OCDOG

Well, I can go to sleep tonight without the worry that Percy will spend the night: repeatedly washing his paws to rid himself of germs, counting and organizing his kibbles and bits by size and color, or scratching his ears exactly 157 times on each side. Why????

Because his mommy accidentally gave him her OCD medicine instead of his seizure pills. That's what I get for talking and medicating at the same time (Lord only knows what would have happened if I were chewing gum as well!)....fear not, however, he will be fine. After checking into the situation, he will not be adversley affected.

What will I be doing tomorrow, you ask? Organizing my medicine cabinet....

Broke, hot and fully stocked....

Cutting it close, I managed to get all of wee one's back to school shopping done before the tax free weekend ended. Whew....I don't know why I chose this animation, as this was the first year that crayons were not on the list. I tell ya, I was tearing up in the aisles as I passed boxes of Elmer's glue, safety scissors, watercolor paints and art boxes....none of that is needed this year in the 5th grade. Protractors, three ring binders and eraseable pens are on the list now....

We went to three stores and managed to spend just under $200. She got the book bag that she wanted (in blue) as well as the folders (blue) and protractor (blue). I believe the theme this year is....blue. I also got her a really nice thermos for taking soup or ravioli for lunch. I was thrilled to find it because it seems every year I look for one and they never have anything under $15. I want a really nice one that will withstand the torture my little roughneck is going to put on it! I found one that was an actual "Thermos" brand for $5.99. The selling point for wee one? Inside the top is a little folding spoon. Once she saw that it wouldn't have mattered if it were $50, she had to have it! LOL. When we got home she ran to her dad and said, "Wait till you see the thermostat mom got me!". JB looked puzzled for a bit until he realized what she was talking about....lol.

We did really well with her clothes. I don't normally shop at Target, except when buying her clothes. They just seem to fit her better. Oh....and big news. She got a bra. She was so excited. She is very self conscious about her, ahem, blossoming into womanhood.....lol. As for Betsy, we are going to have to shop for her this week. I just didn't have time to do it all this weekend, and she had to go back to work today.

It will be a quick week with Betsy's orientation and then wee one's. We still havent' received the card with the teacher's name on it....the card that everyone is waiting for....for wee one. All her little friends call once a day and ask if anyone had gotten it yet. It's so cute. I hope she gets a good teacher this year. Betsy just hopes she gets to drive to school! LOL.

Oh yes, the hot part of my entry. While we were at my aunt's house, JB paid to have her a/c fixed....after two days of running fans in 90 degree weather, we couldn't take it! Humidity or not, 90 is 90! Anyway, today JB remarks that it is getting warm in here and who touched the a/c. Turns out....the fan wasn't working. Oh man....you have never seen a man go from zero to sixty on the anger meter as quickly as my husband did. During a storm earlier in the day the electricty had gone out and apparently did something to the air. He took everything apart, I called the repair man....and for some reason, 30 minutes later it started back up. Thank you Lord!!!!  So now we are cooling down....physically and emotionally! LOL....

And now I'm going to go enjoy the brownies that I made for dessert this evening....later!

 

I've been everywhere, man....I've been everywhere....

At 6:45 this evening, after being in four states in six hours, I walked into my clean, apple cinnamon scented home....I am sooooo glad to be back! Wait, let me rephrase that. I'm glad to be in my house, not my state....lol. When we left the Carolina's this morning it was 66 degrees outside and rainy, a heavy fog hanging over the mountains....it was beautiful. By the time we stopped in SC, it was 89, sunny and unbelieveably humid.  I'm not even going to tell you what it is like here....but let's just say, I've had my last good hair day for a while.

We had such a wonderful time....we were all sad to leave. I don't think we have ever done as much as we did this time around. We went from morning until evening and enjoyed every minute of it. My favorite thing?  Definately....

our trip on Thomas the Tank Engine. I took a full camera load of pics, which should be developed by Monday. I'll tell all about it then, so I don't repeat myself. If you do happen to get a chance, and the Thomas tour is in your area, I would HIGHLY recommend it. And trust me, there were plenty of adults laughing and enjoying themselves along with the kids!

