First Saturday off in forever...

Today I didn't have to work. We went to my son's first soccer game. It was chilly and drizzly but he played great and his team won. They don't keep official score.... *rolls eyes* but the kids keep scores (and so do the parents.)

I think the whole 'feel good we all win' mentality is counter-productve to real life. I mean if you go for a job and they are only hiring ONE person they don't offer both or all applicants the job to make them feel good right? The business world, careers and jobs are all competitive and reality based. If you do better than the other guy you get the promotion or raise and he/she doesn't. Okay... enough on that rant.

My son's team won 5-2 so there people. Last season his team lost the first bunch of games. It was daunting for the boys but they finished off with win after win. This year the team looks great. Only half of the kids are the same. Perhaps next game the sun will be beaming and I'll snap some photos.

After the game my grimy and sweaty son took a shower.... by himself (wow... that rocks!) and we got ready for my nieces birthday party. It was going to be a a bowling alley a few towns over (1/2 hour drive.) We got there and had a great time. My best game I bowled a 144. Awesome. I laughed because if you combined all three of my games I ALMOST bowled a perfect 300 game.

On the way out of the parking lot we had a minor fender bender and hubby dinged Wolfee. He was sick and angry at himself. I shooed him from the driver's seat and drove home allowing him to cool down. I drove directly to an autobody shop that unfortunately was closed. Now the damage is minor scrapes and scratches but we don't want to waste time and have rust form so we are going to call (meaning I'm going to call LOL) Monday. I handle all the car repair issues and things. With the worst part of our day over with we got home where the kids played while I picked up the enormous mess that was my house and vacuum both floors. The house looked (past tense) awesome. Then I told the kids to get their shoes on. We went outside and hung the Easter eggs. Nothing over the top (I have a picture that I'll post later.)

My perenials are open and beautiful.

The kids played ball and then we got inside for dinner, baths and now bed. I am tired and sore. Dancing last night and in bed at 4 am...( I got home at 2 am and had a boo boo belly) then bowling today.

On a plus side I have lost another pound and a half and not the 'starving' way. I've been eating but busy and doing some crunches to target the problem area.

Friday sum up...

My friday in a nutshell.

Wake both kids... dress and feed both kids. Brush both kids teeth, wash both kids faces. Get son to the bus stop head back to the house. Get daughter to preschool. Get to Walmart, get staples and what hubby needs. Get to Bank to deposit design checks. Find out because of one I need to open a business account. Open business account with Bob. Tease Bob about the vast array of pink and white bunnies on the back desk. Asked Bob if he usually collects fuzzy pink bunnies. Make Bob laugh and blush. Leave bank. Go to grocery store/video store. Return videos from last Saturday. Buy milk and a few other items. Leave store. Arrive home with 15 minutes before having to leave to pick up my daughter. Hurry up and eat my breakfast.

Drive like crazy go get daughter on time but remember packet for a client. Pick up daughter. Stop by work on the way back and drop off said packet. Drive car to son's school. Pick up Easter candy order.

Leave school and discuss the beautiful Daffodils with daughter walking hand in hand. Drive home. Make lunch. Do laundry. Pick up all the stuff lieing around the first and second floor. Get phone call from in-laws who (apparently) were in town asking to visit. Wish I could say know. Know I can't. I say yes. They arrive. They visit for a decent amount of time. I get ready for work, they stay with the kids until hubby gets home as I race off to work. Work 5-9.

Race from work, stop off at CoGo's to get a sandwich. (big mistake) Wolf down half of sandwich as I drive to local bar. Get to local bar and luck out to find a great parking space. Pay entrance fee and join the other 8 ladies from my housing community to dance along with a local band.

Dance until 1:40 am having only one beer at 9:15 pm and coke the rest of the time. Drive home alone. Get inside, find house dark but front light on. *sigh* Belly starts to hurt. Belly starts to hurt even more. There you have it, my day in a nut shell. Was it the sandwich or the stress that is hurting my tummy? I do not know. Night all!

Jelly belly ... no I'm not jealous I'm eating candy!

I discovered Jelly Belly jelly beans and OMG... what is up with some of the flavors? They all seem good (some better than others) but Capuccino? Buttered popcorn? Carmel pop corn?

All I know is each. and. every. one tastes JUST like the flavor they are supposed to taste like. I am loving them!

Supplimental post

I have spent all morning running errands and then picking my parents up at the airport. The drive there to get them was quite a funny thing with my daughter and I'll blog about it later this evening... I hope. I don't work tonight (my only night this week since I have Saturday off for my nieces birthday party.)



But in the mean time, hubby sent me these photos his firm took for various occassions that I thought were nice and I'd share. :D




This is at last years (not this years) firm Holiday party #1. They have two. This one is for clients and they take a photo of each couple. This one was at the Carlton downtown where they rented out the whole restaraunt and had a murder mystery thing. It was great fun! I do have to say that I was thinking... 'hey instead of paying for all of this, give hubby a big raise people!"
Holiday party #2 was the firm party at a great restaurant (why can't I remember the name) on the southside of town. After the dinner we went to The Improv where entrance and two drink minimum were paid by the firm. I laughed so hard I almost hurt myself. It was another great night. (There you have our normal two nights out a year. This year Nickleback was unexpected. LOL) THIS is how I wanted my hair. See! SEE!!
The whole fam damily downtown when Santa decided to visit a lawfirm for a few hours. Pizza, santa and gifts... a kids dream. Daddy having the day off.... a lawyers dream. Mommy driving downtown... well... it was worth it. LOL

"You're doing it wrong Daddy...."

While I'm gone in the evenings for work I have learned that hubby is having a difficult time with my daughter. She's wetting the bed at night again and I keep worrying that it's due to the large change in her life with me gone and only daddy at home.

I found out tonight that the heartbreaking battle that hubby faces each night is this...."You're doing it wrong Daddy. Mommy does it different." From washing her hair, brushing her teeth and tucking her in. I've told her time and time again that Daddy does it his way and mommy does it her way and she should just appreciate that Daddy does so much with them since some kids don't get that. To his credit he has found patience I didn't know he had and has made the house look great tonight before I got home. Thank goodness for that because I busted my butt today and last night he had me up until midnight watching 'Kill Bill Vol. 2'.

Sure he decided he could afford to sleep in this morning and leave for work late but I still had to get up at the same time to get ready for the day and get my son out the door for school. I still worked tonight and found that on my way home tonight I was both mentally and physically exhausted. All around me is sick people with runny noses and coughs. *sigh* darn it.

In need of repairing....

I'm glad I had a nice weekend because it helped balance out the frustration from hearing from one of my clients (the big one) that she and her husband had sold their home up here and need to be out in 30 days. Because of that she decided to finish the project in Florida with another Design's R Us store and she wanted me to make her a packet and to cancel her contract.

GRrrrrrr.... this project was soooo close to being completed. She seemed to think the retainer she paid would cover the work completed. I had to send her an email today stating that #1 According to the contract they signed they have to cancel the contract in writing, #2 they need to pay the remainder balance for time spent on the project (which is an additional 12 hours) and that the packet wouldn't be given to her until the payment was recieved. I emailed it, a copy of the timesheet showing what I spent time on and for what. I also need to forward to her a copy of her contract.

