The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Adventures of Doing the Right Thing

So, we all know I went to the Mart of Wal on Monday. When we first got there, I was a bit distracted, so I forgot to visit customer service first thing.

Instead, we did our shopping and then towards the end, I stopped a gentleman I see there every week, his tag said he was a customer service representative, so I figured he could help me out.

I explained my situation and he said, "No problem, it happens all the time. I can get you an empty cup you can have rung up."

Now, in between this transaction and us checking out, Buddy asked if they weren't getting a cup of popcorn chicken after all?

Frick!

So, I marched back over to the deli where I told the nice CS man that I would need TWO cups of popcorn chicken for the kids after all. He, in turn, told the deli worker and I was given two full cups of popcorn chicken and one empty cup.

Now, honestly, each cup cost the same amount so I could have gone to the register and had the clerk ring up one cup three times (Twice for our new cups and once for the cup last week we ended up "stealing by accident").

Whatever, I paid for three cups (making up for my missed charge last week) and everything is fine.

They assured me that things like that happen all the time, but also said most people wouldn't come back to make it right.

I'm glad I did it. I'm glad my children saw me being honest and I hope they learned that you don't leave a store without paying for an item....and if you happen to realize the mistake later, that it's right to go back and try to make amends - no matter how small the dollar amount of the transaction.

All in all, a successful shopping trip! It wasn't even that crowded or filled with side cart parkers and zombies (Walmartians).

Today, I will deal with laundry and housework, such as all glamorous hausfraus must do sometimes.

Happy Tuesday, homeskillets!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Hang Onto Your Seats!

But, guess what? Today (Monday) is Mart of Wal day again. I guess the Tuesday thing just couldn't last.

Besides, I'm way too OCD for that sort of nonsense.

Seriously, is it that shocking that I cannot change grocery days? I think you all know me better than that!

I'll do the Walk of Shame to customer service and explain our last Tuesday fiasco. I hope they don't think I'm crazy or a criminal!

I'll definitely report back what kind of scene I caused. You know me, I'm eternally shameless. Makes for better reading on your part, at least.

The Evil Twin had Friday off for West Virginia Day (the day WV became a state unto itself - NO, WE ARE NOT PART OF VIRGINIA) and that kinda threw my whole weekend off. I kept thinking Saturday was Sunday and that Sunday should be Monday, you know how it is.

But, he will go back to work today and I will go back to the Mart of Wal today, so all should be well here at Casa Evil Twin.

In other news, my tomato plants are going gangbusters:

My pepper plants are doing okay - growing, but they have bug bitten leaves, so I guess I need to do some research into that. The picture was so pathetic, I can't even show it.

I can show you the kids' swing set, which has been a true companion for these two for several years:

We spent lots of time in our backyard this weekend, just enjoying the weather and the yard.

The Evil Twin works hard to keep it maintained and looking so nice.

All right, homefries, I hope you all have a great Monday!

Friday, June 19, 2009

My Favorite Meal

I grew up in the South - in Alabama and Georgia and my mom was from Elba, Alabama which is a tiny little town down towards the very Southernmost point of Alabama.

So, we grew up eating very traditional Southern meals. My mom was also a stay at home mom - who would have dinner on the table by no later than 5 pm...about the time Dad walked in the door from work.

I ate lots of greens - collards, mustards, turnips - all with vinegar and loved them all. We had black eye peas and cornbread - A LOT!

There were other regulars on the menu, but most things involved at least one Southern side dish.

The only two meals I recall that were different were spaghetti and Taco Night. My mom made the Kraft spaghetti from the box, complete with the weird runny sauce that came in the box. I guess she just didn't feel comfortable getting too outside her "cooking zone". But, as a child, I remember it fondly and even really liked it. Today, perhaps my tastebuds would rebel - especially since I'm used to my own homemade meatballs with spaghetti these days.

As kids, we might get browned ground beef added to the "sauce".

But, that is beside the point. What I truly loved was Taco Night. This was a dinner where we could all pick our toppings of choice and how much of whatever we wanted.

