Here I am....

 Good afternoon from Jacksonville, Florida! It's a balmy 75 degrees with sunny skies above.

I have been detained with the mother in law. She arrived yesterday, and we've been going non-stop since. Today dh and I took a break while she was playing with my youngest, and went on a little motorcycle ride. The weather is just perfect for that sort of thing. Now, I am sitting here, waiting to here when we will be going out for dinner.  We are going to a restaurant which is just a few blocks from our house, on the St. John's River. It's a seafood place and you can sit outside by the water. Tomorrow after the girls go to school, we will be heading off for a day of sightseeing and shopping in St. Augustine.  The forecast looks good for the week, here in FL. Sunny and in the mid to upper 70's. Mrs. Cheesestix tried to tell me I'd be sweating and miserable, while she is cool and comfortable, enjoying her 50 degree weather.....but I think she is just jealous....

Well, I hear the annoying patter of little husband feet, coming to tell me to get my butt off the internet and visit.  What the heck? I can visit her anytime....but I NEED my daily dose of journal land!

Friday night fiesta....

 This is how I'm feeling right now....spinny and giggly....well, maybe not giggly....possibly nauseated. Martha took the night off and we ordered chinese food....it was wonderful. I had the general chicken, which was so spicy that my lips were burning! Let me tell you, if you have a cold with a stuffy nose, that is the thing to eat.  So now, it's nighttime, the girls are in bed, dh is sleeping in front of the tv, and I am here playing in journal land. But, there is no one out tonight! Where is everyone? My usual playmate got lost in cyberspace somewhere and disappeared. No one else seems to be out either. So that leaves me here, alone, with my mini bottle of Riesling and nothing to do. I'm so disappointed. *Sigh....

If Martha hadn't given up her beer, we could be drinking and running the streets of j-land like two wild Florida women! We could run around in our bikini's and sarongs, sipping suds and hunting pelicans! Kara would be sitting on the couch, smoking and playing the tunes....Michelle would be in the street doing donuts on her motorcycle, and Lisa could be cooking us some mozzerella sticks! Karen would be sitting in the corner, not being able to pull herself away from her new computer, and Cheezy, well, she would be dressed in full Cat in the Hat attire, giving a Seuss-like reading....

"At Wal-Mart I will not shop, I will not buy toys or pop. No insurance do they give-to elders, migrants or little kids. Prices yes, they might be low, but to that store I will not go. I will not go I tell you all, to the mart that they call Wal.  And to that smiley face some daily pass, I say to you, Kiss My A$$!"                                 

 

The countdown begins....

And so, the countdown begins. My mother in law will be here tomorrow evening. Sigh. So much for my evenings on the computer, lounging about all day with my pj's and bon-bons, etc., etc. Actually, she is not hard to entertain, and we get along well. It will be a nice visit.

Today is "hat day" at school. My youngest decided on her fishing-style hat, (you know, the ones with the floppy brim), that has the power puff girls on it. It's very cute, and she looked adorable in it. Her hair is down to her butt, so the hat looked really good....and it will keep fly-aways at a minimum. I am not a "hat person". I would love to be, but I just don't look good in them. You see those moms who run around with the baseball cap and pony tail, dark glasses and size 0 Tommy Hilfiger jeans, and it makes me want to be able to pull off that look....well, I'd have to grow longer hair, lose 50 lbs, and, well, I do have the dark glasses....but it throws off the look if you don't have the other components.

As I was sitting at the bus stop, my daughter pointed out the little squirrel window cling I have in the upper left hand corner of my windshield. She remembered that it was from her Spot book she has when she was small. She asked me why I kept it up there, and I told her because it was cute. In actuality, I keep it there to remind me that I'm not that far from being nuts....lol. Actually, it reminds me that no matter how nuts you may be feeling, there will always be someone who loves you for you. (The squirrel loves nuts....lol). I know, it's weird....but it gives me a strange sort of comfort.

Okay, now I really do have to get going with my morning. I need to clean and wash and pay bills....busy day, busy day!

*Warning: This entry not suitable for younger viewers....

Okay, I will give you a moment to get the children out of the room....

In our neighborhood, we have a problem with cats. Specifically, the lady next door to me who is in her 60's and has over 20 of them. They breed and breed and breed. I am going to call the humane society....soon. Especially after these antics.

This morning I was in my youngest daughter's room, gathering garbage and any dirty clothes she may have forgotten to put in the wash. I turn and look out the window and what do I see?  Yes, two cats about 10 feet beyond our fence, "gettin it on". I am appallled! There they are, in plain sight, buck naked and going at it. Now, I'm no prude but shouldn't this kind of love be kept behind closed doors? This is not what I expect to see when looking outside my daughter's bedroom window!

I turn from the window, and continue on with my chores. As I'm walking through my family room....there they are again. Still going at it. I have to give the male cat credit, he was taking his time, making the female feel loved and cared for. At one point, I think he was actually whispering in her ear....but from my point of view, I could have been mistaken. Again, I look away, and continue on.

As I walk into the kitchen, I look out and....they are still at it. Now, this is getting ridiculous! They were obviously not married, because we all know he would have been sleeping by this time. As I'm contemplating turning on the Barry White CD in the boom box on the back porch, another cat approaches. Oh no....it's not going to turn into a feline fetish frenzy out there. I don't want my backyard to become a literal "cat house". So, I begin to unlock the sliding door so that I can yell at them to go away....however, they apparently are finished. It is at this point I turn from the window, and without realizing it mutter, "f**** cats". 

****Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever been a voyeur of "cat love". I saw them for a total of about 30 seconds while doing my cleaning. Next time, I will clean before opening the blinds!

 

Get my motor running....

