Friday ramblings....

So yesterday while driving to the Pepperidge Farm thrift store I passed a little strip mall. In it, were two stores right next to each other....Knife Emporium followed by The Casket Store. I don't think I'd buy my knives from the Knife Emporium....seems like a bad omen to me.

I'm in a quandry about my crafting. I have all the supplies I need, even going so far as to buy a three drawer plastic file cabinet to store my supplies in. I xeroxed pages from craft books and three hole punched them into a cute little binder to hold all of my found ideas. Every day I watch two specific shows for ideas on what to make. I spend hours on the HGTV craft message board, looking at different projects and reading gems of knowledge from seasoned crafters. I have my 40% coupon for Michaels all cut out and waiting in my car for my next trip to the craft store. Yet....I have not done an actual craft. I feel good knowing that all the supplies are ready and waiting....however, I don't move forward and do it. What does this mean? Any armchair psychologists want to help me figure this out?

I forgot to write about what happened the other day. I went to the pantry to get my bag of rice cakes and was greeted with the sweet smile of a gecko, looking up at me from the bag. I screamed at the top of my lungs and threw the bag across the kitchen....now, you would think I would be used to these things, having lived here for 3 years. Needless to say, he ran off....but we found him last night. Actually, wee one found him. I realized she did when I heard her screaming from MY bedroom, "LIZARD ON THE WALL!!!! LIZARD ON THE WALL!!!!" JB and I went into the room and saw the little guy, running all over my wall and then behind the picture. We moved the pic and he took off, a green blur toward the couch. We moved the couch out, took the blankets off, the pillows, tipped it upside down....nothing. The little guy must have run somewhere else. I asked wee one if she wanted to sleep in my room on the couch last night and was greeted with a disgusted look. I took that to mean no. This morning while taking Betsy to the bus, I got a call on my phone from wee one....she said she saw the lizard run behind the tv....sigh. I had the cat in the house this morning, with the hope that she would "catch" the lizard....but all she wanted was tuna. So, until I see him again, we will have a guest living with us.

JB found little dog booties on line that he wants to get Percy. They have grips on the bottom so that he will be able to walk without slipping on the floor. I think it's a great idea. I also think he will be the one to wrestle them onto him. It will be interesting to hear if Percy is walking better today. I sure hope he is.

Last night my doorbell rang....twice. My doorbell never rings. The first time it was the Schwann's man, trying to drum up some new business. He gave me a little speech about their offerings, then gave me a catalogue. He was very nice. Then the brother of the little girl I baby sit rang the bell. He was selling cookie dough for the band. I bought one container of apple cinnamon. $14.99. Ridiculous....but for a good cause. His dad was with him, and he was asking about Percy. He asked about the wheelchair and I said that we were waiting for Percy to get home to try it out. His son said, "Boy, I wish I was like your husband and could build something like that." His dad looked at him and said, "I'm sure he bought the plans off the internet." To which his son replied, "Yeah, but he's so creative. (his emphasis, not mine)  I mean, look at the tree house!" LOLOL....I did feel a little bad for the dad. But not bad enough to keep my mouth shut. I said, "Actually, he didn't buy any plans. He just looked at a few of the pictures online of different styles and kind of made up his own." Which is true!

I bought the ingrediants to make lasagna roll ups last night. I wanted something easy. Of course, after the noodles were ready I opened the ricotta cheese....and it was bad. REALLY bad. Leave it to me to pick the one container that was spoiled. And of course, I did not have cottage cheese to substitute. I had just bought muenster cheese....so I improvised, making regular lasagna with that cheese in between the layers. I didn't eat it, but the family said that it was really good. I hate when my plans don't work out. I thought about making chili tonight. Because everyone knows, there is nothing like a steaming bowl of chili on a fall day....in Florida....when it's FREAKING 90 DEGREES. Oh wait, there is a cold front coming through over the weekend. Should be 85. *enter your favorite curse word here.

Okay, enough rambling, and enough putting off cleaning. I must go. Mr. Clean is calling me....

I figured it out....

