Wallpaper Party

I'm removing some wallpaper from our den (that's TV room for you Northerners). It's been interesting so far. I've made quite a bit of progress.

I have loads of nervous energy and I need to be doing something. Something with my hands seems good right now. And, it's also in the vein of furthering an idea. IOW, I'm doing something that will help us do something more.... know what I mean? It's kind of like progress, I guess you could say.

I think I can have both walls finished by this weekend. We know a guy who is an excellent painter and did some painting for me at my parents' house - he's also an old friend, so I'm sure he'll be able to work us in soon.

Really, only two walls are papered, the third needs just paint and the fourth is paneling which is getting a bead board overhaul and then painted to match the rest of the room.

I'm taking a small break right now and waiting for the paper to loosen so I can do more peeling. It's kinda fun - like peeling a sunburn. I get excited when I get really long/large strips off at once. A way to entertain myself and work off my nerves.

Anyone want to come help me peel paper? Free wine.

Freaky Deaky

The Evil Twin and I have been together for 15 years, married for nearly 14 (October 30th, 1993! We're usually out trick or treating, with the kids, on our anniversary - the bonus is getting to "check the candy for razors or poison." LOL). Anyway, we've always had this weird - I don't really know what to call it - sense of each other?

From the beginning, we had doubles on books and movies and music. We think so much alike, even though we are 9 years apart and we weren't raised in the same area or even under similar circumstances.

There are many instances where one of us is thinking something - like "Hmmm, I'd like some ice cream." and the other person, at that very moment, verbalizes it. It always weirds us out when things like that happen - and they happen pretty regularly.

Today, we were at Target. I was looking at baby girl clothes and had moved to a sale rack. I love baby girl clothes, but I love a bargain more! Anyway, I was looking through the rack to see if anything caught my eye and I saw a 24 month size t-shirt that said, "Patience Tester". I don't know of a more perfect way to describe Sissy. She's a firecracker.

The Evil Twin was on the other side of the rack looking at stuff, so I held the t-shirt up waiting for him to look up at it. Then, he said, "Hey, look at this." When I looked over - on the opposite side of the rack - he was holding up the exact t-shirt in the same size. Doo doo doo doo (Twilight Zone music).

We stood there and stared at each other for a moment. Gave each other the "That's weird as hell." look and moved on. We didn't buy the shirt. I don't really like shirts that have cutesy sayings on them, but I do find them amusing. But to buy it says "We know our kid is a brat, but we don't care and isn't she adorable anyway?". To me.

And, futhermore, Sissy is not a brat, she's a 15 month old baby who likes to exert her will, and yes, test our patience. That's what toddlers do. Isn't she adorable, anyway??? LOL.

PS. To all my mom blog readers - Happy Mother's Day. To Tiff, Renn, Kenju, Wordnerd, Tammie and all the others who may read and not comment - I hope you have the most wonderful day ever. We decided to shuck the drama of a meal out and instead chose to grill out here and enjoy our day at home. I'm looking forward to it. Kiss all your babies for me!

A New Doctor

I've discussed in previous blogs that Buddy was born prematurely. One issue (the only issue, thank goodness) that we have dealt with since his birth has been his vision. He developed Retinopathy of Prematurity when he was about 2.5 months old. ROP is a condition that develops in the retina and causes the veins to grow haywire, which can detach the retina and cause blindness. He reached Stage 3 Plus (stage 5 would be blindness) and was immediately scheduled for laser surgery on both eyes the next morning. He weighed 4 pounds, 4 ounces at the time and wasn't even due yet.

Due to the ROP, he has significant nearsightedness in his left eye. He also has amblyopia in that eye due to the nearsightedness. In other words, his brain realized that it's easier to see from his right eye, so his left eye stopped trying so hard.

From birth, we have seen an ophthalmologist. In the beginning, there was a pediatric opth who visited the hospital and checked on the preemies and also had an office in town. Unfortunately, her doctor husband got a job out of town and she left. There was no other pediatric specialist in town.