Hubby said that if she refuses to pay he'll put an artists lien on her house prohibiting the sale from going through. It's times like these that I dislike people. Did she honestly think that in over a month and all the stuff I showed her that I only spent 25 hours on the project? I spent 37 actually. And what else I hate is not finishing a project.

And wednesday I am to meet the orthodontist who STILL hasn't signed his contract and doesn't seem to grasp (despite his advanced degree) that I can't have meetings while I'm on the clock at Designs R Us. I will not show a stitch of anything without a signed contract and retainer fee paid. Even with it people can be jerks so why would I work without it?

Thank goodness for the good weekend because it helped repair me. LOL

"The bestest day ever"

Today was our 'family day'. Last night we rented some movies as a treat since it started to rain and we couldn't play outside. Today we got up leisurely and had a nice big breakfast. Hubby fried up bacon and I made homemade puffed pancakes, which neither child would eat and so they had somethinge else. *rolls eyes* Darn picky eaters.

Then we got ready for the day. My daughter's preschool had their annual art show that is voluntary. Any child in the school could partake in the event. Last year she and I glued some of the photo's she took herself to a board and we named it 'Peanut's World' (well not really, instead of Peanut we used her REAL name. LOL) This year I asked her what she wanted to do for her piece of art and she said she wanted to paint a butterfly. She painted a beautiful butterfly in water colors on mommy's special watercolor paper. That was exciting for peanut. On one of the wings she had the number 5 (since it's her favorite number and her age... go figure) She named her piece of art 'Stephanie the Butterfly' (of course, right?) btw... Stephanie is NOT Peanut's name.

We went shoe shopping first since the art show was at 2pm and we bought new tennis shoes and other things. The store was having a BOGO sale yet we still spent a lot. LOL. But I got some Tommy Hillfiger thick flipflops for $5 so that was awesome! Go figure that the least amount spent on any of us was me.... the $5 shoes. LOL.

Then we went to Old Navy and picked out some things before going to the Art show. It was cute as always and she got a certificate of participation which she called her 'award'. (that makes me think of A Christmas Story and then I say "fra geeeelay. Must be Italian before chuckling. Darn stream of consciousness Angel.)

After perusing her artwork and gleefully greeting all of her friends like a smiling Miss America Contestant she was ready to go. I kid you not she actually said to one child, "Hi Connor. I love your dinosaur picture." That's my peanut.

Once we left the art show we perused some new local shops for me. I need a dress for the upcoming beach wedding in Destin and toward the end the kids were begging to go home. I was tired too. So we got home. Did I mention that it reached 70 degrees today? Well it did. We got home and some of us changed into 'play clothes' before heading outside. Hubby scooped the 200#'s of dog waste in the yard. He complained about how there is already weeds in the grass (now I remember my least favorite thing about summer... hearing about that!) I sprayed anti deer spray on my perenials which are out of the ground agood 5-6 inches already! Plus I sprayed our Dogwood trees, strawberry plants and Lillacs which we planted last year and it will be their first bloom year. Woo hoo there are buds! Upon inspection of my strawberry plants I discovered a bird carcus entwined in my netting. It broke my heart. I wanted the birds out but not to die a slow death. We kept my daughter away since she cries when a worm is found dead on the driveway. (boy she is like her mom. LOL)

We practiced baseball, the dog played soccer (yes, she can!) and the kids rode their bikes. We hitched the puppy up to her harness and all five of us took a walk down the sidewalk where the peanut waved and said 'Hi' to all who passed by. The boy rode his skate board and it was a great walk.

The kids got their dinner and then baths and bed. After the baths my daughter said to me "This was the bestest day EVER" and kissed me. "Ankyou mommy." No, thank you peanut. Then she broke into a chorus of 'The best day ever' from a Spongebob Square pants show. LOL. I agree, it was a fantastic day!

When it rains it pours

Every week provides new and different challenges. This week it was my lap top (I hope I can still say was as in past-tense. *fingers crossed*)

Wednesday I contacted Dell and got a nice guy named Justin who helped me. My internet explorer wasn't working right but more frighteningly my mcafee wasn't functioning right. Justin handled the issue in one hour and I was on my way. I hung up and then.... the internet began freezing again. *sigh*

Thursday around noon I called Dell again, though a different number. I got Suman. He got on to try and fix the problem and had problems with my problem. 3 hours later I believe I briefly had the internet again. A short lived victory. It seems my mcafee wouldn't open up so Suman decided he needed to reload the mcafee and told me it would only take a few minutes. I told him that Justin yesterday took an hour and installed an upgraded version. I don't know much about computers but it seems to me that taking a step back isn't a good thing. Well it wasn't. Another hour later he had completely undid the upgraded mcafee, I had no internet connection, he removed mcafee and nothing was functioning on my notebook. NOTHING. I had to get to work so I hung up with Suman in tears. I almost broke down into a sniveling mess for the complete loss of my day for 4 hours of nothing. But I had to get to work .... *sigh*

This morning I called the first number from Wednesday and got Wess. He helped me restore my computer to when Justin helped me. I have internet access (right now at least) but my new mcafee isn't working right. grrrrr. I'm now waiting, hoping and praying that the downloading of updates to mcafee will right the problems.

Did I mention that it's raining? Yeah, it is. But it's warm and I didn't need a coat so I'm still a happy girl for that. And for talking to Wess at Dell. I will X out the other number I called on my LOST Thursday.

I need to catch up on my bloggy buds..... Happy Friday all! I hope you are all doing well!

Photo catchup

This is peanut's Valentine box. A My little pony house.
Another view of the masterpiece.
5 year old goldfish. His name is Shaggy but I call him 'Jason'. If I could put a hockey mask on this fish you'd get the idea. LOL
My daughter with my mittens on her feet.
This was how she was dressed. Sorry I didn't flip the photo. Darn lap top is malfunctioning and I'm on the ancient PC.

My daughter before her Valentine's day Party at preschool.Peanut and her daddy before the Valentine Ball. She was sick but the dance was a friday night and the girls took their daddies and the boys took their mommies. They encourage you going to dinner and my daugther selected the oh so fine cuisine of Burger king. There is a DJ at the dance and coursages plus professional photos. It's cute and the boy and I went both years he went to that school. This was our last ball. *sniffle*
My son's birthday party and wearing a gift from his aunt pammy.
I'd say he liked his bike from mom and dad.
His b-day cake ala Angel. I don't decorate cakes well. But it tasted fantastic. That red thing is supposed to be flames. I know. I screwed up.... he told me. LOL

My son in the black shirt and his friend at his kid's b-day party.
My son is hugging the girl he likes at his party and my daughter snuck into the pic.
My son and one of his best buds at the party.
Here is the motley crew of birthday bowlers. I gave all the kids a copy of this picture in their thank you as an additional favor.Nickelback night. It was in the 70's and glorious. My son snapped this picture of hubby and I before grandma and PapPap showed up to babysit.

There .... I'm caught up on photos. I'll do a video in the near future (stop complaining Dan. LOL)

The boy's got moves!

My son decided after dinner he wanted....no NEEDED to dance. He begged me. Why not, right? Well he started dancing to a song and he was moving. He had some awesome movments and has named them. He had what I called the 'backwards giddyup' and the 'shuffle'. It was so much fun to watch!

Ahhhhh love it!

Tomorrow I hope to post pictures I have been meaning to post. A photo catch up... if you will.