Well, the wee one is home sick today. She has a bad cold, complete with sniffles, sneezing and snot. (Sorry, I couldn't think of another "s" symptom). As we speak she is in her room, playing her Simpsons Road Rage game on the PS2. I let her choose her breakfast since she didn't feel well. The menu consisted of macaroni and cheese, and kool-aid....which we made fresh this morning. I also gave her some generic dimatapp for her stuffiness. So, she will be relaxing for the day as I begin my cleaning.

I have so many things to do today, that I'm not quite sure where to begin. I have a ton of ironing, the usualy Wednesday mid-week clean up, and I have to begin my sewing. I need to read 7 chapters of my bible study book, and finish an assignment for my online class. I am a horrible procrastinator! I am also itching to finish the 2nd bathroom and start on the girls rooms. Not to mention the fact that it's time to start focusing on the lawn again. I get all of these things in my head, and I don't know where to turn! I suppose I will figure it out.

My mother-in-law will be here Saturday night, which means a week of "entertaining". So far it will be a day at St. Augustine, a boat ride, a trip to the imax theater, a return trip to Blue Springs (the oldest has already tried her "get out of jail free card" on that one), and various other places. Not only that, but as I'm traveling about, I will have to have dinner thought out and prepared in advance. I don't want to rely on pizza and burgers! I am very lucky, as she is someone who is relatively easy to please, and enjoys outdoor activities. The girls are in school all week, but dh will take Monday off. Of course he will be gone Th-Sat....which leaves the entertaining to me. Any suggestions????

I tried to get a hair appointment to have my highlights freshened up....but my stylist is booked. Crud. I thought it would help me feel more like sticking to my "healthy living plan". (No diets for us, right Martha? ;o). You know, when you look better you feel better....yeah right. I'll try anything!

So, that is my story. It is almost 10 am and I need to get going. I did spend the morning cuddled in bed with my sniffley girl, and we had breakfast together and watched Tom and Jerry. So no excuses....I need to get to work!

The aftermath....

Well, decisions have been made and feelings have been hurt. I declined the invitation to fly and spent the morning crying my eyes out. Dh was mad for a long while, being inconsiderate and selfish. But then, I went into work to see him, and he took me out to lunch. He finally "got" it....I wasn't saying I didn't want to spend a weekend with him. I wasn't saying I didn't feel safe flying even with him next to me. It's something that is beyond my control. It's a phobia that I know someday I will have to overcome. But for now, I can't do it. And I don't want to ruin a trip with him because I'm worried about the return flight the entire weekend. So, he is going alone, and coming home a day early, since his boss (my uncle and his wife) are staying the extra day to sight-see. I feel like an idiot to a point, but it is who I am, and if he loves me (which I know he does) he will love me....warts and all.

Sooooo, now I am in the middle of making dinner. The pineapple casserol is in the oven and the pork chops are breaded and waiting. Too bad I'm not hungry! LOL....

I'm so proud of myself....I went to the grocery store and they have two baskets overflowing with Russel Stover and Whitman candy hearts that were left over from Valentine's day. They were the big 1 lb. boxes, 2 for $8.99. I stopped, picked them up, thought about it, and walked away. Go ME! Of course, I then went into the wine aisle and bought myself a little treat to relax with this evening. So, if my next entry is slurred and indistinguishable....you will know what happened.

Ooooh....the timer is dinging....time to check the goodies!

Fear of Flying....

Well, I may be flying to MA next week.....and I'm not happy about it. Dh has to go on business and his boss (my uncle) has decided to make it a employee and wife trip. So, while I would LOVE to go and see the northeast....I am petrified of flying. I have only flown once....and that was plenty, thank you. I am already worrying about it. Here's the deal....

My mother in law is coming next week for a visit. She is supposed to go home on the 6th which is Sat. But as we speak, dh is talking to her, seeing if she can stay an extra day, so that he can see her after the trip (Th to Sat). I was praying that she would have to go home to work....but he just asked me to look up her flight info....which means she can probably do it. Crap. I don't want to fly. I tried taking xanax for the trip the last time, and I got such bad heart palpatations, that I couldn't take it for the flight. (I tried it beforehand to make sure I could handle it). Crap. The only thing I can think to do is tell them it would be an extra $200 to change the ticket. Maybe that would keep her from saying yes. Am I bad? I don't care. I'm paranoid. And of course dh is like the typical man....(not you Lanny), "What are you afraid of? I'll be there." Yeah, small comfort as we are BOTH going down in flames. Of course I could look on the bright side and say perhaps I could become a memeber of the "mile high club"....yeah right.

Well, he is sitting here trying to change the itennerary. Shi*. I guess that means we will have to go. He reacted just as I said he would. The specific comment was, "Oh grow up." How sweet and caring.

Well, I'm off to begin worrying. What a lovely night this will be!

I'm walkin....yes indeed!

Good morning journal land! I am back from my 2 mile walk, and have finished a "thick delicious shake for breakfast". So, now I am tired and hungry.

I have to advertise my daughter's journal today. My Frog Journal  I don't always know that she puts an entry in, because if I am not with her when she is on the computer, my oldest is. I just read it and it cracked me up. She is taking after her mom! What a character. And she finds those graphics by herself and puts them in. It amazes me that kids are so good at these things.

I am determined to get my act together, and have a more structured day. I get stuck here in journal land, and that throws everything off. I mean, I put off everything when I'm on here! How terrible is that? I have to do my cleaning, online class, bible study reading, and sewing. And for the next three weeks, I have to take the dog in to have his ear flap drained. I tell you, it's amazing what we women have to do. Not only that, but dh wants me to make a dental and doctor appointment for him. What? Are your fingers broken? Can't dial a phone? Well, I suppose after years of being his 'personal secretary' I should be used to it by now.

Well, it's 9:00, and I said that I would be off and doing my work by now. So here I go....leaving....right now....clicking off....riiiigggghhhtttt nooooowwwwww....

