The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau: October 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

October 30, 1993

Sixteen years ago, I said, "I do." And I meant it.

Over the years, there have been good times and hard times, but whatever we end up facing we deal with it together.

Sixteen years ago, I was not one bit nervous.

We never took a honeymoon and since both of my parents have passed away, we don't have any one we trust to take care of the children. So, they go everywhere we go. If it's not kid-friendly, we just don't do it.

Tonight, we're having dinner at the Hibachi restaurant. And yes, we'll have the kids with us. We don't mind and they like the food there, too, so it's all good.

The Evil Twin has always been my safety net. If I feel unsure about something or at odds, I want him.

Baby, that's how strong my love is:

Happy Anniversary, honey. :-)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Happy Halloween!

What's that, you say?

In the county where we live, Trick or Treat is never, ever, ever on October 31. Most of the time, it's October 30th, but not if the 30th falls on a weekend night - which it is on a Friday this year.

So trick or treat is tomorrow night (29th) here. It can never fall on the actual holiday, because whoever makes these type of decisions think that having it on the actual day leads to mischief and mayhem. And the same holds true for weekends. I guess since the kids don't have school the next day, they could stay out later and get into more trouble, in theory.

And then, it can also never be on a Sunday, because, let's face it: that's the Lord's day and I can't even begin to tell you how many shades of wrong that might be.

We are in the Bible Belt here, ya know?

I put Sissy in a devil costume a couple of years ago. I bet we had so many prayers for our family's souls that evening.

Not only do they have rules and regulations regarding what evening the rugrats can trick or treat, there is a time frame too. From 6 pm to 8 pm. Make the kids hustle to get as much candy as they can, I guess....

The Evil Twin and I got married on October 30th. We never even thought about the weird trick or treat "laws" because we didn't have kids then and didn't have to think about it.

Most years, we're out schlepping the kids around on our anniversary. This year, we'll actually get to go to dinner because the trick or treat is the night before! Yay.

Sissy is going to be a cowgirl this year and Buddy dithered around about going or not going (he's 11) so long that at this point, he is just going to wear his costume from last year, which is some sort of grim reaper or something. Besides, all the costumes at the stores are already picked over.

We live on a dead end street, up a steep driveway - so we always go to our friends' house. Their son and Buddy are best friends and it works out well.

The moms sit out front, drinking and handing out candy while the dads follow the kids around (our 2 and their 2).

After the festivities, we'll have to gather around and sample the candy for "pins, razors or poison". You can never be too careful these days! ;-)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fall in WV

We've had some kind of strange weather for this time of year (cooler than normal), so I don't think the trees have changed colors nearly as pretty as in other years, but it's still neat to look out over the mountains and see the changes.

This tree is in our yard:

A view from the front porch overlooking the river to the left:

And another look to the right (I'm not good enough to photoshop out the power lines, sorry!):

It's been in the low 40s most mornings, but yesterday, the high was 73! Heat in the morning, AC in the afternoon. Gotta love the crazy WV weather! Thank goodness I haven't put my shorts away yet! ;-)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Monday Madness

It's another busy Monday for me. Why do I do this to myself? I think it's more out of necessity than anything else. After the weekend, we are officially out of bread and other things, so I have to shop on Mondays for us to have lunches and dinners for the week ahead.

It just works out that way.

So, here I sit, drinking some coffee (I never drink a whole cup, I'm finished when I reach the just over halfway mark), finishing up my grocery list and trying to find the motivation to get moving. I like to ease into my days.

In fact, I'm quite nearly like this guy (NSFW/NSFK):

I took some pictures of our beautiful fall foliage on the mountains over the weekend, but haven't had a chance to upload them yet. I'll get to that and reading all my fave blogs, as usual for Mondays, after 3 pm.