I am completely unpacked, and to top off a wonderful trip....everyone put their dirty clothes in the correct light or dark laundry baskets!  Unbefreakinglieveable....

I didn't have time to pick up Percy tonight, so I'm sure he is being cleaned, clipped and prepped for his homecoming tomorrow. I'll bet he will be happy to see us....or mad about his week in the "pen". I better get him some special treats to welcome him home. I've missed the old boy.

Well, I'm off to sleep in my own bed....I can't wait!

Nighty night.

JBCoupe's Vacation, day 5....

I thought I should write and report that....I have been swimming twice in the past two days. So, you ask? Well, I find it kind of comical that I travel 400+ miles to the north to swim, when I live in Florida and have a pool. But, isn't that the way it usually is? I have to say, the water feels wonderful after a long day of sight seeing and shopping. However, it is so warm that the water is not much cooler than tepid....but I'll take it.

I am so tired tonight. My aunt went out of town for a short business trip, so we spent the day fixing things that she has not been able to do. JB had her a/c charged, fixed her closet door, and put in a new kitchen sink! He is such a good boy. We were so tired and hot after working all day which is what led to the second trip to the condo pool. Being that most of the people who live here are in their 60's-80's, we had the big, beautiful pool all to ourselves! After a nice long swim, we headed out to Sonic and had ice cream. It was a great way to end the day.

I just purchased tickets for us to take a train trip. We are going on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway and taking the "Thomas the Tank Engine" ride. Apparently Thomas is on a nationwide tour and the lifesize engine will actually be on the tracks and for a mere $16 per person, you can take a half-hour ride, AND meet Sir Topham Hat! I don't know who is more excited....wee one or JOHN! LOL.

Well, it is getting late and I need to get to bed. I'm not sure what we are doing tomorrow, but we are going to try to do some "kid-friendly" things. If the girls see one more adorable piece of mountain folk-art, they are going to go crazy!

 

Greetings from North Carolina....

I am going to keep this short as Betsy told me her entry did not post from here....

We are having a great time!  It is absolutely beautiful here....the weather is warm, but it's not a "Florida" warm. There is no humidity which makes it all the more wonderful. My hair has actually looked good for a few days!

I'm not sure what we are doing this week, but we have a lot of options. I've taken a few pics with my "old fashioned" camera (has to be developed!). I hope they turn out well.

Okay, I'm going to try and post this....if it doesn't post I will call it in....then again, no one would know about this first one! LOL....

"Pack" man fever....

 And so it begins....the vacation. Well, technically it doesn't begin until dh gets home from work tomorrow, but you get the picture.

I have spent the evening packing my things. Since we are going to be gone longer than usual, I have to pack enough outfits to last a week. This has proven to be harder than it looks. I didn't realize just how lazy I was during the summer, wearing the same outfit two and three times a week. It's just easier to pull on the same shorts and shirt....okay, who am I kidding, my "housedress"....on the days I don't have to go out. I've been shopping and have managed to come up with 4 new outfits to wear that don't look half bad. I have them all packed and ready to go. I only took up half of the suitcase! Of course, it's one of those monster rolling ones, but still....dh took up the other half. Speaking of him....

I hate packing for him. He came into the bedroom tonight so that I could give him a scalp cut and I asked him what he wanted to pack. Do you know what the man did? Stuck out his lip like a baby and said, "Will you help me?" OH for the love of GOD....yes I will help you. So he says, "How many shirts/socks/undies/pants do I need?" Well Mr. Wizard, if John and Sherry are going on a trip for eight days and two of those days will be travel days on which  you can wear the same outfit, how many days does that leave? I can already see that I'm going to need a vacation from this vacation.

