I just heard on the radio yesterday that a radio station in town is giving away Nickelback tickets (I know, I have a pair but I could always sell them right?) probably front row..... PLUS back stage passes. All I have to do is make a 60 second or less video that says WHY I should get these tickets over all else. I need to be creative. I have a few ideas where I explain why I deserve it by using the titles of each song on the newest CD and a few others.
What I'm wondering is if you, my blogging buddies, have any other ideas. Something creative*cough Lioux, I know you're busy*.
Please comment ideas of what I can do so I can go back stage with my absolute favorite band!!! Thanks!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Plane revisited.
Yesterday I told my mom about my horrible dream from the night before. They are flying to Tampa to see my sister and her husband in March and haven't flown since the late 80's. I'm the executrix to their will and the one daughter they can count on for almost anything.
So apparently my rerun of the dream to her on the phone seemed the perfect seque to tell me that if their plane goes down they have survivor benefits and will put the important papers in a certain place and that I should come by soon so she could show me where all the rest of the papers are. That way if they die in a plane crash I could find everything and sell everything off without routing too much. *sigh*
That was NOT the time to have me discussing such things, Mom. Seriously.
So apparently my rerun of the dream to her on the phone seemed the perfect seque to tell me that if their plane goes down they have survivor benefits and will put the important papers in a certain place and that I should come by soon so she could show me where all the rest of the papers are. That way if they die in a plane crash I could find everything and sell everything off without routing too much. *sigh*
That was NOT the time to have me discussing such things, Mom. Seriously.
Design Corner: The Psychology of Color part 3
My other installments can be found at part 1 and part 2.
There is no rhyme or reason to what colors I cover first or last. I just think ‘hmmm I’ll talk about this color today.’
So this morning I decided that today’s color would be yellow. Why yellow? Perhaps I’m longing to see the sun. I do think that subconsciously my brain naturally wanted to work through all three of the primary colors before moving on to the secondary and tertiary colors. :D
Yellow is the last of the primary colors. All remaining colors are made from combining red, blue and yellow in some way and as I stated before adding white or black changes the value of the mixed color. It can also be used with the primary colors to change it’s value.
In nature yellow is not an overly abundant color. Yellow can be seen in nature with the sun, the center of daisies or the petals of a sunflower. But in nature you don’t always see an over abundant amount of yellow. When yellow is used it’s eye catching. Road warning signs are in yellow because of that fact. I want either a red or yellow beetle convertible partially because it’s eye catching. I mean highlighters are yellow for a reason, right? Yellow is also associated with being a cheerful color, again probably being associated with the sun. A sunny day equals cheerfulness.
In marketing yellow is not only eye catching but also denotes affordability. I remember a generic brand that used to be for sale here that it’s packaging was always yellow with black block labeling. Yellow is also a color used on cleaning products because it is believed that yellow symbolizes a good, effective cleaner. I know while at the store I notice it on an ammonia bottle and tons of laundry detergent. Perhaps they want us to equate their product with the refreshing sunny day with birds signing and fresh air wafting around us? The packaging works and you buy it probably never realizing that it was thought of that intently. (Or maybe you did? Lol)
In design yellow needs to be used carefully and with the right people. Yellow in bedrooms can be cheerful. I know I used it in my bedroom for many reasons. I wanted my room to be like a bit of sunshine in the morning but not shockingly so. Given our climate and this current time of year I always feel like my room is a bit sunny when I enter it. But bold yellows are usually avoided but for a few select brave souls who love the color. Bright yellow can be a bit disturbing to many people. Remember, in nature yellow isn’t used in abundance. I don’t know if that’s why we can’t use it in abundance in our homes with most people but more often than not it isn’t done.
There have been studies that show that bright yellow can cause anxiety in infants snd young children. That is why I chastised my mom for making my baby room yellow. I said, ‘what were you thinking? No wonder I cried.’ LOL. It makes sense when you remember that babies are born only seeing black and white and slowly can see color as they grow. Bright yellow could be a bit of a shock. Other studies have shown that using yellow in areas that house inmates or recovering drug addicts can increase their anxiety and violent behavior. So, needless to say, you will not find that bright color used a lot in those areas.
That covers yellow and this installment of Design corner.
Here are pictures of the yellow in my bedroom.
The treadmill is now in the basement so these pictures are a tad old. lol
There is no rhyme or reason to what colors I cover first or last. I just think ‘hmmm I’ll talk about this color today.’
So this morning I decided that today’s color would be yellow. Why yellow? Perhaps I’m longing to see the sun. I do think that subconsciously my brain naturally wanted to work through all three of the primary colors before moving on to the secondary and tertiary colors. :D
Yellow is the last of the primary colors. All remaining colors are made from combining red, blue and yellow in some way and as I stated before adding white or black changes the value of the mixed color. It can also be used with the primary colors to change it’s value.
In nature yellow is not an overly abundant color. Yellow can be seen in nature with the sun, the center of daisies or the petals of a sunflower. But in nature you don’t always see an over abundant amount of yellow. When yellow is used it’s eye catching. Road warning signs are in yellow because of that fact. I want either a red or yellow beetle convertible partially because it’s eye catching. I mean highlighters are yellow for a reason, right? Yellow is also associated with being a cheerful color, again probably being associated with the sun. A sunny day equals cheerfulness.
In marketing yellow is not only eye catching but also denotes affordability. I remember a generic brand that used to be for sale here that it’s packaging was always yellow with black block labeling. Yellow is also a color used on cleaning products because it is believed that yellow symbolizes a good, effective cleaner. I know while at the store I notice it on an ammonia bottle and tons of laundry detergent. Perhaps they want us to equate their product with the refreshing sunny day with birds signing and fresh air wafting around us? The packaging works and you buy it probably never realizing that it was thought of that intently. (Or maybe you did? Lol)
In design yellow needs to be used carefully and with the right people. Yellow in bedrooms can be cheerful. I know I used it in my bedroom for many reasons. I wanted my room to be like a bit of sunshine in the morning but not shockingly so. Given our climate and this current time of year I always feel like my room is a bit sunny when I enter it. But bold yellows are usually avoided but for a few select brave souls who love the color. Bright yellow can be a bit disturbing to many people. Remember, in nature yellow isn’t used in abundance. I don’t know if that’s why we can’t use it in abundance in our homes with most people but more often than not it isn’t done.
There have been studies that show that bright yellow can cause anxiety in infants snd young children. That is why I chastised my mom for making my baby room yellow. I said, ‘what were you thinking? No wonder I cried.’ LOL. It makes sense when you remember that babies are born only seeing black and white and slowly can see color as they grow. Bright yellow could be a bit of a shock. Other studies have shown that using yellow in areas that house inmates or recovering drug addicts can increase their anxiety and violent behavior. So, needless to say, you will not find that bright color used a lot in those areas.
That covers yellow and this installment of Design corner.
Here are pictures of the yellow in my bedroom.
The treadmill is now in the basement so these pictures are a tad old. lol
Monday, February 26, 2007
A horrible horrible nightmare
Last night I had a hard time falling asleep. Earlier that night I had been looking up rental condos for our trip down to Destin Florida and we discussed the trip, hubby and I, as he called his parents. I finally found a way to make sure his parents have accomodations (because they are incapable of doing it themselves, I swear they are inept children) without having to stay in the same condo or house with them. *wipes brow* (Hubby's parents are a long and horrific story and if I start I can't stop and I get more and more upset as I go so I won't go there with you folks, just rest assured that if I had stayed with them a week hubby and I would have both been bald, shaking our heads in disgust and frustration and wanting to commit homicide. But that would only mean we'd be at each other's throats more than usual, not good.)
Since I am the travel agent in the house, among other things, I've been researching places for 6 months and then his brother and girlfriend were going to stay with us and then they weren't. And then his best friend was going to stay with us, and then he wasn't. And then his parents and youngest sister was going to stay with us and then they weren't. Now the best friend is back in and the parents wanted back in and Angel put her hand up and said 'STOP!' That's it. I am telling all you bone-heads what is what and the best friend is staying with us and the in-laws in another condo down the way. *wipe hands together.* Sanity and saving money combined caused me to stop the insanity.
So onto the sleeping nightmare (not to be confused with my living one. LOL) I woke up around 3 am and fell back asleep. This dream woke me at 3:20 am.
Hubby, my two beautiful kids, myself and my mom and dad were on a plane flying somewhere. We had been up for a bit and the plane dipped here and there hitting air pockets I guess, you know the feeling. Well one of the dips turned into a nose dive, the longest nose dive ever, like slow motion. I was hysterical. I'm terrifed to fly as it is and since 9/11 even more so. I can't get the children out of my heads. I tell my husband that my kids only go because I book their flight and if something happened....
Anyway, I could see the back of my son's head and thought 'I need to get to him' and my mom and I went to him. My dad must have been with hubby. The next thing I know my mom and I are on the ground and I am thinking "How did I get out of the plane and how can I get back in and out with my family?" I'm paniced. I'm about to figure it out as I see the plane crash right in front of me. It was vivid in color, sound and carnage. I am hysterical (even as I type this I am in tears.) I remember seeing some faces and thinking "please god, just let me get my kids and husband out. Please god let them be alive and okay" even though there was blood and other gory things around. I woke up at that point.
I was in tears and couldn't breath. I am still carrying the emotions from it and can't shake it. I woke hubby up with my sobbing. He said, "It was just a dream, go back to sleep." I tried. I laid there trying to will myself to change the dream and finally fell asleep but no more dreaming.
I just read a dream interpretor thing that says that a plane crash is related to our careers and the feeling of helplessness in the face of trying to get one on track. Sure, right. My budding renewal of my career causes such a horrific dream.... My belly hurts from internalizing it so much and I have to work tonight. I hope I don't have another dream like that because it sucked big time!
Since I am the travel agent in the house, among other things, I've been researching places for 6 months and then his brother and girlfriend were going to stay with us and then they weren't. And then his best friend was going to stay with us, and then he wasn't. And then his parents and youngest sister was going to stay with us and then they weren't. Now the best friend is back in and the parents wanted back in and Angel put her hand up and said 'STOP!' That's it. I am telling all you bone-heads what is what and the best friend is staying with us and the in-laws in another condo down the way. *wipe hands together.* Sanity and saving money combined caused me to stop the insanity.
So onto the sleeping nightmare (not to be confused with my living one. LOL) I woke up around 3 am and fell back asleep. This dream woke me at 3:20 am.
Hubby, my two beautiful kids, myself and my mom and dad were on a plane flying somewhere. We had been up for a bit and the plane dipped here and there hitting air pockets I guess, you know the feeling. Well one of the dips turned into a nose dive, the longest nose dive ever, like slow motion. I was hysterical. I'm terrifed to fly as it is and since 9/11 even more so. I can't get the children out of my heads. I tell my husband that my kids only go because I book their flight and if something happened....
Anyway, I could see the back of my son's head and thought 'I need to get to him' and my mom and I went to him. My dad must have been with hubby. The next thing I know my mom and I are on the ground and I am thinking "How did I get out of the plane and how can I get back in and out with my family?" I'm paniced. I'm about to figure it out as I see the plane crash right in front of me. It was vivid in color, sound and carnage. I am hysterical (even as I type this I am in tears.) I remember seeing some faces and thinking "please god, just let me get my kids and husband out. Please god let them be alive and okay" even though there was blood and other gory things around. I woke up at that point.
I was in tears and couldn't breath. I am still carrying the emotions from it and can't shake it. I woke hubby up with my sobbing. He said, "It was just a dream, go back to sleep." I tried. I laid there trying to will myself to change the dream and finally fell asleep but no more dreaming.
I just read a dream interpretor thing that says that a plane crash is related to our careers and the feeling of helplessness in the face of trying to get one on track. Sure, right. My budding renewal of my career causes such a horrific dream.... My belly hurts from internalizing it so much and I have to work tonight. I hope I don't have another dream like that because it sucked big time!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A new conversation with 'the Peanut'
My daughter just walked up to my husband and said, "I am a doctor. I take care of dead people."
We stiffled our laughs as best we could and we told her that she wouldn't have much to do to take care of dead people. We explained that you can't do anything to help dead people. She said, "Maybe we could give them a cup of blood to bring them back to life."
WTF? Where does she learn this stuff?
We told her that we don't think that would work.
She finally conceeded, "Alright, I'll take care of sick people." We smiled at each other. Then she added, "I'll stick a needle in their arms to take the sickness out."
Adding to this conversation she stated that people would come to her office and that no one was to see her feet. (she is wearing mommy's blue mittens on her feet. LOL)
Daddy asked her, "Why can't they see your feet?"
"Because they can't take my stinky feet."
Ahhh, you can keep my mittens baby doll. hee hee.
We stiffled our laughs as best we could and we told her that she wouldn't have much to do to take care of dead people. We explained that you can't do anything to help dead people. She said, "Maybe we could give them a cup of blood to bring them back to life."
WTF? Where does she learn this stuff?
We told her that we don't think that would work.
She finally conceeded, "Alright, I'll take care of sick people." We smiled at each other. Then she added, "I'll stick a needle in their arms to take the sickness out."
Adding to this conversation she stated that people would come to her office and that no one was to see her feet. (she is wearing mommy's blue mittens on her feet. LOL)
Daddy asked her, "Why can't they see your feet?"
"Because they can't take my stinky feet."
Ahhh, you can keep my mittens baby doll. hee hee.
A moment with my Peanut
My daughter has always named things: her dolls, her animals her horses. Back in time the names were a blur like 'ala' and 'abda' because she failed to come up with a name. Then everything was either her or her brother's name.
