Lawnmower woman....

Today I was a good wife and mowed the entire lawn for my dh. I  actually got the blower going as well (I can never start that dang thing), and cleaned up. I tell ya, he is one lucky man to have me for a wife!

He started his Lit class tonight. He also finished it. There are some people who enjoy getting into the thick of literature, discussing Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter, and weather or not it was America's business that President Clinton got "serviced" by Monica in the White House. (This was the first class discussion). My husband is NOT one of those people....anyhow, working full time and having three classes is a bit much....so he is dropping the lit, and sticking with econ and statistics. Good choice I say. He was laughing because the professor was a rather "dramatic" Englishman who is definately into his profession. He said the man would pause with his hands in the air, eyes closed, and then begin a poem or quote from some author....I can only imagine what was going on in my husband's mind. He told me he was praying the guy wouldn't ask him to discuss his "feelings", because he told the class that this course is ultimately about "your feelings and emotions".....when he got home, he immediately popped a Prilosec....

So, this means I will have to cook on Thursday nights again....*sigh. It's strange having him not here during the evening. It reminds me of his 14 years working the midnight shift. He was always sleeping in the evening, so it was like I was a single parent. The kids would get to see him when they got home from school, and after dinner, but that was it. It's a hard schedule, but we were used to it. Funny thing is, when he went to days, we were so out of whack, I wished he was still on nights! We are used to it now though....

Boy, this has got to be one of the most boring entries I've written. Of course, I'd be able to concentrate better if someone would quit iming me and go back to *bashing her haggis! (You know who you are!)

*Warning: this is HIGHLY addictive....

Goodnight....

 

 

 

Taking a break....

I've been cleaning since 8:30 and now I'm taking a break. It was one of those mornings when I started in my bedroom, and then decided to dust everything including what is on the walls, candles, I even soaked the rosehips since they were looking a little dusty. Now the door is closed and it's the only completely clean room. I finished the girls rooms, and their bathroom down to the floor....but I'm contemplating giving the dog a bath, which means there is no need to mop yet. I also knocked a glass into the sink and it completely shattered all over. There was glass on the floor, counters, and still in both sections of the sink. I don't know how it happened. It was almost as if it threw itself off the dish drainer....goodbye cruel world!

I want to get the rest of my fall decorations out, but that will take forever, deciding what goes where. I am trying to be more organized this year. When I begin decorating, whatever doesn't go up, gets pitched. I need to conquer my clutter, and get down to only what I need. I've been doing rather well getting rid of things. I want to declutter the washer/dryer area today.

I'm thinking I'll make chicken soup for dinner, as Kara's entry yesterday made me crave it. maybe I'll even make the bisquick dumplings....everyone loves those! After mentioning the Pepperidge Farm cake we had for dinner the other night, so many people said how much they liked them! I defrosted the chocolate chunk cake, and it wasn't very good. The icing was okay, but the cake part was so bland. I haven't tried the coconut one, which seems to be the favorite among PF devotees.

The kids went back to school today. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! They were driving me crazy! Actually, they wanted to go back....apparently I'm not as fun as they thought. *Sigh.

Okay, my 15 minute break is over, and I must continue slaving away. I still haven't decided weather or not to wash the dog. I'm at about 20% yes, 80% no right now. Guess he will have to spend one more day dirty.... 

+ =

Why do kids not listen? Today I had just finished mopping the kitchen floor when the phone rang. Being that Betsy was at the computer I asked her to answer it. I didn't know the phone wasn't on the desk, and she ran through the dining room and almost onto my freshly cleaned floor....however I was standing there and stopped her. I told her not to go into the kitchen so that she wouldn't slip and fall, so she ran to her room to get her portable phone. She brought it to me, as it was the husband.

Fast forward TWO minutes. I'm standing by the door (which is in the kitchen) and yell to Betsy, "You had better get going, we have to be at Gram's in ten minutes."

I continue talking to John, and out of the corner of my eye see a blur sliding past me, arms flailing, nacho chips flying....yes, she had forgotten that the floor was wet and went sailing past....ending up on her elbow, knee and finally, back. I'm trying, between fits of hysteria, to ask her if she is okay while she is on the floor moaning. This only makes me laugh harder. It was one of those, "Oh Lord I hope she is okay but dang that was the funniest freaking thing I've ever seen!" kind of laughs. Dh is still on the phone asking, "What is going on? What's happening?!"

By this time, Betsy is holding her knee, and laughing just as hard as I am. I am finally able to contain myself enough to tell John what is going on. Honestly, I don't know how she managed not to hurt herself, being that she had a glass bowl with nacho cheese, a bag of nacho chips, and a tall glass of water in her hands as she blew past me. The only thing she spilled was some water. The bowl landed right side up on top of thechips, and the glass was on the counter....she must have reached out and slid it up there before she went down.

Now, normally I don't laugh when my kids are injured....really. I was very relieved that she was okay! And Betsy did start laughing almost as soon as she hit the ground. It was just so funny....I'm laughing right now thinking about it....it was like it happened in slow motion....boy oh boy, there goes my mother of the year award....

Seriously, she wasn't hurt, just a scrape on the knee and her elbow is a little sore. We ended up being late to my mom's, as I had to wait until I was composed enough to drive....

Other than that little incident, our day has been pretty boring. Wee one spent the day at her friend's house swimming, after her trip Betsy went and stayed with my dad while my mom went grocery shopping, and I spent the day organizing my desk. John started school tonight, so he won't be home until later. I have a feeling the first few weeks of school are going to be rough. Between work and classes that last until 9:00 three nights a week, I'm going to be living with an ogre....and not a humorous, green one with excessive ear wax!

Well, I'm off to tuck wee one in bed. Goodnight....

The aftermath....again....

Well, the storm is gone....thank goodness. It wasn't as bad as Frances, which was also a plus. It was more of a severe thunderstorm, minus the thunder. We got a lot of wind, and lost power for about an hour last night, and four hours today. But things are up and running again. As you can see from the pictures, we had a pretty big branch end up in the back yard, and a mess everywhere else. John and the girls cleaned it all up though, while I worked inside. I still don't feel up to par....and milked it a bit as well so that I could stay inside! LOL....I'm so evil....