The girls are not packed yet, but they are much easier. Betsy can throw in what she wants and wee one is still in the matching short sets. She doesn't care what she wears. I have told them, however, that they may bring one cd player and one book each. That's it. No more. No stuffed animals, no hand held games that need batteries every ten minutes....as a matter of fact, I went out today and bought the freaking batteries so that there will be no fighting over who used the last ones. They each have their own stash and when they are used up, the party is over.

This will also be the first trip we take to NC with my mom. I hope she can stand it....her hip is much better, although I don't know how 6 1/2 hours in the car is going to affect her. I know it affects me....mentally anyway.

Anyhoo, I will have access to a computer so I will try and update when I can....I probably should call some entries in since I pay for a "premium" service that I never use. And, of course, I will be turning my alerts off....not ignoring everyone.

Have a lovely weekend everyone....

It's Wednesday already????

I just can not begin to tell you how freaking HOT it is here. I'm meltinggggggggg....

I can't believe it is already Wednesday. My days seem to run one into the next. I am beyond relaxed....I'm bored. I think the girls are getting there too. Thank goodness for Betsy's job or she would be insane by now. Wee one has had quite a few things to do this summer though, so she is not as bored. However, neither she nor Betsy has gotten out of their pj's all day today....and I didn't until an hour ago. But I have a reason....

Okay, maybe I don't. I got up at 7 this morning and let the dog out and fed him. Then I got back in bed to read "just for a while". Of course you know what happens when you read and you are not quite awake....you fall asleep! Which is what I did until 10:50. So....I grabbed a bit of breakfast and sat down to watch an hour of Judge Mathis....lol. I can't believe that me, queen of clean, daily duster of the house, rebel of relaxation is confessing that I had such a lazy morning!

However, at noon I showered and makeup'ed and cleaned the house. I just finished washing the dog as well. I tell ya, that is a pain in the arse. I should just take him in to have it done, but I can't see paying that much money for something I can do at home for free. And it is a pretty good workout for me.

I am so hot now....and with the weather the way it is, it is hard to cool down even in the air conditioning. I turned the fan on in the other room and wee one complained. Doing nothing all day she was "cold" with the air blowing on her. Actually, her exact words were, "Turn the fan off mom, my eyeballs are cold." LOL.

I have not taken anything out for dinner tonight. We have plenty of left overs....and I'm sure I'll get plenty of complaints when I offer them to the family. Oh well....take it or leave it is what I say! It's too hot to turn on the freaking oven. We grilled out last night which was nice....of course I made fries in the oven so that sort of defeated the purpose.

Well, I'm off to sit under the fan and cool my eyeballs....later....

My little fish....

I just love this picture! Wee one and her aunt went swimming in one of our many springs here in Florida, and took underwater pictures. This one was wee one pointing out a spot where the spring actually came up and you could feel the bubbles. They had a great time there....so great in fact that they are going again this week. Wee one is trying to fit all of these last minute trips in before school starts in exactly THREE weeks (but who's counting)....

I took the girls shopping today. We hit K-Mart, Target and one other department store. Betsy got some cute tops and a pair of pants for school, and wee one got 5 tops and a pair of shorts from the clearance rack at Target. I'm telling ya, those clothes are adorable! For $3.98 a pop, you can't beat it! Of course, I forgot my shower curtain liner and toilet bowl cleaner, but I did get a cute pair of shoes and two tops! LOL....hey, you can't remember everything.

Dh went outside after work today to try and work on the tree house. Now, under normal circumstances he would have had it done by now....however, under Florida circumstances, which include excessive rain and heat so extreme that you could fry an egg on your head let alone the sidewalk....construction has been set back. Wayyyyy back. Man, what I wouldn't give for an overcast, 70 degree day with no humidity. That is my idea of heaven!!!! However, I'm sure JB and wee one will be out there this weekend working on it, trying to finish it in time for, oh, Christmas. Wee one is already talking about how she will paint the inside and what she will hang on the walls, how she will arrange her things (that's my girl!).