I think I figured out wee one's problem with school. It's me. You know how I've been studying with her every day....tonight we were reading her social studies and we came to a sentance with "monarch" in it. In order to make her think about what she was reading, I asked, "Do you know what a monarch is?" and she replied, "Of course Mom....a butterfly!" LMAO....I suppose this is why I am not a homeschooler....

In other news....the vet just called and she was so excited. She said that Percy took five steps on his own today! The steroids must be working. I'm so happy....he has one more injection tomorrow and she will decide wether or not he gets to come home tomorrow evening or Saturday morning. Thank you all for your healing thoughts and prayers....I know that has helped tremendously!

After my massage today (oh man, was it goooood!), I went grocery shopping. I got a lot of things on sale and did really well spending the cash. I also hit the Pepperidge Farm thrift store. I tell ya, that is the place to go if you want goldfish or milanos.....did you know that the sugar free mint milanos taste just as good as the ones full of sugar? They are delicious. I got myself a few bags of them for when I need a sugar fix. Or, a non-sugar fix I guess I should say. They had the cakes on sale too....but I was a good girl and passed them by. I'm not on a diet per say, but a "sensible eating plan". Yeah, I know, how many times have I said that? But I have to keep trying!

Okay, time to go for my evening walk with hubby. That is, if I can wake him up and get his butt off the couch!

THURSDAY....okay, Kim? LOL....

Thank you Kim....for pointing out that I'm an idiot. LOL. No one else mentioned this, (probably because they felt sorry for the poor woman who didn't know what day it was),  but yesterday's entry was titled "Monday". I don't know what I was thinking....

This morning I get my massage....woohoo! Now, before anyone says "jeez, she's spoiled", let me say that the reason I'm getting one is that after lifting and pulling the dog around for two weeks, my back is on the edge of giving out. My legs are so sore and my shoulders feel like they are twisted in knots. And now that I haven't been doing that for two days with him at the vet's office, I am feeling really bad. Of course, I wouldn't have to spend the money if my loving husband would just spend a half hour rubbing me down, (and yes, I would "reward" him for his work!), but his idea of a massage is roughly grabbing my shoulders, giving me a 20 second rub down, then patting my back saying, "There ya go!" Sheesh....I'll remember that the next time you are whining about YOUR back, sweetie....

I have sale papers all over my desk that I haven't looked at yet. I keep forgetting that Christmas is less than three months away. When it stays warm this late in the year, you tend to forget. I mean, they are still selling plants and flowers at Lowes....and not half dead ones that I'm used to seeing this late in the year. I could go outside and plant flowers instead of raking leaves. Now that is just wrong! The only good think about it is that all of the summer clothes are on sale (why, I do not know), so I can go buy a new wardrobe and wear it now instead of waiting until the spring. I don't understand why the stores around here change their stock. It really is rather useless to buy sweaters and winter coats. We have a beautiful Burlington Coat Factory here.....a freaking COAT factory. What brilliant PR person said, "Gee, I think it would be a great idea to put our store full of COATS down in Florida. This way, those poor people will have something to cover their bodies during those harsh, 70 degree winters!" 

I have to go pick out wee one's clothes for the day. Usually I have a strict morning routine that I follow....but without the dog here, I've been slacking. I don't normally go online until he is fed and walked and I've made wee one's lunch for school. I called the vet to check on him and was told, "He is using is front paws well, (duh....that isn't what is wrong with him!), and he is eating good. (There wasn't a problem with that!)" So I suppose there is no real change yet....or they would report something I didn't already know. I just have this feeling that this therapy isn't going to work. I want it to....believe me I do....but I don't know. It's in God's hands now....

Okay, I'm off to start the day. Have a good one!

Monday....

So far today I have cleaned and ironed. And now I'm on the crafting boards on HGTV.com. I love looking at all the things these talented people create. I wish I had just a smidge of that talent.

I am in the mood to go out and spend money. It won't solve anything, won't cure my stress, but I still feel like doing it. I just wish it were cooler out. I am so missing the fall weather. I hate that it is 90 outside and it's almost October! I know I continually whine about this....but I can't stand it here! LOL....

