Things That Make You Go "Hmmmm"

I love the area where we live. Our tiny burg is just perfect. It's quiet and clean - we can hear the trains off in the distance (they are certainly close, but not TOO close to our house) and the city runs a tight ship.

I don't mind paying our city services fee when it rolls around - $60.00 every 3 months, because I feel that the garbage pick up is more than exceptional and like I said, the city workers do keep the place relatively tidy around here.

I don't see random wandering dogs and cats. No one's dog poops in my yard and no cats use our mulch as litter boxes around here. Unlike our old stomping grounds where we could not even allow Buddy to play out front because the smell of cat turds was so overwhelming. Disgusting!

However, just outside our little burg is an area once known as Jefferson. I think the little town has now disbanded and I have no clue on the status of what neighboring town might usurp it.

It's highly undesirable. Basically, it's a 3 or 4 mile stretch of strip clubs, adult video stores and no-tell motels.

I have seen "working girls" out in broad daylight in that area many a time. And, I'm no prude, but it's just a really crap area.

In fact, the locals call it the "Badlands" and have ever since I can recall.

Anyway, the Evil Twin must travel this stretch of road to get to work and home and if I do any shopping that does not involve my regular Wal-Mart, then I travel this little stretch too.

Over the weekend, we had to go to the Deep Homo (that's Home Depot - which is a big box hardware store) and purchase a new slide for the kids' swing set. A few days before, Buddy had gone down the slide and somehow cracked it at the bottom (granted, it had been out in the elements for 3 years and while the weight limit is 250lbs, I'm sure all the cold and snow does a number on that super duty plastic after a while).

So, anyway, we're driving back from the home improvement warehouse place, slide tucked all kitty corner in the van - which the Evil Twin had to remove the 2nd row captain's seat and the 3 row bench seat - to allow room for it.

As we approach this structure, I just had to get out my camera and get a shot:



This "structure" has been there for as long as I can remember - and I've been here 25 years. I don't really know what to make of it. Is it a house? Does someone live there?

No clue. It's primo real estate as it sits facing the river.

Every time I drive by, I think "WTF??" And, I mean EVERY TIME. That's a lot of WTFs there, my friends.

I don't want you to get the impression that this is NORMAL for WV, because it is NOT! And that's where all my confusion and WTFs and "Where is the city to step in and declare this an eyesore?" sets in.

Occasionally, it seems as if someone might be working on it (due to evidence of scaffolding around one side). Other times, it just sits, precariously perched. Driving me slowly insane.

I keep waiting for the day it just pitches forward and lands in the river.

I don't think it's gonna happen.

Won't someone please tell me what it is or just, for the love of Pete, WHY? Oh, lord, WHY? What purpose does it serve?

I promise to balance this post out with some pictures of things that make WV breathtakingly beautiful. Which is as it should be - and, save for one "structure" - it really is.

Introducing Frank - UPDATE about Milk Chocolate

The Evil Twin finally finished up his exciting model kit at some point last week, but I'm just now getting around to posting about it.

I was able to get a few shots of it during the painting process.

Random parts in the workshop room:



A close up of his head:



The hands:



The finished product:



He is 19 inches high and a very large model. Can you imagine the inner child who wanted this kit so much as a 9 year old finally getting a chance to build and paint it as a nearly 50 year old professional designer? The Evil Twin's talents surprise me, even after 17 years of knowing and loving him.

And, I know... I don't really "get" his love for these things, but seeing the love and detail he brings to each one is enough for me.

I'm going to leave you all with 4 more pictures of our OLD collections. It makes the stuff we saw last week just pale in comparison. Feel free to click on each photo to "embiggen" and take a tour of the massive amount of TOYS!

We DO NOT own these things presently. The Evil Twin goes through phases where he'll collect one sort of thing, like advertising figures, pez, and soakie bottles, then he'll sell them all on eBay.




We don't own this stuff, either anymore:



Also sold on eBay:



And more of the FORMER collection:



Believe it or not, the collections we had then were in a much smaller house (like, half the size) of the house we have now. Thank goodness for eBay and such.