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!!

Obviously, I picked up my pictures this weekend. I haven't figured out how to put them in the correct order, but I'll figure it out sometime. They turned out reasonably good, however the one of the computer desk looks like the walls are dirty behind it. Let me assure you they aren't....it's a shadow!

Today was a great day. We took the kids to Blue Springs. The manatees congregate there, being that the water is a constant 72 degrees. When the river warms up, they will leave. But until then, they float around the springs and attract hundreds of people throughout the spring. It was my first time seeing them up close. They are really amazing creatures. I took plenty of pics, which I will post after developing. The girls had a good time, as did dh. It's a little over 2 hours from home, so we were there for a while. You can take a 2 hour nature cruise, or rent canoes, or even swim in the springs....but not with the manatees. And, since there were signs posted, warning that there were alligators in the water and to be careful....I don't believe I will be swimming there any time soon.

Afterward we went to a restaurant in DeLand. It's called the Holiday House. Let me start by saying, that we were the youngest people in there....by at least 50 years. The average age was probably 75. Upon arrival, I was amazed at the sea of blue hair....it was like being at a smurf convention. It was 1:00, and our ticket number was 65....they were calling #44 at the time....I should have known, arriving at the retiree dinner rush. We sat outside on a bench in front of the door. As people came out to leave, we were told over and over again, "I tried to leave a little for ya!" Must be a joke in the older-persons training manual. I was a bit worried, not knowing if the people around me would actually live long enough to be seated!

Finally, our number was called and we were in. It's a buffet style place, but a fancy one. They had chef's carving roast beef, huge turkeys, a ham, and a leg of lamb. There was a great salad bar as well. As we went through the line, waitresses would take your salad plate, and set it at your table. The place was just packed! At one point I lost trackof the youngest....I didn't know if I would be able to find her, as she was the same height as most of the customers. I finally spotted her....thank GOD she wasn't wearing pastels! After finishing a wonderful mean, we ordered dessert....which was boston cream pie for the three oldest, and sundae brownie cake for the youngest. There was a whole table of things to choose from....all of which looked scrumptious. We then headed home, came inside, and plunked our big, bloated butts down for the evening.

So, here I sit, perusing journals and getting ready for bed. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend....I'm so sleepy! Goodnight all....

I am not weird....

Okay, I am going to respond to Kara's journal with an entry of my own....CRAKERS CRUSHED INTO TEA WITH SUGAR POURED OVER IT????  And I'M the one being called gross? I'm sorry Kara....but that is just not right. You might as well dunk them in water (sorry Lanny). I tell you all, oj and cookies are good. And, I don't think it's a fair vote unless the person has actually tried it. So....get eatin and dunkin people!

 I've been doing this since I was a child. My kids are basically cookie and milk dunkers....so I guess it doesn't run in the family. And since Kara also told of her hubby's "interesting" food choice, (somehow, I was slightly aroused....), I will tell you what my dh does, which makes me gag. He gets a bowl and puts a big scoop of peanut butter in it, then a big scoop of jelly....mixes and eats it with a spoon. Now THAT is horrid.

Come on everyone....let's hear your favorite guilty food pleasures!

A question....

To those of you who have answered Mrscheesestix  http://edit.beta.journals.aol.com/mrscheesestix/SayCheesestix   little questionairre, may I ask....Have any of you even tried cookies and oj????  Now, go try it and then come back and tell ME how it was!  I believe you will be pleasently surprised.

(By the way, I thought some of the answers were rather harsh....Kara, I'm looking at YOU!)

I'm Beta!!!!

Well, all, I'm Beta now, so do what you need to do to get it! LOL....http://beta.journals.aol.com/jbcoupe/TheSecretLifeofaStayatHomeMom

Sore Saturday....

Well, I woke up to the sound of my dh working in the bathroom (it was 7:30), and the creaking of my muscles as I got out of bed. I'm a little bit sore from my painting. I started at 11:45, and finished somewhere around 5:00. But, that's okay....the mini-foyer is gorgeous and I got a work-out to boot!

So, it's sunny and going to be 75 today....I want to be outside! I am toying with taking my girls and my camera to the beach. It's just so gorgeous outside!  But, who knows what we will end up doing, as the 15 yo is complaining about going (she doesn't like the beach), and the 9 yo is crabbing that she wants a friend to go along, which means so much more responsibility for me. I am nervous enough with my girls around the ocean. DH is going on a motorcycle ride, because I forced him to. He wanted to work all day, but I can see him getting stressed out. He needs time to destress with his buddies.

Well, I will report back tonight what we decided to do. I hope everyone has a relaxing and fun Saturday!!!!

Friday!!!!

Being that it is so sunny out, I wanted to write in a festive YELLOW but as you can see, I'd probably blind you, so I will stick to orange.

So far I feel quite productive. I've dusted and windexed the house, washed dishes, swept and mopped the kitchen, have a load started in the washer and now, am on my way to shower. It's going to be 74 today, so what do you think I've chosen for my Friday activity???? That's right....I'm painting the foyer!  I painted it a sunny, cheery yellow, but it doesn't really go with the "flow" of the house. It's not the front-door foyer, but the garage door foyer. Probably not a foyer at all, but I'm not sure what to call it. You come in from the garage, and to the right is the washer/dryer closet, straight ahead is my bedroom, and to the left is the kitchen. So, I suppose it's a "mini-foyer". Anyhow, I am painting it. I will go with the color that is in my bedroom....the light one. I have one dark wall which the bed is against, and three light, contrasting walls. It should be lovely. I have to have the "flow" going, or my positive energy is off....actually, I read that somewhere, as I am not a practitioner of feng shui.

So, that is my plan for the day. I will put my little tv next to me, and od on judge shows, followed by AMC and who killed Michael Cambius. Should be a fun day!