It was probably the most exotic meal that ever graced our Southern table.

Mom used the Old El Paso taco dinner kit, which is what I use to this very day. Only my family likes both the hard and soft taco shells so I buy the kit that has both in it. Mom only did the hard shells (fine by me - still my favorite!).

I made tacos for dinner on Thursday night and remembered how excited I was as a child on nights when we had a special treat, like tacos.

As we got older and moved around the United States, we became more adventurous in our eating and my parents both came to really love Mexican, Japanese and Chinese foods. My dad never could take the Indian food, though. LOL. So, I could never get a free lunch from him from Sitar of India (a local restaurant here). But, any of the others, I just had to give the mere suggestion and he was there!

It's funny and I wonder what my children will look back on and have fond memories about my dinners.

So far, the whole family seems to most enjoy my Beef n Broccoli dish that I just started making not too long ago and they also like my spaghetti.

I guess that's okay, but taco night will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was your special meal growing up, or even now?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A Mart Update

Even before I read the entire comments section yesterday, I had made up my mind.

I mulled over my situation at the pool - our first visit of the summer - and decided that just for MY peace of mind, I would go back next Tuesday and attempt to pay for the purloined (even if unintentional) chicken. Just so I can say, "I made the attempt to make it right".

Even if they can't or refuse to take payment, I'll know in my heart I tried to rectify the situation.

However, I will be going against the grain of my readers. On my count, I had 15 who thought I should just let it go and 14 who felt I needed to try to pay.

There were a few comments that had no opinion one way or the other, so I didn't count those, although I DO appreciate the input! :-)

And no, this was not some litmus test for my readers. I was as torn as everyone. I mean, it seems like such a hassle for an under $2 cup of popcorn chicken, but I'm going to put a good faith effort towards correcting the oversight.

I'll keep you all updated on my saga next Tuesday!

Woo-HOOOOOOO!!!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Klepto

Since I've kind of mixed up our summer schedule, Tuesday is now going to be shopping day unless it somehow just doesn't work out, but for now, we'll try this way.

We went to the Mart of Wal on Tuesday.

First on our way through our little town, we got behind a van. A van we've seen before - several times. This mini-van is packed from floor to ceiling with "stuff". I'm not sure what all it is. And, I'm not sure how anyone can get into the thing to drive it.

I don't think you can really see the amount of "stuff" piled up due to the tinted windows. However, when they turned right (we turned left), Buddy announced that he saw "a fast food cup with a lid squashed against the side window." WTF?

All that extra baggage has got to seriously impair the gas mileage, wouldn't you think?

Now, I'm not saying that I'm judging these people, I AM very curious as to WHY all the "stuff"? I don't care if my van is spotless (that would be the Evil Twin), but I do enjoy being able to move about in it without being worried I'd be buried under a landmine of old fast food cups, ya know?

We got to the store and it was not crowded at all. Of course, the few people who were there were the "side angle cart parkers". You know, the people who come to a dead halt in the middle of the aisle and then position the cart so that it is diagonally, thus taking up the entire aisle. No way around them.

These are the same people I wonder if they're planning to pitch a tent to stay a while, because they will compare products for an eternity!

If you want to read labels, fine. Fine. Fine. Fine. But, please - for the love of Pete - move your cart all the way over to your side!

I'm in there with 2 kids, which is like shopping with a pack of drunken monkeys who angle for every item they spy.

I just want to get in and get out, folks!

And preferably before I have to say: "No, we're not buying toys today." "We don't need that." "You're gonna have to wait." "Don't touch anything!" approximately 4000 times.

They eventually wore me down over getting some popcorn chicken from the deli. I stated that I would get one cup of it and they could share it. BIG mistake. Next time, cheapskate over here will get TWO cups. We got the chicken right before we were ready to check out, but not before we saw this:

As you can imagine, my kids went nuts. "Mommy, who would do such a thing?" "Ewww, that is disgusting!" and on and on. Finally, Buddy said, "Mommy, get your camera and take a picture for your blog."

I felt like a fool, but as you can see, I took out my camera and took the picture. While laughing my ass off!!

