UNDER THE WIRE
Just woke up from a doze on the sofa and realized it's 11:33 p.m. CST, and I had not yet blogged today. Better hurry.
Today was Girl Scouts, where we worked on our Safety Patch. My EMTsis took good care of us and pretty much ran the meeting. She brought the local training ambulance to the house and went over safety measures. She also had a really cool machine that allowed the girls to "call" 911 and practice giving their names and addresses to a recorded-but-very-real-sounding voice. I wish I could remember what this machine is called...I'm going to find out and will post it here soon.
Part two of the meeting involved making fire escape maps. My sister had drawn up a simple floorplan of my house and had the girls draw colored lines to the nearest exits (of which my home has three). She even drew in a "fire" in the kitchen and told the girls to be sure and avoid it when they were drawing the lines. For example, they had to draw a red line from the breakfast nook to the nearest exit, a yellow line from the living room to the nearest exit, etc., but since they had to avoid the fire in the kitchen, it took a little more thought than simple A-to-B line drawing. Clever, sis.
The girls also made bookmarks that said "911 - Police, Fire, Ambulance" on them. I wish we'd had time for everyone to write down their addresses on the back, as several of the girls don't know theirs. Moms - please make sure your kids know their own addresses and phone numbers ASAP. You just never know when they will need that information.
Lastly, EMTsis took the girls outside and told them, "On the count of three, all of your clothes are on fire. Show me what you should do." On three, all eight girls hit the ground and did the right thing - Stop, Drop, and Roll. Yay for my troop!
After all the activities, the girls were allowed to tour the ambulance, where they could touch the oxygen masks, lie on the stretcher, and basically lay their hands on anything they saw (no drugs or needles are ever stocked on the training ambulance, so they were perfectly safe). In a big finale, EMTsis turned on the lights and sirens and gave the girls an earful. It was the perfect end to a really fun meeting!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
HATH HELL FROZEN OVER?
Must be holiday time, because the car is in the shop again. Initial quote: $448. Plus tax. Plus some other charges, I'm sure, as I have not paid it yet, and we all know how car "estimates" go.
I'm tired of car repairs, particularly since the Saturn will be twelve years old in January, and currently has about 175,000 miles on it. We've been coasting by with no car payments for the past year or so, but reliable transportation is more important, so I predict car shopping soon.
---
Well, what do you know. The repair shop just called and said that since they didn't have to replace the fuel filter, the cost dropped to $370. That has never happened. I'm too stunned to keep typing...
Must be holiday time, because the car is in the shop again. Initial quote: $448. Plus tax. Plus some other charges, I'm sure, as I have not paid it yet, and we all know how car "estimates" go.
I'm tired of car repairs, particularly since the Saturn will be twelve years old in January, and currently has about 175,000 miles on it. We've been coasting by with no car payments for the past year or so, but reliable transportation is more important, so I predict car shopping soon.
---
Well, what do you know. The repair shop just called and said that since they didn't have to replace the fuel filter, the cost dropped to $370. That has never happened. I'm too stunned to keep typing...
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
THIS'LL BE SHORT AND SWEET
I am not feeling at all well this evening. I am experiencing intermittent stabbing pains in my right ear, and I am unbelievably tired. It's the I-can-barely-hold-my-eyes-open-as-I-type-this kind of tired. That's pretty serious for 7:39 p.m., especially since my normal bedtime is around 10:30 or 11:00 on weeknights.
Quick recap of the day:
Worked on Tnk's house today - we took up the nasty lineoleum in the den, finished painting the exterior of the closets and the new drywall around the French doors, and shopped for supplies at Lowe's. We were only moderately successful in our shopping trip, as the paint guy couldn't match the sample we brought him; the door guy could not find an appropriate threshold nor a ball bearing in all of the store; and the cashier didn't know how to look up UPC codes on unmarked items (namely the threshold, which was going to be too big anyway so Tnk told them to just keep it).
Tree was kind enough to bring us lunch from Wendy's. I had a cup of chili, which was really good since I was already starting to feel sick. Plus it was cold outside, so the warmth of the cup felt really good.
I told Tnk I'd help her again tomorrow, but I probably won't be able to. One, I am coming down with something, and two, it looks like the Saturn has one foot in the grave (again). Hubby called on his way home and said that he kept having to shift it into neutral so it wouldn't die at stoplights. Yay, happy fun car shopping.
Off to bed now. Nighty-night.
I am not feeling at all well this evening. I am experiencing intermittent stabbing pains in my right ear, and I am unbelievably tired. It's the I-can-barely-hold-my-eyes-open-as-I-type-this kind of tired. That's pretty serious for 7:39 p.m., especially since my normal bedtime is around 10:30 or 11:00 on weeknights.
Quick recap of the day:
Worked on Tnk's house today - we took up the nasty lineoleum in the den, finished painting the exterior of the closets and the new drywall around the French doors, and shopped for supplies at Lowe's. We were only moderately successful in our shopping trip, as the paint guy couldn't match the sample we brought him; the door guy could not find an appropriate threshold nor a ball bearing in all of the store; and the cashier didn't know how to look up UPC codes on unmarked items (namely the threshold, which was going to be too big anyway so Tnk told them to just keep it).
Tree was kind enough to bring us lunch from Wendy's. I had a cup of chili, which was really good since I was already starting to feel sick. Plus it was cold outside, so the warmth of the cup felt really good.
I told Tnk I'd help her again tomorrow, but I probably won't be able to. One, I am coming down with something, and two, it looks like the Saturn has one foot in the grave (again). Hubby called on his way home and said that he kept having to shift it into neutral so it wouldn't die at stoplights. Yay, happy fun car shopping.
Off to bed now. Nighty-night.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
BACK TO WORK AT TNK'S PLACE
Today the siblings and I worked on Tnk's house for the first time since her accident back in March. I'd forgotten how intensive manual labor can be - what a workout!
Actually, it wasn't that bad. Today I painted the storage room and the closet walls and doors outside that room. It's amazing what a coat of paint can do for a grimy, fingerprinty door. We're nowhere near done with the work on that room, but between my paint job and her window cleaning, it already looks a hundred times better.
Tnk's handyman Mike was there today, too. His job was to cut a 4' x 7' hole in the wall between the living room and the den (formerly known as "the garage," which was enclosed sometime in the '70s). In the hole, Mike is installing French doors. I had to leave before he put the doors up, but even with a gaping rectangle where the wall used to be, both rooms look about twice as spacious as they did before.
The reason for all this work right now is that Tnk is hosting our family Thanksgiving feast at her house this Sunday. I think it will be a fun yet slightly melancholy day: Tnk's house is the same one we grew up in, and the one our mother was living in when she passed away. I know that her presence will be strongly felt.
Tomorrow I'm going back to help out a little more. I know Mom would love all the upgrades we've done on the house; just wish she could be here to see them.
Today the siblings and I worked on Tnk's house for the first time since her accident back in March. I'd forgotten how intensive manual labor can be - what a workout!
Actually, it wasn't that bad. Today I painted the storage room and the closet walls and doors outside that room. It's amazing what a coat of paint can do for a grimy, fingerprinty door. We're nowhere near done with the work on that room, but between my paint job and her window cleaning, it already looks a hundred times better.
Tnk's handyman Mike was there today, too. His job was to cut a 4' x 7' hole in the wall between the living room and the den (formerly known as "the garage," which was enclosed sometime in the '70s). In the hole, Mike is installing French doors. I had to leave before he put the doors up, but even with a gaping rectangle where the wall used to be, both rooms look about twice as spacious as they did before.
The reason for all this work right now is that Tnk is hosting our family Thanksgiving feast at her house this Sunday. I think it will be a fun yet slightly melancholy day: Tnk's house is the same one we grew up in, and the one our mother was living in when she passed away. I know that her presence will be strongly felt.
Tomorrow I'm going back to help out a little more. I know Mom would love all the upgrades we've done on the house; just wish she could be here to see them.
Monday, November 13, 2006
NEW FORMAT
Hello, all! What do you think of the new digs? I miss you guys on my sidebar, but never fear - I will fix my blog up to be just as linky as ever.
Not much to report for today. I did have lunch with my youngest brother (Tree) and Tnk today. I almost never see Tree anymore, so it was a real pleasure to visit for awhile. He is about to graduate from the Houston Police Academy (what is it with my siblings and their law-enforcement yens?) so he and Tnk naturally had lots to talk about. While I love a good story - and they ARE good stories, LOL - I couldn't help but feel a little left out. I have zero excitement in my own life at the moment. Oh, who am I kidding? I have zero excitement in my own life pretty consistently.
Yes, the kids and hubby are great. But I can't top a story about an 80-year-old woman in a bikini being arrested for drunk driving. Not every day, anyway.
Better get dinner started. Whoo, hold me back.
Hello, all! What do you think of the new digs? I miss you guys on my sidebar, but never fear - I will fix my blog up to be just as linky as ever.
Not much to report for today. I did have lunch with my youngest brother (Tree) and Tnk today. I almost never see Tree anymore, so it was a real pleasure to visit for awhile. He is about to graduate from the Houston Police Academy (what is it with my siblings and their law-enforcement yens?) so he and Tnk naturally had lots to talk about. While I love a good story - and they ARE good stories, LOL - I couldn't help but feel a little left out. I have zero excitement in my own life at the moment. Oh, who am I kidding? I have zero excitement in my own life pretty consistently.
Yes, the kids and hubby are great. But I can't top a story about an 80-year-old woman in a bikini being arrested for drunk driving. Not every day, anyway.
Better get dinner started. Whoo, hold me back.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
THE MEN IN ORANGE
First of all, let's have a moment of silence for the men in burnt orange, the University of Texas Longhorns, who lost to Kansas State 45-42 last night in a nailbiter. K State injured our quarterback in the first drive, and with our inexperienced backup taking his place, UT had little chance to pull it out. [cue Taps playing softly in the background...]
In soccer news, today is the day! This afternoon the Houston Dynamo vie for the title of MLS Champions against the New England Revolution (Beth, Zach will totally know what I'm talking about :). Thousands of Houstonians have made the trek to the Frisco, Texas, Pizza Hut park to watch the game. We were almost among them, but decided to stay home and watch the game for free on TV. (Plug: ABC network, 2:30 p.m. CST. Tune in and cheer for the orange team!)
In order to send some good mojo their way, our family is having an "orange" party. We're all wearing Dynamo and/or orange shirts, we spread out an orange blanket to cover the couch, and we're partaking of orange foods and beverages. Among the latter:
Oranges
Carrots
Squash soup
Sweet potatoes
Grilled cheese sandwiches made with cheddar, which is closer to orange than American cheese
Cheetos
Nacho-flavor Goldfish
Chips and queso (close to orange, right?)
Orange Fanta for the kids
Diet Sunkist for the adults
Oops, game's about to start. Go Dynamo!
Edited at 5:34 p.m. CST - THEY DID IT! THE DYNAMO WON THE MLS CUP! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all, let's have a moment of silence for the men in burnt orange, the University of Texas Longhorns, who lost to Kansas State 45-42 last night in a nailbiter. K State injured our quarterback in the first drive, and with our inexperienced backup taking his place, UT had little chance to pull it out. [cue Taps playing softly in the background...]
In soccer news, today is the day! This afternoon the Houston Dynamo vie for the title of MLS Champions against the New England Revolution (Beth, Zach will totally know what I'm talking about :). Thousands of Houstonians have made the trek to the Frisco, Texas, Pizza Hut park to watch the game. We were almost among them, but decided to stay home and watch the game for free on TV. (Plug: ABC network, 2:30 p.m. CST. Tune in and cheer for the orange team!)
In order to send some good mojo their way, our family is having an "orange" party. We're all wearing Dynamo and/or orange shirts, we spread out an orange blanket to cover the couch, and we're partaking of orange foods and beverages. Among the latter:
Oranges
Carrots
Squash soup
Sweet potatoes
Grilled cheese sandwiches made with cheddar, which is closer to orange than American cheese
Cheetos
Nacho-flavor Goldfish
Chips and queso (close to orange, right?)
Orange Fanta for the kids
Diet Sunkist for the adults
Oops, game's about to start. Go Dynamo!
Edited at 5:34 p.m. CST - THEY DID IT! THE DYNAMO WON THE MLS CUP! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
THUS QUOTH THE VICHY, "NEVERMORE"
To all who asked how Pey's party went, let me just lay it out there for ya: No more slumber parties at my house. Well, none that include one particular friend of Pey's. Just for fun, let's call her Brat. Brat is nine years old.
She started off the evening by walking into my house for the first time and approaching K, who was playing his guitar. I thought she'd say something like "cool, you play guitar!" Instead, we heard, "My aunt plays better than you do."
Thinking I must have misheard her, I sat there with my mouth open. Then she turns to me and says, "Really, my aunt DOES play waaay better than he does."
K later told me that he really wanted to say "wanna bet?" but he held back. I totally would have given him a pass for saying that.
Other fun with Brat:
1. At my friend's house (where we were scrapbooking), Brat was constantly running all around the house, despite the fact that she'd been told to stop because, among other things, Laura's baby was sleeping. I even caught her looking under door jambs to see what was behind closed doors.
2. After eating pizza, I told all the girls they needed to wash their hands so that they wouldn't get grease on their scrapbooks and pictures. Here's how that conversation played out:
Brat (whining): I don't neeeeed to.
Me: Yes, you do.
Brat (smearing pizza grease on her jeans): NoooOOOooo. I don't either.
Me: Get into the bathroom and wash your hands.
Brat: (stomps and grunts all the way to the bathroom) I'm just going to use water.
Me (sighing heavily): No, you're going to use soap.
Brat: I don't need it.
Me: Yes, you do.
