've ever seen. It's approximately 4 inches tall. It has to be eaten very carefully.
Once, I was transferring the Dottie from the coffee table to the loveseat (so I could have it right beside me) and I was lifting it by the wrapping paper on either side of the enormous biscuit. Well, it ripped right thru the wrapping and fell on the floor. In pieces. I had to reassemble it and attempt to enjoy it while the rest of the family laughed their asses off at my misfortune.
That's how heavy that sucker is.
Ahh, my Mary B. is perfection....
Tudor's is a local fast food restaurant known best for their breakfast - in particular, their biscuits. They offer a wide variety of choices and they're all tasty.
I must have Buzzardbilly on the brain, 'cause I ordered her favorite, the Mary B. Why it's called the Mary B. I have no idea, but it's a biscuit with bacon, egg and cheese. I get my egg portion scrambled because I no likey the bouncy egg form usually presented.
The danger with the Mary B. is within the bacon part. Sometimes, the bacon is so done, it's practically burnt and sometimes, it's barely done at all which makes for stringy, chewy bacon hell.
Wonder what I'll get this time?
I hope it's just right. Because of the bacon iffiness, I often opt for the Dottie - hash brown, egg and cheese on a biscuit. Again, I go for the scrambled egg on this one. It's about the biggest biscuit I've ever seen. It's approximately 4 inches tall. It has to be eaten very carefully.
Once, I was transferring the Dottie from the coffee table to the loveseat (so I could have it right beside me) and I was lifting it by the wrapping paper on either side of the enormous biscuit. Well, it ripped right thru the wrapping and fell on the floor. In pieces. I had to reassemble it and attempt to enjoy it while the rest of the family laughed their asses off at my misfortune.
That's how heavy that sucker is.
Ahh, my Mary B. is perfection....
Friday, December 7, 2007
In A Slump
I guess it's the weather as of late, but I've been feeling completely unmotivated to do anything. I haven't even gotten my Christmas cards yet, but that will be happening later this afternoon (long story on that one).
I don't feel sad or depressed, just kinda blah - tired. I can't get interested in cooking or cleaning or reading. I feel like I should be doing holiday things instead. And, I'm tired of my standard menu. My picky family (including me) makes it difficult to try new recipes with any success. Sure, there have been a few winners along the way, but not very often. Then, I feel bad because I wasted money on the ingredients and no one liked whatever was served. :::Sigh:::
Maybe I'll feel more cheery and Christmas-y after we get our tree and other decorations out this weekend, We don't do the outside of the house. Occasionally, we'll hang a wreath or other door decor, but that's about it.
The tree is always fun to look at. I think I'm feeling a little anxious because I have a few more things to do and I'm afraid the weather isn't going to cooperate with me. Isuppose it's that "time is running out" thing, too.
Gee, lots of weird feelings. Okay, I'm just gonna take a deep breath and have faith that it will all get done and hopefully all before December 25th.
I don't feel sad or depressed, just kinda blah - tired. I can't get interested in cooking or cleaning or reading. I feel like I should be doing holiday things instead. And, I'm tired of my standard menu. My picky family (including me) makes it difficult to try new recipes with any success. Sure, there have been a few winners along the way, but not very often. Then, I feel bad because I wasted money on the ingredients and no one liked whatever was served. :::Sigh:::
Maybe I'll feel more cheery and Christmas-y after we get our tree and other decorations out this weekend, We don't do the outside of the house. Occasionally, we'll hang a wreath or other door decor, but that's about it.
The tree is always fun to look at. I think I'm feeling a little anxious because I have a few more things to do and I'm afraid the weather isn't going to cooperate with me. Isuppose it's that "time is running out" thing, too.
Gee, lots of weird feelings. Okay, I'm just gonna take a deep breath and have faith that it will all get done and hopefully all before December 25th.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Snow Day!
When I woke up this morning, the snow was coming down heavy. I had already woken Buddy up and given him breakfast before I checked the school closing status online.
Originally, it was a 2 hour delay, which I really hate. We carpool with our friends and she drives Buddy and her son in the morning and I pick them up in the afternoon. I'm so not a morning person, so this arrangement works out great for me.
In the event of a 2 hour delay - our friends still need to get to work so they usually drop their sons off at their grandparents house and then I need to get Buddy to school myself. Which means getting Sissy bundled up and out of the house in the freezing cold. I really hate driving just in normal weather, so I truly get the heebies having to drive in the snow. I was hoping the county would change the 2 hour delay to a closed all day, so I wouldn't have to face my fears AND be my normal grumpy morning person to boot.