Yesterday she engaged her dad and I in a conversation about 'when I grow up'. She was thinking about the pets she'd have when she will be an adult. (Bear in mind we have one dog, one cat and one fish.) She told us she would have a black cat and name it licorice (color us surprised by her creative answer. We are LOVING that name.) Then she would have a dog that was brown (hmmm like the dog we HAVE?) and name him (and here we forgot but today she came up with the name I'm listing here) "Cheesy. LOL And she'd have a fish (which if this 'Jason' fish we have that is 4 years old is as scary as I think it might be the SAME fish) she'd name him 'Deary'.
Why am I sharing this? Simple. We tend to forget these things she says. We try to write funny things down but have fallen off that habit. So I plan to write those things here and every month print it out and keep a binder for my kids to look back and laugh at when they grow up. I'm like Monica on 'Friends' with binders and labels. LOL.
So there is a moment with my Peanut.
Yesterday she engaged her dad and I in a conversation about 'when I grow up'. She was thinking about the pets she'd have when she will be an adult. (Bear in mind we have one dog, one cat and one fish.) She told us she would have a black cat and name it licorice (color us surprised by her creative answer. We are LOVING that name.) Then she would have a dog that was brown (hmmm like the dog we HAVE?) and name him (and here we forgot but today she came up with the name I'm listing here) "Cheesy. LOL And she'd have a fish (which if this 'Jason' fish we have that is 4 years old is as scary as I think it might be the SAME fish) she'd name him 'Deary'.
Why am I sharing this? Simple. We tend to forget these things she says. We try to write funny things down but have fallen off that habit. So I plan to write those things here and every month print it out and keep a binder for my kids to look back and laugh at when they grow up. I'm like Monica on 'Friends' with binders and labels. LOL.
So there is a moment with my Peanut.
Myspace functioning
I joined myspace and got my own page to reconnect with friends from high school and college. I was delighted that some of my new blogging friends are now on my friends list. Yesterday I got a message from someone. The myspace name wasn't something I recognized but I went to the message to make sure. In the end it was someone I was friends with for a looooong time in high school. He was someone I could always talk to from 7th grade through to graduation. A wonderful guy that never failed to make me laugh. You see I was mostly friends with guys as graduation neared.
I had been friends with girls in what our grade considered the 'in crowd'. In 7th grade I was tight with them. We began the normal rebellious behavior. Swearing, trying cigarettes and blah blah blah. At my 13th b-day sleep over my then friends thought it would be fun to bring cigarettes. I had yet to really find them to be cool (I never did find them to be cool and really never became a smoker.) When my mom figured out what was going on (and lets face it, mom's usually know what's going non) man was I in trouble. The thing is, I could never lie to my mom. Call it fear? Call it respect? Call it the inability to lie? Whatever. She asked who brought the cigs and I told her the truth. She never called the other girl's moms but I was grounded. Somewhere in school I must have told the girls what my mom asked and what I told her. I found out at our reunion that that's what got me outted. Being honest with my mom. For 11 years I wondered what it was and was surprised that it was something so stupid.
But in school it made it difficult to be a part of a group one day and then not the next and not know why. Even before I was outted I had become friends with this guy. Sure he made lude comments to me as most teenage boys seemed to do but he and I got along well and had fun. We remained friends throughout our jr and sr high school days. I was quite upset that I didn't get to talk to him at the reunion.
So yesterday he found me on myspace through the search through our high school. We were both excited to find each other and get to catch up. So Myspace is functioning as I wish it to be. woo hoo!
I had been friends with girls in what our grade considered the 'in crowd'. In 7th grade I was tight with them. We began the normal rebellious behavior. Swearing, trying cigarettes and blah blah blah. At my 13th b-day sleep over my then friends thought it would be fun to bring cigarettes. I had yet to really find them to be cool (I never did find them to be cool and really never became a smoker.) When my mom figured out what was going on (and lets face it, mom's usually know what's going non) man was I in trouble. The thing is, I could never lie to my mom. Call it fear? Call it respect? Call it the inability to lie? Whatever. She asked who brought the cigs and I told her the truth. She never called the other girl's moms but I was grounded. Somewhere in school I must have told the girls what my mom asked and what I told her. I found out at our reunion that that's what got me outted. Being honest with my mom. For 11 years I wondered what it was and was surprised that it was something so stupid.
But in school it made it difficult to be a part of a group one day and then not the next and not know why. Even before I was outted I had become friends with this guy. Sure he made lude comments to me as most teenage boys seemed to do but he and I got along well and had fun. We remained friends throughout our jr and sr high school days. I was quite upset that I didn't get to talk to him at the reunion.
So yesterday he found me on myspace through the search through our high school. We were both excited to find each other and get to catch up. So Myspace is functioning as I wish it to be. woo hoo!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Bowling fun with a bunch of kids
My son's bowling b-day party (I know, late but we had to reserve the lanes and blah blah blah.) He invited 3 boys and 3 girls (one he used to like and one he likes now.) We had two lanes and they split 3 boys and three girls (it would have been 7 kids but one boy didn't come to the party.)
So I got to cheer on the girls while hubby cheered on the boys. The kids had a blast and enjoyed pizza (although passed on finishing it to eat my cookie cake..lol. Such a compliment.)
I have pictures that I might post AND some video. My son got a ton of spares and a strike. We had bumper rails but he had most of his going down the center of the lane. I just told my mom he bowls like my dad with a wicked spin. LOL.
Generally I am just thoroughly enjoying my last free Saturday for over a month. *sigh* I'm off to surf blogs and do practically nothing.
Blog ya later!
So I got to cheer on the girls while hubby cheered on the boys. The kids had a blast and enjoyed pizza (although passed on finishing it to eat my cookie cake..lol. Such a compliment.)
I have pictures that I might post AND some video. My son got a ton of spares and a strike. We had bumper rails but he had most of his going down the center of the lane. I just told my mom he bowls like my dad with a wicked spin. LOL.
Generally I am just thoroughly enjoying my last free Saturday for over a month. *sigh* I'm off to surf blogs and do practically nothing.
Blog ya later!
Turn around....
I know the advertising business hires great people to get the products stuck in the consumers minds. I have also been able to decipher the meaning within the commercials and find it fun. But there is one on the tv now that has burrowed into my brain. I think it's a gps manufacturer (okay so I don't COMPLETELY remember the product itself) but I know it's geared toward my generation and older sister's generation. How do I know that? Plain and simple, the song.
As I made some breakfast I caught myself singing "Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit..." and stopping. I think, where did that come from. Then I hear hubby singing the same thing as he's reading the paper. Later, in the shower I am in full song mode singing the same darn song! Then I realized... Darn it, it's that flim flaming commercial!
Now I'm trying to remember the lyrics and realized I really LIKE singing the song so I will more than likely try to learn them all (although I'm surprised I know as many as I do since it's an 80's song.) I'm even thinking of getting hubby to learn the song on his guitar so I can sing along. Damn commercial! Damn advertisers! *shaking fist angrily into the sky* Get out of my head!!
I went looking for the original video and found this on You Tube and cracked up!! *giggle*
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cRJhNZYRYJg
Okay and this one is simply disturbing!!!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1785284782154836655&q=ter+rance+total+eclipse&pl=true
Here is a link to a sample of the original...
http://www.last.fm/music/Bonnie+Tyler/_/Total+Eclipse+of+the+Heart
Yeah.... see what that commercial has done to me??? There I now spread the misery, hee hee.
As I made some breakfast I caught myself singing "Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit..." and stopping. I think, where did that come from. Then I hear hubby singing the same thing as he's reading the paper. Later, in the shower I am in full song mode singing the same darn song! Then I realized... Darn it, it's that flim flaming commercial!
Now I'm trying to remember the lyrics and realized I really LIKE singing the song so I will more than likely try to learn them all (although I'm surprised I know as many as I do since it's an 80's song.) I'm even thinking of getting hubby to learn the song on his guitar so I can sing along. Damn commercial! Damn advertisers! *shaking fist angrily into the sky* Get out of my head!!
I went looking for the original video and found this on You Tube and cracked up!! *giggle*
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cRJhNZYRYJg
Okay and this one is simply disturbing!!!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1785284782154836655&q=ter+rance+total+eclipse&pl=true
Here is a link to a sample of the original...
http://www.last.fm/music/Bonnie+Tyler/_/Total+Eclipse+of+the+Heart
Yeah.... see what that commercial has done to me??? There I now spread the misery, hee hee.
Friday, February 23, 2007
One project
This project I worked on for a couple and they ended up stiffing me for the design fees. The reason was the furniture prices seemed too high for them. But still I provided design work for them and they told me they wouldn't pay them. Bastages. Thus the reason hubby wrote up a contract for me. No more will I have people get work from me without compensation.
These sketches got folded by the client so they aren't as nice as I'd like darn it!
These sketches got folded by the client so they aren't as nice as I'd like darn it!
Work recap
Last night I met with my first design client. She and her husband are in the process of building a home in Florida. They want me to help her select paint colors for all the rooms in an old world style including faux finished walls in the great room. I am going to be selecting oriental carpets, lamps, wall decor and all the furniture. This could be a 20 hour job and at what I charge a big big paycheck for me.
She even mentioned wanting to fly me down to the home. Wow.
A second design client popped up last night. An orthodontist looking to renovate his offices.
My work is so excited to have a Designer to refer them to. One of the owners talked with me last night, asking about my education and experience. He seems a really nice guy. He told me that I will do really well there with the design side because they always have people asking for one and said that it's a bonus for them to have me around. *smile* I thanked him for the amazing flexibility he is offering me with regard to my hours and family.
I'm somewhat more tired than usual because I don't wind down from my night until around 10:30 pm. I have a ton of drawings and estimating to do and some research for the orthodontist tonight.
Hubby is excited about the job and money I could make. It will go a long way to pay down our debt and allow me to get a reliable vehicle. The OSST minivan might be replaced in a few months by a hot hot hot beetle convertible (or as my editor calls them 'pervertibles'. Silly man.)
Later today I plan to post some drawings I've done for clients at my past job. I even have an after shot the client took and I'll explain them once I post them. For now I'm off to shop for the goodie bags for my son's party. I would have done it earlier but for waiting for the mulah. lol. I'm off to a party store and Costco....ohhhhh my favorite store. :)
Blog ya later today!!
She even mentioned wanting to fly me down to the home. Wow.
A second design client popped up last night. An orthodontist looking to renovate his offices.
My work is so excited to have a Designer to refer them to. One of the owners talked with me last night, asking about my education and experience. He seems a really nice guy. He told me that I will do really well there with the design side because they always have people asking for one and said that it's a bonus for them to have me around. *smile* I thanked him for the amazing flexibility he is offering me with regard to my hours and family.
I'm somewhat more tired than usual because I don't wind down from my night until around 10:30 pm. I have a ton of drawings and estimating to do and some research for the orthodontist tonight.
Hubby is excited about the job and money I could make. It will go a long way to pay down our debt and allow me to get a reliable vehicle. The OSST minivan might be replaced in a few months by a hot hot hot beetle convertible (or as my editor calls them 'pervertibles'. Silly man.)
Later today I plan to post some drawings I've done for clients at my past job. I even have an after shot the client took and I'll explain them once I post them. For now I'm off to shop for the goodie bags for my son's party. I would have done it earlier but for waiting for the mulah. lol. I'm off to a party store and Costco....ohhhhh my favorite store. :)
Blog ya later today!!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Work day....
I work tonight.
I have a design client at 6pm (my first through this place) and I can't charge her my design fee because I'm on the clock. WTF? So I will spend one hour with her and arrange another meeting, when I'm not on the clock but will inform her I charge $40/hour and require a signed contract that my lawyer (aka hubby) drew up for me.
Not only that. I start at 5 pm. That means the monkeys will be going with me and will hang out in the play area while I train until their daddy picks them up.
Missing them makes me not want to go.... money entices me to go. Dinner was prepped by noon and is in the oven to bake for over an hour so we can eat at 4pm. A cookie cake for the boy's kids party is baked and cooling and laundry and dishes have been attacked.
I've already put a full day in. I will sleep good tonight, that's for sure.
I have a design client at 6pm (my first through this place) and I can't charge her my design fee because I'm on the clock. WTF? So I will spend one hour with her and arrange another meeting, when I'm not on the clock but will inform her I charge $40/hour and require a signed contract that my lawyer (aka hubby) drew up for me.
Not only that. I start at 5 pm. That means the monkeys will be going with me and will hang out in the play area while I train until their daddy picks them up.
Missing them makes me not want to go.... money entices me to go. Dinner was prepped by noon and is in the oven to bake for over an hour so we can eat at 4pm. A cookie cake for the boy's kids party is baked and cooling and laundry and dishes have been attacked.
I've already put a full day in. I will sleep good tonight, that's for sure.
Year of the....
| You Were Born Under: |
 You are quick witted, charming, and bring luck to all who know you. A bit greedy, you tend to go after what you want - with success. Clever, you seek out knowledge... and eventually use what you know to your advantage. You are very loyal, and you treat your real friends like they are family. You are most compatible with a Dragon or Monkey. |
It seems I'm most compatible with anyone born in 1964 or 1976 (the dragon) or 1968 (the monkey) Is it bad that hubby was born in the year of the OX.
Yes! Another test. I got it at the8thnerve blog. Blame it on her. LOL
I have been forsaken
After my dance and praise to the sun god he has foresaken me. Darn sun. This morning I was blissfully unaware of the weather coming our way, okay I think I heard there was a chance for snow. But the sun was shining yesterday and my driveway was asphalt again. All black and beautiful. (wish it was concrete but $10,000 for that much concrete was a bitter pill to swallow.)