At this point, she stops responding and just rinses her hands off, looking in the mirror and nonchalantly glancing toward the door to see if I'm still there. Knowing that the minute I turn my back she'll try to get away without using soap, I fold my arms, lean against the door, and just stare at her. Eventually I have to tell her again to get some soap, which she finally does. This process took nearly five full minutes.
3. Laura had borrowed a chocolate fountain for last night's crop, which was a big hit with everyone there. I took the girls into the kitchen so they could get some, and I handed them each a small plate. Three of my girls took a few marshmallows and strawberries, but Brat grabbed a big bunch of everything and then announced, "I need MORE chocolate." Then she stuck her plate under the fountain. OMG, what a mess - and a waste of chocolate. I gathered everyone up, let them eat what they had, then told them that was it for the evening. At this point it was nearly 9:00 anyway, and the last thing they needed was more sugar.
4. As it turns out, Brat is one of those sneaky-type girls (I hate that personality trait). Several times throughout the evening, she'd slip from her chair and disappear. I always found her in the kitchen dipping into the fountain again, even though I'd told her no more. She knew what she was doing was wrong, because she'd jump every time she saw me. I herded her back into the living room to work on her scrapbook time after time. (At one point, Laura noticed that I was getting frustrated and quietly offered me a beer. I graciously declined, as I figured "Pey's mom drinks!" would be the story that would get back to Brat's mom.)
5. Near the end of the evening, Brat started chasing Laura's two beautiful dogs around the house. She'd been told repeatedly to stop running, and as I sternly told her to get back to her chair, Laura, quite frustrated by this point, said "You need to go sit on the couch NOW." Now two adults were disciplining Brat, so she complied. She went to the sofa and laid down and went to sleep.
6. Only, no, she didn't. She faked being asleep. About ten minutes later, we had packed up and were ready to leave, and Brat wouldn't get up. She even did the heavy-breathing thing to try and fake us out. I leaned over and sat her up, and she flopped her head to one side, still "sleeping." Then I quietly said, "Well, if you're sleeping, I'll just take you home instead of to my house." Magically, her eyes popped open and she grinned and said, "I want to go to your house."
Darn.
The rest of the night was a blur to me because I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. We put all the girls down on sleeping bags in the living room and rented "Garfield II", and I set myself up a little bed on the sofa (much to Brat's chagrin - which is scary, now that I think about it). I was awakened a few times during the night, but this morning was wonderful because Brat's mom called two hours before everyone was supposed to leave and said that they needed to pick her up early. Oh heavenly bliss.
The other girls, by the way, were terrific. Pey has told everyone that she had a "great" birthday. She is very proud of her scrapbook, and even though I know I'm biased, I have to agree that it's beautiful.
This afternoon I (jokingly) asked Pey if she wanted to have Brat over to spend the night again tonight. She rolled her eyes, sighed, and said "No way." I think she was just as frustrated (and maybe a little embarrassed) as I was over Brat's antics last night.
Some good news - During K's soccer game today, he scored TWO goals! That's the first time he's ever scored a goal during a game, and we couldn't be prouder of him. I wish everyone could have seen the grin on his face; it was awesome.
I think I'll go take that nap now. I have a feeling that the fatigue I feel from last night is going to stay with me for a few days.
To all who asked how Pey's party went, let me just lay it out there for ya: No more slumber parties at my house. Well, none that include one particular friend of Pey's. Just for fun, let's call her Brat. Brat is nine years old.
She started off the evening by walking into my house for the first time and approaching K, who was playing his guitar. I thought she'd say something like "cool, you play guitar!" Instead, we heard, "My aunt plays better than you do."
Thinking I must have misheard her, I sat there with my mouth open. Then she turns to me and says, "Really, my aunt DOES play waaay better than he does."
K later told me that he really wanted to say "wanna bet?" but he held back. I totally would have given him a pass for saying that.
Other fun with Brat:
1. At my friend's house (where we were scrapbooking), Brat was constantly running all around the house, despite the fact that she'd been told to stop because, among other things, Laura's baby was sleeping. I even caught her looking under door jambs to see what was behind closed doors.
2. After eating pizza, I told all the girls they needed to wash their hands so that they wouldn't get grease on their scrapbooks and pictures. Here's how that conversation played out:
Brat (whining): I don't neeeeed to.
Me: Yes, you do.
Brat (smearing pizza grease on her jeans): NoooOOOooo. I don't either.
Me: Get into the bathroom and wash your hands.
Brat: (stomps and grunts all the way to the bathroom) I'm just going to use water.
Me (sighing heavily): No, you're going to use soap.
Brat: I don't need it.
Me: Yes, you do.
At this point, she stops responding and just rinses her hands off, looking in the mirror and nonchalantly glancing toward the door to see if I'm still there. Knowing that the minute I turn my back she'll try to get away without using soap, I fold my arms, lean against the door, and just stare at her. Eventually I have to tell her again to get some soap, which she finally does. This process took nearly five full minutes.
3. Laura had borrowed a chocolate fountain for last night's crop, which was a big hit with everyone there. I took the girls into the kitchen so they could get some, and I handed them each a small plate. Three of my girls took a few marshmallows and strawberries, but Brat grabbed a big bunch of everything and then announced, "I need MORE chocolate." Then she stuck her plate under the fountain. OMG, what a mess - and a waste of chocolate. I gathered everyone up, let them eat what they had, then told them that was it for the evening. At this point it was nearly 9:00 anyway, and the last thing they needed was more sugar.
4. As it turns out, Brat is one of those sneaky-type girls (I hate that personality trait). Several times throughout the evening, she'd slip from her chair and disappear. I always found her in the kitchen dipping into the fountain again, even though I'd told her no more. She knew what she was doing was wrong, because she'd jump every time she saw me. I herded her back into the living room to work on her scrapbook time after time. (At one point, Laura noticed that I was getting frustrated and quietly offered me a beer. I graciously declined, as I figured "Pey's mom drinks!" would be the story that would get back to Brat's mom.)
5. Near the end of the evening, Brat started chasing Laura's two beautiful dogs around the house. She'd been told repeatedly to stop running, and as I sternly told her to get back to her chair, Laura, quite frustrated by this point, said "You need to go sit on the couch NOW." Now two adults were disciplining Brat, so she complied. She went to the sofa and laid down and went to sleep.
6. Only, no, she didn't. She faked being asleep. About ten minutes later, we had packed up and were ready to leave, and Brat wouldn't get up. She even did the heavy-breathing thing to try and fake us out. I leaned over and sat her up, and she flopped her head to one side, still "sleeping." Then I quietly said, "Well, if you're sleeping, I'll just take you home instead of to my house." Magically, her eyes popped open and she grinned and said, "I want to go to your house."
Darn.
The rest of the night was a blur to me because I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. We put all the girls down on sleeping bags in the living room and rented "Garfield II", and I set myself up a little bed on the sofa (much to Brat's chagrin - which is scary, now that I think about it). I was awakened a few times during the night, but this morning was wonderful because Brat's mom called two hours before everyone was supposed to leave and said that they needed to pick her up early. Oh heavenly bliss.
The other girls, by the way, were terrific. Pey has told everyone that she had a "great" birthday. She is very proud of her scrapbook, and even though I know I'm biased, I have to agree that it's beautiful.
This afternoon I (jokingly) asked Pey if she wanted to have Brat over to spend the night again tonight. She rolled her eyes, sighed, and said "No way." I think she was just as frustrated (and maybe a little embarrassed) as I was over Brat's antics last night.
Some good news - During K's soccer game today, he scored TWO goals! That's the first time he's ever scored a goal during a game, and we couldn't be prouder of him. I wish everyone could have seen the grin on his face; it was awesome.
I think I'll go take that nap now. I have a feeling that the fatigue I feel from last night is going to stay with me for a few days.
Friday, November 10, 2006
FRIDAY NEWS
Pey's birthday party starts in about two hours, when the other three girls arrive and we head out to the birthday crop.
Kim's son, Trey, is out of his coma, but has apparently lost the ability to speak. He's had two MRIs, and another is scheduled. Please continue to pray for the family.
Not much else going on right now. I'll post more tomorrow, if I survive the slumber party tonight, that is! :)
Pey's birthday party starts in about two hours, when the other three girls arrive and we head out to the birthday crop.
Kim's son, Trey, is out of his coma, but has apparently lost the ability to speak. He's had two MRIs, and another is scheduled. Please continue to pray for the family.
Not much else going on right now. I'll post more tomorrow, if I survive the slumber party tonight, that is! :)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
IF YOU'RE A PRAYING PERSON, PLEASE READ THIS
My "amazing" Target finds mean nothing (see post below).
You guys may remember my sister Tnk and her near-fatal accident from earlier this year. She went through several surgeries and months of agonizing physical therapy, but I am happy to report that she is back at work on the police force and doing well.
Tnk made some good friends over the past few months, particularly with her physical therapist, Kimberly. Kim was with her through the whole ordeal, and pushed Tnk hard to get her hands working properly. The fact that Tnk made an almost perfect score on her shooting recertification was in no small part due to Kim's help and support. I had the privilege of meeting her when I'd take Tnk to and from PT.
Two days ago, Kim's 8-year-old son was hit by a speeding car. He was crossing the street near his home - in a 15 mph zone - when a woman doing 50 mph ran over him.
He has been in pediatric intensive care in a coma ever since the accident.
My heart is breaking for this family. They are a wonderful group of people, and they need our prayers.
Thank you.
My "amazing" Target finds mean nothing (see post below).
You guys may remember my sister Tnk and her near-fatal accident from earlier this year. She went through several surgeries and months of agonizing physical therapy, but I am happy to report that she is back at work on the police force and doing well.
Tnk made some good friends over the past few months, particularly with her physical therapist, Kimberly. Kim was with her through the whole ordeal, and pushed Tnk hard to get her hands working properly. The fact that Tnk made an almost perfect score on her shooting recertification was in no small part due to Kim's help and support. I had the privilege of meeting her when I'd take Tnk to and from PT.
Two days ago, Kim's 8-year-old son was hit by a speeding car. He was crossing the street near his home - in a 15 mph zone - when a woman doing 50 mph ran over him.
He has been in pediatric intensive care in a coma ever since the accident.
My heart is breaking for this family. They are a wonderful group of people, and they need our prayers.
Thank you.
TAR-JAY RULES
At least, their clearance sales do. I went there this morning because I was a doofus three months ago. Allow me to elaborate...
Sometime back in August or so, I was browsing Target's clearance racks and came across an electronic journal which was marked down from $24.99 to $6.98. Thinking this would be something cool for Pey, I picked it up.
When I went to wrap it the other day, I flipped the box over and read the back: "For use with FLY pentop computer." We-elll, I knew I didn't have one of those lying around, so I google'd it. Imagine my surprise when Amazon.com told me it would cost $125.
Yeah, that's gonna happen.
I knew that Target wouldn't feel obligated to take back the journal that they'd clearanced three months ago, so I resigned myself to getting back into ebay and trying to sell it for Christmas. I really didn't want to do that, but there was just no way I was going to drop a C-note now because I jumped the gun then.
Then glorious, glorious Target, unbeknownst to itself, came to my rescue. Today I was again browsing the clearance racks, as apparently I am wont to do, and I came across a FLY pentop computer, complete with charging stand. I could hardly believe my eyes as I beheld the lone remaining box. This $129.99 set had been marked down to - are you ready for this? - $31.98.
I swept the box up in my arms and placed it gently into my cart. My spirits were soaring, and I'm pretty sure Snow White's little birds were aflitter about my shoulders, too.
Pey will get her journal after all. Thank you, Target, for making a little girl's birthday happier, and making her mommy look a little less doofish today.
At least, their clearance sales do. I went there this morning because I was a doofus three months ago. Allow me to elaborate...
Sometime back in August or so, I was browsing Target's clearance racks and came across an electronic journal which was marked down from $24.99 to $6.98. Thinking this would be something cool for Pey, I picked it up.
When I went to wrap it the other day, I flipped the box over and read the back: "For use with FLY pentop computer." We-elll, I knew I didn't have one of those lying around, so I google'd it. Imagine my surprise when Amazon.com told me it would cost $125.
Yeah, that's gonna happen.
I knew that Target wouldn't feel obligated to take back the journal that they'd clearanced three months ago, so I resigned myself to getting back into ebay and trying to sell it for Christmas. I really didn't want to do that, but there was just no way I was going to drop a C-note now because I jumped the gun then.
Then glorious, glorious Target, unbeknownst to itself, came to my rescue. Today I was again browsing the clearance racks, as apparently I am wont to do, and I came across a FLY pentop computer, complete with charging stand. I could hardly believe my eyes as I beheld the lone remaining box. This $129.99 set had been marked down to - are you ready for this? - $31.98.
I swept the box up in my arms and placed it gently into my cart. My spirits were soaring, and I'm pretty sure Snow White's little birds were aflitter about my shoulders, too.
Pey will get her journal after all. Thank you, Target, for making a little girl's birthday happier, and making her mommy look a little less doofish today.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES
Tomorrow my baby is turning 9 years old. I think I'll reserve my freak-out for when she hits double-digits. For now, I'm just glad to still have kids in elementary school. That makes me feel young.
Today I went shopping with my MIL. We were on a mission to pick up some gifts for the birthday girl. Pey has been keeping a wishlist in a spiral-bound notebook, so we didn't have much trouble knowing what she wants. The only problem was choosing from the hundreds of things on the list. Her list is five single-spaced pages, plus about a half-dozen sticky notes inside the front cover. The funniest thing on her list: her cousin El, whose mother is selfishly not allowing me to have her. But she is letting me borrow El this weekend for Pey's party, so that will have to suffice.
Speaking of party, Pey is going to have a good one. Her two best friends, plus El, plus Pey, natch, will be there. My friend Laura, who is a Creative Memories consultant, is hosting a scrapbooking crop for the girls. Pey is pretty excited about it! All the girls need to bring with them are about 40 pictures each, and Laura will be there to guide them through setting up their pages and journaling. She's even going to let them use all her tools. It's going to cost me around a hundred dollars for supplies, but the four girls will get to be creative and have some really cool albums to take home with them at the end of the night.