I am so tired tonight. I didn't get to bed until 3:30 last night. I couldn't sleep for some reason, and ended up chatting with a crazy woman from NY who was up as well.....lol. I think I'll turn in now and try to get some shut-eye. Night all....

 

Sunday afternoon....

Can you believe it? I got ZERO applications regarding my last entry. Figures....I was just playin anyway. Have you ever had one of those weeks where by, oh, about 11:43 am on Tuesday  you feel like screaming because you have been annoyed a full weeks worth already? I'm happy to report, however, things are going much better and I've decided to keep the family I have....

Big news on the Betsy front....she finally got her drivers liscense on Friday! Of course, she was not happy with me Saturday morning when I wouldn't let her drive to work by herself (with MY van!). She finally agreed to stop moping around if I would sit in the back, and wee one could sit in the front. I said that would be fine and we headed out. As we got to the light on the main street, it was out and a police officer was directing traffic. She was in the left turning lane and when it was her turn, he threw his hands up in the "what are you doing" position. He wouldn't let us turn left. Why? I don't know....so I am sitting in the back yelling directions, "LOOK OVER TO THE RIGHT, TURN, KEEP GOING!"  at the same time wee one was yelling, "MOM! That cop looks like Junior on Reno 911!"  After finally getting onto the main drag, we realized that all the lights were out and she had to do a u-turn. Dear Lord above....she did a great job executing the turn, however she gunned it and we jerked into lanes 3-2-1 and back to 2. Thank goodness no one was coming! After about five minutes of silent travel, I asked her, "Aren't you glad I didn't let you drive yourself this morning?" to which she replied, "YES!" LOL....she did a very good job driving I must say. She is very observant and does not go over the speed limit (so far). I know she had a little trouble with the u-turn  but that was unexpected. I am not going to turn her loose for a few months, but I'm so proud of the progress she is making. On the way home (not 5 minutes later) the lights were all fixed.....

Yesterday I left the house at 8:45 and didn't return home for more than 20 minutes at a time, until 11:30 pm. I ran and ran and ran. Take Betsy to work, pick her up, shopping, take her to movies, go to bookstore with dh and wee one, pick them up from movies take them to party, go to dinner, go home then pick them up from party.....it was such a busy day! But it was enjoyable none the less. I got a few new things to wear for our trip to NC, as well as some 75% off Christmas ornaments and decorations at Hallmark. Speaking of Christmas....

only 160 shopping days left! LOL....Hallmark was having their Christmas in July celebration going on when I was there. It was rather surreal to walk out of 90 degree weather, into an air conditioned store playing Christmas carols in the middle of July. It did get me into the spirit though....

We went to church this morning (excellent sermon....just what I needed!) then to the grocery store. I am trying to figure out what to make for dinner this week with the limited amount of groceries that I have on hand. I don't want to do a big shop since we will not be home for a while. I believe I have the menu planned for Monday and Tuesday....I just have to think of something for Wednesday and Thursday.

I went shopping with my mom just a while ago. She was raving about a sale they were having at a department store around here so I went with her. I got a gorgeous summer dress and three skirts for $53.00. Not bad considering the regular price for the dress alone was $59.00. I just love sales!

<FONTFACE="COMIC size="4" color="#ff0000" MS? Sans>Right now Betsy is at work, wee one is at her friend's house and JB is in front of the tv eating watermelon. I had some too but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It wasn't cold....maybe that was the problem. (I just bought it today which is why it wasn't chilled....) I'm trying to eat healthier. I want all my sugar to come from fruit instead of cookies and cakes. I bought some delicious cherries and some ripe nectarines....they looked so good at the store I couldn't resist. I love nectarines....more than peaches because of the skin. I can't stand the fuzzy stuff.