Now, we only have thousands of DVDs and CDs and a few interesting toy collections. I'll leave you with one more pic I just happen to love.

It's Bossy Bear!





PS. Since so many commenters have asked about the "Milk Chocolate" figure, the Evil Twin sent me this information:

Since people keep asking, we really need to give Spencer Davis a p-p-plug. Here’s the URL to his site where he sells the Booty Babe sculptures:

Booty Babe Art NSFW

You can tell your readers that I HIGHLY recommend dealing with him, and that I consider the $70 or so spent on Milk Chocolate was the best 70 bucks I ever spent, and that the package came packed like it could withstand a nuclear blast. I can’t rave enough about the quality of his work and his customer service ethic. Aside from being a talented artist he’s also one hell of a nice guy!

So, that's from the Evil Twin. He says these are limited edition sculptures and Milk Chocolate is already sold out. But, you can check out the other sculptures!

My Crazy Day

Okay, so on Thursday, I had lunch with a friend. We had decided on Cracker Barrel, since they have a really diverse menu and I've given up bread (baked goods) for Lent, I felt that would offer us the most options.

My friend just lives on the adjacent road (kind of diagonally from us). So, I got Sissy in the van and picked up my friend.

We got to the Cracka Shack and perused the menu. It took a while for us to decide, but then we placed our orders. I ordered a steak with steak fries, green beans and fried okra (yes, I LOVE the stuff - theirs is not as good as my mom's was, but it's still good).

I ordered my steak well done, which always holds the meals up, so by the time everything arrived, I was starving! I dug in and put a much too large piece of steak in my mouth. It got stuck in my esophagus and would not go down.

Then, I got hiccups.

I tried to remedy the situation by drinking some water.

Hahaha, that just made things worse. I felt like I was choking.

My friend, always a calm in a storm, jumped up to help me and I just wanted to get to the restroom. I left her and Sissy at the table while I rushed off.

It was awesome, I almost puked at the table! GO ME!

I will leave out the nitty gritty details, but basically, after I burped a time or two, I felt fine.

The nicest thing was that my friend got my daughter up from the table and came to the restroom to check on me, which I thought was incredibly thoughtful. She wanted to make sure I hadn't passed out or anything.

I felt okay, but was a bit spooked on trying to eat, so we just chatted and then I asked for carryout containers for mine and Sissy's meal.

Sissy NEVER eats a meal at the prescribed time. But, if I bring it home and set it out for her, she will eventually graze around at it and finish it off.

I brought mine home and ate about half of it (as much as I could take in its' cold state), then threw it in the fridge.

Later, I decided to heat it up in the oven and have it for dinner.

When I stuck my hand in the drawer I keep the aluminum foil in, I managed to make contact with the "cut off" teeth of the Cling film, which was right beside the foil.

I suffered a large gash to my middle left finger.



How 'bout that "Hello Kitty" band-aid? Pretty snazzy, huh?

I don't do anything half-assed around here.

Oh! And PS. Thanks for all the nice comments yesterday. I was too busy choking at the Cracka Shack or engaged in any number of my multitude of daily activities to answer back, but I DO appreciate it! I also wanted to add - not that anyone implied - but I am NOT complaining about Sissy using the potty. I am SO proud of her and she is SO proud of herself, it's worth the million trips to the restroom. I guess I just wanted to say, if I miss you one day (i.e. I don't comment on your blog and usually I do), just please realize, I probably only had time to read and run. Sorry!

Chasing My Tail

I feel like I am always so far behind these days.

If I don't make it to your place today - or any other day - please forgive me.

I spend a good portion of my days going to the bathroom with Sissy. While I am tremendously proud of her and her ability to use the potty ALL the time, she has to go A LOT.

I'm not sure why. She doesn't drink an inordinate amount of liquids. But, we're back and forth several times a day.

She is also at an age where I must do everything for her - fetch foods, drinks, get her dressed, etc. Add that to my ordinary daily chores and that adds up to my days being VERY busy.

