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.

Ambition

Growing up, I knew that I was expected to attend college and get a degree. The thing is, I never aspired to being anything other than a wife and mother. I never understood the whole "career" mentality. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just never been my thing.

I was raised in a traditional household. My mom quit work a week before I came home(I was adopted). She was always at home, even after my younger brother and I got older. She did all the traditional housewife things and Dad worked. He was an engineer so he made very good money. Mom working outside the home wasn't necessary, but I also think they both enjoyed their roles within the family.

One thing I remember my dad telling me over and over was that I didn't have to settle for being a teacher, secretary or a nurse - that I could be a doctor or a lawyer or anything I put my mind to and that just because I was a girl that didn't mean I couldn't do jobs that were primarily held by men. It meant a lot to me that he had that faith in me, but in my heart, I just wanted to be a mom. Like my mom.

I went to college and graduated with a degree in Advertising Journalism. I worked in my chosen field for a few years. I met the Evil Twin and we got married. I continued to work until Buddy was born. I kind of assumed that I would be going back to work after my maternity leave, but when Buddy was born so seriously prematurely, the Evil Twin and I felt like we had no choice but to have me at home with him. He had so many doctors appointments and therapies those first 2 years, it would have been almost impossible for me to deal with his schedule and work full time.

Now, the Evil Twin didn't make much money, but we scraped by - I was very careful with what he did make. My parents helped us out a little along the way, as well. They were very generous and there wasn't anything they wouldn't do for their first grandchild.

So, since we had always lived below our means (no brand new cars, modest mortgages, etc.), we were able to sell our first home and buy a second house that is considerably larger, but we got a great deal and a low interest rate, so we could still swing the payments and the increased utilities, etc.

I don't regret not having a career or professional accolades. I know I have three very important people who depend on me every day for their needs. I stay very involved in Buddy's school and will do the same when Sissy is school age. I consider it a worthy and worthwhile sacrifice.

I've got another evening to myself. My boys are in the downstairs den watching Saturday Night Freakshow (had to be pre-empted last night because the Evil Twin was out with a friend). The happy hausfrau enjoys time to herself!

Changes

Today was one of the Evil Twin's co-workers last day at work. He'll start a new job on Monday. He's not just a co-worker, but he's a friend, too, so ET is extra bummed that Downfall (Random Intelligence over there on the right) is moving on.

And it is sad, but it's not like we won't see him ever again. There was a "get together" at the local Chinese restaurant today for him. I went with the baby and joined them. There were lots of people there! We had a good time. The Evil Twin has been working for the same place for 15 years, so I feel like I know most of his co-workers as well as he does. I stop in every now and then with one or both kids in tow and chat with them all.

His office has always been so nice to us. They threw baby showers for us for both kids and have been really accommodating for family matters. I think sometimes the Evil Twin would like to do something different, but he can retire in 9 years if he sticks with this job and for the most part, his co-workers are fun people.

On a completely unrelated note, and because I have to brag, Buddy brought home his report card today. Straight As - again. Yay! Of course, he's only in third grade, but at least we know he's applying himself and trying.

I've got to get Sissy in the bath. Survivor, one of my three Must See shows is on at 8 and I'm not going to miss a minute of it! LOL.

Ants Like Grilled Cheese

My appetite hasn't been the greatest lately. Unfortunately, that kind of dictates what the rest of the family eats as well. It's pretty much just "whatever I feel like", which may or may not be the healthiest or most well rounded choice.

Last night, I "felt" like grilled cheese and both kids like that and it's easy enough, so that's what it was. I did all three sandwiches at the same time and wanted to eat mine while it was still semi-warm. So, I cut the baby's up into little squares and doled them out to her on the coffee table (yes, we eat in the family room sometimes!).

She was walking around the table, getting her squares as I put them down for her. If I had put them all in front of her, she'd stuff every one in her mouth and we can't have that, so one square at a time it was.

Today, when we got back from picking up Buddy from school, he noticed something on the landing, right outside the screen door. Our screen door has a strip on the bottom that is bent up on one side - we need to replace it, but just haven't yet. He said, "Yuck, WHAT is that?" I wasn't sure. It was a little mound of ants.