The girls are off school again tomorrow. I swear, I might as well homeschool! This is getting ridiculous. It has been sunny and warm all day....just a bit of wind, which had died down as the day went by. There are, apparently, 21 schools that are still without electricity....along with 90,00+residents in the surrounding three counties. We didn't even have to turn our generator on. I think John was disappointed. He kept saying, "Just let me know when you want me to turn it on." I didn't let him during the day, because I figured if we were going to be without electricty for a few days, we might as well save it for evening. Of course, we are now ready for the next one....

I did leftovers for dinner, and BOXED cake for dessert. Not even a box mix, but a boxed FROZEN cake! How's that for lazy? LOL....it wasn't bad. It was a Pepperidge Farm vanilla cake. I went to their outlet store the other day and they looked good....

Okay, I'm going to go and make John's lunch for tomorrow. I hope the Georgia residents are faring well with the remnants of Jeanne....stay safe Gretchen!

Update....

So far so good....just rain. Those garbage cans behind wee one are now in our yard....I hate when garbage day is Thursday, and people leave them out the rest of the week!

We are getting ready to eat our hurricane dinner. Mom and dad got her a little bit ago, and are visiting with the kids. It really is cozy here right now....the house is dark, and I have my candles lit, my Halloween tree is on....of course it's supposed to be 88 and sunny on Tuesday, so there goes that fall feeling!

Pictures....

I saved the pictures before writing the entry, because AOL ate the last one I wrote and I wasn't taking any chances!

I'm sitting here, waiting for the storm. It's breezy, and that's about it. A lawn chair almost blew over earlier....

Dh just left with my uncle to retrieve his generator from the plant. I suppose I will just putz around the house for a while. Wee one wants to go to church, but I still feel like crud. I had a dream that I went to the doctor and he gave me some kind of steam treatment that loosened everything in my chest....then I started coughing like crazy. Weird.

Okay, I'm off to do some wash. I have to enjoy my electricity while I still have it!

Have a great Sunday....I'll update later!

Shutters and flashlights and candles, oh my!

This is how I'd like to think the weekend will be....happy little raindrops on my window. However, after reality sets in....

this is more likely. What is up with the weather? My mother's neighbor works for the EOC in the next county and she said that if my parents had someplace to go, to stay with family who have shutters, it might be a good idea. Apparently this storm is going to be bad. They have already cancelled school for Monday. I'm so glad I did my shopping today! We have a full generator, and 22 extra gallons of gas on hand. That should get us through a few days. They are saying that it's not out of the realm of possibility that we could get winds of 100 mph. Now there's a scary thought. What makes it worse is that the ground is so wet, that the trees are already "loose"....you can see some that are actually leaning because the ground is so saturated. I was checking our trees, and they are all fine, nice and straight. Then there is the 50 foot pine tree in the neighbor's yard that is leaning precariously toward my roof....

We will wait to see what the forecast says tomorrow....hopefully it will show that the storm is going to stay out in the ocean. If not, it's up with the shutters again. Man, I can't stand that! It's like being in a tomb. Of course, I would prefer that to a tree coming through my window, but still.

Wee one has a friend over, and they are having ice cream cones in her tent, watching Chicken Run. They are so cute together. Apparently there wasn't enough time in class for the kids to give their student counsel speeches, so that will have to wait until after the hurricane.

I'm sitting here at my desk, on the internet looking for things to do. I've read some message boards, gone to the aol parent's gameroom (no one is there....wth?), looked at some graphics. We ordered pizza and it was good. Papa John's cheese with fresh tomatoes. Very tasty. I'm kinda thirsty now though. I need some water. I finally have the computer to myself, and there is nothing to do! Man, I hate when that happens.

Okay, I am going to go get some water then lie down. My throat still hurts....goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!

Hurricane shopping....again....

I love this squirrel. He looks like he's about to say what I'm thinking! LOL....I've had it with hurricanes and warnings and everything that goes along with it. I got sick of looking at my porch, so the other day I put all my furniture back, put the decorations back up....and now they say Jeanne is going to be here this weekend. I have no groceries, yet haven't written my list, so I have to do all that crap....not to mention the fact that this is Friday my CLEANING DAY. So, now I have to put that off whilst I shop. I also feel like total crap. My throat doesn't hurt....if I don't swallow....so, I'm downing green tea with mint. I look like crap, feel like crap and the last thing I want to do is shop. But if I wait till tomorrow, I'll be kicking myself. I'll be shopping during "hurricane hysteria". Here's a bit of advice, from me to you...."Do not, under any circumstances whatsoever, move to Florida!"

I took Betsy to the doctor yesterday and got her referral to the urologist. Everything went fine. She has no more pain, but they made her give another "sample" (#4). She told me she never wants to "go in a cup" again! lmao....poor kid. I picked her up at school and the first person I see when I walk into the courtyard is her old boyfriend and his new girlfriend. I ignored the kid and kept on walking. I heard "Mom!" from across the way, and she and her friends were walking toward me. I was thankful she saw me because I had no idea where she was. I didn't get to see the new boyfriend, as he wasn't out at the time. Apparently he is 6'4, and Bets is about a foot and some change shorter than he. Should make for an interesting picture! Senior guy is still calling, but she said they are just friends. Man, I never had that much attention as a teen....

Wee one is giving a speech today. Whomever wants to run for student counsel had to write a 30 second speech, and will give it in front of the class. I had her write down everything sc does, and we made it into a poem. So, she reads it, and at the end she says, "I'm 'wee one', and I approve this message!" I about fell off the bed laughing. If the teachers could vote, she'd win....I'll let you know the results this afternoon....peace out.

Fall, Flu and if I felt better, another clever "f" word....

Why oh why does my throat have to hurt? I dont' associate cold and flu season with Florida. I guess because you always think of getting a cold when it's actually cold outside. In any case, I've got something....my throat hurts, my head is stuffy, and all I want to do is sleep. I already had coffee at 6 am, trying to soothe the soreness....