We started seeing a regular ophthalmologist, who was very nice and we really liked her. In the meantime, there came a new pediatric specialist to our area, but our loyalty was with this other doc. However, she has two small children and decided to take time off to stay with them and a new, unknown person was taking over her practice.

I took this opportunity to ask our pediatrician to refer us to the new pediatric ophthalmologist. And, we saw her this morning. I feel better seeing a doctor who I KNOW has studied children like Buddy and know the particulars about children, preemies and their vision.

Buddy can't go to an optomotrist, he has to see the medical eye doctor (ophthalmologist) as opposed to just a regular eye doctor. Since his vision problems are are related to his prematurity, our insurance covers it under the medical plan. He has been wearing glasses since he was 18 months old and let me tell you, little wee cute glasses don't cost less than adult glasses. It's an expensive proposition with his eyes.

The new doctor is wonderful! She actually thinks Buddy's prescription now is too strong and it's gone from a -7.5 (nearsighted) to a -5.25 in his left eye. A funny thing to be happy about, but I am thrilled. She was able to get him to read 20/40 in his left eye - which is excellent because unbeknownst to me, you cannot get a driver's license without a doctor's okay with vision less than that.

I actually learned some new info at the appointment, which is odd because I feel like I should be awarded a degree as a junior eye doctor myself. I've done that much research on it. I was just so reassured by this doctor. She answered all my questions exactly right and the office is state of the art - very professional.

Now, to get the new prescription and we're scheduled back in two more months! I'm feeling very optimistic!

Wanna Hear About My Day?

I'm sure you don't. I went to the Wal-Mart, which actually wasn't as crowded or scary as normal. I did see one couple with their dirty toddler and the couple was wearing what appeared to be pajamas. Oh, and the female pajamas were high waters. WHAT?

There's something you need to know about me. I do not consider PJ pants or even sweats (even the nicer shiny ones) to be "real" clothing. It is not something you wear outside - well, if you're me or a member of my immediate family. LOL. Buddy has a variety of clothing items that he can wear inside, but if we're leaving, I ask him to change. I don't know why I feel this way, but I just think sweats are icky.

Anyway, I had to buy laundry detergent (I only buy Tide), dish detergent (only Cascade Complete - orange scent) and diapers, along with a few other rather high priced non food items, so I spend way more than usual. But, when you run out of stuff all at once, there's really no choice.

I got home from school pick up and realized there was a PTO meeting this evening at 7, so I started getting prepped for that. It's always a laugh riot. I really do try to make it if at all possible, plus Buddy gets a "free" Jeans Day tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I need to run downtown for an errand. It's Wednesday, which means it's Wee Wednesdays at our local children's Discovery Museum. They have loads of activities for the under 5 set, so after my errand, Sissy and I will swing by the museum and see what we can get into there until it's time to pick up Buddy from school. It should be fun.

I've got laundry to fold, dishes to put away, injection to do, a show to watch and I need to get typing on the school newsletter, which I manage to get suckered into doing every month. Bedtime for me is a way off. Hope your week is running smoothly so far.

One More Thing Off The "To Do" List

Ahhhhh. We had four new fixtures installed this morning. The guy took his sweet time though, and by the time he left, I had already put Sissy down for her nap. When she woke up, it was 1 pm and she needed lunch. I pick up Buddy from school at 2:40, so that didn't leave me enough time to get to the Super Satan (or Evil Empire or Wal-Mart, take your pick).

Our front porch light burned out quite some time ago, so it is extra nice to have a light there again. I always felt bad when we had company and they'd have to navigate our scary concrete porch steps with no illumination. Since we replaced the front porch, we also replaced the one on the back patio. Just so they'd match, really. The back one was fine, but O.L.D. And, we can't have that.