I hope all this running around will help me lose a few more pounds before our trip in May. :-)

And, there's that - the trip that I'm obsessing over... If I can just make it to summer break, in early June, I think I can finally get caught up. I think. :::Sigh:::

Ok, I'm having lunch with a friend today, so I'll be out a bit. That should be fun. Even though it is rainy and dreary here - at least it's not freezing cold too. Just a little on the cooler side.

Plus, I'll get a yummy lunch and great company. :-)

It's all good.

I'll Take Cheetos that look like Peen for $100

After listening to 3Carnations and WordNerd sing the praises of Cheddar Jalapeno Cheetos on Twitter for a while, I decided that, while I don't normally like other flavors of certain established foods (think Cool Ranch Doritos), I DO like jalapeno and I DO like Cheetos and cheese, so maybe I should give them a try.



And they are quite delicious. In fact, I can barely keep my hands off of them. Unfortunately, both kids love them too, so I've had to guard them jealously!

It's just the right amount of heat, but not overwhelming.

The type of heat that can easily be squelched with copious amounts of Chardonnay.

A lovely combination.

It'll be a wonder if I don't spontaneously combust in the next day or two.

Yesterday, while Sissy and I were enjoying a bowl of our new favorite snack together, I found a Cheeto that looked like a penis.

Now, this is the 2nd time this has happened to me.

I took a picture of the Cheddar Jalapeno peen - it was a great shot after several not so good shots or blurry ones. Then, I set about to delete the unfit pics from my camera. As I deleted, I ate the Cheeto Peen.

And, I deleted the perfect picture.

Lucky me, I've encountered this before.



AHA!

ETW Recommends -UPDATED

Every so often, I do a post where I'll recommend a product or two (or so).

I only have one product today. It's that near and dear to my heart, I feel I need to spotlight it.

It's soap.

Yep, the kind one might use in the shower or tub. I love this soap with all my heart. I've been using it exclusively for over 20 years. I don't care where I have to go to buy it (it's not at regular stores), I will find it and stock up.

It's Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap.

I like the liquid - mainly because I can always be sure no one else has slid a soap bar in their crack.... But, that's a kind of odd fear since no one else uses my liquid soap either.

They all have their bars of choice. So, the other people in this household can scritch the bar where ever necessary and it's really none of my concern.

The greatest thing about Dr. Bronner's is that the bottle is just chock full of crazy writings. I love it. If I have a moment to think about anything but getting in and out in under 3 minutes, I might read a bit of the wackiness on the label.



The peppermint is VERY tingly. Don't use a bunch on your naughty bits or you'll be sorry!

I really love the way it feels on my face, though. I just take a deep inhale through my nose with my face all lathered up and it's a sure-fire wake up call!

The packaging again, it's just so funny:



It's MAGIC!

I can only find it at my local GNC (General Nutrition Center) store, but it's available online from several sources.

They also offer a Lavender fragrance and a few others. That's all good and well, but I am hooked on the peppermint.

It's not expensive and it lasts forever! I have had a 32 oz bottle last for more than two years.

I remember back in the day, it was packaged with a paper label. Well, after about a month or so in a bathroom environment, that paper label would start disintegrating.

Uncool. (like Neil would say from "Young Ones"). But, this soap is not for just hippies (which is kind of an oxymoron - reminds me of the joke: How do you hide money from a Hippie? Put it under the soap!), it's for anyone who likes to be clean and feel revitalized first thing in the morning!

Take my word and sniff it out for yourself! :-)

Model Kit Widow

I had received an email from the Evil Twin about a week or so ago that included a link to an item he was interested in owning. Since he is turning 50 this year (in July) and he has wanted this thing since he was 9, I felt it was appropriate to order it for him:



Here's the link he sent me: Big Frankie.

I thought it was a figure. He is into all the Universal monsters and the horror films from the 30s, 40s and 50s. So, I ordered it.

He had been concerned that, since it was a re-issue, that it would be quick to sell out and may not be available by the time his actual birthday rolls around.

It arrived on Thursday and that's when I realized it isn't just a figure at all, it is a model kit. One that has to be built and painted.