Today I have to pick Betsy up at school for her referrral appointment at the regular doctor. I'm picking her up during lunch, which means I'll have to walk on campus, in the middle of lunchtime. This means I will be milling about in a sea of teenagers....ahhh! She promised me she would be on the lookout for me....and she better be. Of course, I could stand there and yell for her....oh man, wouldn't that be funny? She would be absolutely mortified....lol.

Being that this is the last weekend before dh starts school, we were planning a trip to GA....however hurricane Jean seems to be putting a kink in our plans. I'll have to wait till tomorrow to find out what her true path will be, although it looks like we won't escape this one. I'm telling ya, I've about had it with freaking hurricanes. Dh did wire the house so that if we lose power, we can run everything except the air conditioning off the generator....including the computer! WooHoo Homer Simpson style! LOL....the girls will be glad to know this.

I don't know what to make for dinner. I made absolutely ZERO last night. Dh had leftover soup, I don't know what Betsy had, though I heard her microwaving something, and wee one went to church with her friend which meant a stop at Burger King. So....that means tonight I have to actually cook something to make up for my "laziness"....lol. I think we will have lasagna. That is something easy and only one pan to clean up. Yeah, sounds good.

Oh! I forgot....wee one found a scorpion by our front door last night. He was a little one, about 3 inches long, but scary none-the-less. I took a pic of him....I should post it, but I'm done writing and too lazy to do it. Hey, at least I'm honest....

Untitled.....

On Monday, wee one gave her first ever oral book report. She said that she was so nervous she felt like puking (her words), but that she did a good job. Thankfully we had finished the actual report last week, so all we had to do this weekend were the notecards and project. Of course, I forgot all about it until Saturday afternoon, then there was the Sunday morning spent in the ER....but we got it all done. She told me that her teacher was mighty impressed with the moblie she had made.

She read an American Girl book about Kirsten, who lived in a log cabin and went to a one room school house. So, I let her use my slate chalk board that was hanging on the wall for messages as the base of the mobile, and from that, she hung pictures that she drew about the story. She wrote the title with chalk on the slate....it turned out really cute. I'll take a pic when she brings it home. She also took in a log cabin she made when she was 5. My mom was watching Martha Stewart make an entire village out of cardboard covered in pieces of pine cone and decided to try it with the kids. So, they sat for hours, gluing individual pieces of the cone to cardboard house bases....and they turned out great! The teacher was impressed that she made that as well....wee one was absolutely delighted. I hope she gets an A....she takes these things so seriously! A little boy did his report on the same book. I asked her how he did and she says, "I'm sorry mom, but it stunk!" I told her that I'm sure he did his best, and it wasn't nice to say something like that about someone else. She told me, "Well, he only told part of the story, and even though he had a picture of the Indian girl, he never even mentioned her name!"  Oh jeez! Talk about a stickler for details! LOL.

Today I have to get dressed and out of here early, as dh wants me to go with him to the college to get his books. Now, why, I ask you, do I have to go with him? I have 100 things to do today, not to mention the fact that it is "early dismissal Wednesday", AND Betsy has to make up a test. So....I'll have to pick her up, then race back here to be at the bus stop in time to pick up wee one and the little girl I'm watching.

I'm so restless lately. I don't know what to cook for dinner anymore. I don't really feel like cooking, yet, I'm not in the mood for take out. Last night I made a lovely pot roast, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots and potato rolls. What did wee one say? "I suppose we are having a roast again." Well excuse me!....lol. It made me laugh in a way....dh and Betsy raved about it and hogged out. It was pretty good....

Anyway....I guess I should get going so that I can be on time for my outing with dh. Wouldn't want to miss buying books....it will surely be the highlight of my day.... 

Tuesday.....alone at last....ahhhhhhh....

You have never seen a happier woman than when I walked into my quiet house this morning....it's been a loooong weekend! After being stuck in an emergency room with my husband for 8 hours, I was ready for some "me" time! LOL.

First things first....Betsy is doing fine....just a bit of residual back pain.  She did pass the stone, however her kidney is still swollen. We need to make an appointment with the urologist, but, of course, with our insurance I have to take her to our primary physician first for the referral. Now, it's not like I'm asking for a referral to a urologist for the heck of it....why do I have to drag her to the doctor? What are they going to do? NOTHING. Well, they will take my money first. So, I have to take her out of school AGAIN for that appointment, and then try to get her into the new doctor, which I'm sure I'll have to take her out of school for that appointment as well. Our day at the hospital started with, "Hello, can I help you?"
"We have an 8:00 appointment."
"You aren't on our books, you'll have to make an appointment."
(Me getting mad), "We HAVE an appointment, it was made yesterday when we were in the ER."
(dirty look) "Oh."
Apparently they didn't have her on the books, and luckily I had brought my paper with proof that we had been to the ER. They squeezed her in, but she couldn't have the test because she still had contrast in her system from the first test. Well then WHY were we told to make the appointment so soon? They substituted a sonogram for the CT, as well as an x-ray. All this took only 8 hours....but it's done and she is doing good! I'm so relieved. She was in such pain....it made me feel so helpless to see her lying there, knowing I couldn't help her.

I just picked her up from school and she is telling me all about her day. Apparently the grape vine is in full swing, and everyone knew she was sick. Her teachers were sympathetic, and she got to listen to her cd player in class. Awwww. New guy (senior!) was worried about her too....I baked oatmeal chocolate chip rasin cookies for her as well, and she is stuffing her face as we speak. I still like to take care of my "little" (I can pretend,can't I?) girl.

Well, it's time to pick up my other child at the bus stop. A mother's work is never done!

"JBCoupe's DD Spends the Weekend Stoned" (Say WHAT?!)

No, my daughter is not on drugs....we spent 5 hours in the emergency room early Sunday morning, waiting for results from her CT scan to find out if she had appendicitis. Turns out, although she presented with the classic signs....she has kidney stones. I didn't even know kids got them! Apparently so, as the doctor said she had a 5 year old with them. I felt so sorry for Betsy....she was in a LOT of pain. After the iv, the pain passed, as did the stone I think. However, we are getting ready right now to take her back for another CT. The one they gave her for her appendix had dye in it, and they don't use that kind for the kidneys....so we had the option to go home and wait until today, or admit her and wait for the dye to leave her system. We chose to leave and come back this morning.