Thoughts from a sahm....

My post yesterday generated some wonderful comments. However, I want to clarify something. I feel no obligation to explain to anyone my choice to stay at home with my children. They can roll their eyes, look down on me, cluck their tongues and think I'm lazy....feel free. But I can say that I have never in my life wanted anything (cars, diamonds, status) enough to hand my child over to someone else to raise while I go to work. If we were in serious financial trouble, that is another story. You have to do what is right to support your children. But I refuse to set my child anywhere other than the comfort of their own living room, so that I can enjoy a Starbucks in my Escalade on my way to work every morning.

My job has no holidays, vacations or sick days. I work 24/7, 365 days a year. My life is not spent on the couch eating bon-bons and watching tv while the kids play. This is such a common misconception! I might not have to go into an office, or wear business clothes every day, but just because I sometimes wear my pajamas until lunch time, doesn't mean I don't work just as hard as the next person. "Well, of course her house is neat, she stays home!" Hey, I do keep a neat house, but I do it along with the wash (that you send out), dinner (that you bring home), taxes (that you take to your accountant), grocery shopping, etc., etc. And I do this with my kids around. I make time to play, feed, do homework....all in a 24 hour period.

The problem I'm having is learning to balance motherhood with my newfound "freedom" of having older kids. I can now go shopping alone, or browse a bookstore during the day....but I feel guilty enjoying these things. I feel like I should be doing something that has a specific purpose. I can't help it, I've been doing it for 15 years. It's something I have to learn to enjoy and accept. First and foremost I'm a MOM....all other things I may ever become will be secondary.

What does it all mean, Basil????

It has occured to me that although I am a sahm, I am now in a sub category. I have children in school, but they are in 3rd grade and a freshman. I am no longer the sahm of toddlers or pre-schoolers. When people asked what I did when my girls were small, I smiled, looked over at them and said, "OH, I stay at home with my girls." They would see them running about, cute as can be, asking mommy for a ba-ba, and understand. Now, when I am asked, and I reply, "I'm a stay at home mom", they look over at my brooding teen, and self-sufficient 3rd grader....then look back at me with the 'Hmmmm, don't you think it's time to get a job' look. I have to admit, I was guilty of thinking the same thing, when I had babies and saw mom's shopping alone during the day. But now, well, it's a different story.

I don't stay home because I'm lazy. I will admit, that if I don't have to, I don't really want to work. I like being available for my kids when they need me. I like the fact that if dh wants to schedule his vacations, I don't have to try to synchronize mine. I like having my alone time. I have spent 15 years taking care of my precious kids....and now, I'm beginning to have a little bit of me back. I am scared, though. I have based the last 15 years on my children. I have been defined as a mom. It's been "me" for so long, that I don't quite know who "I" am anymore. I'm scared to change. I want my life to continue to be filled with Little Bear and fruit snacks. I want to know the entire score to The Little Mermaid. I want to spend my days trying to squeeze things in between naps and bath time. But I have to change. Time doesn't stand still, and I'm fighting it. I know I have to let go, and move on to the next part of my life....but I don't want to. I'm comfortable in "mommy mode".

But, things do change, and I need to as well. I need to start figuring out who I am again. However, first and foremost I am "mom"....whatever else I find out, will just be icing on the cake.

Ouch!

I'll use red tonight, since it is the most appropriate color. As you know, dh and I are redoing the bathroom. Well, tonight should have been the easiest part, gluing up the surround. Well, we got the glue up, put the piece up and it fit beautifully, except for one corner. It needed to be trimmed. Of course, dh begins cursing and getting all upset. I tell him to settle down, and not worry. We can fix it. He says, the glue is drying, we have to cut it. So, being the good wife I am, I pick up the utility knife....however, at the time I am saying, "Quit whining about it....you are always so crabby!" It is at this moment that he decides to grab the knife from me. Of course, I have it, blade side down against my fingers....

Fast forward to me standing at the sink....crimson droplets running down my hand....dh all apologetic. I admit, I did act a bit more injured than I really was....but hey, I deserve it! It did cut pretty deep, and I am bandaged up. But, thankfully, I am able to type. Dh brought me ice cream this evening. And he keeps coming in here and apologizing....I even got a pretty good kiss!

So, I am recovering now, making a journal entry and typing slowly but surely. Too bad aol by phone isn't working. It would be a lot easier on my poor little fingers....

Not so bad....

Well, I shouldn't have worried. There were only 3 of us! The lady hosting the study was really nice, mid 30's, two kids ages 28 months and 8 months, and the other lady was late 40's, and happened to have worked with my uncle about 15 years prior. Small world! It was pretty much just a meet and greet....I guess some of the other groups that are meeting at night have upwards of 20 people. I wouldn't have liked that. At least this way, I'll get to know some nice women.

As for my Dad, he is way too unsteady to go to the store. My Mom just wanted him to come over and watch tv for a while. She will be here later. He is happily sipping his cup of coffee that I made him, and watching The View.

So, I guess this means I get a "free" day. It's really cold outside, so I made some International Coffee....and I'm going to peruse the journals for a while. I tried to do an audio entry, but it's still not working. I did figure out how to send an audio e-mail though....pretty neat.

Meeting new people....

Well, this morning at 9:30 I will be attending bible study. It is the first in a six part series of The Purpose Driven Life. It will be nice to finally know what my purpose here is, (I mean other than being a wife and mom, which I adore) but I am very nervous about meeting new people. I have to walk into the home of someone I don't know, and join a bunch of people I don't know. I HATE that. I feel so self consious. I mean, I know it's a church thing, and everyonr there will be nice, but still. You always wonder what they are thinking, will they like you, etc. And of course, I'll be the "new" girl. I don't know anyone at our church, so all these ladies will probably have had a long acquaintance with each other. I know I'll be glad I did it....but I'm still nervous!