I hope you are all doing well!

Darn computers!!

I haven't been able to blog or read blogs or comment for over a day. My 9 month old dell laptop is malfunctioning. I spent an hour today on the phone with dell support and got the mcafee running again, finally. I thought the problem was fixed but it's still freezing up on me. I hope I don't have to wipe it clean and start from scratch... *sigh* I'd lose a ton of stuff and it would be a pain in the arse.

I had my doctor's appointment today and need to be on meds for a bit. He did give me a prescription to help me with my migraines but I have to go back for another test like I had done late summer early spring. Having to do that makes me worry. He says if it shows a thing I don't want it to show I'll have to have a biopsy and I hope to avoid that at all costs.

On the way back to my town (since this doctor is two towns over) I stopped by the VW dealer that I have been in contact with. It's close to this doctor. I talked to a sales man who has been emailing me but will have to deal with the guy who sold us our Jetta. Bummer, this guy was kind of cute. LOL. Anyway, they will be looking for a salsa red Beetle convertible with what I want. Oh yeah baby!

Now I'm off to read some blogs and (hopefully) comment. Darn computers. Don't they know I have important things to do with my peeps!? Really.

So I'm home..

I spent my morning at work with peanut. I had a seminar on flooring and pricing it. I got to shine a bit explaining to a co-worker how to figure out that a 9 x 12 tile is .75 sq. feet and how you figure it out and how to figure out how many tile would make up 30 sq. feet. Fun stuff. Then a quick (25 minute) staff meeting.

Peanut and I then went to Walmart. Our Walmart is expanding to something they call 'Super'. What's super? That they swallowed up a few more stores as they expand? That they smell like adhesives as they put new flooring in? That they add more harsh, unflattering lighting? That's super. All I know is that I get some things there so we started walking in. I wore a black skirt (kind of short) with a black and white blouse and black almost knee high boots with my black leather jacket to work. Peanut and I walked into the store, her in a cart.

At the automatic doors a man stepped aside to let us through. I thanked him and as I passed I heard, 'nice legs.' *blush* That was a first. An outloud compliment rather than a leer. LOL

We got what we needed and headed home where I finally ate. Did I mention I forgot to eat breakfast? I did. I've been doing that unintentionally a lot lately. *sigh*

So now I'm home and hope to catch up on my bloggy peeps blogs!

Happy Birthday!!! Finished Last!

A fellow blogger and dear friend of mine celebrated his *mumble mumble* birthday on Sunday.

Happy Birthday Finished Last (aka Mr. Nice Guy)!!!

To many more happy and healthy ones! :D

I wish nothing but the best for you!

A new phenomenon

I have discovered a new and disturbing phenomenon in my area in the realm of lawn decoration. For some time I was aware of one house that subscribed to this phenomenon but on the way home from the airport last week (once I got back on track) I noticed a new culprit.

Well I think it should stop and should NEVER have started. What is this phenomenon? It's using bathroom fixtures as lawn decorations. Yes, I said that. Read it again. What do I mean by 'bathroom fixtures'? Well, in my parents housing (plan as we call them) community I drive by this house and in their front lawn, in a planting bed beside a large tree is a claw and ball foot tub painted red outside and filled with dirt and in the summer months flowers. Yes.... a tub. I have grown annoyingly accustomed to seeing it but the mere idea irks me to this day. So as I drove home from my fun excursion last Wednesday what do my wondering and weary eyes see? A toilet with the lid up and flowers in the bowl. Not real ones now, mind you since it's winter and it snowed again but fake ones. A toilet. A TOILET!!

People! These are not attractive lawn ornamentations! They do NOT enhance the beauty or asthetics of your homes exterior. It makes you look like you're starting your own spin off of 'Sanford and Sons'. I am an extremest though. I believe any lawn ornamentation falls under my catergory of 'lawn junk'. I know some people do a sphere or flag an all of that. If done in minimal doses it doesn't bother my senses and who am I to say what is good for all? I know what is good for me... flowers and shrubs. Okay during thanksgiving and halloween I put out a scare crow and pumpkins but minimally. At christmas I put out lights on my shrubs but in true OCD fashion they are on nets and neatly organized. For Easter I put eggs on our Cleveland pear but that's about it.

One thing I find to be completely UNACCEPTABLE to my discriminating eye is a tub, toilet or (and I bet there is a house out there that has this next one) pedastal sink in the front lawn filled with ANYTHING is wrong. These are bathroom items, plain and simple people. Put them back in your bathroom please.

Weigh in...

I haven't posted about my 'future milf' weigh in because there has been no change. No loss, no gain. But on Friday, when I weighed myself, I weighed myself and realized I had lost 2 lbs. I am so happy. Only 8 more to go. I wonder if I could do it before April 18th?

Easy like Sunday morning...

What can you say about a nice lazy day off that started out with cinnamon rolls? Yeah, it was pretty good and definitely needed.

Recharged Angel.

Lucky shammy baby!

We got about 4 inches of snow yesterday and hubby shoveled it. This morning there was another 3-4 inches. Hubby woke up at 7 am on his day off to shovel so me and 'Wolfee' (our new Jetta) could get out. Of course I can get through 3-4 inches but the end of the driveway usually has about 12" from the plow clearing the roads.

THEN hubby came inside to make me an omlette with cheese and bacon on the side with toast and French Vanilla coffee (because we aren't REAL coffee drinkers.) I was 5 minutes late to work due to that. I appreciate it all the same but after killing himself outside shoveling he didn't need to worry about me and breakfast (it was soooo sweet though. Perhaps I need to repay him somehow. Hee hee.)

I get to work (slighly late) but the center doesn't open until 10 and I was there at 9:07 am to prep as required. The roads were all snow covered but the highways were pretty good.

I get signed into a computer and my day is off. I had a day that I didn't want to come down from because I was on such a high. There is no reason why at first, I was just very happy. At work I kid around ALLLLL the time. A smile is almost always on my face. I can't explain it, there just is one. Perhaps it's because I really don't HAVE to work, we are having me work to pay down debt and do other things with. Perhaps I just enjoy because I don't feel I HAVE to do it. Or maybe it's because after being cooped up in the house with two beautiful children that conversations with adults delights me. I have found that I can joke and flirt and talk about adult things. This job is like a break for me (a paid break at that! I know!!)

So then I'm organizing my drawer because it seemed like it needed to be organized since I've been there almost a whole month and hadn't done so thus far. What should I find? The signed contract from the ellusive client and the retainer check. WOO HOO!!

That sent me flying high. I was so excited! Then a guy came in who I had helped briefly a previous day looking for fabrics. I helped him without pointing out I charge $50 an hour. I was just in a good mood. But then, after finding a few samples to take home to show his wife I told him if he needed any more help to let me know, that I'm an Interior Designer. He lit up and said, "Really? Oh we need your help." He seemed geniunely happy to learn that. He asked what I charged and do I go to peoples homes. Of course I do. So he took a business card with a promise to call. DING DING DING... and we're off.

My manager calls me to tell me about a commercial client who wanted to meet with me. DING DING DING. Possible client #2.

Then a new person called, a member, looking to redesign his office (he's a doctor.) DING DING DING!! WE HAVE A HAT TRICK! (if you like sports you'll get that. hee hee.)