Okay, I'm off to relax and enjoy the afternoon....have a great Sunday!

TGIF....whatever....

Desperate Housewife iso children who know the difference between light and dark colors, empty and full toilet paper rolls and what to do when the kitchen garbage creates the "steam mirage" you see at the dump.  Proficiency in weights and measures....i.e. if you spend *x amount of energy putting the plate next to the sink, how much more energy would be expended actually placing it in the sink?  Dog lovers preferred. (Not the "oh, isn't he cute until he needs food/water/letting out" but the "here mom, let me feed/walk/pooper scoop for you" kind.) Needs to be self sufficient in the following areas: teeth brushing, bed making and turning off lights/tv/radio when not in the room. Ability to take direction without eye rolling a plus. Backtalkers need not apply.

Also seeking dh who realizes that yes, the sun does rise and set on my bum. Finds me stunning wether dressed in a sexy little number for a night out or in a casual hawiian themed sun dress (NEVER to be called a house dress!). Needs to find me attractive at any size, and realize that every stretch mark and wrinkle has been earned and worn with pride. Must find French, subtitled romantic comedies cute and funny, and actually suggest that we sit together and watch them. MUST be able to recognize a freshly vacuumed room and be able to navigate his way around the "sunburst pattern" without disturbing the lines. Occasional spur of the moment trips taking the kids to the store or movies to allow alone time for wife would be a plus. Communication beyond "What a crappy day, what's for dinner?" and "SHERRY???? Where is the *_______ (*fill in the ridiculous object of your choice here)" REQUIRED. There are no exceptions to this rule. All responses will be considered  regardless of height, weight or hairline.

To apply for either position, please send an e-mail with your profile to JBCoupe@aol.com.

And how was YOUR week?

Tummy troubles....

This is what wee one has been going through for the past week. She has complained of acid reflux in the past, but lately it has been terrible. She is having quite a bit of pain in her tummy as well, so much so that she doesn't want to walk around or play. I took her to the doctor this morning to get to the bottom of things.

Apparently her esophagus is irritated from the acid, so she is taking Zantac twice daily as well as following a bland diet....which means nothing fried, carbonated, caffeniated, tomato based, etc., etc....I am going to take this opportunity to put the entire family on a healthy eating regimin. Maybe this is God's way of nudging us all to eat better! I gave her the first pill and she said that it made her feel better. Not perfect....but better. She is lying on the couch watching Nickelodeon, propped up by pillows which is how she is supposed to sleep for a while. I just pray it helps and that she feels better.

Betsy just called me from work while on her break. She opened up this morning and said that the supervisor last night who closed left the place in a complete mess. Lights left on, toppins not put away, equipment washed and left in the sink but not clean, even the register wasn't tallied correctly....she had to finish all of it by herself before the store opened. However, she said that she got it all done and things were working like clockwork by the time the store opened. What a little trooper....

I am half heartedly cleaning the house. Why you ask? I'm on my "summer" sleeping schedule and things got messed up today. During the school year, I can barely keep my eyes open past 10:00 to watch my favorite shows, but once summer is here I keep night owl hours and sleep until 10:00 am. Last night I stayed up late, but got up at 7:00 to get Betsy to work and wee one to the doctor. Now I'm sleepy....half the house is clean....and Idon't feel like doing anything! LOL. I also do not feel like cooking dinner. It's so hot here you just don't want to eat....so why have I not lost any weight?

We will be taking a trip to NC soon, which we are all looking forward to. JB had mapped a 50 mile circumference around Asheville of towns that would be possible places to move. He is such a nut. I'm sure the girls are going to be thrilled at the prospect of driving 6 1.2 hours to NC, then driving around the entire time we are there! LOL....actually we have a few fun things planned and just being there is relaxing in itself.

I am going to stop writing this incredibly boring entry now and return to my cleaning. Or maybe I'll take a nap. No, I must finish. But I'm so sleepy. I can hear it now, the chants of "the housework can wait"...."go lay down"....I wonder who will win out. My cleaning gene is pretty strong....care to take a guess?