Like a drill sergeant I got my son ready for school, fed, dressed, face washed, teeth brushed. I am on my game. My daughter was left with her breakfast of choice, a blanket and cartoons with a monitor phone as I prepared to walk my son to the bus stop. I opened the door and we stepped out. Hey, what's this? It's gloomy and, raining? No, not raining. Raining mixed with. Oh no! Ice! What the ... Yes folks, ice. We are not known for ice storms in this area. Snow, yes. Ice, no.
So we navigate our way down the front walk to the glorious black driveway... which is now slippery as all heck. Then to the sidewalk and up to our neighbors house, who didn't really shovel, just let the sun do it. That means where the melting occurred ice formed. We looked like non-celebrities on ice going up hill. Fun fun.
I wondered why I didn't check the weather, switching the 'almighty cartoons' off but when the kids disappeared to play the radio was switched on.
My son was off to school on the bus and I was terrified for him with his short treck given the road conditions. Alas, I had to return home and get my daughter moving.
This morning she was little miss non-eating turtle. I was forcing her to eat and get dressed when BAM! a loud crack of thunder hit. I looked out the window and the heavens had open up and it was now a mixture of snow and ice. Coating all the nice clean, or formerly clean surfaces.
I finally got my daughter to 'move it move it move it!' and into the car. I pull out and onto the street and immediately begin to slide this way and that. No problem. I can do this. I'm seasoned. So I wait for a safe opportunity to pull onto the secondary road and around the dangerous S-curve near my house. I near the big slope at the intersection that I need to turn onto and begin to slide again. I am not flying, I am not crawling but sliding all the same. I am able to correct properly and begin down the new secondary road and end up behind a white toyota minivan. My OSST minivan never looked better all coated in ice and sludge. Yeah, stop being so jealous. But the driver ahead of me, as we crest the hill and begin our descent, has never heard of 'too slow is just as bad as too fast.' I am softly applying my break to keep my distance from behind the minivan. But it is too slick. I'm sliding left (correcting) sliding right (correcting) and left and right and then slighting into the oncoming lane before my tires hit some form of traction.
At the stop sign at the bottom of the hill I decide to keep at least 3 car lengths between me and mr/ms slowpoke. That was good. All better. We slid more but got there in one piece. On the drive back it seemed to have warmed up a tad and the ice was turning to slush. Phew. I pick her up again before lunchtime. I hope the roads remain better.
Yesterday's 40+ degrees lulled me into a false sense of 'Early spring?' And talks with the other moms how this is enough snow and DEFINITELY enough ice. Yes, folks we didn't have our coats zipped or hats or gloves and we were loving it! I am now feeling forsaken and my lovely dance to the sun god is no more. I feel betrayed.
Like a drill sergeant I got my son ready for school, fed, dressed, face washed, teeth brushed. I am on my game. My daughter was left with her breakfast of choice, a blanket and cartoons with a monitor phone as I prepared to walk my son to the bus stop. I opened the door and we stepped out. Hey, what's this? It's gloomy and, raining? No, not raining. Raining mixed with. Oh no! Ice! What the ... Yes folks, ice. We are not known for ice storms in this area. Snow, yes. Ice, no.
So we navigate our way down the front walk to the glorious black driveway... which is now slippery as all heck. Then to the sidewalk and up to our neighbors house, who didn't really shovel, just let the sun do it. That means where the melting occurred ice formed. We looked like non-celebrities on ice going up hill. Fun fun.
I wondered why I didn't check the weather, switching the 'almighty cartoons' off but when the kids disappeared to play the radio was switched on.
My son was off to school on the bus and I was terrified for him with his short treck given the road conditions. Alas, I had to return home and get my daughter moving.
This morning she was little miss non-eating turtle. I was forcing her to eat and get dressed when BAM! a loud crack of thunder hit. I looked out the window and the heavens had open up and it was now a mixture of snow and ice. Coating all the nice clean, or formerly clean surfaces.
I finally got my daughter to 'move it move it move it!' and into the car. I pull out and onto the street and immediately begin to slide this way and that. No problem. I can do this. I'm seasoned. So I wait for a safe opportunity to pull onto the secondary road and around the dangerous S-curve near my house. I near the big slope at the intersection that I need to turn onto and begin to slide again. I am not flying, I am not crawling but sliding all the same. I am able to correct properly and begin down the new secondary road and end up behind a white toyota minivan. My OSST minivan never looked better all coated in ice and sludge. Yeah, stop being so jealous. But the driver ahead of me, as we crest the hill and begin our descent, has never heard of 'too slow is just as bad as too fast.' I am softly applying my break to keep my distance from behind the minivan. But it is too slick. I'm sliding left (correcting) sliding right (correcting) and left and right and then slighting into the oncoming lane before my tires hit some form of traction.
At the stop sign at the bottom of the hill I decide to keep at least 3 car lengths between me and mr/ms slowpoke. That was good. All better. We slid more but got there in one piece. On the drive back it seemed to have warmed up a tad and the ice was turning to slush. Phew. I pick her up again before lunchtime. I hope the roads remain better.
Yesterday's 40+ degrees lulled me into a false sense of 'Early spring?' And talks with the other moms how this is enough snow and DEFINITELY enough ice. Yes, folks we didn't have our coats zipped or hats or gloves and we were loving it! I am now feeling forsaken and my lovely dance to the sun god is no more. I feel betrayed.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Yeah to the sun
I danceth around to the sun god for he hath bringth me his power and thus melted my driveway. I need not chipith at it to see it's wonderous blacktop, I need not leaveth shovel marks to find my way to the bottom. The sun god hath grantith my wish and bringeth me a clean driveway. Now I danceth in its rays happy as a lark.
Yeah... I've lost it. LOL
Okay... I have this neighbor right?
I know I have complained about needing a gf close by to hang out with and I get along quite well with many many people. I talk to two women each day that my daughter has preschool and even gave a free color consultation to one, going to her home a few months back. It's the sort of thing you do for friends and say "shhh don't tell anyone it was for free, kay?" Her older son went to preschool with my son and her youngest son is going with my daughter so I've known her for about 4 years. The other woman is quite nice and I learned this year she is also an Interior Designer. Talk about a small world. But the point is that we talk and I like them and they even asked me if I took the job or not (school hasn't been in for 2 weeks...ugh.)
I have a few women in the neighborhood I talk to daily at the bus stop and their sons and daughters play with my kids and we visit with each other at parties.
But there is this one neighbor, this one person who just rakes on my nerves like a rusty nail. For all intensive purposes she seems nice and is friendly enough. She lives two doors down from me but for so many reasons I dread seeing her. She says things that aren't normally socially acceptable or nice but says them with a smile. Now I have been known to say a stupid, insert foot into mouth thing time and again but this is different. She is crass. Once she saw me at the preschool and smiled and asked, "Did you color your hair?" *gasp* How do I answer that? I'm so used to "You're hair looks different, good. did you get your hair cut?" As a womens way to fish for if you colored it.
As a teen my biggest fault was I didn't buy into the whole girl bs. I still hate the question 'do I look fat in this?' because that's a horrible question. I feel if you need to ask that question you either need bulstering or you already don't like how you look in said item. But I have learned over many many years what is an appropriate and polite way to ask things.
The second issue with this neighbor is that she does not supervise her children. Her youngest is 5 and her oldest is 8 and they are out on their bikes in warm weather completely alone and in the street nearly getting hit by cars. The 5 year old has come to get my daughter and I have ended up sitting as they played together. I might be over protective but too bad I think my kids are a bit too young to be totally unsupervised.
The third issue is her house is like an atomic bomb went off in it. Stuff is everywhere. The stair carpet is threadbear, there is visible dirt on the floors. When I step in the door I have an unpleasant physical reaction and almost run home to my OCD controlled house. I am not too overboard with cleaning but obsessive enough.
The last issue, and that's what prompted this post, is her out of her home business practices. She used to sell 'Pampered Chef' and now has moved to jewelery. Her husband is home all day, and works from home. Some sort of IT or computer guy, don't ask me why he can work from home so much. But she ALWAYS ALWAYS sends me invitations to her parties. Okay, I am not into those kind of parties. Not ever. For a good friend I would go and have gone but that's it. So she had sent me an invitation to her jewelry party this Saturday. I TOTALLY forgot to rsvp and I hate the fact that I did as it is a sore spot for me (that reminds me I have to rsvp for a bridal shower darn it.) My son's kids b-day party is this Saturday and we are taking he and 5 of his friends bowling. A nice PA pasttime. LOL. One of the kids didn't rsvp at all. I tried to explain to my son yesterday that it is impolite to ask them 'hey did you get my invitation and are you coming?' If they choose to not respond we ignore it. I don't know if that's proper etiquete but it's how I was raised.
Well I get a phone call (why didn't I check caller ID darn it?) from this neighbor asking me if I had gotten the invitation and if I was going. Grrrrrr... this irks me to no end. Talk about putting a person on the spot. I explained that I wouldn't be able to attend due to my son's b-day party with friends at the same time and apologized for not calling. I think I subconsciously avoided calling her for not wanting to speak with her but the alternative (her calling) wasn't much more fun. *sigh*
Am I crazy to want to avoid her? Am I being a snot and unreasonable? *shakes head* I hate feeling like this. Hubby says I'm too sensitive and try to be too giving. He says I give too many people a chance. He is right, I am sensitive. I carry the guilt of hurting people heavily. I feel badly when I finally select my annual flowers for the flowers I picked up and did not purchase. I kid you not. So when someone like that women rakes on my nerves I also feel badly for feeling that way. *sigh* lose-lose darn it!
I have a few women in the neighborhood I talk to daily at the bus stop and their sons and daughters play with my kids and we visit with each other at parties.
But there is this one neighbor, this one person who just rakes on my nerves like a rusty nail. For all intensive purposes she seems nice and is friendly enough. She lives two doors down from me but for so many reasons I dread seeing her. She says things that aren't normally socially acceptable or nice but says them with a smile. Now I have been known to say a stupid, insert foot into mouth thing time and again but this is different. She is crass. Once she saw me at the preschool and smiled and asked, "Did you color your hair?" *gasp* How do I answer that? I'm so used to "You're hair looks different, good. did you get your hair cut?" As a womens way to fish for if you colored it.
As a teen my biggest fault was I didn't buy into the whole girl bs. I still hate the question 'do I look fat in this?' because that's a horrible question. I feel if you need to ask that question you either need bulstering or you already don't like how you look in said item. But I have learned over many many years what is an appropriate and polite way to ask things.
The second issue with this neighbor is that she does not supervise her children. Her youngest is 5 and her oldest is 8 and they are out on their bikes in warm weather completely alone and in the street nearly getting hit by cars. The 5 year old has come to get my daughter and I have ended up sitting as they played together. I might be over protective but too bad I think my kids are a bit too young to be totally unsupervised.
The third issue is her house is like an atomic bomb went off in it. Stuff is everywhere. The stair carpet is threadbear, there is visible dirt on the floors. When I step in the door I have an unpleasant physical reaction and almost run home to my OCD controlled house. I am not too overboard with cleaning but obsessive enough.
The last issue, and that's what prompted this post, is her out of her home business practices. She used to sell 'Pampered Chef' and now has moved to jewelery. Her husband is home all day, and works from home. Some sort of IT or computer guy, don't ask me why he can work from home so much. But she ALWAYS ALWAYS sends me invitations to her parties. Okay, I am not into those kind of parties. Not ever. For a good friend I would go and have gone but that's it. So she had sent me an invitation to her jewelry party this Saturday. I TOTALLY forgot to rsvp and I hate the fact that I did as it is a sore spot for me (that reminds me I have to rsvp for a bridal shower darn it.) My son's kids b-day party is this Saturday and we are taking he and 5 of his friends bowling. A nice PA pasttime. LOL. One of the kids didn't rsvp at all. I tried to explain to my son yesterday that it is impolite to ask them 'hey did you get my invitation and are you coming?' If they choose to not respond we ignore it. I don't know if that's proper etiquete but it's how I was raised.
Well I get a phone call (why didn't I check caller ID darn it?) from this neighbor asking me if I had gotten the invitation and if I was going. Grrrrrr... this irks me to no end. Talk about putting a person on the spot. I explained that I wouldn't be able to attend due to my son's b-day party with friends at the same time and apologized for not calling. I think I subconsciously avoided calling her for not wanting to speak with her but the alternative (her calling) wasn't much more fun. *sigh*
Am I crazy to want to avoid her? Am I being a snot and unreasonable? *shakes head* I hate feeling like this. Hubby says I'm too sensitive and try to be too giving. He says I give too many people a chance. He is right, I am sensitive. I carry the guilt of hurting people heavily. I feel badly when I finally select my annual flowers for the flowers I picked up and did not purchase. I kid you not. So when someone like that women rakes on my nerves I also feel badly for feeling that way. *sigh* lose-lose darn it!
Angelic faces
Every night before going to bed, I check on my children. Perhaps it's more for selfish reasons than anything else. It seems their peaceful slumber and angelic faces never fail to bring a contented smile to my face. I suppose when I have a not-so-good day I can still find a moment to smile.
Yesterday, as the day progressed my day wasn't the best. But last night, as I pulled the covers under their chins and looked at them I was content. I was smiling. I did not have my children so that they could pick me up when I'm down, I had them because I always wanted to be a mother. This pleasant side-effect is greatly appreciated, though.