Along with those three (ugly fan replaced by tasteful light, front porch and back patio), we also had the light under the carport replaced. The Evil Twin had cracked the housing due to frequent bulb changes (he liked it to be on all the time, so bulbs burnt out quickly). We decided on a motion light which will be there when we need it, but not on 24/7, thereby reducing the wear and tear on the bulbs - not to mention our electric bill! Yay!

I think I am going to look into learning more about electricity. Perhaps there is an "Electricity for Dummies" book out there just waiting for me. We have plenty of other outdated light fixtures in this place that need updating, but after shelling out $275 for 3 hours worth of labor, I'm thinking, "That didn't look too hard." I'm a smart gal. Not very industrious, but a few synapses are firing mightily on a regular basis.

My dad, being the great human being he was, always told me I didn't have to "settle" for the jobs routinely held by women - teacher, secretary, nurse. (not that there's anything wrong with those professions - I was a secretary before I became Mom). He said, "You can be a doctor or a lawyer. Don't ever let the fact that you're a female hold you back." He also told me I could do anything I put my mind to. He was right, cause I'm one stubborn beyotch.

I have a friend across the street who is handy around the house and she has taught me loads of things. Wallpaper removal being the first item. She even came over when I was pregnant with Sissy and got up on a ladder and removed an ugly border from Buddy's room, so the Evil Twin could paint it. She and her husband pulled up their carpeting to reveal their hardwood floors. I plan to ask her advice on carpet removal next. She's so sweet, she'll probably even offer to come over to help!

Alrighty, I've got a million things to do tomorrow - grocery shopping being a high priority - so I'll leave it here for now. See ya tomorrow!

It's About Time

Tomorrow morning, we will be rid of the whore house ceiling fan and have our new fixture in place. Perhaps I'll take a photo of it. If I like it. I'm notorious for not being happy with things I've picked and then want to return them. My mom was the same way. I think it drives the Evil Twin as crazy as it did my dad.

We finally ended up calling a different electrician last week. I made the Evil Twin make the call because I think men are taken more seriously on matters such as that. We realized several weeks ago that the guy we called originally wasn't going to call us back, but there were other, more stressful matters I had to take care of first, before I could think about that light again.

We had some friends over yesterday for a cook out and they loaned us their DVD box set of "The Young Ones" episodes. It's been years since I've seen some of them. I used to have them all on tape back in the day when it was aired on MTV. I love Vyv so much, my daughter got the middle name. (only spelled Vivian).

So, I'm off to watch "The Young Ones" and laugh like a hyena.

Go Ahead, Make My Day

A topic that comes up from time to time at our house is: in our politically correct world, what seem to be the few things that are still considered "okay" or normal to poke fun at? Hillbillies being one, along with Christians and my biggest peeve - thin people.

I am tall - nearly 5 feet 9 and my normal weight fluctuates between 115 and 125. I was 108 when I got married 14 years ago. Two kids later, things have changed....shifted, but that's okay. I never put much stock into those numbers. I am built the way I am built. I guess I have a pretty high metabolism, because I eat like a normal person, I eat what I feel like eating and still stay in my range.

I consider it to be a part of me, like the birthmark on my foot or my black hair - which these days does come from Miss Clairol, but it's darn close to my natural color.

It's been interesting the way others relate to me. I've had total strangers ask if I was anorexic. (If I was, would I admit it, I wonder?). I'm not. I'm not bulemic and I'm not a calorie counter. Never have been.

After my first c-section, the nurses who were tranferring me from OR table to gurney talked as if I weren't there: "She's not as big as a minute." I could almost hear her tongue cluck. After my second c-section, one nurse asked me "Do you eat at home?" Honestly. Would I ask a plump person what they ate to stay zaftig?

Another favorite: What do you do to stay so thin? Sometimes, if I'm feeling gregarious, I say, "Do you want the popular answer or the truth? The popular answer is I work out constantly and watch what I eat. The truth is nothing. I just have the metabolism of a humming bird. " Which is then followed by, "Lucky!" and I say, "I guess." I mean, what am I supposed to say? I didn't pick it, although I am glad for it.