I contacted another client who needs to sign his contract and helped members with orders and blah blah blah. I got up a ton of times to assist people (including a woman who works with me who started after me. She's supposed to be well versed in blinds but for some reason she asked me to help her with blinds. Yeah... I know. The jury is still out on that experience, I think.)

About an hour before quiting time one of the owners came up and quietly said, with a smile, that a member paid me a compliment that I had helped him by not just pointing to where to find the binder but I got up and walked right to it and gave the binder to him and that that was service. The owner was pleased, I was pleased, the owner's wife was there and seemed pleased and said good job! I was now so very very happy.

All my calls were answered, all my problems were solved. I wish EVERY day was like this one. I know they all can't be but I am grateful for this (and for the retainer check! *dancing the irish jig*)

So I'm like a freakin' little happy leprauchan dancing around my pot 'o gold. And NO you can't have it. hee hee.

Happy St. Patricks Day my peeps!!

My little sister in Florida

My sister and her new husband live in Florida. They rent a house in a golf course community with a ton of great amenities. My parents flew down to spend 14 days with them. The day they got down there it was in the 80's and they took a walk all together through the community. The developer is still building houses and my sister and her husband told my parents that the houses are sometimes left open and did they want to walk through one.

They agreed and walked through it. It's brand new and my parents thought it was nice. After touring it my sister and her husband asked, "So. What do you think of the house?"

My parents replied, "It's really nice. I could live here."

My sister stated, "Well. It's ours."

Yes. They bought the house. They got a great price for the 1818 sq foot home off the 15th hole of the communities golf course. My parents were surprised and excited. Here is a pic of their house...

Okay, the pictures are small but you get the idea. I'm excited for them and wish them nothing but the best.

Here is where my parents are stressing me out. We got those pictures Wednesday night and we viewed them late that night. Thursday I got an email from my mom telling me to send my sister an email telling her what I thought of the house. *sigh*. I worked Thursday night but I did send an email quickly during the day.

Today I got another email saying I must be busy since I hadn't sent an email. WTF? I did send an email and forwarded it to my mom and told her to tell my sister to check her email for the love of god. I don't need more crap. LOL. Boy I'm cranky today. hee hee.

SAH'ers do not get...

A day off.

What is that? I don't know. I may never know again. I love being a SAHM and I love being a Designer but combine the two and I'm a bit stressed. I'm dealing and doing my best.

Today was to be my 'day off'. I don't have to go into the store for a seminar or client meeting so I was somewhat the master of my day, right? Well....not exactly. My son is home sick again today and I'm regretting thinking he might be sick right now as he is driving me nuts. My daughter has a fever and this morning hubby and I went to her preschool for her parent/teacher conference. I took the first appointment of the morning so hubby could be there and go straight into work (for his sake.)

My daughter wouldn't have school due to the appointment.

Then the ice pellets started to fall and then snow mixed in with it. Our meeting went well and I'm proud of my daughter. I am surprised to learn that my daughter is shy in class. That might mean she pays better attention than my son does sometimes so it isn't all bad. After that meeting we got home and the roads were a bit slick.

Hubby asked if he stayed home would he ruin my day off. My biggest mistake was by not saying 'no you wouldn't ruin it.' I paused. I should have said, 'no you won't ruin it but I have a ton to do and tend to put it off if you're home and I thought you had a ton of work to do in the office.' What I said was 'I was hoping to get a ton of stuff done. That did it. He was hurt and upset. He presumed I meant that he would ruin my day but HE said that not me. *sigh* Anyway, he left for work only to turn around and come home since the first main road he drove on he slid down in Wolfee.

So he's home, my kids are home, my house is being ransacked and despite getting cleaning done I feel I'm not accomplishing a thing. I have some pricing to do for a client and a note to fax to the store. Day off? What is that? *sigh*

Just another manic...... um Wednesday?

Yesterday was a 'run run run' day. On 5 hours sleep that made it challenging for me. The concert was worth it though, I swear.

After getting my son dressed and off to school I got my daughter into the OSST Minivan and headed to my parent's house. They loaded their luggage into the enviable minivan and we drove to my daughter's preschool. There I walked her in and got her settled and then back to the van. We were off to the airport. I easily found the airport and on the way my mom said a fateful thing, "I always get lost driving BACK from the airport." My cell phone rang just as we were nearing the drop off drive and had to closely read the signs so I ignored the call thinking it was a client (hopefully not THE client I had an appointment with later to reschedule again...grrrr) and that I would retrieve a message from voicemail later.

We found the airline and I pulled over to the curb. I got out to help my parents remove their luggage. My mom was noticably nervous and my dad seemed a bit rattled. I guess I'm not the only one afraid to fly. So as I opened the back hatch and removed their suitcases I said jokingly, "This is what I call Angela's curbside service." My dad laughed but said, "Oh Ang, you dont' have to get those. I could have." Yeah, I know Dad. Let me spoil you a bit.

Then I hugged him and told him to have a good time. My mom looked at me and started to tear up. Trying to sniffle back her tears she looked at me and said (in typical and appreciated mom tone) "Now you be careful driving home."

"I will Mom. Don't worry about me." I hugged her and as she held me extra long I added, "You'll be fine. Enjoy yourself. This is a good start to your traveling. Tell April and Bill hello for me." (my sister and bil.)

It took me a few extra, unnecessary seconds, to pull away and wave as I did so. *sigh*

As I was exiting I checked my voicemail. Mistake #1 That made me take the wrong direction out of the airport and head north when I wanted south. Then I phoned hubby to chat Mistake #2 I didn't notice I was going in the wrong direction for a few extra exits. Then I turned around and headed back. I was getting panicy (one of my silly OTHER issues.... getting lost.) I phoned hubby to see where I wanted to be Mistake #3 because not only was he of no help he patronized me and I hung up on him after saying a swear word I almost never use. A few turn arounds later I figure heck on it. I know I went too far the other way I'm driving the opposite way and see where that takes me BINGO! I was back where I wanted to be. Darn it! I've never gotten lost driving back from the airport (even alone) before. Then I remembered what my mom said. Darn her! LOL

I wasted 25-30 minutes and when I got home I had to change into nicer clothes and throw food down my throat. I did pick up my daughter barely in time when her preschool let out and we were off the few miles down the road to my work where I was going to meet the elusive client. Hopefully.

She was there!!! A two hour meeting accomplished a lot and she had the contract in hand for her and her husband to sign. She stated she'd return it Saturday with the (huge) retainer check. Woo hoo! She didn't batt an eyelash, thank goodness. I never know how people will react to that many hours at $40 per hour. But she was pleased with my progress and we are probably half-way done. That's awesome!

Then it was a ton of 'at home' stuff to do before going to work at 5 and then running home to call my parents to see if they got in safely. I told them to call darn it but they didn't. How would they like it!? hee hee.

They got in fine and were wired like kids. Apparently my sister and her husband set them up good and I will blog about that later. This is long enough as it is. Hee hee.

&%$#@- ing Awesome!!

So how do I tell you have $#@ing awesome Tuesday night was? I don't know but I'm sure as heck going to try.

We left with my kids in the highly capable hands of my parents. God love them for babysitting despite having to fly out to Tampa this morning (and yes, I drove them to the airport this morning. My mom in tears when I left her, worrying she'd never see me again. Did I mention that I just learned she is affraid of flying too? That's another topic.)