Only they're not going home that night. Pey's having a slumber party after the crop, so now the question is, where is everyone going to sleep? IF they sleep, that is.
Now I've got to get busy straightening up the house. Tomorrow is Pey's actual birthday, and we're having the grandparents over for dinner and presents. Friday = crop. Man, I've got a lot to do. Toodles!
Tomorrow my baby is turning 9 years old. I think I'll reserve my freak-out for when she hits double-digits. For now, I'm just glad to still have kids in elementary school. That makes me feel young.
Today I went shopping with my MIL. We were on a mission to pick up some gifts for the birthday girl. Pey has been keeping a wishlist in a spiral-bound notebook, so we didn't have much trouble knowing what she wants. The only problem was choosing from the hundreds of things on the list. Her list is five single-spaced pages, plus about a half-dozen sticky notes inside the front cover. The funniest thing on her list: her cousin El, whose mother is selfishly not allowing me to have her. But she is letting me borrow El this weekend for Pey's party, so that will have to suffice.
Speaking of party, Pey is going to have a good one. Her two best friends, plus El, plus Pey, natch, will be there. My friend Laura, who is a Creative Memories consultant, is hosting a scrapbooking crop for the girls. Pey is pretty excited about it! All the girls need to bring with them are about 40 pictures each, and Laura will be there to guide them through setting up their pages and journaling. She's even going to let them use all her tools. It's going to cost me around a hundred dollars for supplies, but the four girls will get to be creative and have some really cool albums to take home with them at the end of the night.
Only they're not going home that night. Pey's having a slumber party after the crop, so now the question is, where is everyone going to sleep? IF they sleep, that is.
Now I've got to get busy straightening up the house. Tomorrow is Pey's actual birthday, and we're having the grandparents over for dinner and presents. Friday = crop. Man, I've got a lot to do. Toodles!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
THINGS THAT BUG THE VICHY, PART DEUX OR TROIS OR SO
Things I've noticed in a forum I frequent. I've posted my pet peeves here before, so excuse the duplicated idea.
Things I've noticed in a forum I frequent. I've posted my pet peeves here before, so excuse the duplicated idea.
1) ........................ - Ellipses include three periods and no more. Get your finger off the key already.
2) I had more that I needed. - It's than! It's THAN!
3) waa laa! - [sigh]
4) "dealio" - The word is "deal." Why make it longer?
5) get em' - The correct abbreviation is 'em. I wonder what word is she trying to shorten.
6) !!!!! - Why would someone need that many exclamation points????
7) :) :) :) :) - Overkill. We get that you're happy. Or psychotic.
8) "envie" - It's not cute to shorten envelope. It sounds dumb and I cringe when I read it.
/end rant
Of course, you guys know I'm not talking about you, right? You, my friends, are perfect in every way....................!!!!!
Monday, November 06, 2006
WHAT GOES UP...
...man, I don't want to finish that sentence.
It started off with a wonderful birthday on Friday. In addition to a delicious dinner and two cakes, I was gifted with scrapbook supplies, a Real Simple magazine subscription, and a KitchenAid stand mixer. All good.
On Saturday, hubby took me out shopping and we watched our favorite football team win. We shared two pitchers of beer and a lot of laughs. Even better.
Sunday we were in the stands when the Dynamo took home the Western Conference championship. K even caught a hat thrown into the stands by one of the players. At this point I was on a real high. What a wonderful weekend!
Then last night I was told that my biological father ("B"), whom I cut off all contact with six months ago, had called my in-law's house on my birthday. He left a message on their answering machine. And of course, being the sweetheart my FIL is, he called him back. Damn.
In typical "B" fashion, he obeys the letter of the law, but not the spirit. I can't believe he contacted my in-laws to talk about me. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he did it anyway.
This may not seem like a big deal to a bystander, but OMG I am so angry right now. I have repeatedly told everyone that I am no longer speaking to B and that I don't want him to know anything - ANYTHING - about our family. I can't even begin to tell you how dead serious I am about this. And this man himself has been told point-blank to stay out of our lives and that we want NOTHING to do with him.
With all my heart and soul, I just wish B would just stay the hell away. I am very concerned because I know how he operates - you give him an inch and he'll take a mile. He will see that returned phone call as an invitation to contact my in-laws anytime. That is not what they want, and it is something I just could not handle.
I feel like I'm on the verge of a breakdown. I am honestly in physical pain right now. If you've ever felt like your heart was literally going to break, then you know how I'm feeling.
It is taking all the strength I have to not type out every awful detail about my life growing up with B right now. I want everyone to understand where I'm coming from and not think I'm overreacting. Trust me, I am not.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
ORANGE RULES
First of all, I'm sure you all know that the University of Texas football team whupped up on Oklahoma State last night. Hubby and I were out on a hot date, so we parked ourselves at a table at Hooters and stayed for three hours to watch the game on not one but TWO Hooters' tv sets. Two other tables in our section also held UT fans watching the game with us. It was a blast. Hooters has lots of tv sets. (I think I just like saying Hooters. Hooters. Mature.)
In other orange news, tonight is the Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids playoff game at Robertson Stadium. We have five tickets paid for and awaiting us at Will-Call. Naturally, it's about to rain.
We went to Dollar Tree earlier today to purchase some cheap rain ponchos. Frugal tip: Dollar Tree sells them in a pack of two for a dollar (duh). There are only five of us, but we went nuts and bought six anyway. So much for the frugalness.
And one more orange thing: I'm sitting here snacking on leftover birthday cake. I actually got two cakes this year - one white/chocolate checkerboard, and one carrot cake. In order to "keep it orange," guess which one I'm eating?
Go Dynamo!
Edited to add: They did it! Dynamo beat Colorado 3-1 and with that, clinched the Western Division title! What a game!
First of all, I'm sure you all know that the University of Texas football team whupped up on Oklahoma State last night. Hubby and I were out on a hot date, so we parked ourselves at a table at Hooters and stayed for three hours to watch the game on not one but TWO Hooters' tv sets. Two other tables in our section also held UT fans watching the game with us. It was a blast. Hooters has lots of tv sets. (I think I just like saying Hooters. Hooters. Mature.)
In other orange news, tonight is the Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids playoff game at Robertson Stadium. We have five tickets paid for and awaiting us at Will-Call. Naturally, it's about to rain.
We went to Dollar Tree earlier today to purchase some cheap rain ponchos. Frugal tip: Dollar Tree sells them in a pack of two for a dollar (duh). There are only five of us, but we went nuts and bought six anyway. So much for the frugalness.
And one more orange thing: I'm sitting here snacking on leftover birthday cake. I actually got two cakes this year - one white/chocolate checkerboard, and one carrot cake. In order to "keep it orange," guess which one I'm eating?
Go Dynamo!
Edited to add: They did it! Dynamo beat Colorado 3-1 and with that, clinched the Western Division title! What a game!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
NABLOPOMO DAY FOUR
Last night my in-laws hosted a birthday celebration for me. It was family-only, which was nice, although I do sometimes wish I'd had a party with friends sometime over the years. As it stands, I'm not planning to have any more birthdays, so I guess I'll die without knowing how it feels to have friends at your birthday party. Ah well.
I almost forgot to post today - Saturdays always throw me off. But since NaNoWriMo is not going to happen, I figured I could come up with something to write about every day for a month. This is a good month for that, too, as we have two birthdays and Thanksgiving this month. Lots to chat about.
Right now, however, I don't have time for a long chat. Hubby is taking me out tonight on a post-birthday date. We're supposed to go shopping for me, then go to Hooters to watch the UT game. But that game starts in two hours, hubby is not home from dropping the kids off yet, and when he does get here, he still has to shower and change. I don't predict much shopping tonight, but I may be wrong. I'll keep you posted.
Yay, something to blog about tomorrow!
Toodles.
Last night my in-laws hosted a birthday celebration for me. It was family-only, which was nice, although I do sometimes wish I'd had a party with friends sometime over the years. As it stands, I'm not planning to have any more birthdays, so I guess I'll die without knowing how it feels to have friends at your birthday party. Ah well.
I almost forgot to post today - Saturdays always throw me off. But since NaNoWriMo is not going to happen, I figured I could come up with something to write about every day for a month. This is a good month for that, too, as we have two birthdays and Thanksgiving this month. Lots to chat about.
Right now, however, I don't have time for a long chat. Hubby is taking me out tonight on a post-birthday date. We're supposed to go shopping for me, then go to Hooters to watch the UT game. But that game starts in two hours, hubby is not home from dropping the kids off yet, and when he does get here, he still has to shower and change. I don't predict much shopping tonight, but I may be wrong. I'll keep you posted.
Yay, something to blog about tomorrow!
Toodles.
Friday, November 03, 2006
NOBEMBER TURD
That's how my grandpa used to say that I said "November third" when I was a toddler. Eventually that evolved into people calling me a November Turd. I'd be offended, but hey, sometimes it's probably true.
My EMTsis took me out to lunch today at a restaurant called Hasta La Pasta. If you like Italian cuisine, you'll like this place. I had their signature dish, which is basically fettucine alfredo with cilantro cream sauce and grilled chicken. It was delicious, but man am I full. I couldn't even eat the free cheesecake they brought out for me. On the up side: Leftovers!
As we were finishing up our lunch, our waitress dropped a plate from the table next to us. It shattered all over the place, and I am pretty sure that the pain in my forehead is from shrapnel. I'm glad I was wearing jeans, because pieces of that plate hit me and my sister in the legs with enough force to make us wince. Fortunately, my leftovers had already been boxed and bagged, so they were safe from the fallout. The waitress had no idea the broken plate pieces had travelled that far, and in retrospect, we probably should have said something. If we'd still been eating, we definitely would have, as little pieces of white ceramic were all over our table and on our plates. As it was, we were finished and getting ready to leave.
That said, however, if I should start bleeding from the forehead, I'll be making some phone calls. Hasta La Vista, baby.
That's how my grandpa used to say that I said "November third" when I was a toddler. Eventually that evolved into people calling me a November Turd. I'd be offended, but hey, sometimes it's probably true.
My EMTsis took me out to lunch today at a restaurant called Hasta La Pasta. If you like Italian cuisine, you'll like this place. I had their signature dish, which is basically fettucine alfredo with cilantro cream sauce and grilled chicken. It was delicious, but man am I full. I couldn't even eat the free cheesecake they brought out for me. On the up side: Leftovers!
As we were finishing up our lunch, our waitress dropped a plate from the table next to us. It shattered all over the place, and I am pretty sure that the pain in my forehead is from shrapnel. I'm glad I was wearing jeans, because pieces of that plate hit me and my sister in the legs with enough force to make us wince. Fortunately, my leftovers had already been boxed and bagged, so they were safe from the fallout. The waitress had no idea the broken plate pieces had travelled that far, and in retrospect, we probably should have said something. If we'd still been eating, we definitely would have, as little pieces of white ceramic were all over our table and on our plates. As it was, we were finished and getting ready to leave.
That said, however, if I should start bleeding from the forehead, I'll be making some phone calls. Hasta La Vista, baby.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
DANG
I didn't know I had to officially sign up to do NaBloPoMo. I've officially missed the deadline by eight hours and fifty-six minutes. Fifty seven. Oh well, I'm going to give it a go anyway, mostly because I like their graphic:
Today my dad and his gf are taking me out for an early birthday lunch at Chuy's. I love this place for one reason: their jalapeno ranch dip. When I die, I want my casket to be filled with me, a big jar of this dip, and a bag of chips. I'll definitely get into heaven when the angels see me coming with appetizers.
Then again, maybe I've had too much caffeine this morning.
More later!
I didn't know I had to officially sign up to do NaBloPoMo. I've officially missed the deadline by eight hours and fifty-six minutes. Fifty seven. Oh well, I'm going to give it a go anyway, mostly because I like their graphic:
Today my dad and his gf are taking me out for an early birthday lunch at Chuy's. I love this place for one reason: their jalapeno ranch dip. When I die, I want my casket to be filled with me, a big jar of this dip, and a bag of chips. I'll definitely get into heaven when the angels see me coming with appetizers.
Then again, maybe I've had too much caffeine this morning.
More later!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
NOVEMBER 2006 - Post One
So here it is, the first day of November. I'm going to try and accomplish not one but TWO superhuman feats this month: One blog post per day (thanks, Robin), and NaNoWriMo. I'll tell you right now that I'm much more likely to accomplish the former than the latter, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.
Decisions I've made in the past 24 hours, not all of which are earth-shaking:
So here it is, the first day of November. I'm going to try and accomplish not one but TWO superhuman feats this month: One blog post per day (thanks, Robin), and NaNoWriMo. I'll tell you right now that I'm much more likely to accomplish the former than the latter, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.
Decisions I've made in the past 24 hours, not all of which are earth-shaking:
- Okay, this first thought is huge: Normally I hate halloween with a true, unbridled passion. But halloween was actually fun this year.
- I can't believe I admitted that I enjoyed October 31st. That has never happened.
- Houston weather is weird. Today is cool and beautiful, with a high of 67*. Yesterday, not so much - it was hot, humid, and mosquitoey just in time for trick-or-treat.
- Much to my chagrin, doing laundry does not become more enjoyable just because I opened a new bottle of great-smelling fabric softener.
- My dog has a tendency to run by outlets and accidentally unplug stuff. For awhile I thought we had a ghost, but it turns out we have a Scottie.
- I like hubby's new job because he has to wear a suit and tie every day. He is unbelievably hot in a suit and tie. Rowr.
- I can write, truly. I just need to set my mind to typing out about 2,000 words per day. Jiminy Cricket, that's a lot of writing, y'all.