I'm going to take wee one to my aunt's, and she will take her to school for me. DH and I will get Bets to the hospital for her test. They said they would admit her if the stone was larger than 2mm, but I don't think that will happen today. While reading up on the subject, I found out that the #1 cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough water....and I know dd is guilty of that! I told her she must give up the Dew, and start chugging the H2O. She isn't thrilled with that, but all I have to do is remind her of the pain....suddenly she is drinking water! LOL....

Anyhoo, that is the story and I need to get my rear in gear. I'll report back on the findings. Have a lovely Monday everyone!

Saturday....

No, I did not have a run in with a racoon, and there is no corresponding story to go with the graphic....I just thought it was funny.

It's 1:06 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2004. My oldest daughter is at a friends house, my youngest just went to swim at her friend's house, my husband is just finishing washing the truck, and I am sitting here, doing diddley squat. I made an egg and sausage breakfast, tidied up the house, vacuumed, mopped, did dishes and got dressed. Now, I'm sitting here. It's not too bad outside. It was 79 this morning with less humidity than there has been since May, and a bit of a breeze. I should go outside and enjoy it. But, I probably won't. I only put on lipstick today, and ran a comb through my hair. My desk is knee deep in envelopes and I'm so mad at myself for being a day late on the house payment. I am NEVER late on a bill. I just forgot because of the concert. Dang it. Oh well. Once in 17 years isn't too bad I suppose.

I went to the room mother's meeting on Friday. They sure didn't go to the lengths they did last year. A basket of muffins, a basket of danish, a plate of cookies and juice. Usually there is hot stuff, cold stuff, mixed fruit, coffee, tea, etc. Of course that's not why I go, I just thought it was interesting. A new team of PTA gals are heading things up this year. They did a good job with the meeting though. They work really hard. I was annoyed with the fact that we "absolutely can not have a party with any mention of "Halloween" or "Christmas"" It must be called a "harvest festival" or "holiday party". They even consider Santa to be off limits. To this I say WTF???? You can't even celebrate Santa any more? Becuase some people don't believe in it? COME ON. That is absolutely ridiculous. I understand that we can't do anything about baby Jesus....heck they even warned us not to do anything with trees that are adorned with angels....and you probably shouldn't even do trees. Again, I say WTF???? I think we are going waaaayyyyy over the edge with this politically correct crap. So, I guess I'll have to figure out a way to celebrate the holidays without actually mentioning them. *End rant.

I should be doing something. I have two tubs of pictures I need to go through. I have piles of recipes waiting to go into books. I could start another batch of sewing, and I need to fold some clothes. Why do the weekends seem to last so long? I don't know. I feel lazy. And my head hurts. My virus is going away though, and Betsy feels better too. Wee one is on the mend as well. Did I mention she has a bladder infection? I'm too lazy to look back and see if I wrote that. I'm worried about my short term memory. I seem to forget everything. I have spent two days trying to remember what you call that red, flappy thing that hangs down from a turkey's neck. It's a WATTLE. I remember this morning while laying in bed. I am one of those people who know really odd things....but I couldn't remember that. It made me worried. Oh well. See Kara, you aren't the only one suffering from CRS.

My alerts seem to be working now. I'm glad. I hate when it does that! Obviously this entry was just a train-of-thought entry. Sometimes it's nice not to really think, but just write.

Okay, I am going to go do something. What? I don't know. But something. Have a good one....

Oh what a night....

It's after midnight and we are home. What a great evening!

I needent have worried about feeling old....the average age I would say was late 30's to mid 40's....but you couldn't tell. It was a bit weird to see middle aged people in mini skirts and concert t's, drinking beers and giddy with excitement. There were quite a few people who had brought their kids as well. When we went in, they had us go to the box office, since we had paper tickets that had been printed from the computer. When we got there, the girl asked where we wanted to sit, even though our paper tickets already had assigned seats. She gave us the option of the floor, or just to the side of the stage. We chose the side....oh my gosh. The seats were awesome! We were about 25 feet from the stage. The view was perfect. After listening to a half hour of a band I had never heard of, (and won't hear again, if I have my way! lol), the lights went down and....

From the side of the pitch black stage, appears a silhouette and a glowing cigarette butt....followed by the unbelieveable strains of Eddie Van Halen's guitar....the crowd went crazy. Then, you hear the unmistakeable voice of Sammy Hagar....and the lights come up. I have to admit, I jumped up out of my seat like a teenager and screamed! LMAO....I don't know who was more surprised, me or John. I couldn't help it....it was just amazing. They played for 2 1/2 hours and every minute was spectacular. I have to say that Sammy has got to be the most personable guy to see in concert. He spent half his time up there, signing hats, shirts, cd's, whatever people handed him.He would be signing something and when his lyrics would come up, he would sing, then go back to signing. He didn't turn anyone away. The crowd was awesome as well. Of course, I was sitting next to a woman who looked like a librarian....but her sensible shoes and bucket of popcorn didn't stop her from rockin'. Toward the end, the unmistakeable scent of "mary jane" was in the air....however, with the age of the crowd, I'm not sure if it was for pleasure, or medicinal....

Funniest moment: While coming back onstage for their second encore, bassist Michael Anthony trips up the stairs and falls flat on his face....I don't think many people noticed because it was dark, and the view we got was because we were to the side. He jumped up immediately and wasn't hurt....that or he was drunk enough that he didn't care....they were quite liberal with the Jack Daniels!

Most Embarassing Moment: While walking back to the car, I was holding my dh's arm with one hand, and swinging the other. It was rather crowded and a group of men were walking behind us, One of them got a little too close, and as I swung my arm back, I got a handful of, ummmm, well, "jewels". The guy looks down and says, "I'll give you 20 minutes to stop doing that!" I know I was red as a beet....I couldn't stop laughing.

Grossest Moment: Like all good times, things must come to an end eventually. All the way back to my mom's house to pick up the kids, I was basking in the glow of a night that brought back the carefree days of my youth. I was replaying the concert in my mind, and just enjoying the evening. We pick up the girls and have a nice quiet drive back home. We turn onto our street and I hear Betsy say, "Oh Hayley don't!" Then, the sickening splatter of a child who ate too much spaghetti for dinner....lmao....so much for being carefree. So, I stepped out of my "girl on the town" persona, and back into my "mom with the paper towels" shoes. 

