Home again....

Well, here we are....home again. We had such a great time visiting with my aunt. She is one of those people that just sparkle. There's no other way of putting it. She is just a pleasure to be with....and I wish we could be together all the time! From the time I was a child, I have loved being with her. I can remember waiting by the front door for her to come and pick me up. Back in those days she was my "model" for what every woman should be. Beautiful, fun loving, and oh-so-cool. She always had the newest clothes, the hottest cork-wedge high heels, jeans with the widest flares and the perfect hair that never moved....thanks to Aqua Net. She looked just like Jennifer from WKRP in Cincinnati. Blonde, buxom and beautiful. I tried to emulate her in every way. She bought me my first pair of panty hose, and my first pair of high heels. I remember them. They were orange with rainbow wedges. Man I loved those. I used to beg my mother to let me stay with her on the weekends. We would go shopping together and she would tell people I was her daughter....she would let me try on her makeup and clothes....I learned all of my makeup skills from her. Of course, I would watch my mother put on her makeup too....but oh how boring was the blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick to a 12 year old....I wanted to watch my aunt with her glitter and lip gloss!

Over the years many things have changed, but one thing remains constant. She is still the most loving and giving person (besides my mother) that I have ever known. And now, my kids feel the same way about her. When aunt Connie comes, I am shoved aside (literally!) as my girls run to her. One time as they were running from me, I noticed my mother looking at me with a wry smile. I asked her just exactly what she was thinking and she said, "I knew someday there would come a time when you knew how I felt...." LOLOL....I am truly blessed with such a wonderful person in my life. She has gone through things that no one should have to....yet comes out stronger. Her love of life and people and family is one that is unmatched in anyone I know. So, I suppose you could say that the draw to NC for me is not only the scenery and the climate, but also a very special person whom I, and my family, love so much....

We got in today around 4:30. You wouldn't believe the traffic as we got closer to Jacksonville. All of the rest areas were PACKED with cars....most of whom had Pennsylvania or New York liscense plates. I suppose the superbowl crowd has begun their descent. I have a feeling the restaurants and hotels are going to be overflowing this week.

After unpacking wee one and I ran to the grocery store....as I had no bread or milk, and got dinner as well. Betsy is feeling better....thank you all for the well wishes!....her acheyness is gone, as is her fever. She still has a sore throat though. I started her on antibiotics and she has gotten a day and a half of them so far. Thank goodness I had them!

So now, we are all relaxing and getting ready to get back into the groove of things. I got my last piece of tax info just before we left....so I will be doing that this week. THank you to everyone who wished us a safe trip home....((((hugs))))....it's good to be back!

Sunday....

Can you believe it? Our last day here and Betsy is burning up with a fever and has a horrid sore throat. Poor thing. She stayed home whilst we went out this morning because she was fatigued and achey....when we got back I looked at her and her face was beet red....and she was burning up. Since then she has been sleeping and I've been giving her tylenol and tea. I just came back downstairs from setting up the tv/dvd player so she could watch some of her movies. I hope she is feeling better tomorrow. Actually, travelling and sleeping all day tomorrow will probably be good for her.

In other news, we went driving around this morning, exploring the city and seeing the sites. We didn't get the 3-6 inches of snow, but the very tops of the mountains did. It looks like God lightly sprinkled powdered sugar over them....it was just beautiful. After dropping my aunt and wee one off at home, John and I decided to go look around for some subdivisions. We went to one that kept climbing and climbing, to the point that our car was almost vertical! We ended up at the top of a mountain with views that could only be described as breathtaking. I told him that if we bought a house up there, the first thing I would do is bake a cake using the high altitude directions!!!! I've always wanted to do that! LOL....

We ordered pizza tonight and are now sitting around the table....John and Connie are playing dominoes, wee one is watching Funniest Home Videos, Betsy is eating toast and drinking tea, and I am writing this entry. It's so nice to just sit, relax, and listen to the family laughing and being together. I just love these trips....

Saturday.....

Yes, I am doing a repeat of the graphic because this is what wee one looks like this morning! She got up and got dressed and went out to play in the SNOW. I was sitting on the couch, looking out as the snow fell gently onto the pines....talk about beautiful. My aunt's condo backs up to the Biltmore forest so we've got some awesome views. I wish I could unload my pics on here....but alas....I can't.

We are going to go out this morning and run around for a bit, before the heavy stuff gets here. I think we will go to the mall, and wee one wants to get a sled. I think I'm gonna have to splurge on some boots and snow pants as well! LOL.

Well, I am off to make some cranberry sauce for our pork roast dinner later on this evening. I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and if you are in SC or GA, be careful of the ice! It has really hit bad there according to the news. Later....

Guess what????

Oh my....guess what???? Yes, it's official....we are awaiting a winter snow storm! Woofreakinhoo! 3-6 inches possible along with ice....they are already preparing the roads with salt. We should begin getting the snow early morning and all day until Sunday. Hmmmm, I wonder if we will get snowed in? Needless to say the girls are thrilled....and really, we are too. It's been 2 1/2 years since we have seen snow! Thank goodness I packed our winter wear. (Lori, I do believe this is the storm you were telling me about!)

Today was great. We started off the day at "The Thrill of the Hunt" which is a great new antique warehouse. It was unbelieveably well organized and had great prices. I saw several pieces I would have loved to have had. From there we went to Mast General and (Marian, you will love this) we broke our previous record and spent $46 on candy! LOL....this is the store that has the HUGE barrels of candies, from past and present. We had a great time looking and picking things that we aren't used to seeing or have never tasted. The candy usually lasts a good month or so....and some even gets thrown away but that's okay. It's money well spent on memories....

We also had lunch at the Moose Cafe....oh man, was it good! I had the baked chicken with mashed potatoes and dressing and glazed carrots. I tell ya, they give you so much food! I took pics and will post them when I get home. My aunt and I went to the grocery store and stocked up for the weekend, just in case we are stuck....right now John is changing the furnace filter for my aunt, Betsy is doing homework and wee one and Connie are playing their 18th game of dominoes....as you can see, they play every spare second they have! LOL.

Well, I'm off to settle in for the evening. We made some coffee and have some dvd's....I can't wait to have a REAL cozy evening (not the kind I usually have, turning the ac up and pretending it's cold out! LOL)

IT's coldddddd!

 

We are here in NC.....and it is wonderful! We arrived around 11:45 last night and as an added bonus, my aunt was here waiting for us. She had thought she wouldn't be able to get here until today (Friday), but she got home early....yippee!

Today we will begin with our traditional trip to the Mast General Store. We love this place. So country with pine floors and barrels of candy....most of our vacation budget is spent there! LOL....after that we are off to the local Wal Mart because dh forgot deodorant and razors....hmmmm, maybe his secret plan was to become a mountain man while we are here! LOL. I am looking up real estate on the web, just in case we want to tour some mountain homes....I can dream can't I?