Yesterday, as the day progressed my day wasn't the best. But last night, as I pulled the covers under their chins and looked at them I was content. I was smiling. I did not have my children so that they could pick me up when I'm down, I had them because I always wanted to be a mother. This pleasant side-effect is greatly appreciated, though.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
A day in review...
So today I went to a training seminar on hardwood floor and took good notes like a dutiful student. I was able to take my daughter and it seems this arrangement might work out. That's exciting. And this evening my manager left a call on my cell phone giving me a heads up that I will have my first 'design' client on Thursday helping the woman with her floor plans for her new home in florida. Fun fun! Now I have to call her to find out more about how the freelance thing works if the appointment is in the store. ? Hmmm.
About an hour and a half into the 2 hour meeting my daughter got bored in the toy room and joined me, sitting on my lap while eating Spongebob shaped cheez-its. She was so well behaved and I was never more proud AND I get paid for the time there. How awesome is that?
Today was a lazy day. I finished my story.... it came to me and is good but the ending isn't a happy one for the first time. It is off to my editor for his critical eye.
I did get more laundry done and a ton of dishes. Tomorrow I will clean like a banshee. Tonight both hubby and I were feeling a bit down and tried to resolve it with a good butt smack session. Now before you roll your eyes and think that 'Angel's being strawberryangel again' Just stop that. It was me, hubby and both kids and we kept lightly smacking each other in teh butt while trying to keep our own butts from being smacked. Laughter ensued all around and helped lift our spirits.
It's 'fat tuesday' and do I abandon my quest for 'future milf' status and endulge in ice cream before having to fast tomorrow? That is the question I ponder now as I sign off.
About an hour and a half into the 2 hour meeting my daughter got bored in the toy room and joined me, sitting on my lap while eating Spongebob shaped cheez-its. She was so well behaved and I was never more proud AND I get paid for the time there. How awesome is that?
Today was a lazy day. I finished my story.... it came to me and is good but the ending isn't a happy one for the first time. It is off to my editor for his critical eye.
I did get more laundry done and a ton of dishes. Tomorrow I will clean like a banshee. Tonight both hubby and I were feeling a bit down and tried to resolve it with a good butt smack session. Now before you roll your eyes and think that 'Angel's being strawberryangel again' Just stop that. It was me, hubby and both kids and we kept lightly smacking each other in teh butt while trying to keep our own butts from being smacked. Laughter ensued all around and helped lift our spirits.
It's 'fat tuesday' and do I abandon my quest for 'future milf' status and endulge in ice cream before having to fast tomorrow? That is the question I ponder now as I sign off.
1st Day
Last night I started my new job. It was a quiet evening and I did basic training things. All-in-all I realized just how much experience I have when asking the manager a question about draperies (of which I used to design custom and sell and now make on my own for my house) and she replied 'I don't know.' I found my answer in the book and she said, 'you could teach us all.' I wonder how much more of that I will encounter. This place is just a catalog store really. Someone finds what they want and the service people order it for them.
I asked the other service girl there how many other Interior Designers work there (you know, sizing up the freelance competition) and she replied..."I took a year of Interior Design and then went to graphic design."
In my head I thought, "I took a year of guitar lessons but that doesn't make me a rock God now does it?" But something told me that that sounds a bit harsh so I bit my tongue and said, "Oh wow. Really? My sister is a graphic designer." I conveniently neglected to mention that since moving to Florida my sister has gotten and quit two jobs. (yes Lioux, another job. She got a job with a realtor to layout pages and before even the FIRST day she quit. *shakes head*) So it seems in the $40/hour freelance design area I am uncontested at the moment. Excellent *rubs hands together*.
They have people there who their sole jobs is to sales pitch the membership (which I think costs around $3,000.00 .... it's what I overheard but I'm not sure if that's yearly or lifetime or what?) One of the guys was very vibrant but something about him was weird. As I was assigned to aquaint myself with the manufacturer catalogs he was pitching the sale to a couple and I heard a word or two. I couldn't put my finger on what it was I thought he reminded me of. Then I saw a catalog and 2 +2 equaled 4. The manufacturer was 'Sharute'. The name trigged my brain to harken back to 'The Office' and Dewight Sharute. THAT'S IT!! He's like Dewight! Okay, maybe not so much physically but something about him was Dewight! Now I think I'll pay attention to the rest of the staff. Do you think that the model of 'the office' characters can be found in every office?
So today I have a training seminar for 2 hours (and yes, I get paid for the time) and my daughter gets to go with me. So far so good.
Hubby had the kids bathed and in bed when I got home. After 3 hours of no screaming kids, just 80's music overhead, and no irked hubby I felt like I spent 3 hours at the spa. I kid you not. I was so relaxed it was wonderful. Then I pulled wolfee into the garage and was greeted by my puppy (gotta love those dogs, always happy to see you.)
I was surprised to see hubby screwing something into my son's electric guitar that Santa got him. (Hubby has played guitar since he was 14 years old and is quite good. At one time he was in a band. Last year he was approached by another band of all lawyers of which I encouarged him to join but he didn't like the genre of music they covered and who am I to force him?) Santa gave my son a black 'Squire' made by Fender which is a 3/4 sized guitar and hubby has been giving him lessons. Apparently something 'fell off' according to my son but hubby thought he removed it.
So hubby was irrated and working on the floor with the guitar and my son was upstairs crying (I can only imagine the yelling the guitar insued) and my daughter was calling for me to go up and wipe her bottom. "Ahhh the sounds of home." I realized that I keep all people sane in my house and my night at work recharged me (isn't that sad?)
I calmed my son down and had a talk with him about taking care of his guitar. I wiped my daughter and reassured her that mommy was now home and wasn't leaving again. She said, "oh good mommy. I REALLY missed you." Awwwww.
Then I thanked hubby for unloading and reloading the dishwasher. Unfortunately the dishes that needed hand washed are still waiting for me. I'm going to get them done here before leaving for training. LOL Ahhh a SAH'er's work is never done, right?
I asked the other service girl there how many other Interior Designers work there (you know, sizing up the freelance competition) and she replied..."I took a year of Interior Design and then went to graphic design."
In my head I thought, "I took a year of guitar lessons but that doesn't make me a rock God now does it?" But something told me that that sounds a bit harsh so I bit my tongue and said, "Oh wow. Really? My sister is a graphic designer." I conveniently neglected to mention that since moving to Florida my sister has gotten and quit two jobs. (yes Lioux, another job. She got a job with a realtor to layout pages and before even the FIRST day she quit. *shakes head*) So it seems in the $40/hour freelance design area I am uncontested at the moment. Excellent *rubs hands together*.
They have people there who their sole jobs is to sales pitch the membership (which I think costs around $3,000.00 .... it's what I overheard but I'm not sure if that's yearly or lifetime or what?) One of the guys was very vibrant but something about him was weird. As I was assigned to aquaint myself with the manufacturer catalogs he was pitching the sale to a couple and I heard a word or two. I couldn't put my finger on what it was I thought he reminded me of. Then I saw a catalog and 2 +2 equaled 4. The manufacturer was 'Sharute'. The name trigged my brain to harken back to 'The Office' and Dewight Sharute. THAT'S IT!! He's like Dewight! Okay, maybe not so much physically but something about him was Dewight! Now I think I'll pay attention to the rest of the staff. Do you think that the model of 'the office' characters can be found in every office?
So today I have a training seminar for 2 hours (and yes, I get paid for the time) and my daughter gets to go with me. So far so good.
Hubby had the kids bathed and in bed when I got home. After 3 hours of no screaming kids, just 80's music overhead, and no irked hubby I felt like I spent 3 hours at the spa. I kid you not. I was so relaxed it was wonderful. Then I pulled wolfee into the garage and was greeted by my puppy (gotta love those dogs, always happy to see you.)
I was surprised to see hubby screwing something into my son's electric guitar that Santa got him. (Hubby has played guitar since he was 14 years old and is quite good. At one time he was in a band. Last year he was approached by another band of all lawyers of which I encouarged him to join but he didn't like the genre of music they covered and who am I to force him?) Santa gave my son a black 'Squire' made by Fender which is a 3/4 sized guitar and hubby has been giving him lessons. Apparently something 'fell off' according to my son but hubby thought he removed it.
So hubby was irrated and working on the floor with the guitar and my son was upstairs crying (I can only imagine the yelling the guitar insued) and my daughter was calling for me to go up and wipe her bottom. "Ahhh the sounds of home." I realized that I keep all people sane in my house and my night at work recharged me (isn't that sad?)
I calmed my son down and had a talk with him about taking care of his guitar. I wiped my daughter and reassured her that mommy was now home and wasn't leaving again. She said, "oh good mommy. I REALLY missed you." Awwwww.
Then I thanked hubby for unloading and reloading the dishwasher. Unfortunately the dishes that needed hand washed are still waiting for me. I'm going to get them done here before leaving for training. LOL Ahhh a SAH'er's work is never done, right?
Monday, February 19, 2007
To many more.... Obsession!
After reading Obsessions blog post with his 5 things meme I realized #0 (what is #0 anyway? Are you a non conformist? LMAO) needed a special post. I felt compelled.
Happy Birthday, Obsession!!!
To many healthy and happy ones!
My mom... her and her family...
After reading long island dad's post about his grandfathers I started to think about my family and grandparents. A colorful clan I have here and will probably bore you with it but the thoughts are bouncing around my head.
My mom's parents both died before she turned 18.
Her dad was in the Army for many years and fought in Korea and I know there is more to his time in the service but my mom's quest to get his records seem to be for not. She has tried for years but there is always a reason given as to why she can't have them. The last one was that there was a fire in the corner of the storage room where his records were kept. This leads us to wonder if he was in special ops or some other top secret clearance and we will never really know. As my mom grew up her dad built their house from his own two hands. She shares the details with us and how proud he was. He also worked on cars and when he died he was restoring a chevel (sic) for her. Apparently he was a stern man insisting on absolute perfect manners always and at the dinner table you'd get the back of the butter knife to the knuckles if you were out of line. Military man or just strict? On the flip side he was very musical and played the guitar. Apparently he and my grandmother performed on the radio back in the day. He played and she sang. After leaving the service he drove a bus for the city of Pittsburgh. One day as he was preparing to return to the terminal he had a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital and never really recovered. He passed when my mom was about 15. He died in the hospital that I later gave birth to my kids in. I thought of him, like a circle of life thought.
My mom's mom, a few years after his passing, found out she had pancreatic cancer. My mom cared for her and watched her whither away and suffer. She was a woman who loved to laugh and sing and bake. I know I would have loved her. LOL. She died when my mom was 17. That left my mom in the care and guardianship of my great-grandmother (her paternal grandmother.)
My great-grandmother's name was Angela and my name-sake. She was, on the outside, a classy lady. Always dressed to the 9's (as they would say) and with her hair always fixed. A tough lady she lived in the city in a large boarding house. She died at the age of 85 from lung cancer and Art Rooney Sr. attended her funeral. Even at age 11 I remember seeing him with an unlit stoggie in his mouth. Later in my life the significance of him being there becomes an interesting mystery. In the last 6 years I have learned that back in the day my great-grandmother was a high-priced call girl who ended up running the boarding house and perhaps ladies in the large building? A lot is a mystery as was her life and how many times she really was married. So if she was a high-priced call girl, why was that well-known man at her funeral I wonder. Enough speculation. I do know my mom regrets naming me after her now. LOL. Heck it wasn't her idea, my dad said something stupid like 'if this baby is a girl and born on your birthday we'll name her Angela.' I must have liked the name because I was born on her birthday.
My mother had a rough life growing up. She ended up eloping with my father at the age of 17 and her older brother scared the heck out of her when she flew from PA to CA where my dad had moved to. She lived in hiding for a few weeks until she realized her brother was just trying to scare her. After she turned 18 they married. They are celebrating 40 years this August. My mom is a tough lady but kind and so giving. She lives with the notion that tomorrow might never come (like her parents who died so young) so you have to enjoy every moment. I gleened that from her. We talk every day, sometimes more than once a day. She is the one person I look up to the most. I truly love my mom.
My mom's parents both died before she turned 18.
Her dad was in the Army for many years and fought in Korea and I know there is more to his time in the service but my mom's quest to get his records seem to be for not. She has tried for years but there is always a reason given as to why she can't have them. The last one was that there was a fire in the corner of the storage room where his records were kept. This leads us to wonder if he was in special ops or some other top secret clearance and we will never really know. As my mom grew up her dad built their house from his own two hands. She shares the details with us and how proud he was. He also worked on cars and when he died he was restoring a chevel (sic) for her. Apparently he was a stern man insisting on absolute perfect manners always and at the dinner table you'd get the back of the butter knife to the knuckles if you were out of line. Military man or just strict? On the flip side he was very musical and played the guitar. Apparently he and my grandmother performed on the radio back in the day. He played and she sang. After leaving the service he drove a bus for the city of Pittsburgh. One day as he was preparing to return to the terminal he had a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital and never really recovered. He passed when my mom was about 15. He died in the hospital that I later gave birth to my kids in. I thought of him, like a circle of life thought.
My mom's mom, a few years after his passing, found out she had pancreatic cancer. My mom cared for her and watched her whither away and suffer. She was a woman who loved to laugh and sing and bake. I know I would have loved her. LOL. She died when my mom was 17. That left my mom in the care and guardianship of my great-grandmother (her paternal grandmother.)
