mistyforeverlost

2007-10-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

First, if anyone can tell me how to get yahoo messenger off my windows XP, I would love you for life. Just please don't tell me add/remove programs. Been there, done that and have the frustration to prove it.

Second, I discovered that boiling noodles after one Smirnoff Ice is a bad idea. Furthermore...making lasagna after said *one* drink is now considered taboo in my household. Ok, it wasn't the worst lasagna I ever made but it wasn't my best either. Which reminds me...why is lasagna one of those ever-so-yummy meals or would-not-feed-to-the-dog meals?

PDQ informed me today that life as an almost 11 year old is the worst thing possible to ever happen in her entire career of living *insert dramatic eye roll*. She know wants to be 12. What's so great about being 12, I have not a clue. But it is her new found goal in life. Turn 12 and apparently the entire world changes and new opportunities open up. The world suddenly becomes an exciting place to live and cosmic forces fall into line. As her mother, I felt it was my duty to inform said young squirt that will forever be at least 4 inches shorter then me that she is still only 10 and it is impossible to skip an entire year to hit be one-two. I'm still unsure if she appreciated my sense of obligation. When she starts speaking to me again, I'll ask and let you all know the answer. I'm pretty positive by 6am tomorrow she will be back to pestering me. Until then...let's c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e the silence!

RB decided she no long wants to be a princess. That's right, she's giving up her crown. *Bow heads for moment of silence* She is gonna be....wait for it....it's coming....a QUEEN! Again, motherly duty kicks in and informs said child who will eventually be at least 2 inches taller then me that I, her wonderful mother...has queen title. She gave me a crown and a kiss. Can you tell which was my favorite today? Ooh...and she napped too! She got double brownie points.

Yes, yes...I am fully aware that mothers...well, parents in general should never play favorites with their children. But in my defense...I never claimed to be the almighty great mother up for the parent of the year award. If I were up for the award, I would do stuff like *shudder* play candy land or chutes and ladders with them. I don't, I'm not and instead of college funds...I am saving for future therapy. They can pay for their own college...I'll just make sure all the far out wacky things I subject them to are on my dime.

The man was home for the afternoon. He watched a bit of NASCAR then took RB out for bike rides and walks. I say bonding...he says making sure she falls asleep at a decent hour. She was pleased as punch and enjoyed every minute of it. They even went to the store together. That's a level of excitement rarely experienced! She went to bed with a smile on her face and that put a smile on our faces. The added benefit was that instead of pulling my arm for something, she was pulling his.

Overtired, under-worked and too much free time. I should nap more often. Make up for some sleepless couch nights.

2007-10-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

I discovered something last night while laying on the couch after a few futile attempts of quieting the freight train that took up residence in place of my husband and decided to give it a whirl tonight. It seems that my blogging ability in the morning is trumped by a need to get my coffee fix and pry my eyes open with toothpicks. Throughout the day, my mind is normally going in a million and one directions with nothing much making sense. Then, at night I lay in bed(or on the couch) and think of all these great things I could be blogging about. Sssoo...here I sit at the computer instead of sleeping.

We went out to a family dinner with the in-laws tonight, which wasn't all that bad. The food was good since it was one of my favorite restuarants. The only problem I have with the place is that it's also a bar. Normally, that does not bother me except this is a smaller place and they allow smoking in the bar itself. There is a wide archway separating the bar from the restaurant side. I have yet to go to this place and not leave with a headache. I would normally blame it on having one too many drinks, but since I don't drink that often anymore and we were there as a family... I have to admit it was the smoke. I would love my state to go non-smoking in public places. A few of our restaurants have already placed that rule into effect on their own. And this comes from a smoker. Go figure. Anyway...the dinner was ok but we were all tired. Miss RB fell asleep on my lap and PDQ was struggling to hold it all together.

Hopefully tonight I will be able to sleep in my own bed and this headache will not become a full blown migraine attack. Those are the worst and something I have suffered ever since I was a little kid. Normally I have a few warning signs but the migraines have been known to pop up from just a simple headache. Here's to luck. If luck decides to not hold out, I'll be hitting the tylenol again as well as the icy hot on the neck.

And hey! I think this blogging thing at night might actually work. My brain is empty. Oh..hush!

2007-10-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Cranky, miserable and not getting enough sleep.

Yup...that's sums it up.

I need some serious vacation with lot's of laughs and maybe a drink or too. I was just discussing this with some friends and it's been decided we are all moving into R's house...at the very least, a cheap hotel close to the pubs. Good times.

On a lighter note..I finally figured out what "par-boiled" means. For those of you not in the know...it's partially boiled. For those of you in the know...hush!

2007-09-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

I caught a bunch of season premiers this week and was pleasantly surprised with all of them. I also managed to remember to watch two shows that I think, had their premiers last week but luckily, I was able to jump right in without missing too much.

The show House seems to be taking a nice spin this season. That's one I think I missed the premier and I also missed last seasons closer (youtube maybe?). Interesting turn of events going on there that I will not divulge cause I have no clue who reads this and who hasn't watched it yet. But let's just say that it's gonna be a good season.

NCIS or is that NCSI? Anyway...opener was good but it's my love/hate show. I'm always torn on watching it. I'm similar with House, but nearly as much as I am with this show. They either get the good guy or they don't and rarely do they offer a nice spin. But plug away watching it, I will. The acting is good, so what the hell.

CSI is one I absolutely adore. They always manage to come up with good spins on their shows and occasionally stump me until the following week. The premier was awsome to watch and left me hanging to the very end.

Ghost Whisperer is my all time favorite show EVER. As some may remember, I was disappointed because I kept missing the year before closer and it was one I desperately wanted to see. For the life of me, I cannot remember if I saw last years closer but I certainly caught this years opener. And WOW. What great spins they are coming up with and I cannot wait for next weeks show. (the show after GW wasn't that bad, it has potential, I'll hang in for a few weeks and see how it goes. It's called Moonlighting I think)

The only problem I have with shows like GW, is that I have one heck of an over-active imagination. I love to have they daylights scared out of me, but I don't cope well at night sometimes after the fact. Now some might pashaw me on the GW scary idea. But hey....certain Buffy episodes used to freak me out. It doesn't take much! So I should be in a constant of "jumpies" on Friday nights into Saturday mornings. Good times.

Recent real life conversation:

PDQ: Mom, what car did we have when I was born?

Me: A four door chevy nova, puke green that I had to use a pillow to sit on so I could see over the steering wheel

PDQ: *moment of silence then a laugh that lasted a good five minutes*

Me: *frowns*

PDQ: Your short!

Me: Hush Mighty Midget lest I remind you that you can't reach the sink without a step stool!

2007-09-28T11:10:00.001-07:00

Runs in blog left

Screeches

Runs back out blog right

(forgot what I was gonna blog about...when I find it, I'll be back!)

2007-09-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

If I could run away to just one place anywhere in the world it would be a place where there were lot's of people to sit and watch that would disappear when I have had too much watching.

All the different seasons that I could enjoy at any given moment if I walked just a little bit in one direction.

I would have all the books I could ever possibly read and warm blankets with a fire place to snuggle in front of

I would have candles and low lighting with only a few select TV shows with popcorn that has extra butter and soda that tasted decent.

I could take walks in the snow and never get cold and yet not be so warm that a scarf and knit hat with mittens were too much.

I would be able to swim all day and never get burned or need sunscreen because the rays were just right and not harmful.

I would be able to wrap myself up in a cozy sweater and run through leaves of many different colors.

I would be able to smile at a person and receive a smile back instead of a frown.

Everyone would be nice and pleasant not mean or nasty.

Money would not be an issue because it would not exist.

Respect would be automatic regardless of what you looked like, who you knew or what you believed.

Utopia. It doesn't exist, at least not on earth.

2007-09-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

RB is sick, but starting to get better.

PDQ is just plain miserable.

German translators suck. Tried to ask my friend C if she had a good lunch and it came out "have a good noon." I was told my english was better then my translations. Go figure?

I'm awake because of coffee.

I have coolers all over my kitchen from PDQ and the man due to their race adventure yesterday (which is why PDQ is miserable).

I have to do bills today and I hate doing the bills. They keep wanting all my money!

Laundry is almost finished but I need to pick up the living room again.

I forgot to run the dishwasher last night.

Stopping on a good note since this is nothing but one big complaining whine-fest...it's supposed to be nice today!

2007-09-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Not even 7pm and I can barely keep my eyes open.

The man put the water bottles into the freezer at 4:30am, you know...to make sure they were frozen in time *rolls eyes*. I have it on on good man-authority that the obsession with water bottles is his way of avoiding our trip today. Sorta like me picking up a knife and aiming at someone for grabbing the lost piece of chocolate. Yeah, it still doesn't make much sense today, but hey...thanks for trying to explain.

Appointments went well. Bone doesn't require anymore follow visits until 2010 when she is 14. Apparently that is around the time a human spine is done growing. Who knew?

Her blood work is "technically" waiting results, but we basically have the all clear unless they find something. They made mention of possible growth hormones. The answer to that will be the same as before....NO.

I also found out that I do not fair well between the hours of 5am and 7:45am if I am only working on two cups of coffee. Although that super strong type the hospital sells to put the jolt in a person does helps a bit. Cafeteria breakfasts also tend to suck since they only had lite cream cheese and everyone knows lite cream cheese on a bagel is like eating cardboard.

One more hour until I can officially pass out. Catch everyone on Monday or over the weekend *yawns*

2007-09-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Why are men so damn obsessive over certain things? Serious question here cause in all honesty, you men have nothing on us women. Not by a bloody long shot.

Here's the deal. The man needs water for Sunday. Ok, that's easiest enough. I planned on going to the store tomorrow when we returned from our trip and could pick up the water then. Or so one would think anyway. Apparently, he wants to freeze a few of the water bottles and they must go into the freezer tonight because all human beings with half a brain could understand that water put into a freezer on Friday afternoon would not (oh no siree bob) be frozen by early Sunday morning!

Lucky for him, I realized we needed some water bottles for tomorrow as well. Lucky for him, I went to the store. Lucky for him, I was nice today and bought some for Sunday too. Lucky for him, I am leaving them for him to put in the freezer.

Men....

2007-09-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Finally! The desk is clean as well as the house. It was all completed yesterday under the idea that if I danced, listened to music and clean...something might get accomplished. Sure enough, I managed to get it all done by lunch and was rather proud of myself. First, for finally cleaning the desk. Second for finally dancing. I love to dance and haven't done much of it in many years. I'm not that bad although one would be hard pressed to know since I don't frequent dance halls often anymore.

Today, I helped out RB's daycare/preschool teacher while she was away for an appointment. I used to run an in-home daycare but apparently forgot how much energy it takes chasing 8 children around. Next time I help, they will be napping. Yippee!

The next two days will be pretty busy. I need to get to bed early tonight so we can have PDQ in Philadelphia by 7:30am for what we hope, is her last ever visit on both oncology and orthopedics. She's been in "remission" for years now, so here's to hoping anyway. Saturday, we have a meeting to go in the morning, also for PDQ. After that, I am FREE! To do what, I have no clue. But the point is, I'll be FREE! As in, not have any other plans! No camping, no parties, not gatherings, no social requirements..nada....now that is called bliss!

I also finally talked to my brother the other day. A friend reminded me that I needed to call him, so I left a message and he called me back. Now, here is the thing about my brother. We grew up in the same household and yet, managed to have a completely different up-bringing. Somehow, we managed to end up polar opposites of each other. Where I am flighty, he is grounded. He makes plans and I have it on good authority that most plans are meant to be broken, but are nice to have just in case. He thinks about he is going to land. I tend to leap and not be concerned with the landing. In other words, he is basically the better half and puts up with my ways and has never once told me to get my act together. Don't get me wrong, we fight. We are siblings after all and we do things to purposely annoy each other or we try to talk the other one into seeing our own way (which never works, unfortunately one thing we both are, is stubborn). However, he is like my rock. I can totally screw something up and after a brief "talking to" he will help me dig it out and make sense of the situation. I think what it boils down to is although we are complete opposites, we still respect each other. That goes along way for both of us and I love him for it. He's my brother, what can I say? He's a big ol' doofus who has always had to deal with his little sisters nonsense. He loves me as much as I love him but I think I am the one who has the better deal.

2007-09-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

Totally random but if today will eventually be tomorrow and tomorrow will eventually be yesterday, then isn't it just one long continuous cycle? And is that why I am so tired?

I hate to fly. I normally do not like using the word "hate" because it is such a strong word. But in this case, I will use it. I hate to fly. Hurtling through the sky in a sardine can as 200 some odd miles per hour is not my idea of an amusing time. Yes, yes...I know. Logic tells me it is safer to fly then any other means of travel.

I have also decided and finally accepted that I hate the phone. I need to call my brother. It is not even 6am his time, so calling him would just get me yelled at. When the time because more reasonable, I will have forgot that I needed to call him and a few more days will pass before it finally hits that I didn't call him when I thought about calling him. See, another cycle I have. I think about it, realizing my timing is off...put the idea into the thought locker and lose it in the vast abyss of lost thoughts. I need sticky notes.

I wonder if this makes me a procrastinator. Certain people should probably not answer that question. Unless they wish to lie. In that case, don't answer anyway because lieing is not right. I'll just answer that for myself. Yes, I am a procrastinator. I wear the badge proudly and SO THERE!

My desk is still a mess and I am still thinking about cleaning it. Apparently the thought process takes a while. I'm working on it, but I have to come up with plan of attack. You know..which pile I want to dig out first and where that pile will go once I clean it out. That sort of thing.

Ooh...the man dragged all my boxes down from the attic that hold my scrap-booking supplies. I might set that stuff up again and start putting albums together. Notice I used the word 'might' along with started a plan? Does this mean my procrastination days are over? Doubt it.

As a total side note...I have entered a contest in Second life. See my picks that read "please vote."

Enough of the random thoughts. I'm going to go get my second cup of coffee *wanders off in her skiing cow jammies and fluffy snowman bathrobe* (yes, I really do have them, my best friend gave me the jammies and I used to walk to her house in them for movie night. She lived two doors down. The kids got me the bathrobe.)

2007-09-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

*takes a sip of coffee and grabs the microphone, singing loudly and definitely off key* Happpyy Biirrttthhhdddaayyyy to youuuuuu!!! You are a Monkey and you wear bbblllueeee *tosses the microphone down for the next gang member and wanders off with her coffee*

I learned a few things last week about my oldest. First, that I no longer need to save for therapy, but possibly a bail bond. See, she had a habit of taking a large bobby pin and putting it in her hair every day. Finally I asked her what the reason was and she replied "to break into cars." That took me a bit by suprise, although I will give her credit for expounding on the situation a bit. Apparently her mother is a bit of ditz. She felt the pin might come in handy should I lock the keys in my car.

I also learned that she will be a mighty midget forever. She had her "well visit" check up last week and gained 2 inches and I think a pound. Five feet tops and not even 100 pounds. Good thing the kid has attitude.

I have also learned that I lack focus *turns monitor around so nobody can see her desk* and really need to learn to focus on getting focus.

2007-09-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

Today is the day. That's right, it's the day I clean my desk.

No, no...it'll be ok. I promise.

Although I do recommend sending in the rescue team if I don't make it back out within a few hours.

Yes, I plan on being very productive today. Desk cleaning is not just an chore, it's an art form. One must take this task seriously in order to accomplish it to one's best ability. One must move things, organize things, discover things lost since beginning of time. One must also learn to throw out things. Because, really! Like I need that invite to join the Double Day Book Club from two years ago.

Wish me luck. I may need it!

2007-09-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

My friend is right now...this very minute...as I type this...watching Joan Jett and Aerosmith strut their stuff on stage. I should be happy for her. Really, I know this. I should be bent over backwards in a moment of glee whooping it up for her. I'm not. Honestly? I hate her right now. I'll like her again tomorrow when she says is sending me a butt shot of Joe Perry. (I feel safe in the knowledge that she does not read my blog. She could..she knows it is here. She just doesn't.)

Cruising around blogs today, I found the most absolutely funniest (is that even a word?) blog EVER. Oh yes I did! And! I have TM to thank for it. Cause, well...I was reading her blog to see if she posted anything new (and it will not be in her best interest to ever yell at me again for blog-breaks..she's gone 3 days! Count em...T.H.R.E.E. days without a new post. I've only gone 33!). I was ready to finally post her a comment (yes TM, I am that slacker from PA that keeps showing up on your doorstep and never rings the bell) and I caught sight of this:

http://aaox.blogspot.com/

Of course, I did not ask permission to put her blog on my blog. Why, you ask? Well...because us bloggers have had this discussion before and we feel permission is not needed. So if you go there, please don't tell her I sent you cause if she shows up on my doorstep with an monologue about how one should ask permission. I will find the rat who told on me!

(go there and read...absolutely hilarious stuff and some good recipes too. Not that I have tried any. I am taking her word for it since she is the one who says they are good. Give me a break, I just noticed her blog today!)

2007-09-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have the pleasure of watching my neighbors one year old today. She is the most adorable kid ever and most likely because I can give her back at the end of the day.

We took an outing to the grocery store and I forgot how nice it was to have a little one with you who did not know how to ask for things. It was rather enjoyable. I might do it again someday before she becomes verbal.

The goal today is explaining to her how she can trash her parents house in 2.8 seconds flat. I'm thinking payback for the time they taught RB how to toss items off the porch at. Last time I watched the lil' one for them, we discussed random dialing on the telephone. Reports given two days later proves she is a fast learner. In my defense, I never would have thought they would let the kid play with their cell phone and apologizes to neighbors sister who was woken up bright and early on a Saturday morning.

Also came to the conclusion that laundry reproduces all by itself over night. What was an empty laundry basket has become a full one. Same with dishes. The man said the only way to stop the process is to run around naked and not eat.

Personally, I think that is a horrible idea as we don't want to scare the neighbors or start a trend that would send us over the edge in a shudder of fear.