It may be chilly here today, but it is beautiful and sunny. I'll take that. :-)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Closed Caption FAIL

The Evil Twin and I like to watch the show "Cash Cab" in the evenings. It's on around 6 pm and since that is about the loudest the house can be (both kids making lots of noise, the bird going off his nut), we'll turn on the Closed Caption feature, so we can at least read the information. Even if we can't HEAR it.

We were watching "Cash Cab" last night and this is what we see:

It's supposed to read "rum and coke", but yet, it's a bit off from the "coke" part. I made the Evil Twin rewind it so I could get a pic of this! We laughed SO hard!

Who knows what the people who rely on CC thought about that one! We could hear the discrepancy.

Also, one other little thing. When I was at my hair appointment on Tuesday, the barber who works in the same shop gave Sissy a tiny pumpkin. She loves it.

Last night, she asked Daddy to draw a happy face on it.

How cute is that?

I seriously pinch myself every day thinking how lucky I am to have the Evil Twin in my life. He is more than a partner - he is the whole package. I'm the biggest dork and he chose ME!

Sorry that is a bit gloaty, but if you knew how little I think of myself, it might make sense.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Did Someone Say Hump?

I am among the living today. It's odd how I can get the exact same amount of sleep every night, but then some mornings, I feel exhausted and lethargic and other mornings, I wake right up all bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Last night, my best friend Brian was in town - he's getting ready to move to Boston from Ohio, so I guess he popped by to spend some time with his parents. He ended up coming to our house and we drank a shit ton of wine. It was great. I love the way he dotes on me and will refill my glass for me. :-) A true gentlemen (sorry, gals, he plays for the other team!).

We love to laugh, but we also talked about some serious issues too. I was surprised to hear his take on some things. We also talked about our past and the present. We both agreed that the core people we were at 15 hasn't changed much - even though we are now 41. Sure, life responsibilities have changed, but what makes us who we are is still the same. And, I guess that's why we've loved each other for so many years. :-)

And since it's Hump Day, I thought I would leave you all with a special Wednesday treat.

It's not the best shot, but I was a little buzzed when I took it. Hey, it's something, alright?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Blargh

My regular readers know that I rarely complain and I'm not really complaining today - let's just say that I think I overdid it yesterday.

Buddy had a massive nose bleed sometime during the night (Sunday), so I had to immediately get started on an emergency laundry job. Stain fighter, rinsing, then two loads of laundry - back to back - one load for the sheets and one load for the bedspread that stated it needed to be washed in a commercial front loader. Since all I have is the top loader home model of washing machine and didn't have time to drop it by the cleaners, I took my chances at home. It took forever to dry, but I got it done.

My time at the grocery took longer than expected and the store had about three registers open (well, a few more than that, but they were all backed up) and I realized as I got in the back of the shortest long line I could find that it was after 2 o'clock. Now, I have to be back in my own town by close to 3 pm to pick up Buddy from school.

It got to be 2:18 and the line hadn't moved a whit. There was an older lady behind me with only 2 things. 2 things she could have taken to an express register and checked out, but NOOOOO. She stood behind me and I acted like I didn't see her (mean, I know, but time was of the essence at this point). THEN, the lady IN FRONT of me motioned for the older lady to get in line in FRONT of her! I couldn't believe it!!!

What am I, chopped liver? To her credit, she did address me and ask if that was okay and I mumbled an acknowledgment, then whipped out my cell phone to call the Evil Twin. I figured he could take 20 minutes of his day, go to the school and drop Buddy off at home, let him in if I wasn't there, and I probably wouldn't be far behind.

Well, Miss "I let random people skip up in line" overheard my conversation, she offered to let me go ahead of her, but that wouldn't have helped me time wise anyway, so I just told her "thanks, but my husband is getting him."

Then, I just completely ignored her for the rest of the time.

As it turns out, I drove up the driveway only seconds before the Evil Twin pulled in behind me.

At least I got help bringing the groceries in. :-) The Evil Twin returned to work. That was about 3:15 - I had loads of things to attend to and by the time I did everything (check Buddy's folder, check on the dryer, sort through the mail, etc. etc.), I finally sat down at nearly 4 pm.