Upon closer inspection, it was a square of grilled cheese sandwich that Sissy had shoved through that opening in the screen door when I wasn't looking, apparently. I kicked it off the porch into the bushes below and eradicated any ants left behind.

Later in the evening after the Evil Twin got home, he took Sissy out front to get some fresh air and came back and told me that there were a bunch of ants about midway down the driveway. Buddy had to go check it out, too. He came back to report that something around those ants smelled "funky" and wanted his Dad to come out and smell it, too.

I had Sissy in the tub at that point, so I listened to the very interesting exchange between the two of them:

Buddy: "You have to go smell that."
ET: "I'm not going out to smell the front yard."
Buddy: "It doesn't smell THAT bad."
ET: "I'm not doing it."

Never a dull moment around here.

One of Those Days

Nothing bad happened, but nothing extremely exciting either, so I don't know why I'm so agitated. I was just happy to see bedtime roll around. I love my kids, you know I do... just some days are harder to take than others. Not to mention, my new medication is still making me groggy (it's not making me queasy anymore, so that's good). But, I have times I feel like I can barely hold my eyes open.

I slept when the baby slept today, which was nice. But, it also left me feeling unmotivated, completely. The weather is getting so nice here, I'd like to be getting out and enjoying it.

Buddy is about to drive me to the brink with his Pokemon chatter. That's all he talks about, non-stop. I try to be enthusiastic, but the truth of the matter is that I don't understand one thing he's saying, so it's hard to be much of a conversationalist when the subject matter is foreign to me. (And, being the bad mom of the year, I don't care to learn more about Pokemon). I'm assured by other moms of boys his age that this is completely normal. And, I did such a good job keeping him away from Barney when he was small.... I failed at keeping Pokemon out of my house!

Speaking of Barney, I actually turned on the TV this morning to Noggin. When Buddy was a baby, we didn't get Noggin. He watched a lot of PBS, Disney, and Nickelodeon, but only the educational shows. I had a line up of what channels we'd watch and when, so we avoided Barney every time. Noggin is really cute. There are some newer shows on there I've never seen before, since it's been so long I had a toddler in the house. Anyway, I watched "Wow, Wow, Wubzy" (I think that's what it was called) and half of "Little Miss Spider". Sissy paid attention to it for about 40 seconds total.

I guess we'll get to learn to enjoy some fun new shows together in the next couple of years. I'm serious, Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers are some of my favorite shows. I could watch them over and over again. Which is good, because as I recall with Buddy, there were many episodes I knew almost word for word.

Ahhh, I feel so much better after writting this out. Thanks for reading.

The Brownie: A Discussion

As Catholics, we are called at Lent to give up something much beloved for the season. Well, either that, or you can do something else in lieu of eschewing a favorite food/item - you can, for example, make a vow to attend daily Mass or volunteer in a soup kitchen. You get the gist.

I've discussed the fact that I am reading "The Purpose Driven Life" and also a Catholic booklet, "Daily Reflections for Lent". No, I didn't choose anything to give up, nor am I really putting myself out, but I'm such a procrastinator that I wait and wait 'til the last minute, then Lent is upon me and I still haven't decided. So, my decision is made for me. I do nothing.

Well, at the Catholic school, the children are asked at the beginning of Lent what their Lenten sacrifice will be. Most kids say "candy", then when the Easter Bunny brings a big ol' basket of chocolate, it's fantastic! I have a weird child who said "hot dogs and pastries". Go figure.

Earlier during the season, I had brought home some Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. The Evil Twin and Buddy like those as part of their snack ritual for Friday Night Freakshow.

Now, the Evil Twin stated that the brownie is a pastry. I say no. Brownies and cookies are baked goods, not pastries. A doughnut, an apple strudel - the bear claw - those are all pastries. But a brownie? No!

What do you think? Who is right here? This is crucial because a full blown fight could erupt (j/k).

Feedback from Corporate

On his way out the door to work this morning, the Evil Twin commented, "Your blogs are getting shorter and shorter." I think I just shrugged. I was thinking, "What's the point, nobody reads it anyway." I'm not sure if I said that out loud or not. I'm not much of a morning person and usually walk around in a fog until I take my shower.