Fruit, cookies and dance

2007-09-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

*rubs her eyes and looks at the time as she yawns*

Not even 6am and RB is up and moving around. She started her first ballet lesson yesterday and absolutely adored it. We saw the jazz/tap teacher for PDQ and was informed that she better bring a bottled water, she will be sweating. I told the teacher to work her hard. We laughed, PDQ frowned then laughed.

Last season, the theme for dance was Broadway. PDQ's class did the musical number "One...singular sensation" and nailed it. Because of that, a year earlier then normal...the class is now an hour and half long. I have to say the girls were great and worked hard on their performance. I can't wait to see what they are capable of doing this year.

*yawns again as RB heads for the fridge*

She wants an apple. It's not even 6am and the kid wants an apple!

After dance, RB informed me she was hungry. I offered her a cookie. She looked at me and said "Ballet dancers don't eat cookies, they eat fruit." I told her to grab a grape. She did. RB has always liked her fruit and vegies, so the occasional cookie never bothered me. She technically could eat three cookies a day and I would be fine with it as she has her fair share of healthy stuff the rest of the time. But apparently ballet dancers do not eat cookies.

*blinks at the time and realizes it's still not 6am*

I hope I don't have to eat the rest of the cookies.

*wanders off to see how many cookies are left*

Happy me day? no no..happy YOU day!

2007-09-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

When I first came into the wonderful wide world of the internet, PDQ was only 2 years old. I found a chat room and made a friend or two. This was after much grumbling and complaining to the man that we certainly did not need the expense of a computer.

When we moved out of the house we were in and to the family farm, I left my net days behind because dial up was not user friendly. I lost contact with those from the chat room and always wondered what ever happened to them. Less then a year later, we moved back into town and joy of joys, network connection was made available by our cable company. So back into the web I went.

First, I fell into a 80's music website called Sludge...hard to make friends and although I truly do love my 80's music...not exactly what I was looking for since the main topic of conversation was how to get down a rock stars pants. I had out-grown that stage of life (drooling doesn't count) and felt I needed to find something more mature for my webbing habits *cough*.

Sitting at home one day, I stumbled across a commercial for a women's based webpage called IVillage. A lightbulb went off in my head and I immediately went to the computer and pulled it. At first, it was hard to navigate and all I found was a bunch of "support" message boards where everyone loved everyone else. I read a bit and found I was disagreeing with this person or that person and simply could not understand why they were not telling each other off for doing something that I simply abhored but instead, patted her on the back and said "great job done." I was ready to close out the web page and that is when I saw it, a link to a debate board. Although I can no longer remember which debate board I started in first, there were three or four of them that I was a constant at. I stayed in Ivillage for 5 years and debating all sorts of topics that revolved around choices parents make. I even went so far as to head three boards with wonderful ladies.

What suprised me is that I made friends. Some friendships that are still going strong today. A few of them even post comments here, which sends me into shock because I tend to go missing for a month at a time. Annie, Milli and TM have stood by me, argued with me...patted my back, celebrated the birth of my youngest and put me in my place whenever I needed it. Recently, Tinzer has joined the group of blog posters. She walked me through harrowing days when I cared for many and took the brave step of meeting me in real life, sharing a cocktail over a fish sandwich after I insisted a two men were getting in a fight. She and others in her profession were my rock for a few years along with the others who kept me (and still do) grounded and sane.

I found the world of blogging through TM and it started a new chapter in of my web life. I met wonderful people here, most of them I still read a few times a week. I am the quiet one in the corner...sometimes not knowing what to say but following along with their lives as they put fingers to keyboards. One of those bloggers made a post that brought me into another part of the web.

One year ago yesterday, I found another "home" called Secondlife. Within this home, I made a small group of friends that I hold dear to me, just like I hold dear my small group of IV friends and blogger friends. I met them all at one particular place (except one, whom I will call Bridget and we can blame the same blogger friend for yanking her into the world) that I tend to gravitate to for "real time" chat. Each of them stand out with something special they have brought into my life. It's a small group and we have gone through our trials and tribulations just like any other group, real world or web world. I could probably look at the calling cards in my inventory and see who I became friends with first, but I don't think that matters. What matters is that I am still friends with them. They have given me strength, laughter and tears. They have held me up and supported me, sometimes without even realizing it. They have taught me so much and for that I will always be grateful.

Yesterday was also a bit of a rough day for me, both on the web and in life. Towards the end of the day, a few things fell into sequence and attention was brought my way that tends to embarrass me. Through nobodies fault but my own, I managed to stop conversation, then watch as all of us scrambled to try and lighten the mood. For that, I apologize.

However, this morning upon logging into the world, I received a instant message from my friend Dylan to read his blog http://drickenbacker.wordpress.com/. I did and started to cry. I don't make friends easily and those I make, I hold dear and would do just about anything for. His tribute to me amazes me and shocks me that I am important in someone's life.

For all my in world friends.....Thank you:

Bridget: You make me smile, laugh and shake my head. Without you, adventures would be boring and weapons would still be an enigma. You deal with me at my worst and have never turned your back.

Josh: The brat who has become a big brother even if I am older.

Dylan: The one who figured it all out and made sure he worked his way in

Tyro: Making me laugh from the moment I met him and letting me rant, mumble and grumble when things appear slightly off.

Robin: For bringing her NY flavor into my world and making me do stuff that you always knew I could do and because she tells me the way it is and sets things straight in my head even when we are both confused.

Johan: For being purple and helping me out when I needed it.

Flu: Flirtatious and fun

Corkie: Poseballs and beds, talks and mer's. And making me come out of my shell a bit, putting myself on the line and entering all those crazy contests.

Reeko: For being there and having my back and offering to find me a girlfriend *laughs*

Sarah: For teaching me and taking the myth out of the prim. Patience and guidance even when you didn't realize you were guiding.

My RP friends: Demon Freak, Wolf, Prince and the Feral/Nice guy *coughs*....you've brighten my nights and taught me to become someone else.

I am sure there are some I forgot and I have thought twice about placing names. If I did forget you here, I have not forgotten you there. To *all* of my internet friends....I thank you...for being there, not giving up and sharing your lives with me!

Ooooh blech!

2007-08-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

I have the ultimate pleasure of taking PDQ clothes shopping today. Which is the equivalent of my own personal hell. The child is pick and the child is poky. The day will be spent waiting then waiting some more. I would much rather stick needles in my eye, dancing on hot coals naked while be stoned to death.

Then to make matters much worse, later this evening I am going to a jewelry party. 'Nuff said about that.

*wanders off to get some coffee while wishing the day away*

Hodge Podge

2007-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Originally, I thought we would have absolutely nothing planned this weekend. Boy was I ever wrong. Yesterday was relaxing, spent the day at home and then waved to the man and PDQ as they headed to the fair for the demolition derby. Put the youngest to bed and thought I would watch a movie. Unlucky me, the on-demand decided to break down last night. I ended up watching E!, Spring Break gone Wrong. I should have known better since I was already in a bit of a down mood. Nothing like listening to testimonials of how teens/early 20-somethings died during spring break or how eating disorders are formed because of it. There was one story that I clearly remember of a young man who crossed the border from San Padro (pedro?) Islands into Matamoras (matamorris?) mexico. He was kidnapped by a cult and had his brains removed so the cult would be smarter with their drug deliveries. This happened back in 1989. The year I graduated and had a brilliant plan of hitting Spring Break with a bunch of friends down in Florida. It was very rare for my father to knix my wonderful idea's, but that was one time he put his foot down on my traveling plans. I wasn't horribly upset as I had just landed a very fun job at a local newspaper for ad layout and I had understood his reasoning. Even back then, I could feel the parents pain and I had absolutely no intention of ever becoming a parent.

Where was I? Oh yeah...a weekend with no plans gone awry. Apparently today is a company picnic for the man's workplace. In the past, I have managed to avoid such things for the most part. Believe it or not, I am very shy when it comes to large gatherings of people I don't know all that well. I'm not super great at small talk and never learned the art of thinking before speaking. Anyway, we are going, which is good, I guess. I'll be more convinced once I get there and see a familiar face or two. The one lady that I used to work with will be there catering the event and it will be good to see her again. Even if she does run me out from the kitchen or behind the BBQ pit and sends me into the void others call "fun."

Voice has officially come to Second life. We know have the wonderful ability to actually speak to others from all over the world versus just chat with them. As of right now, in my small group of friends there are only a few of us who use the voice option. Two American's and one German (shout out to Robin and Dylan!). It has been rather amusing so far. It has been determined that I am indeed a female and sound either like a video game for Xbox/Playstation or should be in the escort business. I'm still not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not *wink*. Thanks to Robins urging, I did try my hand at reading something in a "oooh..aaahhh" way but just ended up laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes. So I guess that squashes the whole "escort" idea. I have also had the pleasure of learning a bit of the german language, thanks to T and Nevy. I went to a website that had a Pink video and copied down a few words that were being shown on the viewer, thinking they were what she was singing. I was a tad off at times and discovered some of the words were either "catch all" words or something all together different. The only complaint I have is that I could not hear either one of them laughing at me while I tried to pronounce them properly. And! I still think "ch" makes a person sound like they have a hairball caught in their throat. Granted, they claim I just can't pronounce it right. They are probably right *sighs*. T and Nevy also stated it wasn't too bad for my first try and then I swear I saw them type to each other that if I learn german, they are learning a new language. Probably so they can laugh at me in a whole new language (just a warning, I learned how to say hi in Japanese!) However, I'm thinking once they buy themselves some headsets with microphones (*cough* reeko *cough* T *cough* Nevy) that work properly and I hear how to pronounce the words, I might be ok. I am sure they seriously disagree and will be muting me eventually.

PDQ also wants to start a new business. "Weeds are Us" or something similar. I have plenty of weeds she can pull. But apparently, she wants to make money at it. Who knew?

Fair oh Fair...feed me they food!

2007-08-08T15:50:00.001-07:00

Off to the fair in a few minutes....

Corndogs with ketchup here I come!

Fudge...of the rocky road variety or possibly the peanut butter chocolate variety..oooh...choco-peanut butter variety! Mine...all mine!

Pizza...the best under the grandstand...see me drool!

Yes, I will feel sick tomorrow! Yes, the first person who asks me for fudge will get orbed! Yes, the first person who dares to even speak the word "corn dog" is gonna have some serious backlash issues.

This will not end well for me, I can feel it already!

recent conversation:

Mom: Ms. Rb, please pick up your toys or I will throw them away!

Ms. RB: You can, I don't want them anyway

Mom: Good, then you won't mind me keeping them forever on top of the fridge where all you can do is stare at them!

Ms. RB: Fine! *starts to pick up her toys*

Did I ever mention that I *heart* being a mom?

America's Got Talent!

2007-08-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah..no shit...I was suprised too. Granted, the show is only half way over (what is with all those commercials anyway?), but I was still a tad shocked. I normally don't watch TV at night and saw a clip about a group of woman called the Glamazon's from NYC. These women are probably not the best singers that ever hit cabaret (yeah..cause Madonna, the number one rock queen of all time, sings just great *end sarcasm*) but man can they move. Certainly helped that they sang "It's raining men" and slapped around a few fine specimens of the male persuasion.

Ok...ok...I fess up! Part of the reason I watched the show is because The Hoff was a judge. He's still hot! Lucky for me, I never saw the Baywatch episode of him in a speedo (and yes Milli...I clearly remember that particular debate..might be his right but dang!) however, I clearly remember Knight Rider and man...did he ride a car well! Sharon Osbourne is also a judge and it's always fun to listen to her.

Recent real life conversation:

(after viewing a texting commercial)

PDQ: "Mom, can I show you what I want for texting"

Mom: "No, but you can go to bed like I told you to and show it to me in the morning."

PDQ: "But I'll forget by then!"

Mom: "Nice..cause you won't be getting text anyway."

PDQ: stomp up the stairs

I *heart* being mom!

2007-08-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

I hate migraines. There I said it..no love embracing the pain for me.

I haven't had one in a long while and BAM yesterday I was hit with a doozy. I knew it was coming on Saturday afternoon...so the shock "where the hell did this come from" really wasn't there.

Sunday I spend the better half of the day (read: almost all day) curled up in a fetal position in bed with icy hot on my neck and medicine in me. For extra measure, I also heated up my herbal sinus pack (made of who-knows-what and yet, stinks like you would believe) and had that on my face most of the day as well. That was sorta two-fold...the light (ooh please for the love of all things sunny kill the light!) hurts the head as much as noise does and just in case it was actually sinus issues creating the headache.

I'm still suffering some left-over residual from it. If my memory serves me correctly, I should be right as rain come tomorrow. I can back in the sun and basically carry on as if nothing ever rendered me a useless piece of bones.

I did manage to get a few things done today, which I am grateful for.

I also managed to post a few camper pictures a bit below. I had a picture of me on there but I had to take it off. I'm not super vain, but when you click on the picture, it shows me frowning and not all that happy. So off it went and someday I'll like a picture enough of myself to slap another up.

Fair is this week...I get fudge and candy and all sorts of goodies. The pizza is to die for and it's one of the few times I eat a corn dog. Now that my migraine is just about over...I'll be get the joy of experiancing stomach pains brought on by excessive eating of fair food. The experience that brings that on will be highly enjoyed.

Just a few camper stuffed pictures

2007-08-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

our campsite from on top of a roller coaster (no...I wasn't up there, I know better! The man took it) We are the second block over...yeah there! *points*

Where are the stuff goes (that couch slides out so we can fit more stuff in!)

Our Camper....you know..the thing I stuff with stuff?

For the record, I know have a coffee pot that I no longer need to haul between the house and the camper when we head out....YAY me *claps hands* one less thing to stuff!

Pizza...hurry!

2007-08-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

The theory goes that the faster the kid eats the pizza the faster I get a nap.

Hey, I said it was a theory....

*puts on her mom-stern face and heads in to boot the kid of the couch mumbling "she can eat her pizza any old place, I can only rest on the couch!"

No Transfer! No Way!

2007-08-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Most know that I play an on-line game called SecondLife...quick run-down for those not familiar..it's a "game" sorta like a virtual chat box that allows you dress your doll up (avatar) in any way, shape or form that you desire and interact with people in real time. I use the word "game" lightly because there are many who have forged relationships, sought help or used it as outlets that the real world simply would not accept or they cannot and saying "game" any other way but lightly is a disservice to the those who are in world. Plus, you can make real money in world if you work hard enough or have the right product.

Personally, I use it so I can actually "speak" (as in chat) with other adults and play dress up. Like Message Boards or blogs, it's a great way to make friends and meet people from around the world. My in -world personality is a bit vain, just about always gutter-minded and can range anywhere from sophesticated in a ball gown to goth with glowing red eyes. In other words, it's barbie's world and I use it to the fullest advantage. (yeah yeah..other then vain..pretty much me in the real world..vain takes way too much effort!)

Now, in order to keep my barbie happy, I buy her clothes. Lot's and lot's of clothes. She also gets new hairstyles often as well as a few pairs of shoes. I might buy something today and hate it tomorrow or I might keep it for eternity. Depends on how much I like it. I go shopping at least once a week (something I abhor in the real world..click buy and click wear is sssoo much easier the trying crap on and looking at yourself in the mirror) and change clothes often throughout the day, depending on my mood.

In order to help with these shopping spree's I have started a yard sale of my own. I sell anything and everything that I have bought and no longer like or need. Sometimes the outfits move fast and other times, they sit for awhile. Once a few items are bought, I get to go shopping again. I rarely make the money I spent. Two reasons really...I never remember what I bought a particular item for and I generally will keep outfits at the yard sale below 165L so others will buy them and have a chance to enjoy them too. If I sell any higher, it's not really a yard sale and people won't buy. I'm able to do all this because many clothes designers happen to make their outfits transferable to another person.

A new trend I am starting to see with the top designers is a no-transfer policy. So once you buy it, your stuck with it. Sure, you can trash it out and watch it go to waste. You can let it sit in your inventory and take up space. But that's it. You can't re-sell it or give it away. There are a few designers (Blaze I believe is one of them) that still carries the policy "it's your clothes, do what you want with it" and for that I am appreciative. I think the theory goes that if they are non-transferable, they will get more sales and people will not be under-cutting them at yardsales. I also shop yard sales and "second hand stores" as well as designer stores. There have been times that I got an outfit that I absolutely adored, searched out the designer and went to buy more direct from them. I have also occasionally bought a duplicate item and it was nice option to either give it away or sell it.

It's going to be interesting to see if that is true. I, for one...will not be buying non-transferable outfits unless I *really* (and I do mean really) like them. I know I am not the only one who will stop shopping at these designer locations unless I see something I really like. Not because I don't want them to make money...but because I don't want to be stuck with someone I hate later on down the road that someone else might truely appreciate. And also because if I can't sell the item later...then I can't come back to shop later either.

2007-08-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Apparently when my house is clean, I feel better and am in a better mood. Something I have always known and was confirmed this past year during the remodel...but I forgot. I took a little leave from cleaning that lasted too long. Last week, it took me two days to pull it all back together the way I like it. I'm like a new person this week and keeping it maintained.

The pool is also clean and being used again. Granted, the past few weeks, it rained alot and without a solar cover, it was a bit nippy in there. This week it's in the 90's...so swimming is the key highlight of our long lazy summer filled days.

PDQ is desperately trying to persuade us to give her money. In her mission, she has discovered the art of cleaning things up. I had to ask her three times what she said when she offered to clean up dog poo from the backyard. Something she would normally throw an Oscar Nomination worthy tantrum over. How much are Ipods anyway?

Ms. RB has learned the craft of standing at the top of the stairs and screaming at us when she doesn't get her way. When PDQ used to do that, we thought something was wrong...we failed as parents or she was just a total brat of a child. Ms. RB does it and we try hard not to laugh knowing it's just age appropriate crap that will eventually pass. I swear kids have a ticker in the head and when they hit certain ages....they automatically do certain things. As parents, it drives us nuts. But we have learned the art of not giving in. So it's all good. I have them both pretty much to the point (on a good day anyway) where all I have to do is say "one" and they move their little behinds to where they have to go. Not a bad accomplishment taking into consideration that I'm not the worlds best parent and have limited patience.