After that, I am taking my Dad to shop for an anniversary gift for my Mom. He is so funny. He keeps saying he wants to get her a penoir set....she has never worn, nor asked for fancy nightwear. She usually buys one nightgown a year and wears it until it's basically shreds! LOL. And with the disease my dad has, he can barely see, so it's not like he will even see it on her. But he is insistant. I am trying to lead him toward a regular night gown. Hopefully, he will agree. He's pretty easy going. He will just sit in the wheelchair and let me pick it out. I took him to get her a Christmas card and he chose the first one he picked up. I think he just wanted to say "he" bought it. It was so sad, because he would always read 100 cards to get just the right one, before he got sick. We will have fun, though.

Well, it's time to get dd off to the bus stop, and me on with my day. Wish me luck....and I'll report back later!

Dang AOL....

Is anyone else having trouble with AOL by phone???? It's been unable to access journals for 2 days now! I am getting frustrated with it....and I know everyone is just clamoring to know what the temp is in Jacksonville! LOL....I think I'm going to do what Kara did, and complain until I get a free month!

I've come to a compromise regarding my journal entry yesterday. I am cleaning today, being that it is Monday....but the girls are cleaning with me! How about that for quality time?

My Frog Journal  My dd has added another entry about her "belovet Jonathan". Don't ya just love kids?

 

Someone wants my attention....

  While at church today, the sermon seemed to speak to me. It was the story of when Jesus visited the two sisters "Martha" and Mary. It seems that while "Martha" was busily trying to clean, and make sure things were perfect and just so, Mary was sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus, listening to him speak. Becoming aggrivated, "Martha" asked Jesus if He noticed Mary just sitting there, and would He tell her to get up and help. His response was that although they were both serving Him, Mary chose to spend her time with Him, while "Martha" consumed with busywork, became neglectful of the opportunity to devote time to Him. She was missing out on the entire visit.

I couldn't help but notice that this "Martha" had a lot in common with the "Martha" I have become. I often find myself becoming irritated when my youngest wants me to sit and play, while I am in the middle of vacuuming or mopping. Or, I might become irritated when dh wants to talk about his day, and I'm in the middle of making dinner. Or perhaps resenting the fact that I have to stop writing a journal entry to pick up my oldest from poetry club. Although I love keeping a neat house, and cooking great dinners, I need to set my priorities. I'm missing "the visit".

So, I will remember this story when I feel like I have to finish a chore before talking with my husband, or playing with my kids. I don't want to be so busy doing things for them, that I'm not spending time with them.

 

What's for dinner?

It's Sunday, the day of rest. Can you guess what I'm doing? Yup....cooking dinner. I went to church, the hardware store and the grocery store....and now it is time to cook. What is on the menu, you ask? Well, tonights dinner will consist of pan-fried catfish served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges, fresh green beans, salad, chicken noodles, homemade bread, and cherry pie for dessert. Aunt Bea would be proud of my Sunday spread. Dh has worked on the bathroom since morning, and washed both vehicles, so I think he deserves a nice dinner.

Not much else going on here today. The youngest is swimming with her aunt for the afternoon, and the oldest is sitting next to me, ruining my concentration. So, with nothing else to say, due to the incessant giggling and laughing next to me, I shall go cook. Bon appetite!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!!

Thanks to all who have sent valentine greetings....you are so sweet! It's funny how you can meet people online and become as close as "real-life" friends. I have discovered wonderful people from across the country, that I would never have met, had it not been for these journals. I enjoy visiting every day with my pals, hearing about their days, kids, joys and frustrations. And getting to "hear" and "see" them through pictures and phone has been so much fun. I only hope that these friendships we have all made, will continue to strengthen and last througout the years. ((((group hug!))))

Payday and Pizza....

 

Can you guess what is for dinner? Yup, it's pizza! I didn't feel like cooking and everyone was starving. Oooh, the pizza guy just got here....hang on....okay back. They made a mistake and gave me thin crust. Oh well. Let's taste, shall we? Mmmmmm. Very good. Black olives and bacon. Yummy.  Dh got a "works" pizza, and we also got breadsticks and chicken strips. Not a bad deal for under $30!

It's cold and rainy out right now. A good night for a good movie. I wonder what is on tonight? Probably nothing, since I actually feel like watching something. I'm in the mood for some Woody Allen. I just love him. I love his neurotic quirkiness. By the way, "A Mighty Wind" which I mentioned before, was a hilarious movie! I highly recommend it.

The bathtub project is coming along. Dh did a great job cutting pipes, sweating and soldering them, but when we put the tub in....it's smaller, therefore the drain does not match up. Crap. Tomorrow should be a fun day....yuck.

Well, I'm getting grease all over my keyboard, and that isn't "a good thing". I'll have to finish eating then get my grease cutting cleanser out.  A woman's work is never done....

Taking a break from cleaning....

Ah yes....to have a butler would be a dream!  But, alas, I am the one who is doing the cleaning today. I've done most of the house, with just the floors left. A bit of sweeping, vaccuming and mopping and I'm done! I'm taking a break right now, having some chocolate chip eggo waffles! Why? Well, I was cleaning out the freezer, and I needed to get rid of the box....so I figured I'd just eat the excess. Of course, that is why I have so much "excess".

I suppose the rest of the day will be spent with the hubby, starting on the bathroom plumbing. Oh joy. If it goes well, he's fine. But when he runs into a problem, watch out! Sailors have been known to stand in awe of my husbands potty mouth when he's angry. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly today.

Well, the waffles are gone, and the washer is done, so I should move along with my chores. Have a lovely day everyone!

Driving home....

Shopping Day....