My great-grandmother's name was Angela and my name-sake. She was, on the outside, a classy lady. Always dressed to the 9's (as they would say) and with her hair always fixed. A tough lady she lived in the city in a large boarding house. She died at the age of 85 from lung cancer and Art Rooney Sr. attended her funeral. Even at age 11 I remember seeing him with an unlit stoggie in his mouth. Later in my life the significance of him being there becomes an interesting mystery. In the last 6 years I have learned that back in the day my great-grandmother was a high-priced call girl who ended up running the boarding house and perhaps ladies in the large building? A lot is a mystery as was her life and how many times she really was married. So if she was a high-priced call girl, why was that well-known man at her funeral I wonder. Enough speculation. I do know my mom regrets naming me after her now. LOL. Heck it wasn't her idea, my dad said something stupid like 'if this baby is a girl and born on your birthday we'll name her Angela.' I must have liked the name because I was born on her birthday.
My mother had a rough life growing up. She ended up eloping with my father at the age of 17 and her older brother scared the heck out of her when she flew from PA to CA where my dad had moved to. She lived in hiding for a few weeks until she realized her brother was just trying to scare her. After she turned 18 they married. They are celebrating 40 years this August. My mom is a tough lady but kind and so giving. She lives with the notion that tomorrow might never come (like her parents who died so young) so you have to enjoy every moment. I gleened that from her. We talk every day, sometimes more than once a day. She is the one person I look up to the most. I truly love my mom.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Hubby....
Hubby has been working on a novel in the fantasy genre. But early on he wrote a few erotica stories because I had started to write. The stories he wrote had me in mind. LOL.
I hope he finishes his novel and gets published. It would make me happy. I added a link to his stories at storiesonline.net.
I just asked him if I could post a link and he doesn't mind.
I hope he finishes his novel and gets published. It would make me happy. I added a link to his stories at storiesonline.net.
I just asked him if I could post a link and he doesn't mind.
Sunday photo fun.... our winter wonderland
We got more snow since these pictures were taken. And today I even chipped away the 1" of ice on the whole sidewalk (some of the length of the sidewalk is seen here. 
The great snow puppy. Fierce, isn't she? LOL... She was sliding all over.
Pretty icicles....
MORE pretty icicles...
This is the mound of snow as of the 16th. We've gotten 5 more inches... I kid you not. This mound is as tall as me now. No snide remarks about me only being 60" tall folks.
BEFORE I chipped away the ice and shoveled the ice on top of the 2' of mounded snow.
The great snow puppy. Fierce, isn't she? LOL... She was sliding all over.
This is what we have with our hot chocolate after our fun outside today. Yesterday I made homemade chocolate chip cookies since my parents came to visit with my uncle. I MUST have dessert for company. We enjoyed them again today. YUM
Tubing on a Sunday morning....
Today we tubed. We have about 15" of snow on the ground and 5" down is 1" of ice. It made us fly on the hills (albeit small hills.) Even hubby and I went down the hills like crazy. Here is video of us on a small hill on the side of our house that we decided to jump and then jump the mound of snow leading to the driveway.
Enjoy! We did... until.....
Enjoy! We did... until.....
Friday, February 16, 2007
I was tagged ~ 5 things
I was tagged by Lioux at Damn you Dan to share five things you don’t know about me. After a ton of thinking I have began to realize I probably have shared far too much about myself. Some of you might remember this about me or that I love to dance so I won’t repeat them.
1.I sing all the time. I know lyrics to songs I don’t even realize I know. And I tend to sing songs and hear hubby singing them later and cursing me. LOL. I also have a knack for making up new silly lyrics to a song on the fly. (ie last night hubby talked about not wanting to hear the alarm in the morning and I set a whole verse of my own about an alarm clock to the song that has the line…’the sound…. Of silence.”
2.As much as I love to be the center of attention I am painfully shy at first. It takes talking to me for awhile before I talk your ear off.
3.I absolutely hate being told I ‘can’t’ do something. If I’m told that I will do it to prove that person wrong, regardless of what that thing might be.
4.I have the urge to indulge in an exhibitionistic streak but haven't fully acted on it thus far besides skinny dipping.
5. I am extremely claustrophobic. I hate being in small rooms or standing too close in a crowd of people taller than me. I begin to hyperventilate.
There you are... 5 things you didn't know about me, like it or not. Now I need to tag five people to do the same. DramaMama, Finished Last, Road Rage/Little Trucker, Long Island Dad, and At Home Daddy
I know it's the weekend and we all are busy so get to the Tag.... when you have a chance. Happy answering!
1.I sing all the time. I know lyrics to songs I don’t even realize I know. And I tend to sing songs and hear hubby singing them later and cursing me. LOL. I also have a knack for making up new silly lyrics to a song on the fly. (ie last night hubby talked about not wanting to hear the alarm in the morning and I set a whole verse of my own about an alarm clock to the song that has the line…’the sound…. Of silence.”
2.As much as I love to be the center of attention I am painfully shy at first. It takes talking to me for awhile before I talk your ear off.
3.I absolutely hate being told I ‘can’t’ do something. If I’m told that I will do it to prove that person wrong, regardless of what that thing might be.
4.I have the urge to indulge in an exhibitionistic streak but haven't fully acted on it thus far besides skinny dipping.
5. I am extremely claustrophobic. I hate being in small rooms or standing too close in a crowd of people taller than me. I begin to hyperventilate.
There you are... 5 things you didn't know about me, like it or not. Now I need to tag five people to do the same. DramaMama, Finished Last, Road Rage/Little Trucker, Long Island Dad, and At Home Daddy
I know it's the weekend and we all are busy so get to the Tag.... when you have a chance. Happy answering!
Test mania..
My kids loved the Star wars test and my son picked this test so we did all the family. Here is mine.
| What Angel Means |
A is for Astounding N is for Naive G is for Giggly E is for Enthusiastic L is for Luxurious |
Star wars personality (Damn you Lioux!)
I'm a HUGE sucker for these tests. Okay so I DON'T have to cut and paste it in and show the world but I'm also a goof ball. So Damn you Lioux for this one! Btw, this explains why I say things like yoda and when I do I say "sorry, I had a yoda moment" Things like, "like this test, you will."
| Star Wars Horoscope for Sagittarius |
 You are superbly wise and have been known to spread your wisdom widely. You are impatient and pushy when people take your teachings too lightly. And your philosophical side always peeks through. Star wars character you are most like: Yoda |
Thine enemy
In keeping with my commitment to the group I joined over at Mom-o-matic's blog I am doing this post today. Accountability is key, right? I'm not going to give my weight. Some might not think it so bad others might be surprised and I don't want to tell. So there. This morning I weighed myself like I do every morning. Before my shower. Before I eat. I was told THAT is when you can find your 'true' weight (whatever that is.)
To my disgust the scale hasn't moved. True it hasn't gone up but it hasn't gone down either. I am stuck with the same darn 10 #'s for the past year and it's irking me. About 16 months ago I was my slimest ever (even more slim than when hubby first met me 13 years ago.) I was happy as a lark. I didn't starve myself, I moderated my diet and exercised.
Now that I'm 34 I was dilusional to think I could do it again. grrrr. I think it's time to get tough. It's time to lower the carb intake, it's time to take John's advice and eat Kashi cereal and it's time to cut back further (to nothing) on the dessert department.
What was surprising was that my tummy is almost completely flat and my clothes fit amazingly. Perhaps it's more than the # on the scale. I will still wage this war but so far the battle is going well. I am doing the treadmill still (last night infact) and crunches and such. Today I do my weight training and more crunches. And then back to treadmill Saturday. I suppose if I look the way I want to in my clothes and *gasp* bikini by April the # on the scale will matter little to me.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Personality test
I am a test sucker.... Thanks Ginger at Stuck on Survive! LOL j/k
| You Are 11% Borderline |
 Your personality isn't borderline anything. You're happy, stable, content, together... ever consider being a therapist? |
A little bit of this, a little bit of that....
Okay.... this is getting crazy. My son's school has another 2 hour delay tomorrow WHICH MEANS!! my daughter's preschool is closed AGAIN! NOOO school for her this week, no Valentine party and a fully months paid of tuition (but only 1 day of school in 2 weeks. ugh.)
Her box and goodie bags are ready and she cried. She wanted to go, I WANT her to have her party. Heck, mommy had plans for a morning at Starbucks with a mocha latte and her new story to have some MUCH NEEDED regrouping of my adult brain. A treat before my first day of work (Monday the 19th in the evening.) But alas, that shall not happen for her or for me. Perhaps next week I will be able to write like a wanna-be beatnik.
And my plans to post pictures today was derailed because hubby doesn't want the pics of him and peanut from the Valentine on the blog. He thinks blogging is stupid, really and can't understand why I do it. So...*sigh* I shall have to find other pictures. *** update... I was wrong in saying he thinks blogging is stupid. He just corrected me. He said it wasn't for him. Sorry to mislead you...***
Monday is Presidents day meaning..... of COURSE! No school.
Now don't get the wrong idea. I love my kids. I do. Very much. They are amazing little people who I adore with all my heart. But I prefer not to be held captive in my home for 2 weeks straight with two kids with cabin fever and bags of Valentine candy. I can think of a bunch of things I'd rather do. Like, I don't know, remove a splinter or have a tooth filled. LOL.
I'd much rather have them outside sledding, or biking. But the foot of snow is topped with a layer of ice making it a bit dangerous to fly through on an airfilled tube.
So there you have it, my two weeks in a nutshell. Did I say nut? Does that mean I'm losing it? Did that looney laugh come from me? hee hee.
Her box and goodie bags are ready and she cried. She wanted to go, I WANT her to have her party. Heck, mommy had plans for a morning at Starbucks with a mocha latte and her new story to have some MUCH NEEDED regrouping of my adult brain. A treat before my first day of work (Monday the 19th in the evening.) But alas, that shall not happen for her or for me. Perhaps next week I will be able to write like a wanna-be beatnik.
And my plans to post pictures today was derailed because hubby doesn't want the pics of him and peanut from the Valentine on the blog. He thinks blogging is stupid, really and can't understand why I do it. So...*sigh* I shall have to find other pictures. *** update... I was wrong in saying he thinks blogging is stupid. He just corrected me. He said it wasn't for him. Sorry to mislead you...***
Monday is Presidents day meaning..... of COURSE! No school.
Now don't get the wrong idea. I love my kids. I do. Very much. They are amazing little people who I adore with all my heart. But I prefer not to be held captive in my home for 2 weeks straight with two kids with cabin fever and bags of Valentine candy. I can think of a bunch of things I'd rather do. Like, I don't know, remove a splinter or have a tooth filled. LOL.
I'd much rather have them outside sledding, or biking. But the foot of snow is topped with a layer of ice making it a bit dangerous to fly through on an airfilled tube.
So there you have it, my two weeks in a nutshell. Did I say nut? Does that mean I'm losing it? Did that looney laugh come from me? hee hee.
Happy Thursday!
Okay... the temp (according to my handy dandy weather strip above) shows it's 1 degree out. Wow! Double wow!
My son is on a 2-hour delay and so we will be venturing out into the frozen tundra that is outside my door. Hubby was supposed to wake me early to help him shovel but told me he decided not to because he said I was sleeping like an angel. Awwwwwww so sweet. My sore arms thank him. Thanks sweetie (even though you don't read this *sticks tongue out*)
The 2-hour delay means my daughter does NOT have school, it's the preschool's policy that on a delay day ALL classes (morning and afternoon) are cancelled. I paid my tuition, there better be make-up days.
Hubby also got me a box of Sarris Chocolates *** correction... He got me chocolate from Betsy Ann. My son has a fundraiser for Sarris and I got confused. He pointed out my error. Just updating you all! ***(a local chocolatier that is delicious) and my favorites, chocolate covered caramels. He even brought the kids each a chocolate lolly pop (a football for the boy and a ballerina for the girl.) To add to THAT he picked up the pizzas I ordered. Can you say FAB-U-LOUS valentines? I don't need to go out when pizza's in the house! I can eat in my skivies if I so choose! LOL Funny note: Hubby said that he found a new use for the seat warmer in Wolfee. Apparently they double as pizza warmers. LMAO. Silly man.
On the job front, my free business cards from Vistaprint.com arrived the other day so when I start my job the evening of the 19th, I will have Interior Design freelance cards to start raking in the big bucks. LOL.
Later today I plan to post pics... all in one post of the Valentine boxes and a few other things. Happy Thursday!!! Did I mention the sun is shining!? Well it is. Holy cow! The sun is shining!? Yeah, but it's 1 degree out. sheesh.
My son is on a 2-hour delay and so we will be venturing out into the frozen tundra that is outside my door. Hubby was supposed to wake me early to help him shovel but told me he decided not to because he said I was sleeping like an angel. Awwwwwww so sweet. My sore arms thank him. Thanks sweetie (even though you don't read this *sticks tongue out*)
The 2-hour delay means my daughter does NOT have school, it's the preschool's policy that on a delay day ALL classes (morning and afternoon) are cancelled. I paid my tuition, there better be make-up days.
Hubby also got me a box of Sarris Chocolates *** correction... He got me chocolate from Betsy Ann. My son has a fundraiser for Sarris and I got confused. He pointed out my error. Just updating you all! ***(a local chocolatier that is delicious) and my favorites, chocolate covered caramels. He even brought the kids each a chocolate lolly pop (a football for the boy and a ballerina for the girl.) To add to THAT he picked up the pizzas I ordered. Can you say FAB-U-LOUS valentines? I don't need to go out when pizza's in the house! I can eat in my skivies if I so choose! LOL Funny note: Hubby said that he found a new use for the seat warmer in Wolfee. Apparently they double as pizza warmers. LMAO. Silly man.