After we were on our way we went to a great restaurant and got to sit at the bar, which we have never done before. Before we had kids we couldn't afford to go out and so we never did the whole 'Happy Hour' thing but we did last night. We ordered food at the bar and had a few drinks. It was awesome and apparently (according to hubby) a guy there kept checking me out. I thought he was looking at me but every time I looked at him when I had the feeling he looked away. That had me flying high since I carefully picked out my outfit and tried to style my hair nicely. The kids took pictures of us before we left and I didn't think I photographed as well (zip it Train Wreck) as I looked in person. I'll post it here in a bit. It's of the man and I.

Did I mention that yesterday's weather was AMAZING!? I think I did on another post but it was in the 70's!!! In the 70's in March!! After getting in the car I removed the green shrug I had on in the pics and stayed only in the black camisole it was so nice, no coat was needed and I brought out sunglasses. Woo hoo!

I took pics on my cell phone on the way, in the concert and on the way home so I plan to figure out how to download them sometime today and post them tomorrow (since I work tonight.)

After dinner we were on our way. The Penguins had a hockey game last night and we were going that way so we knew the traffic would be bad there and higher in the Oakland section of the city (where the University of Pittsburgh is, which is where the concert was... in an event center there.)

Hubby was all grumbly and upset about traffic. He kept saying we were not going to make it in time for the opening act at 7pm. I had the stereo blasting and was dancing in my seat unable to contain my excitement. I just kept telling him to stop being so negative. I knew it would take a long time but we had the time. Blah blah blah... we got to the upper part of town (Oakland) and got into the concert traffic in less than a half hour. I was happy. But he had grumbled the whole half hour and it got to me and I started to doubt my optimistic viewpoint. Eventually I told him we should get out of the line of traffic and find a different parking place. He wanted to park in the lot right by the Event Center. I told him we could park farther away and walk. It was a gorgeous day, right?

Well we found a garage in minutes and were parked and off like a shot. The only problem is that the Event Center was at the top of a hill (and hills in Pittsburgh take on a whole new meaning of hill.) This hill could be on par with some in San Fransisco. All I know is that I've walked this hill before and knew it was called 'Cardiac Hill'.

There I was in heeled dress boots and we were moving quickly. I ran up half of the hill before realizing that wasn't good. So we walked briskly the rest of the way. I was winded but still going (thank goodness I do the treadmill. You should see this hill!)

We made it and were patted down in the entrance and I was disappointed a woman had to do it. hee hee. I'm bad. But Breaking Benjamin had started (there were two opening acts)

Finally to our seats we realized they were $#%@& awsome seats! We were so close to the stage that we could feel extreme heat from the flames in the pyrotechnics. I could see the band members faces and I danced and danced and danced!! We almost caught a drum stick and later a canon shot t-shirt. The bands sounded great and I had a fantastic time.

When we began our long and steep descent down the hill we realized that it was still so warm that our jackets were still not necessary. The car themometer (once in it) said 73 degrees. Woo hoo! I know it's short lived awesome weather (since they're calling for snow Sat.) but I loved it and enjoyed it thoroughly, like the concert.

Sorry I didn't blog Wednesday but I will do a post on that day later.

Rockin' good day!

OMG it is a beautiful day. I got out of my 2 hour Hunter Douglas blind seminar (which I was already familiar with but they were going to pay me to take notes so who am I to argue...LOL.) My daughter and I in our winter coats, which we really didn't need any longer. In the OSST minivan we shed our heavy coats because it was warmer than outside.

Now we are home and hubby is already home for the day after depos close by. We go to Nickelback this evening and I'm so excited!!!

I have to find the perfect outfit that makes me look young, hip and good. Boy, that's a tall order!

I'll blog you tomorrow afternoon and I hope my peeps are doing well!!

Nickelback update

So I didn't win. Two girls fighting won.

Such is life. The thing is I tried. I didn't win and yet I still won... I have two tickets as a gift from hubby and tomorrow night I'll be at the concert all the same. Farther back, and without meeting the band, although I did get a suggestion to flash the band and maybe I could still get back stage. LOL (was it from the snow plow driver? I'm not talkin')

The morning that wasn't

I was going to have a 10:30 am meeting this morning after sending my son off to school and waiting glued to the radio for the announcement for the winner of the Nickelback tickets.

So I had my mp3 on radio and got my son off to school for his field trip to see a play with a bagged lunch and a smile on his face (less one tooth... I'll post about that later.)

I prepped for my meeting with the client that has rescheduled with me twice and this was our third attempt. I got my daughter ready and papers ready and me ready. We headed off and got to the store just in time. But my client wasn't there yet. Awesome, I had some time to spread out all my stuff and get some books. I was ready, contract in hand and preliminary stuff too.

tick tock tick tock tick tock. Soon it was 11 am. No client. I phoned her. She wrote down Wednesday. She picked the day!! I was sitting with my appt. book open at Starbucks and wrote the day in as we spoke!! Wednesday I drive my parents to the airport so I would remember discussing working around THAT day. *sigh* I was pleasant, she apologized and I left feeling more than a little pissed that my morning was wasted. Not only that, I still have NO idea what is going on with the contest. If I didn't win, rip it off like a bandaid and be done with it! *double sigh*

So there you have it, my morning that wasn't. blah

Snackzert

In my house we have an odd language sometimes.

On the way home from my parent's house tonight was no exception. When we have lunch close to breakfast it's called brunch (not a stretch, that's just what it's called.) My son likes to call a meal that is a combination of lunch and dinner... Linner.

After dinner my kids get a dessert and before bed they get a snack. It's a ritual in our house. Now my kids ate tons of junk at my parent's house but still my son claimed he hadn't had desset. It was too late, bath and bed time loomed. So my kids both said, "We'll have a snackzert then." That's what we call a dessert/snack.

Yeah... we're goofy. Well they are, I'm just here for the show. LOL (if hubby said that I up with 'snackzert', don't believe him. hee hee)

Sunshine ... on my shoulders... makes me happy

Sorry to quote John Denver and rest assured that it's the only line I know from ANY John Denver song. (I wouldn't have even known it but for my mom having the radio on when I was a child and my having an uncanny knack to remember lyrics to songs. I could forget your name but boy I'd remember a song lyric. LOL)

But today IS sunny. Due to daylight savings time it's 10:28 instead of 9:28 and we are still in their jammies (the only day mommy can do that so why shouldn't we all do it?) Hubby went to Dunkin' Donuts at my request and we enjoyed the sweetened breakfast goodness. *rubbing full belly*

To top it all off we are going to my parents house for dinner and a visit. They will be flying to Tampa Wednesday (I know because I'm driving them to the airport and have been questioned a million times if I'm sure I can *rolls eyes*) so they want me to know where all the important papers are incase the plane desends quicker than normal. *sigh* But my mom is planning a roast with all the trimmings and I'm like a deer in the headlights for a home cooked meal by my mommy (who said at 34 you're too old to call your mom mommy? Not me!)

Laundry is still on the agenda because we just keep wearing and dirtying clothes and it just doesn't seem to want to stop. Hubby vacuumed the whole house and dusted on Saturday plus he folded a few loads of clothes so I'm not complaining. Nope, not at all. So far things have been going good with me working and I got to spoil him with his work bag that will save us on chiroptractor bills. Now THAT's an investment, right? Before our trip to Destin I'll get my laptop bag so I'll spoil myself too.