Yes, today is grocery shopping day. I've got my lists prepared, checks signed and ready to go, and route carefully planned. I have to go to the bank first, then drug store. Then I will go to store #1, where I will pick up the sale items that are not cold/frozen. Then, it is off to store #2 for the cold items. I have my lists written with the prices next to them, so if I am in store #1, and they have a better price than store #2, I won't pay the extra 5 cents. Of course, after I bring the groceries home, I will go to store #3, which is my usual store and the place where I get my meat and veggies and bread. You know, you always have to have the main store, where you can always count on the quality of products. It's just that they don't always have the best sales, which is why I have incorporated stores #2 and #3 into my routine. It's amazing what you can save when you take the time to shop the sales. Sometimes I save so much, that I can actually re-fill the gas tank after my economical shopping sprees.

A quiet evening at home

Beautiful Day....

It is gorgeous outside right now. It's 57 degrees, and the rain is gently coming down. By the looks of the sky, the rain has settled in for the day, which is fine by me. I miss my rainy days....we don't get many of them here in sunny Fl. While sitting in the car at the bus stop, I let the windshield fill up with raindrops and wouldn't use the wipers. I remember as a child, loving it when my mom would do that. It made me feel safe; like I was in my own little cocoon. My daughter asked me not to clear the windshield, because she liked it better when it was full. Maybe it is a kid thing. Wanting to feel protected, warm, loved. Days like these make me feel happy and secure. I think it's in the blood....as a child, my Mom was the happiest when it was raining and cozy out. She would clean all day, then make a comforting dinner and just enjoy having the family around. We always joked that we would never be able to live in Florida, because there were too many sunny days....I have to say, I am getting used to the sunshine, and even look forward to it. But in my heart, nothing beats the steady drumming of raindrops on the roof and wonderful memories of days gone by.

This is going to hurt tomorrow!

Well, I'm back from yoga. I think one word sums up my experience...."ouch". Yoga is an interesting thing. You don't realize that you are exercising until about half way through it. The atmosphere was very relaxing; it was in a church sanctuary. (Not a traditional church, but one of those "God-is-a-nice-idea-so-just-be-good-and-you-will-be-fine" kind of places.) Very "new age" with lots of nature incorporated into it. The music was soft and "mystical", and the instructor was very nice, with a soft, soothing voice. We began with breathing/meditating, then went on to some stretches, which felt wonderful. I was raring to go when it was time to do the poses. It wasn't until half-way through that I realized we were actually "exercising". I started to feel a little sore. My legs were beginning to shake during downward-barking-begging-dog....whatever the name was. My youngest dd went with us, and did a great job. She did better than me! At the end, we had "relaxation" time. We laid on our backs, and the instructor came around and waved her essential-oil-dipped hands around our heads, and adjusted our necks and shoulders in kind of a mini-massage style. After that, we sat up and she blessed us with the prayer handed bow. (Sorry to all the yoga'ers out there, I don't know the proper name for that!) All in all it was a neat experience. I can see how, if practiced weekly, yoga could help with stress reduction and be a great toning workout. Although, I get the same strech in my own "downward-picking-up-clothes-stretching-to upward-tossing-into-washer" pose! 

It's Yoga night!

Good Morning....

I figured I had better write something this morning, so that Karensull12 will have some material to riff off of.

I just got back from the bus stop, and am enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and a homemade blueberry muffin. My house smelled like a cafe when I came in. I love starting the coffee before I walk out, just so I can  smell it brewing when I return. I don't even need to drink it....I just savor the aroma.

It was a 'mom' morning at the bus stop. The working mom's were off, and the hibernating moms showed up. I, however, drove dd to the bus stop, so that meant I was not "presentable" enough to get out of the car and chat. The first year we lived here, I was showered, make-uped and coiffed every morning so that no one would go running and screaming when they saw me undone. And, after a year of returning from the bus stop with wilted hair and humidity face (my eyeliner would end up on my chin), I have decided to go au natural. So, I usually just slip on a pair of sunglasses, gloss the lips and go. However, since starting this journal, I seem to have less time in the morning (due to my pre-bus stop reading), and even the gloss/glasses gets to be too much. So, I've been driving a lot lately. I've got to stop that because then I get lazy and don't do my walk....etc., etc. It's a vicious circle! Journals cause me to be lazy, stop exercising, sit and drink coffee and eat pastries....but, I suppose it's a small price to pay for my endless hours of entertainment, and good friends. (Whom I am assuming, are reading their journals with naked faces and undone hair as well!)

Good night....

My pink-eyed kid....

Well, dd does have pink eye. She is on eye drops for the next week, and she can go to school tomorrow. She was quite happy with the diagnosis, because she knew she could con me out of a "sympathy-trip" down the candy aisle. Actually she got a folder and erasers out of the deal too. She really knows how to play her mom! Anyway, thanks to all you wonderful journalers (you know who you are) who left comments on her journal. She was SO excited when she clicked on and found that someone had read it. Isn't it sweet how little it takes to make a child happy?

Laundry....

Why is it that no one in my household can sort laundry? Is it really asking too much that the colors be separated? I have two baskets, one for DARKS and one for LIGHTS. They are on top of the washer and dryer, for ease of use. I always start the baskets out by putting one dark item in one basket and one light item in the other. Now, I could see making a mistake at this point....but the mistakes don't come until the baskets are filled! THis morning I went to the laundry closet and what did I find? You guessed it....the light basket, full of clothes, and one lone DARK GREEN towel bundled on top. ANd I know the culpret....dh. He took his shower first this morning. Although, my girls are just as bad. Betsy balls up her things, and whatever color is on the outside of the ball is the basket it goes in. And Hayley? She just bypasses the system altogether, by putting the clothes between the baskets. I give up. I will just continue to sort and wash....either that or send them on their way with pink underwear, or bleached out jeans....of course, I'll just get blamed for it!

Depressed....