On the job front, my free business cards from Vistaprint.com arrived the other day so when I start my job the evening of the 19th, I will have Interior Design freelance cards to start raking in the big bucks. LOL.
Later today I plan to post pics... all in one post of the Valentine boxes and a few other things. Happy Thursday!!! Did I mention the sun is shining!? Well it is. Holy cow! The sun is shining!? Yeah, but it's 1 degree out. sheesh.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Design Corner: Psychology of Color Part #2
This darn snowstorm and closing of school plus hubby being sick Monday derailed my “Monday Design Corner”. Darn it to heck and back! So I will rename it just “Design Corner” So here is part #2 of the Psychology of color series. You can read "Psychology of color Part #1" if you wish to by clicking on the link.
Color is an amazing thing. We use color to describe emotion sometimes like we are green with envy or red with anger or even that we feel blue. But color can also affect our moods, appetite and energy levels. Most people have favorite colors in clothes, cars and their home. I’ve noticed that CSI shows have used color to make each division of their show be unique. CSI in Vegas is mostly at night but with bright light-like colors. In CSI Miami the colors are tropical and match the locale for sure and CSI New York has darker muted colors but seem to emphasize blue (at least the last time I watched it, it might have changed.) So color is an amazing tool and for those of us with sight, sometimes a thing we take for granted or not even realize its effects.
Today I will cover the color blue.
It is the color most people pick as their favorite color. It’s in the cool family and is one of the primary colors (like red).
Blue is calming and cool. It is often thought that most people like the color because they associate it with the sky and heaven.
Soothing blue walls can make a south- or west-facing room feel cooler. Many things I have read have said that blue is an ideal bedroom color choice for both adults and children.
Interestingly enough the blue that soothes us and lulls us to sleep or cools us also suppresses appetites, so try to keep it out of the dining room. The difference in lightness and darkness of a color is called it’s ‘value.’ The value of the color depends on the amount of light it reflects (lighter) or absorbs (darker.) You’ve probably seen the value of a color in a paint store on a paint deck (a sample of a color ranging from light to dark in the same ‘hue’. These terms are given to color in the Munsell system and include ‘hue, value and chroma’.) The spectrum of blue is wide in terms of what different shades of blue can do to a space. An example of this: a turquoise can create a retro look but a teal has a darker, more sophisticated look.
Here are some locations I found about the color blue, after writing this. (My writings are based on notes from college and research through the years.) But they all seem to say basically the same thing.
http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/colorselection/p/blue.htm
http://fengshui.about.com/od/fengshuiuseofcolors/qt/fengshuiblue.htm
http://interiordec.about.com/cs/colorindecor/a/beachcolorschem.htm
Color is an amazing thing. We use color to describe emotion sometimes like we are green with envy or red with anger or even that we feel blue. But color can also affect our moods, appetite and energy levels. Most people have favorite colors in clothes, cars and their home. I’ve noticed that CSI shows have used color to make each division of their show be unique. CSI in Vegas is mostly at night but with bright light-like colors. In CSI Miami the colors are tropical and match the locale for sure and CSI New York has darker muted colors but seem to emphasize blue (at least the last time I watched it, it might have changed.) So color is an amazing tool and for those of us with sight, sometimes a thing we take for granted or not even realize its effects.
Today I will cover the color blue.
It is the color most people pick as their favorite color. It’s in the cool family and is one of the primary colors (like red).
Blue is calming and cool. It is often thought that most people like the color because they associate it with the sky and heaven.
Soothing blue walls can make a south- or west-facing room feel cooler. Many things I have read have said that blue is an ideal bedroom color choice for both adults and children.
Interestingly enough the blue that soothes us and lulls us to sleep or cools us also suppresses appetites, so try to keep it out of the dining room. The difference in lightness and darkness of a color is called it’s ‘value.’ The value of the color depends on the amount of light it reflects (lighter) or absorbs (darker.) You’ve probably seen the value of a color in a paint store on a paint deck (a sample of a color ranging from light to dark in the same ‘hue’. These terms are given to color in the Munsell system and include ‘hue, value and chroma’.) The spectrum of blue is wide in terms of what different shades of blue can do to a space. An example of this: a turquoise can create a retro look but a teal has a darker, more sophisticated look.
Here are some locations I found about the color blue, after writing this. (My writings are based on notes from college and research through the years.) But they all seem to say basically the same thing.
http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/colorselection/p/blue.htm
http://fengshui.about.com/od/fengshuiuseofcolors/qt/fengshuiblue.htm
http://interiordec.about.com/cs/colorindecor/a/beachcolorschem.htm
Today
Here we are to today... I nearly broke my neck shoveling when I found how much ice was out there. Seriously, I fell a few times. I even fell once with the camera, but that footage is gone, deleted, outta here.
My neighbor, btw, damaged his vehicle that has the blinking lights backing out of his unshoveled driveway and road. (that is the first time he's shoveled this year... and last year, his wife did it last year.) A tow company just hauled his car away. I suspect damage underneath since he decided to plow through the over 2' of snow at the end of the driveway.
My neighbor, btw, damaged his vehicle that has the blinking lights backing out of his unshoveled driveway and road. (that is the first time he's shoveled this year... and last year, his wife did it last year.) A tow company just hauled his car away. I suspect damage underneath since he decided to plow through the over 2' of snow at the end of the driveway.
Last night
After a foot of snow and 18 inch snow drifts the heavens opened and out poured ice to coat all that was on the ground. Some time in the night we lost and regained power making hubby run late this morning.
Here is video from the middle of the ice that coated the land.
Here is video from the middle of the ice that coated the land.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Things heard in my driveway this evening...
Hubby got home and for the first time since getting 'wolfee' (aka the Jetta) we wished we still had the 4-wheel drive Jeep. He phoned me from the front of the driveway because he was stuck. There was about a foot of snow on it and he couldn't pull in. Not only that, the snow plow had been by so there was about 2-3 feet at the mouth of the driveway. He met me in the basement where I took him work clothes and grabbed my coat and boots and shovel.
We went outside where ice pellets stung our faces and we went to the front of the driveway to dig it out. The snow was 3 times heavier than usual because it was ice covered and it was a slow dig out at the end of the driveway. He had me pull 'Wolfee' in, since he knows I can drive in snow (if 4 years in Erie, pa didn't teach me then nothing will) and the arse end almost got stuck in the back in my 3-point turn.
After that we braved the ice hitting our faces in 20+ mph winds.
Now I know I'm not alone in this weather with folks in Illinois, Ohio and many other states are in the same boat so I'm not trying to say that my situation is unique or even harder. I'm just sharing the joy that was my evening.
Dinner was almost ready when I exited the house but it would have to wait. So we shoveled and boy did we shovel. The end of the driveway looked awesome and then the snow plow came again. When I first saw it on the main road I asked hubby if he thought the snow plow driver would do our driveway if I offered to flash him. Hubby nervously laughed because he knew I'd do it. I mean our driveway is huge and I'm a bit brazen. LOL. Well I didn't but when that snowplow driver buried the end of my driveway this could be heard from my mouth..."Sonsabitches!!" Yes, I channeled the 'Christmas Story' actor at that moment.
Then I dug it out while hubby kept working on the rest of the driveway (did I mention I had already done the sidewalk...?) I started to lose feeling in my left forearm because it was so heavy. I turned to hubby and said, "how do you spell ahernia?" and he replied, "S-N-O-W." Yeah, we are a regular stand-up team. When another snow plow was seen from the driveway in the back main road I was yelling, "Oh no you don't bitch! Oh NO you don't!" I know, I'm so classy. But I was hurting and cold and tired. My hair had ice hanging from it and my coat was covered in ice. I apologize now but it felt right to say at the time.
Did I mention school is already closed here? Wow on the weather channel Albany New York is covered in so much snow it makes my head spin! So it could be worse, silver lining.
We went outside where ice pellets stung our faces and we went to the front of the driveway to dig it out. The snow was 3 times heavier than usual because it was ice covered and it was a slow dig out at the end of the driveway. He had me pull 'Wolfee' in, since he knows I can drive in snow (if 4 years in Erie, pa didn't teach me then nothing will) and the arse end almost got stuck in the back in my 3-point turn.
After that we braved the ice hitting our faces in 20+ mph winds.
Now I know I'm not alone in this weather with folks in Illinois, Ohio and many other states are in the same boat so I'm not trying to say that my situation is unique or even harder. I'm just sharing the joy that was my evening.
Dinner was almost ready when I exited the house but it would have to wait. So we shoveled and boy did we shovel. The end of the driveway looked awesome and then the snow plow came again. When I first saw it on the main road I asked hubby if he thought the snow plow driver would do our driveway if I offered to flash him. Hubby nervously laughed because he knew I'd do it. I mean our driveway is huge and I'm a bit brazen. LOL. Well I didn't but when that snowplow driver buried the end of my driveway this could be heard from my mouth..."Sonsabitches!!" Yes, I channeled the 'Christmas Story' actor at that moment.
Then I dug it out while hubby kept working on the rest of the driveway (did I mention I had already done the sidewalk...?) I started to lose feeling in my left forearm because it was so heavy. I turned to hubby and said, "how do you spell ahernia?" and he replied, "S-N-O-W." Yeah, we are a regular stand-up team. When another snow plow was seen from the driveway in the back main road I was yelling, "Oh no you don't bitch! Oh NO you don't!" I know, I'm so classy. But I was hurting and cold and tired. My hair had ice hanging from it and my coat was covered in ice. I apologize now but it felt right to say at the time.
Did I mention school is already closed here? Wow on the weather channel Albany New York is covered in so much snow it makes my head spin! So it could be worse, silver lining.
*sniffle* pizza!!!!
Being a good wife, I realized how selfish wanting pizza on a day like today would be so I started making Chicken parm. Hubby is disappointed because we share the love for pizza but appreciates it, especially given my migraine. Ibuprofen! Where is my ibuprofen!?
Pizza.... we shall meet again... soon, my dear... very soon!
Yep.... still snowing
I don't need no stinking weather forecaster on tv to tell me, it's still snowing. Hubby's office sent the staff home at 2pm. He plans to head home before it gets dark to be safe. I have seen no adult tv or news all day and seem to be accomplishing squat. Okay, my son's box is done for Valentines day and I'm about to finish my daughters (she poopered out. LOL) The wind is whipping and the cars are crawling on the secondary road behind my house. I hope there are no accidents. We will not see the 100" they saw in New York a few weeks ago (thankfully) and really the amount isn't that huge but the road crews can't keep up and my road in FRONT of my house hasn't been touched.
Would it be a bad thing to order a pizza? LOL Yeah. That's what I thought so I think hubby will pick it up for me. I have a craving for pizza. Bad timing.
Would it be a bad thing to order a pizza? LOL Yeah. That's what I thought so I think hubby will pick it up for me. I have a craving for pizza. Bad timing.
The Storm...
The newscasters are having a field day with this storm we are just starting to get. All the schools are closed due to the frozen rain we got last night and now the snow is rolling in. Just a half inch thus far but we are due to get about 6-8 " here. Fun fun. I was going to the store but with the OSST mini-van's heater being persnickety, I think I'll stay home. LOL
Monday, February 12, 2007
Grammar issues
Ever since I began writing my stories *ahem erotica* I have been relearning the general grammar rules I SHOULD have remembered from school. I'm not terribly bad but hanging participles seem to be an issue of mine. LOL.
I do know that long before writing I have had a few grammar things that if I catch other people doing that irk me (including if I do them.) I found myself correcting my mom missuing the forms of their, there, and they're. That is one of my #1 things. I guess I find it simple so it bothers me to no end. Another one that irks me (and I do it once in awhile, *note see comment two posts ago....grrr*) is 'to' versus 'too'. I KNOW the proper usage but sometimes I my fingers move on their own accord and I fail to see the mistake.
Now excuse me as I go and try to find a way to make sure I avoid using hanging participles.
I do know that long before writing I have had a few grammar things that if I catch other people doing that irk me (including if I do them.) I found myself correcting my mom missuing the forms of their, there, and they're. That is one of my #1 things. I guess I find it simple so it bothers me to no end. Another one that irks me (and I do it once in awhile, *note see comment two posts ago....grrr*) is 'to' versus 'too'. I KNOW the proper usage but sometimes I my fingers move on their own accord and I fail to see the mistake.
Now excuse me as I go and try to find a way to make sure I avoid using hanging participles.
Sick day
Last week I had a headcold and it was yucky and then my daughter caught it. Some how I managed to handle the kids and usual fare plus all the party stuff. Today hubby is home with the same head cold. Damn, I could use a sick day. LOL. He slept in and is about to lay down again. *double sigh* I shouldn't complain, he pays for the roof over our heads.
I haven't blogged my usual amount because he's home and that changes my routine. That and he's had me researching vacation rentals for his brother's wedding. So I have managed to do only half on my mental 'to do' list. I hope to get started on some more right now!
Blog ya later!
I haven't blogged my usual amount because he's home and that changes my routine. That and he's had me researching vacation rentals for his brother's wedding. So I have managed to do only half on my mental 'to do' list. I hope to get started on some more right now!
Blog ya later!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
E-file Angel...
So I sat with our taxes. I checked and rechecked numbers, shuffled papers and got them ready. Then I looked into e-file. The IRS recommended certain efile providers to help since we don't qualify for free-file. After many hours of figuring out the system hubby and I e-signed our returns and they are on to the tax-man to review and for a small fee (smaller than Turbo tax so I'm excited.)
I hope the nice refund comes in as fast as Rick said his would in a previous comment. We have airline tickets to buy for the wedding in May and cash is far better than credit cards for sure!