We made it to the check out line where more chaos ensued with my bunch and in my haste, trying to make sure I had all the bags and such, we hurriedly paid and made a break for the exit.

Later, I realized that while my children fought over who got the most popcorn chicken, I had failed to put the container on the conveyor belt.

Sure enough, I checked my receipt and we stole the popcorn chicken (although totally not on purpose).

Part of me feels guilty and I think maybe I should offer to pay for the chicken the next time we go. Then, another side of me thinks of the times the Mart has ripped me off for various items and I think I just want to call it even. What do you all think? I will comply with the majority on how to proceed.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A Flower to Identify

I have another mystery flower bush for my readers to identify. This plant grows along our back fence. It's very pretty. Lots of lovely blooms.

Keep in mind, we bought this house 5 years ago. It was built in 1956 and we are only the fourth owners of it, so we don't have much knowledge of the landscaping that had been done prior to our purchase.

Any clue?

On Monday evening, we spent a couple of hours in the backyard late in the day.

I could have slept in the hammock!

We are finally easing into the summer schedule. I think I will make Mondays "my day off" - which means I just don't have to leave the house. Tuesdays will be grocery days.

Of course, we'll need to work in "pool days" too. And, some "playgroup days" as well, but I feel confident that things will be much more smooth from here until August.

Big, huge, sigh of relief from me. I do not like feeling ungrounded!

I've got a bunch of other crap going on, too, but I'll save that for another day.

Monday, June 15, 2009

A Winner and Some Miscellany

I drew a winner for the Avon giveaway that ran from last week.

Here's a picture of the slip I drew:

In case you can't read it, it says: Mike! So, Mike, you're the winner. Just verify your mailing address with me at eviltwinswife@gmail.com (don't worry - I won't tell anyone!) and then 3Carnations can get your gift on it's way to you.

I had fun, I hope you all did too! Thanks again to 3Carnations.

And, remember, if you're in need of some new Avon products, please visit and order from this site.

We had a busy and fun weekend. On Saturday, a friend of Buddy's came over while the friend's mom worked. I am telling you, when these two boys get together, it is like NO work for me at all. They go off and entertain themselves with video games and just hanging out.

The Evil Twin's brother, his wife and our two nieces are in town this weekend as well, so we made plans to see them on Sunday. My MIL wanted us ALL to get together (meaning our family, her and her husband, my BIL and his family and my SIL (the Evil Twin's sister). We decided that hosting a cook out here might be the most practical solution for everyone.

We have plenty of room, the kids could play outside and we could all eat like pigs.

All of that and more was accomplished. We laughed like crazy - like we always do when we get together.

I really do love the Evil Twin's family and I truly lucked into some great in-laws. I just wish we all lived closer and could see each other more often. But, we keep in touch by phone and emails.

I guess we just have to do the best we can and enjoy the times we do have to spend with one another.

Happy Monday, troopers!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Goin' Crazy

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for the kind words yesterday in the comments. I didn't reply to them because I felt it would be self-indulgent. But, I did want you all to know I appreciate the support!

I am losing my mind over here. I just cannot get used to this "new" summer schedule.

We're on week two so far and things have been just as hectic as during the school year. I keep waiting for it to slow down.

Maybe next week....

I did get 2 new books in the mail, both from Dave Ramsey, "Financial Peace Revisited" and "The Total Money Makeover". I always feel better if I have a project or something to focus on and I figured getting back on board with a budget would be a good place to start.

Since I am the HO™ (the Home Office) around here, I'm in charge of all financial matters and it gives me great satisfaction to find new ways to save money.

So, that's my new project.

In other news, I've devised a plan to give Buddy one dollar for each morning he keeps an eye on his sister while I take a shower. As soon as he is finished with breakfast, I plan on being one dollar lighter in a bit.

I guess this summer break thing may work out for me after all....

And, don't forget! The Avon giveaway is still open - and will be open for entries until Sunday! If you haven't entered yet, do it. There are very few entries, and that means a better shot for YOU to win! :-)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

It Doesn't Have Me

I made an off hand remark on Twitter the other night and I was surprised at the amount of responses I had. That's when I realized that most people don't even know it about me.