Hate Crime protection and people are upset?

2007-07-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

I was reading Wadicals Blog (in blog roll) and haven't posted my thoughts on a certain blog he did because it made me think and my thinking isn't organized enough to make sense :)

Anyway, someone posted a link to a new bill that is trying to be passed (or has been passed?) which has some groups up in arms.

It's a hate crime bill...that some are afraid will take away free speech. This is where I am confused...see I read the bill a few times over and I don't see anything that reads "you cannot speak freely" but I do see stuff that says "you cannot kill or cause bodily injury based on hate towards anyone because of race, color, religion OR sexual orientation, etc. Now, I know it's sexual orientation that has a few up in arms due to the article....but overall I am still confused why anyone would think it's acceptable to kill another person simply because you hate what they represent.

Anyway....here is the link that was left on his blog and here is the link to the bill..maybe someone can clear some of it up for me..I might be reading it wrong or not really understanding what the bill is all about:

the article:

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200707/POL20070711a.html

The Bill being proposed:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:S.1105:

Lazy is as Lazy Does

2007-07-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Oh hey..it's still here...shocking since I haven't even checked posts in a long time. I keep telling myself I must write, I must put something here and yet...I fail miserably.

Lot's of stuff runs through my head late at night while I am getting ready to fall asleep, but getting up to actually walk to the computer and write it all out seems like such a chore. I have enough chores, blogging should not be one of them.

So am I back? Dunno...I guess only time will tell.

Anyway....we are now the proud owners of a travel trailer (pictures to follow as soon as I get batteries for my camera and can upload them). We have been out camping three times and I have serious mixed feelings about it. It seems like no matter what type of vacation you take, you always need some sort of vacation when you come back. There is the initial shopping, packing and making sure everything you need is stored away and ready to go (the man and I have shared a toothbrush the past three times...go figure). Then when you get to your destination, there is yanking a few things out, setting up making the area a bit cozy. We don't have a ton of stuff like other seasoned trailer campers do and honestly? I don't want a ton of stuff...the more stuff you have, the more stuff you put out and eventually......the more stuff you have to put away again. Which brings me to the end of the camping trip (skip the whole "mom can you get..." and "mom where is..." and "honey can you grab..." middle portion of the trip) where you have to pack everything up, bring it home and clean whatever was used or needs cleaning. I'm really not seeing how this is working out in my favor.

I have to work hard at convincing the man he does not want to put things like bicycles into the camper because it has carpet and he is not the one who has to clean it. Although he does try to convince he will help. I roll my eyes and stare at him as he places the bikes into the back of the truck. This past weekend we packed up while it was raining. He tried to explain that coolers really should be in the camper. I found the largest mud puddle I could that was right next to him and jumped in it. I think he got my point as he also put them into the back of the truck.

We have learned one thing though. Our second camping trip with the trailer and Ms. RB thinks she is old enough to walk away and go to a sand park on her own. Without telling anyone. She's such a brave little soul with no patience to wait until we can actually take her (you know..like once we have the trailer leveled, opened and ready for business) I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later and imagine the shock on her darling little face as yours truely alternates between hugging her and yelling at her for pulling such a stunt. I have to say, she hasn't tried to sneak away since then.

PDQ enjoys camping much more then me. She has become a professional frog catcher, she is well versed in walking the dog and learning how to fish. We have come to the conclusion that camping life is much easier when she has a friend to bum around with though. It's my mission to make sure this happens as much as humanly possible. Gives me peace from the "I'm bored" moments and let's her enjoy camping as well. All for making everyone happy...oh yes I am.

The man? Well of course he loves the whole camping thing. He gets to play with levels, crank jacks...pull the monster behind the truck. Use a chainsaw to cut up wood and all other sorts of oddities that involve being a man that watched Tim-The-Tool-Man-Taylor as a kid. I really do hear him mimic the "ar ar ar" on occasion as he pulls out his nifty new awning spikes that hold the thing down during strong winds.

That's been my life the past couple of weeks. Packing stuff up, unpacking stuff...packing it back up and then unpacking some of it to clean it.

Total side note, but I mowed the lawn the other day too, much to my husbands dismay. Apparently, I forgot to mow the side and back yard. I had to explain to him that I didn't forget...I just mowed the front, the part I see. Then I proceeded to threaten him with using the weed wacker. Lucky for him, it rained most of last week, which thwarted the whole evil plan to totally ruin the yard with my weed wacking expertise.

This weekend after we got home from camping and unpacked *big sigh* the lawn took a total transformation under his mowing and weed wacking skills.

life in general and HUH?

2007-06-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

Well, aren't this just something.....I think...could be wrong..but dare I say it? TM has actually challenged me to be a bigger slacker then her? As in...like...an aspiration to out-do her? Although I have some strong doubts such a thing could ever happen in any way, shape or form...and that includes slackdom....I may just try. You know..for old times sakes.

On the other hand...since Reeko claims to need me here...for amusement purposes only, I might stick around. But I swear, the man starts to pull the trailer out of my yard with the truck, I am so going with it!

In all honesty, my once a week and I think right now....twice a week posting is Siskers fault. She took away my two week vacation.

UPDATE:

Pool is now a new shade of green. Not that murky swamp water, breed some mosquitoes green..but a lovely shade of baby poo green. Which means, it's clearing up. Which means, I might be swimming in that pool by next week. Which means (over use of the words...which means), happy mom.

PDQ's dance recital is tomorrow. The kid is growing up and I still think she can dance. Maybe not one of the best dancers (although my mother eyes will of course deceive you totally and tell you she is on the way to Dancing with the Stars...if she could just get over the whole "walk into a wall" syndrome she suffers from) but a pretty good dancer. This year is even more exciting, her cousin is dancing right next to her. This particular cousin also has some great stage presence, so watching them both, right next to each other, for the first time ever..should be great fun.

REAL LIFE CONVERSATION WITH MS. RB and PDQ:

mom: If you two do not stop arguing right this minute, you are both going to be very bored this summer spending lot's of time in your room!

*looks at PDQ* Do you understand me? *PDQ nods her head*

*looks at Ms. RB* Do you understand me? *silence...then...* But mom, I am already bored!

Where does this kid get this stuff? *shakes head and walks away mumbling*

Peeks in real quick

2007-05-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Ok well....other then Siskers threatening to kill me (and honestly..who in their right mind wants to mess with her? Been there, done that..have the marks to prove it).....I have no real reason for not posting. Other then lot's of cleaning.

And no, you cannot have pictures because although the paint is on the walls and I am sleeping in the room (as is my husband if you must know)....the room is far from being done. Trim work, shelves, entertainment center to hold that large honking TV he insists we need, etc..all needs to be done.

On a lighter note, my pool is still green..it's only 90some degrees out....I'm not complaining mind you. I will complain come next week when school is out...but for now..I'm ok with it. For now.

This time of year is a bit nuts for me....summer vacation starts next week for us and since I am not working, lot's is being planned. This will be the first "real" year I can take the girls fun places during the day on whim. I'll be earning a few extra bucks a week occasionally watching a friends two girls and they are old enough to go with us. All in all, I am really looking forward to it.

Sleeping in....enjoying the pool..mowing the lawn on occasion to annoy the husband...camping with family and friends....it's all good.

Be back in two weeks..since Siskers told me she didn't want to wait three *laughs*

Clap your hands and stomp your feet

2007-05-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

and let me hear a big ol'

WAHOOOOOOO!!!

The first coat is one, the second coat in an hour or so....

Then the bed gets moved in....

Providing amusement

2007-05-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the porch, minding my own business and along comes a wood boring bee, happily buzzing about.

I start to get a little nervous as I watch it for a bit, knowing full well these things are dive bombers as much as they are wood boring.

Sure enough, the darn thing takes a dive at my head, I jump up, duck and swat it away.

What do I hear from across the way? My neighbor and an old friend laughing at me while they sip their coffee.

I'm gonna toilet paper his house while he is at work.

Back, but not really

2007-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

I'm back after another unexplained break other then pure laziness upon returning from vacation.

Along with a foul mouthed-pissed off at the world roller coaster of emotions that has me either wanting to shake the shit out of someone until they scream for mercy or tell them to f*ck off until they leave.

And no, that's not directed to my family. So there!

Peace out until my roller coaster ride comes to a halt....

Drum Roll please.....

2007-04-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Where are we going?

Virginia Beach....

Why are we going?

Normal people say "to spend time with my family on vacation" but as you all know I am so far from normal it's more amusing to say "to spend insane amounts of time with my family which will require a hair transplant by the first hour in the car. Add in a family wedding, which means even more family and someone better remember to pack the straight jacket."

When are we going?

Tuesday

Why are you sitting at the computer then when there is so much to get done?

Well DUH, cause I am a procrastinator!

When will you bother getting off your lazy ass and doing something remotely centered around vacation?

Hey! I'll have you know the family and I piled into the caravan and headed out to 4 stores today. So what if all that we needed could have been found at the first store! We like to torture ourselves, shop around a bit and then return to that first store and get the product we should have bought there in the first place.

When will you buy the white shoes that your oldest needs for the wedding?

Do you people have any idea how hard it is to find white shoes the day before Easter? No...well then stop asking! I'll get them when I get them and I have it on good authority that there is at least 16 Walmarts within a 50 mile radius of the wedding. So even if I, errr....can't find them (or forget again), I still have hope. At least I have the dress, right?

And stop freaking glaring at me people! I'll get it all done, I promise and if I don't...there are 16 Walmarts with 16,000 people in them just itching to meet me!

vacation

2007-04-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna need a vacation to get away from getting ready to go on vacation and then another vacation I'm sure...just to get over going on vacation!

And why in the world did that silly hotel keep telling me I was booking three rooms! I only wanted one room. Not that hard....honest!

2007-03-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

I have a bit of time to kill, so I figured I would blog about a whole lot of random nothingness.

The girls are both in their rooms finally. During the move, we discovered that PDQ is a true pack rat, just like her grandfather. We had a very in-depth discussion about how every little piece of scrap paper does not need to be horded. I packed them all up and plopped it in her new room with instructions to have it cleaned out by the weekend or I go in with a garbage back and take care of it for her. The basket is still sitting there even though she has basically been living out of that room for the past few days.

The youngest was super excited since her room was done first. Being the youngest, I guess being first is pretty darn important. She laughed, she giggled, she jumped on her bed, she got yelled at and looked properly chastised until we exited the room and could hear her jumping again with glee.

Our room should be done in the next couple of weeks (read: end of May). We have to re-do a few walls where the taping job fell apart. It needs some paint, trim and a rug. Then our bed. Eventually, we will get there. I'm sure of it and don't tell me otherwise because it's already been over a year.

I'm off to get my hair cut and colored. I'm thinking dark brown and let the sun pull out the natural red highlights. Sadly, the sun will also grab a few blond strands as well. I'll get over it.

Really!

2007-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Husband:

1. Your not practicing.

2. I don't even believe.

3. Not my fault you forgot to tell me that your supposed to refrain from eating meat on Friday during this time of year.

4. If you go to hell for eating a roast, explain that it was your wifes fault and point to me in the corner. He'll just nod with understanding and send you on your way.

Signed,

Your Wife

Bridal Luncheon?

2007-03-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is turning into a rather upscale wedding. My newest adventure is a bridal luncheon. Not a bridal shower, but a luncheon.

What does one do at a bridal luncheon besides eat? Do they bring gifts? Does the bride really have time for this? Why the day before and other then PDQ being in the wedding, do I have to go? Ok, the have to go part would be a yes, and I will enjoy myself.

But the rest is all up for grabs.

Sssssooooo...anyone been to a bridal luncheon before that may be able to clue me in?

Thanks bunches!

Stuff that annoys me

2007-03-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, one thing really and it drives me insane (pet peeve?) and I do it as well, so I guess that means I drive myself insane would be:

(drum roll please)

People who use their age as advantage to appear all smart and talk down to those who are younger. Perfect example "Oh, you won't feel that way when your my age" Ok, like that's gonna get you anywhere. My first thought was always "I'm not you and your not me, so how the hell do you know how I will feel at that age?" Note to self: Try to not say that to anyone else...*self nods*

The biggie and this one always puts my spine up a bit "that won't work when they are older" when discussing children, and the bright beautiful plans that you have to manipulate and mold them into good citizens of the world. If there was one thing that I learned on parenting debate boards was that there was no "right" way to raise kids. So many factors goes into parenting that there really shouldn't even be two parents who are "parenting" identical. Parents and their childrens personality, how the parent was raised along with their surroundings and so many other things that would take me forever to list,

Just to make it easy this is what it boils down to:

If I want to stick my kid in goatcheese school because they flunked out of basket-weaving class to teach them a lesson and that very idea failed in your household, I don't want to hear about it. That's right. I don't. So keep it to yourself. Why you ask? Well that one is easy:

Your not me, I'm not you. Your kids are not mine and mine are not yours.

Is that to say myself and other like minded people (who I know are out there somewhere!) never want opinions or ideas? Of course not, don't be silly. What we don't want is a pessimistic attitude based on your own personal home and the going-ons that create it's dynamics. Don't down me and mine because we are trying something that may not have worked for you. In flip, if you catch me doing it, call me on it (queen of offering advice when it's not asked for and working on that little personality flaw) and tell me to back off as well.

I think I'm a bit cranky.....

Rough Weekend

2007-03-20T02:29:00.000-07:00

For the first time in over a year, I had to send my oldest to her room. For a long time. Right, maybe I didn't have too, but I certaintly didn't like the other option, which was string her from her toes outside with her head dangling in the snow.

She's usually a pretty good kid. Bit sarcastic, a few witty comebacks and the occasional grumpiness. Not this weekend. Oh no. This weekend she had to add in a whole lot of bossiness, a bit of defiance along with some dirty looks. Apparently, she decided this was gonna be her weekend to drive her parents completely insane with arguements, in depth discussions about why she shouldn't have to do anything as well as the need to boss her little sister around in ways never discovered before.

By Sunday, I had enough and sent her cute little self up to the bedroom to sulk, whine, cry and basically let the world know what a mean mom I was. I blame it on the being home from school Friday due to an over abundant amount of snow that dropped on our fair lands. She's not a cold person (apple, tree) and it makes me yearn even more then usual for warm weather. Granted, warm weather will bring summer, which will bring her home all day. However, during that warm weather, we will be in the pool or outside playing. So her crankiness level will fall drastically on the scale.

On a lighter note, the youngest decided to tell us that she could not move into her new room. Apparently, it is too small and she fears her bed won't fit and still leave room for her. Granted, once we explained to her that the closet was not her room, all was good. She missed the entire other half of her room and figured we were going to make her sleep in the new closet.

Kids.

TM's right as usual, just don't tell her m'kay?

2007-03-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

A little bit of writers block really shouldn't stop me from plugging useless nonsense on a blog that I own. Ok, well...I don't really own it per say. I just get the pleasure of mucking it up with all my crap. Blogger technically owns it and I am sure Google has a stake in here somewhere.

Anyway, I already failed my 5 step "end writers block program" that I made up to get P off my back two nights ago and eagerly gloated to Reeko about. I skipped yesterday, which was the most pivotal point of the whole program.

Step one was stop staring at an empty page with the shakes. Step two was simply posting random stuff the next day. I skipped over the whole step 2 and went straight to step 3...explaining steps 1-3.

Basically in a nutshell....I even manage to screw up a simple 5 step program. How's that for random useless information that will now be forever stuck in your head?

Taking a deep breath

2007-03-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Walking into the blog and poking around to see who is still alive. Apparently, most everybody.

Everything is great, except the raging headache I currently have..but that's just temporarily.

Sorry I haven't visited anyone or checked in, serious writers block going on to the point where I cannot make a mundane task like brushing my teeth sound fun and interesting.

I'll be back and will make rounds to wave hello once I have something fun and exciting to offer up.

Harumph!

2007-02-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Apparently in order to post to blogger, I had to upgrade and do the google. I didn't want to do the google and feel so pressured because I didn't way to loose my blog either. I fought hard for this damn thing and gosh gilly darnit, I'm keeping it!

Now what was I going to blog about? Oh yeah, now I remember:

Last night I stole the covers. Not a big deal you say? You don't know my husband. Ok..so well..maybe I helped the whole situation along a big. See, I don't remember stealing the covers but I outright admitted that I wasn't sorry for stealing the covers. Of course, this was after the man cornered me, pegged me down and made me admit that I wasn't sorry.

He's threatening to cocoon himself tonight. I'm not seeing how this will work out well for me. His cocooning, means I get no covers. Nada, Zilch, none. I'm stuck freezing because try as I may, he becomes a un-movable rock that will not budge no matter how hard I push.

I threatened to retreat to the girls rooms but they told me that I'm not welcome. They mumbled something about me being a cover thief.

Lies, all lies!

2007-01-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Totally annoys me that I do not get the typical "I'm getting sick" warnings. I don't get tired directly before hand, no "I really don't feel well" and only the occasional "I think my throat hurts, but I am not sure."

I'm sick. Last night around 11pm all the energy whooshed out of me. I classify it as odd because I was working SL and am normally wide awake and full of energy while I am there. Not last night though, I almost fell asleep at the computer. I instant messaged my boss, closed out and went to bed. Crashed out and woke up this morning to a stuffed nose, watery eyes and a bit of a sore throat. I'm sick.

Which does explain the pathetic post about my husband and our anniversary from below. Maybe that was my warning? The house was busy last night while I was trying to write it out, naturally I blamed the house. Maybe it was because I was getting sick and didn't realize it. Either way, I did not do him justice and will eventually re-write that. Most likely next year when our anniversary rolls around again.

I procrastinate bunches.