Yes, this is how I'm feeling....blue. It's been such a crappy weekend. (With the exception of Friday night). I don't usually get upset,and I'm not quite sure why I am so upset about our bathroom. It's so frustrating when you try to keep a house neat and tidy and well-kept, and then something like this happens. I realize that this problem must have been going on at least 2 years before we moved in, but it's still frustrating. Dh works so hard during the week, and now he has this project that has to be finished. I can't do anything to help besides clean-up, which I will gladly do. I need to look at the bigger picture. I suppose I should be glad that I have a home to have problems with, when there are so many that don't have homes. And, I should be glad that dh works, even if the days are long, for there are so many without jobs. I really don't mean to complain, but sometimes you just have to vent. Okay....enough of that. Lets be happy, shall we? Oh, well, there was one cute thing that happened today. My youngest dd made her own journal. It really is sweet. Although, I wasn't allowed to read the entire entry, I got the jist of it. (Her link is over <~~~~~~~there.) If nothing else, I know I'm loved! And that is what makes it all worthwhile. :o)

ANTS!!!!

This is what I get for taunting people with tales of warm weather and romantic evenings....

Hello weekend....goodbye new entries....

Well, it's noon on Saturday and no one has updated their journals....seems like people have lives on the weekends! LOL. I am taking a much needed break from scrubbing the tile in my bathroom. Dh and I are doing some tile repair, and I wanted to start with a sparkling canvas....whoop dee do. What a fun weekend project. Although, our date last night was a lot of fun. We went to a teriffic little seafood place, and sat outside on the balcony. There was live entertainment, which consisted of an older man with an acoustic guitar....he was spectacular! He played old Eagles tunes, and some Jim Croce....he had a wonderful voice....it was so relaxing. From the balcony we had a view of the bridge that extends over the intercoastal water. There are docks on either side, and people have their houseboats, sail boats, etc. docked there. After dinner we walked over to St. George street, and peered into the cute shops and stopped at the chocolate shop. We got a hot fudge sundae, and a box of truffles for later. Then we walked along the shore. It was gorgeous! The mild weather, the breeze, and the full moon. You could see the lighthouse from where we were as well. It's really a spectacular site with the moonlight shining down on the water. (And Kat, I FORGOT my camera....I could have kicked myself!) So, I suppose that was my "fun" part of the weekend. The next half will consist of old tile, new shower heads, and my dh's muttered curses as he tries to replace all that needs replacing. WooHoo! 

What I did on Friday night....By Sherry B.

That's right....it's 78 at 8:00 at night....are you jeaaalllouuuuss? LOL

Good Morning!!!!

Happy Friday everyone!  (Kara, I imitate, because I love....lol)

My girl and me.....

It's almost bedtime and we are acting silly....

A few moments before dinner....

Oh but you should see my closet....sheer beauty! And I've got a huge bag for good will. It is so warm outside, I've got a tank top on! Dh is washing the truck and youngest is riding bikes with her aunt. Oldest is reading in her room, due to her "grounding". Nothing serious, just a glitch in the system. And where am I on this warm and beautiful day? Sitting here on the computer while dinner is cooking. I was going to take one of my books out to the swing and read....but I had to wait for the turnips to boil.

Speaking of my books, yesterday while strolling down the aisles of the library, I heard something strange. I didn't know what it was, but it sounded like a machine that kept groaning on and off. As I got closer to the back, I realized it was snoring! A woman was all curled up in a chair by the wall, sawing logs! There was an older man sitting right next to her, reading, so I guess they were together. Either that or his hearing aid had a low battery. Very odd.

In answer to Karensull's question....yes, I do listen to Judge Mathis while I'm cleaning. And Judge Marilyn Milian. Its very entertaining to hear how petty people can be. I love it when the judgement is something crazy like $20.00. Oh, I forgot about Judge Larry Joe from Texas Justice....ye haaaaaa!

Well, the turnips are done, the ham is glazed to perfection and the corn is ready....time for dinner! (Lanny, I saved you some cake, but since you bought your own, I'll just eat it! ;o)

Cleaning out the closet with Judge Mathis....

I am tired....

Well, it's 8:30 and I am ready for bed. I am so tired tonight! I didn't do anything out of the ordinary today....I didn't even get to the dreaded ironing! We ended up having the stir-fry....which turned out very good. I added new ingrediants tonight, and the family liked it. I also decided to make a carrot cake. Now, before Karensull starts complaining about my "kitchen talk", let me say it was a box mix. Even I use shortcuts! (However, I did add freshly grated carrots, chopped raisins and a bit of crushed pineapple for that homemade taste....and I did make cream cheese frosting....yummy!)

I ended up going to the library today, and got three books. One on photography, one on parenting teens, and one funny book about life. I love going to the library, but it's kinda far from my house. But, they are building one that will be much closer and the kids and I are excited about that. At the library we go to, in the children's section, they have a huge Chinese dragon that hangs above the books (like the kind they use in parades). My dd is a little scared of it. She says, "What if that thing falls?" I have noticed that she never checks out books by authors with last names ending in F-J. 

 I've just been strolling along in "journal land", reading and laughing and generally relaxing. But now, I'm getting tired and think I might go to bed....maybe I'll start one of my books. So, until tomorrow my fellow journalists....goodnight, sleep-tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite! 

Am I DRIVING you crazy????

Okay,  if my dh finds out I made this entry in my car while driving....he is going to take my keys away!  So....don't tell him!

Good morning....

I just got back from the bus stop....it's FREEZING out there!  My nose is cold and my hands are cold....everything is cold. I know, you guys up in the north east are snickering, "What a WIMP....she can't take 50 degree weather!" Well yes, I am a wimp. I used to be able to withstand nose-hair-freezing temperatures. But since I've moved to Fl, I think my blood has thinned. I'm getting much more used to the warmer climate. Tomorrow and Friday are supposed to be 75 and 76....that's right. Stew in that northerners!