My birthday girl through the years....

Well, it's official....I am the mother of a 17 year old. I can't believe it! It seems as though just yesterday she was a baby. I went through my old photo albums and scanned a few pics in here....she was such a cute little girl....and now she is turning into a beautiful woman. I am so proud of her....

She is working this evening even though her boss said that she could have it off for her birthday. She is now officially a supervisor and did her first closing this weekend....all by herself. She has taken so well to this job and really does like it. This weekend she and a few of her close friends are going out to a movie together. Ahhhh, to be young again!

On a different note....Wednesday will be one year that she has held her learners permit....which means she is now eligible to get her liscense! Oh man....I am nervous! She is a good driver....but I'm still worried! LOL. I told her she is going to start out slowly, like driving to work when she has a day shift. She will also have to follow the six month rule....no passengers for six months.  I want her to realize that driving is serious business. Especially here where people drive like freaking MANIACS!

I have been weepy all day. If my life were a movie, today would have been full of flashbacks. I kept remembering when Betsy was a baby, how she loved playing with matchbox cars....moving a line of around 50 of them an inch at a time down the stairs for hours, talking on the phone with her little pre school friend for two hours at a time. When she got her first pair of glasses, sang in her first choir concert, had her first boyfriend. Marching in the 4th of July parade in Schererville then getting sick and spending two days in the hospital with a kidney infection. Basketball and middle school, hanging out with her best friend Melinda....moving to Florida and making new friends; she adapted so well.

I am just amazed that 17 years can go by in a blink of an eye. I would not, however, change a second of any of it. I love you my sweet Lasina Skids/Betsy....you are my JOY!

I went to Silver Springs and look who I found....

You know you are a Floridian when you hear there is a hurricane coming, yet continue with your plans to travel south for a day at the springs! We headed out this morning with little regard for the forecasts....and ended up having a spectacular day at Silver Springs in Ocala. We had never been there before and let me just say, the best time to visit these popular attractions is when heavy rain and gale force winds are bearing down (or up as in our case) upon you. We were the first (and last) in line for most rides and concessions. It did start to rain while we were on the glass bottom boat ride, however, by the time we docked it was over and the sun slowly but surely began to peek out from behind the clouds.

Of course the reason the day was especially fun was because of the people we were meeting there. Did you check the pics? If not, I'll wait....go ahead....lol. I suppose only the "old school" journal group will remember Mrscheesestix! She and her family were vacationing here in Florida and I wasn't going to miss the chance to meet up with her.

Have you ever met someone and felt like you had known them forever? I just can't tell you what a great time we had. She and her family were so sweet. The kids got along great....running to each exhibit, holding the snakes and alligators (those pics will be coming as soon as I get them developed....my batteries ran out half way through our day!), and asking for money to buy pop and souvineers. But even better than the kids getting along....the husbands did too! LOL. We women know what that can be like, when you have a great friend, plan a get together and then the hubbies don't like one another. Not in this case. They talked like old friends the entire time.

We got to the park just as it opened, and left fifteen minutes before it closed. We saw everything there was to see, except one final boat ride that we didn't have time for. Afterward we went to dinner and spent time visiting. It was great....like a big family gathering. Good food and great company. While we were eating the rains came in with a vengance. One minute we were sitting there commenting on how it looked like rain....and the next we were watching horizontal showers pelting the windows! Luckily it didn't last long, and by the time we were ready to leave it had stopped. I have to say, I am sorry that we only had one day to spend together!

It's funny how having started my journal on a whim, has led to friendships that are just as strong and meaningful as any made during everyday life (even moreso in this case!).

Right now I am absolutely exhausted and ready for bed....however I am waiting for Betsy to call so that I can pick her up from work. Maybe I should call her and have her whip up something to help energize me while bringing her home....mmmmm, sounds like a plan!

