Might Not Be Around Much

Well, guys, my sister arrived on Friday as planned. It was great to see her get off the plane and just get to hug her again. There have been loads more hugs since then.

Unfortunately, we are both night owls, so staying up way past a normal bedtime has been our usual MO. Not a problem on a Friday or Saturday night, but this Monday morning has been rough! LOL.

I'm sure we'll reach a point where we feel "caught up enough" to target an appropriate bedtime. It's been a ton of fun, though. :-)

We've been amazed to find out how many little and big things we have in common. This is our 2nd time to meet. The first time was only a few hours and we do keep in touch on the phone and online, but that's not the same as sitting in the same room face to face.

I totally cried when she got through the airport gates. Hell, I almost ruined my eye make-up (but she's totally worth it!) We've had an awesome weekend so far! There WILL be pics, but we've been too busy gabbing to worry about that stuff.

Now, it's time for me to get my day started. The kids have a dentist appointment this afternoon, so I need to get going.

Have a happy Monday, hooligans!

Love,

Awesome Turn of Events

For those of you who don't know: I was adopted. I was loved, supported and raised in the most wonderful family, ever. I was 2 months old when all the paperwork was in order and I went to live with my adoptive family. My mom and dad - both deceased now - were so amazing.

I had a happy childhood. I never really wondered too much about my bio mother, but did like to think I'd be interested to know what kind of person she is and also to thank her for her decision. I knew in my heart she had made the decision for my benefit and it turns out, I was right.

After my parents passed away, I found a box of paperwork about my adoption with an application to request my original birth certificate. I sent the application in and received everything in my (closed) file. Armed with tons of info, I started my search in earnest.

A few months later, I was contacted by someone who had seen my contact info on an adoption website. She believed we had the same mother and had actually been aware of my existence for many years. It was my SISTER! After I was adopted, my bio mom and bio dad got married several years later and had 2 children. My sister is 6 years younger than me.

As it turns out, she and my bio mom had been searching for me for years. Since that time (Summer 2007), I have met them both and we all talk quite frequently.

OK, so my sister has been with our mom (in a completely different state than either of them live in permanently - long story for another blog). Sissy Sr (that's to differentiate her from Sissy Jr.- our baby girl) needed a change of scenery and is NOW ON A PLANE headed to our airport. She is coming to stay with us!!!!

I'm so excited. The kids are excited. I need to get the guest room in order and get ready to pick her up at the airport later today. Can I say: "I'm so excited!" again? There, I just did.

Look out WV - Us girls are hell on wheels! Hee hee.

Be prepared for stories of unmentionable debauchery and all that good stuff. The way I see it (and it's not regret at all), we didn't grow up together, but the Universe is making sure we get to spend time living together for a while as adults. It warms my cold black heart like you would not believe.

Happy Friday, hooligans - I'm sure my Friday is more exciting than yours, but don't be jealous. K?

Love,

Indoor Plumbing: Blessing or Curse?

We've had a variety of plumbing problems since we bought this house 6 years ago, but that sort of thing comes with the territory when you own a home.

Last night, we started a load of dishes (as usual - we do about one load a day) and the Evil Twin noticed a leak downstairs - somewhat under the dishwasher, but in the utility room that is directly below that.

We're lucky to have a floor drain and drop ceilings, so every thing is accessible and relatively easy to clean up. We also have the Shop-Vac.

The Evil Twin was able to locate the source of the leak and put a make shift stop gap measure on it until we get a plumber out here. I called this morning and someone will be here mid-morning. Thank goodness!

It's always something, isn't it? I'm just glad there is no major damage and the situation is fixable - it's just a seal on a pipe that has worn out and can be replaced. And, since we live in an older home (built in 1956), we have to expect some plumbing and other issues from time to time. It's just part of the hassle of owning.

But, plumbing is more a plus than a minus, don't you think? I mean, we have toilets that flush, a dishwasher, showers, sinks, a clothes washer (and dryer, which only needs electricity), hoses in the yard for summer time - and my favorite: a side by side fridge with ice and water thru the door! That thing gets a work out every day!

For right now, we can't use the kitchen sink, the dishwasher or the half bathroom off the kitchen (they all run through the same connection). Unfortunately, that means "Bella's Toilet" can't be flushed until the pipe is fixed. Thankfully, she will pee in two of the toilets we have upstairs, but won't do #2 in all but the half bathroom (which can't be flushed right now...). I don't think she has dropped a deuce yet this morning - she is a total morning pooper - I don't smell anything. But, I hope Mr. Plumber gets here before she feels the need for her morning constitutional. Hee hee.