I have to say though, it was a nice break for a while! 

 

Audio entry

Van-freakin-Halen baby!!!!

 jaxevents.com

 

Well, tonight is our concert. I'm looking forward to seeing Sammy and the boys....lol, sounds like I know them! I'm kind of nervous though....I wonder what the age span of the audiance will be? I don't even know what to wear. I should go out and buy something....but, I have to go with dh to get his school books this afternoon....bummer. I tried to get him to go alone, but for some reason I need to be there when he buys them. Why, oh why can he not function without me? Arrggghhhh!

Anyhoo, not much else happening here. I am not getting any of my alerts, well, actually, I've gotten like 2. Is anyone else having problems? I hate when that happens because now that they have the alerts feature, I don't bother to save any of the new journals I look at. I just count on being reminded by e-mail. That's what I get for being lazy.

I shall report back on the concert....have a good one!

 

Shopping naked....

 How's that for a teaser title? This morning I decided to go to the grocery store before starting my cleaning. I sometimes do that because by the time I'm done doing everything here, I have no time left for errands before the kids get home, especially on Wednesday's when I watch the little girl down the street. Anyway....it was a few minutes past 8:00 and the store was a virtual wasteland....I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed blowing across the produce section. Apparently people around here are not early risers. However, what shoppers were there, were women like myself, getting a jump on the day....and not wearing makeup.

I have noticed that the basic rule is this....if you shop with a naked face, you wear an outfit that is on the "dressier" side, (as opposed to running out in your torn shorts and t-shirt), and your hair is done. Conversley, if you have your makeup done, you can either 1. have a messy do i.e. quick pony tail, hand combed hair OR 2. the afore mentioned torn shorts and t. Don't ask me why this is....I think it has something to do with the delicate balance of fashion and comfort. "Would you look at that hairdo? But my, what lovely capri's!" See what I mean?

You can also tell someone is shopping sans-Covergirl by the way they are continuously looking down at their list, intently studying lables, and, of course, pushing the basket at mach 5, so all you see is a blur as they woosh past. Of course, when two of us naked-shoppers make eye contact, we give the "nod"....this is the secret signal between busy moms that means, "Neither rain, nor snow, nor lack of cosmetics shall stay us from our appointed round....steak."

Anyhoo....the shopping went well. I got everything I needed all while refraining from the dreaded "impulse buy". I got the stuff home in record time, and was in the house before 9:00. Not bad....now that Ivan is so far off, no one around here is scrambling for the last can of "hoppin john".

I'm just looking around here and thinking about how much I need to get done. I could be done with everything in roughly 2 hours, however realistically....it's going to take longer. I always get sidetracked somehow. You know, it's the usual gee, that picture looks crooked, oh boy, this frame needs dusting, well, might as well take all this off the wall and clean it, hmmmm, maybe I should move this here, and that there....but I think today I'll stay on track, as I have to pick Betsy up at school today. She went early for the "Meet you at the pole", where they go and pray for their school, and schools across the country, and also for those in need. She was excited about it and was telling us about it at dinner last night. After listening for a while, wee one piped up and said, "Oh really nice Betsy. What do you do say OH GREAT POLE, BE WITH US TODAY?" I almost spit my tea out laughing. I said, "Honey, they are praying AROUND the pole, not TO the pole!" You just gotta love kids....

Have a good one!

Pumpkin passion....

Every year with great celebration and tradition, I welcome the fall with the first Brach's candy pumpkin of the season. Ever since I was a child, a Brach's pumpkin meant that summer was coming to an end, and fall was on its way. This past Saturday, Betsy and I bought our first package.

Walking into Walgreens, I sent up a silent prayer that they would be there. Locating the candy aisle, I began scanning the vast array of confections, my eyes finally settling on them....bag upon bag of the treasured harvest mix. Tentatively, I reached out a hand, and let it slide along the gleeming packages of tri-colored cones and glowing orange spheres. Their plastic coverings like silk beneath my fingers. Thoughtfully, I made my selection, choosing a bag that was not too light, and not too heavy. Cautiously, almost reverantly, I raised the sweet prize to my nose, and inhaled deeply the familiar autumnal scent of corn syrup and Red Dye #7...."Oh yes," I smiled to myself, "life is sweet...."

I must be on some sort of pumpkin kick, as I made not only a pumpkin pie for dessert last night, but also a loaf of my famous pumpkin bread. As you can see in the picture, it made quite the nutritious breakfast. Yesterday while looking through wee ones pile of papers, there was an announcement that picture day was coming up on Tuesday. Being that we had no other warning, I assumed that they meant next Tuesday....wrong. Thank goodness I put her in one of my favorite tops today....although i would have preferred to have done her hair a bit fancier than her usual farm girl braids. Oh well....at our school they offer spring pictures which is kind of nice. That way if I'm not happy with the way these turn out, I know we have another chance later on in the year.

Betsy was elected president of her poetry club yesterday. She was quite excited about it. And her best friend Emily was elected vice president. WTG girls! Emily is Betsy's best friend....she is an absolute doll. I just love her! She is so easy going and has such a sweet spirit. I'm so glad they are friends. It's strange to watch your own kids, doing the same things you did at their age. They hang out in Betsy's room, try on clothes, makeup, listen to music.....it seems like just yesterday I was doing the same thing with my best friend.

Okay, I had better get up and do something....the wash isn't doing itself....

Monday again....

Oh man, what a night....remind me never to go to a certain restaurant again. I'm not even going to mention the name, because just the thought of it makes me woozy. I really do think I got food poisioning....I have never felt so horrible in my life. It was one of those times where you have to sit perfectly still, and I mean barely breathing....I think my color went from healthy pink to a lovely pasty white in seconds. This morning I'm doing better....although I think today's caloric intake will consist of water, tea, and possibly a dry piece of toast....