Happy 10 Year to Me and You

2007-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

This is my second go around with trying to figure out how to write something about my husband, our ten year anniversary and exactly what he means to me. I have discovered that words just do not fit what I feel for him. I love him. He knows what no others ever will and he guards it closely. He accepts me as I am and never asked me to change, just slightly alter a bit. He takes what I can offer and allows for what I cannot and he loves me back.

Ours is not a unique story, many have lived it. We met in high school and he hated my guts (ok, maybe that's unique). He thought I was the biggest bitch around because of some of the friends I had and due to the small fact that I kept confusing him with his cousin. We would pass each other in the hallway with barely a nod in each others direction. I couldn't keep him straight and he just didn't like me. There were times that I would meet an ex-girlfriend of his in the bathroom, share a smoke and stories about horrible our boyfriends were. He tried to cheat off of me via a friend and got busted for it, which further confirmed how horrible I really was (not my fault he sucked in English and I didn't!).

Our senior year started and we landed in another English class together with him right behind me. We were the reject English class (in hindsight, I really should have applied myself a bit more, but then this story would not exist and another would take it's place). We got to know each other slowly with resulted in me occasionally tieing his shoe laces together while he slept and then blame another mutual friend for the misdeed as he tripped his way out of class.

At prom, he went with his date and I went with mine. We stood in line for our pictures to be taken totally ignoring the dates while making smart comments back and forth about our chosen attire. He would give me a lift on occasion to my job and loan me money when I blew my lunch dollar on two packs of m&m's under the guise they were to help me quit smoking. He got in trouble with the rest of us for parking our cars wrong and realized that the reason I couldn't remember his name wasn't so much because I was a bitch, but for other reasons which were dependent on where I parked in the morning.

Graduation came and we did the obligatory congratulations and headed our seperate ways that landed us both at the local hang out at the same time. I flew into his arms and gave him a big hug and asked him if he was going to a party later that night. He confirmed that he was and we seperated once again. He never showed to the party due to circumstance beyond his control but we met up again on and off throughout the summer.

I found myself falling in love with him and refused to accept it. After talking it over with two of my best girlfriends, it was decided that dating him would be a requirement. That we could no longer remain friends and I just had to say yes and head to the county fair with him. It was a hard decision for me because I always had a strict rule of never dating friends. Period. Exclamation mark. He promptly managed to change my mind (something he is still able to do when no one else can).

He had a friend with him and after we were done at the fair, they took me home. He had a old (new then, old now) blue truck and I had to sit in the middle on the console during the ride home. We turned into my driveway and he parked the truck and the three of us just sat there for a moment with no one moving. I asked who was going to let me out, which resulted in him promptly opening his door and I followed. He took me up the walkway a bit and before I knew it, he kissed me and immediately left. I turned around and ran smack into a tree.

That was almost 18 years ago. I have been his ever since.

I love him.

2007-01-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hope made mention of the following in my comments the other day and I sorta feel the need to return the favor:

"Sorry to inform you misty, but sizes are being made larger these days to soothe our egos.
I also heard that Second Life uses as much or more energy to play ( with storage, operating systems and such, than it actually does to live a REAL life.
Not a lot of nice comments from me tonight, perhaps i should tuck my bitchy self into bed."

First and foremost, let's address that SL comment! I'll have you know Hope that I actually went out last night and danced. And I managed to belt out a tune or two (much to the horror of eardrums everywhere) via a karaoke machine. Not sure which fool stuck the microphone in my face while it was turned on, but I did a smashing rendition of 4 non-blondes "What's Up!" So ppphhhllllltttttt to you! At this point I should probably mention that I am bone tired today and not thinking very clearly either.

Now onto the second comment: HEY....don't burst my bubble on pants sizes.

For the third comment: Not bitchy, just ummm...maybe a bit cranky? Let me dig into my profile, yank out a tag and place it over your head. It says "Cranky and Bratty" and I think you'll like it. Wait..I'm confusing SL and RL again huh?

Feel better mood soon! smooches!

2007-01-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well doesn't that just blow a whole bunch of wet willies into someone's ear! Second life is down so now I have no choice but to be productive for a few hours. Minus the nap of course. That was is a given.

Laundry: check

Dishes: check

Drive the kids borderline crazy: check but could use another one

According to PDQ, I do not get enough exercise in my life. She claims that walking from the computer to the coffee maker a dozen times in the morning is not exercise. She claims that running up the stairs two or three times a week is not exercise. She even insists that cheering with the team two hours a week doesn't constitute exercise. Well, let me tell PDQ something...for someone who does not get enough exercise, I have managed to drop all but 10 pounds of my 'pregnant with Ms. RB" weight. Granted, it took me four years, but still. It's almost all gone and lots of it was this past year (or is that last year? What is the proper protocol for that anyway?)

When I informed her royal highness of my most extra-ordinary of accomplishment of losing weight, her comment was simple and resulted in a towel being tossed at her "No clue how you did that mom, you never move!"

For the record, she is partially right. As most know, I totally despise cold weather. As in, absolutely and positively hate it. When cold weather rolls in, I roll up into a little ball under a whole bunch of covers and it takes a lot of begging, pleading and bribing to get me to even stick my little nose out to check and see if it is still cold. I moan and I complain and I moan some more (cause we all know how much good that does!). I eventually come out, do whatever it is has to be done and promptly curl myself back up under whatever bundles of warmth I can find. In other words, I don't move much in the winter. Which is one of the reasons I did take on this cheer gig, it requires me to move for two months every weekend. Otherwise, movement of me would be even more minimal.

The partially wrong on her behalf part is in the summer. I am constantly outside sitting in the sun and it doesn't take me much to get out there. My wonderfully fantastic husband managed to score us an above ground pool (which I call the garbage can with a liner) so I move in there a bit too. I garden on occasion if I remember (how I forget is beyond me, the garden is right at my front door) and I even mow the lawn and go for walks on occasion. Way more active when there is sun, warmth and minimal clothing required.

Where am I going with us? I really don't know anymore. Other then I am now officially in a size 8 pants. Which is rather odd considering in high school, I was also in a size 8 pants but I weighed in at a whopping 105 back then. Not sure how I can be size 8 now and a size 8 then but common sense (which I lack on occasion) tells me that I should not be questioning this phenomenon and I should just go with it.

So there you have it, a whole lot more of nothing to pass your time away. Now pardon me while I go check the status of SL and see if they finally pulled it together and opened up the grid. Doubtful, but I have hope. Not that I am complaining or anything, I did get a few things done today and I went up those stairs three (count em! 1.2.3) times! Go me!

2007-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

I don't want to upgrade to the new blogger via Google and I certainly do not want a Google account, so stop bloody asking me! Please and thank you.

It's been yet another long weekend in Misty Land. Not going into much detail, but I completely despise it when people tell the kids they are going to do something and then never follow through. I can easily explain idiot people syndrome to PDQ, but Ms. RB has a harder time with it.

On a lighter note, I am of the stay at home variety now versus the previous work at home. The boss needed someone in office full time and I was not ready to leave Ms. RB in a daycare for the full week. There are no openings even I was ready, which I am not. She might drive me crazy some days, but since she is my last, I'll keep her a bit longer.

I also realized last night that PDQ is growing up. She might be only 10 years old, but dang...she is growing up! Smarter, more mature and always eager to be off with her friends doing her thing. Wanting more and more responsibility and enjoying every minute of it. She's the one who insists she is going to live with me forever, but she's also the one who will fly the coop as soon as she possibly can. She's a free spirit, albeit a bit of a dramatic free spirit. The next few years will be interesting, that is for sure.

The rooms are inching closer to being done but now we have decided to sand the floor before I can primer the walls. Lucky for me, that will only take one weekend and the walls another weekend. The build the beds and move the darlings over. At which time we can complete our room and get the hell out of the dining room. Which means maybe by March, when we first started this whole "remodel the upstairs closet" escapade. Just in time for April when we rip apart the bathroom up there. Good times ahead!

It's all good though because I keep saying to myself once the upstairs is done, we can work on the downstairs. Then I can get new living room furniture. It's a goal at least!

2007-01-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Takes me awhile sometimes, but I do eventually get my way.

'nuff said

2007-01-07T04:11:00.000-08:00

CLICK

Fastforward the weekend

CLICK

Monday

"Thankyou"

2007-01-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

Allow me to take a brief (or not) moment out of your day and subject you to a bit of whining-woe-is-me-ala-Misty.

Ya'll, I'm tired! Last night, I worked the Gin Rummy in SL until midnight which normally does not cause me any problems the following day but I also woke up around 2am this morning with some strong stomach pains. That meant laying awake for over two hours listening to my husband snore. Which results in me being very, very tired.

It sucks. Really! I am supposed to be going to a store right now but driving while tired for me as about, if not more, dangerous then driving while drunk. I get in the car, I start to drive and some how, but the grace of whatever higher being happens to get the ever-so-lucky pleasure of watching out for me, I get to my destination. Then I sit and wonder how I got there, because as hard as I try, I cannot remember actually taking myself there. Of course, I also run into a bit of memory problems as to why I am even there to begin with. It's just much safer to wait for the man.

Maybe I can take a nap before he gets here? I doubt it though, when I know I am going to be woken up, I can never fall asleep. I also have practice later tonight and that means I have to miss my daughters chorus concert. I'm not overly upset about that since her father will be there and I have been to every single concert she has ever been in. I know the drill well; they sing, we clap, they sing some more, we clap. One kid always fidgets and we laugh, then we clap. They bow, we clap some more and it's over. But still.

I enjoy watching PDQ on stage just as any other parent does. Sometimes she shines and other times she doesn't. Her first dance recital this year is a prime example of not shining so much and yet, still fun to watch. The kid was the only one on stage with bright white socks (bleach, I'm good like that) to help her stand out from the rest. Not sure if that was on purpose or not, guess it doesn't matter. Her class had a hard time pulling it together, so the white socks certaintly didn't help.

I'm supposed to work Gin Rummy tonight as well. Dani, if you have happen to wander through here and don't see me at work, you'll know I crash landed on the couch after practice and promptly passed out while I was trying to watch Ghost Whisperer (that's still on right?).

2007-01-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Recent Conversation with PDQ:

PDQ: "Mom, can we go to the movies this weekend?"

Me: "No, we have plans remember?"

PDQ: "But mom!" said in whiny voice "I just want to spend some quality time with you!"

Me: raises an eyebrow and looks at PDQ

PDW: bursts out laughing, shrugs and walks away

(anyone want a kid?)

2007-01-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

First, I want to give a huge shout out to a fellow blogger that I have 'known' for almost a year now and welcome her into the crazy and chaotic world of Second Life. She will remain anonymous until such time she wants others to know. I am very happy your there and feel many adventures ahead!

Now onto something more amusing! But hold that thought a minute, my dog needs to be let out--ok, I'm back now and forgot what I was going to blog about. Something that always happens when I am interupted while trying to complete a post.

Maybe it will come back to me if I sit here patiently for a minute (clock ticks by the minutes). Nope. Nothing. Let me see if I can think of anything exciting that has happened recently (looks at fingernails and realizes I haven't painted them in a very long time). Not really.

Apparenlty my life is so mundane right now, I need to blog about absolutely nothing. I really should be celebrating this fact. No bats or snakes to battle. The kids basically behaving, the husband working on the rooms and they are almost done. The dog barking to be let in. Speaking of which, I'll be right back!

Back again. Oh dear, I think I am getting SL and blogging confused! I shouldn't be telling you that I'll be right back. You don't care, your reading a blog for goodness sake! That sort of stuff is saved for chat rooms and well, ummm...where was I again?

(I think I need sleep)

2007-01-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

Starting the New Year off right, this is a photo of my husband and I at the Yacht wedding that took an entire board of friends to help find a suitable outfit.

I have been promising some photo's of a bat for a very long time to Milli, so here it is! The picture goes with the Bat Removal Story located in August

Have a Wondeful and Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

This is what I did on New Years, how about you?

I also have to give a huge shout out to P, as he was the one who ended up dealing with our slurred words and chaotic manner via IM while he was attempting to good deeds!

I vaguely remember him mentioning blackmail?

(I'm in Blue and my friend Bridget is in Black)

2006-12-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

Stealing an idea from Mysti who stole the idea from Hope! The idea was to take the first sentance from the first post of each month and list it to see if it fits the past year and your tiny little space in it. I thought it was a marvelous idea, so I did what any good blogger does, steals it.

I started blogging February this year after a bit of confusion as to where to locate a good blogging spot. I was active at the time with a board of friends and hollared out to fellow friend and blogger, TM to help guide and direct me. This was one of her offerings. So here I landed. Per-using the (cannot remember the proper name) place where the listed updated blogs, I found Lord of the Idiots Humor Blog and with a heading like that, I knew I just couldn't go wrong clicking on it and sure enough....the man has made me laugh for close to a year now. I met Hope and Mysti through his blog, as well as Enigma and things just grew from there. I refound old friends like Millie and more new friends as well.

Here is my year in blogging and let's see what it brought:

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Snow and Chaos

Today is Sunday and it snowed over night. We received a whole 4 inches (and that is generous) throughout our region with it tapering off in about an hour or so.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Idiot, tall and proud

I have officially figured out that the rumors are true.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

April Fools Day

The idiot is staying.

Monday, May 01, 2006

The kid is brilliant

Ms. RB figured that if she slid the smaller dining room chair over to the taller high top chair, she can climb up and get whatever she wants off the high top table.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Religion, Politics, Freedom of Speach and where it fits in America

The Pledge of Allegiance has two little words in it that cause distress in many children, even if they don't know what the word "distress" is (meaning it's caused in and by the parents, not the children).

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

I hate my neighborhood

At least tonight anyway.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Wow, it's a heat wave!

Whatever the reason may be, it's going to be very hot here the next two days.

Monday, September 04, 2006

The things we learn from others Aaachhoooo!

PDQ made it through her first week of school with flying colors and decided to come home with a sore throat.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Hair situation resolved.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

There are a few times a year that I have guaranteed 'my' children enjoyment and one of those times is Halloween

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Two really important things to know when your hanging sheet rock on the ceiling:

I guess all this says about me is that I am colorful, took a dip into politics and thankfully stopped that nonsense and tend to blog about absolutely nothing.

Here's to a better blogging year!

2006-12-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Word of advice for anyone attempting to play with a "skydancer" toy;

Never pull the cord when the dancer is next to your face. The blades will hurt the nose region

The week is almost over as is the old year. I have absolutely no New Years resolutions other then to try to be nicer to people when they instant message me about my hair. Long story short...I'm not always nice but I do eventually come around.

Not sure what we are doing this weekend. Probably working on the rooms some more. Well, let me re-phrase that...the man is working on the rooms and I will most likely be digging out the house as best I can given the current circumstances. Those circumstances involving the rooms not being done yet.

Have a wonderful New Year in case I don't make it back here until then. I hope it's full of joy and happiness.

2006-12-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

This post brought to you from the comforts a Sealy's Posturepedic office chair. That's right folks, my bum is finally in comfort zone. Grand daddy of all office chairs and it's all mine!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good fright! Allow me to explain, cause as usual...it's a doozy:

Started out this morning at 6:30am sharp with PDQ and Ms. RB rambling down the stairs in search of stockings and presents. Since we were sleeping right there in the dining room, it was hard to not hear them. After a bit of mumbling, paper-scissors-rock and PDQ informing us that we both lost, the stumbling out of bed process began. The man turned on the tree lights, I turned on the coffee pot. As is my normal routine, I then went out to the front porch for a smoke.

Sitting on the porch and attempting to pry my eyes open, I hear a rustling and look slightly to my left. Sitting next to me, yet off the porch is the albino skunk that has claimed the neighborhood as it's stomping ground. In nights past, I have laughed hysterically at Mr. Albino chasing my husband from the truck. Cackled at my neighbor getting stuck on his porch and always figured that since I am never outside before the crack of dawn...Mr. Albino wouldn't dare bother me.

Apparently I forgot all about luck and how mine always tends to run out. Mr. Albino had picked Christmas morning at 6:35 to rummage through our garbage. The exact same time I decided I needed a morning smoke. First thought through my head "Run for the door!" Second thought "Don't run for the door, it's right by the Mr."

So what's a girl to do?

Well...this girl attempted to quietly jump the railing of the porch. Only, this girl is never quiet. It's completely against the realm of rules and regulations for this girl to be quiet. As I slowly get up, and negotiate the stool, that leads to the chair that has a door (from the remodel) propped up on it, a slipper falls off. Yeah, yeah...who would think a slipper could make so much noise. The darn thing clunked onto the porch and all things in the universe froze. The rustling in the can stopped and I was stuck like a statute with one foot in the air, one hand on the railing and other other foot planted on the chair. I just knew that this would not only be my first encounter with Mr. Albino but also the one and only time in my life that I would ever get sprayed by a skunk.

Once I heard the rummaging begin again, I quickly leapt over the railing, which basically means that I misjudged the frost, lost my balance and splatted onto the very hard and might I add, very cold ground. Catching my breath, I hightailed it around the house and made way for the back door. Around the corner I came and stopped dead in my tracks. At the backdoor was yet another white albino skunk. First thought, that damn skunk was completely out to get me and show me who was boss. Now all my options of getting back into the house were completly unaccessable, minus one. Climbing the back wall, getting onto the roof and banging on my daughters window until someone from inside heard me.

But then it made a noise. It barked. It was the dog that happens to be black and white.

Into the house I came, laughing all the way! Relayed the story to my husband and after we wiped up the tears, composed ourselves...presents were opened.

PDQ was excited to receive her Nintendo DS Lite and also two games to go with it. Ms. RB is currently in her glory with (to quote: " She's CLEAN!") with Strawberry Shortcakes friend Lemon Drop and her new Princess Dora Dollhouse (which for the record, does not come with furniture!). The man received a brand spanking new PS2 and a game. And my butt is happily sitting in a real computer chair!

Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope your day is blessed with love, laughter and happiness!

2006-12-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogger:

You've been a pal, you've been a friend. It's time to say good bye and let it all end.

Blast you for not working and shame on me for caring.

We've had tears, We've had joy, We had seasons in the sun...WAIT...STOP...that's a song!

Ok..I am moving and just scared the beejeezee's out of myself. Someone (not saying who cause I don't point fingers) suggested Wordpress. I should figure out ways to cause them serious harm in world because ya'll...wordpress sucks! I just hooked up a blog there (do to the fact that LJ also scares me as they are 'serious writers' who do "day in the life" sort of stuff) and have not a clue how to work it. Nor do I really want to learn. I'm lazy that way.

So TM wins...I'm off to live journal. I have to wait though. Get over the whole "wow...wordpress just confused the hell out of me" moment. Take time to reflect and wonder how I am going to move all my stuff from here to there. Or maybe I should just leave it all here and let it eventually go into the big void of abandonded blogs. I hope LJ is less confusing. Given that I have a blog here and a blog at wordpress that I shall never return to (and maybe should figure out how to delete?). I also hope LJ is ready for me.

Who knows. In any case, I'll be back with a link for those who wish to follow me (and oh please follow me...I'm sick and twisted like that. More readers, the merrier I tend to be!) I even promise to pop up more pictures. Both in world (second life) and real world! And yes, the new blog will be both my life and the life of Misty Harley, inside Second Life. It'll be great fun. You get two of my lives for the price of one (and I swear, just cause some of you are not in SL...really..it's not as crazy as it sounds!)

Peace, hugs, and happiness!

edit: I might have jumped the gun a bit early...seems if I hit refresh then I get all the posts that everyone else got but I didn't. Maybe I should just move anyway. Never was one to stay in one place too long

2006-12-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Testing because I don't know if it is Blogger not showing my posts or firefox.

Either way, I am getting mighty annoyed!

2006-12-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

I have just blessed my oldest with "one just like her" when she grows up and has children.

I think she is very deserving of the honor:

"No, I did not get out of the shower 20 minutes ago, that is when I came downstairs. I actually got out 25 minutes ago!"

2006-12-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

Blogger likes firefox? It's a match...wedding to be announced soon! Hold the presents, one might write a Dear John Letter!

Confession time, which is always fun. I am lazy. Very, very lazy. Ok...only sorta lazy on days that I do not feel like doing much of anything. Those days have been happening alot lately. The house has been a wreck for the past month or so and I blame the remodel. Nothing like mopping, sweeping, dusting and picking up just so you can do it all over again 10 minutes later. Repeat over and over and there you have it. Lazy. I would say the house hasn't been dirty, but hello! Sheetrock, sawdust, sanding...it's dirty. Can't really say otherwise.

However, it has come to my attention recently that I need to clean up my act and my house.

1. The man has always known how I operate. I'll sit around reading, playing on the computer, crafting...whatever it is that catches my interest. Until he calls. Then my butt goes into high gear and I am a whirlwind through the house making things appear as if they are clean. In the past, they didn't just appear clean, they were clean. Small house...takes about a half hour to do a quick once through with the vacumm, mop, duster and clorox wipes. Lately, my quick go through's have been clorox wipes and picking up. Appearances. It worked. Until he decided not to call me one day and came home early.

2. Two nights ago the man was looking for a pair of sweats to change into after work. There was not a single one clean for him. He had to wear mine. They were red with flowers. Sweet!

So I have learned my lesson and learned it well. Laundry is all caught up. House is being maintained to it's proper level. Well...as proper as one can get with sanding, sawdust and other stuff swirling around anyway. The best part is my man doesn't have to wear red sweatpants with flowers on them anymore!

I rock! (or so I think, he begs to differ and no...I didn't get pictures. I'm good, but not that good!)

2006-12-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

I might have to move to another blogging location. Seems that blogspot only wants me around every few days. Maybe it's my hair. I don't want to move, not at all. But if it comes to that, away I go. A link will be left so my very few faithful readers can follow me.

As a quick side note (or not, depending on how long my brain continues to function on it's current level)....I hate idiots. Really, I do. I hate idiots who are in a hurry way more then I hate any other type of idiots. They run you off the road, push you out of the way during check out, steal your parking space even though your front bumper is already there. They see you grabbing for the last item on the shelf and swoop in all idiot like and snake it out from underneath you.

If you couldn't tell, I went christmas shopping this weekend. It really wasn't all that bad since I had the darling man with me. I hate shopping in any way, shape or form. Last year I did pretty good because I was friends with a shopaholic. She actually did the shopping, I just did the buying. This year things worked out differently and I was left to my own devices. I should have went on line like Hope did. Noooo...I had to procrastinate like I always do and was stuck in stores for a whopping 2.5 hours on Saturday. Which is a very long time for me to be in any store.

We are all done and happily enough, I didn't have to think too hard about what to buy. Apparently, the man enjoys shopping. I whipped out the debit card and he whipped things off the shelf. I have come to the conclusion that we make a great team. He thinks, I pay. Works for us. Now all we have to do is wrap all the stuff and stick it under the tree on Christmas Eve.

Good to go.

In case I don't make it back here before Christmas...Happy Holidays to all and to all a good time!!!

2006-12-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

I've been having problems with my browsers lately. Apparently, having Yahoo, Firefox and Internet Explorer on your system causes a bit of chaos. They will either get over it and learn to get along or I will pull authority and delete a few.

Open letter to my children:

Dear Wonderful Children of Mine:

I think it's time we re-establish a few rules that have been longstanding in this house of which you have had (what I hope) is temporary lapses of memory.

1. Do not (if you value you life) talk to your mother prior to the 3rd cup of coffee consumed. This rule has been in effect before either of you were born and at one time, I had you well trained. If my eyes are not fully open, my hair is still a mess and the cup is still in my hand, then do not talk to me. About anything. I don't care if your dream was the best ever or that you want to wear that shirt with these pants. Really, I don't. Not at that point of my life anyway.

2. Your cereal bowls. Pick it up, take it into the kitchen and open the dishwasher and place it on the rack. Yes, I understand that we have had some dishwasher drama in the house, I clearly remember the father figures dumpster diving expidetion. However, the dishwasher we currently have came from a store. So it works. Learn to use it. Fast. Or you'll be sleeping with your cereal bowls at night.

3. I'm going to take this time to slowly explain to you the concept of bringing your dirty clothes downstairs. This one should not be too hard for you as I know you will eventually wander down those stairs anyway. Pick them up. Put them in your arms and walk down the stairs with them. Simple.

4. Do not ever mention to me again that in 3.5 months, I will have been without my bedroom for a full year. Especially directly following a comment that you are tired of sharing a room with your sister. It makes me cranky and we all know what "mother is cranky" mode brings. It won't work out well for you.

Now that we have re-established the rules, I expect full co-operation. Minimal relapses and a whole lot of memorizing them. Should you tend to forget and meander down the path of "let's annoy the mother figure in the morning", life will not bode well for you. Remember, I am all-mighty, all-knowing Queen of the house. Your just the little princesses that the Queen can stomp on at any given moment of time.

You can laugh now all you want, giggle to your hearts content and find it all funny and amusing. But remember....I always have the last laugh.

Sincerely with love and all that warm fuzzy jazz,

Your Mother

2006-12-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Two really important things to know when your hanging sheet rock on the ceiling:

1. Never look down and notice a nail broke then let go of the deadman which holds the piece to the ceiling.

2. Always make sure you know what end the staples come out.

(just saying!)

2006-12-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

No, I don't want to switch and blogger better stop asking me!

Crazy stuff in Mistyland right now, rooms are pretty much framed up, insulation has been completed and now the electrical work is being done. This afternoon, I get the joy of attempting to hang ceiling sheetrock with the man. He says I can do it. I'm still trying to figure a way to weasel myself out of the hard labor portion of todays program.

He told me to today to not expect the rooms done in time for Christmas unless a miracle happens. I'm currently hoping for a miracle but scoping out table top trees just to be on the safe side. It's hard not being able to decorate the house for the season, but I"m getting over it. At least this way, I won't have much to put away after the new year.

The kids have been sick on and off and I just went through a short period of feeling like someone ran over my insides with a U-haul truck. I am going to blame the small traces of arsenic they found in the town water. They claim it isn't transferring to the pipes that lead directly into houses, but I don't trust them. Apparently, the arsenic isn't enough to cause damage unless consumed over time. In which case, some forms of cancer, including of the skin may occur. Ummmm HELLO! I've been in this house for 5 years already. That's plenty of "over time" for arsenic to kick in. Nothing to worry though...the town says I'm safe.

2006-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

I have turned into one big ol' ball of itch. Insulation does that to you and I think the darling man knew that when he came up with the clever idea that I would get the wonderful priviledge of insulating PDQ's room.

I'll get him back, I always do. Not sure when or how. But sweet revenge will be mine. It always is.

I might make him meatloaf for three days straight or maybe I re-arrange the living room one day while he is out hunting. Then, I'll make sure all the lights are off when he comes in and giggle as he walks into furniture.

Better yet, I'll move the bed. A whole two inches. That way, when he is trying to play his video games, he'll have to sit all angle-y like.

Oh yes, I'll get him back.

Parden me while go scratch up against a wall similar to the Baloo the Bear in Jungle Book.

2006-11-25T04:31:00.000-08:00

Alright, who was the smart aleck that decided yanking my plugs from the Matrix would be a good idea? Really..I want to know so I can cause some serious damage to their non-matrixfied self!

Around 10pm last night the man was getting ready for his evening snorefest and I was going to pop on to the net and play a bit of second life. I sit down at the computer, click on the link and BAM. nothing. I click on another link and BAM. nothing. Another one, same thing. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

After a bit of grumbling and yanking cords around, I stood over (what I thought was) my husbands almost sleeping form with my hands on my hips and let out a big loud sigh. I noticed him shaking and started to become a bit concerned. So I not so gently tapped him on the head to get his attention. He yanked the covers off his head and started laughing at me. Apparently, he found the whole "Yank the Misty from The Matrix without her Permission and watch her go into immediate withdrawels" was the funniest thing he ever witnessed. Until I casually mentioned a sledge hammer and the Play Station 2 in the same sentance.

The man flew out of bed and started to scramble under the desk to figure out why I might have been closed off from the wonderful world of web. Unfortunately, he had no idea either. So he offered up the suggestion of maybe sleeping like normal people. What choice did I have? So I did something I haven't done in a while, I went to bed. With my husband. At the same time he did. Both of us. In bed together.

Number one reason that I do not go to bed the same time my husband does was reconfirmed last night. He picks on me. Not in that loving husband way, but in that annoying, let's get Misty all riled up way so she can't sleep. He talked to me about how internet connections are made, how one must take care of the internet so it will continue to stay connected. He spoke of wonderful things I could be doing on the internet (like blogging and chatting with my SL friends). The guy even had the guts to bring up email! When he was finished with the internet harrasment, he started to steal covers and blankets. Then when he was all done with that, he started to snore. Which is another reason I never go to bed the same time he does. He snores. Loudly.

I mourned the matrix last night. I had a burial for it, I played lovely music and I even shed a tear or two. Temper Tantrums were had and a few "Fine be that way, you'll miss me more then I'll miss you" moments were lived knowing all along I would miss the net way more then it would miss me. I stomped my feet, yanked the cords, threatened the mans PS2 with a sledgehammer and even did what normal people in the real world do every single night. Sleep.

I think it worked because this morning I woke up and was rewarded with being plugged back into the Matrix!!!!! I'm going to temper tantrum more often. Apparently, it pays off ;o)

2006-11-25T04:25:00.000-08:00

A few things I learned about Thanksgiving:

1. Turkeys come out alot more juicy if they are cooked upside down. Only problem with cooking them upside down is that you can't see the little red dot pop to tell you when it's done. If one just paid attention to that little red dot, the turkey wouldn't be cooked upside down. To give credit where credit is due, both bags were cleaned out this year, so nobody had to eat plastic or gizzards.

2. Your family will hold it against you for the rest of your life that you cook turkeys upside down and totally skip the whole "red dot pop up dot goes up" concept of the red pop up dot. They also tend to dwell on the idea that there may very well be not just one, but possibly two bags left in the turkey. Even though you insist that you learned that particular lesson the year before.

That's it the scope of things I learned this year. Let's hope they carry over to next year. That whole lesson learned idea that I keep trying to pass down to my kids.

2006-11-22T03:29:00.000-08:00

I tried to write a post last night, but realized PDQ was reading over my shoulder and all of a sudden, I had writers block. Everything went totally blank, so I am attempting again.

Sadly, I can't think of a darn thing to write about. I had lot's going on in my brain last night when I went to bed but the effort it would have taken to get up from the dining room and take two steps into the kitchen wasn't going to happen. Oh, I do have something! The girls rooms are almost completely framed. Which means this weekend we put in the insulation. Good time considering it's getting pretty darn cold here. The upstairs is in a freeze out because we can't turn the heat on until the insulation is put in.

I told the man last night that I doubt we will be into our bedroom by Christmas. Just to challenge him. We'll see what happens. I can almost guarentee that on Christmas Eve, my tree will be going up and my house will finally be put back into order.

I'll be back with something witty and fun when my writers block unblocks. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

2006-11-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Spin the moon and Milli for the same question thingy!

RULES: Each player of this game starts off with 10 weird things/habits about yourself. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 10 weird habits/things as well as state this rule clearly. At the end you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names.

1. I am scared of my own shadow. Really, not kidding. I'm walking down the street and get a glimpse of it and jump. Stop laughing, it's rather painful to be me sometimes.

2. Falling asleep requires some serious blanket fussing. My friend TM claims to beat the ever loving crap out of her pillow. Not me...nope..that is way too easy. It's a whole process that takes a bit of time. First, I have to make sure that the bed is made properly. Usually this means making the bed while my husband is attempting to sleep in said bed. It would help if I bothered to make it in the morning (considering it's in my dining room and all). So every night, I make the bed around my husbands snoring form. Then, I crawl in causing as little disturbance as necessary. Once I am in, a cocoon must be formed. This consists of yanking freshly made covers up and around my back while laying on my side. The last thing I do is stick my feet out and cover my ears. In that order. Anything different and you can trust I won't fall asleep and commence beating up my snoring husband.

3. I don't like to follow rules for the most part but bend on occasion to make sure I comply. If there is a way to "toe the line" I will find it and balance on it with my left toe slightly over the edge.

4. I am a house snob. A huge house snob. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it must be clean. Clutter is fine, as long as it is clean clutter. That requirement is for everyone else. My house must be spotless and it will be fancy. Not that I succeed too often right now with the whole remodeling business going on then add in the kids and who can have a great house anyway? But once the house is complete...watch out. New furniture, no toys downstairs and no messes.

5. I cannot write. I can barely type half the time but put a pen in my hand with a piece of paper and I become a quivering mess. My signature looks like something House would write and I no longer have any idea how cursive is done.

6. Huge Klutz. Couple that with jumping at my own shadow and it's even more painful to be me.

7. Almost every day for the last two years I have eaten the same breakfast with little variation. Three strips of bacon, two eggs and toast. If I have cheese, it's an omelet. No cheese, then it's scrambled. I prefer honey cracked wheat bread but will make due with white in a pinch. Occasionally add in some O.J.

8. I talk to myself. 'Nuff said about that.

9. I answer myself.

10. Well dressed and pulled together people make me nervous. I clam up and refuse to talk. If the option to run the other way presents itself, I take it. Perfect people scare me.

I'm not going to list anyone in particular, but if you want to tag yourself...drop me a comment so I can read!

2006-11-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have decided that today is a cranky day. A day that her royal highness (me) and her crank extreme will shine through. Of course, I mellowed it a bit for certain occasions but expressed a high level of relief approximately 2 seconds ago as I closed the story for Ms. RB and tucked her sweet little self into bed.

I'm tired. Tired of sleeping in my dining room. Tired of the girls getting to sleep in what is supposed to be my room. Tired of not seeing much of my cats because they have decided to exist only in the upstairs of my house and only on rare occasion (think mouse was flung down the stairs accidently) do they ever wander downstairs. Tired of constantly cleaning their room because in all reality, the mess that is made cannot be cleaned properly by one 'Mom! I am almost 10' year old child.

Why am I so tired? Because the husband finally started working on the girls rooms last weekend. They are almost completely framed up and ready for wiring. Recessed lights will be going in soon, new outlets and switches. Then the insulation and finally the sheet rock.

I should be excited, but instead it just makes me tired. I know I am like this because within a few weeks, everything in my house will finally be returning to normal. Toys will not be scattered downstairs. The girls will each have their own space and place for their own things. I will have the comforts of my bedroom back with my brand new bedding and linens.

The anticipation is making me tired. Simply put, I just cannot wait any longer. My patience is running thin and it will only get thinner as we get closer. That's how I work. I know something is this close to being done and I start to freak out.

So freak out here I come. Cause we are finally almost done with the upstairs. Well...sorta. We still have a stairway to do. Of course sometime next year the living room and dining room. That is so far off in the future, I'm not even going to think about it. Well..maybe not think about it. Ah..who am I kidding...I'll think lot's about it.

2006-11-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

I was just reading Dispatch Journal blog about the recent turn of events in the political arena and decided it was time for me to post my thoughts on our "new" government. For a time, I was pretty active on a few political blogs and I was also defining and confirming my own personal beliefs and that made matters even worse. Things often ran a bit heated and heavy, people got mad and just like every other time I debated or discussed or argued Politics and religions...dung was slung from all ends. So I stopped.

But now that elections are over, the votes are in and the change will be starting, it's time once more. Many know that I am liberal and those who paid attention and asked the right questions new I had some conservative leanings. My friend Mysti (not political and she has beautiful pic's) did a sort-of pole one time that asked everyone a whole bunch a questions and the outcome had us all a mix of conservative and liberal.