Plumber just called - he's on his way! Yay.

Have a better Thursday than I'm having, hooligans!

Love,

Shoes

The topic this week at the Madhouse is "Shoes".

Before I got married (in 1993), I was all about my shoes. I didn't blink twice about spending my parents' money on $90 sandals.

After I got married, I discovered the joy of $7 sandals, although I will admit to spending $130 on a pair of Naot's. Then, another well over $100 on other Naots.

These are my faves:

Only I chose the brown ones. They are SO comfortable. I ordered the Evil Twin a pair of men's Naots and he says they feel like slippers, but look like dress shoes.

I couldn't help myself, so I ordered another pair of sandals.

So, there you have it. I'm a Naot addict. I am all about the comfort level, but still want to seem relatively stylish. I don't own - ok, well, I DO own tennis shoes, but only for my whitewater rafting trip. They'll never be worn again.

Here's my shameful secret: When we went to Disney World in May '09, my sandals were cutting into my little toe on the left. (Hey, no one ever said being stylish was easy or pleasant), so the Evil Twin bought me a pair of (actually) really cute Croc sandals with the Mickey Mouse logo on them and that's what I wore most of the week. I ended up with many random band-aids from the massive walking, but that would happen in any shoe. At least the crocs kept my feet dry and comfy.

I still keep shoes from the days I had an office job and I keep shoes for sentimental reasons. But, honestly, I rotate about 3 pair at any given time depending on the weather. I'm no Imelda Marcos these days. :-)

PS. Most of the time, I'm barefoot. I don't even wear shoes or socks or slippers around the house! ;-)

Happy Wednesday, hooligans!

Love ya!

My Own Personal Madness

Just about every morning, I wake up with the theme song for "iCarly" swirling around in my brain.

I've tried to replace it, erase it or whatever. Nothing works. The thing is: the show itself is really kinda cute. Both of the kids like it and it does have some very hilarious moments.

I'll even watch the show (re-runs, no less) when the kids aren't around. At least I get to hear it that way. It's a little on the LOUD side with everyone in the den area at the same time.

In fact, I woke up with the song in my head this morning. Probably had something to do with my fevered sleep last night. My stomach felt queasy in the evening, so I just decided to get in our bed and watch some TV while relaxing and see if my stomach would settle.

I wanted to watch the Duggar family season premiere, which was on until 11 (I think). Last time I remember looking at the clock, it was 10:48, then again at 11:02. Guess I missed some of it. Oh well, you know they'll show it 500 more times.

Also, I was alternately burning up hot and then freezing cold. We turn the heat down at night. A certain Miss Bella always gets in bed with us. Last night, when I would shift positions, she would flop around and change positions too - so she could get as close to me as possible. I spent the evening trying to move my legs in a way that wouldn't disturb Queenie.

It was downright chilly in the bedrooms. Brrrrr.

Well, I must get my exciting life underway. It's the Mart of Wal day. Yeeehaaaw!

Hope you hooligans have a lovely Tuesday!

Love,

Things Are Good

Buddy had a nice birthday. It wasn't overkill, thank goodness. He had a friend spend the night on Friday and then we all went out for lunch on Saturday.

I had an interesting conversation with Sissy over the weekend.

I think you all know that our kitty, Bella, is trained to use the same toilet those of us on 2 feet use. We have no litter box, so I feel her paws are relatively cleaner than paws that have been kicking around in a shit box.

I'm always smelling her paws and I'll even kiss them. I told Sissy: "Her paws smell like Fritos!"

A few days later, Sissy informed me that, "Bella's paws smell like burritos (Fritos) and they taste like burritos (Fritos) too.

I had to let that statement sink in. Then, I asked, "Did you lick one?"

Sissy: "Yes!"

Gruesome, but not as bad as licking litter box paws, I suppose.

After all, Buddy tried to eat a ladybug when he was a baby. Those kids like to put all kinds of weird things either in their mouths or, in Sissy's case, poke her tongue out and sample the Frito like cat paw.

I just stand back and enjoy the funny. If it don't kill them, then so be it.

Eat a bug! Lick a paw! Just don't stick your finger in an electric outlet!

Ya gotta pick the battles.....

Happy Monday, hooligans!

Love,

A Special Day

It's January 21st. That means it's Buddy's birthday. I post about his early arrival every year, so I'll just add a link to last year, if you're interested in how it all went down - He was due on April 15. He came along January 21 at 2lbs, 5oz. A very scary time for all. Here's our story. Only, he's 13 today! I have a teen!

I knew he'd grow up and be fine, but I never thought about the teen years. Denial, I suppose. LOL.