Every now and then, I'll get asked what size I wear! No shit. Unbelievable. And, most of it comes from total strangers or people I barely know.

Some folks seem to think my personal body shape is all of their business. I just don't get it. They wouldn't ask the same types of questions to a person with seriously bad acne or a stump for a leg. I wish I could come up with some non-offensive repartee, but thus far, I just shake my head and try to laught it off.

The moral of my story? Thin people have feelings, too! ;-)

Momming

Ok, I've been a mom for 9 years now, but this morning was a first for me. I was giving the baby her morning bottle (I know, she's 15 mos old - today - and we should be moving on to the sippy cup, but I'm lazy folks. Plus, it's our snuggle time and I get lots of kisses!). So, I had her on my lap and she finished the bottle.

I sat her upright to tap her on the back and noticed that her back was covered in poop! So was my arm and there was a bit on my leg. I had been holding her for several minutes and never smelled anything. It was truly a stealth poop.

I got up and we both went into the bathroom. She's a little timid when it comes to new experiences and while it's not like she's never seen or been in the tub, she's never been in there while the water was running. So that kind of set her off. I got her undressed, then myself and tried to wipe her butt/back as well as I could with regular toilet paper.

We hopped in the tub and she's still screaming hysterically. I manage to rinse us both off as much as possible (I knew I'd be getting a full "real" shower shortly) and got us out as quickly as possible too, so she'd quit with the full on screaming in my ear. I finally got a clean diaper on her and got her dressed, then got in the shower myself.

Nothing like being spackled in poop to get the morning adrenaline pumping! Yuck.

Our Remodeling Projects

We have several projects in the works to upgrade our house. We bought this house three years ago from the previous owners, who had been here 35 years. The house is 51 years old. The people we bought it from had done some updates (particularly the kitchen, which is really nice), but had particular tastes that just don't jive with ours.

To wit: The wife of the couple apparently LOVED the color pink. She didn't miss a trick to use pink if she could and it looks as if someone threw up Pepto Bismol in every corner. But, we knew the house had potential and nothing horrible was permanent.

The basement carpeting is obviously a relic from the 70s - it's a gold shag and it's falling apart. So that's on the agenda.

But, the biggest issue is the "main" bathroom. Back in the 50s, no one thought a master bathroom was a must-have (although I'm trying to talk the Evil Twin into an addition). So, we have the one main bathroom, and a half bath on the main floor. We have a full bathroom on the lower floor. It's obviously pretty modern-ish. The "main" bathroom is a freaking nightmare of pink and it's super crowded.

The Evil Twin made a proposition on Thursday to remove the glass doors from the shower/bath and just hang a regular curtain/liner on a tension rod. I was all for it. We spent $40 and it looks amazing. I already have picked a new vanity, mirror and toilet for that room. We plan on having it removed to the studs and redone. It will be an incredible transformation, but we'll have to use our other bathroom downstairs for a week or so. That should be interesting. I really plan on opening up the room (it's so small to begin with, but I think I've found the solution).

I'm getting excited because I love this sort of thing. It's a real pain in the ass during the process, but I'm always pleased when it's finished and I can enjoy my new surroundings. It won't be cheap, but it will all be worth it in the end. We did the same sort of thing with our old house right before we sold it. We will NOT be selling this one anytime in the near future! LOL.

My Day Off

I feel like I have been constantly busy since early last week. Every day, it seems, I had an appointment or something else to tend to. I got my hair cut on Thursday. Friday, I had a regular appointment with my family doctor. The weekend was spent with the in-laws and celebrating my birthday. Monday, I had an appointment for my yearly "birdie inspection" at the OBs. Tuesday was grocery day... .Phew.

Yesterday, I just stayed home, but I did three loads of laundry, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. Today, I just hung out and played with the baby! It was great. When I put her down for her early nap, I plopped myself on the couch and just zoned. I didn't sleep, but I just totally relaxed.