So, he spent a good portion of Saturday and Sunday working on his model - he loves this kind of thing....

However, it left me a model kit widow for most of the weekend.

He works on these things in his workshop room downstairs, so that leaves me upstairs to tend to the kids.

And trust me, even though they are 8 years apart in age, they bicker like any other siblings.

It gets maddening after a while.

I just tried to block it out as I continued to do my Sunday crossword puzzle and cryptoquip.

Eventually, he decided to take a break and join the rest of us.

Just in time for me to start dinner. I did Easy Beef and Broccoli, but added sugar snap peas, onions, and water chestnuts. This dish is always a winner for my crew.

Who knew a little ol' family from West Virginia would be addicted to Hoisin sauce? I had never even heard of it before this recipe (I always add extra!).

So where will the Evil Twin's Frankenstein model end up once it is complete? Enquiring minds want to know....

Around here, who knows?

Might be here:



Probably not. That's the tin litho robot shelves.

Maybe here?



Likely.

But, you just don't know what you might see around here at any turn.



These are all down in the Evil Twin's office and man den. I often say, "Our house is a museum.... The Addams Family!" LOL.

I'll be sure to post pics of the final model that the Evil Twin builds and paints. I'm not sure how many hours he'll have to put into it. But, it makes me happy that he's doing a hobby he loves and with a model kit he has waited 41 years to get his hands on.

False Start

I wasn't feeling very inspired last night (which is usually when I write), so when I woke up this morning, I had nothing and was still not feeling it. So, I flaked out and posted one of my very favorite songs that I always think on when I feel stressed or overwhelmed.

I also wanted to thank everyone who left comments yesterday. It's such a complicated issue that had I kept listing all the wrongs, we'd still be here this morning.

I get very tired of maintaining one sided relationships. If I can be there for you, I will be. I expect you to be there for me, within reason. I mean, if I asked someone for a favor once and they were legitimately already obligated to another project or whatever at that time, I understand. However, after about 4 such slights and then I find that most of the "cover-ups" are flat out lies... well, then I start to lose my faith.

The last time I checked friendships were based on honesty, loyalty and trust. Without any of those and a good measure of their complete opposites, I get the hint. Loud and clear.

I mean, how do you explain to your children why their uncle and aunt can't be bothered to send even just a birthday email (forget present or even mailing a card - I never thought that necessary). But, not even an email or phone call on the birthdays? Ever?

Anyway, enough on THAT. It's drained me enough for the time being.

I have a load on my plate today. I'm waiting for the first load of laundry to come out the dryer, so I can put a 2nd load in. I still haven't had a shower (it's 10:32). I need to get to a couple of different stores. Then, I need to pick up Buddy from school at 2:40 and have him back at the school by 4:50, so he can work at the Fish Fry.

Guess we'll have dinner there again this Friday - which is fine. The food is always good. However, anything worn in there smells like seafood later and has to be washed! LOL.

I was so lazy last night, there was a PTO meeting at 6, but I only found out about it when I had to take Sissy into the school to pee. We had been sitting in the pick up line, waiting for the bell to ring and she had to go, so we went in and on my way out of the office, I overheard someone mention a PTO meeting. I didn't receive any notice, although they said a reminder had gone home....

That happens a lot this year. I either don't get reminders or get them with such short notice it's ridiculous. I'm sure they're all crammed in Buddy's desk.... So, anyway, I just didn't feel like rushing back down there so quickly after dinner had been prepared and the kitchen cleaned up.

Ok, I need to fold some laundry, then hop in the shower. If I'm not able to swing by blogs this morning, I'll get caught up this evening. Better late than never, huh?

Judging by the type of day I've had already, I'll consider it a success that I get to them at all!

Have a happy Friday and first day of Spring (?... If I say it often enough, maybe it'll happen).