Talk about a boring post of a whle lot of nothing. LOL Sorry folks

Questions.. Statements and general confusion

Today I worked an 8 hour shift and other than the contacts bothering me I had a good day. From there we ate at Applebees (which will be one of our last visits there because it was subpar.) Next stop.. the mall. I had coupons for Vic. Secret and got some free things and discounts on some things but found out they missed one coupon so I will be calling the store tomorrow (darn it it's a long drive there so I hope they can help me over the phone....grrrrr....)

THEN we went into a bag store because I wanted to look at laptop bags. Well. We found hubby the most awesomist laptop/briefcase on wheels for all his legal blah blah blah with a handle to spare his shoulder when he walks from one side of town (where he parks) to the other (where he works.) I was more excited than he was by the purchase. Next time we get me a bag but he shleps more stuff farther more often than I so it was exciting. Next week I believe I'll get my retainers that will more than pay for both the Vic. Secret purchase and the bag and then some (other bills.) By the end of April we'll be looking at a car for mmmmmmeeeeeee. woo hoo.

Now for the question...did I ever post the pics of the valentine boxes? I'm generally confused and apparently forgetting a lot lately. I need to organize my brain. *sigh*

I hope all my bloggy friends are fan-tab-u-licious!!!

Love affair with David Caruso continues... (not)

So those of you who have endured my blog for some time (god bless you for your patience and unexplained loyalty) will know how I feel about David Caruso. For those of you who do not... see THIS POST....

Well I have STRONG feelings about his 'style' of acting, if that's what it's called. And my buddy Lioux even sent me a funny thing to my myspace page (to make me laugh or to annoy me? A little of both?) Anyway....

Last night I was wired and not ready to sleep. Not only that I was starving. For some reason on nights I work I don't eat much dinner and end up famished by nights end and so a nice bowl of Cocoa pebbles (healthy huh?) was in order. I decided to take it upstairs to my room to watch some TV as hubby dozed off. I flipped around a lot between HGTV, Fox News, David Letterman and Jay Leno. Not much was going on that intrigued me and yet I wouldn't turn it off yet. Jim Carey came onto David Letterman and I'm always amazed how much my one BIL (Rob) looks like him. I watch his interview because of that and because he's funny, until a commercial break. Then I flip around yet again. When I flip back to see what he's commiserating about now I find this......



OMG.... I nearly peed my pants or at least almost woke hubby up. I told him about it but it didn't do it justice so I showed him. I was somehow not surprised that entering Jim Carey David Caruso and David Letterman would find it. But I'm glad I did because it was funny

Okay...

So I should have called it haircut heck but you weren't there people and didn't have to try to decipher what she was saying because her broken russian/english was difficult to understand. And you weren't there to hear me say, "Are you going to dry it to flip up?" and was answered with, "oh...Oh here..." and she picks up scissors. WTF?

While I don't look like I was attacked by a pack of wild rabid dogs it was still stressful ... so there *sticks out tongue*

Haircut hell...

I got my haircut and without going into the gory details she wouldn't put the freakin' scissors, razor, timmers down. I know my hair was long. I know I needed some layers for lift but then she couldn't get it to flip and I was so stressed my tummy hurt.

So here is a video and while I know it isn't like edward scissor hands attacked me it isn't what I wanted and is only choppy because I did it. Please lie to me and say I look good. *sigh*

Mr. Clean and Mr. Sun

The next 7 days show highs in the 40's and 50's Woo hoo! That's all I'm sayin'.

Today is clean like a little freak day and I'm off and running with the sun streaming in the windows. ;-) Okay they're calling for some rain but by next wednesday we might see 64 degrees. :D

So forgive me as I float through my house...

Swedish fish craving

Have you ever had swedish fish? Mmmmm I have. I remember when I played softball back in the day that you could buy them for a penny a piece at the concession stand. We even still have a penny candy store and there they have them for a penny a piece still. But my mom buys them at Costco in bulk, by the box. When I visit I eat a pond full of them.

I just gathered the garbage in my house and found one in the garbage and realized that I should have just bought a box today when I was at Costco. I realized that I really really have a powerful swedish fish craving. Mmmmmm swedish fish. *drool*

The sun is a deceiver!!

Yes it's sunny and I love it! But it's deceiving to see the sun shining beautifully and then step out into the frigid air. Still, I won't fully complain.

Today I spent time at Starbucks. I had an appointment scheduled but when I checked my cell phone voicemail the client needed to reschedule..... again. So I have until Monday but that gives me a breather from the hectic pace I've been moving at. Woo hoo to that!

Also at Starbucks I was able to take the time to review my novel quickly and decide how to revamp and practically rewrite most of it to make it better. I am determined to get it well enough to not only be picked up by a publisher but to fly off shelves in the erotica section. lol.

With a few 'to do' lists written up and a few phone calls I feel like I accomplished a lot.

I also did a good deed of the day. A man was at Starbucks with his two young kids (6 and under, I overheard.) They were wound up and rambunctious and driving their dad up a wall as he tried to meet with two other guys. After he seemed quite frazzled I looked into my Calvin Klien bag of mommy tricks and found two small boxes of restaurant crayons and grabbed some paper and offered them to him for his kids. He seemed genuinely appreciative and it managed to calm them for the remainder of his appointment. But they did break a few making him embarassed to admit it to me. I replied that I he could keep them and I wasn't the least bit worried. He thanked me again and left as I wished them a good day. I better scrounge for more of those crayons for my kids to keep the monsters at bay. LOL.

75% better

By 4pm today and now I'm feeling 75% better than at my worst today. I feel like such a slacker having laid in bed most of the day and had taken a bath. I finally felt well enough to go to the grocery store and then get dinner and clean some floors. I did get a few more things done this evening as well so I feel I wasn't a complete waste. Now I know I wasn't feeling good and shouldn't feel badly about relaxing, I just hate wasting a day and losing the enjoyment of a day off.

I had to reschedule my appointment due to the weather but my migraine would have been a more obvious obstacle for me. Tomorrow we plan to meet and I hope it works out. I also have a few phone calls I ignored today to return.

What's amazing to me now is realizing that 75% better is wonderful, I can't imagine being 100% better. I realize that I took feeling fine for granted and since I haven't had a migraine like this since December, I think, I forgot how great it was to feel good. I shall try to make sure I don't forget again.

Thank you all for the well wishes!! [[[hugs]]] to you all! <3

A blogger is down

*imagine a scottish accent here folks*

"We've got a blogger down! I repeat... a blogger is down!"

Yep. Angel is shutting down physically. *ding ding* I'm done. I am either going to get better or be praying to the porcelain god in a bit. I'm sorry I can't finish reading my usual blog stuff until I break this.

*sigh*

Blog ya later peeps

Suckity suck suck

Today is my day off (a second in a row but yesterday I had to go in for a furniture seminar so is that a day off? LOL) Well today I was going to meet a client in the store on my own time to show her the progress and get her the contract to sign and write me a nice big retainer check. I was ready last night. I had worked and worked to prepare everything and was ready.