I guess I haven't made as many decisions as I thought. But at least I've got Post Number One under my belt. Just twenty-nine more to go! Now, off to NaNoWriMo...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
ALL HALLOW'S EVE
Pictures!
Here are the kids all ready to go trick-or-treating. L-R: K is a stick figure (more on that in a moment), Pey is a High School Musical cheerleader, and Ry is Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy fame:
Pictures!
Here are the kids all ready to go trick-or-treating. L-R: K is a stick figure (more on that in a moment), Pey is a High School Musical cheerleader, and Ry is Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy fame:
.
.
.
Here are a couple of pictures of K when we turned off the lights. His costume was the hit of the night. :)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hope you all had a great pumpkin day, too.
Updates
Good
Good
Girl Scout meeting went well. We even completed all the requirements for a patch. Before our next meeting, I need to make sure I purchase those patches so that the girls will feel a sense of accomplishment.
Halloween candy bowls are fully stocked (I bought eleven bags of Snickers, Butterfingers, etc. - no cheap stuff this year; thanks Grocery Game).
Kids' costumes are pretty much ready to go. Pey will be a cheerleader from High School Musical, Ry will be Landon Donovan, and K will be a stick figure. Y'all, if his costume works out, I'll be posting pictures all over the place tomorrow. SO neat.
I made Rachael Ray's Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches last night. Yum-O.
My birthday is this Friday.
Bad
Friday I will be thirty-nine. Next year I shan't have a birthday, I think.
I have to take a CPR class on Friday. For Girl Scouts. It's not a requirement, but a "suggestion." I've noticed GSA has lots of "suggestions."
Speaking of Girl Scouts, Fish's comment on my last GSA post was right on the money when she talked about dealing with parents. I could go on for pages, but I'll just give this little anecdote:
At the parents' meeting, we talked about dues. It was decided that dues would be $2 per child, per meeting. Grand total of $20 for the year. Cheap, right? When it came to payment, I said that whatever the parents decided on how to pay would be fine with me, but that we had to come to a consensus - either everyone pays up front, or everyone sends two dollars with their child on meeting days. Anything else would become a financial headache for the Leaders. With God as my witness, I promise that every parent said they'd prefer to pay for the year in advance.
Jump ahead to the GS meeting on Friday: one parent brought me a check for four dollars for her two daughters, "just in case she decides they aren't going to be in Scouts for the whole year." One parent brought ten dollars in cash. Ten. No one else paid at all.
Well, isn't that special. I just can't wait until February cookie sales come along.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
YO SE LA VOY, LA VOY AL NARANJA!
Houston Dynamo, you rock. Between you guys and the University of Texas Longhorns, my new favorite color is definitely orange.
Doesn't hurt that we're in the finals and DALLAS IS NOT! Woo!
Next weekend will find us in the stands at Robertson Stadium.
Nuff said.
Houston Dynamo, you rock. Between you guys and the University of Texas Longhorns, my new favorite color is definitely orange.
Doesn't hurt that we're in the finals and DALLAS IS NOT! Woo!
Next weekend will find us in the stands at Robertson Stadium.
Nuff said.
Friday, October 27, 2006
IT'S FRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIDAY
A local DJ always says "it's Friday" all spread out as in the title of this post. I wish you could hear it; it always makes hubby and me smile.
This particular Friday is not going to be as relaxing for me as your typical Friday. That's because Pey's Girl Scout troop, of which I am the leader, is meeting here at our house right after school today. We already had the requisite Parent Meeting last Monday, which was only slightly more fun than a root canal.
Actually, no, it wasn't.
Our troop consists of eight girls, at least two of which I'd happily boot out if I were given the opportunity. Am I awful for not loving every child I meet? Seriously, shouldn't Scout leaders be blessed with Jesus-like patience when it comes to dealing with the little lambs? If so, then I need to turn in my Pin.
In all fairness, I cannot completely fault the girls for their behavior at the first meeting. My co-leader, who had agreed to lead the girls in a craft or two while I met with parents and had them fill out paperwork, completely ignored her job. She stayed with the parents and chatted while a bunch of eight- and nine-year-olds ran amok in my dining room. Not only that, but she was completely unprepared for the meeting - I'd given her all of her daughters' paperwork ahead of time (two of her kids are in this troop). Alas, she hadn't filled out a single page.
So at this meeting, I was pretty much on my own - corraling the girls while simultaneously trying to keep them quiet enough that I could hear their parents' questions and answer them. By the time all these people left my house, it was after 8:00 p.m. The kids and hubby were hungry and tired, and I was all that plus aggravated. It turns out that while the girls were coloring printouts of the Girl Scout Law and the Girl Scout Promise, they took advantage of the fact that they were pretty much unsupervised to flip the posters over and draw pictures of people committing suicide. One girl said that when she grew up, she was going to be a "Sui-side-kick."
OMG.
Co-leader hears about this after the meeting, and gets upset because her daughters didn't yet know what suicide was, and she didn't want them to learn about it from other kids.
Um, yeah, ya think? Where were YOU when the girls were doing all that? Not where you were supposed to be, I can tell you that.
Typing this out is making me upset again. I just hope today's meeting goes better than the first one. Lord, give me strength.
A local DJ always says "it's Friday" all spread out as in the title of this post. I wish you could hear it; it always makes hubby and me smile.
This particular Friday is not going to be as relaxing for me as your typical Friday. That's because Pey's Girl Scout troop, of which I am the leader, is meeting here at our house right after school today. We already had the requisite Parent Meeting last Monday, which was only slightly more fun than a root canal.
Actually, no, it wasn't.
Our troop consists of eight girls, at least two of which I'd happily boot out if I were given the opportunity. Am I awful for not loving every child I meet? Seriously, shouldn't Scout leaders be blessed with Jesus-like patience when it comes to dealing with the little lambs? If so, then I need to turn in my Pin.
In all fairness, I cannot completely fault the girls for their behavior at the first meeting. My co-leader, who had agreed to lead the girls in a craft or two while I met with parents and had them fill out paperwork, completely ignored her job. She stayed with the parents and chatted while a bunch of eight- and nine-year-olds ran amok in my dining room. Not only that, but she was completely unprepared for the meeting - I'd given her all of her daughters' paperwork ahead of time (two of her kids are in this troop). Alas, she hadn't filled out a single page.
So at this meeting, I was pretty much on my own - corraling the girls while simultaneously trying to keep them quiet enough that I could hear their parents' questions and answer them. By the time all these people left my house, it was after 8:00 p.m. The kids and hubby were hungry and tired, and I was all that plus aggravated. It turns out that while the girls were coloring printouts of the Girl Scout Law and the Girl Scout Promise, they took advantage of the fact that they were pretty much unsupervised to flip the posters over and draw pictures of people committing suicide. One girl said that when she grew up, she was going to be a "Sui-side-kick."
OMG.
Co-leader hears about this after the meeting, and gets upset because her daughters didn't yet know what suicide was, and she didn't want them to learn about it from other kids.
Um, yeah, ya think? Where were YOU when the girls were doing all that? Not where you were supposed to be, I can tell you that.
Typing this out is making me upset again. I just hope today's meeting goes better than the first one. Lord, give me strength.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Mom
As of today, it's been exactly eight years since you left us. I still remember that last day at the hospital like it was yesterday...when the doctors turned off life support, it felt as if they turned off my own heart.
Every time I see a yellow butterfly, I think of you. In a way, I feel that the yellow butterfly is you, watching over us from time to time. I almost always see a yellow butterfly at the soccer fields, and it warms my heart because I know how much you loved to watch K play.
I hope that you can see how wonderful your grandchildren are turning out. K is a very talented guitar player now, Pey loves Girl Scouts and animals, and Ry is incredibly smart and creative - and he gives his dad and Tree a run when it comes to Star Wars trivia. You wouldn't believe it.
I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but you were my mom and I loved you very much. I still do.
I'm heading to the florist to pick up some of your favorite purple flowers, then I'll take them to the cemetery afterwards. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about with you when I get there.
Rest well, Mom. You are deeply missed.
As of today, it's been exactly eight years since you left us. I still remember that last day at the hospital like it was yesterday...when the doctors turned off life support, it felt as if they turned off my own heart.
Every time I see a yellow butterfly, I think of you. In a way, I feel that the yellow butterfly is you, watching over us from time to time. I almost always see a yellow butterfly at the soccer fields, and it warms my heart because I know how much you loved to watch K play.
I hope that you can see how wonderful your grandchildren are turning out. K is a very talented guitar player now, Pey loves Girl Scouts and animals, and Ry is incredibly smart and creative - and he gives his dad and Tree a run when it comes to Star Wars trivia. You wouldn't believe it.
I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but you were my mom and I loved you very much. I still do.
I'm heading to the florist to pick up some of your favorite purple flowers, then I'll take them to the cemetery afterwards. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about with you when I get there.
Rest well, Mom. You are deeply missed.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
PRODUCT REVIEWS
I was just reading a post on a board that I frequent (rhymes with "Rocery Rame") regarding Tylenol Go Tabs. Reviews are mixed, although the general consensus is "yuck."
So anyway, I started thinking about things I've been using around the house lately. Do I like Glade Air Wisp or not? How's that Oust Air Sanitizer working out? What are my feelings on the Tylenol Go Tabs? What the heck is that on the carpet?
And so it goes.
Tylenol Go Tabs - Convenient; no water required. But not as tasty as Tums (and yes, I know they serve different purposes - I was just making a taste comparison). Jury is still out on how effective they are on headaches.
Glade Air Wisp - Smells a room right good when it's set on high. But it beeps this annoying little high-pitched "where the heck is that beep coming from?!?" beep that irks hubby. Probably not enjoyable for the dog, either.
Glade Plug Ins - Can't tell you how much I lurve these things.
Stayfree Pads - Come on, they're pads. Not bulky, but awfully fold-y. (Women will totally get what I mean by that). Awful necessity. Hate them. Need them.
Vive Pro shampoo/conditioner - I got tons of this stuff for free. To me, the shampoo is just shampoo. If I'd had to pay for the Vive Pro, I'd have saved a couple of bucks and bought Suave. As for the conditioner, I've never met one that beats Pantene for detangling my frizzy mop.
Pantene Ice Shine shampoo/conditioner - Lordy, if this lived up to its promises, I'd buy stock in the company. But the only diff between the Ice Shine and regular Pantene is about two bucks a bottle. Again, if it wasn't free, I'd ... well, I'd still have tried it, as I am an advertising budget's dream, apparently. But I wouldn't buy it twice, so there!
Senseo Coffee Maker - Rocks.My.World. If anyone can tell me where to buy cheap pods, I'd be rather grateful.
Pizza Hut lasagna pizza - Sinfully delicious cholesterol on crust. We ordered it a lot. So why the heck did Pizza Hut stop selling it here? Don't even tell me that PH is concerned about my cholesterol...
Wacky Mac pasta - Turns the water red when you cook the noodles. That might be appealing to children younger than mine. Otherwise, they're just noodles, which basically means that the sauce is all that matters. I paid five cents a bag for this stuff. Worth every penny.
Oust Air Sanitizer - Kills poopy smells in the bathroom air. Can't complain.
Chex Mix chocolate & peanut butter - Oh my gravy, as Rachael Ray would say. Bad bad bad for me. Good good good for my taste buds. It's reminiscent of puppy chow (you know, that stuff you make with Chex and melted chocolate and peanut butter and powdered sugar at Christmastime). I could easily gorge myself on this stuff. And have.
Dyson - There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe this insane vacuum cleaner. I have had mine for almost exactly a year now, and the honeymoon is still not over.
Carmex - Bliss in a tube. Or stick. Or tub. Carmex is all about choice.
Advil PM - Be sure you're already in bed when you take this stuff, is all I'm saying.
Cottonelle Fresh Wipes - There oughta be a law that every bathroom in the free world has these readily available. Sometimes I even use one to wash my face. A new cloth, of course; don't be gross.
Mary Kay oil-free hydrating cream - Little. Purple. Different. Very good for wearing under Everyday Minerals-type makeup.
Everyday Minerals makeup - Let me put it this way: I'm never going to put cream foundation on my face again. If you try EM, be sure to get Original Glo finishing dust. You won't believe the radiant glow you'll have. M'kay, I'm a freaking commercial. Moving on...
Pledge dusters - If these had existed when my mother was around, her house would have been much cleaner. She hated to clean, but these things almost make dusting fun. I said almost. Let's not get crazy.
Day Runner - Seriously, why so pricey? I've got a terrific At-A-Glance planner that cost six bucks. Day Runners of the same size and capabilities? $40 on clearance. I don't get it. I really don't.
Snapfish.com - Excellent photo developing and uber-cheap prices. They're quick, too. If you want to try them out, your first roll of film developing is free. If you tell them I sent you, I'll get a free 4x6 or somesuch. Drop me a line and I'll give you my email addy. (Shameless plug. Just shameless. Apologies all around.)
That's about it for now. The kidlets are due home from school in a few minutes, and I still have not identified that spot on the carpet.
I was just reading a post on a board that I frequent (rhymes with "Rocery Rame") regarding Tylenol Go Tabs. Reviews are mixed, although the general consensus is "yuck."
So anyway, I started thinking about things I've been using around the house lately. Do I like Glade Air Wisp or not? How's that Oust Air Sanitizer working out? What are my feelings on the Tylenol Go Tabs? What the heck is that on the carpet?
And so it goes.
Tylenol Go Tabs - Convenient; no water required. But not as tasty as Tums (and yes, I know they serve different purposes - I was just making a taste comparison). Jury is still out on how effective they are on headaches.
Glade Air Wisp - Smells a room right good when it's set on high. But it beeps this annoying little high-pitched "where the heck is that beep coming from?!?" beep that irks hubby. Probably not enjoyable for the dog, either.
Glade Plug Ins - Can't tell you how much I lurve these things.