 

I won!!!!

Oh yes, I have hit it big in my daily laundry slots. Did you see that wad of cash? It just kept falling as I pulled out the clothes. The Snuggle gods were good to me today....I have a standing rule in my house. If you are over 13 years old and can't remember to empty your pockets, anything that is left behind in MY washer and dryer is MINE to keep. However....

As I was posting my picture Betsy came up behind me and said, "Did that come out of the dryer? I left my tip money in my pocket. How much was there?" Oh, sure, like I was going to fall for that....I asked her how much she lost....and she gave me the correct amount. *DAng (*to be read with Napoleon Dynamite inflection) I gave her a warning and then handed over the cash. I'm such a wuss. I should have at least kept a buck for my troubles....

We got our new mattress and box spring today. After I made the bed I called JB and told him that when he stopped at Lowes, to pick up a ladder so that we can actually get into the bed. Holy smokes that thing is huge! We have a new bed which was higher than our old one and I actually have to climb into it. I love it though. It looks....well....majestic. We will have to be very careful "breaking in" the new set....falling off this baby could result in broken appendages!

I decided to steam clean today. I did the computer room....which is why I am sitting on a most uncomfortable stool as I type this. The carpet is still damp, but looks pretty good. I just had to kick the dog out of here....he was christening it by rolling all around, getting fur everywhere. Freaking dog.

Well, my back has had just about all it can take sitting here. I don't know what to do tonight since my original plan was to take my winnings and go to Walgreens. Crud.

Tuesday....

+=

I think I may have set a record here....I spent $95 before 10:00 am. I would have been excited about this, had it been clothes or a new cleaning product (I am eyeing the new swiffer sweeper for the kitchen tile). However, I spent it on a $27.50 re-check appointment that grew to gigantic proportions when the vet decided to do an impromptu blood test....then she tells me to bring him back in two weeks for another recheck of his ears. I think not. If he isn't scratching....we aren't going! Sheesh....

I just let the dog in and in the process gouged a hunk of skin out of my foot on the metal door. I cursed rather loudly too. Man, that hurt. Other than that, there hasn't been anything really interesting going on. We had an extremely boring 4th of July. We spent it in the house doing nothing. Wait, I take that back....there were two consecutive Nanny 911's on which made for some fun tv viewing. From that I proceeded to watch an episode of Diagnosis Unknown (the wife was poisioning the husband....isn't that always the situation? I'm like, "stomach cramps that occur when the wife feeds him? Oh yeah, that's arsenic." You would think the doc's would know this by now!) and then on to an hour of How Clean Is Your House. I tell ya, there are some seriously sick people out there who live amongst rotted food and mouse poop....ewwww.

It started raining around 5 last night, so we decided to forego fighting the St. Augustine traffic and sitting amonst the mosquitoes to watch fireworks that may or may not happen. Everything here is so waterlogged....and there are two tropical storms waiting in the wings.

I'm rather blah today....not in a very good mood, so I should probably sign off....here's hoping tomorrow is a more cheerful day.

A quiet, rainy, then partly sunny day was had by all....

What a nice day I had with my family! I woke up to the aroma of a freshly brewed pot of coffee...yum. It was so good....I think it was a ploy to get me to cook though. I didn't mind however, and made eggs, sausage, hash and hashbrowns. After breakfast the girls gave me their gifts....I loved them all! JB then went outside to work on the tree house for a bit, and the girls cleaned up the kitchen....well, Betsy did 99% of it....I think wee one may have cleared her plate, lol.

Mom came over later and brought lunch....which we ate in the dark. It started storming and we lost electricity for about an hour or so. However, the food was just as good in the dark! After lunch I opened her gifts (cookie sheets, cooling racks....think she is trying to tell me something? I think I'll be baking cookies for her this week! LOL), and then we watched Napoleon Dynamite. She went home before that ended because her sciatica was hurting (I think she left because she didn't like the movie! LOL....just kidding mom.)