Then, I got up and fixed myself a cup of hot tea out of a tea assortment a friend sent for my birthday. It was just so NICE.

I should be doing my thank you notes for all my gifts or filling out health insurance forms for the open enrollment at the Evil Twin's office. I always pick the same thing every time anyway, but because I had to list the baby's social security number on the form, I balked. After all, I'd have to GET UP from the couch and walk to my purse and then find her card. That can wait! Sheesh.

Every now and then, I just need a mental break. Today was a good day to take it.

Weekend Fun

The Evil Twin's brother, his wife and their two girls came up from South Carolina for the weekend. We all got together at my mother in law's house on Saturday evening. The ET sister and her twin step-daughters were there, along with the four of us, so we had a small crowd.

My mother in law fixed dinner and they had a birthday cake for me, which was a complete surprise. I totally didn't expect it. I really lucked out by marrying into this great family.

We ended up going down the street to the State Forest and running around like loons for a while. The weather was perfect and we had such a great time. The kids got all worn out (us adults did, too!). We came home, got the kids in bed and I attempted to drink my weight in wine. I don't think I was successful because I woke up Sunday morning feeling refreshed and content.

The familia took me to lunch at Olive Garden. I know Sissy likes pasta, so I figured I could find something on the kids' meal for her. She and Buddy both got Macaroni and Cheese. I had the Steak Gorgonzola with fettucine - there was soooo much, I had three meals out of it! I probably also consumed about 3000 calories from it, too! Totally worth it!

I'm really pre-occupied right now with some major "stuff". I'm afraid if I talk about it, I'll jinx myself, so if posting becomes a bit spotty over the next few weeks.... I promise to make up for it at the end of May. If you don't mind, just keep me in your good thoughts that things go smoothly for me in the coming weeks. I'll fill you in on more when I can.

Also, THANKS! to all who wished me a Happy Birthday! I can't tell you how good that made me feel. It's nice to know there are people out there who truly do care. May your lives have plenty of blessings, as well.

Random Thoughts

My boys had a great time at the circus on Wednesday. Buddy talked about it non-stop the next morning and after school. The Evil Twin said it was quite a spectacle and very well done.

My birthday is on Sunday, which is also Earth Day, which started when I was one year old. Do the math. I got some lovely flowers from my aunt (she always sends flowers!), some delicious caramel and nut Brownies from my friend across the street and a card from my long lost best childhood friend who I reunited with in July (after a 20 year absence and I had been trying to find her for years). She said she sent me a gift separately, so that is a surprise.

The Evil Twin family will go to lunch or dinner somewhere of the Evil Twin's Wife's choosing on Sunday. When you get to be my age and you're a mom, birthdays aren't nearly the biggest deal on the planet.

Sometimes when I think back on my life and my circumstances, I wonder how I got so lucky. I was born at the Salvation Army Home Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. That's an unwed mothers type place. My biological mom lived in Huntsville, but was sent to Birmingham, probably about midway through her pregnancy to have me and give me up for adoption. She gave me a name, though, so I think that shows she cared somewhat.

I know her name, her birthdate, her age, and approximately where she is living now. I've done a massive amount of research to garner that information. But, I'm too chicken to do anything about it. I think if I had to give up a baby, and I gave her a name, and I carried her for 8 or 9 months, I'd want to know how she was doing and did she have a good life?

I had an excellent life, thank you, biological mom. My parents - I couldn't have picked two better if I'd had a choice. All the things that have happened in my life - my adoption, my dad who worked for the Federal Government and got moved around a bit, meeting the Evil Twin and getting married and then having our two beautiful children - these things have all been a huge gift.

If you believe in all that horoscope bizness, Taureans are supposed to be very lucky. So, it's either that, or fate has been berry, berry good to me.