Buddy got his birthday wish - a snow day. No school!

The Evil Twin salted the driveway earlier and was able to make it off our hill and on his way to work. That means it's just me and the young 'uns at home today.

I was at the Mart a few days ago and I think I lost my watch there. The Evil Twin bought the watch for our 8th anniversary (and we just passed #17) and I've worn it every day. But, the clasp was a little iffy. Maybe just getting worn out? I don't know, but typically I would feel it slipping and re-latch it. I went to the customer service area and gave them all my info in case some caring and honest person found it and turned it in.

But, we're talking about the Mart here. It wasn't an expensive watch, I loved it, though and it has sentimental value to me. Because my wrists are so small, I had several links taken out when I first got it, so not many adults could wear it. I also hoped that whoever might find it would hate the design and turn it in for that reason alone.

No such luck, apparently - unless no one has found it. I've looked in my van, but I'm sure I had it on when I entered the Mart. Then, in the check out line, I looked at my wrist and it wasn't there.

I don't like anything, so it will take many hours of searching to find a replacement. It took me 2 years to find a new couch and love seat once. It took me about 15 minutes to find the engagement ring I wanted. LOL. Let's just say the Evil Twin loves me a whole lot!

Happy snowy Friday, hooligans. Stay safe and warm. I love you guys!

Love,

Brrrrr

I have been freezing all day. The temperature inside the house is warm, but I still feel a chill.

I almost never wear long sleeves, but I had to haul out a cardigan a little bit ago. I feel like Mister Rogers! :-)I loved him so much.

Anyway, I got a lovely letter yesterday from the company that ships my Copaxone (my injectible med for the MS). Copaxone comes in pre-filled syringes and also in the box are a pack of alcohol prep pads to clean the injection site before I make myself a human pin cushion AGAIN (I take it every day).

The letter states that the alcohol pads, this particular brand, have been recalled because of contamination. Now, how in the sam fried hell does an alcohol wipe get contaminated? Apparently, use of the pads can lead to "life threatening infections, especially in at-risk populations, including immune suppressed (that'd be yours truly) and surgical patients."

I had to throw out all my alcohol pads (of that particular brand), but luckily, I have a box of a different brand with my supplies that I bought a while back. I felt bad throwing the others out. They come all shrink wrapped together and I had several unopened packs. I have no clue how I managed to amass that many of them....Call me an alcohol wipe hoarder, I guess.

I hope I didn't use a yucky one prior to getting the info! I mean, I really don't need any infections right now. I'm so busy, I've even neglected my blog for a few days, and that's not like me. That's how busy I've been.

I think (hope)that things will be calming down here soon. I have a ton of household organizing on my to-do list.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday, hooligans! I've missed you, with all the internet probs we've been having!

Love,

Typing While the Sun is Shining

In other words, we've had some spotty internet connection here. Last week, there was an outage one morning, but the rest of the incidence appear to be router related. The internet guy is coming out tomorrow to check on the situation.

So, I haven't been MIA on purpose. I probably will never get caught up on the blogs I've missed over the last few days...please forgive me for choosing a spot and just jumping back in there.

We did have a funny situation over the weekend. I woke up and can anyone guess what came next? That's right! I had to pee. I sashay into the bathroom, pull my pants down and start to squat. Now, I have to REALLY go - I keep a bottle of water on my nightstand and will wake up periodically for a drink, no wonder my bladder is screaming first thing in the AM. So there I was chomping at the bit to do my business and Bella jumped up - under my looming posterior - and proceeded to do her own business.

I couldn't believe it! We take turns around here, missy and there are 3 toilets, so you don't have to poach one that someone else is fixin' to use! Sheesh. She's lucky I didn't pee on her back!

She is so onto me. She waits until I'm around to see her pee, and she gets treats. Then 15 minutes later, she meows until I follow her to the bathroom to witness the nasty stink of poo. And she gets more treats. Very sneaky, that one.

I might have to start buying Diet Treats, cause she's getting some pudge around the middle. It kind of spreads out when she lays on her side. Completely obscene! LOL.

Alrighty, I'm going to send this out to the black hole of the interwebs before my signal goes down again.

Hope y'all who had a long weekend enjoyed the extra day off yesterday. Have a great Tuesday, hooligans!

Love,

Another Snow Day

The kids were out of school yesterday (and again today) due to the weather. I didn't even participate in this week's Madhouse topic. I'm still thinking about it because I feel it can go in many directions. So, I'm kinda at a loss for ideas.

There is a video meme going around about dialects. I'm trying to get around to that one - it's a little difficult with the kids, the birds and the cat around. I just need to find some quiet time.