In my personal opinion that is what it takes to run a good government. Not all conservatives and not all liberals. To be honest, I don't even like an overwhelming amount of support for either end in my government. For me, that is not working for the people and instead is catering to half the voting population. We cannot even say half the United States because our voting statistics are pretty pathetic when comparing those who can vote and don't. I strongly feel that our government needs equal parts to represent both sides.

I mentioned it to my husband and he said it would just create a stalemate and nothing would get done. I say hogwash. The vast majority of people are not either/or. They are both. We hear a lot about those who lean completely to the left and completely to the right. But really. How many of those people do you think exist? Probably not as many as we think. Most of our political figures are not even hard core leaners one way or the other. In this day and age, they can't be. The voting public will not allow it. They want someone to represent them and for the vast majority they are not hard core leaners. They might vote for that liberal politician who does not support abortions because of their belief system. Or they might vote that conservative politician because he does support abortion. It's a finicky business and hard to read, unless your willing to lean a bit both ways.

Anyway, my whole point is that I am not all the pleased with the outcome of the voting process. One would think with my liberal leanings I would be doing the happy dance in the streets. I'm not. Two reasons.

One...many felt their vote was an "in your face President, we'll teach you!" moment. Really. What does that mean to the rest of us? Sure, you got one on the President. But did you also get one on yourself? The voting process is not a pissing match where you get even with the one you are disappointed in. It's to pick the best politician for the job. Period. That is about as-in-your-face as you can get. Vote for the best guy and let him in to boot the other out. It's not pull the lever just to piss off the President and make his life uncomfortable for his last moments in the White House.

Two...the mud slinging that went on during the election process. As Americans, we should be very ashamed of not only our politicians but also of ourselves for continuously allowing the negative-in-your-face campaigns to continue year after year. Even the President got in on it and that was probably one of my most shameful-head-down-mumble-I-am-an-American moment. Yes, I will stand up and say I am officially embarrassed by the behavior of my government and their representation of myself and all the other Americans. How can you not be embarrassed and disgusted with the recent campaign behaviors? It just keeps getting worse and worse and in all reality...not a single one of us has a clue who we are voting for. We know that they smoked pot when they were 16 and all the other negative things they did. To find the positive things they did was extremely hard and took a lot of searching. Alot. Google was not extremely helpful either because I had to weed through all the negative information handed out by each opposing politician. Disgusting really.

My only hope is that our government learns to work together. That the power trips are over, that they will find ways to work for the people because they were elected by the people. Even if those reasons for election were a bit sketchy.

I won't hold my breath.

2006-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Alright...just for my wonderful husband who saw the first picture and claimed that I torture him enough. Apparently, he didn't like that one. I told him it wasn't about him...that I looked fabulous and he just grunted at me.

This is my husband in his true form!

Right after work and those are the waterfalls in the winter.

2006-11-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

As I have said before, the man takes nothing seriously. Out of every single picture we took at the wedding together, this one was the best. Then we have PDQ at her dance recital and what happens to Ms. RB when she uses paints!

Now I just have to find the picture of the bat, and I should be all set. Somehow I misplaced it or my computer ate it and maybe I am just not looking hard enough. I just heard something upstairs getting killed by a cat, so I might have a new picture of a dead bat. I started up the stairs to look and then stopped.

I quickly remembered past episodes of "What Happens to Misty When She Investigates Strange Animal Noises" and hightailed it back down the stairs.

2006-11-10T03:41:00.000-08:00

I think I finally figured it out, so maybe (just maybe) later today there might be some pictures up on the old blogger. They would have been up alot sooner if I had not gotten creative with my downloads, starting pressing buttons and sent every picture I own to Adobe Photomaker. If I had just left things alone, everything would have went to my Kodak program and pictures would have been posted ages ago. But...nnnnnooooo....I need to meddle with things I have no right to meddle with. Teach me to be creative.

On to something a new.

A few months ago a good friend of mine from highschool who is the dental hygiene program at the local college gave me a call. She needed customers (fools) to come and sit in her hygiene chair at college so she can clean their teeth. Being the great friend that I am, the entire family minus Ms. RB was offered up for her cleaning enjoyment.

First up, PDQ. She had it pretty easy. She had the mouth pictures taken, the teeth cleaned and was good to go except two cavities. Next up was my husband. Two sittings later and he is all done.

Now it's my turn. It's been my turn three times already. When I signed up to do get my teeth clean and allow a friend to rummage around in my mouth and getting intimate with it, I never dreamed I would become her plethora of mouth happiness. I always knew I have receding gum lines and I knew that I had a bit of crooked teeth in the front (not super noticeable, except to me and everyone else when I smile largely). What I didn't know is that cleaning my teeth was going to lead to being her star patient.

The joys of being me created her ability to discover that I would make a great test subject for some sort of receding gum line report she has to do by the end of November. Great, no problem! Anything for the cause, right? Ummm....let's go over what all is involved with being someone's report/test subject.

First, two people come at you with a mouth gadget that is intended to force your mouth open in one of the most bizarre ways. The lips get pulled back and the teeth are shining through. This takes two people and a stumped patient who wonders what the heck she got herself into to. Once that is done, they start in with the digital camera and mirror. Yes, they place a mirror inside your mouth and take reflection pictures. But! Before they can do that, the they have to reload the memory card because it is full. So, while they are off hanging out in digital land, your hanging out with lips spread eagle making serious attempts to not drool all over yourself.

One the digital part is done, you get the pleasure of having a microscopic slide completed on your mouth. I do not recommend anyone running to their dentist and demanding to participate in the slide portion of the dental event. They take a scraping of your leftover bologne and cheese sandwich on honey cracked wheat from your teeth and display it on a TV monitor for your viewing enjoyment. You get to watch the excitement in your friends face as she sees little bugs swimming around.

Next up was a power washer that shot horrible tasting mixture of deadly poison into my mouth and all over my face. Lucky for me, the face didn't melt off but it did create the very desperate need to make her stop a few times over so I could force myself to not throw up. After she was done, the teacher came over and showed her how to do use the machine properly. The amount of force she used and as close to my teeth as she could possible get it was not necessary. Good thing my friend was told that after she attempted to kill me.

I have learned that anytime my friends face lit up with joy, I was doomed. At the very end of what we thought would be my actual teeth cleaning, she discovered I am calcified. Apparently the next device of torture she gets to practice on my mouth is scaling. Four hours sitting a chair with my best friend digging around my teeth shouting with glee everytime she catches one of those little rocks!

Oh the joys!

2006-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Today, while I was busy rearranging my living room and being the perfect domestic goddess, my power went out. Normally, this would not bother me but I had a few things going that I really wanted to complete. The first would be the perfect placement of furniture and the second would be two slices of left over pizza (with mushrooms and pepperoni!) that still needed to go into the oven. Imagine my amazement as I learned that ovens and vacuum cleaners work off of electricity.

Being the nosy little person I am (and you are too..admit it!), a call to the power company was in order. Now, I live in small town that has one phone book. In this phone book you can find a listing for every single thing that you could ever imagine being in a small town. You want Roto-Rooter..it's there. If you have a pest problem, the yellow pages can help you. If you think there is a boa constrictor in your basement patiently waiting to strangle your cute little puppy...let your fingers do the walking. One would think that the power company would be listed for your calling enjoyment. Not so. I looked under Utilities. I looked under their name in the white pages and I even became a bit creative and thought maybe, perhaps..just on an off chance..they might be under "lighting." Not a single bloody listing for the power company. None, zilcha, nada...nope.

Our power company has taken the evasive route and decided that not only will their very friendly automated caller service drive you you completely insane...but just for kicks...they will have you screaming and tossing phone books at walls and small objects as you go on a scavenger hunt for their phone number. I can hear you right now. Really..I can..so stop. "Why didn't she just look at her bill..DUH!" I don't get bills anymore. Tree saver that I am, I went paperless. Everything is sent to my email and SUPRISE...you need electricity to access your email.

Where did I finally find the number, you ask? In the yellow pages for a major city an hour away. They had it clear as a bell, right where it belonged. Alphabetized, just as it should be. So I called them on my cell phone to see what the status of my electrical outage was going to be. After pressing a few different options, getting lost in that ever-so-friendly system, hanging up and re-dialing too many times to count. I receive this message:

Thank you for calling the power company. The update for your power outage at (address) concerns a faulty box that was put in place to protect your area from power outages. Your estimated time of return power is many hours a bit of frost bite later. We appreciate your business and if you would like a wake up call, please press 2."

Does that strike anyone else as a bit odd? A box. That is there to stop power outages actually caused an outage? Go figure and yay power company. But yet, I can still get a wake up call so does that mean my power won't be on until after the estimated outage or do they think everyone just naps when there is no electricity?

(cause we all know I don't nap....)

2006-11-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

I have discovered yet another way to torture PDQ. Technically, two ways but one of them I have always done, just sorta slacked off on for a bit. I spend my entire mother-career figuring out ways to annoy her since she returns the favor so easily.

I have forced her to sit and watch VH1, we are the 80's. I have belted tunes in the car on the way to school and refused to turn down the music until the very last minute. Screamed out to her that she forgot the Barney lunch box and she was my special Snookum's as she walked up to the school desperately trying to convince others that she didn't know that crazy lady in the caravan. I'm sure there are others that I cannot think of right now, but the best was yet to come:

Lawrence Welk.

That's right..Lawrence Welk. I used to love watching his show when I was a little girl. The dresses the women wore were fabulous for their time. The singers had silky smooth voices and everyone was so darn pretty it made my head ache just to look at them on the television screen.

Thanks to my wonderful husband and his amazing ability to flip through channels with the remote like it was an Olympic Event, we found good ol' LW (I really think this guy was the first Hugh Hefner although I am sure he and the ladies on the show swear he was always polite and respectful). My lovely husband let me watch it for a few minutes (I think it was so he could make gutter remarks and sly comments) and guess who stumbles into the living room?

PDQ.

First words out of her mouth? "What in the world are you watching!" Followed with "That is so LAME and I'm going to go take a shower." Not so fast sweetheart. She really should have known better to talk down any show that I was watching and the tone of her voice just screamed to be dealt with in a manner befitting the occasion. So what did I, the best mom ever, do? Made her sit on the couch of course. Eyes glued to the screen and no comments allowed. The giggles that burst out when the lovely ladies started singing and the down right snort that escaped when I mentioned that I had always wanted a dress like theirs created her ability to sit down and watch just a little longer. We finally let her free and the child practically flew upstairs in a fit of doubled over laughter and snarky little comments that her parents better start saving for therapy.

Which brought me to my next, ever-so-forgotten creative punishment. Dancing. Nothing gets that child going then seeing either her father or myself dancing. It really doesn't matter where we are, if we dance, then we are obviously the most pathetic parents who ever walked the earth. So last night, as she was trying to read a book, I decided to get a bit even with her. PDQ has a habit of getting bored and interrupting me and whatever I am doing. She talks non-stop and basically makes it her life mission to send me over the edge. So, on came the proverbial dancing shoes and my kitchen was the stage. Of course, the song that happened to be playing was Janie's Got a Gun by Aerosmith. For those that do not know, this has a perfect heading banging, finger pointing beat to it. Nice and long drawn out drums that allow you to slowly move your hand over your head and point at another person.

There she was attempting to read a book and her mother was creating havoc and being as annoying as possible. And "Oh My" what if someone were to come to the door while mom was dancing around the kitchen like a lunatic? I never had so much fun in my life. Granted, when she challenged me to a Jazz Dance Off, I quickly put away my shoes and went about my business. I have no right attempting to Jazz anything, but I did kick her butt in the Free Form dance off. She claims it's because she's too young to move her hips. I claim it's because I am a better dancer. She says she is only 10. I told her it didn't matter...I still rocked better then she did or ever will. She mumbled something about her superior mother being inferior as she escaped to the living room.

2006-11-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

I really hate it when I run out of sugar in my house. Two reasons and the first that I can blame nobody but myself. I am the only one who uses the sugar, so I can't even blame the kids for eating the last granule and forgetting to tell me. The second reason would be that I only use it for my coffee. Bless all of you who utilize the sweet and low option. I have some, but it just doesn't do the trick. Apparently I need both sugar and caffeine to wake up in the morning.

My friend Siskers needs your prayers and positive thoughts. Her nephew was hurt recently and is ICU with a skull fracture. Please send him and their families get well vibes. She will definitely appreciate it.

The boss went out and got himself a new office. He was suppose to drop a key off to me last night so I could go in for my weekly computer work. Guess who does not have a key? That's right...it would be me. Not so sure how I am supposed to get my work done if I cannot get into the office that now holds the computer.

Cheerleading sign ups are tonight, which should be fun. I took over the league last year and had help from the stepping down coordinator. This year I am on my own and I am really looking forward to it. In years past (try about 20-30), the girls have been using the same home made skirts. These skirts are downright pathetic and falling apart. I have found some skorts with front flaps that are not cheer skirts, but one's they use at cheer camp. I talked to our shirt maker and he is going to give me color matching shirts for the same price as the dingy white shirts the league used in all the previous years. I have talked to all but two of my coaches, and they definitely want to see the skirts go, the new skorts come in and are excited about the colored shirts to match. The girls might actually look like cheerleaders for the first time ever. The best part is that I can keep the entrance fee the same low cost and fundraiser will cover the difference on the skorts so the parents do not have to.

2006-11-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

There are a few times a year that I have guaranteed 'my' children enjoyment and one of those times is Halloween. The rest of the year, the enjoyment they bring is an added bonus to my life and always mixed in with a bit of 'argh' moments on all of our behalfs.

This Halloween was no exception. It started last week with the parade. Both my girls are still young enough where I can watch their eyes light up at the candy being thrown their way and the floats with costumed people going by. Three exciting parts stand out in my mind as the most fun of all the parade.

1. Ms. RB was hugged by Belle. That's right folks, she was hugged by Belle. A very nice lady in a Belle costume heard my daughter yell her name in glee and came over to give her a hug in typical Disney fashion. The Belle lady did not need to do that, she could have just waved nicely or ignored my daughter. She certainty wasn't an employee of Disney, but she took the time to give her a memorable experience. For the smile on my daughters face and the constant chatter about Belle's hug that still has not ended, I thank her.

2. Scary Masks on Motorcycles. I love motorcycles and I love them even more in a parade where the riders are wearing scary masks. There is nothing like seeing 10-15 motorcycle's in a parade with freaky faces to make my day. Ms. RB wasn't all that thrilled over the masks, but I was in my glory. Beautiful bikes going by..what more could a person ask for? Add in the ability to suddenly shake PDQ's arm and yell MOTORCYCLES! is another added bonus. The poor kid flew ten feet in the air and let out a scream of fear that would put the best horror movie actress to shame.

3. Freaky costumed people handing out chocolate! That is the best, according to Ms. RB. Apparently, she is petrified of scary masks on motorcycles, but if a freaky costumed person comes up to her during a parade and offers up the chocolate bar of any little kids dreams...they are the bestest people ever and deserve huge accolades for their endeavor! It's all about the candy!

The Halloween enjoyment ended last night once trick or treating was done and over with. We took the girls downtown to show off their Princess and Feathered Devil costumes. The glee that was had by Ms. RB as she counted all the other beautiful Princess's walking up and down the road. PDQ had a blast with people attempting to scare her (she's too old to be scared now..snort!) and of course...the candy!! We went to one house where they had black lights and a guy dressed up as a pirate throwing plastic rats and spiders into the road while chasing down trick or treaters. As we were getting ready to walk back to the car, we passed a dark area with other trick or treaters coming out way. Since it was dark and the trick or treaters were young...we heard a loud "Oh cool....LOOK! A CHICKEN!" That stopped PDQ in her tracks as she stared open mouthed and took in the notion that someone thought she was a chicken. I took that opportunity to turn her face mask around to the back of her head..told her if she doesn't like chicken..she can be a rooster. Still not sure if she found that amusing or not.

I hope everyone had a wonderful halloween and enjoyed it as much as I did!

Political Rant with no Leanings

2006-10-31T04:45:00.000-08:00

If your going to call me, place an advert on a radio or otherwise tell me to vote for you...please tell me about yourself and not what your opposing candidate did at the tender age of 18.

I really don't care if someone smoked pot when they were younger. It's none of my business that they had an affair when they were 21 and then divorced a few weeks later. And for the love of all things private...do not share with me the fact that the opposing person got a girl pregnant at the age of 17. On that note, if someone can explain to me why I should care that Mrs. Vice President Chaney's wife wrote a smut book 20 odd years ago...I would greatly appreciate it. Because really...I can't figure out why it is all so important now.

What a person did before they entered the political arena is of no interest to me. Sure, some might say that what they did back when they were young and foolish describes the person in the here and now. That the information tells us something about their character and how well they will be behave as a representative of our country.

I say hogwash.

Basically because I did some pretty stupid ass things as a teen and young adult and yet...imagine the outcome! I have grown up to be a fairly decent human being that left the younger years behind. Sure, I still make mistakes but I certaintly don't hold anyone to a higher standard of which I hold myself. I can't fathom the effort that it takes to dig up the dirt on someone from 20 years (or more) earlier. The cost it takes to display that information for all to see or the..the most important factor....the need to offer up the information to the general public. Really. Not when we have things like..oh..wars going on. Poverty in america, polution, and poor education that ranks low on the world scale of 1-10.

So if your going to try and sway me with your votes...then tell me why I should vote for you. I really don't want to hear why I should not vote for the other candidate. I want to hear about you, the great things you have done and what you plan on doing in the future. If you wish to share a few past mistakes that happened in the political arean and apologize for them...go for it.

But don't tell me about how horrible your opposition is. It makes you look lame and pathetic and tells me that you haven't grown up at all.

2006-10-31T03:31:00.000-08:00

It's supposed to be close to 70 today, which is a good thing since it's Halloween. Trick or treating in the cold is never fun and always a battle to get the jackets on. Jackets cover costumes, the whole point of T&T'ing is to show off your costume.