I never talk about it. Hell, I rarely even think about it.

One reason is that I don't want pity. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I don't waste time feeling sorry for myself. I'll be fine.

But, I said something along the lines of "Ticking off time before my son goes to bed. I have to give myself an injection. Would rather he not know I have MS."

Like I said, I just don't think much about it. But, I do know I want my children to be spared from knowing anything too soon. With them, it's more I don't want them to worry. Buddy knows I have a "condition", but we've never specifically talked about it.

I don't have any problems. I have an MRI every two years. In fact, I was at my neurologist office today for my twice yearly check up and my MRI will be scheduled soon.

They just look at my brain to see if there are more lesions or a change in activity. So far, there have been no changes since my base line.

I was diagnosed in 2000. Since then, I have been on once a day injectable med called Copaxone. It's a sub-cutaneous injection, which means it just goes right under the fat layer.

I have several injection sites that I rotate during the week and yes, I do my own injections. I don't mind.

The only times I have not done a daily injection in the last 9 years was the 39 weeks I was pregnant with Sissy.

Oh, no....During that time, I had to do TWO injections a day of Lovenox, which is a blood thinner (I also have a blood clotting disorder that makes me more likely to have a miscarriage and also a stroke - I'm taking a baby aspirin every day the rest of my life for that). But, during my pregnancy I had to do the 2 shots a day - just in my stomach.

I was black and blue - bruises you would not believe!

And, then after she was born, I did 6 weeks of one blood thinner shot a day post partum to make sure I didn't throw a blood clot.

While I was nursing her, I got a break from the Copaxone, so I had about a 3 month "needle free" zone in the last 9 years.

So far, I only experience some mild fatigue from the MS. I am a VERY lucky person! I was lucky enough to be diagnosed quickly and I'm lucky enough to be diagnosed in an era where there are many treatment options available (no cure yet, but treatable!). So, I count my blessings.

And, get ready for the next needle.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Good Just Got Gooder

So, after my whiny missive of yesterday, I found my day to be getting progressively better!

I don't know why I woke up with such a melancholy feeling. I had a good night's sleep and the weather is warm - even first thing in the morning. Just one of those moods, I suppose.

Plus, being awakened to news that the thermostat was broken didn't help my attitude.

Alas....I woke up and started on my day. And yes, many of my days start with making a lunch for the Evil Twin, but I don't do it on Wednesdays. That's the day a bunch of the office gets together and heads to a local Chinese buffet for lunch, so I'm off the hook for today!

After posting my pitiful update yesterday, I got in the shower. That was really nice! When I got out, I noticed a message on our answering machine.

I don't think I mentioned it here, but last week, I was sent a notice that I had been chosen for Jury Duty. Don't get me wrong - I would LOVE the opportunity to serve and do my civic duty, but right now - it's not going to work for me. I have 2 minor children at home who I am their primary caregiver during the day and since we live on only one income, finding childcare alternatives for them are not in our budget and furthermore, we have no close friends or family who could watch them for an extended period of time.

I pled my case and was awarded a release from duty call on Tuesday morning.

THAT, my friends, was miracle #1.

Then, I dug up the manual for the thermostat. We had a programmable thermostat installed a year or so ago. We still have issues understanding it, but I think that's going to get better.

I picked around on the thing and nothing. I looked at the manual again and still nothing. I tried a third time, and voila! The thermostat works like a charm! Miracle #2.

No need to buy a new one, or install one, but we did look into those options for future reference. Thanks for ALL the advice I received! We will take it to heart and learn from it!

Then, I checked my email. It appeared that my new Lexmark printer had arrived while I was in the shower (I discovered this from the tracking number). Remember last week? I had been up so late with customer service?

Well, the resolution to my problem was that they would send me a brand new and completely free printer. I was a bit concerned since I do run Vista 64 these days, but the set up was seamless and I now have a working, wireless printer again!

Thank goodness for the small things in life.