My brain hurts but I'm so excited!!! Woo hoo!!! The taxes are done!
I hope the nice refund comes in as fast as Rick said his would in a previous comment. We have airline tickets to buy for the wedding in May and cash is far better than credit cards for sure!
My brain hurts but I'm so excited!!! Woo hoo!!! The taxes are done!
Angel's tax update...
In the effort to close the loop as previously mentioned by Jeff at Daddy Diary Tales I am updating you on the cell phone tax item I previously mentioned. Now I know most of you have already filed your taxes so I'm too-little-too late with this info and so I hope and presume you caught it in the 'what's new for 2006' at the front of your oh-so-informative tax book. Now we here file a 1040 form with the Schedule A and some other forms. So my information will be soley based on the line number and page number in the 1040 book. I'm no tax accountant and by no means pretend to be a tax expert. My older sister is, by education, the accountant in the family.
In the 1040 book on page 11 is the 'what's new for 2006' AND 'what's new for 2007'. The FIRST thing listed on 2006 is 'Credit for federal telephone excise tax paid' of which I mentioned. If you flip to page 60 of the booklet it tells you to put this item on line #71 and you can claim the standard exemption (but if you're ambitious you could pull out all your phone bills beginning in February 28th of 2003 to August 1 of 2006.) The most you can claim in the standard claim is $60.00.
So there you go. I closed the loop. Why is it on my brain? Because I'm doing our taxes today. Fun fun! Not as much fun as when the refund goes into the direct deposit, let me tell you. LOL
I searched my blog over and tried to find the original post and holy POSTING ANGEL!! I couldn't find it. I chalk it up to wanting to do the taxes and so I will not link to it. Sorry!
In the 1040 book on page 11 is the 'what's new for 2006' AND 'what's new for 2007'. The FIRST thing listed on 2006 is 'Credit for federal telephone excise tax paid' of which I mentioned. If you flip to page 60 of the booklet it tells you to put this item on line #71 and you can claim the standard exemption (but if you're ambitious you could pull out all your phone bills beginning in February 28th of 2003 to August 1 of 2006.) The most you can claim in the standard claim is $60.00.
So there you go. I closed the loop. Why is it on my brain? Because I'm doing our taxes today. Fun fun! Not as much fun as when the refund goes into the direct deposit, let me tell you. LOL
I searched my blog over and tried to find the original post and holy POSTING ANGEL!! I couldn't find it. I chalk it up to wanting to do the taxes and so I will not link to it. Sorry!
Easy like Sunday morning....
It's a balmy (8 degrees, well it was this morning now at 11:41 its 15 degrees) Sunday morning. The sun is out.. hey! The sun is out!? The house is in shambles with new toys all around. AND... I think I've lost my mind because I'm letting him ride his bike in the upstairs and in doing so I had to bring my daughters bike up (after cleaning the tires) so she too could ride.
My plan for today is to put the clean dishes away and sit down to write my new story. Yep. That and keep playing with my kids, it has been an all kids morning. I just had a good laugh over quotes from the Airplane movie after commenting on Obsession's blog. Ahh a nice all around Sunday.
I'm just relaxing and taking it easy for the most part. I really should get ready for the day. I'm such a slacker.
My plan for today is to put the clean dishes away and sit down to write my new story. Yep. That and keep playing with my kids, it has been an all kids morning. I just had a good laugh over quotes from the Airplane movie after commenting on Obsession's blog. Ahh a nice all around Sunday.
I'm just relaxing and taking it easy for the most part. I really should get ready for the day. I'm such a slacker.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Party day...
Today is my son's party, later today. So last night the cake was finished (I'm already exhausted. LOL) and I'll post a pic of it another day. The food is cooking on the stove and his gift is in the garage. He began to beg me yesterday to let him pick the color wrapping paper. Ummm, it's a bike. I told him it was already wrapped. LOL
We don't have a ton of people coming... 8 adults and 4 kids (including my two) and every year the group gets smaller when family moves to another state.... (we'll miss you April and Bill.*sigh*) But we will have fun. It doesn't look like snow so that means the in-laws will be able to make a break for it from Erie.
Blog you later folks!
We don't have a ton of people coming... 8 adults and 4 kids (including my two) and every year the group gets smaller when family moves to another state.... (we'll miss you April and Bill.*sigh*) But we will have fun. It doesn't look like snow so that means the in-laws will be able to make a break for it from Erie.
Blog you later folks!
Friday, February 09, 2007
That kind of day...
I have had a DramaMama kind of day and it has me humming thus far.
Leaving the house later than planned because the icing took longer to make for the cake than I planned I was on my way to Walmart. Wow, just like Drama....lol. I needed a list of things and my mom and dad are sick and asked me to pick something up for them. So I am on my way with only one hour before I have to be at my son's school. I'm thinking great this is going to be run, run, run!!
So we find the decongestants for my mom, my daughter and some for the cabinet for myself. We go through the store and find the bike I planned to get my son and the woman back there helped me get the already assembled (woo hoo!!) bike into my cart. Then I maneuver the over stuffed cart through Valentines displays for the oh so necessary goodie bags because it is no longer enough to give JUST a valentine in school anymore. 38 kids to give baggies to between both kids. That aisle is conjested but we manage. I find the card for my BIL's whose b-day is Valentines day. I know. And then the ever important pop tarts for both kids. People are letting little ol' me go through with my bike stuffed cart and the woman at the check out is cordial and so I make converstation. It's just how I am. (Yeah, you figured that right long island dad?)
Once in the car I realize I have to skip Costco and go straight to my son's school for lunch. This is where I figure my day is going to be rougher than expected. My daughter has a bad head cold and I have her running like crazy. But we get to his school on time and sign in, then walk back to the cafeteria to wait. He arrives and he has totally forgotten that I was coming in to lunch with him for his b-day (albeit a day late ... but hey, it's pizza day! lol) He lights up with an ear to ear grin and my day just got 100% better. There is nothing like having that effect on your child. His happiness is mine.
So he guides me through the lunch line (like I've never done it before. *chuckle*) and then we find our way to the tiny tables and chairs. He is proudly telling his friends that my daughter and I are there. 22 kids ages 6-7 and for the first time in a long time I feel tall. okay... stop laughing. I became table mom, opening milk cartons and utensil packets. I got to hear about when each of their birthdays are and what is their favorite pizza while enjoying lunch with my kids. I even got an unprovoked public hug from my son which has become a no-no these days but hey, he did it not me. I was floating.
He seemed sad that lunch went so fast but we separated after leaving the cafeteria. My daughter and I, however were on the second leg of our trip. When I opened the back of my 'oh so sexy teal mini-van' (from now on known as the OSST mini-van) I realized I had over 20 bags of clothes to donate to St. Vincent Depaul, which was on the way to Costco. As I pull into the church parking lot, where the bins are located, I see the St. Vincent DePaul truck there and a guy shutting the back. I thought, oh man, I'll be in his way. He's on his way out.
I pull up and back in, not hindering his exit and climb out. The guy from the truck greeted me with a warm smile and hello. I greeted him back. I said, "I'm sorry. I see you are finished loading. Am I holding you up?"
"Oh no no," he replied and then offered to help unload the OSST mini-van. Then a second guy came out of nowhere and also began to help. It took only minutes for them to help unload the van while I tied the bags up. I offered to double up one bag and the one guy stopped me since there were shoes in it and said they load those differently. I apologize and laugh and he says, "If that's the worst thing to happen to me today then I'm in pretty good shape."
I thanked them and wished them a good day and they did in return. I was quite appreciative of their help and was on my way once more.
Then Peanut and I got a parking space pretty close to the entrance and given the windchill being 3 degrees I was glad. I scooped her bundled butt up and moved quickly inside. A gentleman was leaving with an empty cart and was pushing it in the corner. When he saw me he moved it for me to position Peanut in the basket. I thanked him and he replied, 'you're more than welcome. This one is nice and warm for her." Again I said thank you and entered the store, feeling like common courtesy is resurfacing in society.
The rest of the trip was quite uneventful. And while this trip might not seem that exciting it was full of nice things people did that helped make a normal shopping day quite enjoyable. Now I'm warm in my cozy home and about to take off cleaning, laundering and decorating a race car cake.
Leaving the house later than planned because the icing took longer to make for the cake than I planned I was on my way to Walmart. Wow, just like Drama....lol. I needed a list of things and my mom and dad are sick and asked me to pick something up for them. So I am on my way with only one hour before I have to be at my son's school. I'm thinking great this is going to be run, run, run!!
So we find the decongestants for my mom, my daughter and some for the cabinet for myself. We go through the store and find the bike I planned to get my son and the woman back there helped me get the already assembled (woo hoo!!) bike into my cart. Then I maneuver the over stuffed cart through Valentines displays for the oh so necessary goodie bags because it is no longer enough to give JUST a valentine in school anymore. 38 kids to give baggies to between both kids. That aisle is conjested but we manage. I find the card for my BIL's whose b-day is Valentines day. I know. And then the ever important pop tarts for both kids. People are letting little ol' me go through with my bike stuffed cart and the woman at the check out is cordial and so I make converstation. It's just how I am. (Yeah, you figured that right long island dad?)
Once in the car I realize I have to skip Costco and go straight to my son's school for lunch. This is where I figure my day is going to be rougher than expected. My daughter has a bad head cold and I have her running like crazy. But we get to his school on time and sign in, then walk back to the cafeteria to wait. He arrives and he has totally forgotten that I was coming in to lunch with him for his b-day (albeit a day late ... but hey, it's pizza day! lol) He lights up with an ear to ear grin and my day just got 100% better. There is nothing like having that effect on your child. His happiness is mine.
So he guides me through the lunch line (like I've never done it before. *chuckle*) and then we find our way to the tiny tables and chairs. He is proudly telling his friends that my daughter and I are there. 22 kids ages 6-7 and for the first time in a long time I feel tall. okay... stop laughing. I became table mom, opening milk cartons and utensil packets. I got to hear about when each of their birthdays are and what is their favorite pizza while enjoying lunch with my kids. I even got an unprovoked public hug from my son which has become a no-no these days but hey, he did it not me. I was floating.
He seemed sad that lunch went so fast but we separated after leaving the cafeteria. My daughter and I, however were on the second leg of our trip. When I opened the back of my 'oh so sexy teal mini-van' (from now on known as the OSST mini-van) I realized I had over 20 bags of clothes to donate to St. Vincent Depaul, which was on the way to Costco. As I pull into the church parking lot, where the bins are located, I see the St. Vincent DePaul truck there and a guy shutting the back. I thought, oh man, I'll be in his way. He's on his way out.
I pull up and back in, not hindering his exit and climb out. The guy from the truck greeted me with a warm smile and hello. I greeted him back. I said, "I'm sorry. I see you are finished loading. Am I holding you up?"
"Oh no no," he replied and then offered to help unload the OSST mini-van. Then a second guy came out of nowhere and also began to help. It took only minutes for them to help unload the van while I tied the bags up. I offered to double up one bag and the one guy stopped me since there were shoes in it and said they load those differently. I apologize and laugh and he says, "If that's the worst thing to happen to me today then I'm in pretty good shape."
I thanked them and wished them a good day and they did in return. I was quite appreciative of their help and was on my way once more.
Then Peanut and I got a parking space pretty close to the entrance and given the windchill being 3 degrees I was glad. I scooped her bundled butt up and moved quickly inside. A gentleman was leaving with an empty cart and was pushing it in the corner. When he saw me he moved it for me to position Peanut in the basket. I thanked him and he replied, 'you're more than welcome. This one is nice and warm for her." Again I said thank you and entered the store, feeling like common courtesy is resurfacing in society.
The rest of the trip was quite uneventful. And while this trip might not seem that exciting it was full of nice things people did that helped make a normal shopping day quite enjoyable. Now I'm warm in my cozy home and about to take off cleaning, laundering and decorating a race car cake.
Friday meanderings....
I don't need to post about the temperature here, since it's up above for all to see and I know that other parts of the country are the same if not colder so I won't mention how freakin' cold my legs were at the busstop this morning even in my jeans. Opps, did I say it anyway?
Much to do today, despite the cold and my daughter's head cold. The poor thing.
I need to icing and decorate my son's birthday cake... fun fun. I plan to eat lunch with him today at school (they let parents do this once a year, usually near his b-day) and today is pizza day so I'm all for that. LOL
But I need to get his b-day gift. I know what you're thinking...boy, nothing like waiting til the last minute, Angel. Now wait a minute there Mr./Ms. Blogger! That isn't fair. I had to wait due to finances so back off!....lol I'm in a weird mood. Tell me, is it cruel to buy a boy a brand new bike for his birthday when it's only 8 degrees out this morning?
He needs the bike, his knees are hitting the handle bars on the old one and the bike my parents won and gave to him is two sizes up from what he needs. Sure the bike will be added to the other items for spring and summer days that Santa brought, new roller blades for the boy, new roller skates and a scooter for the girl. He will get other gifts so I'm sure it will be fine. He already got an awesome hockey sweater (yes, a sweater. I know we tend to call them jerseys but in the spirit of the Canadian born sport I will use their term) from his uncle. Of course he loved it even though it wasn't his favorite hockey team, the Penguins, because his uncle had his birth year as the numbers on the chest and our last name on the back. He had me wash it so he could wear it yesterday. He also got a planetarium thing from another aunt and uncle that teaches him about the planets and constillations. He loves it. So I'm sure we'll be fine.
I know this is a boring and all-over-the-place post but it's all I got right now. I'm off to make icing! Blog ya later!
Much to do today, despite the cold and my daughter's head cold. The poor thing.