So, all this is to say I feel like a slug today. I have a hair appointment at 1, so it will be after 3 pm before I can get to all my blogs again today.

Maybe I'll catch a break tomorrow or Thursday? One can hope. :-)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Another Glamorous Monday!

Yesterday, Buzzardbilly and I went to Olive Garden for lunch and then to see "Paranormal Activity". It was the first day out event with just a girlfriend in a VERY long time and it was absolutely fantastic. Lunch was delicious. We both ended up taking half of our entrees home with us. She was even nice enough to order a "to go" dinner for her Curmy.

The movie was good. It wasn't as terrifying as I thought it would be, but it definitely had a good spook factor to it and the last 10 minutes will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

So, now back to the regular grind. I've had my shower and am ready for whatever. I'm allotting 11:00 to 11:30 as laundry folding, dishwasher emptying and calling my hairdresser to try to get in tomorrow (just a trim). Then 11:30 to 12:00 will be finishing up my grocery list and then around 12:30, we'll be off to the Mart of Wal, shop, and be in front of Buddy's school by 2:45 or so to pick him up! Monday is typically my busiest day.

Alrighty, I'm officially running one minute behind schedule, so I hope everyone has a glamorous Monday, like me! :-)

Friday, October 16, 2009

Astounding!

This video runs about 11 minutes long, but please, watch the whole thing. You will be laughing and scratching your head at the same time.

Just. Wow.

Let me know if you found this as amusing as I did. :-) He has cajones. That's for sure!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Random Thoughts on a Thursday Morning

I have all sorts of random flotsam floating through my brain this morning and thought that might make an interesting blog. I mean, who doesn't like random, ya know?

1. I am super excited about this weekend and next weekend. Buzzardbilly and I and a few other friends (whoever we can talk into it) are going to see the movie "Paranormal Activity" this Sunday and then next Saturday night, there's a drag show downtown. It'll be one of my first "Girl's Night Out" expedition in a VERY long time. And let me add, hanging out with the BB is always a good time!

2. Buddy's home room teacher had said that if a student brought in a box of tissues, they'd get an extra credit point. When I was at the Mart of Wal yesterday (emergency run...), I saw a three pack of Puffs on sale, so I threw 'em in the cart. I left them in the bag and set it next to his backpack. I even saw him holding the bag at some point this morning. After he and the Evil Twin left, I turned around to see the bag on the dining room floor. I swear, he'd forget his head if it wasn't attached! Why are boys like that? I've also been asking for several days now for him to pop by the office and grab an October lunch menu. Sure I can see it online, but I like having a copy on the fridge to glance at... Every day, I pick him up. No menu. Go figure.

3. I am thrilled beyond belief that it is Thursday. Thursday means SURVIVOR! I have my box o hooch chillin' and I am ready! :-)

4. It's rainy and gloomy here today. I don't think the high is supposed to be over 50, although my indoor/outdoor thermostat thingie-do is reading 53 outside right now. Still, brrrrrr. It's a good day to stay in my comfy lounge pants and just snuggle in here at home. Until it's time to pick up Buddy, that is. But, after that - no more leaving the house. I love days like this.

5. I'm in debate mode. Look at my profile picture. Do I need a hair cut (trim)? I'm at that point where I feel like it's a bit too long, but I'm not really sure. Maybe take an inch or so off the ends? I hate making hair appointments. I actually have to be somewhere ON TIME. Not that I'm not an anally prompt person otherwise, but in the life of a stay at home mom, time is fluid. I can go to the grocery store at 10 am or 1 pm or 9 pm. Doesn't matter. But, hair and doctor appointments? Someone expects me to bust my ass getting there and my mind is most likely saying, "I don't think so."

6. I am so far behind on blog reading, I'm doing my best to catch up, but if I miss you today, I promise (cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye)to get to you tomorrow.