Don't forget about the Avon givaway. All you have to do is leave a simple comment (and visit the Avon website link) to be eligible. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Love y'all....Mean it!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Procrastinating

I totally blew off my normal Monday shopping yesterday. It probably helped that I had gone shopping on Friday of last week, so didn't need much.

I generally gather all of the Evil Twin's lunch stuff ahead of time, so that is in place. Then, all I have to do in the morning is just put it all together. It doesn't take much time - I have the routine down. But, I would NEVER make his lunch the night before because then it would be all hard and yucky the next morning. I try to provide a decent lunch. I know it's gotta suck eating a lunch from home everyday when all the other co-workers eat out every day, but we just can't afford a 5 day a week bill of lunches taken out of the office.

And, it doesn't matter if it's fast food or sit down style. The Evil Twin can order up an easy $7 to $10 lunch on fast food just for himself.

That is why we try to avoid that expense. One lunch out per week has been okay so far.

I even blew off my normal "night before" preparation.

But, lunch is ready and I am up.

I think our thermostat got fried by the thunderstorm we had yesterday evening.

Guess I'll replace that when I go shopping today. Lord only knows who I will find to install it. We really don't have the money to pay anyone.

As you can tell, today is not a good day for me.

I'll get over it, just like I always do and just keep going.

Remember to enter the Avon giveaway.... There aren't many entries so far, so you'd have a good chance of winning - and hey, free is free, right? I love winning stuff. :-)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Spruce Up Your Summer

I’m hosting a giveaway!

It’s from Avon - the Avon representative in charge is here. This is also my good blog buddy 3Carnations!

The giveaway is one 8 ounce Skin So Soft Summer Soft Body Wash and a 5 ounce Skin So Soft Revitalizing Body Spray Lotion.

To get one entry, go to her Avon site and comment back on my blog about which product you like best. If you want 3 extra entries, you can place an order from her site, and comment back here that you ordered.

If you do want to order, just use the code FSANY for free shipping. That’s free shipping no matter how much or how little you spend. With gas prices creeping back up again, free shipping is going to become one of my best friends this summer.

This is a really cool giveaway for this time of year. The Skin So Soft products have long been touted for having a bug repellent nature.

Plus, they are just quality products.

For all you male readers, this would make a nice gift for your wife, girlfriend, co-worker, daughter - just about anyone! :-)

I’ll let you in on a secret: the ladies love stuff like this! We love all the good smelling lotions and creams. We love make up and nail polish!

There is also a special going on right now. If you make a $40 fragrance purchase, you can also get a gold colored iPod Shuffle for ONLY $29! That is a great deal!

Are you still here? Go! Have a long look around, but don’t forget to come back to my place and leave a comment. The contest is open to anyone who lives in the continental US.

This will run through the week and a winner will be drawn on Sunday (6/14) evening at 6 pm EST, and announced next Monday morning. Good luck!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

What Drug Am I?

I saw this over at Cute-Ella is Bold's site and couldn't resist. Figured I would get alcohol too. But no.

Your Personality Is Like Cocaine

You're dynamic, brilliant, and alluring to those who don't know you.

Hyper and full of energy, you're usually the last one to leave a party.

Sometimes your sharp mind gets the better of you... you're a bit paranoid!

At your best: You're confident, euphoric, and feel like you're on top of the world.

What people like about being around you: You're intense and overpowering.

What people dislike about being around you: You can be arrogant... and a bit of a jerk.

How addicted people get to you: Incredibly addictive. And hanging around with you isn't cheap!

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

Friday, June 5, 2009

A Great Evening With Friends

I spent yesterday evening at Elle's place (her real place, not her blog) and JFab was there as well.

Elle fixed a delicious salad, stuffed shells and bread. We all ate (and ate) and talked. For dessert, she made Banana Split pie (I think that's what it was called - it was heavenly, and I'm normally not a pie person, but this had fresh fruit and a terrific consistency - not to mention it was drizzled with chocolate syrup...soooo, I gobbled it right up!).