The snow kept falling all morning and by the time Sissy woke up, I checked the school status again and saw that it was closed! No getting out today, at all! Yippee.
We got about 2 inches before the snow plow truck came by around 9 am. The Evil Twin then got ready and shovelled the drive way and went on into work. It's just about all melted by now.
I hate snow and I hate winter. But I love a snow day!
Originally, it was a 2 hour delay, which I really hate. We carpool with our friends and she drives Buddy and her son in the morning and I pick them up in the afternoon. I'm so not a morning person, so this arrangement works out great for me.
In the event of a 2 hour delay - our friends still need to get to work so they usually drop their sons off at their grandparents house and then I need to get Buddy to school myself. Which means getting Sissy bundled up and out of the house in the freezing cold. I really hate driving just in normal weather, so I truly get the heebies having to drive in the snow. I was hoping the county would change the 2 hour delay to a closed all day, so I wouldn't have to face my fears AND be my normal grumpy morning person to boot.
The snow kept falling all morning and by the time Sissy woke up, I checked the school status again and saw that it was closed! No getting out today, at all! Yippee.
We got about 2 inches before the snow plow truck came by around 9 am. The Evil Twin then got ready and shovelled the drive way and went on into work. It's just about all melted by now.
I hate snow and I hate winter. But I love a snow day!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
LOL
A quick one, since Wyldth1ng asked and the Evil Twin noted that I did not update about Santa and his same line (about me to Buddy), "This must be your sister." Well, he's at 100% because the line came out this past time as well! Of course, Buddy was patting Sissy on the head and saying, "No, THIS is my sister."
We all laughed just like we do every year. That must be his "flattering the mom" line. LOL. Should we trick him next year and say I am Buddy's sister? It's probably not nice to trick Santa because he might bring coal for us all.
We all laughed just like we do every year. That must be his "flattering the mom" line. LOL. Should we trick him next year and say I am Buddy's sister? It's probably not nice to trick Santa because he might bring coal for us all.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Fiestaware!
We had the greatest time at Tamarack. I hit up the Fiestaware area pretty quickly and bought 3 dinner plates, 3 salad plates and a pie plate. Now, I have 11 different colored plates and 11 different colored salad plates. Yippee! I also have a whole bunch of other stuff - mugs, little coffee cups and saucers, bowls, spoon rests, butter dish, etc. etc. I've been collecting for a many number of years now, so I buy what I like when I see it.
The way I look at it is: the fun and the thrill of collecting gets taken away when you're finished with your task. So, I take my time and pick up pieces here and there. That's one reason I love the Hallmark ornaments. They have new ones out every year, so I'll never have as many as I want and be done. I know there will always be at least a handful I can't live without every year (and handful is a pretty shady way of saying, "I wonder how much my lay-away will set me back this year?").
Anyway, we had a great time visiting with the relatives and we even got to chat with Santa for a bit! Buddy was so stunned, he could barely get a word out and Sissy was just taking it all in. I thought she might freak out, but she just stood there and looked at him. Now, why Buddy was so speechless, I don't know. We see this same Santa every December at Tamarack and we've been going for years now. At least 5 or 6 years in a row. Who knows with kids? I would think Buddy might be about the age when he starts to catch wind of the whole Santa ruse. Maybe he knows the truth, but plays along so the gifts keep coming? I don't know and I'm not going to spoil it for him yet if he does still believe.
We're planning on putting up the tree this weekend. We'll decorate it after Sissy goes to bed. I can tell you this is going to be one very interesting Christmas at Casa Evil Twin with a "not quite 2" toddler and a tree full of festive Hallmark decorations. LOL.
The way I look at it is: the fun and the thrill of collecting gets taken away when you're finished with your task. So, I take my time and pick up pieces here and there. That's one reason I love the Hallmark ornaments. They have new ones out every year, so I'll never have as many as I want and be done. I know there will always be at least a handful I can't live without every year (and handful is a pretty shady way of saying, "I wonder how much my lay-away will set me back this year?").