Stayfree Pads - Come on, they're pads. Not bulky, but awfully fold-y. (Women will totally get what I mean by that). Awful necessity. Hate them. Need them.
Vive Pro shampoo/conditioner - I got tons of this stuff for free. To me, the shampoo is just shampoo. If I'd had to pay for the Vive Pro, I'd have saved a couple of bucks and bought Suave. As for the conditioner, I've never met one that beats Pantene for detangling my frizzy mop.
Pantene Ice Shine shampoo/conditioner - Lordy, if this lived up to its promises, I'd buy stock in the company. But the only diff between the Ice Shine and regular Pantene is about two bucks a bottle. Again, if it wasn't free, I'd ... well, I'd still have tried it, as I am an advertising budget's dream, apparently. But I wouldn't buy it twice, so there!
Senseo Coffee Maker - Rocks.My.World. If anyone can tell me where to buy cheap pods, I'd be rather grateful.
Pizza Hut lasagna pizza - Sinfully delicious cholesterol on crust. We ordered it a lot. So why the heck did Pizza Hut stop selling it here? Don't even tell me that PH is concerned about my cholesterol...
Wacky Mac pasta - Turns the water red when you cook the noodles. That might be appealing to children younger than mine. Otherwise, they're just noodles, which basically means that the sauce is all that matters. I paid five cents a bag for this stuff. Worth every penny.
Oust Air Sanitizer - Kills poopy smells in the bathroom air. Can't complain.
Chex Mix chocolate & peanut butter - Oh my gravy, as Rachael Ray would say. Bad bad bad for me. Good good good for my taste buds. It's reminiscent of puppy chow (you know, that stuff you make with Chex and melted chocolate and peanut butter and powdered sugar at Christmastime). I could easily gorge myself on this stuff. And have.
Dyson - There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe this insane vacuum cleaner. I have had mine for almost exactly a year now, and the honeymoon is still not over.
Carmex - Bliss in a tube. Or stick. Or tub. Carmex is all about choice.
Advil PM - Be sure you're already in bed when you take this stuff, is all I'm saying.
Cottonelle Fresh Wipes - There oughta be a law that every bathroom in the free world has these readily available. Sometimes I even use one to wash my face. A new cloth, of course; don't be gross.
Mary Kay oil-free hydrating cream - Little. Purple. Different. Very good for wearing under Everyday Minerals-type makeup.
Everyday Minerals makeup - Let me put it this way: I'm never going to put cream foundation on my face again. If you try EM, be sure to get Original Glo finishing dust. You won't believe the radiant glow you'll have. M'kay, I'm a freaking commercial. Moving on...
Pledge dusters - If these had existed when my mother was around, her house would have been much cleaner. She hated to clean, but these things almost make dusting fun. I said almost. Let's not get crazy.
Day Runner - Seriously, why so pricey? I've got a terrific At-A-Glance planner that cost six bucks. Day Runners of the same size and capabilities? $40 on clearance. I don't get it. I really don't.
Snapfish.com - Excellent photo developing and uber-cheap prices. They're quick, too. If you want to try them out, your first roll of film developing is free. If you tell them I sent you, I'll get a free 4x6 or somesuch. Drop me a line and I'll give you my email addy. (Shameless plug. Just shameless. Apologies all around.)
That's about it for now. The kidlets are due home from school in a few minutes, and I still have not identified that spot on the carpet.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
In Memoriam
Hubby's grandmother, Arthelia, who would have turned 96 years old this coming Sunday, passed away last Saturday morning. She was a remarkable woman who traveled the world, gave birth to five children, and supported her family while her husband fought in WWII. She was a schoolteacher for many years, and in general just a smart cookie!
As she aged and her body slowed down, she still kept going. Art never let her physical limitations keep her from experiencing life. We'd sometimes offer to take her out to lunch, or to the park, or to a movie, knowing that despite her creaky knees, she'd always grab her walker and say, "Well, that'd be nice."
To the very end, her mind was as sharp as a tack. The ever-present crossword puzzle books she carried around helped with her memory retention capabilities, she said. I constantly marveled at the way she was able to keep up with hubby's sharp wit. Not many people were as quick as she.
Saturday afternoon, we sat the kids around the kitchen table and told them that GG had gone to heaven. They were devastated. The last close relative to die was my mother in 1998, and the kids were too young to remember much about her. But they have many more memories of GG, which made it that much harder to let her go.
We are all comforted by the fact that at least she is no longer in pain. And that she is finally reunited with her beloved little sister, Bliss, who died in 1918 when she was five years old. GG is also being greeted by her husband of fifty-plus years, who predeceased her in 1991. I can hear him now - "Art, what took you so long?"
In addition to dozens of other long-lost relatives that she is now reconciled with, she is probably most thrilled to see her firstborn child, who died the day he was born. At the time of his birth, I'm not sure the nurses even let her see the baby, so being able to at long last will be especially wonderful.
For those of us left behind, we say Godspeed to you, Art. We will miss you very much, and will try to live our lives the way you lived yours - with passion, adventure, and love.
Hubby's grandmother, Arthelia, who would have turned 96 years old this coming Sunday, passed away last Saturday morning. She was a remarkable woman who traveled the world, gave birth to five children, and supported her family while her husband fought in WWII. She was a schoolteacher for many years, and in general just a smart cookie!
As she aged and her body slowed down, she still kept going. Art never let her physical limitations keep her from experiencing life. We'd sometimes offer to take her out to lunch, or to the park, or to a movie, knowing that despite her creaky knees, she'd always grab her walker and say, "Well, that'd be nice."
To the very end, her mind was as sharp as a tack. The ever-present crossword puzzle books she carried around helped with her memory retention capabilities, she said. I constantly marveled at the way she was able to keep up with hubby's sharp wit. Not many people were as quick as she.
Saturday afternoon, we sat the kids around the kitchen table and told them that GG had gone to heaven. They were devastated. The last close relative to die was my mother in 1998, and the kids were too young to remember much about her. But they have many more memories of GG, which made it that much harder to let her go.
We are all comforted by the fact that at least she is no longer in pain. And that she is finally reunited with her beloved little sister, Bliss, who died in 1918 when she was five years old. GG is also being greeted by her husband of fifty-plus years, who predeceased her in 1991. I can hear him now - "Art, what took you so long?"
In addition to dozens of other long-lost relatives that she is now reconciled with, she is probably most thrilled to see her firstborn child, who died the day he was born. At the time of his birth, I'm not sure the nurses even let her see the baby, so being able to at long last will be especially wonderful.
For those of us left behind, we say Godspeed to you, Art. We will miss you very much, and will try to live our lives the way you lived yours - with passion, adventure, and love.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
DREAMING OF YOU
Last night I dreamed about friends I've never met. And orange stuff.
So here I was, at the Rachael Ray show, helping her set up the cooking segment. She looked at me and said, “You’re so nicely dressed. How do you always look so put together?” I looked down at my camisole and jacket and thought, “duh, Rach, it’s all about layering.”
A few minutes later, she asked me to run out and get something she needed (what it was escapes me now). I was apparently beamed into someone’s house, where their kitchen table was set with beautiful orange dishes and a large flower arrangement in the center. I heard a noise and turned to find a blonde-headed Jax standing there. He asked me how I liked the table he had set, and I told him it was lovely. Then he asked me if I wanted to see his daddy’s car, and led me to the garage. Inside was a orange Delorean, rather beat up but still cool.
At that point, Pez (wearing a baseball jersey and jeans, and with long, dark hair pulled into a ponytail) came in and asked Jax how he got home from the Mariners game by himself. He said, “I’m good at directions.”
Rachael Ray came into the kitchen then, and said that the table looked good and that she was ready to get started. She cooked up some veal and macaroni & cheese, which Jax declared “delish!” A few minutes later, the doorbell rang – Kimmer was joining us for dinner.
It was sure good to see you guys.
Last night I dreamed about friends I've never met. And orange stuff.
So here I was, at the Rachael Ray show, helping her set up the cooking segment. She looked at me and said, “You’re so nicely dressed. How do you always look so put together?” I looked down at my camisole and jacket and thought, “duh, Rach, it’s all about layering.”
A few minutes later, she asked me to run out and get something she needed (what it was escapes me now). I was apparently beamed into someone’s house, where their kitchen table was set with beautiful orange dishes and a large flower arrangement in the center. I heard a noise and turned to find a blonde-headed Jax standing there. He asked me how I liked the table he had set, and I told him it was lovely. Then he asked me if I wanted to see his daddy’s car, and led me to the garage. Inside was a orange Delorean, rather beat up but still cool.
At that point, Pez (wearing a baseball jersey and jeans, and with long, dark hair pulled into a ponytail) came in and asked Jax how he got home from the Mariners game by himself. He said, “I’m good at directions.”
Rachael Ray came into the kitchen then, and said that the table looked good and that she was ready to get started. She cooked up some veal and macaroni & cheese, which Jax declared “delish!” A few minutes later, the doorbell rang – Kimmer was joining us for dinner.
It was sure good to see you guys.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
THE MODERN COLONIALIST
Yesterday was Colonial Day at K's school. If the kids dressed up in colonial-era clothing (or gave it their best shot), they got extra credit points. Here was K's choice of outfits:
K sports a pair of navy blue dress slacks, floodwater-length, tucked into twice-worn soccer socks. (On his feet are a pair of modern style ebony lace-up shoes, but the teachers let that slide.) Topping this ensemble is Dad's Old Business Shirt (DOBS), complete with ring around the collar, cinched in at the waist with Mom's Old Brown Belt (MOBB). Our model is unaware that he wore a woman's belt to school all day. Fortunately, so was the rest of the student body.
K is a very shy kid, so I was concerned all day that he'd be [gasp!]noticed! And would come home irritable and colonially grouchy and vowing never to go to school again. But that didn't happen - not only did he enjoy Colonial Day, he said it was one of the most fun times he's ever had at school.
Kids.
Yesterday was Colonial Day at K's school. If the kids dressed up in colonial-era clothing (or gave it their best shot), they got extra credit points. Here was K's choice of outfits:
K sports a pair of navy blue dress slacks, floodwater-length, tucked into twice-worn soccer socks. (On his feet are a pair of modern style ebony lace-up shoes, but the teachers let that slide.) Topping this ensemble is Dad's Old Business Shirt (DOBS), complete with ring around the collar, cinched in at the waist with Mom's Old Brown Belt (MOBB). Our model is unaware that he wore a woman's belt to school all day. Fortunately, so was the rest of the student body.
K is a very shy kid, so I was concerned all day that he'd be [gasp!]
Kids.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
WHAT'S UP
If I were my 10-year-old, I'd sarcastically say "the sky" or "the roof." Fortunately, he can no longer say "gas prices," as they have taken a nosedive lately. My favorite filling station currently has regular unleaded at $2.19 per gallon - a price I've not seen in over a year.
So here's what's been going on during my silence the past week or so...
If I were my 10-year-old, I'd sarcastically say "the sky" or "the roof." Fortunately, he can no longer say "gas prices," as they have taken a nosedive lately. My favorite filling station currently has regular unleaded at $2.19 per gallon - a price I've not seen in over a year.
So here's what's been going on during my silence the past week or so...
- Tnk is returning to full duty next Thursday. I cannot believe she has recovered from that horrible accident, nor can my mind grasp that my little sister will be back on patrol, at night, with all the bad people and drunks (not that those are mutually exclusive). This is seriously messing with my sleep patterns. It was hard enough worrying about her when she was 100%, but I worry that there may be lingering effects from her accident that may, in the right (or wrong) scenario, compromise her safety. Oh God, I just worry. She would not be happy with me for writing all this, but I don't care. This is my journal and my feelings are relevant. My feelings are relevant. They are. If I could lock her in a little box and keep her safe forever, that's exactly what I'd do.
- Of course, we all know that wouldn't solve anything. She'd just hate me then.
- K played a great soccer game today, and his team won 9-0. This was a milestone for him because it was the first time he'd been on the field since his arm was broken during a game last March. Unfortunately, I missed it because...
- ...I was at BLT all morning. No, not the sandwich; Basic Leader Training for Girl Scouts. That's right, I'm becoming a Girl Scout Leader. I am optimistic about this because I know it will be great for my daughter and me both. I foresee lots of paperwork in my future, but hopefully not lots of tantrums. (Particularly not tantrums by parents.) The reason I'm getting into this now is because Pey's current troop consists of 18 girls - 17 second graders, and Pey, who's in 3rd. What that means in layman's terms is that at the end of this school year, Pey will be the lone scout bridging into Juniors. And next year, her leaders would have fun trying to figure out things that both the Brownies and a Junior could do. Trying to nip this in the bud, I attended Rally earlier this week and was successful in forming my own troop - 6 third graders, and 2 second graders. Not ideal, but much better, as no one will be alone anymore.
- Good news - Hubby has been offered a new job. He's really excited about it as he'll finally be using the two degrees that his parents paid for. He will finally be out of the heavy-deadline business, and cannot wait to get started. Right now, it looks like October 9th will be the big First Day. I'm so proud.
- University of Texas clobbered Rice today in a total blowout. By the end, UT had put in the third string and still managed to rack up more points. I felt bad for Rice because I think Texas was blowing off some steam from their loss to Ohio State last week.
- Fish, if you're reading this, email me because I have some puppet news for you. (Like how I buried that in the big middle of this post? Oops.)
- Pey's friend J is here right now. J called an hour ago and said, "Can I come over and spend the night?" Anyone else would have gotten a quick "uh-uh," but J is Pey's best friend, plus J's mom agreed to be my GS co-leader, and even attended BLT with me today. I kind of feel like I owe her, although in truth J is usually no trouble and Pey likes having another girl around. I guess the dog and I aren't enough femaleness.
- For the record, J's mom was mortified when she heard that J called and invited herself over. I just had to laugh. Some people are hard to get mad at.