This one will be as long as it needs to be. I'm revealing a little secret about me. While I love sleeping with the Evil Twin (get yer mind outta the gutter, although both meanings are good), I'm talking about just having him there in bed, I also love hogging the whole bed in the mornings after he gets up.

Luckily, he doesn't have to travel much for work because when he's not in bed while I'm trying to get to sleep, it can be very difficult. He outweighs me by a good 110 lbs and I like feeling that weight on that side of the bed. We've lived together for 15 years and have been married for almost 14 of those, so I've become very spoiled to having him around to snuggle up to or just knowing that he's there, it's very comforting.

However, he gets up at 6:00 am and then wakes me up around 6:40, so I get 40 whole minutes of bed hogging. It's heavenly. I gravitate towards his warm side and put my face on his pillow. I throw my legs out all over our queen size bed and streeeetch.

When my parents took me out of my crib at the age of 2, they put me in a full size bed, so I learned to enjoy all that room to myself. I eventually graduated to a queen size in college and when the Evil Twin and I bought a new mattress and box springs, we opted for a queen also - mainly because I had all the bedding for that size. And, I'm a sheet snob. I may be cheap and frugal in all other areas of my life, but I will NOT skimp on bedding. I buy the best quality I can afford when I'm in the market for sheets. I do not like sheets that get little balled up pills all over them the first time they're washed. YUCK!

Anyway, the Evil Twin and I are currently still in flannel sheet season and there is nothing like those fuzzy warm flannel sheets all to myself for 40 minutes. I get a little bent out of shape if I don't get my solo snooze in.

It's warmed up considerably around here, which means we'll transition to cotton sheet season soon. I've got some awesome egyptian Martex sheets waiting in the linen closet for their debut!

I still have a few Thursday evening chores left so I will leave you, my three readers, with this. (ET - long enough for ya?).

I Wouldn't Get Too Close...

We are all officially sick here! Buddy and the Evil Twin are both rockin' colds and Sissy woke up with a fever yesterday. I gave her Tylenol and rocked her for a bit and then she threw up on me. Thank goodness there was not a repeat performance of that, but the fever did come back later in the day. She seems somewhat better today - still not herself, but a bit more active.

As for me, I have no idea what is wrong with me. My throat hurts (could be the start of that cold) and my stomach feels queasy. Now, that could be two things: it could be a stomach bug or it could just be a side effect of the new medication I just started. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

You know, I had forgotten how scary it is to have a small baby who is sick. How worried one can get when the baby can't communicate what the problem is. For all I know, she might just be cutting more teeth. It might be as simple as that. Bottom line is, it's got me plenty worried although I'm sure it's nothing serious.

It's noon here and even though I haven't felt like eating much lately, I suppose I should try to find something that seems appealling to me. All I've really wanted lately is frosted mini wheats. Do you think a person could live on just mini wheats alone for a few days? I mean, you got your grain and fiber and dairy all in one happy li'l bowl. Sounds like a winner to me!

This Is My Brain on Vibrate

Between the hours of 6 pm and 8:30 pm, my house is cacophonous. It's like a zoo. And, there are only 4 of us. I can't imagine what evenings are like for larger families.

I have to get dinner together first. The Evil Twin was home today, so that was nice. Usually Sissy is hanging over the gate, whining because she's not with me. Typically, dinner is three shifts. One for me and Buddy, one for the baby and one for the Evil Twin when he gets home from work sometime near 7:30. Today, it was only 2 shifts. As Buddy is getting to his homework (late), Sissy starts melting down because she is tired.

There are several loud/obnoxious toys that will be taking a leave of absence, starting tonight.

Neither the Evil Twin nor I slept well last night. I think my problem is that after the weekend, I'm worried that the alarm won't go off on time, and we'll oversleep. So, I went to bed around 11:45 (early for me), drifted off about midnight and then was wide awake at 4 am. Then, I just couldn't get into a good sleep after that. I kept waking up to check the clock. Not exactly a recipe for a rested, stress free day.

I seem to remember things being kinda hectic when Buddy was small, too. So, I think once Sissy is a little bit older, and can eat more of whatever we're having and becomes a little more independent, life will get somewhat easier here. Until then, I guess I'll keep juggling the plates.