7. Sissy just went to the restroom (poop and pee, Mommy!). I let her take care of the front business and I use a wet wipe(s) for the back. My middle finger actually poked through the wet wipe, thereby giving me the "Caramel Finger". Don't worry - I washed with soap and water. Thoroughly. But, EWWW!

So, now it's your turn. Tell me your thoughts on any or all of these random tidbits.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

An Award and a Meme....Way to Make My Job Easier!

From No Celery Please, I received a super cool award:

And, it came with a meme. Here ya go:

The official meme-y rules are:

Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on.
Answers may be one word only
Once you have filled it out be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers.
Alert them that they have been awarded!
Have fun!

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Black
3. Your mother? Dead
4. Your father? Dead
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? Weird
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? South
9. What room are you in? Den
10. Your hobby? None
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Patient
15. Muffins? Yummy
16. Wish list item? Hottub
17. Where did you grow up? Everywhere
18. Last thing you did? Type
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? BIG!
21. Your pets? Loud!
22. Friends? Few
23. Your life? Good
24. Your mood? Meh
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? Van
27. Something you’re not wearing? socks
28. Your favorite store? None
29. Your favorite color? Purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Unsure
32. Your best friend? TET
33. One place that I go to over and over? Mart of Wal
34. One person who emails me regularly? Noone
35. Favorite place to eat? Hibachi

And there you have it! You, lucky dogs, you!

Feel free to steal the award/meme, but remember to link back to me and NCP, okay? I'm gonna have to trust you on this one, because I'm too busy to go checking up on everyone all the time! ;-)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Tuesday Alone (kinda)

Well, after having the whole famn damily home since Thursday, everyone except Sissy and I dispersed to their required locations. Buddy is back at school, the Evil Twin is back at work and the house is pretty much all mine again.

Of course, that doesn't always work out the way I would like it. I woke up with zero motivation this morning. Had a partial cup of coffee (I'm strange when it comes to consuming liquid calories), lounged around a bit, then finally at 10 am, I decided I needed to get my lazy ass in the shower.

So, I set about my morning routine: making the beds prior to the shower. I get our bed made and Sissy wants something to drink. Go in kitchen and make her some lemonade, go back to finish making Sissy's bed, then Buddy's. Sissy needs me again. She's hungry. I get her a piece of bologna (yuck, but the kids love it)and go back to my room to prep for the shower.

I enter the bathroom, start the shower and weigh myself. 124. Ugh! How can I have been so sick w/ no appetite and still gain 3 lbs? I curse myself under my breath. Here comes Sissy....who lets herself in. She wants to know "how tall she is" (how much SHE weighs) and tells me also she is hungry again. I'm naked and cold and ready for the shower, so she has to wait.

By this time, it is 10:50 - remember I started at 10am? Oh, and also in between the bed making and food getting, I managed to scramble together a load of laundry, which I will deal with after I get ready.

I was interrupted once during my hair drying to be reminded that Sissy was still hungry (she had already had a cup of juice, a whole banana and the aforementioned bologna...I swear she has a hollow leg!).

Finally, at about 11:20, I am ready. I sit down, but then remember I need to do laundry. I got that started and then finished loading the dishwasher and got that going.

It's now nearly noon and I suppose that Sissy will want lunch. I've been so busy, I haven't even thought about food today. Looks like it will be another day of just dinner for me. Don't worry, though: I load up! :-)

I have a couple of memes I'll be working on for the next few days. We all know how fun those can be! Hee hee.

Well, we're going on viewing #3 of the first Toy Story movie. I really need to get a life.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Sissy's "New" Room

We're almost completely finished re-arranging Sissy's room. I'm very pleased with the way it has come together.

Buddy and I are feeling much better. The Evil Twin and Buddy are both off for the holiday and we have a friend of Buddy's over for the day. Right now, the boys are having some cereal.