Our weekend was a quiet one. Wee one had a friend spend the night on Friday, then they went to her house to swim all day Saturday. I took Betsy to Wal-Mart, then came home and did nothing. John washed the car for me and we ended up watching Starsky and Hutch on pay per view. I really liked it too....it was quite entertaining! Another movie that we saw this weekend was Duplex....oh man, that was freaking hysterical! (Yes, it was a Ben Stiller weekend at our house....)Sunday we took the girls to the IMAX theater and saw Bugs!, which was fun. We had never been there before and it was quite an experience. They have a 6 story screen that is 80 feet wide, and they warn you that if you begin to feel dizzy, just close your eyes for a while. Apparently you need to sit in the wayyyyy back to get the full effect. We were in the middle and it was hard to focus on the screen. It makes you feel like you are right there, in the middle of the action. This story followed a caterpillar and praying mantis through the rainforest. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous. It was truly like you were standing in the middle of all of it. They have a nascar one that I'm sure could make you quite dizzy! After that we went for a drive, and then to "the restaurant". Although, while there I did pick up some WONDERFUL hand lotion. It's the Dionis Goat's milk lotion in the Harvest scent....I tell you, when I smelled it tears sprang to my eyes! One sniff and it brought back memories of our trips to Amish Acres, fall, my mom's cozy home back in Indiana....it's funny how certain scents bring back such vivid memories....

Today I will clean at a nice, slow pace....I also have to do the bills I've been putting off, and some laundry. I'm looking forward to a quiet day at home. The girls were off all last week, except for Friday, and that day I had to watch my dad....he loves his new hospital bed! It makes it easier for him to sit up, and get up....

Well, I hear the closing theme to Arthur, which means it's time to get wee one's hair done and out to the bus stop. I think we will be driving down there today....I don't look very good....lol. I hope everyone has a great Monday!

We shall never forget....

There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.  ~Author Unknown

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~Author Unknown

 

Pictures and quotes courtesy of:

http://www.quotegarden.com/11sep2001.html

http://www.september11news.com/Mysteries1.htm

Guilty pleasures....

I know that I'm 35, and a mom, and not supposed to be cool....but sometimes I just don't feel that way. I enjoy things that I know I'm not "supposed" to....but I can't help it. I know, I know....age is only a number, you are only as old as you feel...still, I do get curious glances when my mini-van is reverberating with the sounds of Usher and his oh-so-hot song "Yeah". I was watching Saturday night live the other night, and I saw him perform this song. Now, I'm not into hip-hop, BUT, I was mesmerised by his moves and the hypnotic beat of the song. I am fully aware that I should be happily listening to my 80's station, or humming along with Fleetwood Mac....but sometimes I feel the need to break out of my sahm mode and, well, get jiggy with it....

So, I ask you, what are some of your guilty pleasures that you know you are supposed to be "too old" to enjoy, but do anyway? In the privacy of your home, or out in public....stereotypes be damned!

A few of mine....

Music: I am not into Korn or any of the screaming stuff, but I have to say I'm a fan of Simple Plan, Outkast, and Nickleback (something about that lead singer makes me, dare I say it, tingle! ::giggle:). And although Betsy rolls her eyes 95% of the time, that remaining 5% spent rocking out with my teenage daughter is well worth the embarassment....(that is, until I replace the correct lyrics from Fountains of Wayne and sing at the top of my lungs "Betsy's Mom Has Got It Going On!" LMAO)

TV: I LOVE "Degrassi: The New Generation" on "the N". I watched the original series "Degrassi Jr. High" and "Degrassi High" when I was younger, and a few of the cast members from back in the day are on it now. I suppose it brings back memories....

Driving: Okay, now this is a true confession that I am so embarassed to share....but it's bound to make someone laugh (or gag, I'm not sure!) If I'm driving along and there's a cute guy next to me at a light, I might decide to touch up the lipstick, slowly, and well, you know, wet the lips, etc. Then you give the sly little smile.... Oh man, is that pathetic or what? But hey, you only live once and you might as well make it fun, right?! Right? Come on....someone agree with me!!!!

Okay, those are just a few of my true confessions....let's hear some of yours!

 

 

Say What????

During the past week I have watched all the news reports about the impending storms, and have followed the alerts religiously. Until today I have understood each alert such as thunderstorm warning, tornado watch, boil water alert. However, today I saw an alert that was a bit disheartening....a snake alert. Yes, a county that is a bit south of us has issued a SNAKE ALERT. Now, being from the north, I have never heard of this....apparently because of the inordinate amounts of rain and consequent flooding, humans aren't the only ones seeking higher ground. Our reptilian friends are too. There was a report during the first few days of the storm, in which a man said that a snake came through his doggie door....but I dismissed it as a "fun" report, something to take the edge off the storm. Apparently, I was wrong to so casually laugh it off. I had to mow today, and all I kept thinking about was wether or not there was a snake, curled up and waiting to strike as I sweated my way across the lawn. And of course, my yard is full of pine straw, which, with just a slight bit of imagination, can feel like a snake piercing the leg. Let me tell you, I have never mowed so fast or furiously in my life. What can I say, this is just one more thing to put on my "move out of Florida as soon as you can" list!

In about 20 minutes I have to take wee one to the doctor for a re-check appointment. She started her ocd medication two weeks ago, and we are going in to see how she is doing. She seems to be adjusted to it quite well, and I have noticed that she is not doing as many of her little habits as before. I think she was under the impression that she would be immediately "cured", as she tells me she is no better....although I can tell when she is fibbing. She thinks if she isn't better, they will give her a pill that will work faster, and I keep telling her that she won't be 100% well this quickly. Also, I want another few weeks to see how she is at school.

According to the news, the kids will go back to school tomorrow, although I don't see what will get done in only one day. Of course, with Ivan comingalong, and as destructive as it is, we may have some more days off next week....here's hoping we don't!

 

JBCoupe-1, Frances-0....

*First, let me say that we are extremely lucky being this far north, not to have suffered any truly devistating effects of the hurricane. So many people have lost so much more, and my prayers are with them. Although I was inconvenienced for a few days, I still have my home, my posessions, and most importantly, my family. For this, I am truly thankful....

After 4 days of sporatic electrical outages, constant rain and lukewarm food....I think it's over. Man, what a storm! While I had power, I was following the satellite images on the NOAA sight, and they were awesome. I actually saved one of them as my background.