One More Thing

Ive just bout had enough
Im drowning from too much stuff
I get scared when the telephone rings
Someone complaining about one more thing

One more thing
Yeah its one more thing
One more thing to put in line
One more thing to waste my time
One more thing that I cant take
One more thing and Im gonna break

You need more, well get in line
Too many things grabbin at my time
Tell your brother right out flat
Then Ill have to throw your badge

One more thing
Yeah youre one more thing
One more thing to put in line
One more thing to waste my time
One more thing that I cant take
One more thing and Im gonna break

Yeah youre one more thing
Yeah, youre one more thing

Fix my engine and the tire goes flat
Its one more thing that I cant have
Politics messing with my rights
Theres nothing fun to do tonight

One more thing, its one more thing
Its one more thing to put in line
One more thing to waste my time
One more thing that I cant take
One more thing and Im gonna break
Its one more thing... its one more thing
Its one more thing... its one more thing

Sorry, this will give you something to think about. I'll be back with more... Love ya!

More Thought Dumping

Okay, not only was I pre-occupied with Sissy's first dental appointment, I was/am in the midst of a money transfer from one account to another.

I am very antsy about money issues. It's not much, but I wanted to be sure that a sum of money left our checking account and arrived at a new money market account. This transaction took several days - verification issues and whatnot. I think I will be satisfied today when I check both accounts to make sure my wishes are carried out. It's never a good thing to be footloose and fancy free when it comes to finances, especially in this day and age.

I've often said here, "You can give me a million dollars or a nickel - either way, I'm going to fret about it."

And, now, I'm going to try to explain the major issue in my life.

I feel like crying when I think on it.

I was adopted as an infant - 2 months old and my parents were great (they are both deceased now, and I miss them both so much). After they passed away, I have been reunited with my biological mother. You will hear me reference my parents here (the people who raised me) and my bio mom on different occasions. I want to make that distinction.

Not that I don't love my bio mom - I totally do! - but, it's more of a wonderful reconnection of a friendship, you know?

Anyway, my parents adopted another child when I was 3 and a half - my brother. He is not my biological brother. He is adopted, same as me, into the same family.

This is getting harder.

Fast forward 30+ years. Our parents die within 14 months of each other. I was the only child who took care of our mother in her last days. He and his wife visited her only once towards the end, while I was by her side at LEAST twice a day. In a HIGH RISK pregnancy, no less.

I took care of all the estate settling for both of them, I took care of the home repairs for what needed done, I took care of everything. I even took out a home equity loan on our own home to make repairs to theirs to be sold.

My brother? Sent me a bad check.

Did not do shit.

His wife is an evil wicked weeble-wobble. I'm sure she was mad with glee when the inheritance check hit their mailbox.

I'm tired of being let down by people I should be able to count on. I refuse to take a person to raise who cannot support himself, even though he and his wife have plenty of income. I wish them well, but I wished them good-bye a few weeks ago.

He tried to make amends (again) and I had nothing to do with it. I wrote them off. I'm sure he will make ME out as the bad guy to his In-Laws (they are complete douches).

Let's say it this way: Had we not been raised together, he (or his wife) are not people I would choose to befriend outside of our raising. I feel like a weight is gone!

I even told the dentist the other day, "We have no other family for contact information." and it felt GREAT, but a bit sad.

There is more to all that, but I feel better with the separation.

I'm Sorry

I know I've seemed a bit distant lately, but I've had a lot on my mind. I'm one of those people who, if I have many things on my plate, I tend to overthink them and worry them to half to death.

You all know I'm high strung like a poodle. Not to mention (guys: quit reading here and just scroll down), I think I have a touch of PMS. (It's the menses!) LOL.

I'm just feeling "at loose ends" and like I just never have enough time in one day to accomplish everything that needs to be addressed.

Yesterday, the kids had dentist appointments. It was Sissy's first one and I was all in a twist over that - not knowing how she'd behave and such. I don't like the unknown.

And she's such a drama queen, and being only 3 years and 1 and a half months old, she often doesn't fully understand situations and therefore, is not cooperative.

It actually went much better than I anticipated, but still.... The "pre" show heebie-jeebies had me nervous.

There are a few other things clouding my mind right now, but it's much too long and boring to get into, so I'll just leave you with this:



My Saint Patrick's Day ended like this! Oh, NO!