Being the stubborn butthead that I am, I refuse to turn the heat on - even though it is freezing cold here. I've got the space heater cranked up for the den and that'll have to be good enough until it warms up in a bit! It's helpful to be both stubborn AND cheap!

And with that, I'm outta here. Have a rockin' Monday! :-)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sick

Buddy has been complaining for a couple of days that his stomach hurt and he had an on-again, off-again headache. But, he didn't have a fever, so I kept sending him to school.

I woke up this morning and MY stomach hurt, but it felt like "that time of the month" crampy - but I'm not expecting THAT for a couple more weeks. (TMI). Anyway, I checked my email, got Buddy some breakfast and started feeling extra cruddy.

Since I've already gone over my allotted TMI here, I'll just say that I didn't know whether to sit or stand in the restroom.

The Evil Twin had an important presentation he had to give at work, so he went on and took Buddy to school. By this time, Sissy was up and I was able to get her to get in bed with me. I turned on the TV and promptly conked out. Next thing I knew, the phone was ringing.

About an hour after being dropped off at school, Buddy was calling from the office. Apparently, he had put his head on his desk this morning. The teacher asked him if he felt bad and he said he had a stomach ache and a headache. She ticked off a list of symptoms on a piece of paper. When he showed it to the secretary, she said he needed to go home.

SO! I had no shower and I looked like crap, but I threw on a coat and put Sissy, still in her PJs, in the van and ran down there. I don't know what I was thinking...I thought I'd pull up and he'd hop in. Duh! I should have realized I'd need to sign him out!

I locked the van, ran inside, quickly signed him out and we were all back home in under 5 minutes.

The Evil Twin called and said he would be coming home after his presentation.

I've taken everyone's temperature several times and none of us have a fever, so I don't know....Should I send Buddy to school tomorrow or not? He didn't even want to come home today because he knew he'd have make up work...

Ugh! At least I have Survivor to look forward to this evening! :-)

There is a local cross dresser who lives in the next town over from me. When we lived in that town, I would often see him at Kroger, doing his shopping.

I guess since the Mart of Wal opened a few years ago, he does his shopping there now. On Sundays.

I mentioned a few weeks ago on Twitter that I was going to the WM that day (Sunday) and a Twitter friend mentioned that I might see "Pat". I had no clue who she was talking about, but when she explained and I thought about the SNL character "Pat", it made sense.

After all, I do not know this person's name and I have never been able to work up the courage to talk to him, but he is very friendly. He will smile back if you smile at him. He walks with his head up, shoulders back. He clearly does not have an issue being noticed.

On top of all that, he really dresses to the nines (which isn't what one normally sees at a grocery store)and the outfits are reminiscent of the 80s. He also has a good time with make up, apparently and it's hard to NOT look.

He has these fabulous, long red nails - I don't know if they're real or Lee Press Ons, but they really complete the whole look.

The thing is, this does not disturb me in the slightest. I practically grew up with drag queens (which is a completely different thing than cross dressing or being transgendered). My best friend in high school performed in drag at a club downtown, so I was able to get to know all the queens.

I learned some of the best make up tips from them.

I'm fairly sure that all the queens I knew were gay, but the same can't be said of cross dressers. Often, they are heterosexual men who just like to wear womens' clothing.

I had not seen Pat in any of my several trips to WM until this past Sunday. To say I was thrilled is a major understatement. I stalked him for a bit, trying to work up the courage to say "Hi.", but I just couldn't. Maybe this Sunday?

The BEST part of the whole thing is to see the looks on other shoppers faces. People who aren't familiar with that lifestyle are often left with their mouths hanging open.

I saw one guy who had about half his teeth and overheard him saying to his wife (or whoever he was with), "Oh my Lord, did you see that?"

I thought, "You're one to talk, pal."

Ever hear a little saying: People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones? I think that applies here.

I'll keep you all updated if I ever strike up a conversation with Pat. I bet he's a fascinating conversationalist.