That's about it for the rambling. I'm exhausted and will probably be heading to bed really soon. First, though, I have to make sure J and Pey (never noticed that that rhymes before) are down for the night.
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Monday, September 04, 2006
IT'S MY LIFE
A couple of days ago, we took a family drive and went out for dinner at a little restaurant called Skeeter's, then ran a couple of errands. Just for fun, I took our new digital camera with me so that I could document a day in the life of, well, me.
The picture on the right is me in the van, taking an ever-so-candid shot of myself on the way to the restaurant. You might notice the stick-straight hair. After years of stick-my-finger-in-the-light-socket frizziness, I finally gave in and paid Supercuts to straighted my tresses. Did they ever! Take that, Texas humidity! I'm including a "before" picture taken at the reunion last week (why oh why did my hair have to look like that at the reunion?!?)
Before - Chewbacca. After - Rowr.
Moving on.
Pey looks terribly surprised about something. What's in that ketchup, anyway?
At Skeeter's, you can draw on the butcher-paper tablecloths. Here's Pey's drawing of Kirby, who is either quite winded or blowing a bubble. I never took Art History, so I'm at a loss.
Here are the kids acting all fly (in other words, "weird") in front of the restaurant after dinner. I had to crop out some unsuspecting hubcap-missing Toyota's license plate out of the picture, lest one of you innernet stalkers got a hankering to stalk him. You're welcome, Toyota owner. Now get a hubcap; your car looks dumb like that*:
Here's the gas pump where we filled up after dinner. Notice we're paying $2.29 around here right now. Road trip, anyone?
Here's the Kroger where I do my weekly Grocery Game (GG) shopping. I used to hate Kroger because of their stupid shopper's card. Now I know that it's a blessing sent straight from the heavens. Well, maybe straight from corporate headquarters, but who am I to quibble? Between my coupons and that card, I paid $49 Sunday morning for $110 worth of groceries. That's a savings of around 55%! Every week, I challenge myself to spend even less than the week before, and so far I've been successful. I'm totally addicted to GG'ing. It's like crack to me. (Someday I'll post a picture of my overflowing pantry and then you'll understand.)
(again, cropped out lots of license plates - all you car owners owe me for saving you from certain death)
And there you have it - a day (afternoon, really, but you probably wouldn't like the early-morning me) in the life of this Houston girl. Any questions?
*Before anyone accuses me of being a snob, a quick reminder: I drive a 1995 Saturn SL-2 with 172,000 miles on it. It recently got a new headliner, which helps somewhat with its appearance, but it still leaks some mysterious shit from underneath the passenger seat, sports a large winding crack across the windshield, has a console that vibrates more than my cell phone, and has more "doctor" appointments than I do. But hey, at least it has all four hubcaps.
A couple of days ago, we took a family drive and went out for dinner at a little restaurant called Skeeter's, then ran a couple of errands. Just for fun, I took our new digital camera with me so that I could document a day in the life of, well, me.
The picture on the right is me in the van, taking an ever-so-candid shot of myself on the way to the restaurant. You might notice the stick-straight hair. After years of stick-my-finger-in-the-light-socket frizziness, I finally gave in and paid Supercuts to straighted my tresses. Did they ever! Take that, Texas humidity! I'm including a "before" picture taken at the reunion last week (why oh why did my hair have to look like that at the reunion?!?)
Before - Chewbacca. After - Rowr.
Moving on.
Pey looks terribly surprised about something. What's in that ketchup, anyway?
At Skeeter's, you can draw on the butcher-paper tablecloths. Here's Pey's drawing of Kirby, who is either quite winded or blowing a bubble. I never took Art History, so I'm at a loss.
Here are the kids acting all fly (in other words, "weird") in front of the restaurant after dinner. I had to crop out some unsuspecting hubcap-missing Toyota's license plate out of the picture, lest one of you innernet stalkers got a hankering to stalk him. You're welcome, Toyota owner. Now get a hubcap; your car looks dumb like that*:
Here's the gas pump where we filled up after dinner. Notice we're paying $2.29 around here right now. Road trip, anyone?
Here's the Kroger where I do my weekly Grocery Game (GG) shopping. I used to hate Kroger because of their stupid shopper's card. Now I know that it's a blessing sent straight from the heavens. Well, maybe straight from corporate headquarters, but who am I to quibble? Between my coupons and that card, I paid $49 Sunday morning for $110 worth of groceries. That's a savings of around 55%! Every week, I challenge myself to spend even less than the week before, and so far I've been successful. I'm totally addicted to GG'ing. It's like crack to me. (Someday I'll post a picture of my overflowing pantry and then you'll understand.)
(again, cropped out lots of license plates - all you car owners owe me for saving you from certain death)
And there you have it - a day (afternoon, really, but you probably wouldn't like the early-morning me) in the life of this Houston girl. Any questions?
*Before anyone accuses me of being a snob, a quick reminder: I drive a 1995 Saturn SL-2 with 172,000 miles on it. It recently got a new headliner, which helps somewhat with its appearance, but it still leaks some mysterious shit from underneath the passenger seat, sports a large winding crack across the windshield, has a console that vibrates more than my cell phone, and has more "doctor" appointments than I do. But hey, at least it has all four hubcaps.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
20 YEARS ALREADY?
Last weekend was our 20-year (gulp!) high school reunion. I've been on the planning committee for months, so the buildup for me was huge, lemme tell ya.
Y'all, it was wonderful. We had over a hundred of our classmates in attendance, not including spouses. Well, unless you count dh and me, who both attended the school. And maybe there were one or two other classmates who married each other...but I digress.
The big event was held at a resort just north of Houston. Hubby and I (and several others who didn't want to drive home after the party, if you know what I mean) stayed at the resort on Saturday night. It was great. The toiletries were all from Bath & Body Works, the bedding included a down comforter, and the pillows were feather. Surprisingly, the cost was not outrageous, and I'd definitely consider staying there again sometime.
Anyway, the reunion: As I said, I was on the reunion committee, and my big job was the nametags. That was a task in and of itself, as it was decided that our senior pictures should be on each nametag. So I've spent the last couple of months working on the project - scanning in pages from the yearbooks, cropping each picture down to a manageable size (and moving each into its own individual file), and typing in hundreds of names.
Here's an example:
Tracy
Maidenname
Marriedname
(yep, that's me in 1986)
Those people who didn't have a senior picture taken weren't spared the humiliation, though: I've got yearbooks from all four years of high school, and I found them all! Bwahahaaaa!!! Well, save one, but he was a newbie our junior year and I just couldn't get an old picture of him.
In all seriousness, the nametags were actually a hit. People came up to me all night and said how cool they thought having the pictures with the names was. That right there made all my efforts (and the high cost of printer ink) worthwhile.
Hubby, who had not particularly been looking forward to the reunion, even had a good time. He was as funny and engaging as always, and our old friends commented that he hadn't changed much over the years. (See, M? I told you.)
I know M wanted me to write all about the reunion, but I can't honestly think of much to say that wouldn't be painfully obvious. Some people had not changed at all; some had changed so much that they were virtually unrecognizable. Some were much friendlier than they were in high school, and some were still jackasses. Fortunately, the former was much more common than the latter. One example of the latter, though, came from a guy I went out with (for about five seconds) in high school: The Pussycat Dolls song "Buttons" was on, and I was sitting at the table singing along. This guy came over, knelt down, and said, "I know you think you look good singing that, but I keep picturing you in your minivan. It just doesn't work for you."
Jackass once; jackass always. I'm trying to chalk it up to the fact that he'd been putting away the alcohol for awhile, but it was a mean thing to say anyway.
Overall, though, it was fantastic to see people, and in many ways I was able to close out an unpleasant chapter of my life. Not that high school was particularly bad for me - I was on drill team and had good friends and enjoyed a fair amount of popularity - but you know how you always remember the bad stuff. Anyway, I got a bunch of email addresses and phone numbers, and plan to keep in touch with old friends - and I mean it this time!
Last weekend was our 20-year (gulp!) high school reunion. I've been on the planning committee for months, so the buildup for me was huge, lemme tell ya.
Y'all, it was wonderful. We had over a hundred of our classmates in attendance, not including spouses. Well, unless you count dh and me, who both attended the school. And maybe there were one or two other classmates who married each other...but I digress.
The big event was held at a resort just north of Houston. Hubby and I (and several others who didn't want to drive home after the party, if you know what I mean) stayed at the resort on Saturday night. It was great. The toiletries were all from Bath & Body Works, the bedding included a down comforter, and the pillows were feather. Surprisingly, the cost was not outrageous, and I'd definitely consider staying there again sometime.
Anyway, the reunion: As I said, I was on the reunion committee, and my big job was the nametags. That was a task in and of itself, as it was decided that our senior pictures should be on each nametag. So I've spent the last couple of months working on the project - scanning in pages from the yearbooks, cropping each picture down to a manageable size (and moving each into its own individual file), and typing in hundreds of names.
Here's an example:
Tracy
Maidenname
Marriedname
(yep, that's me in 1986)
Those people who didn't have a senior picture taken weren't spared the humiliation, though: I've got yearbooks from all four years of high school, and I found them all! Bwahahaaaa!!! Well, save one, but he was a newbie our junior year and I just couldn't get an old picture of him.
In all seriousness, the nametags were actually a hit. People came up to me all night and said how cool they thought having the pictures with the names was. That right there made all my efforts (and the high cost of printer ink) worthwhile.
Hubby, who had not particularly been looking forward to the reunion, even had a good time. He was as funny and engaging as always, and our old friends commented that he hadn't changed much over the years. (See, M? I told you.)
I know M wanted me to write all about the reunion, but I can't honestly think of much to say that wouldn't be painfully obvious. Some people had not changed at all; some had changed so much that they were virtually unrecognizable. Some were much friendlier than they were in high school, and some were still jackasses. Fortunately, the former was much more common than the latter. One example of the latter, though, came from a guy I went out with (for about five seconds) in high school: The Pussycat Dolls song "Buttons" was on, and I was sitting at the table singing along. This guy came over, knelt down, and said, "I know you think you look good singing that, but I keep picturing you in your minivan. It just doesn't work for you."
Jackass once; jackass always. I'm trying to chalk it up to the fact that he'd been putting away the alcohol for awhile, but it was a mean thing to say anyway.
Overall, though, it was fantastic to see people, and in many ways I was able to close out an unpleasant chapter of my life. Not that high school was particularly bad for me - I was on drill team and had good friends and enjoyed a fair amount of popularity - but you know how you always remember the bad stuff. Anyway, I got a bunch of email addresses and phone numbers, and plan to keep in touch with old friends - and I mean it this time!
Friday, August 11, 2006
WHERE THE HELL IS MY BLOG?
The template loads, but there are no words on it. I can edit any post I want, but I can't see it after it's published. I can even see Beth's and Pez's blogs, but not mine. Heaven knows if I'll be able to look at this post, either.
This happens all the damn time with Blogger. Where can I find a more reliable free blog site?
The template loads, but there are no words on it. I can edit any post I want, but I can't see it after it's published. I can even see Beth's and Pez's blogs, but not mine. Heaven knows if I'll be able to look at this post, either.
This happens all the damn time with Blogger. Where can I find a more reliable free blog site?
TITLE GOES HERE
First of all, "HI, BETH!" I know I've been slacking off on my blog lately, but that's because it's harder for me to blog in the summertime. Not because I have a teenager on the computer at night, but because my life has very little structure right now. Without structure, Tracy is a flighty girl who does not blog much. But never fear, school starts next week and I'll be living in structure hell.
Does anyone else dread the start of the school year like I do? I don't know what happened. When the kids were little, I couldn't wait for them to get to school so I could have some free time. Now that they're older, though, I like having them home. They are pretty much self-sufficient, plus they're fun to be around. I can even leave them here while I make quick grocery store runs by myself.
I guess what I'm dreading most is the homework. Most likely, that's what the kids are dreading, too. What I can't stand is hearing the complaining that starts the minute they get off the bus. Here are some of those all-too-common complaints, in no particular order:
(Betty/Susie/Bob/Ruie) was mean to me today!
My leg/head/stomach hurts!
I've got too much homework!
I'm hungry!
Ms. Park/Smith/Weimaraner is mean!
And the best one:
Mom, you forgot to send (money/my permission slip/cupcakes) today!
The list goes on and on.
Hopefully my fears will be mostly unrealized, but in the meantime, I'm a ball of stress. I wish I could go back to the early days when school was easier, but the grown-up in me knows that can't happen - and shouldn't. (I am not currently fond of the grown-up in me.)
I guess I was hoping I'd only have to go through growing pains once in life. The joke's on me.
---
Big news: We got a new digital camera the other day. It's really great, except the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it should. Hopefully HP will take care of that when I contact them.
With thanks and credit for this idea to Pez, here are some random pictures:
K with Bailey. A boy has never loved his dog as much as this one does; I swear.
Pey pretending to have a broken leg. This girl is so creative. The thing on her leg is a slipper sock, but underneath that she had put a koozie around her leg. Her umbrella was brought into play as a cane. Completing the picture was the way she hobbled around the house pretending she was on crutches. It was hysterical. Oh, to be 8 again.
L-R: Me, K, and Ry at Reliant Stadium last Wednesday night watching two soccer games: Houston Dynamo (notice our t-shirts) vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, then FC Barcelona vs. Club America (a Mexican national team). In one night, we got to see the great Landon Donovan plus the even-greater Ronaldinho play. Live and in person. I swear our family is addicted to soccer. We even DVR the matches we attend, although to be completely honest, we usually do so because our seats (season tickets) put us in the line of the TV cameras a lot. LOL!