Well, everyone is dressed, coiffed and ready to go....see y'all later!

Ahhhhh, much better....

First, I'd like to say thanks to all those who left sweet comments and sent e-mails and cards....I feel much better. It's nice to know I've got so many caring and wonderful friends here in j-land! That being said....on to other things....

Yesterday wee one had her very first massage. Now, before anyone says "Yeah, did you hear JBCoupe lets her 10 year old get regular massages? How spoiled is that?!", let me remind you that this was a birthday gift from her aunt who is very much into "natural healing" and "herbal remedies", etc. In any case....wee one has been counting down the days. Her class at school have planners in which they are to write down assignments, homework, etc. and every evening the parents have to sign it to make sure they have done their work and to check for any upcoming tests, etc. Well, as I'm signing it I see that in the Wednesday box she has written in big letters, "massage!!!!" LOL. The teachers check these planners as well....goodness knows what they were thinking.

She told me her plan was that she would not look at the clock at school until lunch time (so the day would go quickly). After lunch it's not long until they go home, especially since yesterday was an early release day. Around 3:30 her aunt picked her up and they were on their way. Her appointment was for 4:00, then they were going to dinner. She got home after 7:00 and I could tell right away she had a wonderful time.

I asked her how it was and her eyes got huge and she said, "WONDERFUL". LOL. My aunt was laughing saying that she knew what to get her for her birthday every year. Later on that evening I was sitting with wee one and asked her to tell me all about it. She told me she had to fill out health forms (do you have asthma, etc.), and then there was a picture of a body and you had to circle anywhere you didn't want work done. She said she circled her right knee....since she had sprained it falling off the scooter. Then she told me about going into the room, the music that was playing which was "kind of Indian sounding, then they had forest sounds". She described the face ring and said that it was scented with lavender and grapefruit essential oils, but the woman said she would change it if she didn't like it. I asked her if she liked it and she said oh yes! She said there was a little fountain in the room and the water was relaxing. Then, the woman was putting the oil on her hands and getting ready and wee one said, "I thought, come on! I am ready!" LOL....I asked her what she thought when she first started the massage and she rolled her eyes in a look of pleasure and kind of went limp....lol....I'm taking that as meaning it felt good.

I asked her if any of it hurt and she said only one time on her side, and that the woman had told her if anything hurt just to let her know and she would stop....wee one said, "I couldn't tell her mom. I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I only wanted to compliment her!" LOL....what a nut. After it was over she said she was a bit dizzy and the woman gave her some water. All in all I think it was a wonderful experience for her. She told me last night that she thinks she should have another one in North Carolina. I asked her why and she said, "So I can compare and see what they do differently in the mountains." Ah yes Grasshopper, you are  a quick learner....

 

If you are looking for hilarity....don't come here....

Yes, that is me....a sad sack. I tell ya, today could not have started off worse if it tried....I won't go into detail here, as it's quite personal, but I'd really appreciate good vibes being sent this way....if you can spare 'em.

I decided to chuck the housework today and go shopping. I got some things for our trip, then went and spent $100 on clothes for myself. I was hoping that would pick up my spirits....everything I tried on looked great too....but alas, I'm still in a funk. Why was I not told that growing older isn't all sunshine and puppies?

I'm glad we are leaving town for a while....this trip couldn't have come at a better time.

Anyway....there's my entry for today. Aren't you glad you visited? LOL....

(P.S. The sadness is not related in any way to any family members health....thank goodness!)

A cozy dinner....

It was freezing yesterday, so I decided to make a homey/cozy dinner. As you can see I made chicken fingers....and I have to say, they absolutely melted in your mouth! I got the recipe from a cooking show on Food Network. I'm not a huge chicken finger fan....but these were so good....everyone loved them. I made mashed potatoes and decided to put sauteed onions and cheese in them....yum....and of course, I baked an apple pie as well. I have to say, the house smelled wonderful!

It's still freezing today....my hands are cold. I have sewing to do, so soon my fingers will be toasty warm from my rapid fire stitchery....lol. Apparently I missed a UPS delivery yesterday. I didn't realize until I opened the front door when the doorbell rang in the evening. The little sticker was on my door saying that they had missed me and would return today between 10:30 and 2:00. There goes my shopping! It is my free printer that didn't get sent out with my new computer. I'm giving it to Betsy so that she can print out homework in her room. Man, am I a nice mother or what!? Of course, maybe I should give the printer to wee one, as Betsy informed me that her room isn't as "cozy" as before, now that she has the new desk and computer and that "I don't really need a computer in my room....can you take it out?" WHAT? I bought her a huge new desk, fixed the computer so that she could even be online in her room....and she doesn't want it because it isn't cozy anymore? Wow. Although I should be irritated because of all the work we did....I'm kinda impressed. I mean, she prefers ambiance over technology....

Wee one is so excited because tomorrow is the day....the day she gets her first massage! LOL....she is acutally counting the hours down. My aunt got her a one hour massage for Christmas, and they have the afternoon all planned. She will pick her up after school, then take her to the spa (she will be in the room while she gets her massage), then they are meeting my uncle and going out to dinner....someplace that serves spaghetti! I tell ya, I don't remember service like that as a kid! LOL....

Thursday afternoon we are outta here for the weekend....off to NC to hopefully see some snow, if only on the mountain tops. I keep checking the forecast to see if any snow is expected but, alas, there is none. Dang it. The girls were hoping for a blizzard on Sunday so we get snowed in....lol.

I do believe I've been rather excessive with my use of "lol" today. I wrote a few e-mails and thought I was laughing a bit too much. Hmmmm, I don't feel giddy.

Anyhoo, I've got to get going here. BTW, because of all the homework and after dinner "stuff", no one ate any of the pie. It's just sitting there on the counter. All delicious looking. Taunting. Tempting. Calling my name. I must resist....

I took these questions from Melissa's journal....and she isn't going to like one of my answers!

1) What sitcom have you seen every episode of?
It's a toss up between Seinfeld and The Simpsons.

2) What sitcom makes you laugh until you cry?
Seinfeld, hands down....

3) What sitcom do you wish had not been cancelled?
The Family Guy....and apparently most of the viewing audiance agreed with me....as they are bringing Peter and his family back...."Freakin SWEET!" But, if I must choose one that isn't coming back, it would definately be Strangers With Candy...."Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!"

4) What sitcom do you wish they WOULD cancel?
Oh, I don't have to wish anymore because Friends is gone! LOL....sorry M!

5) Who is your favorite sitcom character, either past or present?

Gosh, I don't know who to choose! Present would have to be Lt. Jim Dangle from Reno 911. Got to love the non-government issue shorts....past would be Jeri Blank from Strangers With Candy.

Anyhoo....today was a nice day. We started by going to church this morning, then off to the mall. John got clothes and a movie, Betsy got a candle and a cd, wee one "built a bear" again (let's see, that brings her stuffed animal total to....oh....127?) and a candle. And I got....a candle. Yankee Farmhouse Apple. Boy, does it smell good! I can't wait to burn it.  We also had lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. It was really good....

Since then I've been sitting here at my desk, doing bills, putting away 2004 paystubs and such....getting ready to start my taxes. I am determined to get organized! No more procrastination for me....maybe. LOL.

Okay, I'm going to finish my work, fold my last load of laundry, and drink a pot of coffee so that I stay awake for Desperate Housewives....I'm NOT going to miss it tonight!

(I have no idea why this is in blue, and isn't in comic sans....and I can't change it either....what is up with that?)

A hairy situation....

Betsy has been complaining that her tub is draining slowly....so, armed with my "professional tub-unplugging tools" (a flashlight and my pointy tweezers), I decided this morning to check it out. Holy smokes....no wonder it won't drain....it's really amazing that the girl has any hair left on her head, seeing how much is knotted and twirled around the metal pieces down there. (Notice I also use the proper plumbing terms....).

Anyhow, I spent quite a while picking and tweezing at gross, soap scummed hair, only to have about 3/4 of it left in there, unreachable to my skilled hands. I didn't know what to do....and then, a light from above....I like to think it may have been a subliminal message from Martha....I thought, I wonder what would happen if I squirted some Nair down there to dissolve the hair! Of course, I was out of Nair, however Betsy did have a can of Veet, which is essentially the same thing. So I grabbed the can and squirted away, filling the drain with the foul smelling lotion. I let it sit for about ten minutes, then turned the water on as hot as it would go....and would you believe it....it worked!

I decided to double my insurance and went and got my draino. I put some of the crystals down there and heard their "sizzle"....I'm waiting right now until it's time to flush it with the cold water. I'm hoping that the "sizzle" was the sound of the draino eating away at my clog, and not eating a hole through the pipes because it reacted chemically with the Veet. I am pretty sure those little crystals are strong....as my hand is burning and tingling....I probably should have had rubber gloves on whilst pouring it down the drain....

Well, the timer has gone off so I must get back to my housework drudgery....here's hoping my drains will be free and clear!

I can't think of a subject....

For some odd reason, my monitor is making a very high frequency whistling noise. It wasn't noticable during the day because I had the tv on and my sewing machine was whirrrring away....but now, sitting here in the quiet of the evening, it is driving me crazy!

Betsy is now sick....she actually fell asleep doing her homework and was snoring! I, being the compassionate mother I am, invited both John and wee one to tiptoe into her room and stifle some laughs with me as she snored away....lol. She has a sore throat and the chills, along with being achey. Poor kid. I had her take some tylenol and she is resting now. I made her her favorite comforting dinner to make up for my laughing at her snoring....

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment to get my hair highlighted. It's been wayyyy too long. My highlights are now about 3 inches from my roots....yes, I think it's time to get them redone! I don't know what color to go with though. John says blonde, but I don't think I like myself with blonde in my hair. I want a warmer color....cinnamon, auburn, that kind of thing. Of course, it never fails, two weeks after I get my red highlights the Florida sun does it's majic and I end up with red at the top and blonde at the bottom....so I suppose that answers my question, huh?

It's supposed to be in the 70's on Saturday. I'm looking forward to the break in the weather. It's been pretty cold here....in the 30's at night and low 50's during the day. I hate to say it but I think my body is getting used to the warm weather! I can't believe it. My internal thermometer is betraying my northern upbringing....

I'm so sick of cake. I baked a cake the other night, and it turned out okay. All I had to frost it with was a can (oh man, I can hear Debbie gasping...."What? It isn't HOMEMADE?" lol), which was left over from Christmas....anyway, it was the "whipped" frosting. Let me just say....ewwwww. It had no taste! So, I added maple extract and it ended up tasting pretty darned good. I added pecans to the top and the girls just loved it. Anyway, the next day I went to my mom's and she had just baked a cake....and sent half of it home with me! So....I had a white cake with maple frosting, and a white cake with chocolate (homemade) frosting. We've been up to our ears in cake around here. Now, those who read me regularly are no doubt asking themselves, "How could Sherry be sick of cake? She joined weight watchers just two weeks ago! That can't be on the approved list." Well, you are right. It isn't on the approved list....I did start ww two weeks ago....I also have no willpower....I'm starting again next week. LOL....good thing they were having a special!

I have so much crud on my desk. I have a pile of mail that I haven't gone through, and bills that I need to pay. I promised myself I'd do them tonight....but I don't see that happening. I don't know what is wrong with me. I seem to be procrastinating everything these days. *Sigh. I think I'm having Martha withdrawl. She's been in prison too long....I need her to guide me in the right direction. I miss watching her show....I believe it is on a cable channel that I do not have. I should go look that up. I think I will.

That's another problem I have. I think of all these things I want to look up online....but I'll think of them at weird times. When I wake up, driving in the car, whilst vaccuming....then when I sit down at the computer, my mind is totally blank. I have taken to writing my ideas down....now, if I can only remember where I put the list....

Cold or flu....I just can't decide!!!!

I am so freaking tired! My eyes are grainy and my head is heavy....it hurts to swallow and I feel as though I could sleep for 12 hours. I think I have a virus. Dagnabbit. I just get over the stomach thing, only to be blessed with this. I tried so hard to feel good today....I cleaned, I did full hair and makeup....but, alas, it was all for naught. I look and feel like something the cat drug in....or in my case the dog.

The graphic represents my poor Percy as well. He didn't eat his food all day, and when I was vacuuming, I found the remnants of what he did eat....ewwwww. Just what I wanted to clean up. He isn't usually like this. Earlier when I was sitting here at the desk, he actually went underneath and fell asleep. He is stuffing himself into corners and closets which is usually something he only does if a. there are fireworks or thunderstorms or b. he is going to have a seizure. However, there are no fireworks or thunderstorms happening and he isn't jumpy or showing signs of an oncoming seizure. Hmmmm, I hope he will be okay. He did eventually eat today, and drank some water. Right now he is laying here by me, resting. Poor guy. I was thinking today what would happen if he died. I know the kids would be sad, and so would John. I though, I'd be fine....but then I started thinking more about it. He is with me 100% of the day. I take for granted my little conversations with him....our trips to the vet....scooting him across the floor so that I can mop. I swear, he waits for me to finish and then purposefully walks across the wet floor. Sometimes he will even sneak into my bedroom and hide....knowing he wasn't supposed to walk on the wet floor! LOL. The other thing I think about is his relationship with my dad. He was always close to him....but when my dad became ill, Percy seemed to protect him. He would sit next to my dad when he would come to visit, and he would walk behind him when he started having to use a cane, then the walker. Dad used to scratch Percy with his cane and just laugh and laugh. I don't know who enjoyed it more! They really are quite a pair.

Speaking of dad, we finally got hospice in and things are starting to settle into a routine. We were blessed with a hospice nurse who already knew my dad's situation, as she is my uncle's next door neighbor. Hopefully now, mom can relax a bit and just become wife instead of total caregiver. She will still do what needs to be done of course, but with this new help, she will be able to leave some of the work to others, so that she and dad can be together with whatever time he has left. I tell you, you have to be a special person to work with hospice....their kindness and compassion is wonderful.

Well, it's coming up on 7:30 and I don't think I'm going to even try to stay awake past 8....lol. I'm such a wimp! Night all....

 

Say cheese!!!!!!!!!

Finally after unloading and reloading my software, I'm able to get my pictures up. Wee one wanted me to take some pictures of her new "squishy" pillow and her lime green shag rug. She is thrilled with them. She used her gift card to pay for the pillow, and I bought the rug. She has been begging for one of those pillows....and I have to admit, they are sooooooooo soft. The rug is just too cute as well. I had picked out one that was pink and blue and had a picture of the inside of a doll house....but she nixed it. I guess I am going to have to face the fact that she is growing up....*sigh. I took the picture of Betsy last night and she wanted me to delete it. She doesn't like her smile....well too bad my dear....I think it's gorgeous! I am really liking her hair color as well. It's starting to tone down a bit....

I am feeling better today. I think the stomach bug is finally gone, however, my throat hurts and I feel "coldy". Tis the season....it's been freezing here. This morning it's only 37....of course if I would get off my butt and get cleaning, I'd warm up in a jiff.

I am so ashamed of myself....yesterday I spent the entire day doing nothing. (Okay, I did do a quick straighten of the house, mop the floor and do 3 loads of laundry and make dinner....but other than that, ZILCH!) I actually sat down and watched 8 episodes of Family Guy! I bought the third season of dvd's and decided to spend the afternoon vegging. After dinner I resumed my spot on the couch and continued watching tv....I'm telling you, this morning my mind is mush. I need to get up and out....take a walk....get some fresh air....but all I really feel like doing is going back to bed.

I don't think Percy feels well either. Last night he woke us up digging at the carpet. He has done that before....but not too often....and the other strange thing is that he didn't eat his breakfast. Now, that just isn't normal for him. I know he's getting old....11 1/2....and he has arthritis and epilepsy. He's lost a bit of weight as well. I have a feeling heis beginning his doggy decline. *Sigh.

Well, on that uplifting note I think I will crawl back under the covers and sleep....

I'm back baby....I'm back!!!!

All day I had been waiting for my dsl package to arrive. I cleaned, I rearranged Betsy's room, I even went to Wal Mart and spent a small fortune....I called Betsy from the car and told her to be sure to listen for the doorbell because the package wouldn't fit in the mailbox. However, when I got home, she said no one had been there. So, I finished in her room, cleaned the rest of the house made dinner....and then she goes outside to talk to her boyfriend....low and behold what do you think she finds in front of the door? Yeah, you got it....my dsl package! I swear, there could be an elephant in her room and she wouldn't see it!

So, dh came home and helped me move the entertainment center so that I could plug the new equipment in....badda bing badda boom....I'm surfin the web once again! All I can say is "Ahhhhhhhhhh, feels so right".

So, thanks to a few wonderful (or is it addicted) friends, I am now caught up with the DH storyline. I forgot that the episode will be shown again on Saturday, so I'll catch it then, just so I can say I didn't miss it! I tell ya, the things we will do for our tv habits....

I made an easy dinner tonight....spinach quiche, maple sausage and coffee. Everyone loved it. It was just right for today, as it's actually been cold here. I think it hit 49 or 50 today, but right now it's freezing. We actually had to turn on the heat for a bit. The only thing that would make it better would be some clouds and rain....but alas, in true Floridian fashion, sunny skies are forecast for the next seven days....sigh.

Okay, I'm going to go and check out some websites, journals, what have you. I feel like I've been through dsl withdrawl....my mother says I'm spoiled....methinks she is correct!

OMG....

 I MISSED IT LAST NIGHT!!!!  I was so freakin sick I just laid there in bed....wee one was watching Family Guy and at about 9:30 I thought to myself....oh no, I'm missing DH....but I felt so bad I couldn't even tell her to change the channel. Please, someone put me out of my misery and tell me it was a rerun!!!! 

I feel better this morning, but oh man, I thought for sure we were all getting the stomach flu. I think maybe the stress is catching up to me. I am stressed about the following things: my dsl is in the middle of being switched over, so all I have is this CRAPPY dial up that I can not count on so I haven't visited any other journals because I can't get a page to pull up for at least 15 minutes at a time....because of the dsl thing, dh is having trouble accessing his homework and assignments in his new class and is mad....which of course means I get the brunt of his frustration....I have been snapping and yelling at him so much lately (didn't realize it) that wee one asked if we were getting divorced....which made me feel terrible and I did tell her everything was fine, and it is, but you know how those bad days go....I have tons of sewing to do but between having to help everyone else do things that they should be able to do on their own and my usual work load I can't get it done....I am not doing well on my diet, not bad but not good....I made my online house payment but I don't know if it went through with this freaking dial up and I can't do anything about it with the holiday....oh, there is plenty more where that came from but you don't want to hear about it....

Anyhoo, Betsy decided to color her hair last night. Actually, I did it, and according to the box she should have a lovely "Lindsay Lohan" red. However, she has more of a "ripe plum" purpley hue. Thank goodness I bought the "washes out in 28 shampoos" kind. Although, she is THRILLED with the results and wants to keep the color....sheesh! Actually, I would never tell her this, but it looks rather nice. After about a week of washing it will tone down enough to be cute. Her father just looked at her after we did it....and is eyes got rather large....then he just kind of shook his head and walked away. Wee one on the other hand was much more articulate...."BETSY! WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HAIR????" LOL....

Okay, I'm off to do who knows what. I have been reading my alerts, but haven't been commenting....and for that I'm sorry. Feel free not to comment on mine as payback....lol....not that there is anything here to comment on!

Have a great Monday!

My girl....

I just wanted to thank everyone who left kind comments regarding my last entry. I think anyone who has been a mother can relate to these feelings. It's a fact of life that if you are a mother, you will at some point feel this way. However, there is a flip side.

Betsy is, deep down, one of the most loving and caring people I know. Although she acts like a normal teen most of the time, quiet and reserved and holed up in her room,  she still loves her family. Even though she would never admit it publicly, she has a great time with us on occasion. There are evenings when she will sit with her sister and draw, or talk or laugh over old soundwaves they made years before. She will act goofy with me, singing in the car, or doing the "horse kick" to our favorite Christmas song "Sleigh Ride". When we go on vacation she is excited and enjoys herself. The teen angst and moodiness disappears, and the sunny girl comes out.

One of the things I am most proud of is her attitude with her grandfather. He is no longer the active, happy "Papa" she grew up with, but a very sick, bedridden, hard to understand patient. However, Betsy treats him just as she did before. She never visits without that kiss and hug hello and goodbye. She has watched him a few times so that my mom could get out and run to the store. A lot of teenagers would have been scared away, or saddened to the point of not wanting to be around their ill grandfather. But Betsy isn't like that. She loves him and treats him like the man she remembers....the man who used to take her to the "horsey park" every week with a picnic lunch; or spending an hour taking apart and writing down the correct way to play the "triangle golf tee game" so that only one was left over. Even though they no longer are able to eat together, she still reminices about how Papa was the only one who could make her coffee the way she liked it....since the age of two! LOL....she remembers this and still holds him close in her heart. I am so proud of her for that.

Betsy knows what she wants for her future. She realizes that these are such important years....and she tries hard. She is a true and loyal friend. There are so many things I could say about her....

I know that things won't stay the same forever. That wasn't the point of my previous entry. Life moves forward and our children grow into adults. And if I can pick myself up out of the pity hole I've sunken into, I will see that although things are changing, they still stay the same. I love my daughter. She loves me. Will we continue to sail through rough waters? Sure. But, and this is what I need to remember, we are navigating them together....

Teenagers....or, why I'm starting to get grey hairs....

My daughter started this life as a 7lb. bundle of pure joy. Eyes as big and blue as sun ripened blueberries, hair as black as night. She cooed, she cried, she smiled and laughed....I was her world and she was mine. She grew and still, held on to me for dear life. I was the one she came to with every disappointment and fear....with every celebration and accomplishment. As time has gone by, she hasn't needed me as much. She turns to friends to discuss her problems, and has discovered boys. Yet still, I sit and wait for her to come home, ready to lend an ear, just in case she needs me.

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a one sided relationship with my daughter. She doesn't talk to me, she has her own life outside our little cocoon of a family. She has no time for her little sister, and being with mom and dad is not the thing to do anymore. I know that we need to continue on with our family life, and let these changes occur naturally....but it feels unnatural. I guess the truth is I don't want it to change. We still have our moments of togetherness and one on one talks (which I cherish more than she will ever know), but not like before. I want to be the one she comes to with problems. I don't want her to come home from school and shut herself up in her room. I want her to talk to me instead of giggling on the phone with her girlfriend or guy friend. I know that is not going to happen, but I long for those days. They were so much easier....for me. Maybe I'm being selfish....I probably am.

It was much easier punishing with a time out for not playing nicely, than taking away the phone for lying about some silly thing. When she was little she would cry for a while, and then suddenly stop....and her little world would be wonderful once again. Now? I'm the "evil one" for days. I am the confiscator of the cd, imprisoner of the internet, keeper of the cellphone. I am on the receiving end of unintelligable mumbles, eye rolls and smart remarks. Does it get easier? Will I look back on it someday and laugh with her as she chases her toddler around the room? I'm sure....but right now it doesn't feel that way.

There is a theory that parenting is a part time job. You give birth, you rear them as best you can, you love them with your heart and soul....and then....you let them go. With them they take a piece of your heart....a piece that will never fully grow back. Of course, if it's part of God's plan, she will return with a husband and children and I will get to see the fruits of my labor grow and blossom into a loving family that I had a small hand in creating.

I suppose what I'm saying....what I am trying to tell myself at this frustrating parental moment is to take it one step at a time. I'm reminded of that movie Parenthood....the one with Steve Martin. It was toward the end when the wise grandmother said that life is like a roller coaster. You will have your ups during the good times, and the downs during the bad....but oh....what a ride....

 

A new lawn implement....hooray!

Yes, dh and I made a run to Lowe's last night and purchased a shiny, new lawn mower....it is lovely! Shiny red, self propelled, back bagger and mulching....so exciting was our purchase, that dh mowed the entire front lawn! Actually, it needed it....it's been so unseasonably warm here that the grass is confused. Oh baby, that mower is wonderful. Soooo smooth, one pull and it starts....it actually went so smoothly and quickly that I wasn't able to mow a straight row! LOL. Dh took over after my curvy path and finished it up. Betsy is quite excited as well, since she is the one who will be using it most of the time.

Other than our big purchase....nothing, and I do mean nothing of any excitement is going on. I went and bought out the rest of the thread that Joanns had, since they are closing....so I have plenty of supplies to start sewing. However, I have not done so. I did bills, cleaned house, worked on a few "secret things" and am now sitting here, half typing and half watching All My Children. Is it just me or does Maria drive anyone else crazy? I just can't stand that woman....both real and character. The show is pretty lame lately....but there are so many men with wonderful English accents....I love to listen to them.

Okay, enough of my chatter....I need to get my butt in gear. I forgot that today was "early release" which means the girls are home an hour earlier than usual....so much for keeping the kitchen sparkling clean!

 

Update on wee one....

As you can see by the above picture, wee one is dealing with her pain to the best of her ability....and yes, that is a piece of peanut butter cup pie she is enjoying! I called the doctor this morning, as her knee was still swollen. They had just gotten a cancellation so we got up and dressed and out the door in record time. They took an x-ray and said that her knee wasn't broken, but she does have a sprain. I have to ice it for the rest of the day and she can't have gym class for a week. Wee one was a bit disappointed....she begged me to ask for crutches. She said that she wanted to "experience" what it would be like to have crutches. I think she wanted to "experience" sympathy and special treatment from her teachers and classmates! LOL....

After the doctor we had to run a few errands....return movies, buy thread, stop at the bank, and go to John's office. On the way home she said she had a taste for a hamburger and I said I had a taste for pancakes. I told her I would take her to McDonalds....but I had to turn around and go in the other direction. Then I casually said that I would have taken her to a nice sit-down restaurant that she likes (and who serves pancakes!), and she got all excited. "Do you mean it?" she said, "Like a girls day out?"....now who could resist that? So, off we went. She got spaghetti and a cup of cream of broccoli soup (her favorite) and I got my pancakes and coffee. Afterward I let her pick out a piece of pie to take home. So, now she is sitting comfortably on the couch with her leg elevated and iced, eating pie and watching cartoons. I think she will be just fine....

Oh, I forgot to mention that last night, whilst sitting on the couch in my bedroom she very quietly said to me, "Mom, what if someone finds out I'm only 10 and fell of the electric scooter? The box says 12 and up. Could we get sued?" Now, that was an "awwwww" moment if there ever was one. She said this in a hushed voice, looking not at me but the tv the entire time. She was so serious! I told her that we were fine. That 12 was a "suggested"age and no one was going to come after us. She just shook her head and continued watching tv. Poor kid was worrying about that more than her knee!

I'm off to pick up the house, then sit with my little darling....

Cookie update....

Yeah, I know what you are thinking....that should be orange juice in that glass! LOL....

And so, I put on my best "Bree" smile and walked across the street, cookies in hand. The lady had just gotten out of her car and was unloading things when I started over. By the time I got there, she was heading toward the door, so in my best DH voice I called out "Yoohoo!", (yes, I actually said yoo hoo). She turned around and I introduced myself, extended a hand, etc., etc. We chatted for a bit and she thanked me for the cookies. We talked about the kids and she told me her daughter is....diabetic. I'm mentally running through my brain thinking, what is the proper thing to say to the woman who's child is diabetic and to whom you've just handed a tin full of sugar? I blurted, "Oh jeez, and I just gave you cookies!" To my great relief she laughed and said not to worry....her daughter can have sweets, just at certain times. I felt terrible! I didn't want the poor girl to have to sit and watch her little brother eating all the cookies....I was trying to remember if I had any recipes for sugar free cookies, and made a mental note to check online if I didn't.

Anyway, they seem like a nice family. I didn't meet the husband as he wasn't home, but that's okay. Their youngest is 3 and the girl just turned 7. She said to me, "Your little girl is the one with the scooter!" I laughed and said yes....of course that came back to bite me in the posterior....

Wee one took her first spill on the scooter this afternoon, and I've been icing her knee and feeding her Motrin ever since. I'm a little worried because although she can walk on it, she is having a terrible time bending it and it is swelling in an odd way. There is a knot the size of a marble about a half inch off center of her kneecap, and (while looking straight at her knee) just above and to the right it is swollen and tight. I hope shedidn't chip the kneecap. Kara? Erin? Any ideas? I am going to see how things are in the morning, but I'm pretty sure instead of going out to lunch with the hubby like I planned, I'll be sitting at the doctor's office.

Okay, I'm off to administer more ibuprofin and change the ice pack....I will update in the morning....

Monday....hooray!

Best line from last night's Desperate Housewives? "....and I'm going to french the hell out of him!"~Bree telling cheating husband what she is going to do on her date with George the good-looking pharmasist. Another great episode I have to say....although I don't like Paul planting the dead womans jewelry on Mike....now why do they have to go and do that? ::whinnnnnneeeeee::

I have yet to deliver my cookies to the neighbor. This morning I saw her husband leave, and figured I'd take them over today, so that I could meet her on a one on one basis. When I finally got cleaned up and went out, there was someone over. So, I decided to run to the store....of course when I returned home, they were both gone! LOL....just my luck. It's funny, but I was thinking, "Just be like Bree....go over, take the cookies, extend your hand, smile...." And then when I talked to Kara today she said, "Just be like a Desperate Housewife....be like Bree!" LOLOL....Yes, it's true, great minds do think alike!

I have chicken soup simmering on the stove for dinner. Actually, I forgot I had put it there and went to the store....so when I got home and opened the door, there was this heavenly aroma that greeted me. I was surprised for a moment, and then relieved that I hadn't set the burner any higher than I did. I've been known to start water boiling for coffee or tea and then forget about it....ruining pots in the process.

Well, I'm going to go do my sewing that I've been putting off since Christmas, and watch for the neighbor to come home. Wish me luck!

Oh, I forgot....I'm gonna pimp a new journal that I find quite interesting. The author is a wonderfully talented writer, and from what I hear, her daughter isn't' half bad either! LOLOL....Grams Page.

My journal is alllll shook up!!!!

 And the answer is....100% of those who commented were correct. That was my dad and Elvis Presley in the picture. Dad and Elvis met in the middle of "Operation Winter Shield", a NATO readiness training exercise in December of 1958. They were in Grafenwohr, Germany, which was once the training ground for Hitler's SS troops. Elvis' main job was to chauffeur the big wigs around, however he did eat with them in the mess hall. I suppose it must have been hard for him to fit in, being a "star". Dad and Elvis were both born in 1935, and both married girls 11 years younger than themselves....of course, my dad was 30 when he married mom.  I just love the picture....it's amazing to think dad was right there with "the King", spending days and nights with him, working like any other person. Those were the days....

Today we took the girls to see "Flight of the Phoenix". Ummmm, I'm just gonna put this out there....Dennis Quaid is RIPPED! He's got quite a physique for a guy who is pushin 51.....such a cutie too. There were plenty of muscles on Tyrese as well. However, sweaty hunks aside, this movie was teriffic. Kept your interest from beginning to end with plenty of action and not too much gore. The girls loved it. As we walked out of the theater, wee one said to her dad, "That was the best plane movie I've ever seen!" So, I would have to say....four thumbs up.

After that we went to Barnes and Nobels since John had a gift card that was burning a hole in his pocket. He ended up getting a Lynard Skynard cd and the movie "Easy Rider". (All he needed to round off the afternoon was some Nascar and a six pack of Bud.....lol).

Now we are home, and I've done 2 hours of ironing, the girls are watching tv and so is dh. Oh, this morning I baked cookies for the new neighbors across the street. They moved in this weekend. I'm nervous about taking them over there....I'm just not a gregarious kind of gal....but I'm working on that, and I will do it tomorrow. I was going to take it over this evening, but there are a bunch of cars over there....I'd rather wait till it's just them. I'm so weird that way....lol. Wee one said the little boy was following her on his bike when she was riding her electric scooter. She said he was "so cute". I'd say he's probably 4. I'm not sure about his sister, but I'm guessing 1st or 2nd grade. I'll let you know tomorrow if I'm right.

Well, I must go and get ready for my Sunday evening show....Desperate Housewives is finally back! WooHoo Homer Simpson style! Have a good one....

Let's try this one more time....

Okay, now this is a picture of my father, when he was in the army. He was stationed in Germany in 1958. Can you guess who his friend is? Here's a hint....his birthday is today! Happy guessing!

Little girls....

I seem to be stuck in the middle of a giggle fest....wee one and her friend are having a blast. They got off the bus together and looked like they could be sisters. They are almost the same height, with long hair and matching smiles. It was raining so I brought them umbrellas. Walking behind them I wished I had a camera....they looked like a picture from a calendar. Wee one had my British umbrella and they walked along saying, "cheerio!" When we came in the door, they both oohed and aaahed over the smell of dinner cooking. I told them it was roast beef and gravy with mashed potatoes and corn....they both started jumping up and down saying how much they liked that....lol. Since then they have played with Polly Pockets, had a fashion show, made movies with my camera, and just recently stuffed their pajamas with pillows and dolls in order to look like marshmallows. They are very cute and very LOUD. They have listened to Spice Girls cd's and are planning on watching "Spice World" tonight. It's been such a great evening watching them play and be engrossed in being kids....

Betsy went to her friends house and they decided to go to the movies. No giggling I'm sure....they are wayyyy too mature for that. Or so they like to think.

As we speak, dh is trying to watch tv, but since that room is in between the girls bedroom and the kitchen, I'm not sure how much of his movie he has actually watched....as they have needed drinks and popcorn, and a hard floor to pull the stuffed-puppy-with-rollerskates around on.

I am just sitting here....all alone. No one is on. Probably enjoying their fun Friday nights out. *Sigh. We really should get a group together and have a chat on Fridays. I think that would be fun.

Okay, I'm off to rewind a movie, charge the camera batteries, and clean up whatever trail of toys/clothes/cd's these girls have left....

Finally Friday....

Guess what is on dh's docket for the weekend???? Yes, he came home yesterday with $150 worth of "tune up necessities" for my car. He is going to give it the works. Right now it is in the shop having the air conditioning switch fixed. Yes, the air works, yes the heat works and the fan, belt, etc. are fine. But that little switch on the front that allows a little or a lot of air to come out is broken. So when you want to use the air/heat, you can only use it on the highest setting. Which of course plays havoc with my hair....I turn it on and my hair flies back, my eyeballs are dried out....thank goodness John doesn't wear a hair piece or it would be plastered to the back window every time we needed to cool down! (now there's a mental image to savor)....

Tonight Betsy is going to her friend's house for a sleepover and then they are going out for the day....oh to be young and have a social life again! Wee one is having her friend come over to spend the night here, and is quite excited about it. Last night she asked me if the friend could come, and I said she would have to ask her dad. She was in the tub at the time, with the curtain drawn when John came into the room. She called out, "Dad, can "h" spend the night tomorrow night?" he didn't respond immediately so she added, "Please? She isn't in my class this year, and we really need to catch up!" Oh, she can work that man....he laughs and tells her okay, and is rewarded with, "Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou daddy, I love you!" Then he gives me this smarmy smile to which I respond by giving him a standing ovation using my hand and one particular finger....

I've been cleaning all morning. I'm almost finished though. I got all the laundry put away and even cleaned out my closet. I have a lot of clothes that are going to the good will....they are still on hangers, but I will eventually get them packed up. I have been putting off doing the girls closets....because I hate the thought of it. So much to get rid of, what to keep, what to store....I wish this house had better storage. This is why I hate living in a ranch. I loved my two stories....it just seemed like we had more room.

I'm on day 4 of WW and doing okay. I bought all sorts of "good" food yesterday, and hopefully I'll be able to stick this one out....at least long enough to eat all the expensive crap I bought! LOL....It cost less to join for three months than it did to buy all this stuff! It will be worth it though, even if I could lose 20 pounds. I would be very happy with that. 

Well, I've sat here long enough. I need to finish up and start sewing....

Thursday - shopping day!!!!

WooHoo....it's shopping day! I am looking forward to milling about the stores, humming along with canned music, enjoying quality time alone.  My freezer is stocked with meat, but everything else is bone dry. My fridge is completely empty, and my pantry doesn't look too good either. I am pretty sure all of the cereal is molded together like rocks, because when I pick up a box it doesn't shake but rather thumps. The girls haven't been eating cereal for breakfast lately, and here in the humidity state, once you open a box, you had better eat it fast.  I tried a handful of Golden Grahams the other day and instead of the crispy crunch I was expecting, I got more of a "damp cardboard" kind of feel. Yuck. So, I will only get the cereal they really like this time....I also need to stock up on some veggies. I have been making wee one some healthier lunches. No chips but carrot sticks and dip, an orange (which she loves), that kind of thing. And peanuts....she loves peanuts in the shell. When she takes them for snack time the kids all go crazy and ask her for some. She's also crazy about tuna salad. I can eat plain tuna, or tuna casserol, but I have a thing about tuna salad. I might be able to eat a small bit when I first make it, but the next day, forget it. But, she has no problem with it, so I suck it up and make it....lol. Betsy never asks for much. There are usually two things on her list....decaffinated cappiccino and Mountain Dew. I suppose one cancels the other out? We have not been buying the MD since the kidney stone incident though, so she is going to have to choose something else. She does love the sub sandwiches the store makes....she is a Subway girl all the way....I think she could live on them if I let her! So, anyway, I have to make my list when I get back from the bus stop and head out for my morning of fun....

Tough tissues....

www.puffs.com This morning whilst sitting in the car at the bus stop, I noticed that wee one needed a tissue, and I gave her one out of the box I have in the console. She took it and used it, and then said in a disgusted tone, "Look what you made me do Mom, now I have to blow the other side of my nose!" Well, gee....I'm sorry you have to expend so much time and energy blowing your nose. I know how time consuming that can be. *enter sarcasm here. So, she reaches for another tissue, uses it and says, "Are these Puffs?" I said, "I don't know, why?" to which she replied, "Because they are hurting my nose!" Then, she mumbles something under her breath that sounded like, "stupid things are hard as a rock...." I couldn't help it....I started laughing hysterically. She really got mad at me after that, sighing loudly-rolling her eyes-turning toward the window.

I have learned to laugh at these moments....because they are precious to me. I was a bit more concerned and emotional when Betsy was going through the beginning of her hormonal changes. Every roll of the eye or smart-alek comment was met with thoughts of her becoming one of those terrible teenagers on Jenny Jones....you know the ones who would be disrespectful to the point they had to bring out the boot camp soldiers? I actually used to purposefully have those shows on when I knew Betsy would be with me, so she could see how NOT to behave. Of course, I never had to worry about that with her....it was my fear that caused me to worry. Having kids so far apart in age has been a blessing to me in lots of ways. I know what to expect now....so I can relax and enjoy the moments of frustration and emotions, knowing it's normal.

However, having kids so far apart can also be a double edged sword. I think about all the things I did wrong while parenting Betsy, and I feel guilty. I was such a young mom, and I was uptight with her. I wish I had been able to be more relaxed with her....to enjoy things more. She was such a good baby-toddler-child and now teen. Sure we had our ups and downs, but the worst thing I've ever had to deal with has been a bit of an attitude here and there. Still, there are moments in her childhood that I replay over and over in my mind, wishing I could have done things differently.  Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of her childhood....I just wish I would have been different.

But I digress....

After becoming annoyed with me, I told wee one that she just made my journal entry for the day. She looks at me and says, "Why? Because I don't like your tissues?" The kid is a goldmine of material....

I have a headache! Take three. Three tablets? No, Anacin Three!

+ =

Oh my aching head....I guess wearing the headphones and blasting music doesn't help....right now, however, my house is blissfully quiet, and I am thanking the people at Dell for sending me the "quiet touch" keyboard. I've had this headache on and off today. It feels like sinuses. I would love to nap for a while, but Betsy will be home any minute, and we are going to start on her room....

I took the dog to the vet today for his recheck. I tell ya, I'm going to go broke before he does! $140 to take some blood and say, "Gee, he looks great!" Sheesh! They test his phenobarbital levels to make sure his medication is preventing seizures. You know what? I can tell you for FREE if it's working....and it is. I always know when his medication needs tweaking....it's like a mother's instinct. He's been with me longer than wee one, so I should know. They gouge me $60 for that test....next time I'm going to ask if it is completely necessary. Of course, it may be "necessary" in order for them to give me the script....so they have me by the proverbial "balls". Yeah, you read that right....no PG entry for me today....I'm goin full out PG-13! I'm doing it because my head hurts and I'm crabby to boot!

Anyhoo....I called customer service about wee one's scooter. I placed the call at 12:00, and hung up at 12:35. Yes, I was on hold THAT long. And no music to listen to....just recorded testimonials about how wonderful their company is, peppered with cutsie pleas to "stay on the line and the next customer service representative will be right with you." So, I finally get someone who takes all my info, then proceeds to say, "I'm going to put you on hold just for a second to transfer you to another department". I am sent to another wait pattern....but I was only there a few minutes before Pedro (that was his name) answered. He took my info and put me on hold....for 10 freaking minutes. By that point I had zoned out and wondered if maybe he had said goodbye, as I was surfing the web whilst waiting. There was no recording or anything, just silence. So, I hung the phone up. Two seconds later it rings, and it's my old pal Pedro, telling me that he apologized for taking so long to process my order. I'm thinking yeah, sure, it's 12:30 and you are probably stuffing your face and forgot me....jerk. We finish the order and then he says, you know, we have an accessory pack that was $49....I'm thinking, how nice, they are giving me something free since they forgot to pack the proper parts....but oh no....he can probably still get it for me for the holiday price of only $19.95. I'm like, if I order it, will you send me all the parts? No thank you.  After I refused his oh so generous offer, he speed talks the rest of his "script", and says the part will be here in the next two to three "business weeks" (huh?) and it will come UPS, no cost to me. No sh**?! Really? You mean I don't have to pay for the missing parts? Well, whoop de freakin do. But, the important thing is that they are on their way and wee one is going to be thrilled....in two to three business weeks....

Guess what I've got????

Oh yeah....my new computer is up and running! WooHoo! The doorbell rang this morning around 10:30 and who should be standing there but my neighborhood UPS man with three wonderful, beautiful packages for ME! It took no time at all and I was ready to go. I got the fancy schmancy speakers with subwoofer....won't dh love that?! LOL. I can only imagine what our house will sound like with my speakers and his surround sound....

Well, today was the first day back to school for the kids, and my first day home alone. I should be celebrating....however Betsy is home today. Apparently she spent most of her night "tossing her cookies". Poor kid....she's so pale and says she is shaky and her stomach is "flipping". Doesn't sound good....so she stayed home and is resting. I think she must have some kind of stomach bug, rather than a 24 hour thing, as she has been complaining about her stomach for a few days. I'm sure she will be ready for school tomorrow though.

Wee one definately went to school today. Nothing was going to stop her from riding her electric scooter to the bus stop! She so enjoyed the looks of envy from the little boys with their "foot powered" scooters....lol. Of course, you know what riding the scooter down to the bus stop meant....I had to take it home. Now, I'm not a klutz, however, I am not used to riding the thing, so I decided to walk it. My first problem was waving goodbye to wee one. I held the scooter with my right hand and waved with my left....only to accidently turn the acceleration grip and the dang thing lunged forward, pulling me behind it. I quickly got control of the situation however, and recouped, pulling a PeeWee....(I meant to do that!) I decided not to ride it, but walk it home and stopped to chat with one of the other mom's for a sec. I was getting ready to go when I put both hands on the bars and once again turned the power....this time the front wheel popped up and the entire scooter became vertical. I froze for a moment, holding it there praying it would stop moving....and then realized I needed to release my grip. I got the thing back down and this time, turned off the power switch. We had a laugh at that one and I decided I had had enough and went on my way. I did turn it back on and ride it down the street....at a very slow pace. It's pretty cool actually, once you get the hang of it. Anyway, it's parked safely in the garage, awaiting it's true owner.

So, I decided to finish my cleaning today....it's 3:24 and I'm still not done! Dang it. I have been slacking today. But I've done good on my eating. I tried my new low carb Slim Fast....ummmm, a word to the wise, don't ever, under ANY circumstance try this....it is HORRID! Oh man, worse than horrid....just plain disgusting! I like the regular stuff, but this was nasty. So, I decided to go back to weight watchers. No crazy food, I can eat fruit....I think that is the way to go.

Okay, it's time to finish cleaning....I just love this freaking computer though....I LOVE it! Love, love, love, loveeeeeeeeeeeee it! I had to name it too. I went for a name that makes me think of happy things and reminds me of my kids....care to take a guess?

http://pbskids.org/arthur/friends/index.html

Starting the year off in a good way....

Let's see, what did I do today....well, this morning and into the afternoon, I took down the tree whilst John and wee one took down the outside lights. My home is officially de-Christmassed.

After finishing our chores, my husband excitedly came in and asked me if I was ready to go....go where, I asked, knowing full well where he wanted to go, and just exactly what he wanted to do. Looking deep into my eyes, he took my hand and slowly led me to the bedroom....he closed the door and we stood for a moment in the silence. His eyes roamed over my body and with a note of anticipation in his voice he said "you better take those sweats off...." I knew what he wanted, I could sense it. It had been building for a few days and now, finally, he was ready. Ready to fufill the fantasy he had dreamt of for so long. I stood there for what seemed like a lifetime, wondering if I should let him do it....was it the right thing? Were we ready for such an act? He took my hand and said, "Honey, please, take the sweats off....and put on your shopping clothes on....that flat screen tv I want is only on sale until midnight tonight!"

Yeah, you had to know it was leading up to something big!  He has been waiting to go spend some of his Christmas bonus. He's like wee one when she gets $10 in her pocket....they just have to go spend it immediately. So, off to Best Buy we went, in search of the deal of the century. They had some good prices, but I wanted to shop around. Off to Sears we went, but they were much higher. We then decided to try Circuit City....and they had just what we were looking for, at just the right price. Wee one was not happy, because she wanted us to get the tv with the built in vhs/dvd player. I didn't want it because if it breaks, then you are stuck. I'd rather buy them separately, and get a good vhs/dvd player. So, that is what we did. We also bought wee one a desk, speakers, keyboard and mouse for her room. She was happy....and tomorrow we will go and get Betsy her new desk as well. I tell ya, it's like Christmas all over again!

Anyway, we came home and spent 45 minutes getting the tv, surround sound and dvd player set up to actually work together instead of separately. Let me just say that is a job in itself!  Luckily, we only had to try it two times....and it is working perfectly. John is sitting in there now, watching one of his new dvd's and eating a popcicle....like a happy and content little boy! LOL. He deserves it though....he doesn't ask for much....

I, on the other hand, am starting the new year off completely unorganized and way behind in my cleaning. I have been such a slacker lately. I've gotten used to these lazy vacation days....sleeping till 10, and staying up till 12. I'm telling ya, when Monday rolls around, my system is in for a big shock. Between getting up early, dieting, exercising, and getting back into the swing of homework and school (the kids, not mine), it's not going to be pretty. I suppose I should just sit back, and enjoy the mess....for Monday is just around the corner....