We lost power on Saturday evening, and didn't get it back until 4 am on Tuesday....do you know how long that is in terms of not being able to vacuume? I have to say, by Monday I was getting the shakes, and refused to even look at the carpet as I walked along. Our house stayed reasonably comfortable, due in part to the shutters. Although, we did end up taking them down on Sunday, in the rain, as I just couldn't stand another day in "the hole". As Betsy said, it was like being in solitary confinement. So, drill in hand we went outside and removed the shutters. It was like a rebirth....everything in the house glowed with new life....actually, you really couldn't see much of anything, since it was raining and cloudy, but you get the idea.

I am so thankful that we had the generator. We would run it 4 hours at a time, with a 4-5 hour reprieve. We had it hooked up to the fridge and freezer, a light and my small tv....although dh didn't think the little tv was good enough, and ended up hooking up our regular tv and satellite system. I didn't think that was a good idea, as wee one would want to watch cartoons, and dh would want to watch some stupid car/truck movie....but it all worked out well. We ended up watching funny things, to raise spirits....

My parents fared better than we did....as they had electricity most of the time. They did have about a 6 hour stretch with no lights, and once it came on, it went off again for another 2 hours, but other than that, they did well. Of course, the electricity decided to go out just as my dad was lowering his new electric hospital bed....so he had to actually climb over the handrail to get out! Their house was spared any damage as well....which I am thankful for.

Yesterday morning at 4 am, the electricity finally came on....you wouldn't believe how happy I was. I immediately jumped out of bed and started vacuuming! I had most of the house cleaned when, horrors, the electric went out again! I couldn't believe it. I walked outside and there were all my neighbors, in their driveways on cell phones. Curse words were a-flyin at that point! "What the &*%$? We just got it back!" "I know, I was in the middle of *#^%@& cooking dinner!" I called dh and told him, so he stopped at Lowes on the way home, bought two new gas cans and filled them up. When he got home he said, "We are going to run this (#&^$ thing non-stop!" LOL....the first thing I did? Yes, you got it....I plugged my vacuume in and finished cleaning up! (Hey, we've all got priorities....)

My mom saved the day and made dinner for us. (Thank GOD, because we were getting sick of hot dogs and pop tarts!) We went over and surveyed some of the damage around town along the way. Surprisingly (and thankfully), there wasn't much. A few trees were down, a few shingles were tossed about, and we did see one houseboat that sunk. I felt sorry for the owners! All you could see was the roof sticking out of the water. Again, we came home to a dark house....around 4 am this morning (what is it with 4 am?) the electric went on....and hopefully it's here to stay this time.

Well, I think I will go brew a pot of coffee, and make some blueberry pancakes. Then, I'll take a nice hot shower, and blow dry my hair. After that, I'll do some wash, and maybe surf the web for a while....you gotta love electricity!

**I just want to say THANK YOU to all of those who sent e-mails, wondering if everything was okay with my family, and sending prayers our way. I truly believe it helped! I feel so blessed to have made such wonderful and caring friends here in j-land. You guys are the greatest! ((((hugs))))

 

It's raining it's pouring....

Well, so far, so good. All we have had is a lot of rain, and some wind gusts. It looks like a bad thunderstorm, minus the thunder. Our pool, however, is just full of pine needles and acorns. I hate to think of how long it's going to take to clean that sucker out. Of course, the southern part of the state is really getting hit with this slow moving storm, and my prayers go out to all those who are there. I've heard from Martha (Lifes2Odd), and they are getting the wind and rain, although she says it's starting to get a bit worse.  I haven't heard anything from Melissa but maybe Kara has. I hope she is okay!

We are slowly going crazy, being holed up in our little cave. I have done all of the hurricane ironing, and mopped the kitchen floor. I make hurricane eggs this morning, along with hurricane toast. Dh wants to go out and survey the area, so I think when Betsy gets out of the shower, we will venture out for a while. I am so sleepy! I think my body is confused as to what time it actually is. Sitting here at the computer you would think it's 9 pm!

Nothing much else going on here. I suppose our labor day will be filled with actual labor,  raking up the leaves and twigs and cleaning the pool. No picnics here this year. Wee one is absolutely driving me NUTS! She has been waiting for 2 hours to play the Sims, since Betsy was online. She gave me five minute updates the entire time...."Want to know how long Betsy has been online? I've been waiting exactly 1 hour and 33 minutes. I have watched 3 shows already, isn't it time for Betsy to get off the computer?" Aaaaahhhhhhhh!

I think I will go and get myself ready for our little outing. I'll take the camera in case there are any interesting hurricane pictures to share. For my Florida pals....keep safe! And for everyone else, enjoy your weekend!

A day at the beach....

Well, we are back from our trip to the beach. Seems everyone had the same idea....I haven't seen so many video cameras since I was at Best Buy....

It was a gorgeous day, although rather windy. We fought our way through the crowd, and set up our chairs. John and Betsy stayed behind to hold them down (literally), and wee one and I set out to test the waters. The waves were so big! And the water was like bathwater. I have to say, just standing in water to my knees, I was pulled down twice from the riptide. It was so strong! I kept a hand on wee one at all times after that. She and I waded out to our knees, and the waves coming in were to my shoulders. Usually it would only be barely slapping my thighs. It was quite amazing to stand there and feel the power of the ocean. It was exciting and scary and awe inspiring all at once.

There were LOTS of people there. A lot of vacationers....as they were the ones with the cameras, telling their kids not to go near the water. You could tell the locals, because we were sitting on chairs or blankets, reading, eating, swimming, etc. By the time we were ready to leave, the wind was pretty strong. You had to keep your eyes half shut or risk getting sand in them.

The hurricane has changed course enough that we are downgraded to a tropical storm. We could still get some good wind....but since we put up the shutters, we will probably get a sprinkle or two. Wee one told me that after going from hurricane to tropical storm, it will then become a tropical depression. Betsy asked what that was so I told her it's a storm on Prozac....she didn't laugh.

Well, dh is out getting some dinner, so that I don't have to cook. Now before you all say "awwww, that guy is one sweet man", let me just say I had to complain that no one was helping me, slam things around, and finally, TELL him that it would be nice if he would go get something....so, he is out getting hurricane hamburgers for the family. What a guy....

Here's hoping the storm passes quickly, and we can open up the cave!

It's coming.....

As you can see by the pictures, we have the shutters up. Yesterday when dh came home, we decided to try them out, as we have never had the chance to use them before. The previous owner had put in the tracks, and the shutters themselves were neatly piled in the garage. When we bought the house we nervously laughed, saying we'd probably never have to use them....wrong....

So, 40 minutes later, the whole house was done! It was amazingly easy. You just stick 'em in the track, and screw them in. However, the inside of my house now looks like a cave. I am going crazy! I didn't really think much about how it would affect our every day living. Even when "pc" mom mentioned that they went stir crazy the last time they put theirs up, I thought how weird....but now I know what she means! Thankfully we don't have the shutters on the sliding doors, and our kitchen has some sunlight. I believe I will be spending the bulk of my weekend in there. Betsy says the house looks like solitary confinement....I tend to agree....

After we finish hurricane-proofing the porch and backyard, we are going to go out to the beach. I really want to see the waves....they are supposed to be between 10 and 15 feet. I've been looking at the NOAA site all night and morning, and some of the satellite pictures are absolutely amazing. I would love to be a passenger in a recon plane, and see it all from above.

Well, dh is ready to start working again, so I must go and prepare. I'll post beach pics if we decide to go.... 

 

Audio entry

 

Hurricane Shopping!

Apu: Stand behind the flaming garbage cans. We'll be letting you into the store, seventy people at a time.
Kirk: Oh, let's just beat him up and take his stuff!
Apu: No no no, do not listen to that man. Remain calm. You will all have a chance to be gouged.

I'm so Board....-ing up my windows!

Already people are boarding up their windows. The guy down the street started this evening, after spending the day cutting plywood. There are a few others dh noticed on his way home. We only saw one house with plywood for Charley, and of course a few local businesses. This storm is so huge on the weather maps....I sure hope it decides to take a turn and go out to sea....

Right now I'm listening to "Sinatra Style" on Radio AOL, and wee one is singing along. You really haven't heard anything until you hear your nine year old crooning along with Frank Sinatra!

I made a great dinner tonight. Homemade potato with bacon soup and garlic cheese biscuits. Oh man, it was so freaking good! Tasted like an autumn meal. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to walk outside to a 50 degree evening, with the smell of burning leaves in the air. Boy, do I miss that....Sometimes my heart actually aches with melancholy when I think about my life in Indiana....the traditions I had to leave behind with the weather and old friends. Yet, if I went back, things wouldn't be the same. My best friend has been gone for over 2 years now, other friends have moved on with their lives, people change, time goes on....

I've been having dreams about my dad too. I dream he is well, and can walk and talk and is happy. My childhood memories of him are so wonderful, as are my adult memories. He really was a spectacular father, husband and man. It's really hard to see someone so outgoing and full of life, wither away before your eyes. Whenever I hear this music, it reminds me of him. When we were kids, my mother was the queen of remodeling. She would always be wall papering, painting, cutting out a wall....and dad could be found pipe in mouth, cup of coffee in hand, and paint speckled glasses, listening to old time radio. Every Saturday in a 2 hour block on Chicagoland radio he would listen to Amos and Andy, Fibber McGee and Molly, Glen Miller....he had the biggest homemade cassette collection of radio shows ever. The Mike Rapchack show on WGNradio....that was it! I remember when I would go to my piano lessons (from 2nd grade to senior year), he would sit outside in the car waiting for me, smoking his pipe and listening to old time radio. The only other thing he would listen to would be the Cubs games during baseball season....No matter what project mom would have for him, as long as he had his coffee, pipe and radio he was a happy worker. I suppose that is where I get my love of painting and working around the house.

Well, I'm off to iron, as wee one is pacing the floor, waiting to get her Sims fix. What would kids do without their computer games? LOL....

Here we go again....

This time the graphic is right on the money, as this is right about where hurricane Frances is supposed to hit land. I'm a bit nervous about this one, as they have already cancelled school for Friday, and moved the hs football game to Thursday. I knew this would happen as soon as I got all my rooms painted!

The news has already broken in about 100 times to let us know that it is "still on the projected course" and "be sure you have one gallon of water per person for two weeks." Ummmm, my house is only 2100 sq. feet. Just exactly where am I supposed to store all this water? The big news was the line at the Home Depot this morning. Apparently people are buying out generators as fast as they get them in. A load came in this morning around 7am, and people were in line by 5 am. They were actually handing out those little number tickets like you get at the deli, and it was first come, first serve. I went and got gas today; dh will get his tomorrow and by Friday we should know if we need to put the shutters up. I tell ya, this Florida living isn't all sunsets and beaches....I'm ready to go back to the cornfields of Indiana. Give me a good ol' twister to a hurricane any day!

In other news....I shampooed the carpet in the girls room and the hall today. It looks lovely. It's amazing how dirty carpet gets, even when you vacuume once or twice a day! Let me ask something....do you request that shoes be taken off when your kids friends come to visit? It's a standing rule in my house, but lately Betsy has gotten some flack about it. I ALWAYS take my shoes off in someones house. It's just the way I was raised. Also, let me ask what the take home rule is where you live. As long as I can remember, the rule goes like this....if Betsy is invited to a friend's house, I take her AND pick her up. If she has a friend over, they are responsible for the ride. I've run things this way for 11 years. For some reason, the parents here don't seem to get it. I have somehow become the designated taxi driver. There is one girl who I don't mind taking places, or giving a ride to due to a situation at home....but it's the ones with parents that are perfectly capeable of driving, yet choose to leave it to others that blows my mind. I thought this was common courtesy? And if Betsy gets a ride from someone, I always thank them....am I wrong?

I made pork roast and saurkraut for dinner. It was good. I also had peas and homemade cranberry sauce....mmmmmm. Wee one and I love that. I use the leftovers in a pie, and mix it with cherry pie filling. I think I'll pick up a can tomorrow when I go buy my hurrincane milk and, lest I forget, hurricane hostess snacks.

Okay, I've got to do bills and ironing. Later....