Wee one has a meeting afterschool which means the little girl I babysit for has to ride the bus home and I will go to the bus stop. I haven't been down there all year. I wonder if I will be welcomed into the mom group, or if I have been ousted due to my absence....of course, the wacky neighbor lady will be down there....just what I need today!

I forgot that I was writing this entry....it is now after 4 and everyone is home. JB is blabbering in my ear....it's driving me nuts! He is telling me what he is doing around the house to get ready to sell it next year. He is talking and talking and talking....sheesh! LOL. I got paid today for babysitting....yay! So instead of putting it in the bank to put toward our bills or groceries....I ran to the phone and made an appointment for a massage tomorrow morning. I can't wait! I need it so bad.

Wee one came home all excited because she got three tests back and they were all good grades. She was so happy. I was thrilled as well. Yesterday she was sobbing in the car saying that she couldn't take it anymore....school was too hard....why was she so dumb. I tell ya, that just breaks my heart. She is such a bright child. You can tell by her schoolwork that she DOES get it....it's the fact that she becomes so nervous that she can't do it, she freezes. Poor kid. But, today is a good day, good grades and all. You could just see the relief on her face!

Okay, time to get my gourmet dinner in the pot....hot dogs and baked beans. Oh joy. Betsy turned her nose up to it, and JB gave me one of those "Oh. That's what we are having." looks. Well you know what? Too bad! LOL....

 

 

 

 

Update on Percy....

I just got a call from the vet. Seems that Percy does NOT have cancer (thank you God), however, he has two disks that are gone. Our option at this point is to keep him there for three days while they give him steroidal injections and see how he does. She said his chances of walking are 50/50....although they would have been 90% had the original steroids helped at all. If they do work and he can walk, he can come home and we will treat him here. If they do not....well, that's where it gets tough. He is so frustrated. He can't walk, he is losing weight (4 lbs. since last week), and he is starting to give up. I realized that this morning when he slept through the vet appointment....something he never does. Also, when I was trying to get him up to go into the bedroom this morning, he tried to walk then just flopped down and wouldn't move. His head was on the floor and I thought at that moment that he looked defeated. While I dread the thought of life without him....I can not be selfish and keep him suffering because I can't deal with reality. I really have done everything I could....and will continue to do so without compromising his happiness. Sheesh....the dang furball means a lot to me....I didn't think I'd feel this way.

By the way....thank you everyone for all of your kind words. It means more than you know....

Doggone it...

I'm back from the vet's office....sans Percy. He is staying for x-rays to check for a tumor. The doctor was not happy that he isn't any better....as a matter of fact he is worse. He has lost weight and can't support any weight on his hind legs. The steroids did nothing for him, so she is looking to see if maybe we are dealing with cancer. Goldens are prone to it, so before we make any decisions on using a wheelchair, she wants to rule it out. I have to wait until 12:30 for them to call with the results. Our options at that point would be....for a disk problem we would try shock therapy and the wheel chair. If, God forbid, it's cancer, well, I think the only humane thing to do would be to let him go. But....we don't know what it is yet so I'm not going to worry.

It's funny how people deal with stress in different ways. Some can't find the strength to get out of bed. Some will brew a pot of coffee and pace a hole in the floor. Then there is me, who cleans out and organizes the fridge, freezer and pantry by 7 am. LOL....I guess Percy's situation has been weighing heavily on my mind. I am trying to think positive. This morning I refused to use mascera only on my upper lashes....I put it on the bottom as well because I was POSITIVE I was not going to cry today. I knew he would be okay....

I took Betsy to the doctor yesterday and she ended up having a nasty sinus infection. She has two medications for that, and she also prescribed something for her migraines. Poor kid has really been suffering lately, but after taking the pill, she said it was like her head was "calm". I"m so glad that she got some relief.  After the doctor's office, we went to Walgreens to get her prescriptions and I ended up spending $40 on candles, Tylenol and makeup. They have the best smelling candles there. The brand is Patriot and last year I got two Christmas candles there that still smell like new when I burn them. Yesterday I got apple cider and cinnamon nutmeg. Betsy stole the cinnamon one from me....there is another one that they have called fall-something and I want it. It reminds me of my childhood for some reason. I haven't burned them yet....something about burning a fall scent in 90 degree weather is just wrong.