Well, that's about it from here. I've got to run now and take K over to my in-laws to mow their lawn. The kid makes a pretty good chunk of change by mowing just the family's lawns. Man, he's going to hate it when school starts. [sigh]
First of all, "HI, BETH!" I know I've been slacking off on my blog lately, but that's because it's harder for me to blog in the summertime. Not because I have a teenager on the computer at night, but because my life has very little structure right now. Without structure, Tracy is a flighty girl who does not blog much. But never fear, school starts next week and I'll be living in structure hell.
Does anyone else dread the start of the school year like I do? I don't know what happened. When the kids were little, I couldn't wait for them to get to school so I could have some free time. Now that they're older, though, I like having them home. They are pretty much self-sufficient, plus they're fun to be around. I can even leave them here while I make quick grocery store runs by myself.
I guess what I'm dreading most is the homework. Most likely, that's what the kids are dreading, too. What I can't stand is hearing the complaining that starts the minute they get off the bus. Here are some of those all-too-common complaints, in no particular order:
(Betty/Susie/Bob/Ruie) was mean to me today!
My leg/head/stomach hurts!
I've got too much homework!
I'm hungry!
Ms. Park/Smith/Weimaraner is mean!
And the best one:
Mom, you forgot to send (money/my permission slip/cupcakes) today!
The list goes on and on.
Hopefully my fears will be mostly unrealized, but in the meantime, I'm a ball of stress. I wish I could go back to the early days when school was easier, but the grown-up in me knows that can't happen - and shouldn't. (I am not currently fond of the grown-up in me.)
I guess I was hoping I'd only have to go through growing pains once in life. The joke's on me.
---
Big news: We got a new digital camera the other day. It's really great, except the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it should. Hopefully HP will take care of that when I contact them.
With thanks and credit for this idea to Pez, here are some random pictures:
K with Bailey. A boy has never loved his dog as much as this one does; I swear.
Pey pretending to have a broken leg. This girl is so creative. The thing on her leg is a slipper sock, but underneath that she had put a koozie around her leg. Her umbrella was brought into play as a cane. Completing the picture was the way she hobbled around the house pretending she was on crutches. It was hysterical. Oh, to be 8 again.
L-R: Me, K, and Ry at Reliant Stadium last Wednesday night watching two soccer games: Houston Dynamo (notice our t-shirts) vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, then FC Barcelona vs. Club America (a Mexican national team). In one night, we got to see the great Landon Donovan plus the even-greater Ronaldinho play. Live and in person. I swear our family is addicted to soccer. We even DVR the matches we attend, although to be completely honest, we usually do so because our seats (season tickets) put us in the line of the TV cameras a lot. LOL!
Well, that's about it from here. I've got to run now and take K over to my in-laws to mow their lawn. The kid makes a pretty good chunk of change by mowing just the family's lawns. Man, he's going to hate it when school starts. [sigh]
Thursday, July 27, 2006
10 YEARS, OR 5 FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR
That's what the drunk who nearly killed my sister plea-bargained down to. He was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison, but he'll most likely serve only five.
He asked the judge for permission to speak to Tnk, then apologized to her and said that he hoped God would stay with her throughout her recovery. I ... don't know what to say to that. Too little, too late, maybe?
So the saga is nearing an end. Tnk has to have another surgery on her left hand next Monday, but fortunately it's a fairly minor one. She has a new hand doctor, and he's really great. Her last doctor was ready to write her off, but this one is giving her all kinds of hope. I pray that he won't let her down.
That's what the drunk who nearly killed my sister plea-bargained down to. He was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison, but he'll most likely serve only five.
He asked the judge for permission to speak to Tnk, then apologized to her and said that he hoped God would stay with her throughout her recovery. I ... don't know what to say to that. Too little, too late, maybe?
So the saga is nearing an end. Tnk has to have another surgery on her left hand next Monday, but fortunately it's a fairly minor one. She has a new hand doctor, and he's really great. Her last doctor was ready to write her off, but this one is giving her all kinds of hope. I pray that he won't let her down.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
ALLLLL BYYYY MYYYYSE-EH-EHLF
That's the way it is around here this week. The kids were all safely delivered to their respective camps on Sunday, and it's been a lovefest around here ever since.
Okay, that's not exactly accurate. Hubby and I spent the first night looking at each other and saying "what do we do now?" We haven't been childless in over 13 years, and I guess we got out of practice. So Sunday night we ordered Chinese food, brought it home, and ate in front of the TV.
Dang, when did we turn into our grandparents?
Yesterday I took hubby's old car to get the oil changed, and the guy who works there told me about a place he knew of that replaces headliners on cars. (The one on the Saturn was REALLY bad, y'all. We're talking ripped-all-to-hell and hanging-down-on-your-head bad.) So I drove the car to this place, which was nerve-wracking because it was not in the, um, best part of town. They only take cash, if that tells you anything. heh
But a couple of hours later, that old car looked almost new! They did a fantastic job, and hubby is thrilled to death. Woohoo! (Wait, is it sad that I'm so excited about a freakin' headliner?)
Last night, I picked hubby up from work (in his "new" 1995 Saturn) and we went to a local sports bar to watch and listen to a live radio broadcast about the Houston Dynamo soccer team. It was very cool. We got to see the head coach and two of the players. Plus, we got four free tickets to next Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls. Free tickets rock.
What a great evening.
After we got home, we went online to check out pictures of the kids at camp. I don't know if all camps do this, but the ones K, R, & P are at take tons of pictures and post them online every day. It's fun trying to find your kid in a sea of faces. No, I'm not kidding; it is fun. Hubby even made a PowerPoint presentation out of the pics we have so far. If I could figure out how to post it here, I would. (Anyone? Anyone?)
So far today, I don't have any plans. I may be meeting up with an old friend for lunch. We were best friends in school, and I was even her maid of honor. But I haven't seen her in probably five years, even though we live in the same town. How does that happen?!?
Good news: My back is not spasming as much now. I am so relieved - I never want to experience that kind of pain again. Not ever. Thanks for all your comments and concerns; you guys rock almost as much as free tickets. ;)
That's the way it is around here this week. The kids were all safely delivered to their respective camps on Sunday, and it's been a lovefest around here ever since.
Okay, that's not exactly accurate. Hubby and I spent the first night looking at each other and saying "what do we do now?" We haven't been childless in over 13 years, and I guess we got out of practice. So Sunday night we ordered Chinese food, brought it home, and ate in front of the TV.
Dang, when did we turn into our grandparents?
Yesterday I took hubby's old car to get the oil changed, and the guy who works there told me about a place he knew of that replaces headliners on cars. (The one on the Saturn was REALLY bad, y'all. We're talking ripped-all-to-hell and hanging-down-on-your-head bad.) So I drove the car to this place, which was nerve-wracking because it was not in the, um, best part of town. They only take cash, if that tells you anything. heh
But a couple of hours later, that old car looked almost new! They did a fantastic job, and hubby is thrilled to death. Woohoo! (Wait, is it sad that I'm so excited about a freakin' headliner?)
Last night, I picked hubby up from work (in his "new" 1995 Saturn) and we went to a local sports bar to watch and listen to a live radio broadcast about the Houston Dynamo soccer team. It was very cool. We got to see the head coach and two of the players. Plus, we got four free tickets to next Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls. Free tickets rock.
What a great evening.
After we got home, we went online to check out pictures of the kids at camp. I don't know if all camps do this, but the ones K, R, & P are at take tons of pictures and post them online every day. It's fun trying to find your kid in a sea of faces. No, I'm not kidding; it is fun. Hubby even made a PowerPoint presentation out of the pics we have so far. If I could figure out how to post it here, I would. (Anyone? Anyone?)
So far today, I don't have any plans. I may be meeting up with an old friend for lunch. We were best friends in school, and I was even her maid of honor. But I haven't seen her in probably five years, even though we live in the same town. How does that happen?!?
Good news: My back is not spasming as much now. I am so relieved - I never want to experience that kind of pain again. Not ever. Thanks for all your comments and concerns; you guys rock almost as much as free tickets. ;)
Friday, July 21, 2006
CRAPOLA
My back is starting to have those painful little spasms again. (See the April 24th part of this post; also this one.)
As the song goes, I haven't got time for the pain. I have SO much to do in order to get the kids ready for camp. They leave Sunday for a whole week. Being bedridden while I have the house all to myself would be just freakin' perfect.
Praying that these spasms don't develop into a full-blown attack...
Thursday, July 20, 2006
AND WE'RE BAAAAAAAACK! (Complete with a pictorial!)
We just spent a week at a gorgeous house on Lake Conroe in a home rented from a friend of the family. This place was amazing - it had a pool, a boathouse (complete with brand-new pontoon boat), a guesthouse, a jetski, and oh, did I mention the elevator?!?
To your left is a picture of the view from the kitchen. Or the living room. Or the sitting room. Or any bedroom. Seriously, amazing doesn't even begin to cover it.
(Ah, how lovely to be friends with rich people.)
Here's a picture looking over the balcony inside the house:
Here's us on the boat, docked at the boathouse:
Here's a picture of hubby, K, and me on the jetski:
Sadly, all good things come to an end, and as of last Tuesday, we're back to reality. Reality bites. The kids miss having a pool that they can just jump into at any time, and hubby and I miss the jetski. It was SO nice being able to tool around the lake on a whim. I also miss the boat because...well, it's a boat.
K turned 13 last Friday, and his birthday party was "the best EVER" because we got to have it at the lakehouse. We even took everyone on a dinner (pizza) cruise out to this little island that sits in the middle-ish of the lake. The kids and I and my friend Jen (who had brought her kids up for the party) played around in the water, while the in-laws and hubby made sure the boat didn't float away. That sounds funny, but it was a legitimate concern: "docking" on the island means "run the boat aground and hang on tight to the rope."
After we left the island, we were promptly pulled over by what I like to call the "boat police." Actually, he'd pulled over my sister-in-law, who had K on the back of her jetski, because she'd jumped the boat's wake. When we floated up to investigate, the officer became perturbed at what he saw as interference (we weren't doing anything - just hanging around to make sure K was okay). He yelled for us to stop right there because we were now being pulled over, too. He performed safety inspections on both watercraft, then told us a truly unexciting story about his radar, then finally let us all go.
A couple of days later, we decided to take a nighttime cruise just for fun. While tooling around the lake, who should come screaming down on us but the same boat police again - only this time, he used lights AND sirens. Wooooo, scary. After lighting us up to see if we had on life jackets, he then said he'd come to tell us to turn off our docking lights or else "we'd have every law enforcement officer in the area on our back." Basically, that means, um, him?
Overall, the week was great. We all took turns cooking, and my brother-in-law kept our drinks well filled. The biggest problem was that the temperatures were blazing hot all week - so much so that even the pool wasn't refreshing. Swimming was like taking a bath. Even the lake was warm. Bleh. I am very glad I took a heap of sunscreen, though, as we'd all be lobsters right now if it weren't for that.
I've got tons more pictures, but the film is not developed yet. (Yes, I'm archaic with my 35mm that I love.) I'll post more later.
Hope you have a great vacation this year, too.
We just spent a week at a gorgeous house on Lake Conroe in a home rented from a friend of the family. This place was amazing - it had a pool, a boathouse (complete with brand-new pontoon boat), a guesthouse, a jetski, and oh, did I mention the elevator?!?To your left is a picture of the view from the kitchen. Or the living room. Or the sitting room. Or any bedroom. Seriously, amazing doesn't even begin to cover it.
(Ah, how lovely to be friends with rich people.)
Here's a picture looking over the balcony inside the house:
Here's us on the boat, docked at the boathouse:
Here's a picture of hubby, K, and me on the jetski:
Sadly, all good things come to an end, and as of last Tuesday, we're back to reality. Reality bites. The kids miss having a pool that they can just jump into at any time, and hubby and I miss the jetski. It was SO nice being able to tool around the lake on a whim. I also miss the boat because...well, it's a boat.
K turned 13 last Friday, and his birthday party was "the best EVER" because we got to have it at the lakehouse. We even took everyone on a dinner (pizza) cruise out to this little island that sits in the middle-ish of the lake. The kids and I and my friend Jen (who had brought her kids up for the party) played around in the water, while the in-laws and hubby made sure the boat didn't float away. That sounds funny, but it was a legitimate concern: "docking" on the island means "run the boat aground and hang on tight to the rope."
After we left the island, we were promptly pulled over by what I like to call the "boat police." Actually, he'd pulled over my sister-in-law, who had K on the back of her jetski, because she'd jumped the boat's wake. When we floated up to investigate, the officer became perturbed at what he saw as interference (we weren't doing anything - just hanging around to make sure K was okay). He yelled for us to stop right there because we were now being pulled over, too. He performed safety inspections on both watercraft, then told us a truly unexciting story about his radar, then finally let us all go.
A couple of days later, we decided to take a nighttime cruise just for fun. While tooling around the lake, who should come screaming down on us but the same boat police again - only this time, he used lights AND sirens. Wooooo, scary. After lighting us up to see if we had on life jackets, he then said he'd come to tell us to turn off our docking lights or else "we'd have every law enforcement officer in the area on our back." Basically, that means, um, him?
Overall, the week was great. We all took turns cooking, and my brother-in-law kept our drinks well filled. The biggest problem was that the temperatures were blazing hot all week - so much so that even the pool wasn't refreshing. Swimming was like taking a bath. Even the lake was warm. Bleh. I am very glad I took a heap of sunscreen, though, as we'd all be lobsters right now if it weren't for that.
I've got tons more pictures, but the film is not developed yet. (Yes, I'm archaic with my 35mm that I love.) I'll post more later.
Hope you have a great vacation this year, too.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
AND SO IT GOES
Hubby and I spent the weekend in the greater Austin area with some friends of ours. We were childless, which rocked, but our friends weren't, even though they thought they would be (plans with grandma fell through). Their kids are really good, but sometimes when you're around fun old friends, you just wanna have some obnoxious, grown-up, drunk-enough-that-everything's-funny-okay-not-really (maybe just a little) free time. Alas, that kind of fun is not so easily had with a 9- and 3-year old around.