The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging about until I had to take Betsy to work, where she is until late. JB will be picking her up since it's my birthday....lol. Thanks honey! My aunt and uncle ended up coming over and bringing me a gift as well....which was unexpected. We chatted outside and wee one played with my uncle for a long time.

Now, I'm sitting here relaxing with a bag of cherries and wee one sitting next to me, waiting to instant message with her friend. I'm telling ya, I'm on here two seconds before these kids want to use it!

I just wanted to say thank you to all of the cards and birthday wishes I've received. It really, truly meant so much to me....I love my j-land friends!!!! ((((HUGS))))

Here it is, my very last entry....

Well folks, here it is....my last entry ever....

AS A 35 YEAR OLD WOMAN!!!!  LOL....

Tomorrow I will be 36. I'm on the downside of my 30's. I've checked my last 30-35 age-block box on magazine surveys. I started dating my husband when I was 18, which means I've been with him half of my life. 18 years ago I was pregnant and ready to pop with my first child....that seems impossible.

So what, you may ask, am I doing tonight on the eve of this oh-so-festive occasion? Well....I'm writing a journal entry whilst hubby dearest is at the pub with his friends from work, watching a race. LOL. The girls are in Betsy's room listening to music, and I'm waiting for the dryer to stop. You would think I'd be wined and dined tonight....however, it is dh who is noshing on hot wings and beer while I sit here with half a Nestle's crunch bar and ice water. That's okay though....I really don't mind. My desk is cozy with my dragonfly lamp, and my monitor is decorated with a clothespin hula girl and teddy bear that wee one made me earlier today. Betsy is home safe from work....it's all good.

We are having terrible rain here. People are being flooded out of their homes, roads are closed....it's crazy! Thank goodness things here on our street are okay. I've never seen so much rain since we have lived here. In one hour my mom emptied her rain gauge and it had 4 inches in it....I just heard on the news that the rain is supposed to be stopping and it's going to get hot. Mark my words, next week the grass will be crunchy and you won't know this ever happened!

We don't have nay plans for the 4th this year....not that we ever do. No picnic's, no fireworks bought....just relaxing at home. Last year we went to St. Augustine and parked on the outskirts of town. We could see the fireworks really well from there. After all this rain I can only imagine the bugs this year....

Ahhhh, there it is....the incessant buzzing of my dryer. I am off to fold clothes....until tomorrow....

 

A firm decision has been made....

Tonight dh and I went out and bought ourselves a little something....since we have thouroughly worn out our old mattress, we took advantage of a 4th of July sale and bought a new mattress/box spring set! Now, before you go high fiving John and "Oh, you little minx"-ing me....it is worn out because we have had it for 16 years. Yeah....no exciting reasons behind the need for a new one. Although, I'm not saying it hasn't seen it's share of fun times....lol.

I'm so excited though. We went through the store and laid on several different models (of beds....not actual human models....although that would have made the experience a lot more fun!). They will be delivering our new set on Wednesday....and taking away "old faithful".

We also went out for a quick bite with my mom and Betsy. We went to a restaurant called Mama Fu's. The menu consists of Asian cuisine....pot stickers and such. Let me just say this....do not ever go there. It was HORRIBLE. I should have taken my money and thrown it out the car window....at least then it would have the chance of making someone happy! I can't tell you how bad the food was....yuck.

Wee one had quite a day. She started out at VBS, went to her friend's house and swam until 4:30, then headed to the carnival that concluded the VBS program. She got home around 8:00. The kid is exhausted! She had such a good time though. She wore the t-shirt they made which says Jesus and has an American flag on it. It is so cute! She came in, held it up and said, "Papa would be so proud of me!" Awwwww, he sure would have been! I am so glad she had such a good time this week.

I should get my butt to bed, as Betsy has the morning shift tomorrow. Night all....