I also bought 2 bags of caramels for apples, and 2 bags of Hershey's candy because they were on sale. I am so proud of myself because....they are still in the cabinet....UNopened. That is huge for me. Of course, last night I dreamt that I went to the cabinet and when I pulled the bag out, it was open and John had been eating them. I was so mad at him, but the weird thing was that in the dream, I was telling myself that I didn't really want to eat them because I was hungry, but because I knew they were there.....hmmmm, I think my subconscience is trying to tell me something.

Well, I have some free time now, since the dog is not here and my sewing is done....woohoo....so I believe I will go mop the kitchen floor. Nothing like a tile floor mopped to pine-scented perfection to brighten your day!

Ahhhh, got my fix!

 Oh Bree....I can always count on you to make me laugh so hard that I wake my husband up out of a deep sleep. Did anyone else find the funeral scene completely hysterical....in a sad, sweet sort of way? I think the show was really good last night....although there were a few things that were sort of overdone.  I mean, Mike and Susan breaking up again? Oh come on. They just got back together. And Zach is Mike's son? Well, I hate to speak ill of the dead but his birth mother must  have been quite unattractive. I mean, with a hottie hunk like that for a dad you would have thought the kid would have inherited some of dad's good looks....And Gabrielle doctoring the paternity test results....who didn't see that one coming? I have to say, I enjoyed Lynette going for the interview with the baby, and her husband lying on the floor crying in pain because of his back. Welcome to the wonderful world of stay at home parenting, buddy! Oh yes, the new neighbors....who is the mystery man in shackles in the basement? And the son isn't too bad on the eyes either. This storyline does look promising. Classic quote of the evening? When Bree is threatening the minister to take the funeral out of his church. "I will go non-denominational on you so fast your head will spin!" Priceless....

In other news....(there is other news besides DH?)....I am going to go insane if my dog does not stop barking. I feel bad for him, I truly do. But if I am out of his site for one minute, he starts yelping....continuously....for hours. My nerves are raw at this point. And it echoes through the house, outside, down the block....it's driving all of us crazy. I just can't pick him up and move him room to room all day. I try to keep him in a general location so that I am passing by every few minutes. But it seems that even that isn't good enough. And I think he is getting smarter....he will bark until I'm on the edge of insanity, and am forced to sit down with him for a minute. As soon as my butt hits the floor, he lays down and relaxes. But like a baby who has trained it's mother, the second I stand up he starts this quiet whining, which turns into barking within seconds. And if I turn to look at him, he gives me this sheepish look as if to say, "You know what you have to do to get me to stop." Arrrgggghhhhh! I've still got him on two steroids a day, but it is not doing any good. I would say he is worse. I thought he was getting better, but yesterday he couldn't take any steps on his own, and wouldn't even walk with John without me holding his hips behind him. I don't know what we are going to do. He goes to the vet tomorrow, so I suppose I'll know more then.

Well, he is looking rather tired now, so I am going to go try and clean for a bit. Betsy is home with a migraine and I am going to try to get her into the doctor today. She said that this one was really bad, and actually made her sick, which has never happened before. She said she feels like she has a sinus infection as well. Here's hoping I can get her in today.

Later....

Something is bugging me....

For some reason I have been attracting insects this weekend. First was the monster grasshopper JB found on my tire yesterday. He was 5 1/2 inches long....(I'm talking about the bug here....), sunning himself in the sun. Then today I thought I saw a leaf on my mom's tire, and it turned out to be Mothra. She was beautiful....and remained on the tire for 3 hours. Wee one had to knock her off after mom drove around the cul-de-sac to go home and she hadn't let go.  The little moth was on the carved bear next to my garage. She was pretty small, but her color was gorgeous.