Anyway, we had a great time visiting with the relatives and we even got to chat with Santa for a bit! Buddy was so stunned, he could barely get a word out and Sissy was just taking it all in. I thought she might freak out, but she just stood there and looked at him. Now, why Buddy was so speechless, I don't know. We see this same Santa every December at Tamarack and we've been going for years now. At least 5 or 6 years in a row. Who knows with kids? I would think Buddy might be about the age when he starts to catch wind of the whole Santa ruse. Maybe he knows the truth, but plays along so the gifts keep coming? I don't know and I'm not going to spoil it for him yet if he does still believe.
We're planning on putting up the tree this weekend. We'll decorate it after Sissy goes to bed. I can tell you this is going to be one very interesting Christmas at Casa Evil Twin with a "not quite 2" toddler and a tree full of festive Hallmark decorations. LOL.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Gearing Up For Tomorrow!
Every year, we travel to Tamarack in Beckley, WV to get together with two sets of my aunts and uncles and a cousin. We have lunch, look around and they always have gifts for the kids for the holidays. Of course, they always go overboard, but it's such a great tradition. We've been making this trip for several years before my parents' passed away, so we've been at it for quite a while .
The Greenbrier runs the food court at Tamarack and the food is just spectacular! I've already been online to try to memorize their special Sunday menu to see what I want. Everything is good, and it's difficult to pick just one. We always eat like pigs!
They have a really great authentic looking Santa who wanders around and stops to chat with all the children. He's really wonderful. He always, and I mean always, asks Buddy if I'm his sister. LOL. I think to myself, "Pal, you really need a new line!"
We just have the best time and everyone is so happy. It's always fun to look around at the over-priced goodies and trinkets at the shops. They carry open stock Fiestaware - that's my favorite shop. Everything sold is crafted by a West Virginian artisan, so that's cool.
If you're travelling through the Beckley area, I highly recommend stopping by Tamarack on your way through. Make sure you're hungry and have some lunch or dinner - you won't regret it. Even if you do have to practically sell a kidney to afford it! LOL.
What I am NOT looking forward to is getting up at the crack of dawn to get ready and get on the road. We'll have to leave here by 9 am or so and it takes me a while to get going in the morning. Plus, I have to get the kids ready. I'm hoping to get a decent picture of them with Santa or in front of a Christmas Tree so I can have pictures for my Christmas cards. So, they'll be nicely dressed tomorrow.
I'm also not looking forward to doing mucho walking. On Wednesday, I did *something* to my right foot. I think I pulled a muscle or twisted something and it really hurts. I've started taking some pain meds (anti-inflammatory) and I'm hoping that makes it bearable. If it still hurts by Monday, I'll call the doc. But, I seriously doubt it's anything more serious than a pulled ligament or muscle...something like that that just has to heal up on its' own.
Well, I'm off to watch WVU choke... I mean, er, play as good as they can against Pitt. Y'all have a great weekend!! :-)
The Greenbrier runs the food court at Tamarack and the food is just spectacular! I've already been online to try to memorize their special Sunday menu to see what I want. Everything is good, and it's difficult to pick just one. We always eat like pigs!
They have a really great authentic looking Santa who wanders around and stops to chat with all the children. He's really wonderful. He always, and I mean always, asks Buddy if I'm his sister. LOL. I think to myself, "Pal, you really need a new line!"
We just have the best time and everyone is so happy. It's always fun to look around at the over-priced goodies and trinkets at the shops. They carry open stock Fiestaware - that's my favorite shop. Everything sold is crafted by a West Virginian artisan, so that's cool.
If you're travelling through the Beckley area, I highly recommend stopping by Tamarack on your way through. Make sure you're hungry and have some lunch or dinner - you won't regret it. Even if you do have to practically sell a kidney to afford it! LOL.
What I am NOT looking forward to is getting up at the crack of dawn to get ready and get on the road. We'll have to leave here by 9 am or so and it takes me a while to get going in the morning. Plus, I have to get the kids ready. I'm hoping to get a decent picture of them with Santa or in front of a Christmas Tree so I can have pictures for my Christmas cards. So, they'll be nicely dressed tomorrow.
I'm also not looking forward to doing mucho walking. On Wednesday, I did *something* to my right foot. I think I pulled a muscle or twisted something and it really hurts. I've started taking some pain meds (anti-inflammatory) and I'm hoping that makes it bearable. If it still hurts by Monday, I'll call the doc. But, I seriously doubt it's anything more serious than a pulled ligament or muscle...something like that that just has to heal up on its' own.
Well, I'm off to watch WVU choke... I mean, er, play as good as they can against Pitt. Y'all have a great weekend!! :-)
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