Today is Wednesday, which means it is "mid-week-cleaning-day". This is the day that I do a once over dusting, make a feeble attempt at washing floors, and dive into the pile of laundry that has grown hair and growled at me as I walked by. I know I say I love cleaning, and I do, but ironing is by far the worst chore known to man. It falls behind washing dishes, taking out the garbage, and even scrubbing the toilet. I think it is because no matter how much you want it to be done, it's a chore that has no shortcut. Trust me, I've tried. "What honey? Why is the collar wrinkle free but the rest of the shirt looks like a road map? It's the way you hung it in the closet! Be more careful." And no matter how careful I am, I always manage to burn myself. My dh says I should be banned from using anything sharper than a butter knife or hotter than a heating pad. 

I need to decide what is for dinner tonight. I'm leaning toward beef stir fry with those little baby ears of corn. It's that or meatloaf (GROSS!). I know, leave your choice in my comments, and I will let majority rule. That way if my family doesn't like dinner, I can blame it on the journals.....yeah....that's the ticket! 

How fun!

I had such fun with my aol by phone today!  My dd came home with her friend and they laughed like crazy over it. We are Simpson fanatics here. A few people thought that the male voice was my hubby doing an impression....but it wasn't. I went to a Homer Simpson soundboard and asked questions that would go with the quotes they had. I want to do it with my answering machine!

I have been so crabby lately! I think I am pms-ing. Everything is ticking me off....people leaving clothes on the floor, crumbs on the counter, smarting off to me, being a dfh....you know, the usual. But it's really making me angry lately. I just told my *loving husband (*enter sarcasm here), that I WILL leave him alone....all night! He was complaining because there were lines in the tv picture. Well....that happens sometimes. The directv is acting up. But he says to me, "It's coming from the connection at the wall...." Meaning....my dsl connection for that "damn internet" is interfering with his precious tv. Well tough S&%#.  Live with it. A few lines aren't going to ruin your evening. So, I tell him to quit acting immature, (he was throwing the wires around), and he says to "leave him alone". Fine, I can do that. I'll just sleep on the couch. Yup. I'll go get some blankets and a pillow, and move the alarm clock, pull out the bed.....awww crap. That's too much work. I'll just sleep really far away, on the other side of the bed. Why do men act this way? Why can they not see us for the domestic goddesses that we are? Why can't they treat us with the respect....no, worship that we deserve?!  Okay....I feel better. Have a wonderful night everyone....I know I will.

Why yes....I DO have way too much time on my hands....

I just love this thing!  LOL....alright....I'm going to do my sewing now....I swear!!!!

Just being goofy....

*Kara....ya know I love ya! ;o)

I'm so lazy....

Well, I have managed to make it till 2:00 without starting my sewing....and now I am behind. Crap. I hate it when I do that. I did clean the house, wash floors, do laundry, etc. I enjoy that, but the sewing gets on my nerves sometimes. My dh works for a company that makes halos for people who have broken their necks, etc., and cervical implants for the spine. What I make are surgical positioning board covers. They go over the posts on special tables that are used for back surgery. They kind of look like hats. I had never sewn before with a machine when my dh volunteered my services....so I was sent to the woman's house who was previously doing it, for a 2 day lesson. Now, I can whip those suckers out like nothing on my $3000 machine....but I have no idea how to actually use the machine to make anything cool like curtains or slip covers. I really should invest in a sewing class or something like that. I would love to make specialty pillows or something of that nature to sell. But, that would involve me researching, taking classes, honing my skills....and I am much too lazy for that. But, I've been thinking about it. Who knows? In a year you may be referring to me as Sherry the Pillow Queen....

It's meeeeee!

*For transcripts of this entry, please send $2.00 to:

Journal Transcripts, NY, NY 10001

AOL by Phone...

Well, I tried to post using the aol by phone, but it isn't showing up, and when I try to call back, they say they can't sign me in with my information.  Why oh why did I think that this would be easy? Maybe it takes a while for it to show up on your journal....or maybe it just screwed it all up! I don't know but I will try again later....I must do some cleaning now!

A Fun Sunday Night....

Well, it's after nine on Sunday evening, and I'm getting ready for bed. I've had a fun evening....catching up on journals (some funny reads out there), and e-mailing with one crazy lady! (you know who you are....LOL). I also signed up for the aol by phone. I may decide to try it tomorrow morning, after the kids go to school. I don't know why, but I somehow think I'd feel funny talking into the phone about my day with people watching me. My dd would probably say that I need to get a life. Wha? I have a life....and it consists of reading journals, calling into my journal, updating my journal....

*Cough, sniffle, sneeze....*

Good Sunday afternoon to everyone....I am sick. My head hurts, my chest is congested and I'm sneezing. And my clothes hurt to touch me....have you ever had that? Where it just hurts to have anything against your skin? Well, that's what I feel like. And I started making dinner, but now don't feel like finishing it....waaaahhh. But I must, or the salmon patties will stink up the fridge. I also made sweet potatoes, corn on the cob (for the vitamin "c"), and home made chocolate pie (for vitamins "f-a-and t".  All I have to do is cook the patties, but that takes a while and splatters a lot. Crud. Why do I start these things when I don't feel good? Probably because it's a rainy day and I just had the urge to cook. The girls and I got drenched going to the car at church, so I had the heater up full blast. I'm dry now, but still chilled. Well, enough of my complaining. I am going to list 5 things that are good in my life, to counteract the negativity that plagues me today.  Okay, here we go. Ummmm, uhhhhh, let's see. Okay, I've got it. 1. My kids are home and enjoying a cozy day with the family. 2. It's raining and we need it. 3. My family will have a nice, nutritious dinner today. 4. My husband is happy today. 5. I have the best bunch of journal pals around!