JB spent the entire day yesterday working on the wheelchair. He has a bit of tweaking to do, but Percy should be up and running tomorrow. He had his first "fitting" yesterday and let me tell you, when he realized he could walk, he took off! It was so cute. I don't think he will have any trouble getting used to it. We had to go out today and buy a second harness for him, to use on the chair to support his midsection. I think that when it's finished we will be able to take him for a nice walk and he will be able to really enjoy it. We haven't been able to walk him for two years, since his arthritis has gotten so bad. But with this bad boy, he will be able to walk to his heart's content!

Right now Betsy is at work and wee one is playing the Sims. I did a ton of homework with her, and still have a quadrilaterial test to study for. I am going to get that done in a few minutes here, so my evening is free and clear for....

the season premier of Desperate Housewives! Oh, it's been a long summer without Wisteria Lane....

And so, on that note I shall go and brush up on some geometry, and get ready for a night of good tv!

Saturday tags and a Percy update....

I was not "officially" tagged, but I'm doing it anyway....via this person:

1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the 5th sentence of that post.
4. Post text of sentence with these instructions.
5. Tag 5 other people to do the same:

WooHoo! Yes, that was the 5th sentence, if you can call it that.

Right now JB is outside in the process of welding the doggy chair. He has been working since 9 this morning, and it's 4:30 now. The garage smells like fireworks with him using his welder. I hope that this thing helps Percy....he is doing good today. I think he is adapting to his legs not working. He can stand if I pick him up and place his feet in the proper position, and can even take a few steps before falling. He is supposed to be taking it easy....and not moving around. But he needs to go out and eat....so I try to walk him a little bit at those times to keep him from becoming stiff or getting any sores from laying so much. He's a good boy though....

Nothing is really going on around here. Betsy and I cleaned and organized her desk, moving the computer out of her room. She said she didn't like having it in there, so I gave it to wee one, replacing the slow one that she had. Now I have to figure out what to do with the extra computer. We put her tv and dvd player where the monitor was on her desk and it looks great.

Wee one is in her room, loading all of her Sims games onto her computer. She is in heaven....she spent most of the day playing at her friend's house, but it got too hot.

As for me, I've been doing laundry, helping Betsy and doing the bills. Later I'm going to have to make a run to the store as we have nothing in the fridge. It's pretty bare. No tea, which is a huge catastrophy in this house! JB is dying of thirst!

Okay, I'm outta here for now. Pictures of the chair and the dog coming soon!

Oh, and as for the tagging part of the above assignment, anyone who wants to do it is more than welcome! (Hey, it's an easy Saturday filler! lol).

Friday....

Now this is what I need for Percy! We will be doing the next best thing however....after a trip to Lowe's last night, hubby has all that he needs to make a doggy wheelchair for him. Soon, Percy will be able to move around on his own with a brand new set of wheels. I have to look for some flame decals to decorate it with....he is feeling the same, still no strength to speak of in his hind legs. I talked to the vet's office and they said to keep him on the higher dose of steroids until Saturday, so that they have a better chance of working. I hope they do because I want Percy to feel better....and because pretty soon I'm going to be stealing the pills for MY back! I am so sore everywhere....my legs are throbbing from "proper lifting"....

I could kick myself this morning....yesterday gas was $2.68 at my usual gas station and I decided to fill up after picking wee one up from school. Well, I forgot....and this morning as I took my empty van to the station, I pulled up to $2.81 a gallon. WTH? A 13 cent jump overnight....crap. I knew it would jump, but I was hoping for the best. So, $47 later, I have a full tank and an empty wallet. Of course, I don't feel as bad as the guy who filled up before me....as the pump read $75. And I probably shouldn't complain because my gas lasts at least 2 weeks....of course that means I don't go anywhere. I'm getting a little sick of sitting inside all the time. Then again, it's so hot and humid, who wants to be outside? (Yes, I am DEPRESSED because of the weather!!!!)

I have 1/2 of my house cleaned so far. It's 8:46 am. I want to be done early so that I can finish my sewing today and start on that craft that I mentioned how long ago? I had to run out and get everything I needed, immediately after seeing it....and here it sits....gathering dust. Sometimes I wish I could be one of those people who can throw organization to the wind and do what they want on a whim. Sometimes.