I have a feathered devil and a yellow princesses to take out into the depths of halloween night. We will go to door to door and beg for candy and take whatever is offered. Excitement will be had a few frights will be experianced along the way.

When I get home, the kids will be cleaned up and tucked in to bed. Then I will get the daunting task of inspecting all their candy for the best chocolate and shoving it in my mouth while the husband looks for the scariest movie ever shown on TV. Chucky. I hate Chucky and every year my husband manages to find it on Halloween night and since I have only caught bits and pieces, I won't know it's Chucky until freak doll comes on the screen with some sort of knife and pycho eyes proclaiming his need to massacre the latest victim in typical horror fashions.

I'm telling you, dolls that can talk should be banned.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

2006-10-30T03:42:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weekends, the kind where you want to crawl under the covers and not come out until the next year. Or maybe the next to next year, which would be two years.

PDQ's soccer tournament was this weekend and she had one game on Saturday that they won by default because the other team didn't show up because of bad weather and then another game yesterday that they lost.

Before I go any further, let me explain what this particular league is supposed to be all about. It's a league for any kid that signs up and it's supposed to be fun. No matter what their skill level is, every single child is supposed to play during the games. It's a recreational league meant to introduce the kids to soccer skills as well as get them out on a field moving their body's instead of sitting in front of a play station. The age range of the kids is generally 8 to 14 years old.

What I saw yesterday led me to believe that we had left the recreational league and moved on to the pro's. My daughters coach is very good. He has some great players on this team, including his own son, that he could play the entire time and rotate out the not-s0-skilled players in a fashion that gets them into the game, but doesn't allow them to mess too much up. Our coach did not do that. Every single child played two quarters and because we had to have someone out for the full game due to the smaller amount of kids on the team...he rotated that as well. Sometimes you would play the entire game and sometimes you were picked to play just the two quarters. That included his own son, there was no favorites being played by our coach.

The team we played yesterday? They had 2 or 3 kids that never left the field. Ever. They stayed on the field and played every single position, all at once. If they were defense, you can guarantee that you would see them taking the ball up field to the goalie and attempting to score. I don't know all the soccer lingo, but you get the idea. They were pushing and shoving our kids down and either the ref didn't see it or just chose to not call it. The one kid played so many positions at one time, he could have been a one-kid soccer show all by himself. Don't get me wrong, they were good. They played well as a team and all...but I do think that the kids who flew themselves up and down the field in 'team-spirit' should have been reprimanded.

Now that the rant is done

I really felt bad for our team that they lost. They had a pretty good streak going during the season (which has nothing to do with the tournament, all teams play the tournament no matter how they rank during the actual season). They had a few ties, 2 loss's and a couple of wins. They played very well together and worked hard to make the team be a team. Her little face walking back from the field was so sad and pathetic and she is seriously considering playing again next year which is HUGE for her. BUT selfish mom moment, I am happy that she is completely out of the running for the big show that was scheduled for a school night. Pleased for me because I don't have to deal with her royal crankiness during those days. Very sad for her because she was looking forward to it and as her mom...I would have been there with bells on to support her. Pleased that I don't have to be out in the cold anymore and sad that her season is done. Mixed emotions if I do say so myself.

Let me explain something about both PDQ and myself. We hate to be cold. If it's cold the first day you meet us, you will know that right off the bat. We will tell you. Many times over. That's it's cold. We hate cold. With a passion. We will complain about it, we will moan about it and we will try to figure out ways to not have to deal with it. In the end, after much fussing and obsessing, we will get our butts out into the cold and we will have a great time. Those that know us well also know we are obsessed with weather in general. My husband is in construction, it is his job to know the weather. So at any given moment, I can pretty much tell you the weather report for our area. Even more so if it is cold because then not only is he trying to figure out job's, but I am trying to figure out avoidance.

Anyway, PDQ saying that she is seriously considering playing soccer next year is pretty big due to the whole "hate the cold" factor. It's a guarantee that she will be playing again in some cold weather (we had snow squalls yesterday during the game!). If she does play, I can guarantee that I will be obsessing again about the weather, moaning that they should cancel if it is cold and rainy or if the wind is too high. And then grab my mittens, scarf, hat, double winter jacket and blanket then go root for my kid and her team out on the field.

So I guess "Here is to next season" where the weather will be cold, obsessions will be had and to a great playing team. I am very proud of my daughter and her team for putting themselves out there and playing hard. I am proud of her for doing what she wants to do no matter what anyone else thinks she should be doing. She should be proud of herself as well.

As a side note...thank the stars for cheerleading that is about to begin. Inside sport, no-pressure organization (double snort) and the most bad weather I have to deal with is running outside to start my car in the dead of winter. Can you tell where this is going?

2006-10-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

(scroll down for Boston Adventure Act 1 and the Introduction to "Why this Boston Trip placed Misty into a 3 week Detox Program as it was Destined.)

Did you ever realize that there are some really small stalls in bathrooms? Have you ever experienced the type of stall when you open the door and peer in, you wonder how the hell your going to smoosh yourself into the teeny, tiny area that is offered up as your new found pee spot? Maybe the idea that you can maneuver yourself so the thighs do not hit the wall on either side appeared to be a daunting task and one that might not be accomplished?

Welcome to Pub Charles.

Yes, folks...you too can have the experience of closing the stall door and figuring out how to turn around with germs attacking every inch of your body. Enjoy the ability to turn once, nest your toilet paper on the seat after you have screamed over two stalls for Happy to pass the clorox wipes, pray that when you turn back around the slightest breeze from movement doesn't send that nest sailing so you have to start all over from scratch. All of this can be yours for just a short walk down a cute hallway and into the ladies room.

Out of all the bathrooms we visited (and trust me, we know just about every bathroom available to woman kind on the Paul Revere Trail) this one was probably the smallest and cleanest. Taking a guess, the size is probably why it is the cleanest. If you have three or four stalls that are exactly 2 feet by 2 feet with an itty bitty walkway to get to them...they had best be clean and organized. Granted, if a paper nest blows in the breeze, it would be rather hard to bend down and tidy it up by throwing it away. But if your a bathroom cleaner, then all you would need to do is stand outside the stall with the door open, huff a breath out in normal fashion and any paper on the floor would just flutter to the next stall. Do that three or four times and woolah...a little pile by the sink. Scoop them up, toss them away and you have yourself a tidy little (and I do mean little!) bathroom.

But I digress....

We leave the Pub and walk around a bit trying to figure out exactly what we want to do and where we want to go. I am sure we had interesting conversations at this point that revolved around me insisting I knew the way, Happy insisting I didn't and she was usually right. There was probably a few "Bite Me's" thrown out by me and a bottle or two threatened to be shoved up my butt by her (for the record, at exactly 4:15am, Happy threatened to throw me out the car door and leave me for the crazy lunatic who learned the use of high beams). Most likely we bantered back and forth as to whether it was safe to cross the very busy street on a Red Hand (answer: Not if you value your life) or to duck and dodge our way around pedestrians that felt it was their God Given Right to walk directly in our path without deviation and it was our obligation to move out of their way as fast as possible or get plowed over. This is probably the only city I have ever visited that people simply do.not.move. For anyone. You move for them or they run you over by foot. Nobody looks at you in Boston either. Trust me, I tried. They will not look at you no matter how many times you "do the monkey" on the street. It's an odd thing really.

Eventually we find our way to the stopping point called Sola', which is an Irish bar attached to the Lenox (for the record, stall two in the bathroom is out of order...just so you know). We go in, sit down and order two beers (miller lites...watching calories). At this point, it's been an hour since I last ate and I am starving! Somehow, someway...one of us (I think me, but it's a bit of a blur) we asked for a menu. Not just a menu but a "Like Menu" as in "Can we have a like menu." Completely Valley Girl style. Naturally the bartender played along and gave us the "like menu" and we proceeded to drool over the appetizer selection. (Side note: Why does every single flipping place from here to timbuckto serve artichoke spinach dip with toritilla chips? Anyone...?) We order our "Dude...like can we have the like cheese fries?" followed with an "Awsome man" moment.

The only thing that could possibly come from that is another round of beers and a whole bunch of valley speak with a whole lotta "Dude...where's my car" thrown in for good measure. Two trips outside for a smoke, a tally of three beers each and some very yummy cheese fries...we were ready to head back to the hotel. It had been a long day and check in was at 3pm. Due to our need to eat (and drink) we had missed that by an hour and half so off we trotted to the ever so beautiful and classy Boston Park Plaza. (which case, one of us most likely almost lost her life attempting to cross a street in front of a taxi cab, more bickering over which way to go (I lost) definitely happened.

2006-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Before I go any further in the current Boston Adventures of Happy and Misty, I really should explain my creative take on this one particular adventure. As I mentioned before, this was our third trip without children or husbands. It all started three years ago (longer really) when I casually mentioned to Happy on our second meeting during cheerleading (daughters on same team) that I have always wanted to go to Salem, which happens to be right next door to Boston. Barely knowing me, she said she would go with me the following fall. I totally blew it off because many friends had said they would go and then never followed through and at this point, I couldn't really count Happy as a friend. I barely knew her. We made it through two months of cheerleading trials and tribulations and I didn't hear from her (or vice versa) until that summer.

I'm hanging out at home and the phone rings. It's Happy and the first words out of her mouth were "When are we going to Salem." The ball was rolling, we booked our trip at a ritzy Comfort Inn (where the walls were paper thin and it took us until we got home to realize the World Series was in Boston and those crazy kids were adults getting hammered) and off we went. That particular trip was relatively calm except for a certain restaurant in Salem where we waited for an internet friend (Tinzer) and accidently had too much to drink. That resulted in a slight arguement over whether the guy on the other side of the restaurant was really choking or getting in a fight with some other guy (hey, you would think it was a fight too if a man falls off a chair and another starts bear hugging him from the back and then beating on his chest like a lunatic!). Of course, once my contacts came into focus, I did realize he was technically on that side of dead and agreed with Happy that maybe he does need a doctor. At which time she screamed in a very quiet restaurant DOCTOR...and the lady next to us happened to be a nurse and Happy ever so casually (read LOUD) screamed "Well then, Get over there and help that man!" I think the waitress felt bad for us as we were the most excited people in the restaurant (says alot about our attitude) and gave us a free drink. Then the guy next to us (not the choker) sent us a drink too. So, you can see the accidental smashed part. Really, it wasn't our fault. We watched a guy choke, and ambulance crew not be able to find their way into the restaurant and we were there waiting for Tinzer about 4 hours.

Anyway, barely knowing each other on that trip resulted in a three day jaunt to Salem and Boston (and no, that was not me huffing and puffing up the subway stairs) as strangers. It was fun, but I am sure it would have been much more exciting if we had actually known each other.

The second trip, we skipped Salem and stayed right in Boston. Knowing each other a bit better, Happy decided to take me on a electronically driven shopping spree for her kids Christmas presents. I was a tag along, she was the buyer. Lucky for both of us, I enjoy watching her spend money but did find out that she is a lunatic in electronic stores. The highlight of that trip was going to watch a musical called "Menapause." Anytime someone can sing the "Gotta Go..gotta go..gotta go right now" to bladder functions, I'm there.

So that brings us to the third trip to Boston. It as brings my own level of brilliancy into the equation. I used to be a big party girl. Before kids. Once kids arrived, I calmed down got myself a little family life and basically stayed on an even keel. Never before these trips had I been on a girls-only vacation. Hell, for that matter...I had never been on level of vacation without kids. I have also never drank my way through a vacation and I am getting old. All those things combined and knowing it may be the last time my body would barely be able to handle a "super-size" vacation..I decided to do it up right. I'm not much of a shopper myself and I also bore easily.

I decided I was going to drink my way through Boston and Happy would just have to go along for the ride. Oh..we would stop and do her shopping. We would see a few plays and we would even check out some scenic tours. But my goal was to carry a buzz the entire time. Yes..I know..very mature of me. In hindsight, like most of my more brilliant ideas...this one should have been squashed right from the get-go. But, we don't live in hindsight, we live in the now. So now I know it really wasn't a good idea. But I also know that I had a blast doing it and never woke up with a hangover. Which leads me to believe I either didn't accomplish my goal or my body is still a bit younger then I though. I'm aiming toward the first, which is probably a good thing considering what could have happened had I woken up with a hangover.

Ok...so we are walking down Newberry Street and decide to hit a Pub at 11am that we had eaten at the year before. They used to serve really big mugs of beer. I'm talking two-fisters. The ones that take a fork-lift to hold up and a cheering crowd once it is down. Apparently, because of certain issues this particular place had with previously smashed customers, they did away with these overly-large mugs. That left us one choice. Two small mugs of beer each. You might remember that I mentioned Happy only had two hours of sleep. What I failed to inform you is that I only had about 4 hours of sleep. Those who know me, realize that this is not a good thing. I get silly stupid on not enough sleep. Add in the two beers (with a d'jion chicken sandwich thankyouverymuch) and you have silly stupid idiot at your service.

Let's just say that the Charles Pub on Newberry Street may cringe if my loud-mouthed laughing self ever enters their establishment again. Happy has a nice quiet laugh. I have a laugh that makes me cringe. It bursts forth in a manner that would put the best giggler to shock. And it comes at odd moments. Like when the server started sweating from his forhead with no warning as Happy requested our second beer. Or when I tried hard to get the ketchup to come out of the glass bottle and decided to swing it around like it was a ball on chain. Or maybe when the people behind us decided to talk soccor and we decided at that moment we needed to use the restrooms now!

Next up...the first bathroom experiance!

2006-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sheesh, I get to the blog with 10 minutes to spare and the dang thing is down for maintenance. How rude. I work under the theory that if I want it, it should be there. They can do whatever they want with maintenance, but not when I am in need of a good blogging release. Who am I anyway and am I slightly delusional to think that they really care? I'm not even sure who "they" are, so I guess none of that rant really matters.

Boston Story Number One:

We all know by now that someone (who shall not be named, but resembles the word "happy") decided that leaving at 4:00am was going to be our greatest accomplishment yet. Oh, yes..we did accomplish it. We even made it out my door with exactly one minute to spare. The luggage was packed, the travel coffee mugs were full and our seat warmers were..well..warmed.

What neither of us bothered to take into account is that it is bloody dark at 4:00am. So dark that you need to use your headlights. In fact, one should probably drive with high beams on whenever the chance arises. We missed that along the way and were positively shocked to realize that we (read: her) had to drive in the dark.

"What's so hard about driving in the dark?" you asked? It probably wouldn't have been that difficult if someone had managed to get more then 2 hours of sleep the night before (read: her) and if someone had figured out how to use their highbeams so they could see the deer before they jumped in front of the car. I'm kinda thinking driving in the dark would have been an absolute breeze if the speed limit had been obeyed versus the "10 miles under the speed limit" option that we chose.

See, when your driving in the dark and going under the speed limit, those behind you that have some place to go in a hurry tend to get a tad mad. Just a tad. They pass you. Fast. Or maybe they just pass you at a normal rate of speed. Wouldn't know...we were on the 2nd option of travel slow.

Once the sun came out, we started to speed right along. Until we stopped for breakfast about an hour from our destination. Let me remind you, this is our third trip. Being the creatures of habit that we are, we have stopped at the same place each time. This trip was no different. Cracker Barrell here we come. Eggs over easy, side of cheesy hashbrowns and a bit of bacon/sausage...the works. Yummy.

Our first clue that eating arrangements were going to be difficult this trip really should have come when we opened the door to the restaurant and smelled sewer. But nnnoooo....we ignore that little clue and mosey on it, ready for our super delicious meal. We sit and yet again, the wonderous smell of human waste comes our way. Do we stop and think? Now why would we do that? Although at this point Happy does threaten to pull out the air freshner she brought along for those scary subway bathrooms. Me and my brilliant self (which happens often on this trip) tells her to not spray that floral scent in a dining room that we are about to eat it. We all know that sniffing human waste with our eggs in the morning is way better then breathing in fresh smelling diasies.

The first mistake the waitress made (and I was one, so I know...I'm smart that way) is calling us Miss. Not Ms. or Mrs. or even the acceptable Ma'am. But Miss. As in "Miss PDQ..you eat your spinich or I will serve it to you in the morning with your frosted flakes!" I'm not a Miss..enough said about that. Now, you downhome southern folk might want to skip this next part. But when a waitress offers you grits and you have already had grits and therefore decide to turn the idea of seeing grits at your table. Do not (I repeat..NOT) bring them grits with their meal. You also might want to hold the white blob of goo gravy that was the chosen mix for the grits as well. Of course, that would be the second mistake made. Grits are not my favorite, so I declined the grits. Not one to waste, you know. Happy also declined the grits. As well as the gravy. Still trying to figure out where it all went wrong...maybe the lovely smell of escaped human gas confused the waitress. Cause Happy got her grits and her gravy to go with it. We also received, what appears to be perfectly rounded forms of cow patties. The old MC Hammer song comes to mind "Can't touch this" HAMMER TIME. I can guarentee that we will never eat at a Cracker Barrell again. Shame really. I kinda liked thier breakfast and really! How can one restaurant of such a large chain mess with my morning breakfast so badly?

Off to the car we went. Except, I didn't get right into the car. I had to have a smoke. Happy got into the car and kept revving the darn engine at me. Naturally, I took longer smoking then normal. But that's just my intense need to piss of a lady getting ready to PMS. Probably not one of my better ideas (as you will find out in the next installment of "Misty and Happy do Boston").

We made it into our destination of choice by 10am. No suprise that they didn't have our room ready that early. We happily checked our luggage with the very nice bell hop captain who gladly put a tag on a steam cleaner that we insisted was way more important then the other nine pieces of luggage Happy brought with her (cause ya'll...there is apparently no such thing as buying a new steam cleaner while on vacation...). Once that was done, we hit Newberry Street where all people must do a credit check, FBI and CIA clearance prior to entering any of the stores (I ask you..why would anyone in their right mind spend $1,000 on a kids outfit. I don't care how cute the damn thing is..it ain't worth 1G! It's clothes for the love of all things messy!) and found our first watering hole.