We went to sleep last night expecting some snow in the morning but only about 2-4 inches were projected. That's not a lot so nothing was thought of it. Hubby had a doctor appointment this morning so that meant he could sleep in a bit and we'd be getting ready together. He got up to go to the bathroom before I was going to shower and for some reason I asked him to check the local station that tells us if school is delayed or blah blah blah, just precausionary really because we were only getting a few inches. To my horror and dismay school was delayed. That meant my daughter's preschool was cancelled, don't ask me why that's the rule but it is. She only goes Wed-friday so I know she'll be upset. Heck I'm upset. My appointment with my client was set for 9 am and my son wouldn't catch the bus until 10 am so the time would no longer work. I called her and rescheduled it for tomorrow morning. *sigh*

Then hubby and I go out to shovel the driveway and sidewalk. Originally he told me to stay in hoping for a hot breakfast from me upon returning in but I told him I needed the exercise and he agreed because we'd get done in half the time.

As it turns out we got about 3-4 inches of really light snow. The roads looked great and we shoveled our butts off. We got in and hubby only had 20 minutes to get showered, eat and get to the doctors. He's going for a blood pressure checkup so shoveling a driveway and running around the house isn't good pre-doctor activities.

I whipped out some scrambled eggs with cheese and toast (he never gets a big breakfast on week days but I thought I'd spoil him.) While making the breakfast my mom calls. We chat and she feels badly that my appointment had to be rescheduled. Then she says 'yeah too bad they closed school."

"What!? Mom, you're kidding me, right?" I mean she is a jokester.

"Sorry, honey. No I'm not."

"Shit." Now I practically never swear and 99.9% don't swear in front of my mom but she understands where it's coming from. It's my day off and I still have my mirgraine and having both kids with cabin fever running around would be tough. I love my kids and haven't seen enough of them since starting my job so I consider it somewhat positive (although right now they are screaming and crying upstairs....*sigh*)

There goes my plans to meet with a client, get a fat retainer check and then sit at Starbucks starting to revamp my novel for an hour waiting for preschool to let out. I will no longer plan to go to Starbucks because I kid you not, each time I have school has closed. Cosmic forces at work prohibiting Angel from rest and adult time? I don't know but I will go on the fly baby!

Holy suckity suck suck today folks. Where is my ibuprofen, I'm almost in tears from the pain.

March and my peeps

I have to say I agree with hubby.... March is the suckiest month of the year (because of the weather.... sorry to anyone with birthdays in this month.)

One morning it's 32 degrees the next morning it's 12 degrees with wind that threatens to make your cheeks freeze and fall off. The high today is supposed to be 23 but in a few days it might be 44. No wonder this month is the 1 month my kids always always get a cold or sick. Warm, cold, warm, cold. Geez.

Now that I've been working for a few weeks I have to say the one thing I realized I don't like is how it effects my blogging. LMAO. Okay, if that's the worst thing about the job then I must be doing okay, right? Hubby would probably say I blogged too much (but what does he know. *sticks tongue out*)

This morning I have a 2 hour seminar at work and later today my son has a well doctor visit. Other than that my day is mine. (if you call more drafting, laundry and other cleaning mine...lol) I'll be around though to see all my blog peeps!

Monday monotany

Mondays will be crazy busy days in the Angel household for my son until the end of April. Besides hubby working and the boy having school I will be doing my regular stuff before work at 6pm. But my son is taking spanish class after school and I will need to pick him up (like today) and bring him home to feed us within 45 minutes and get him to CCD before 6 and slep off to work.

*sigh*

I spent all day drafting, laundry and my daughter.

After work I stopped by our expanding Walmart that will soon be SUPER to find sudafed for my kids who woke up this morning with out of the blue congestion. March stinks for that because one day it's 45 degrees and the next day its 22. Blah.

Today and yesterday I have been trying all I know to get rid of a migraine and I can tell you I can't wait to see my doctor in two weeks to find a way to ward them off forever because taking 3 ibuprofen is not good on the body after awhile.

Hubby finished his novel last night and sent off a query email letter today. That makes me want to revamp mine and I hope to find time to do that.... maybe on the plane in April. There, I dumped all my junk in this blog, does that mean my head will be clear? LOL I doubt it.

I am going to try and catch up on my blogging friends. Later peeps!

Quite possibly too personal.....

***Pre-emptive warning to all male blogging friends (and possibly some female ones), this topic might make you cringe or blush and it might even be down-right bothersome to you. If you read, you are reading at YOUR OWN RISK. I am warning you ahead of time before you read it in it's entirety and any responsibility from here-on-out shall be laid upon your shoulders for I can not be held responsible after this WORD.

Okay, I have contemplated embarking on something and have done extensive research in a 'Monica-like' fashion (you know from "Friends" all organized and methodical and stuff.) This is probably a topic that might fall into the 'too much information' realm but I need help and...... well I thought of you all (aka fellow bloggers.) I know the men might not be much help here and I FULLY expect humorous responses, in fact some are encouarged as I find the question humorous myself, but here goes:

I am contemplating getting a Brazilian wax and for anyone who doesn't know what that is, feel free to read this article before commenting. I'm going to go to the beach in a month and this idea has been bouncing around in my wild, strawberry-blonde head for a few months now.

But in all my methodical reading and research one thing remains unanswered and that's what I aim to gather here. They tell you in most, okay practically ALL, of the articles that yellow pages searches for a proper waxing salon that does less painful and longer lasting work isn't the way to go. They state that the best waxers are found by word of mouth. Yes, by word of mouth.

The question is... how do you go about this?

Most of the people I talk to around town are men or, dare I say, 'plain-Jane' SAH mom's. I might be judging a book by it's *ahem* cover here but I can't fathom a good majority wanting one or even having gotten one. If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit my error and beg for forgiveness. But with the women I do talk to most of what we chat about are our kids or the weather. Sure there are the occassional conversations about going out next week to see a band (and yes that has been posed for next Saturday and I'm definitely considering it because that would be awesome!!) or play that crazy wild game of Bunko and 'why hasn't a regular rousing game been scheduled in the last two months?' (which btw hasn't been scheduled and I'm relieved to know I haven't been permanently X'd off the list as I had previously feared. But I fear that a question such as this question might do the trick.)

So my question is this: How do you ask a friend down the street who would give an excellent Brazilian wax? I mean, how do you breech such a topic or nudge the conversation in such a direction. Sure talking about going to the beach and even buying a bikini might be in the right direction but how does one say "Speaking of bikini's...don't you hate that hair in the bikini line? And speaking of bikini lines... how about some of the other hair. I know I want to get rid of it, in fact, I'd like to get a brazilian, do you know of a good waxer?" without shocking looks and whispers surely behind your back. Perhaps even a snicker or two when you walk back from the bus stop. So you see, I'm in a bit of a pickle here so any GOOD suggestion will be considered and greatly appreciated. Thank you and blog 'ya later.

Legal Disclaimer: to my male blogging friends, I apologize but I did warn you. If you chose to read this far you did so on your own accord and should not blame me if you were bothered by the content in this post. Thank you and.....goodnight.

And if you're trying to read this you'll know that I'm married to a lawyer and found the legal disclaimer quite amusing. LOL

A little bit of spoiling

Today we splurged on the kids a bit. Well my son had a gift card for TRU and a duplicate gift to exchange and they both had some money but mommy gets paid soon and decided to chip in a bit of money. I let them pick a few things (more so my son who had gifts to redeem.)