Blech. Mondays.

Monday is my worst day ever. I always hit the ground running first thing in the morning. As the HO™ - also known as the Home Office - I do everything.

Mondays are busy because that is generally the day I spend at the market, re-stocking for the upcoming week of lunches and dinners.

I was running late and then I got a phone call from my MIL. She and her husband were nearby and they wanted to pop by to drop off Sissy's birthday present.

Ok, I hadn't showered yet and I wasn't ready for company, but I jumped into action and did my thing. I was presentable by the time they reached my front door, but how is that right? You just call an hour ahead to drop in on people? Not cool.

Their visit was short and sweet. They gave Sissy a Yo Gabba Gabba boom box toy, which she loves (mom and dad and Buddy also liked it! It's a neat show).

Then, I had to get the store and stock up. When I was finished, I realized that once again, I had not eaten all day (this was 2pm). That's typical for me.

The evening was not much more relaxed. I had laundry, forms to fill out, and other duties (financial things I opt to not discuss). Whew!

I normally don't like my shape, so I opt for this garb:
'

Enjoy!

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes (or two)

Okay, I am hopeless. I love shoes, but being the simple person I am, I deal with only one or two pairs of shoes for myself - depending on the season. I only have one pair of winter shoe and two pairs of Summer sandals.

I'm low maintenance.

But, my baby girl... She needs some cute shoes year round!

My family LOVES the Crocs. I, personally do not - I have a very narrow foot. And Crocs tend to be wide at the end.

But, we're hitting Disney World in early May and my daughter loves the mouse, so I couldn't resist on these Crocs:



Then, she saw these:



The Princess Crocs.

She HAS to have these. I don't really give a crap. I bought them for her.

There ya go. My weekend was spent doing nothing and yet, ordering shoes for my Sissy. That's it.

Pathetic.

My, That's Interesting!

I go to the grocery store at least once a week. I try to limit it to one big shopping trip, so I make my list, gather coupons, etc.

There are some items I need every week. They're so commonplace, I almost don't need them on the list, but I put them there anyway.

Among the top spots: Milk (usually 2 or 3 gallons), bread, yogurt, cheese, eggs, etc. All the perishable things we run through quickly.

So, on Monday, I picked up a loaf of bread. I'm not going to say which brand because I have bought this brand before with no problems.

I make the Evil Twin's lunch 4 times a week - each lunch consists of 2 sandwiches, which means 4 slices of bread. Tuesday morning, I take the first four slices behind the "heel" and put them on a piece of paper towel to construct the sandwiches.

Only, there is something amiss about three of the slices, so I start to investigate (keep in mind, it's the crack of dawn - for me - and I'm barely awake).

Slice one, I find this:



And the other side of it:



Slice #2:



It was just a bit longer piece, but same on both sides. Brown on one side, white on the other.

Slice #3:



This is obviously a smaller bit and one I didn't try to pick out.

It was my best guess that this matter was a bandage of some sort (GROSS!) But, it might also be some sort of cardboard. I'm just not sure.

I just put all the slices in a resealable baggie and then, called the 800 number on the package.

The customer service person I spoke with was wonderful. She was very apologetic and took down all my information.

I know stuff like this is an anomaly and doesn't happen every day. She thanked me for drawing it to their attention. Then, she asked me to put the baggie of everything (the evidence) into the freezer and said she'd be mailing a postage paid mailer for me to send it all in for Quality Assurance investigation and also said there would be coupons for free bread included.

I've been buying this brand of their 100% Whole Wheat Bread for YEARS and I don't intend on stopping now.

I was just a little skeeved I might have a band-aid stuck in my bread!

Tagged for Confession Time

Just in time to help out my slacking rear-end, I was tagged by Jennifer at Life According to Jennifer.

So, I have to tell the troof here.

Confession Survey

1)What is your blogger name? Evil Twin's Wife

2) When is your birthday? 4/22

3) How long have you been blogging? February 5, 2007 - you do the math. I'm not good at it.

4) Who tagged you? Jennifer (link is up there!)