That's 2 things lined up, but just haven't come to fruition. I think my brain is frozen along with the weather outside!

I have also been having a tough time with my sleep schedule. I go to bed at my usual 11/11:30ish every night. Some mornings I wake up at 4 AM and can't get back to sleep. Some mornings I don't want to get up at all. This is one of those "don't wanna get up, but can't lay around any longer because I can't get comfortable" mornings.

I wish I could remove my spine, stomp on it a few good times and put it back. Maybe that would work some of the kinks out.

Oh! I have a project for you all! I have this wee tiny blemish right in the crease of my nose on the right hand side. It's so small, I have a hard time getting to it to squeeze the life out of it. Then, it comes back in a few days. It may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in unbelievable pain. I figured if it was going to be a regular part of my life, I should name it. Any suggestions? I've thought about Li'l Snow Cap or Uncle Carbunkle. I'm just not sure! :-)

Hope y'all have a happy Thursday, hooligans and keep warm!

Love,

Angry Doesn't Begin to Cover It

Sissy goes to a public preschool about a half a mile from our house. Buddy attends the public middle school that is right next door. The difference is that the middle school is separated from the main (busy) road by a parking lot and those children are also pre-teens, so they have a bit more sense when it comes to traffic.

The school Sissy attends is practically ON the main (busy) road. Since she goes from 10:45 to 1:45 - kind of non standard school hours - and even though the school zone lights are flashing at that time, no one seems to give a whit. Except us moms who stand out there at every loving drop off and pick up and watch people FLY down that road.

The School Zone signs clearly state the speed limit is 15 mph in a school zone.

Day after day, since August, we have witnessed the most egregious speeding. Talking on their cell phones, music cranked up so loud all we hear is bass, etc. People clearly NOT PAYING ATTENTION.

Yesterday, I was already in a mood and was agitated thinking about other things. While waiting on Sissy to come out, I saw at least 5 cars go by doing at least 40 or more. So, I stood on the side of the road and waved my arms to get drivers' attention. Most didn't notice or care. One woman did slow down and tell me "The lights weren't flashing." BS. I SAW the light myself from that direction, that's the direction I approach the school. I do 15 or less and with my foot resting on the brake (not riding it, but prepared to come to a quick stop).

After the bus parked, people DID slow down, so I retreated back to the doors to await the release of my precious bundle of joy. I was approached by TWO (2) school officials who chastised me and told me that I was only making matters worse (HOW?). The speeders are going to speed MORE because I tried to draw attention that it was a school zone?

A police comes out once in a blue moon, but the precinct says they are too busy to station a cop there on a regular basis. Well, if ANY child (not just mine) is hit by a flying car, they better hope the police get to the scene before I do.

There are a few other issues I have. One is that Sissy's class is on their THIRD pre-school teacher since August. Can't these kids get any consistency? The whole ordeal just rubs my fur the wrong way.

I have seriously considered pulling her out for the rest of the year. Next year, she will attend Kindergarten at our district school (different from the current one - and it is one of the best public Elementary schools in town). But, I hate to take Sissy out and away from the little classmates she already knows and likes. Several current classmates will also attend the same school she will next year.

I'm finding that paying $3K a year for private school (where Buddy went to Elementary school) and paying my tax dollars really don't offer much difference.

I'm going to drop Sissy off today and see how it goes, but, really? Do you want to go head to head with me?

Just for the record, I am not the only parent who has tried to slow the speeders down. Yesterday, for example, one mom stood by my side and stuck up for me when I was being called on the carpet, like a child.

We were asked if our children were ever released outside of our custody (at the end of the school day) and the answer is no, but do we have to wait until a small child runs out unattended and gets run over to act? Is that kind of tragedy what it will take for action? Ugh!

I gotta go and release some of my frustration by profiling the Mart of Wal customers in my head!

Happy Tuesday, hooligans!

Love,

Quite a Week!

I was happy to be getting back into the routine, but man! The 6:30AM wake up time has been kicking my patootie.

Also, all the things I neglected over the holidays have reared their ugly heads and now demand to have attention paid to them. And that made this week a busy and crazy week, and I'm still not fully caught up!

I guess I have the weekend to wrap up some loose ends.

Next week, I have an appointment for an eye exam. Very exciting stuff. I've been wearing el cheapo reading glasses for a couple of months now. The main problem is that I am near-sighted in one eye and far-sighted in the other. It's never really been an issue until recently. I'm officially "getting old". GAH!

I'd like to get contacts, but I'm just not sure if I can get my finger that close to my eyeball. The thought kinda skeeves me, ya know? But, the thought of having to wear glasses all the time seems like a massive pain in the watoozie.