After dinner, we sat in the den (that's TV room or fambly room to anyone not from the South) and talked some more. We told outrageous stories, and talked about JFab's impending motherhood. I was able to admire her perfectly shaped baby bump - and knew precisely how gloriously happy she is and how wonderful it is to feel the baby move around.

That - the movement - was the best part of both my pregnancies, but it's not something I want to experience again (for myself). It's just nice to revisit those fond memories every now and then.

I told them hair raising stories of the sex life of myself and the Evil Twin. Stuff I would never post on here, and not because I'm ashamed of it, but because I do try to keep it somewhat PG-13 here. But we did touch on the towel cabinet story and some other sordid facts.

Like the fact that I have lived a wild life and not sheltered at all, but how did I go so long before I found out what a Rusty Trombone is?

We laughed like school girls and surprisingly had SO much fun that I forgot to get my camera out and get pictures!

I'm sorry! But, I have a grand plan to have an even bigger Real Girl's Night Out for WV Bloggers and if we can arrange that, pictures will be taken! And posted!

It was so nice to get out of the house - alone - and have a nice dinner with only adults. I can't even adequately express my thanks to Elle for the lovely evening. But, THANK YOU so much! It was appreciated more than you'll ever know! :-)

Last night, I found myself here:

Amidst this sea of humanity. You see, I managed to find myself in possession of 2 tickets to see Keith Urban in Charleston for his new tour.

I'm not a fan of "new" or pop-country, really. However, I do love Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and some other "old" country stars like them.

In fact, I had never heard a Keith Urban song in my life.

So, anyway, I made plans with a friend about a week prior. I didn't want to wait 'til the last minute. Unfortunately, she called 24 hours before the concert to tell me that her husband's grandmother (who had been sick and in the hospital all week) had taken a turn for the worst and she couldn't go.

I called everyone I knew and no dice. I even begged on Facebook.

I ended up taking Buddy rather than wasting the tickets. Besides, I just wanted to get out of the house for a while.

It was packed, as you can imagine. But, we got there early and found our seats, so I had reached a nice "comfort zone" by the time the opening band went on.

The opening band was the Zac Brown Band and they were alright. They did a few cover songs that I liked (i.e. was already familiar with) and then after a few minutes of stage rearranging, Keith Urban came out.

It was all very cool effects with the lighting and fog machines, etc. The crowd went wild. Buddy and I just sat in our seats with big eyes.

Now, I've been to plenty of concerts in my day, but this was a first for Buddy. Plus, it has been a really LONG time since my ass sat in those Civic Center seats.

It was very hazy from the fog machines (and I suspect from some people smoking - and not just cigs, if you catch my drift - even though smoking is prohibited) that it was very difficult to get any decent pictures.

We were also on the top level, but in the front row of that, so our seats were actually very good - we also had a monitor close by we could watch when the action on the stage was too confusing:

If you look to the right on the photo above, you can see Keith on the monitor. He changed positions a lot, so he was often closer to our side of the stage and at one point went out into the crowd where he performed a few songs on a different stage set up out there.

We only stayed for about half of his set or so. We wanted to beat the crowds out and it was getting late and it was still a school night, so we vamoosed early.

I must say that Keith plays more of a "rock" country vibe than the "pop" country that seems so popular these days. He is very talented - even if it isn't my favorite musical genre.

The highlights of the evening include a fight that broke out in between the sets - we got to see security haul one guy out. And, that was even before Keith took the stage!

The other highlight was this one guy - he was about 2 or 3 rows back from the main stage (so, right on the main floor). He stood the entire time and waved his cup of beer back and forth - for both the opening act and Keith Urban's set. That is, when he didn't have his wife/girlfriend in a headlock. I know you've seen the "headlock" maneuver where the guy puts his whole arm around his partner's neck with the elbow bent so the entire forearm is across her front neck/chest area.

If anyone did that to me, I'll elbow them in the ribs so hard, they wouldn't attempt it ever again.

Anyway, it was all very interesting and this morning, Buddy told me that he had fun and that the concert was very good. So, I guess that's successful? :-)