I know, I know; I sound like an obnoxious lush. I promise I'm not. I just wanted to play one on TV, as the saying goes. Anyway.
So the reason we went to Austin was for a wedding. K's old soccer trainer - a 26-year-old Scotsman - was getting married to the mom of one of P's former teammates. The bride is easily a dozen years older than the groom, and we'd known them both long enough to go "hmm...????" at the relationship, so whispers abounded about a potential green card in the nuptials. However, at the ceremony they seemed pretty happy, so we put our judgmental-ness away.
The ceremony was cool: the groom and the junior groomsman (the bride's 10-year-old son) wore kilts. A bagpiper played the music. UBER cool, that. But - and you knew there'd be a but - some people were better dressed to go to the beach than to a wedding. Some guests were in halter tops, complete with exposed bra straps, mini skirts, and flip flops. Even the woman who sang a solo during the wedding was sadly underdressed: she had on a floppy, oversized black button-up shirt, tan capri pants, and old flip flops. Eww, and eww. Come on, if you are scheduled to sing at a wedding, DRESS THE PART.
This was a formal evening wedding, y'all. I was ... well, I want to say appalled, but "surprised" would be more gracious, I guess.
Here's how hubby and I were dressed for the wedding:
After the wedding, we went back to our friends' house because they'd graciously offered up their guest room for us. We ended up having a few Chrismos (their version of Cosmopolitans - Cosmos - but friend's name is Chris; ergo, Chrismos...see how clever our friends are? And how fun they'd be to drink with?) and talking for awhile. It was really good to see them, as it's been nearly a year since our last visit. Hopefully the next visit won't be quite so far in the future.
Hubby and I spent the weekend in the greater Austin area with some friends of ours. We were childless, which rocked, but our friends weren't, even though they thought they would be (plans with grandma fell through). Their kids are really good, but sometimes when you're around fun old friends, you just wanna have some obnoxious, grown-up, drunk-enough-that-everything's-funny-okay-not-really (maybe just a little) free time. Alas, that kind of fun is not so easily had with a 9- and 3-year old around.
I know, I know; I sound like an obnoxious lush. I promise I'm not. I just wanted to play one on TV, as the saying goes. Anyway.
So the reason we went to Austin was for a wedding. K's old soccer trainer - a 26-year-old Scotsman - was getting married to the mom of one of P's former teammates. The bride is easily a dozen years older than the groom, and we'd known them both long enough to go "hmm...????" at the relationship, so whispers abounded about a potential green card in the nuptials. However, at the ceremony they seemed pretty happy, so we put our judgmental-ness away.
The ceremony was cool: the groom and the junior groomsman (the bride's 10-year-old son) wore kilts. A bagpiper played the music. UBER cool, that. But - and you knew there'd be a but - some people were better dressed to go to the beach than to a wedding. Some guests were in halter tops, complete with exposed bra straps, mini skirts, and flip flops. Even the woman who sang a solo during the wedding was sadly underdressed: she had on a floppy, oversized black button-up shirt, tan capri pants, and old flip flops. Eww, and eww. Come on, if you are scheduled to sing at a wedding, DRESS THE PART.
This was a formal evening wedding, y'all. I was ... well, I want to say appalled, but "surprised" would be more gracious, I guess.
Here's how hubby and I were dressed for the wedding:
After the wedding, we went back to our friends' house because they'd graciously offered up their guest room for us. We ended up having a few Chrismos (their version of Cosmopolitans - Cosmos - but friend's name is Chris; ergo, Chrismos...see how clever our friends are? And how fun they'd be to drink with?) and talking for awhile. It was really good to see them, as it's been nearly a year since our last visit. Hopefully the next visit won't be quite so far in the future.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
CLOSING OUT FLORIDA
As promised, here are some pictures from the Alan Parsons concert, which was held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on April 15, 2006. Be warned - not all rock stars are glamorous when they're sweaty. Case in point: Mr. Parsons himself, who could use a good barber. What's up with the biblical facial hair, anyway? Also, it probably wouldn't hurt him to make nice with the Right Guard can...I'm just saying.
Anyway, here's hubby standing next to his childhood musical and lyrical hero. Hubby's the cute one on the left, as if that needed to be said...
Good thing Alan is a musical genius.
And here's a picture of me at the concert. Woohoo, exciting. At least I was having a good hair day.
Aside to Fishie: Sorry you've never seen the Sunshine State. Like most other states, it has some really beautiful parts. Maybe one day, a dozen years from now, (IOW, when the kids are grown), we can take a road trip to visit Her Evilness. Maybe even catch Steve Burns on his "Get A Clue" Reunion Concert.
As promised, here are some pictures from the Alan Parsons concert, which was held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on April 15, 2006. Be warned - not all rock stars are glamorous when they're sweaty. Case in point: Mr. Parsons himself, who could use a good barber. What's up with the biblical facial hair, anyway? Also, it probably wouldn't hurt him to make nice with the Right Guard can...I'm just saying.
Anyway, here's hubby standing next to his childhood musical and lyrical hero. Hubby's the cute one on the left, as if that needed to be said...
Good thing Alan is a musical genius.
And here's a picture of me at the concert. Woohoo, exciting. At least I was having a good hair day.
Aside to Fishie: Sorry you've never seen the Sunshine State. Like most other states, it has some really beautiful parts. Maybe one day, a dozen years from now, (IOW, when the kids are grown), we can take a road trip to visit Her Evilness. Maybe even catch Steve Burns on his "Get A Clue" Reunion Concert.
Friday, June 16, 2006
MORE ON FT. LAUDERDALE
As promised, here is some non-sad stuff about our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. First off, here's the hotel we stayed at (Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach, in case you're wondering):
And here are two beautiful views from our room (one looking slightly left; one looking slightly right). I swear these aren't postcards, although in my opinion they should be. How cool would it be to wake up to that view every day? [sigh]
Here are a couple of pictures - one of hubby; one of me - with the Ft. Lauderdale beach and the Atlantic ocean as a backdrop:
While in Florida, we took in a lot of the local flavor - most meals were eaten in little dives, (although we did hit Bennigan's once...hey, I had a gift card!). And the food was great. Hubby finally got to gorge himself on the conch fritters he's been missing out on for 14 years. It wasn't pretty...;)
Overall, we had a wonderful trip, just the two of us. It was so nice to reconnect with each other. The only drawback was that we missed having Easter Sunday with the kids, but fortunately they have fantastic grandparents who took care of everything.
Now I just need to update about the Alan Parsons concert, and I think we can put Florida to rest.
As promised, here is some non-sad stuff about our trip to Ft. Lauderdale. First off, here's the hotel we stayed at (Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach, in case you're wondering):
And here are two beautiful views from our room (one looking slightly left; one looking slightly right). I swear these aren't postcards, although in my opinion they should be. How cool would it be to wake up to that view every day? [sigh]
Here are a couple of pictures - one of hubby; one of me - with the Ft. Lauderdale beach and the Atlantic ocean as a backdrop:
While in Florida, we took in a lot of the local flavor - most meals were eaten in little dives, (although we did hit Bennigan's once...hey, I had a gift card!). And the food was great. Hubby finally got to gorge himself on the conch fritters he's been missing out on for 14 years. It wasn't pretty...;)
Overall, we had a wonderful trip, just the two of us. It was so nice to reconnect with each other. The only drawback was that we missed having Easter Sunday with the kids, but fortunately they have fantastic grandparents who took care of everything.
Now I just need to update about the Alan Parsons concert, and I think we can put Florida to rest.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
FEELING BLUE
This was taken five days after Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. (That's me walking toward the house, in search of anything salvageable.)
This was taken five days after Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. (That's me walking toward the house, in search of anything salvageable.)
As you may recall, hubby and I recently took a trip to Ft. Lauderdale. While there, we made the two-hour drive down to Homestead to see how things have changed. Have they ever. This picture was taken on the street facing our former home. The little patches of concrete (to the right in the foreground) are part of what used to be our driveway.
I know that razing the base housing was really all the government could do, considering their unlivable condition in the aftermath of Andrew. I just didn't realize how painful the sight would be. We had some wonderful memories in that little house, and Homestead will always hold a special place in my heart.
More on the Florida trip in a later post. Don't worry; it wasn't all sad. :)
Thursday, June 01, 2006
THURSDAY THINGS
Hey, all. How's it going? Things are just peachy here.
Summer has officially arrived in the Vichyness household. The kids didn't make a peep this morning until 9:30, and even then they didn't come downstairs for awhile after that. P, who is having a couple of girls over for an "art party" (read: slumber party with crafts) vacuumed her own room this morning. I love how eight year olds think vacuuming is cool.
After cleaning, we lit a couple of candles in her bathroom so it would smell "girly." That was my idea, and apparently it made me the coolest mom ever.
So far this morning, I've accomplished the following:
- fed my husband
- drank my breakfast (I'm not a breakfast eater, so I have a Carnation Instant Breakfast nearly every day)
- cleaned the breakfast dishes
- dusted the downstairs
- vacuumed the house (sans Peyton's room)
- lit a bunch of candles
- bathed the dog
And it's only 10:39. Go me! ;)
Now I can't decide if I want to take a shower or wait and take the kids to the pool first. Pool sounds fun, but P's guests will start arriving shortly after lunch, so I don't know what to do.
Darn, I guess I'll just hit the shower.
Later, if I have time, I'll post about our mini-vacation, which included the trip to Oklahoma last weekend. It's been a great few days.
Hey, all. How's it going? Things are just peachy here.
Summer has officially arrived in the Vichyness household. The kids didn't make a peep this morning until 9:30, and even then they didn't come downstairs for awhile after that. P, who is having a couple of girls over for an "art party" (read: slumber party with crafts) vacuumed her own room this morning. I love how eight year olds think vacuuming is cool.
After cleaning, we lit a couple of candles in her bathroom so it would smell "girly." That was my idea, and apparently it made me the coolest mom ever.
So far this morning, I've accomplished the following:
- fed my husband
- drank my breakfast (I'm not a breakfast eater, so I have a Carnation Instant Breakfast nearly every day)
- cleaned the breakfast dishes
- dusted the downstairs
- vacuumed the house (sans Peyton's room)
- lit a bunch of candles
- bathed the dog
And it's only 10:39. Go me! ;)
Now I can't decide if I want to take a shower or wait and take the kids to the pool first. Pool sounds fun, but P's guests will start arriving shortly after lunch, so I don't know what to do.
Darn, I guess I'll just hit the shower.
Later, if I have time, I'll post about our mini-vacation, which included the trip to Oklahoma last weekend. It's been a great few days.
Friday, May 26, 2006
SLACKER, AND OTHER FOND DESCRIPTIVES OF MYSELF
Ever since I moved my blog, I’ve been the laziest blogger in town. What’s up with that? It’s not like it’s harder to blog now; I just got out of the habit. My new summer’s resolution is to write more.
That said, however, we’re heading out of town for the weekend so I won’t be back until Monday night. [sheepish grin]
So anyway, happenings of late include … um … gee, I don’t remember. Oh wait, yes I do. Last Saturday the five of us went to see the Houston Dynamo soccer team play the Chicago Fire. Despite the fact that Houston outplayed Chicago, we fell in a heartbreaking 1-0 game. Phooey.
That night I came down with a sore throat. I remember thinking, “that’s not good.” And it wasn’t. Sunday I was sick with a runny nose and sore throat; by Monday it was extremely hard to even get out of bed. I pretty much slept on the couch all day. Today I’m still congested and a little cough-y, but I’m definitely better. I’ll just say this: summer colds suck big ones.
The kidlets are out of school for the summer now. They actually got out yesterday, but today was so busy with errand-running (getting ready for our trip) that the day just flew by. Then this evening we all went to watch hubby play soccer. After a year of dreaming about it, he finally joined an indoor soccer team a few weeks ago. He seems to be enjoying the exercise. At least, I think he is. He looked pretty winded out there. But his soccer skills are still excellent and it was great to watch him play again. Time and exercise will build up his endurance, and I'm sure that eventually he’ll be just like Brian Ching.
Love you, hubby.
Not too much else to report, and I've got to get to bed. We're planning to leave at the crack of dawn.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. Don't forget to fly your flags with pride. :)
Ever since I moved my blog, I’ve been the laziest blogger in town. What’s up with that? It’s not like it’s harder to blog now; I just got out of the habit. My new summer’s resolution is to write more.
That said, however, we’re heading out of town for the weekend so I won’t be back until Monday night. [sheepish grin]
So anyway, happenings of late include … um … gee, I don’t remember. Oh wait, yes I do. Last Saturday the five of us went to see the Houston Dynamo soccer team play the Chicago Fire. Despite the fact that Houston outplayed Chicago, we fell in a heartbreaking 1-0 game. Phooey.
That night I came down with a sore throat. I remember thinking, “that’s not good.” And it wasn’t. Sunday I was sick with a runny nose and sore throat; by Monday it was extremely hard to even get out of bed. I pretty much slept on the couch all day. Today I’m still congested and a little cough-y, but I’m definitely better. I’ll just say this: summer colds suck big ones.
The kidlets are out of school for the summer now. They actually got out yesterday, but today was so busy with errand-running (getting ready for our trip) that the day just flew by. Then this evening we all went to watch hubby play soccer. After a year of dreaming about it, he finally joined an indoor soccer team a few weeks ago. He seems to be enjoying the exercise. At least, I think he is. He looked pretty winded out there. But his soccer skills are still excellent and it was great to watch him play again. Time and exercise will build up his endurance, and I'm sure that eventually he’ll be just like Brian Ching.
Love you, hubby.
Not too much else to report, and I've got to get to bed. We're planning to leave at the crack of dawn.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. Don't forget to fly your flags with pride. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)