My parents took a picture of me when I was a baby (well, they took lots), but this one in particular is of me, on their bed, holding a silver spoon. They said I was born with it in my mouth. LOL. I know they loved me and I loved (still love) them.

Well, I'm getting all verklempt over here, so let's call it a night, shall we?

Tumbleweeds and Crickets

That's what I feel like when I come by my dusty little corner of the webs. It's quiet here at home tonight, too. The Evil Twin took Buddy to the circus. I decided to sit this one out. Sissy is too small to enjoy it and frankly, I don't enjoy the smelly circus with all their heavy duty crowds of humanity. There isn't enough anti-anxiety medication being manufactured to help me cope with that business. No sir!

Buddy has never been to the circus before, so he was all a-titter about it for the last few days. I hope they have a good time. They'll probably be in late tonight. Buddy does have school tomorrow, but he'll be okay on a little less sleep than usual.

I've been a bit bummed out since Monday - the whole Virginia Tech thing. My dad graduated from VPI, so did 2 of my uncles and several of my cousins. One of my cousins was named Alumni of the Year in the 80s. We're all a very big Hokie family. I would have gone to VT myself, but I wanted to major in Journalism and Marshall University offers one of the best programs for that on the East Coast. VT is the school you want for engineering or technical type degrees. My Dad was a civil engineer. He retired as the head of the WV region of the Federal Highway Administration. He had 40 years in with them.

If he were alive today, he'd be very disheartened, as I'm sure all my other family connected to the university is, as well. If you've ever been to Blacksburg, you know the campus is idyllic and peaceful. Seems like such a contrast to be the scene of such evil.

Please keep the families and students of Virginia Tech in your good thoughts.

A Task from Spiffytown

Okay, I'm running low on steam here, so when Biff Spiffy offered a chance to be interviewed by him, well, I just couldn't resist.

This was much harder than I thought it would be! But, fun too!

As seems to be customary, I will highlight Biff's questions in GREEN.

1. What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you in the last 10 days?
Sadly, I had to look at my calendar and count back 10 days. The Evil Twin is always good to me and he has let me sleep in on a number of occasions over the last week or so.

2. A mime approaches you on a crowded street. What's your first reaction?
Avert my eyes, and try to look interested in something else - quickly. Make NO eye contact! Ever!

3. Would you rather get stuck on the top of a Ferris Wheel in a windstorm or inside the Tunnel of Love during a power outage? Why? Please show your work.
I'll take the Tunnel of Love. I'm not afraid of the pitch black. I am afraid of heights, so the top of a Ferris Wheel with brisk wind would send me into panic mode. Besides, with any luck, the Evil Twin would be by my side in the Tunnel of Love and we could have some smoochies.

4. If you could trade places with a movie star, which one and why?
That's a tough one, but I'll say Steve Buscemi. He seems so normal and yet, not normal...I'd love to spend a day in his head. He seems to have a great sense of humor.

5. You're bitten by a mutant spider and can now shoot webs out of your wrists. Would you become a superhero or keep that little tidbit about yourself a secret?
I would definitely try to use my powers for good. Just think, I could zap a diaper into my hand from across the room. I guess I'd have to get a really cool costume first, though.

BONUS QUESTION - What would be your perfect day?
SUN! High 70s. We'd pack a really awesome picnic lunch and eat by the New River, then tour the Mystery Hole (again). Just spending time with my family where everyone is relaxed and happy. Then, on our drive home, we'd stop and buy a lottery ticket. It would be a winner, of course, then we could do some real traveling during summers.

To keep it going, paste this:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

It's Home

When the interstate was being built through our little section of WV - years and years and years ago - the area where we live lobbied to not have the interstate too close. They enjoyed being off the beaten path. We are accessible to the interstate, it's just not right down the road. No big deal.

Some folks say it's like Mayberry here. Which is really true. It also happens to be the name of a family run restaurant in town. The people who own it have children who attend the same school as Buddy - they're very generous with helping at the school plus, the food there is delicious. Sure, it's a sandwich place - nothing fancy. But, that's part of the charm.