And with that..I shall leave you.....

(all right..well..spell check isn't working..sorry about that!)

2006-10-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Back, back again....

We had a wonderful four night that were well spent traveling the Pub's of Boston. Right now, my only word of advice to any taking a vacation would be "drinking your way through Boston is not a good idea." I am currently in a 3 week detox program.

Just so people do not think I am a lush or anything, this will have been our third trip to Boston. There is only so much one can do in Boston and this trip was an experiment of sorts...let's just say that it was a fun one and there are many stories to follow.

2006-10-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

Happy just called, it's 2:30am and we are leaving in an hour and a half. Seriously sucking down some coffee here to wake up and blogging. She'll be so proud of me.

Had to blog about last night though ;O)

Ms. RB had her birthday and loved her presents. Her eyes just lit up when she opened her Strawberry Shortcake doll. It had a tutu and ballerina shoes! Best thing since sliced bread. Hollie Hobbie doll was a huge hit as well.

The main event happened around 9pm and didn't even involve Ms. RB, but did involve PDQ. I heard a mouse upstairs and I also heard the cats attacking the mouse. So I went upstairs to see what was going on. I checked the girls room and saw PDQ sitting at the end of her bed with a look of glee on her face. In her hands were flimsly Joe Boxer hangers and she was staring towards her sisters bed. You know those times when you just have to ask what they are doing, but realize that you probably shouldn't because you really don't want to know what they are doing? This was one of those times.

Apparently, the cats chased the mouse into the girls room and started batting it around. PDQ decided she was going to get into the mix, picked up two hangers and started to beat the mousee before it ran under her sisters bed.

I am so glad I am going on vacation.

Goodmorning, goodnight and I am out of here...will post all sorts of vacation stories when I get back. The first one will be how I ended up running late because I was blogging instead of showering.

2006-10-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Stuff I totally forgot to blog about, but wanted to blog about:

1. I offered the man money to get the rooms going this weekend while I was away. He said "When will I have time with the girls here?" I'm not speaking with him right now. Well...I am, but right now he is sleeping, so I'm not.

2. I scored approximately $200.00 worth of clothing attire for $24 dollars at a two different consignment stores. I rock, I rock, I rock!

3. If I can clean a house, be a mom, run an office and occasionally make dinner while the girls around...are men just sucky multi-taskers or is that really a valid excuse? (Men: Forwarned...you might not want to answer that question)

4. I found my desk. I knew it was there, I was just having trouble locating it under all the crap I piled on it (that is HUGE people! HUGE!)

5. As a good wife and mother, I should go grocery shopping before I go on vacation. As a vindictive bitch, he is on his own.

2006-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

One more official day and I am outta here! Cause I am still not counting or anything ;O)

Ms. RB turns 4 tomorrow. The big old 4 and she is very excited..so excited that she keeps getting confused and insisting she is going to be 18. Hate to break her little-soon-to-be-4 year old heart, but I'm not one to leave a child confused. PDQ and I went birthday shopping for her today. We don't make super huge deals out of birthdays, no parties until they are in school and then they only get 1 or 2 big ones at a location far from home. After that, we move into the 3 or 4 friends over for a sleep over. BUT, we do offer up big birthday presents. This year, Ms. RB is getting an adorable Holly Hobby doll that she has been coveting in K-mart for some time now and a Strawberry Shortcake 'soft body' doll that she peeks at any time we go through the toy aisle. We really wanted to get her a Dora doll house, but they were sold out. I think she will still be happy and if not, then at least I have something cool to play with when I come back from vacation.

PDQ is also in the process of learning her multiplication tables. It's only taken us two years to convince the child (who scored above average on her PSA's) that she will have to memorize the darn things. She finally picked up on that part is plowing ahead. It's a good thing, I'm a bit tired of the tears and tantrums the kid is able to produce on demand.

Somehow or another, I managed to sign myself up to run the concession stand for the Soccor tournament. Well..I know how I managed it, but really, you can't blame me (snort). I wasn't paying attention, heard the words "concession stand" immediatly thought that I was hungry and raised my hand to inquire what they were talking about. Behold...the new concession stand organizer. Go me. They are trying to convince me to take over Secretary for the organization as well. Not thinking it will happen. I have learned the word "no" and I have learned to pay attention. Sorta.

Ok..I am off to catch up on my friends blogs because I know I have missed lots the past month! Thanks for hanging in with me and remembering me! It means alot!!!

2006-10-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic and I haven't blogged at all (well..DUH). I'm not really expecting many people to read this, but my vacation starts in 3 days. At 4:00am, Thursday, October 19th, I will be sitting in Happy's car, relaxing and enjoying the beginning of our trip.

I might have bags under my eyes, barely able to open them. I might be a tad tired and a bit cranky. I might even fall asleep (at which point, I can assure you that Happy will gleefully poke me with whatever shop object she can find!). BUT...when I get to where we are going, I will be wide awake and ready to explore.

3 more days. 2 more if I get creative and refuse to count today.

My house is clean, the majority of my laundry is done and I have started to pack (well..sorta anyway). My hair is cut and beautified (dark brown..chocolate maybe?), the eyes plucked and the lips waxed (LOL! OUCH!!!!). My nails are painted (again) and my make up is ready to go.

3 more days!!!!!!

WOOT!!!

(but don't worry, I'm not counting down or anything....)

2006-10-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have no patience. Really. I don't.

Take right now as an example.

I just painted my nails and was sitting there waiting for them to dry and thought about blogging about how being a woman sometimes sucks because we have to take the nail polish off before we can put new stuff on. How guys invent really cool stuff to make their lives easier and women are still stuck removing nail polish. There was a whole other train of thought going with this that I have since forgotten.

Now that I am here, I remember why I shouldn't be here. I just smudged three out of 10 fingernails because the paint wasn't dry yet.

Which brings me back to the whole lack of patience thing.

I want to be a man in my next life. Scratching myself, watching sports and belching. Sounds like the life to me. Plus, they actually invent things that make their life easier. Unlike women, we just invent things that make our lives more hectic. Like face peels and nail polish.

2006-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

They said there would be days like this. I really should have listened a bit closer. Noooo...I had to tune out and not hear the message.

Ms. RB is sick. As in "throwing up on the way to take PDQ to school" sick. This is her second cold in two weeks. Last week it was runny nose, short-lived fever and it was done and over with by 24 hours. This week, we have expanded the cold to a runny nose, upset stomach and the fever/runny nose. This is one of those rare times that I actually cater to my kids and find them the easiest to deal with. Neither one likes to be bugged when they are not feeling well. They like to be left alone and basically make themselves invisible unless they need food, water or medicine. It doesn't bode well with me because I am a hoverer when they are ill. I stalk them, feel their heads for fevers, whip out the thermometer every 10 seconds and basically annoy the crap out of them. They don't like it and shove me away. It's all about being the mom, I guess. The only tough part is when Ms. RB is sick, she likes to camp out on my couch. I let her. Even though what I really want to do is clean the living room. I'll have to make do with cleaning her room, the bathroom and the kitchen. I'll survive.

My mommy-cater-to-the-kids-gene starts to disappear right around 6:30am and stays gone right up until the pot of coffee is almost depleted at 8:00am. PDQ decided she was going to work on a craft project this morning before school. As usual, I reminded her to make sure she has all her chores done first. Really, there isn't much. Feeding the two dogs, empty the dishwasher, eat breakfast and make sure your ready to walk out the door and that includes packing her lunch box.

I think she is getting off easy (her opinion is different). About ten minutes before we are ready to walk out the door, she remembers that she never made her lunch. I told her to get moving, she still had ten minutes which should be plenty of time to whip whatever type of lunch she wants into a her box. She starts to cry and asks me to do it for her. Now, this kid is a picky eater. The number one reason I will not pack a lunch for her. I want her to eat it. I tell her no and she starts to throw the most dramatic temper tantrum of the decade. It's received with a smile and "the lunch won't pack itself" comment. She stomps upstairs, brushes her teeth, stomps back downstairs and proceeds to pack her lunch. After which, she exclaims to me that she has yogurt and peanut butter sandwich with cheerio's for snack.

Whatever. As long as she eats it.

2006-10-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Pathetic really.

Trying to justify buying a one year membership for a game so I can get fake money to buy some fake land where I can put a fake house and decorate it with fake stuff. Being able to buy fake clothes for my fake self is also a bit of an issue.

The theory goes that the man buys more then my membership in PS2 games a year. I should be able to spend less then his PS2 addiction on my game to buy fake stuff for the fake me.

See where I am going with this?

Pathetic and only slightly in denial

(countdown begins....16 days until it's all about ME!)

2006-10-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hair situation resolved. I found three gray hairs this morning. I will be coloring my hair. No doubt about that. Just not sure what color.

Ms. RB also discovered Ozzy Osbourne this morning. Pondering how exactly that came about...but she is running around the house telling us to jump on the Crazy Train and Bark at the Moon. Of course, that last part is with only a tad bit of help from me.

Note to self: De-program Ms. RB before daycare on Thursday.

2006-10-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the man was in a sporting tournament to raise money for our local animal shelter. I didn't go because it was raining, but he said there was a good turn out.

This tournament was meant to be fun for all those who attended. Just a sporting event that threw a whole bunch of men and women onto a few different teams that played against each other. Nothing major and for a good cause with french fries on the side for a dollar.

He said this wasn't how it all played all. Teams cheated, they became upset if the score wasn't equal to what they were keeping track of in their own head. People became upset, they fought verbally amongst each other, changed rules and whatever else their brilliant little minds could come up with.

Simply put, some of the players on certain teams ruined the fun. They took away from the benefit and made into more then just some friendly competition. They were playing for the gold man and they were going to win.

He has another round to go to today and if it isn't raining, the girls and I are heading down to watch. To support him and also see for myself how a bunch of adults can take something so kind and nice and turn it into an night mare.

As a side note, I highly recommend Paulius's new post at Life, What the Hell is going on?. Although it's about SL, the writing is excellent and gives a man's point of view on what women go through from the inside ;O)

2006-09-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Another day, another post. Hopefully! I have been having problems getting blogger to accept my creative writing skills as the best I can possibly offer. I doubt it's still mad at me since I have been trying hard to give it attention. Maybe it no longer wants my attention? Maybe...just maybe....it's being a catankerous little child that wants that piece of candy but refuses to accept it because you told them no earlier in the day? Who knows.

About my hair. Ok..here's the deal. A friend and I go away once every year to a destination of our choice. We leave the kiddo's and the husbands behind and we treat ourselves to a wonderful four night vacation at a ritzy hotel and that one can only visit once a year or you would go broke. We have great meals, delightful plays and fun shopping. It's all about us and we love every minute of it. My hair comes into the equation because every year before we go, we get beautified. Eyebrow plucking, lip waxing, hair cuts and coloring. Only this year I am not sure if I really want to color my hair. Right now, at this very minute, I am also experiencing the best hair day ever. Even though I have some major dead ends going on in the hair portion of myself, it's currently a toss if I even want it cut. Tomorrow, I will decide I do because we all know that a good hair day does not last.

Then, if I do decide to get it colored, I'm not even sure what color I want. My hairdresser has one picked out and I usually go with whatever she decides. I tend to lean towards pretty funky colors or dark colors and let my inner rebel shine through. It's all I have left of my youth since, as a mom, I shouldn't really let my punk self out in public. I have gone as close to black hair as one can go without actually being black haired. I have had dark hair with purplish highlights. We've done candle-wicking and putting blonde highlights in (which is as close to blonde I will ever go). All different shades of reds and browns.

My hair is currently at it's natural state and some days I like it and some days I don't. Naturally, I am mouse brown with dark underlayers and blonde/red highlights on top. The typical hodgepodge of hair color that I have been told people pay big bucks for. Normally, I hate it. It gets way too light on top and way too dark on the bottom. The red drives me nuts and in all honesty, blonde is not my color at all. I have extremely dark brown eyes, very dark eyebrows and a splattering of freckles which gives me the ability to choose a few different options.

I have about a week to decide if I want to color it, if I want to cut it...if I want to leave it....oh the choices.

And if I can ever get my darling husband to stay in the house for more then 2 seconds at a clip, I have permission to put up our picture from the wedding I was in a few weeks ago. You can't really get the scope of my hair because we are indoors and it looks dark brown (trust me, it's not). But you will be able to see that when I say my husband does not take anything seriously...I mean it.

We took three different pictures trying to get a good one of us for here. I must say I looked ravishing (lol-snort). However, the man decided decided he was going to screw around and be a typical goofball. There is not a serious picture of him on the whole camera. It's what he is and what it is. Hopefully I will be able to put them up in a few days.

I'm also a tad annoyed because I have a few friend with Myspace blogs. For whatever reason, myspace is only allowing me to read the blogs and whenever I try to sign in, it boots me out. It won't let me post a comment to them at all. Just another thing for me to figure out.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!

2006-09-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

One thing I despise is people being late for appointments. One thing that really annoys me about my husband is that he is always late for appointments. This time, he learned his lesson and made a friend loose some points for her college course. He better be doing some major sucking up as I type.

And could someone please explain to me why a town that has two different dance teachers only has one store that sells dance shoes? To take it a bit further, why does that store always sell out of dance shoes the day that I need to buy them?

2006-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

I think my blog is holding a grudge due to it's recent neglect. I had a wonderful post (and blogger knew that) yesterday about my hair, a trip I am taking and well..all other things about me and blogger refused to cooperate. I wonder if that is some sort of passive agressive way of telling me that it also needs my attention. Maybe it's jealous of my new game obsession? Sorta like Gas and Wood is jealous of Electricity because he is cheaper and way more fun. Maybe that was Propane who is envied? I guess it's not all that important since it is only a commercial. Propane is the top dude. I guess we should all run out and buy ourselves a bit of Propane?

Yesterdays blog cannot be repeated because well...that was yesterday and today is a new day so what happened yesterday is of no matter today. I have something new today. Only I can't remember exactly what it was, so I might need to make something up as I go along.

Let me think.

(still thinking)

(THOUGHT!)

It's not raining here. Oh sure...you think that is a pathetic thing to blog about. Let me tell you! That is huge for me. It's been raining on and off the past couple of weeks to the point that I was going to follow Noah's example, build myself a find Ark and float away. No flooding, just constant drippage from the sky. Enough to get you wet and curb all out door activities. Not that we have many out door activities right now, but if I did, they would be curbed.

I have also gone back to making my weekly menu for shopping purposes. So many other people do this, I know I am not the only one. And it does make weekly grocery shopping a bit more tolerant. I hate shopping period. Clothes, food, shoe or any other type of shopping. I hate it all. Reason for this is because there are way too many choices, my patience runs thin and the bargains say they are bargains..but my mind has to wonder if they really are. Anything that makes my shopping experiance faster is wonderful.

2006-09-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

No matter where I go or what I do, I manage to open my mouth and insert my foot. It never fails and has plagued me since forever. Last night I was chatting with a friend Bridgete on-line and told her her I had to go because I speaking with a friend. I meant to put real life friend (so she didn't think I was blowing her off for a net-friend) but I put "real" friend instead. Which did not mean how it came out, that she wasn't a "real" friend. It just meant that I had a RL friend that needed to speak with me. Anyhow, Bridgette, when you read this..sorry!

I caught the season premier of America's Top Model last night, which was two hours long. What I found very interesting was (a different) Bridgette who refused to do a nude shoot. Now, in defense of ATM, this shoot was done very classy and it wasn't about being nude, it was about your body being beautiful. As American's, we tend to get so hung up about our bodies and well..I'm one of them. Anyway, this girl finally caved in but only did two back shots and had another girl up there to cover her after each shot. Another girl was very nervous about what her family would think and was afraid they wouldn't let her come back home after she was done.

It is common knowledge every season will have at least one nude shoot and that it is not Playboy, they are not selling sex and it is well done and focuses more on the beauty then anything else. The purpose for this shoot is basically to find out how the girls react under pressure and for most girls, the most extreme pressure is exposing one's body to others. Without clothes. Put any of those girls in a string bikini and they are good to go. National TV? Not a problem. Remove all clothing and they get nervous and uncomfortable. This shoot tells the judges who is and isn't comfortable and who will and will not be easy to work with for other possibly uncomfortable shoots.

Of course, this all had me thinking a bit. I'm guessing most, if not all, of these girls watched previous episodes of ATM and many of them watched with their parents. Like I mentioned before, common knowledge that a nude shoot is done every season. So why were some of these girls freaked over the shoot? Why were they so scared that their parents would turn on them and not welcome them back home? Don't their parents support and know what is all involved in partaking of a show like this? Don't they realize what their children's hopes and dreams are and discussed it with them?

I can understand parents getting upset about a shoot for Playboy, even though they are tastefully done on most occasions. I can understand a parent becoming upset if their daughter decided to strip nude on a bartop and start dancing. Heck, even get the whole "wish my daughter would stay fully clothed for all occasions" thought process. I have girls.

What I don't get is girls who have hopes and dreams signing up for a show under the illusion that maybe this year there won't be a nude shoot. Or girls signing up for a show hoping to fulfill their dreams and parents either not supporting it or not even knowing about it. How can a parent not know their child's dreams or hopes? How can a parent not discuss the possibilities and how that would make them or the child feel?

I guess there are just some things I just don't understand. No, I don't want my girls selling themselves short. But at the same time, I want to know what they dream about, what they want to be when they grow up and want the opportunity to support them, discuss it with them and help them. I know they are not always going to do things that I appreciate or find acceptable. But at some point I have to realize that they are adults and have to make many choices for themselves. Sometimes that will mean doing something I won't necessarily approve of. My wish for myself is when that time comes, I will be smart enough to discuss it with them, tell them how I feel and learn to accept that they have the ability to think for themselves. To respect that, even if I don't agree with it.