Maybe I could go extra snazzy and wear them around my neck on a cord! That way, when I eat and food drops onto the lenses, I can have a snack for later! I'm nothing if not industrious.

I think I promised a special Christmas photo for my loyal readers! Here it is:

Enjoy your belated Christmas gift from me. ;-) And, Happy Friday, hooligans!

Love,

Expectations

Today's installment from the Madhouse is on expectations.

When I first met the Evil Twin, he taught me a valuable motto to live by: "Always expect the worst and you'll never be disappointed." I kinda thought that was rather pessimistic, but the more I thought about it, I realized it is rather optimistic. I mean, if you lower your expectations, whatever happens seems really great.

It helps me be more grateful for what I DO get than what I DON'T get.

I don't sweat the small stuff or the big stuff much. A few weeks ago, we had a drain problem that caused water to back up and it seeped out onto our relatively new (2007) berber carpet. About 3 or 4 feet of hallway carpet was discolored. The Evil Twin proclaimed it a disaster, but I just shrugged. It's just carpet - it can be cleaned and it was. We had someone come in and treat that area and also clean Buddy's room carpet for less than $100. Sure, it's a pain in the ass to have to shell out cash like that, but the way I saw it was "It's fixable." Either clean it or have that section replaced. Whatever. It's not the end of the world.

Shit happens.

Of course, some shit is way worse than other shit. When Buddy was born at 2lbs, 5oz - a full 3 months before his due date and spent 6.5 weeks in the NICU - people asked me how I could deal with the stress and be so strong. My answer was: "I have 2 choices - lay down and die or keep going the best I can for him - and I choose option 2." I can't say the entire ordeal was easy or didn't affect me in many ways, but I tried hard to keep upbeat. My expectation was that he would be home around his due date of April 15. When he was discharged on March 8, it was like a gift from Heaven.

Do you have expectations? Let me know. :-)

Love,



__________________________________________________________________________________
Visit the others in the Madhouse:

Allison – Allimonster Speaks
Barb – Spencer Hill Spinning & Dyeing
Batty – Batty’s Adventures in Spooky Knitting
Dave – Notes from the Field
Evil Twin’s Wife – The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
G – Not-A-Box
Heather – She Flies With Her Own Wings
Jennifer – Ask Poops, Please
JMLC – Daydreams and Ruminations
Kate – yoyu mama
LC – LC in Sunny So Cal
Louise – Child of Grace
Marcy – Mittentime
Melanie – usually, things happen
Nikki – Land of the Free, Home of the Depressed
Sara – yoyu mama

It Starts Today

My new year, that is. I enjoyed the break and spending time with the family, but I also enjoy getting back into my regular routine. And, my regular routine must return before I actually consider it "my new year".

So far, this has been the season of the Nap. We've worked in several over the last 2 weeks. Stringing together holiday time, vacation days, and weekends, the Evil Twin was home for 16 days. Remarkably, we never hit the "too much togetherness" wall this time. The last Christmas season he was home as long as this year, we lived in a much smaller house.

Now, we have our own "spaces" to retreat and have time to ourselves. But, I still don't get a decent night's sleep unless the Evil Twin is beside me in bed. Well, except when I have to get up early in the morning and use the restroom, then try to get back to sleep and the snoring is so obnoxious, I just end up getting up for the day. That part kinda sucks.

Oh well, I get a few quiet moments to myself while the rest of the house snoozes on.

Speaking of using the bathroom - Here's my exciting tidbit from the weekend: Yesterday, I woke up with a bladder ready to explode. Bella, who sleeps with us, followed me into the bathroom (as usual). I used the restroom we call "the main bathroom" - it's a full bathroom and the one we all shower, brush teeth, etc.

Bella was toilet trained in our half bathroom that sits off the kitchen. Most toilet trained cats will only use the toilet they've been trained on. Well, I've kept sitting her on the other toilet and trying to get her into position for using it. She would always jump off.

Then, yesterday, she hopped up on the "main" toilet and peed! I was so thrilled. You see, as much as I love having her toilet trained and not having a stinky litter box, I worry about times when she may be away from "her" toilet. If I can get her to understand all toilets serve the same purpose, I don't have to worry about traveling with her or anything like that. We have 3 bathrooms here, so there should always be at least one she can use, if necessary. :-) Yay, Bella!

I have to get ready to take Sissy to preschool! Yay 3 hours alone to clean my house! (It doesn't take much to make me happy).

Happy Monday of the New Year, hooligans! I hope it's a good day and year for us all.

Love,