It's decorated with Coke wallpaper, Andy Griffith and Mayberry posters, Elvis is also predominant.

We eat there almost every Friday. And, we usually order the exact same things. The girls who waitress are all really sweet and they take extra special care of us. Today, they had Sissy behind the counter and were showing her off to the other patrons!

As is customary, we ate there today and it was great. We had Buddy and Sissy with us, since this is still Spring Break for Buddy. The thing I like most about it, aside from the food, is that nearly every time we're in there, we see at least one person we know. It's such a neat place and I'm so glad we have it here in our town. So, Biff and Blitz, if y'all do want to come down and fix my light (damn electrician still hasn't called!), we'll take you to Mayberry's! :-)

But, as with everything in our little burg, it's closed on Mondays.

It's Not Much

I guess my site traffic would be better if I posted every day or at least updated every once in a while! I just really haven’t had much exciting going on here.

The Evil Twin and some of our friends like to attend these wrestling shows every now and then and tonight happens to be one (I don’t get it either, but it’s something he enjoys and it gives him an opportunity to hang out with friends on his own…. I like that). So, he won’t be home until pretty late.

I’ll get the baby in bed by 8 or so and send Buddy to his room to watch TV and have a little quiet time to myself. I suppose I’ll watch the results show for AI, although last night’s show was so boring, it could be any of them going tonight.

A couple of days ago, I got a book in the mail, “The Care and Feeding of Husbands” by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Now, she’s a pretty controversial character and has made some comments in the past that really ticked me off, but I did like this book. It’s pretty much the way I already do things at our house. I am a typical housewife and I am not ashamed to admit that.

I don’t seem to be normal, no matter what the aspect. I was just thinking this morning that I’m not normal - even as a person with MS. Most people with MS absolutely cannot stand being hot - it exacerbates their symptoms. After nearly 39 years on this planet, I’ve come to the conclusion that I am quite possibly cold blooded, like a lizard. Give me a heat rock to lounge on and I’m happy as a clam. I hate the cold weather. This recent change of events from happy, sunny Spring-y weather to cold and wet, sometimes even snowy, has me so down.

On a completely unrelated note: American Idol was so super boring last night, I almost fell asleep. I love Salsa/Latin music, but it is really a specialty category. I don’t think any of the contestants (besides maybe Blake) pulled it off. So, we’ll see who goes tonight. That’s all I got for you right now.

C Ya Later!

Things That Make Me Feel Good

I don't really understand all this "site meter" business and I rarely ever even check it out - it's just very confusing. However, what I love in particular, when I DO check it, I get the banner ad that says, "Your site traffic sucks". Gee, Thanks! I knew that already!!

People, please, throw me a bone here. Come back several times a day - even if you never comment (although I wish you would!), so my numbers don't suck.

I must say that's the only thing in my life that does suck, so that's good! Life could offer so much more suckage.

We had a lovely Easter, even if it was colder than a witches tit (that saying courtesy of my dad). Since Buddy gave up hot dogs for Lent, we had Holy Hot Dogs for dinner tonight! Yum.

I think I mentioned before that this is our (Buddy's) Easter Break week from school, so we're kicking that off. Sissy had a low grade fever this evening - I gave her some Tylenol and the Evil Twin got her to sleep and in bed. She and he have their evening bedtime ritual where he sings the "Go To Sleep" song to her (to the tune of "Lullaby"). It's her favorite song and she'll hum it along with him. So cute.

I hope you all had a great day and many blessings!

Hippity Hoppity Holy Moly!

I am so disgusted! We just had a massive snow shower plow through here. And last week, we had temperatures in the 80s. I told Buddy that the Easter Bunny won't be able to get here - this is Santa weather.