I need to icing and decorate my son's birthday cake... fun fun. I plan to eat lunch with him today at school (they let parents do this once a year, usually near his b-day) and today is pizza day so I'm all for that. LOL
But I need to get his b-day gift. I know what you're thinking...boy, nothing like waiting til the last minute, Angel. Now wait a minute there Mr./Ms. Blogger! That isn't fair. I had to wait due to finances so back off!....lol I'm in a weird mood. Tell me, is it cruel to buy a boy a brand new bike for his birthday when it's only 8 degrees out this morning?
He needs the bike, his knees are hitting the handle bars on the old one and the bike my parents won and gave to him is two sizes up from what he needs. Sure the bike will be added to the other items for spring and summer days that Santa brought, new roller blades for the boy, new roller skates and a scooter for the girl. He will get other gifts so I'm sure it will be fine. He already got an awesome hockey sweater (yes, a sweater. I know we tend to call them jerseys but in the spirit of the Canadian born sport I will use their term) from his uncle. Of course he loved it even though it wasn't his favorite hockey team, the Penguins, because his uncle had his birth year as the numbers on the chest and our last name on the back. He had me wash it so he could wear it yesterday. He also got a planetarium thing from another aunt and uncle that teaches him about the planets and constillations. He loves it. So I'm sure we'll be fine.
I know this is a boring and all-over-the-place post but it's all I got right now. I'm off to make icing! Blog ya later!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Celebrity look alike...
Terry at Road Rage had this up and I was a SUCKAAAA!! I did two pictures because it was wicked cool!
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Great day and Daddy.....
Today has been a great day for my son. He is so happy with a goodie bag from school, handing out cupcakes like a big man on campus and going out to dinner tonight (wait, it isn't MY birthday, this is awesome!)
This morning hubby (aka daddy) couldn't see his son off on his b-day because he leaves so early each day. But my son pointed to a piece of paper on the loveseat, where my son sits each and every morning. It read, "Happy Birthday! Have a great day at school! I love you! Love Daddy!"
(I tried to scan it in but it didn't show up)
So on the phone today I told hubby about the posts and comments on my blog and he asked, "Did you mention about the note I left for him?" Awwwww he wants me to mention it. Here I am, mentioning it honey!
He has already gotten a phone call from Red Grandma and PapPap singing to him and tonight will be filled with viewing just under a dozen ecards from aunts and uncles (hubby has 7 siblings and I have 2 so.....) and phone calls. He told Red Grandma "I've had a GREAT day." Mommy is glad honey.
This morning hubby (aka daddy) couldn't see his son off on his b-day because he leaves so early each day. But my son pointed to a piece of paper on the loveseat, where my son sits each and every morning. It read, "Happy Birthday! Have a great day at school! I love you! Love Daddy!"
(I tried to scan it in but it didn't show up)
So on the phone today I told hubby about the posts and comments on my blog and he asked, "Did you mention about the note I left for him?" Awwwww he wants me to mention it. Here I am, mentioning it honey!
He has already gotten a phone call from Red Grandma and PapPap singing to him and tonight will be filled with viewing just under a dozen ecards from aunts and uncles (hubby has 7 siblings and I have 2 so.....) and phone calls. He told Red Grandma "I've had a GREAT day." Mommy is glad honey.
Little man's photo montage
I apologize in advance for this being so long... I could have posted hundreds of pics but tried to minimize.
"Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older, when did they?
When did she get to be a beauty, When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they, were, small?" (Fiddler on the Roof, "Sunrise, Sunset")
We brought you home. You were so tiny in that car seat (tinier than in my tummy!!)
Where did you get those blue eyes?
Play hard and sleep hard, that's his motto
Yeah.... he's just THAT cool. And it isn't because he's in my 'oh so sexy teal mini-van' either.
No this isn't a topless bar...lol j/k this is my son and my nieces at 'red grandma's' dancing in the living room like I did as a kid. Ahhhhh the memories.
My son at our old house helping PapPap install a shelf under the sink. (After 3 daughters and being the only grandson.... we named him after PapPap and they are two peas in a pod. LOL)
The many faces of my boy.
You are still the only one who can make your sister laugh like that.
Ummmm. I'm guessing you got ahold of some markers? Thank goodness they are washable.
"Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older, when did they?
When did she get to be a beauty, When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they, were, small?" (Fiddler on the Roof, "Sunrise, Sunset")
We brought you home. You were so tiny in that car seat (tinier than in my tummy!!)
Where did you get those blue eyes?
Play hard and sleep hard, that's his motto
Yeah.... he's just THAT cool. And it isn't because he's in my 'oh so sexy teal mini-van' either.No this isn't a topless bar...lol j/k this is my son and my nieces at 'red grandma's' dancing in the living room like I did as a kid. Ahhhhh the memories.
My son at our old house helping PapPap install a shelf under the sink. (After 3 daughters and being the only grandson.... we named him after PapPap and they are two peas in a pod. LOL)
The many faces of my boy.
You are still the only one who can make your sister laugh like that.
Ummmm. I'm guessing you got ahold of some markers? Thank goodness they are washable.
Look how grown up you look now. Boy you love sports and mommy loves to be your cheerleader.
Two nights ago we found him like this.... dreaming about baseball season coming up son?
My how you've grown my baby boy!
"I don't remember getting older...when did they?"
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Seven years my son...
Seven years ago, my son, you left my tummy where you used to kick me like crazy. We called you kicky monster because of that reason. I used to have my headphones on my tummy playing classical music when I worked and you would rest and roll. When you were hungry boy was I hungry. Seven years ago you decided to come 10 days early. It was cold, like this year and it had just snowed. We phoned your 'red grandma' at 1:30 am and she dressed and drove over to keep your daddy calm. Mommy was ready, and eager to see your face to know you. I was eager to finally hold my son.
Unfortunately you didn't want to come out just yet and 19 hours later you still refused to enter this world which included 2 hours of pushing. The doctors were worried. You were a good size for my small frame and after a tough decision I was told I had to go to surgery. I cried because I didn't want to but I wanted you to be safe. My family and some of daddy's family anxiously waited hour after hour wringing their hands. They all had tears as they wheeled you and I into the room.
7:57 pm you were born and crying. Your cry started my cry. You were out and seemed fine, but I wasn't. No one told me that, no one wanted to worry me. Daddy didn't want to leave me so the nurses took you out to see your red grandma and PapPap, my sisters (your aunts) and your now uncle Bill and one of daddy's brothers. I saw video later that grandma held you first. Still to this day she comments on how you looked into her eyes like you knew her immediately. She said she knew you were different.
While family got to know you the doctors worked to save me. You were wedged and mommy was bleeding. The doctors were good, they gave me a transfusion and saved me. I am forever grateful for that.
Since that day I have taken each second to cherish with you. I reveled in your first smile, first laugh, first step and so many firsts that I can't even begin to list them all. You grew fast and strong and ate well and slept even better. I was blessed that day and every day since.
My love for you is larger than I can even begin to describe. I've watched you grow from a baby that would lay in my arms to feed at all hours of the day to a crawling maniac to a toddling boy. I've seen you stretch taller and start soccer and t-ball and love them all. I've been in awe of your photographic memory, math skills from age 2, your deep compassion, your incredible sense of humor and huge zeal for life. You have the best laugh and say things every day that make me smile. I don't know what I did to deserve having you in my life but it must have been really good.
Today my son you entered my life and forever changed it. I thank God every day for giving you to me. I love you and no matter how big you get, you will always be my little boy.
Unfortunately you didn't want to come out just yet and 19 hours later you still refused to enter this world which included 2 hours of pushing. The doctors were worried. You were a good size for my small frame and after a tough decision I was told I had to go to surgery. I cried because I didn't want to but I wanted you to be safe. My family and some of daddy's family anxiously waited hour after hour wringing their hands. They all had tears as they wheeled you and I into the room.
7:57 pm you were born and crying. Your cry started my cry. You were out and seemed fine, but I wasn't. No one told me that, no one wanted to worry me. Daddy didn't want to leave me so the nurses took you out to see your red grandma and PapPap, my sisters (your aunts) and your now uncle Bill and one of daddy's brothers. I saw video later that grandma held you first. Still to this day she comments on how you looked into her eyes like you knew her immediately. She said she knew you were different.
While family got to know you the doctors worked to save me. You were wedged and mommy was bleeding. The doctors were good, they gave me a transfusion and saved me. I am forever grateful for that.
Since that day I have taken each second to cherish with you. I reveled in your first smile, first laugh, first step and so many firsts that I can't even begin to list them all. You grew fast and strong and ate well and slept even better. I was blessed that day and every day since.
My love for you is larger than I can even begin to describe. I've watched you grow from a baby that would lay in my arms to feed at all hours of the day to a crawling maniac to a toddling boy. I've seen you stretch taller and start soccer and t-ball and love them all. I've been in awe of your photographic memory, math skills from age 2, your deep compassion, your incredible sense of humor and huge zeal for life. You have the best laugh and say things every day that make me smile. I don't know what I did to deserve having you in my life but it must have been really good.
Today my son you entered my life and forever changed it. I thank God every day for giving you to me. I love you and no matter how big you get, you will always be my little boy.
(To forewarn my blog friends, I will be doing a photo montage of my son later today. Not a ton but at least one from each year of his life.)
Not so good talent...
I have many talents but some are not so good. One of my not so good talents is trying to say things in jest and having it come out all wrong. I never mean any harm and yet I tend to sting people. I'm really rarely serious. To all the people in the world I have ever hurt or upset with my kidding................... I apologize.
Adult Talents .... Take 2
Awhile back I posted a recipe for a quick prepped chicken recipe. I made it shortly there after and have to say that I recommend using TWO cans of Cream of Mushroom soup and additional milk. It makes it more creamy and yummy.
In an effort to continue this (while not spoiling my small baking business) I plan to add another recipe.
We've all had bananas on the counter or on the banana hanger that we thought the family would eat but now they are past the point of no return. Their peels are blackening by the second as we look at them and the kids crinckle their nose at the mere sight of them. Well don't throw those away because they are at the perfect point for banana bread. Their extra sugars make banana bread extra delicious. So today I will share with you my mom's recipe for blender banana bread. This morning I made two loaves and the house smells heavenly and hubby is excited because he loves it.
To any man (or woman) out there who says he isn't that good a cook I say to you: Think of it in terms of construction. You need the right tools and pieces and need to follow the instructions. Think of it as building something rather than baking. If you follow the instructions, not missing a step you will do fine. The most important thing with this recipe is timing, and I'll get to that at the end of the recipe:
Blender Banana Bread
In a separate bowl sift together the following:
2 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
After sifting set the bowl aside and move to the blender.
In the blender mix together (and you might need to use a spoon to push down some of the ingredients to incorporate properly... and YES turn OFF the blender first. LOL)
2 eggs (large is what I use)
1/2 cup softened butter (and I use the real thing so if you use margarine it might turn out slightly diferent.)
2 teaspoons milk
1 Cup Sugar
1-1/2 cups sliced bananas (I use 3 medium ones and it works just fine!)
After blending the wet ingredients pour them into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is fully incorporated. Grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan (I use a baggie and Crisco shortening and line the pan with the grease and then toss some flour in and shake the pan until coated, then dump the rest of the flour in the sink or garbage can.) Pour the batter into the pan and bake about 45 minutes. This is where timing comes in. When the timer goes off stick a butter knife into a center point. If it comes out clean, take the loaf out. If it comes out with batter on it, set the timer for another 3 minutes and repeat this until the knife comes out clean. Let cool and flip the loaf onto aluminum foil so that you can close it up and keep it fresh and moist. Enjoy!
In an effort to continue this (while not spoiling my small baking business) I plan to add another recipe.
We've all had bananas on the counter or on the banana hanger that we thought the family would eat but now they are past the point of no return. Their peels are blackening by the second as we look at them and the kids crinckle their nose at the mere sight of them. Well don't throw those away because they are at the perfect point for banana bread. Their extra sugars make banana bread extra delicious. So today I will share with you my mom's recipe for blender banana bread. This morning I made two loaves and the house smells heavenly and hubby is excited because he loves it.
To any man (or woman) out there who says he isn't that good a cook I say to you: Think of it in terms of construction. You need the right tools and pieces and need to follow the instructions. Think of it as building something rather than baking. If you follow the instructions, not missing a step you will do fine. The most important thing with this recipe is timing, and I'll get to that at the end of the recipe:
Blender Banana Bread
In a separate bowl sift together the following:
2 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
After sifting set the bowl aside and move to the blender.
In the blender mix together (and you might need to use a spoon to push down some of the ingredients to incorporate properly... and YES turn OFF the blender first. LOL)
2 eggs (large is what I use)
1/2 cup softened butter (and I use the real thing so if you use margarine it might turn out slightly diferent.)
2 teaspoons milk
1 Cup Sugar
1-1/2 cups sliced bananas (I use 3 medium ones and it works just fine!)
After blending the wet ingredients pour them into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is fully incorporated. Grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan (I use a baggie and Crisco shortening and line the pan with the grease and then toss some flour in and shake the pan until coated, then dump the rest of the flour in the sink or garbage can.) Pour the batter into the pan and bake about 45 minutes. This is where timing comes in. When the timer goes off stick a butter knife into a center point. If it comes out clean, take the loaf out. If it comes out with batter on it, set the timer for another 3 minutes and repeat this until the knife comes out clean. Let cool and flip the loaf onto aluminum foil so that you can close it up and keep it fresh and moist. Enjoy!
Here is a picture of one of my two loaves on my counter. Yum!
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