My son exchanged a duplicate Battleship game for a remote control Turantula. Blah. It's creepy and scared the heck out of my dog (I have video which I download tomorrow.) He also got Blendy Pens with a gift card. He did quite well with figuring out how much he was permitted to spend with the money he had. I chipped in some money, along with his piggy bank money, so he could get a Cartoon Network Gameboy game.

My daughter picked out a freakily awesome doll that as a child I would have killed to have. It talks and moves its face (I'll need to take video.) It laughs and waves its arms and it's supposed to sleep against your shoulder. I just got that part to work by holding it and patting its bottom like I did my kids. She bought herself a Barbie Doll and Blendy pens.

Then we went to Barnes and Noble. We let our son pick out a chapters book and picked out two chapter books to teach her how to read. On the way out I found a book I plan to read right up my alley "Sex as a Second Launguage" by Alisa Kwitney. It's not a 'how to' it's about a woman in her 40's, a single mom who's dad left her at age 10 and returns, a former spy. She also meets a handsome icelander. I just read a bit but look forward to reading again. I also have "A Midsummer's Nights Dream" from my editor from Christams to read plus hubby recommends "All is Quiet on the Western Front" since I want to read up on history. Hubby didn't want to pick out a book for himself.

They are happy and my son has read his book 3 times already. The books are a good kind of spoil and passing on the love of reading is a great gift. Barnes and Noble was hoping with people and I realized that inside is a Starbucks. That means in my town we have THREE Starbucks. I think if you triangulate the three you have the vortex of hell or the Cranberry Township triangle (like the Bermuda triangle.) Why three within 3 miles? Holy cow!!

Saturday hodge podge....

I had a pretty good day at work and while it was 8 hours it didn't feel like it. Sure the end of the day was hectic but I think being a mom has prepared me and I was relaxed there. I've been told about 2 dozen times that I'm blowing them away with how well I'm doing which surprises me because it seems relatively simple.

Next week I meet with one of my design clients and will have my first contract signed for big money. I can't tell you how excited I am and I hope the discussion of money goes over well. *biting nails* It's a huge amount but we are doing a ton of stuff.

We took my kids to TRU's today for my son's gift card that was burning a hole in his pocket and then a new Old Navy opened in my town. A Children's Place is fabled to be opening soon and all I need is a Victoria's secret and I'll never need to treck the 45 minutes to the nearest mall. That would totally rock.

Hubby had dinner made for me when I got home and I think a few drinks might be in order for me tonight. Woo hoo for a day off tomorrow (and drafting....lol)

I hope all my fav blogging buds are having a fan-tab-ulicious weekend!

pant, pant... excitement!

Check it out! I totally made it on the website! I'm officially entered. How freakin' awesome it would be to win! Calm down Angel... calm down.

Star 100.7

Nickelback ticket/back stage passes entry

I shot this video quickly today because I really really want those backstage passes. Perhaps I could have done better. I shot a few with me in it and gagged. Not only does my voice sound deeper today, but I DESPERATELY need a haircut and my stylist, I found out yesterday, is no longer at the salon I go to. Now what do I do. Regardless I would be the happiest SAH'er in the world if I won these tickets. Even if I don't, at least I tried, right? You can't win if you don't try.

Don't make too much fun of me. LOL. Thanks Lioux for the idea, I hope it lives up to your fantastic idea.

*deep breath, exhale* day off

Today I have a day off. That just means I don't go into work. I still need to do some drafting later today and I have a ton of running I'll be doing this morning to two banks, my son's school to sign him up for spanish class and then to a store to get a bunch of stuff.

There is really no 'day off'. Co-worker Andre told me that my 'day off' just sounds like a 'day different'. He's right. LOL. He cracks me up. Why do I appreciate dry and sarcastic senses of humor? I don't know but I do.

Tomorrow is my first 8 hour saturday there and from what I've been told (a hundred times) is that it will be busy busy busy. Am I ready, probably not but I'll take it in stride and know that come 5 pm I'll be going home to an equally busy home and hope that the insanity here has prepared me. LOL. But tonight is family night with perhaps a movie and snacks and there is talk about games tomorrow night. Hubby is passing up playing poker with the boys tomorrow night. I encouraged him to go but he doesn't want to. Apparently he doesn't want to part with the $20.00 He can't say I held him back, I encouraged him. Besides a quiet night alone sounds kind of nice.....shhhhh don't tell him that. hee hee.

So I'm off and running now on my day off! I'll be around later this afternoon when I plant to read and comment on my blogging buddies blogs!!!

Blog ya later!

Cautious joy...

I'm not bragging or doing some freaky weird warm weather jig to curse us to freezing and snow again but I just wanted to say I got my mail today in my barefeet and no coat 'cause it's 42 out. *contain joy because you know much rain is coming along with flood warnings* Warm is nice. When 42 feels warm you know you've seen cold temperatures. Sheesh.

Stressful morning with Peanut....

This morning hubby and I got my son out the door for the bus and then my daughter off to preschool. We notified her teacher and the director of the preschool that we'd be picking her up after only an hour because the school district had scheduled us for her kindergarten pre-screening. We went home and threw breakfast down our throats and went back to pick her up. After getting to the school my daughter began to panic. She was terrified and kept hiding behind me. They were going to take her off to different stations to test her level of abilities and motor skills while we got to watch an informative and entertaining (not) video telling us what to expect. Ummm been there, done that.

Well nothing went as planned. We sat down with a teacher in the large gym and she was terrified and began to cry. Within a few minutes of trying to coax her to cooperate it seemed we put a monkey wrench in their uber schedule because the Assistant principal came over and asked if I wanted to reschedule a time alone so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. NO!! I love my daughter but TOUGH! You see, she will HAVE to go to school and will HAVE to get used to these things and letting her manipulate this (which is a phase she's in) would only strengthen her resolve that she was right and I was wrong and I should listen to her more often. OH heck NO!! I kept the wolves at bay trying to get her to start to participate in the 'that's a red block, that's a blue triangle' stuff. Finally my son's kindergarten teacher came over to work with her. My daughter knows her but I'm not her biggest fan with what she put my son through last year. But I zipped my lip and let her take her off to a smaller room with us and got what needed to be done done.

Still my daughter didn't do half as well as she would have done if she had just calmed down but she FINALLY did finish it. *phew* That's station one of 3. I know.

We had her sit down to make a bear out of paper to wait for the next station (language.) I got to fill out an 'oh so much fun' questionaire where they want you to tell them the weaknesses of your child (I KID YOU NOT!) Of course my daughter has NO weaknesses except for she was nervous. End of story and that's what I wrote .... so stick it!

She did great on the language station (except rhyming words) and began to come out of her shell. Waiting for the motor skills station she was full blown peanut. Hopping on one foot, laughing and greeting other kids. One of the teachers said, "Boy, she's a completly different girl." I replied, "Yep this is the real Peanut." Of course I said her name but you get the idea.

As it turned out in motor skills she crushed! She could cut better than my husband and her printing is leaps and bounds ahead of her brother (who hubby said writes like him. LOL)

She was singing and dancing on the way out and got her goodie bag decorated by the 4th graders. After getting her coat on she said, "That was fun."

*note a big exhale here of frustration, stress and complete mental exhaustion.*

Thank god the new school year is months and months away. *phew*