Actually, at nine, I'm not sure if he still believes in the Easter Bunny or not. He seems very thrilled about the whole thing and was very excited to color eggs today. We all had a good time with the eggs. If we do hide them this year, it'll have to be indoors. Doncha love this "global warming"? I think I need to spray my Aquanet a few more times each day!

I'm feeling a little guilty about not making a bigger deal out of Easter. When I was a kid, we got a new Easter outfit every year and went to church that morning. Then mom always had a huge meal - all the fancy dinnerware and such. I'm just not into stuff like that. Will my children suffer because I'm lackadaisical?

Don't get me wrong - we do go to church, but I am the non C & E Catholic. You hear people joke about being ONLY C&E Catholics - they only attend church on Christmas and Easter. My anxiety reels out of control in large crowds, so I avoid those holidays like the plague. I figure if I go the rest of the year, I'm doing a lot more than those who only attend twice a year.

I think since both my parents have passed away, it's time for my little family to make some of our own traditions.

Well, for Peter Rabbit's sake, I hope this weather warms up a bit before Sunday morning or he's going to freeze his little fluffy tail off!

Check It Out!

Taking a cue from Wordnerd - with her comment that SHE has the ugliest light ever, I had to take a snapshot of our li'l beauty. Doesn't this just SCREAM 1970s whorehouse? I haven't heard from the electrician yet, but I'm actually getting eager to get this monstrosity out of my house, no matter what the cost!

Buddy is off school tomorrow and all next week for Easter Break. It will be nice to forego the usual schedule for a week, but I also don't do well with change. It's also supposed to be a bit on the cooler side - when we just had temps in the mid 80s last week! Go figure. I hope we're able to get out and enjoy a couple of fun activities.

I wish the Evil Twin could get a day or two off next week, but who knows? Their employee pool is dropping like flies over there. They just lost another writer this past week.

I'm watching Survivor as usual and it's really getting interesting over there. I don't know who is going home tonight, but I hope it's Lisi. She's obnoxious. I was happy about Rocky last week, too, Blitz! Okay, now I know, but I'm not telling! Nyah!

The blogging has been kinda spotty this week because my real life is interfering with my beloved be-logging. Damn American Idol and Survivor! LOL. I'll keep you all updated on my light fixture situation. Maybe I'll even post an "after" pic when the new fixture goes in. You just never know what craziness I'll come up with next.

It's Electrifying!

We had a bit of excitement here yesterday morning. A little background, though, is needed.

We bought our current house about three years ago and it's an older home. It definitely needs some updates, but we thought it had a lot of potential and we knew we'd get around to making it "ours" someday. It took me eight years to decide on some updates on our first house, then we turned around and sold it! LOL.

Anyway, along with this house, we got the loveliest (ahem) ceiling fan in our dining room area. This thing looks like it was salvaged from a cathouse in Reno in the 70s. Gold, faux marble look -- just really, really awful. I knew it had to go. But, I'd been looking around for the "perfect" replacement. Like I said, I like to bide my time and look at lots of options.

It's got three gold "tubes" that each house a light bulb. About midweek last week, I was in bed after the Evil Twin got up and I heard this loud kind of buzzing noise, but thought it was coming from outside. When ET came to get me, he asked if I had heard the noise and explained that one of the three lights had shorted out, so there were only 2 working lights on the fan.

I figured we'd limp along with the two lights until we had some other remodeling done (future plans). Well, that ceiling fan decided it had different plans. When the Evil Twin turned the light on Sunday morning, it popped, cracked, sputtered and issued forth with some stinky smoke. I really wasn't too bummed because I do truly hate it.

We had to go to Home Depot and find a replacement. Then, I had to call the electrician. Here's where my fretting comes in. We have 4 lights total that need to be replaced. Lord knows how much it's going to cost. We've used this electrician in the past and he really wasn't super overpriced, but still, it's money and it's my money and there are some other big expenses coming up, but as always, I will manage.

Anyway, I get a new light (finally!) and we had a little fireworks show thrown in for good measure, and the house didn't burn down, so it's all good.