5 ) Tell me your 5 most favorite body parts: Duh: boobs/cleavage, I have really adorable feet, I get a lot of compliments on my eyes and hair. There, that's five.

6) What do you wish most for your birthday? All I want is a regular cake (yellow cake, chocolate frosting, nothing fancy on top).

7) What color are your nails now? Fingernails: the color nails come in. Toenails: Always Vintage by Revlon Color Stay.

8) Any depressing thoughts lately? I've had something really heavy on my mind. I may open up about it later.

9) What's your next 1 month's plan? Praying incessantly for Spring.

10) At what age did you have your 1st crush? Don't remember.

11) Did you attend any school reunion after you graduated till now? I did the 5, 10 and 20 year ones, but only the parts that involved heavy drinking.

12) Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended you didn't smell anything? Sure, I've let a silent one slip, but I just move quickly - like a shark and then giggle when I think of the sorry people who will walk into my "Wall of Fart".

13) Are you a clean freak? Oh, the Evil Twin only wished...I keep it tidy.

14) Which era do you wish you were born into? 60s (Lucky me! I got my wish!)

15) Are you a vegetarian? I was for 9 years and could easily revert.

16) How many pillows do you sleep with at night? Sometimes one, but most nights it ends up on the floor: meaning none.

17) Are you a light sleeper or an I-don't-care-if-there's-a-bomb-here sleeper? It depends on the sitch. I listen for the kids all night, but I can also really be conked out.

18) Do you secretly wear comfortable granny panties when your man is not around? No, I always wear string bikini panties no matter who is around! Lots of times, those end up on the floor with my pillow.

19) What is your ultimate dream job? Livin' it.

20) What is it your hubby does that annoys you the most? He repeats himself four or five times when he's frustrated. I got it the first time, honey!

21) What is your dream car? We have a rocking mini-van (grocery getter), but I'd like one with the folding seats and all automatic doors.

22) Do you easily wake up in the morning? I am not a morning person.

23) Do you like hairy men? As long as it's not on their back. The Evil Twin is my Big Bear.

24) How about goateed men? Fine with me. The Evil Twin sports one most of the time...

25) Which one would you prefer, 2 hour spa, 2 hour Thai Massage or 2 hour foot massage? I don't really like being touched by people I don't know, but if I HAD to pick, I guess foot massage.

26) Have you ever wished you had a different name other than your real name? When I was younger, I thought my name should have been Jessica, as an adult, I'm okay with my given name.

27) What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? Yeah, I'm not so much on the sports.

28) Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? Never been to either, but would take the chance on either if it came up.

29) What is your favorite food? Mexican anything.

30) What is the most embarrassing moment when you were out on a date? Nothing is coming to mind. I'm sure I've done something mortifying, but I've been with the Evil Twin for 17 years, so any dating material is a distant memory.

I'm supposed to tag a number of people here, but I think I'll just leave it open for the stealing. If you're a lazy slacker like me, rip it off, but be sure to link back to me! Thanks!

Such a Slacker

I've really been a slacker lately about doing my posting. As many of you know, most of the time, I write up my stuff in the evening and then set it to post at 6 am the next morning.

But, on nights when one of the two TV shows I watch is a 2 hour long episode, I have laundry to do during commercial breaks - while I also try to catch up on reading other blogs....well, by the time the show is over and I still have assorted other activities to finish up, I'm ready for bed.

So, I don't get around to my blog.

Once the show (American Idol, I'm ashamed to admit, but I'm hooked on it) is over for the season, I should be back to my regular posting schedule.

As for my little rant yesterday, I wasn't really grousing about anything specific or recent, but more "in general" - and I've noticed the same types of things happening to other blogs I read. Then, I just wonder, "Why don't these trolls just get a life?"

So, that explains that. Thanks for all the encouragement - I do appreciate it. Things will not change around here:



That usually makes for interesting blogging. :-)

While I am a slacker here, I will soon be around to visit all of you today! I do enjoy my favorite reads.

But, prior to that, I have to fulfill the glamorous duty of loading the dishwasher. At least I won't get dishpan hands!

Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don't

It seems like there is someone (or several someones, at times) who can find a way to rain on my parade here at the Glamorous life.

I can post a picture of a KitchenAid stand mixer or I can post a picture of my cleavage and someone always has something negative to say.

If you check out the header up there and the sidebar to your left, it has MY name all over it and my blog name. MINE. That means, I post what I like and if you don't like it, don't let the mouse hit your ass on the way out.

After all, I was raised with the belief that if "You don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Plus, I'm just over here blathering about my life in my own little "Christmas Letter To The Family" type way, so it's not like I'm unearthing anything super dishy or controversial.

I am not a normal person. I do weird things. Sometimes, I do them just for shits and giggles.

If you don't like that philosophy, then please find another blog to haunt. There are approximately 40 million of them to read. I don't have any special corner here.

Now, please go wish my girl, Buzzardbilly a Happy Birthday!

And remember:

Power of Threes

I don't know what it is with me, but when I buy things - particularly clothing items - I tend to buy them in threes.

When Buddy was in Kindergarten at his private school, back then, the Kindergarten kids didn't have to wear a uniform, but starting in First Grade, I bought three of everything he needed. Even though it's all the same. Three light blue short sleeve button down shirts, three light blue long sleeved button down shirts, three navy blue shorts, three navy blue long pants. But only one tie, one sweater, one belt, one pair of dress shoes. But I did stock up on lots of navy blue socks. One can never have too many socks.

I guess my reasoning is I do laundry so often, I know I'll do it at least half way during the week for sure, that will give everyone enough clothes for the rest of the week.

We went shopping at Kohl's this past weekend - everyone needed new Spring/Summer clothes, plus I had a coupon for 30% off. Most items were purchased in threes. Myself? I found three pair of denim shorts that I liked.

Then, I had a $10 off coupon from Old Navy and a coupon to save 15% off everything, so I went online later and found three shirts I liked.

We all try to wear things for as long as possible here. Of course, the kids grow and need different sizes, but the Evil Twin and I wear things until they are literally falling apart.

Most of my favorite shirts have holes in them, so I really needed some new ones.

Trust me, I don't like spending money if I can help it.

However, the "girls" need new photographic opportunities.

Now, for only two of somethings:





I keep forgetting to add my "real" signature!

#577 - Random

I have lots of tidbits floating around the old noggin this morning.

I'm loving this weather. It's awesome to wake up to a 60 degree morning.

I woke up, got Buddy up and fed, made the Evil Twin's lunch and then promptly crawled into Sissy's big girl bed to snuggle with her a bit. Turns out, she's a lazy lounger just like her Mama. It makes me so proud!

I drank a metric assload of wine last night and decided that the really nearly black bananas in the fridge needed to be turned into banana nut bread. I didn't think about the fact that I had given up bread (and baked goods) for Lent. I didn't cheat - I guess the rest of the family will have to eat the loaf.

Just when I thought we were out of the woods with the stomach virus, Sissy threw up twice yesterday. One time, she splattered the really expensive area rug in the den (that's TV/living room to the rest of you). Thank goodness for Febreze.

She seems fine this morning. She's had a sippy cup of Gatorade/Pedialyte mix and a piece of Banana Nut bread.

This is my 577th post. I'm amazed that I've had that much to blather about. I guess my brain just knows a lot of words!

I watched Survivor last night and DVRed American Idol. The show cut off before they announced the final contestant to be in the final 12. Anyone have a clue who they picked? (not that I really care, I just watch out of curiosity).

Today is Friday. That means no meat and I guess we'll hit the Fish Fry at my parish this evening. Buddy has to work it anyway, so we might as well. Plus, the food just rocks!

Today is also March 6. Mom - you would have been 69 today. Happy Birthday. 3/6/40 - 11/26/04. RIP.

UPDATE: I meant to add the Banana Bread recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups (about 4) mashed overripe bananas

(I added one small bag of chopped pecans to this as well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir flour mixture in with banana mixture, stir just to moisten. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

I just used a small plastic bowl for the flour mix, then used Beauty to do the rest: