What really matters....

Tonight the pastor of our church from Indiana and his wife came into town. They are on their way to south Florida to visit his parents and wanted to stop in to see my mom and dad. They have been driving for 18 hours but did not want to drive through without visiting.

The girls and I were already there when they arrived. They came in and hugs were shared. I don't really know how to explain these people except to say that they are two of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet. I think Betsy said it best when she said, "Hugging Pastor John is like hugging God. He has a feeling of peace around him."

Within minutes they were sitting with dad, gently talking to him, reminicing about the days when they would work in the church office together, my dad's affinity towards duct tape (his motto was 'if it's broken, use duct tape!'), along with hello's and prayers from all of their friends back home. I could tell my father was enjoying the visit when Pastor John remarked what a good grip dad has. Being that he rarely talks anymore, he will squeeze your hand if he is trying to "say" something. Before dad went to sleep we all stood together holding hands, and John and his wife prayed with us. If ever I felt the hand of God, it was then.

I am so thankful that my girls were able to experience this prayerful time. We go to church and wee one enjoys Sunday school. She goes to her little friend's church every Wednesday for a weekly fun time, and we pray at home. However, tonight was different. They actually felt God. I don't know any other way to explain it. We learn about Him, we sing to Him, we pray to Him and we know He loves us. But it's times like these, when we are reaching out to Him for strength and courage to face the road ahead, we need to feel Him. And I thank Him for sending a faithful servant, in the form of our Pastor, to let us know that He is right here, waiting with loving arms to comfort and console us in our time of sorrow....and waiting with open arms to welcome my father, whenit's his time to go home.

When the girls and I left, my mom was sitting at the kitchen table serving coffee and cake. I hope that they are able to talk to her and calm some of her fears that I know she has, but won't admit. She is a strong woman but she is human....she needs to know that it is okay for her to be sad or angry or frustrated. If anyone can help her through it, they are the ones. They say that God works in mysterious ways....and this visit, at this particular time seems to fit that criteria!

 

It's been a quiet and rainy day. It has rained for a few days now which has been really nice. I believe ther is more scheduled for this week as well. I'm glad because it's getting to be the time of year when the green pollen settles on anything and everything outside. I wanted to go get our new patio furniture, but decided to wait until the green is gone. Those in Florida and Georgia know what I'm talking about....the stuff is all over! I can clean my porch from top to bottom and the next day everything is covered with a green film....you can only imagine how this is affecting me....lol.

Oh, and today my dh discovered the joy of my new vacuum! He moved the couch to clean under it....then decided it was so much fun that he would work with the attachments . He was all over the place....sucking up bug cadavers and errant pieces of lint. Betsy thought we were crazy being so excited over a vacuum....I told her to just wait....one day, after the romance and newness of her married life has faded, she will be calling me with tales of super suction and hepa filters....

I'm so busy....oh so busy....

Guess what I got....come on....it's big and sturdy and loves for me to push it around....no, it isn't a hunky jungle man....it's my vacuum! Oh the joy....I've been vacuuming for the past two days. Let me just say that this is, by far, the best vacuum I've ever owned! It's quiet, powerful and the suction....oh the suction! My carpets have never been so luxuriously fluffy! I am 100% satisfied.

Today I had to take wee one to the doctor. She has a lump on the side of her foot that is quite tender and red. It is painful enough in the morning that it causes her to limp....and if she puts direct pressure on it, it causes her to wince. The doc didn't know what it was so she took some x-rays. They prooved hard to read so we are off to the orthopedic doc to find out if it is tendonitis or a fracture. Once again, wee one is excited at the prospect of crutches. She is such a nut! She was even making wheelchair motions with her hands as she was sitting on the examination table. I told her she was not getting a wheelchair and she said, "But  mom, if I get one then the cute boys will have to carry my books!" Well duh....why didn't I think of that?! LOL....She is fine now....just an ace bandage wrapped around her foot.

After the doc I returned my child to school and headed to the store. I had to get some workbooks for her to help her study for the freaking FCATS (man I HATE those things!), and then on to find some ink cartridges for my printer. Over $50 for ink! It's crazy I tell ya....

It's pizza Friday....but not the good kind like at Debbie's house. Nope, just plain old delivery for us. I did make a cranberry cake however....I haven't tried it yet and it will probably make a better breakfast. It's more of a coffee cake/crumb cake type thing....and I chopped 2 cups of cranberries for it. You know, I need one of those plastic chopper things....the ones where you put the food in then push down on it a million times to get it the size you need. Those suckers were flying everywhere....

Now I'm listening to wee one and her friend in the other room....she is spending the night tonight, but has to go home at 8 am. That means I'll have to get up and wake them....dang it. I wanted to sleep in! Well, I'll go back to bed after she leaves. Hubby is working tomorrow so I won't have to look like I'm doing anything....lol.

Not much is planned for the weekend....although we did get our refund check deposited today. I pulled up my bank site and saw that it was in and yelled to my husband...."LET THE SPENDING BEGIN!!!!" He knew what I meant!

Well, I'm off to put the monsters to bed, then to lie down myself. Enjoy the weekend!!!!

Exercise schmexercise....

I have seen so many interviews with people who exercise and boast, "Oh, I get up at 5 am to exercise because it gives me so much energy!" I will bet you they are being paid to say that because I just finished my workout and I'm exhausted. I do not feel refreshed, energized or spunky. I do not feel like I can conquer the world, run a marathon or even put my laundry away. I am tired. My eyes are heavy and I want to lie down. How long will it take until I am able to do my workout and look refreshed and revitalized....hmmmmm?!

Right before we went to NC last time, dh filed a complaint regarding our neighbors cats again. (Just as a refresher, they are all unliscensed ferrel cats that number in the high teens. They are flea ridden and malnourished and it is against the law here to feed these cats outside of your home.) They have been digging up our yard and mulch and are procreating under our windows....*collective ewwwwww*. Anyhoo, they were obviously sited as the food dishes are no longer in the driveway, and for a while the garage door was down. However....when I was coming home the other night and just ready to turn into my driveway, the woman who lives there was turning into theirs. I actually stopped the car and stared as, I kid you not, at least 20 cats came out of nowhere and surrounded her car! It was like their master was home and her minions were being called by some sort of telepathic mind meld. All you could see were glowing eyes from all directions....spooky! I hurried up and got in the garage and closed it. Yesterday Betsy said that the guy is feeding them on the side of the house now. The side facing us! Now there are 10 cats sitting out there on the little hill....talk about your pussy galore!

Now, before I get a call from PETA, let me just say....these cats are not taken care of other than a few cans of food a week. They are outside all the time, fighting and wandering about. They are mangy and mean. Florida has quite a problem with ferrel cats. One other thing that was really sad. Right after they got cited, I saw them walking a dog....we have lived here three years and had no idea they had one! Very, very strange....

Today is early release day for the kids. I hate these days....throws a wrench in my schedule! LOL....actually, these kids need all the schooling they can get here and I dont' see why they are wasting one hour every other week on this. If the schools here were top rated I could accept it....but they are farrrrrrrr from that. I'll save that rant for another time! LOL....

I suppose I should go in the kitchen and decide on dinner. I'll put it to a vote....salmon patties or lima bean soup....lol....I can hear the "YUCK"'s already! Have a good one!

Vacuum dilema solved....for now!

Well, I have solved my vacuum dilema for now....I just couldn't part with my Oreck. The only real complaint I have is that after 14 years, the outer bag is ripped in some places (covered, however, with good 'ol duct tape!), and because it's been used in a house with a Golden Retriever, it doesn't smell as fresh as it should. (Yes, I wash it all the time, but it's just worn out). So, being the oh-so-smart woman that I am, I went to eBay and did a search for the bags. Guess what? In 5-7 business days I will be receiving my brand spankin new "Oreck outer bag". And I am paying only $16 for a bag that runs from $35+! Of course, my old faithful is still not as powerful as before so, what am I to do?

I covered that by ordering a new vacuum that was not only on the top of the Consumer Reports list of upright vacuums, but cost a few hundred less than the more expensive brands. In side by side comparisons, it outperformed the Oreck and was equal to or better than the Dyson. It has a bag, which I wanted, along with a hepa sealed filtration system and 12 amp motor. It is the Eureka 4807DT Boss Smart Vac and it too will be arriving at my door in 5-7 business days! I got an awesome deal on it at amazon.com. It was $199 marked down to $138 minus a $25 deal they are running in the kitchen and houseware department....so for less than $150 I got the new vac and the bag to fix the Oreck....Friggin Sweet! LOL....My theory is that I will use the new one on Mon. and Fri. and the Oreck for the "inbetween" jobs. I'm so excited!

Every night for the past 5 nights the girls have shut themselves in Betsy's room in order to do my "power ab" workout. It cracks me up! They have been very serious about it as Betsy "has to lose this stomach I'm getting" (oh yes, I feel so bad for you and your size 4 body....), and wee one says she is going to "get healthy". I am glad to see them doing something together. Betsy has also been helping wee one with her math homework. I just love it when they work together on something other than driving me insane! LOL....

Well, it is time to take wee one to the bus stop and start my day....happy Tuesday!

I can't believe I did it AGAIN!!!!

Last night at 9:00 I went into my bedroom and settled in on my couch. I wanted to watch some tv before going to bed. I started flipping through the channels at channel 4, as that is our starting point here in Jax. I got to channel 7 and stopped to watch a PBS special on....sandwiches. They were going all around the country showing different restaurants and the various types of sandwiches that are local favorites. It was very interesting and fun to watch. Dh even came in and watched it with me. However....

When it was over I continued flipping and got to channel 25 (abc), and noticed Boston Legal was on....which set off bells in my head. "Hmmm, isn't there something I usually watch before this? Ohmygosh-I-FORGOT-TO-WATCH-DESPERATE-HOUSEWIVES-AGAIN!!!!" I can't believe I forgot....again. What is WRONG with me? I watched the AOL recap this morning at 6:30, which was an entire 4 minutes and 10 seconds. I suppose it covered most of the important points but....what did Zach do or say to Julie that she did not think was funny at the pool party? Anyone want to recap for me? If so, send me an e-mail!!!! I'm desperate....

Still no decision on the vacuum. I almost bid on an Oreck last night....almost. I know if I buy anything else I'll be sorry in a week....so why don't I just do it? I don't know. This is driving me nuts. I've decided against the Dyson, as there are too many conflicting reports about the suction power, and frankly, I think a bagless vacuum is not as sturdy or clean as the bagged kind. (I have a backup bagless).

It is so nice out this morning. I walked to the bus stop with wee one and the birds are singing, the air is clean and fresh. It makes me want to take a walk, or work on the yard....that will be happening soon enough. We are going to get the back yard into pristine shape this year. That is my goal. We are going to re-sod and put in rock instead of that cruddy mulch. I love the mulch but with the amount of humidity we have here, it rots away and in the spring all you have left is dried up bits. We are spending $200 a year just on mulch! This year we are getting rock. I want the red colored stuff. I'm also starting to plan what I want to plant as well. I want COLOR this year, and lots of it. I can't wait to get started!

Okay, I'm off to start my day....sans kids. Yes, my children have school today....they are having a "hurricane make-up day". LOL....never thought I'd be saying that! Have a good one!

I'm so cornfused!!!!

Okay, I've done more research and guess what....dyson is NOT the best! As a matter of fact, the one rated the best is $200 less than a dyson! I am in the midst of searching out the best deal....my desk is covered with notes I have scratched onto scraps of paper....all relating to vacuums. So, as it stands, I am choosing between 4 different brands. BTW, Oreck did NOT score very well....with only a 4 amp motor. I need more suction than that....

A wonderful, sweet and lovely friend of mine made this comment to me; "Why don't you just go to Sears and buy a FREAKIN Hoover?" LOL....I'm sure that is what most people think. However, this is one way in which I am your stereotypical housewife of the 40's and 50's.....my vacuum is like an extension of my self. I need to find one that fits perfectly with my needs. (Hmmmm, perhaps I should have put this into practice when choosing a husband? LOL....he doesn't read this!) I will, no doubt, spend many more hours deciding which machine to buy. But you can rest assured that when I do, I will have the cleanest, most sand-free carpeting in NW Florida (and that is saying a lot....do you know how much sand there is here????)

I took the girls to rent dvd's this weekend. We haven't rented movies in a year, I'd bet. I picked out "The Village" which was an excellent movie, even though I figured it out in the first five minutes....still exciting and fun to watch. I also chose "The Grudge". Let me save you $3.79 (or whatever you pay to rent dvd's) and tell you....this movie SUCKED. It was horrible....all over the place, slow, just plain stupid.

The girls got "Mean Girls" which I have yet to watch, however they gave it two thumbs up, and "Napoleon Dynamite" which, in a word, was hil-freakin-larious! It is an off-beat comedy that will have you laughing till you snort. Excellent....5 stars!

Today we ran to the Dollar Tree. My kids have been beggin to go all weekend. I don't know why....wee one bought speckled malted eggs, a stuffed duck, some batteries and something else that I can't remember. Betsy got gum and a notebook and some batteries....it was battery day here I guess! I got two garden stakes with gnomes on them, a plate hanger and a ribbon for John. I can hear the collective "huh?"....well, he has been spending at least 20+ hours a week online doing his homework, and this morning he took a test in which he only missed 1. So, I got him a ribbon that says "Homework Champ" on it, and wrote "John B." on the back. I think he liked it!

Okay, there's your update Kara....happy now? LOL....oh, we did rearrange our bedroom all day yesterday, and I steam cleaned the couch. It looks good....I will post pics later....how exciting! Uh-huh....

Shopping....

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day out, so I decided to go shopping! I wanted to check out a wicker patio set I found online at Target. I did find it and it is nice....but I like the one I originally chose better. The one I want is a "Better Homes and  Gardens" brand and is cozier. I always settle for something that is "similar" to what I want, but at a better price. This time I'm going to get exactly what I want. (Oh, and unbelieveably what I want is $50 cheaper....go me! lol).

I'm also in the market for a new vacuum. Upon hours and hours of research I've come to the conclusion that....gasp....I am not going to buy an Oreck. I know, I know....I've had this one for 14 years and it is finally giving out. Oh the memories....

I remember when I got my little guy....we were in our first house and only had been married a few years. Things were tight so I bought him on the payment plan. $32 a month....but he was worth it. I remember the first swipe I took....it was like magic. He sucked up things I didn't even know were there! The first time I changed his bag....we were both a little nervous, but we got through it. For years he was my best friend. We spent hours together every day....sometimes twice a day! Of course, after 10 years, things started changing....

His belt broke for the first time in the spring of '99. I didn't think much of it....until it broke again a year later. We tried to ignore it....go on like nothing was wrong but we both knew, in our hearts, that he was slowing down. Bag changes were becoming more and more frequent. His headlight burnt out and we weren't able to fix it.  His side brushes were permanently bent and my baseboards were not as clean. I did something then that sealed the fate of our relationship....I got out the "hand vac with attachments" and did the baseboards manually. I had turned to another cleaning implement to satisfy my needs....it was the beginning of the end.

Since then, our relationship has been strained. Oh, we still spend every day together, but it isn't the same. The newness of our relationship has gone. We do the same things, go over the same carpet, but not with the same strength or enthusiasm. We both know it's coming to an end, but neither of us has the strength to voice the truth....

For the last few nights, I've been online looking at a new guy....he's unbelieveable. Sleek and streamlined, colorful and fun. The rumors of his suction capabilities are unbelieveable....and he boasts the official "Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation". How can I resist that? Yes, his name is Dyson....and if I have my way, he will be arriving in 3-5 business days.

Don't get me wrong, I will always love my Oreck. I will most likely retire him to the porch, where he can spend his golden years sucking up sand and pine straw. You know, they say you never forget your first....and my Oreck is no exception.

I love ya big guy!!!!

See?

Yup, that's right AOL....you had BETTER listen when a sahm tells you to fix her journal alerts. One more day of that and you would have gotten the spanking of your life! LOLOLOL....

FINALLY my (and, it seems, everyone elses) alerts are working again. Woofreakinhoo. Although I have to say, I am ashamed of myself. I must be getting pretty lazy that I can't manually click a link in my sidebar to get to someone's journal; but instead wait for AOL to serve me an alert via e-mail. Oh man....I'm becoming my family!

I have mentioned before that afterschool two days a week, one of wee one's friends from down the street comes over and I watch her until her mom gets home from work. Well, she pays me for it, and I got a check the other day. It was for $60 and when I cashed it, I got three 20's. I had the girls with me, and was feeling generous, so I gave each of them a 20, and used some of mine to get them McDonald's since they didn't want the chili I was making for dinner. When I got home, John was there and wee one told him about my abundant generosity. He started laughing. I asked him why and he said, "Man, if I had a mother like you growing up things would have been so easy!" He said that we had just talked to both of the girls about being "responsible" and helping out more around the house....then I "reward" them for not doing it. Well, I wasn't trying to "reward" them for anything. I just wanted to share with them. You know how when you were a kid, if you got $5 you were so excited. I want my kids to remember that when they grow older. Sure I want them to be responsible, but I also want them to be loving and giving. When I gave Betsy the money she said, "I don't want that Mom, it's your paycheck!" and she handed it back to me. I told her to keep it. I wanted to give it to her. I told her that was part of the fun of getting that extra money....sharing it with those I love.

Personally, I think he was just jealous that he didn't get any cash!

It is so gorgeous today. I have my windows open again, and the house smells so fresh. I am toying with the idea of going out and pricing some patio furniture. I have my eye on a set I wanted last year....so I went online and scoured for coupons. If I order the set online with my coupon and free shipping....it's still more than if I buy it at the store with 7.5% interest....and the coupon was for a set "similar" to the one I know I want. So....I guess that means I won't be ordering it online. But I just love to do that! I don't know why....

I should get going. I had my delicious breakfast of vanilla frosted shredded wheat. I am a fan of the shredded wheat....but the vanilla was way too strong. I guess I'll stick with the original flavor next time.

*Random JBC tidbit* When I was a kid, my dad would buy the shredded wheat in the big squares....remember? The kind you had to break apart. Well, I always thought it looked like hay that a cow would eat. So, when I ate it I would pretend I was grazing in a field....(I'll bet there are people out there wishing the alerts were still down after reading this....)

Have a good one!

A note to AOL Journals Maintenance team....

FIX THE FREAKIN ALERTS!!!!

The taxes are done....and the cash is on the way!!!! LOL....

Well, after five hours and three "do-overs", my taxes are done and filed. Whew! I do, however, take issue with what kind of folks they are hiring for their tech support....

I had entered something in that I shouldn't have, and was getting an error message. No matter what I did, or how many times I went back to try and fix it, nothing happened. I kept getting the error message. So, I clicked on the live chat button and waited to be helped. Finally 'MK' came on and asked me what my problem was. I typed out a very detailed response, with each step that I took to remedy the problem. After a minute or two I get this response. "Are you sure you did it right?" Hmmmmm, well, since I'm talking to you, I would have to say no. Sheesh! Apparently the only criteria for working in their tech support was the ability to type and read. However, the problem was eventually resolved and now I'm sittin back, just waiting for the money to roll in....lololol

Actually, I've been online looking at some things that I might want to purchase! You know, just to get an idea of what to spend the money on. I know, I know.....I should just save it. And I am going to save most of it. But I would like a nice wicker set for my screened in porch....and maybe some new carpet for the dining room and living room. Oh, and maybe a manicure or pedicure too....lol.

 

It's that time again....

Hopefully when I'm done with my latest project, this is what I will look like! I'm doing my taxes online and so far (fingers crossed) so good. I have done them online with H&R Block for a few years now and it's been very simple.

I've started exercising....and let me just say, if I keep up with this pace, I'm going to be typing standing up. My legs hurt so bad that I let out an audible groan whenever I stand, sit, bend....you get the idea. I thought today I would switch workouts so that my legs would get a chance to heal, so I put in the ab-buster tape. Now, what made me think that I could do 14 minutes of "power ab" work and not be sore I'm not sure. And I was okay for a while.....until I sneezed. Have you ever tried to stop mid-sneeze? Well, it is impossible. I can't tell you the pain that ripped through my mushy-overworked midsection. I have taken some allergy medication to prevent any further sneezing, and the dinner I prepared is minus freshly ground pepper!

You would think that the pain I've been in for the past two days would keep me from sneaking the candy dh bought me for Valentine's day....a constant reminder that I am on my way to a slimmer, healthier me....yeah, you would think that. But it's not the case. I've decided the only way I'm going to be able to resist the candy is to eat it all in one or two sittings. That way I won't have to think about it and I can really focus on my exercising. Mmmhmmmm. Yup. That's my story and I'm sticking to it....

I'm not getting any of my journal alerts. Well, I take that back....I've gotten all of my British journal alerts, but none of my American ones. Apparently AOL UK has got it goin' on....come on USA....let's get with it! I apologize to all whom I haven't visited lately. Of course no one is going to read this anyway so my apology will fall on deaf ears. None the less, I am sorry and I will be commenting again soon.

Well, I really should get going as I have therest of my taxes to finish, along with 3 turtles and 7 chocolate covered cherries!

Love....

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!  This box of chocolate reminds me of when I was a kid. Every v-day my sisters and I would come downstairs for breakfast and on our plates would be a small heart box of chocolate from Fannie May. Oh, they were so good! Mine would never last an entire day. Somehow, v-day as a kid was so much more exciting than it is as an adult.

I remember getting the candy hearts....I never liked the taste of them but I loved them none the less. As a kid, we would have a Valentine's day party every year at school. We would have a contest to see who could make the most unique card holder....a shoe box decorated as a toaster to receive the cards everyone would pass out....one year I used posterboard and made a pair of overalls, and you could slip the cards in the pockets. I lost to the freaking toaster! LOL....I remember the boys always had sport or superhero cards, while us girls had Holly Hobby or a more traditional Barbie....

And then the room mothers would come in with treats....cupcakes or cookies and juice. It was so exciting, especially if your mother was one of the helpers. As soon as she would walk in the door, you would wave and feel cool because you knew that if they needed help passing the treats out, you were going to get to help. I remember in first grade we had a Valentine program. We practiced for weeks in our music class sining the Valentine song...."Won't you be my v-a-l-e-n-t-i-n-e? If you would you'd surely know how happy I would be!" I remember my friend Rick would sing it and look at me, clutching his chest and making kissy faces....I will never forget that....what a nut he was!

I spent the afternoon baking ice cream cone cupcakes (thanks for the idea Lisa!) for wee one's class. They turned out so adorable! I frosted them with pink frosting and topped them with cinnamon candy hearts. I think the kids will enjoy them. Wee one has all of her valentines written out and ready to go. I bought her a kit this year, and she made teddy bears....the girls had dresses, and the boys had vests....she got to "hot glue" them together. She did a great job! It took her three nights to do them all, and they look great. She also bought each of her teachers a chocolate rose. I just picked out her outfit for the day....red sweater with a red fluffy collar, and a red skirt! You just know you can't wear any other color today!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Valentine's day....full of love and chocolate! LOL....

Date night!!!!

Tonight the husband and I decided to play tourist, and take pictures as we walked in St. Augustine. It was a gorgeous night....the weather was very mild and there were hundreds of people out. We couldn't find a parking spot anywhere! We finally came upon one on a side street, fed the meter and were off.

The picture of me on the little bridge is in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by one big building. They pipe in classical music and many weddings and photo shoots are performed there. It is just gorgeous and so relaxing. If I were rich, I'd have something like that built in my home so that I could sit and have my morning coffee....

We went to some shops, browsing and enjoying the sights. We then decided to go to dinner at a restaurant that we both like. It is a cozy little place that has indoor or outdoor seating. It is still a bit nippy to eat out in the evening, so we opted for the dark tavern style dining room. There was big band music playing and the smell of the food was mouth watering! We both had New England clam chowder and shrimp. It was quite good! Afterward, we decided to walk it off, and went for a stroll along the water. We walked down the docks and looked at all the different boats that were in their slips. I tell ya, there was quite a mix. From inflatable boats with little motors, to multi-million dollar yachts. Boats from Jacksonville, South Carolina and Rhode Island. It seems the farther north they came from, the bigger they got! You could hear music coming from some of them, and  you could see inside them as well. All I can say is, wow. They really do look like houses on the water.

After our marine tour we went back downtown and strolled along St. George street, stopping at our favorite candy/icecream shop. I tell you, you can smell that place a half mile before you get there! They were making fresh waffle cones....oh boy did those smell wonderful! We got a turtle sundae, and let me just say....delicious. We decided that was enough for the evening and walked back to the car and had a nice drive home, taking the back roads. We really needed a night alone....

Other than that....not much has been going on today. I gave Betsy a permanant hair color today and although she didn't like it when she first blew it dry, she has decided that she actually does think it looks good....and it does. It's a lot more red than the first color....and it really brightens her face and brings out her gorgeous blue eyes. I had to laugh when she said the color looked nothing like what was on the box....haven't we all been through that?

Wee one is spending the night at a friend's house and won't be home till tomorrow afternoon. I forgot I have to bake Valentine cookies for her class on Monday, so guess what I'll be doing tomorrow?

Man, all that walking has made me tired! I'm off to bed....night all!

Slacker....

I need this guy to wake me up and get me back on track. I feel like such a slacker lately. For about a month now I've been putting off daily tasks, running late, pushing things aside....totally not me. I don't know what it is. I feel lazy and tired and out of it. I need to get back on track with things. Maybe it's the winter doldrums....I did notice as the weather was nicer, I was beginning to feel better. Of course, now the temp has dropped and it's supposed to be cold for the next week. I'm giving myself till Monday to be mopey, then, I'm gonna kick it up a notch! LOL.....

Anyhoo, Betsy is sick today. She can't swallow and she is nauseous. Unfortunately strep is going around and the kids are getting it not once but twice. I have a doctors appointment for her tonight at 7:00....which should tell you something about how many people are sick right now! Luckily wee one is feeling good....

I've got a room mother "appreciation reception" this morning. I have never been to one in all the years I've done this. I wonder what they will do? I know there will be refreshments and door prizes. Maybe I'll win something spectacular. Then again, maybe I'll just get my fill of coffee and sweets and come home with an extra pound of fat....yeah, that is probably how it will go. One nice thing though, one of my room mom helpers called me yesterday to make sure I was going so we could sit together. I really like her....she's got a great sense of humor and is a genuinely nice lady. 

My sister will be leaving for home on Sunday. She has spent the past two weeks at my mom's, visiting and helping her with my dad. I know it will be hard for her to leave this time, as we are to the point where the question of "will I ever see him again" is having to be delt with. I know my mom has really enjoyed having someone in the house to eat with and talk with and just "be" with. I'll be sad to see her go as well. I spent the day with dad yesterday, so that mom and Jody could go out and spend some time just enjoying the day. He slept most of the time, only waking up one or two times to ask where my mom was. It was sweet.

Well, I'm off to get wee one ready for school. I hope everyone enjoys their Friday!!!!

For all my friends in the frozen tundra....

Yes, it feels like it's time for summer right now! I meant to take a pic of the thermometer during the day, but I forgot....so here's the temp at 7:00 at night....a balmy 78!  It has been a gorgeous day today. How nice has it been? Well....I actually thought to myself on two separate occasions today that it would be nice to go outside and ::gasp:: exercise. And I did exercise, in a way. I cleaned out all of my kitchen cabinets and rearranged them. The just didn't make sense. I had the junk drawer next to the pot holder drawer, and the school paper drawer next to the plastic wrap drawer....it was all mixed up. So I switched them around first then....the rest was history. I spent probably an hour and a half (part of Judge Milan, and all of Judge Mathis....lol) working on it and I'm very happy with the results. However, I am sure it will completely confuse those who have to put the dishes away, and I'll spend the next few months searching in vein for something that has been misplaced!

FCAT's are over for the month (the Florida standardized testing), which is a big relief to wee one. For the past two days she has told me that she has been getting "shivers on my neck, but not good ones, and then I sweat and feel like I'm going to throw up." I asked her if it happens at home and she says no. I know exactly what is happening, as I suffered from anxiety attacks for years. Poor thing. She has been so nervous about the tests. I hate them. The teachers push so hard for them to be ready that their regular school work is affected. Not to mention the scare they put into the kids. They were told if they were absent on test days they would have to go to the principals office! WTF???? Another wonderful attribute of Florida schools. *enter sarcasm here

My girls are at my parents house right now, visiting with my sister. We were there too, but they begged to stay for a while longer. So what are darling hubby and I doing with our free 1 1/2 hour? Well....he is in front of the tv, and I'm in front of the computer. How's that for romance? We took the girls out to dinner tonight to our new favorite Mexican restaurant. Can you believe I had never been to a Mexican restaurant before last December? It's true. The food here is so good. I had a chicken quesadila....wonderful! Anyway, as we were waiting for our food to come, wee one says "You and daddy are the best parents for three reasons. You love each other, you love us, and you haven't gotten a divorce and made us have step parents." Awwww....lol. What a nut!

Grillin....

Mmmmm, what a wonderful dinner tonight! I was almost finished with my grocery shopping and I was looking up at the aisle signs when I saw the word "charcoal" and decided it would be a great night to grill out. So, I got some freshly seasoned ground beef patties in the meat department, some corn on the cob from the produce department, along with some fresh fruit and called dh to let him know that HE was cooking tonight! LOL....the burgers were great, and the strawberries were wonderful! They were huge and red and shiny....yum! I also got some nectarines. I just can't resist those. I like them better than peaches. I also got oranges and bananas....not to mention all the veggies. I tell ya, my cart was more than half full when I left produce and that is at the front of the store!

I ended up going to Walgreens for the prescription, then Wal Mart for my cleaning supplies (and I stayed true to my list....go ME!). I did buy All detergent this time because they have a new "rain" scent....and on the front is a little frog. All you can see are his eyeballs peeking out from under water and it says "Mmmm, good weather for a frog!" (or something close to that....I'm too lazy to go look at the bottle right now). I also got the All brand of fabric refresher. I don't like Febreeze but I love the All scents. It smells so good! Wee one loved the frogs on the bottles.

I went to Big Lots after that, in search of a cheap gnome for my yard but, alas, they have none. *Sigh. My little guy is lonely out there....he needs a friend! LOL. Then, finally, I ended up at the grocery store. I had such a full basket! After packing it all up I had a basket and the bagger did too....I always feel weird having them put the groceries in my car. And now they are doing this thing where as soon as you get in line, they unload the cart for you! Is that just a southern thing? Because back home in Indiana, we had a store where you put your stuff on the belt, and bagged it too! I never know if I should help or just stand there and let them do it. I tried to help today and dropped a package of hot dogs....I just let the guy finish after that.

I didn't do too bad in the money department either. In total I spent under $280 at all the stores. Woo-freakin-hoo! We must not be eating as much because I haven't been doing my normal 2 times a month grocery shopping. I've been averaging one big shop and a small shop. Hmmmm, why then is it that my butt is not any smaller????

I am hoping that my show isn't a rerun tonight. I hate when that happens. You get all ready to settle in and watch your favorite tv program....then bam, during the first three seconds you recognize it is a rerun. I have to sew too. I suppose tomorrow after cleaning I'll start that. The girls have a freakin early release day too....crap. It's not that I don't want them home....but it shortens my day....and it's also a babysitting day. Oh, and Betsy told me that since her bus overcrowding situation has caused them to be late to school for three days in a row, they are changing the schedule. So now instead of driving her to the bus stop at 6:30....the bus will be arriving at 6:15! She tells me this and then says, "That sucks. It means that (and this is where I thought she was going to acknowledge the fact that I have to get up earlier to take her) I will probably have to get up at 5!" So now I have to readjust my schedule once again. Of course, that will mean I can have a bit more morning time on the computer. Hey, that just might work out alright! LOL....

Alrighty....I'm outta here. Nighty night!

Gone shoppin....

WooHoo! It's grocery shopping day! I can't wait to go as I have nothing in the house. I am out of bread, milk and toilet paper....

I have my list all written up, the house is clean and all I have to do now is put my face on. I have my route planned out, as I need to pick up some medicine first.  It's really nice outside today. A little cool and very sunny. I think the next few days are going to be in the 70's!

Okay, I'm off to find my bargains....I'll update later if I got any good deals....I bet you just can't wait! LOL....I'm so pathetic.

Oh come ON!!!! A Desperate Housewives update....

DataLounge Has anyone else seen this???? I just caught the tail end on "Good Day Live" and they are pointing fingers at Bree....oh man, it CAN'T be!!!! (*not that there's anything wrong with that....)

Oh my aching back....

Who knew getting out of bed could cause so much pain! I don't know what I did but I pulled something getting out of bed and spent yesterday nauseous with pain. Thankfully, today is better since I was awoken at 4:30 am to a dog who was seizing next to the bed. That meant lugging out the steam cleaner and giving him a bath. (In the tub, not with the steam cleaner! LOL). Jeez....what a morning! After that I was wide awake so I decided to start cleaning. I got 3/4 of the house done before taking wee one to the bus stop so I decided to reward myself by....rearranging the computer room! It looks so nice now. I love it. Kara had described to me how she is planning on redoing some of her house, and it inspired me to do a mini makeover. So, I suppose that means when my back gives out later today I can technically blame her....lol.

Anyhoo, the weekend ended up being pretty boring, since I spend most of it sitting on my butt with a heating pad on my back. We did go to my mom's for a small superbowl party yesterday and that was nice. We had it pre-game, and I had to check my AOL this morning to find out who won....(no, I'm not a football fan! LOL)

I am so in the mood to get outside and get some fresh air. The weather right now is absolutely perfect. It's cool at night and warm during the day with NO humidity....kind of like a freshly scrubbed spring day in NW Indiana....it smells so good outside. I've even opened windows to let the breeze come through. Oh, and the triple berry candle makes everything smell so good as well....

I bought some new shampoo on Saturday. It's for "colored red hair". I'm hoping it will make my highlights stand out more. I had to have stood in that shampoo aisle for 20 minutes, trying to decide what to choose. There are so many choices! I remember when I was in middle school and I would beg my mother to buy me Jhirmack. It was "the" shampoo to use....but it was also expensive....$3 a bottle! LOL....I always ended up with Agree. I remember the smell of both of them. I'll bet if I could smell that again today, it would bring back memories I had forgotten from my young teen years.

Back then, I had a girlfriend who had the softest hair you could ever imagine....it was like silk. When we had slumber parties and everyone would do each others hair, there would be palpable tension in the room whilst she was choosing who would do hers. I never was chosen, as I was not quite popular enough to be allowed to touch the golden tresses....however, years later I got a bit of satisfaction. At our 10 year hs reunion she was there with white/blonde hair that had been bleached to the consistancy of straw. I actually overheard someone say, "Be sure to tell "D" her hair looks good. She just got it done and she's a little apprehensive about it."  I took this opportunity to go over and greet her. Standing before her in the glare of her highly varnished coiff, I sweetly said hello then continued on as I flung my silken strands of pro-vitamin conditioned chestunt brown hair over my shoulder, and walked away with a satisfied smile on my face....where's your Jhirmack now, baby?!

Weekend ramblings....

Can anyone guess what was for dinner last night? Anyone? Yes, I was a lazy bum and ordered Chinese. Boy was it good! I got my usual....General chicken. I tell ya, my lips were burning after eating that! John got Kung Po shrimp. I've never had that before but it looked and smelled delicious. Betsy got her usual shrimp fried rice and wee one didn't get anything, as she was at a sleep over. I'm sitting here writing this....and thinking about the leftovers in the fridge....no! Must resist....

Hey, you know what? This is weird. I was just thinking about how I like roosters and have the collection, etc....and whilst perusing my graphic choices noticed the "year of the ____" pictures. Guess what....I was born in the year of the ROOSTER! (my menu had another name for the rooster, which should make Kara say, "Well that explains a lot!" lololol) Anyway....according to the Chinese calendar, different years of birth under the Rooster mean different things. Here are some characteristics of people born in the year of the Rooster, 1969:

THE EARTH ROOSTER 1909 AND 1969

This Rooster is overtly organized. He is a little reserved and quite careful in his decision-making. These Roosters are hard workers as well, and can handle several tasks at once. They are detail-oriented who are quite efficient and self-sufficient. They take on responsibility without a cause and are motivated only in wanting to be successful.

Okay, who thinks this sounds like me? Boy, those Chinese are spot on, aren't they? Hmmmm, I wonder if Bree is a Rooster?

Okay, I just posted this entry but had to go back and add this as I was reading more about myself....this is just getting too spooky!

AT HOME WITH THE ROOSTER

As proud as they are of themselves,you can only imagine how they are about their homes. Roosters put a lot of effort into their homes as they reflect the Roosters assets and taste. They are very neat and clean and have everything in its own specific place. They make a chore out of cleaning out drawers and closets with a knack for rearranging them better and better each time they attempt it. This habit is enough to drive anyone berserk, but a Rooster’s family understands his need for a dramatic appearance.

Everything is up and running!!!!

"My dryer works, my dryer works!!!!"

That is me running around all excited that I can do my laundry once again!  Load #2 is already in and it's only 8:30. WooHoo. As you can see by the pics, my dh did a great job. I forced him to pose for the pics....he's such a nerd.

Right now I'm sitting at my desk, enjoying a huge mug of coffee and some homemade chocolate chip cookies. I made them last night. I wanted to bake something for the family since I don't have anything good in the house. But then, once I was done mixing I didn't really feel like baking....so I used an ice cream scoop and made huge cookies. They are really good too. It made for quite the hearty breakfast as well!

I went out with my mom for the day yesterday. We had a really nice time. I bought a bunch of junk I didn't need....why do I always do that? I did get a new cross necklace for myself and one for Betsy because both of ours broke. They are really pretty. I'll take pics of those later. I got her two celestial suns to put on the walls in her room, and a British beanie baby that was 50% off! Let's see....I got two picture frames, some white out, plastic wrap, pumpkin spice and cloves, and two "FBI" packages with badges in them (for wee one's play today) at the Dollar Tree. I also got some clearance craft items and thread at the Joanne's superstore. Oh, and two delicious candles (triple berry and nectarine) and a D.W. diary from the Home store. I think there were a few more things, but I can't think of them now....oh, two pairs of socks for dh and wooden hangers for his pants. And a frog beanie baby for wee one. Okay, that's it. I'm pretty sure. LOL....

I keep forgetting to do my taxes! I really need to get on that. Someone please remind me! No exciting plans have been made for the weekend....wee one is going to a church event tonight, Betsy is still grounded, and JB has to work tomorrow....so I will have plenty of time to do taxes, sew, laundry, etc.

Anyone having superbowl parties? My mom is having us over on Sunday for lunch and such. It should be nice.

Okay, I've got to get going here....happy Friday!!!!

 

Nothing really....

I just love this rooster. He's too cute. I have a small rooster collection in my kitchen, underneath my old wooden ironing board. I should take a pic of it to show, but I'm way too lazy for that right now. I also bought a runner for my buffet and new tablecloth for my dining room table that has roosters on them. Perhaps tomorrow I will take pictures.

Dh ordered the part for the dryer online and with next day delivery it was still cheaper than what the parts store was asking. Yippee. He has the dryer taken apart, washed and vacuumed out. It looks like a brand new machine! Here's hoping the part goes in smoothly and it works.

I made tuna casserol for dinner. I was only making it because it was quick and I thought we were going to go to my parents house. However, we ended up staying home so that he could work on the dryer and do some homework. So, now I have a tummy ache from the crappy casserol. I didn't have a taste for it....I don't know why I ate it! I don't like pasta, and should have known better. Oh well.

Tomorrow my mother and I are going out shopping and then to lunch. She wanted to take me out since we never do anything "fun" together, with her taking care of dad all the time. My sister is here from Indiana for two weeks, so she is going to sit with dad whilst we go. I will do the same for them next week.

Boy, it's quiet here in j-land lately. I have gotten alerts, but it doesn't seem as though I've had as many as usual. Could it be that some people actually have lives? Hmmmm....I suppose it could.

It's been raining here all day. I love rainy days. It's supposed to rain tomorrow too, but then be sunny through the weekend. I suppose that is good since the superbowl is here. I'll bet the city is going to be crazy this weekend. Of course, I will not be venturing out anywhere near all that....

Wow. I am really boring. I have nothing to say, yet I keep typing. Wee one is at church with her friend, so I have to stay up and wait for her. The little girls parents have choir practice until 9, so I've got a while to wait. Wee one got a part in a play their class is putting on. She wanted a bigger part, but her name got pulled for "officer number one" who has all of two lines. She wasn't too thrilled, however she is planning on making a policeman's hat with a big badge for her shirt. I wish it were a play for the family to go see, but it's just a classroom thing. Betsy is in her room doing homework. She has some geometry. She's getting an A in that class. The girl has math skills. She didn't get them from me though! I was terrible at math....

Anyhoo, that's it from me....

I've been hung out to dry....

Why couldn't my dryer just hang on until the last load of laundry was done? Would that be too much to ask? Why do the Downy gods mock me so?

I was really on a roll yesterday....load #5 was being put in the dryer, followed up by #6 going in the washer. I shut the door, turned it on and went into my room to fold. Fast forward 2 minutes I hear a scraping noise coming from the dryer, and the smell of burning metal....

Apparently my 2 1/2 year old dryer is failing me. The heating coil is falling off in pieces. We found this out after moving the dryer, unscrewing a million screws and scrutinizing the dryer guts. Dh looked our appliance up online and got the part number. He called the part store this morning and they wanted $30 more than ordering direct from the manufacturer....so we will be doing some online ordering today. I am also going to put the "one towel" rule into effect for the week. Yes, instead of 2 new towels every day (one for the hair, one for the body....mom's with girls will especially understand this one!), you get one or two to last through the next five days....or at least until the new part is put in.

On to other exciting news....oh, wait. There is no exciting news in my life! I keep forgetting....

I started cleaning a while ago. I moved some furniture in Betsy's room and now I'm tired. I didn't sleep well last night and a nap would be nice right about now. Should I? If I close my eyes, I can almost feel the softness of the freshly washed (and dried, thankfully!) sheets. I could drift off into a peaceful slumber for a while....oh, it is so tempting.

Well, obviously I have some serious thinking to do now....to sleep or not to sleep....that is the question of the morning. I'll let you know how the drama plays out....