However, when that happens I just neatly bottle up the feelings, cork it, and put it on my alphabetically organized shelf of emotions that I store deep in the pit of my stomach, to the left of my ulcer. Trust me, you don't want to be around when that shelf breaks!

Okay, I'm off to clean and contemplate the meaning of life....have a great Friday....

Updates for everyone....

I was looking for an "ocean" graphic to go along with my story about wee one's science test (on the ocean, obviously), when I saw this graphic. I had to use it because it cracks me up....and I was also going to make a reference about the girl being me....sharks in Florida....but who are we kidding. We all know why this could not be an animation of me. I mean come on....let's be honest here. Her hair is wayyyyy shorter than mine. (Oh yes, and the fact that this body hasn't seen a bikini since, well, let's just say it's been a while....)

 

 

Anyhoo....I went to school today to have lunch with wee one. I stopped off at Taco Bell, as that was one of the places that she suggested she would like lunch from. I sat and waited for her class to walk to the cafeteria, sipping my cherry Pepsi under the shade of an oak tree....it was surprisingly pleasant outside, with partly cloudy skies and a nice breeze....thanks to the effects of the latest hurricane ravaging it's way across the ocean. When I saw her, she looked nervous, and my heart sank....but once she got over to me she was all smiles and said, "Mom, I think I did really good on the test!" Thank you Lord! (and everyone who sent prayers her way!). We had a great time together, chatting and eating. She hadn't taken her math test at that time, but when I picked her up from school, she said that she felt she did good. I sure hope so. I think if she can see that she can do it, she will be able to relax and not be so stressed all the time.

I was also informed that I was chosen as the chaperone for the field trip on Thursday. I figured I had been when I was sent a volunteer form to fill out, but the teacher never did call me or even send a note. I asked wee one about it today and she said, "Oh yeah, you are the only mom going!" Wow. Thanks for letting me know! The other weird thing was that when I thought about it, none of the paperwork that I signed had information as to what we were going to do at the designated place. I asked wee one what we would be doing/seeing and she said, "Duh mom, we are going to the symphony!" Oh yeah! Score one for me....my most FAVORITE of all field trips to be going on. I can feed my appetite for culture....for free! LOL....I absolutely love the symphony. Wee one appreciates all types of music, and is excited to be going as well. She said that they are supposed to "dress up", "But not like a dress mom. I can wear a skort." Well thank goodness....wouldn't want to look too fancy! She did tell me, however, that I should wear one of my new skirts....lol.

Poor Betsy came home with a nasty migraine that she had had since first period. She said it was like the one's she used to get in middle school where her ears were ringing and the light hurt her eyes. I asked her why she didn't call me to come get her, and she reminded me that today was the day that her group was to give their presentation in psychology. Of course, they didn't have enough time for her group, which means she has to go to school tomorrow. But, she was okay with it. She also had to work tonight, so she took three Advil and headed out the door. She got home just a while ago and said that she felt much better. I'm glad....I hate it when my kids are sick or in pain.

As for Percy, I have to say I'm a bit worried. Last night he was able to take a few steps, but all day today, neither of his hind legs were working. It was so bad that I actually got John's creeper out of the garage (the board with wheels that guys use to work under cars....tech talk, don't ya love it?), put it in the kitchen, put him on it, rolled him out the door, down the step and down the driveway to get him to the yard to do his business. Then, of course, I had to repeat the process back into the house. I'm telling you, he is one heavy dog. John used the harness and hand to carry him like a purse this evening. I don't have a good feeling about this. He is not a candidate for surgery, as his degenerative arthritis is very bad, and the chance for healing is not good. However, I will keep a positive mindset. Maybe he will turn a corner tonight....I hope so.

 

 

 

*Back* to normal????

I got that callback from the vet yesterday and they asked that I bring him in. There was despair in the nurses voice, and I knew what she was thinking....this dog is a goner. So, I loaded him up and took him over. The look on the vet's face when she came in the room was awful. She didn't even say anything....just looked at me like, I"m so sorry....then she started testing him. The more she tested him, the better her mood got. I know she thought he was going to have to be put down....and so did the assistants, as there was a lot of whispering around me.

Diagnosis? Percy blew a disk in his back, and the compressed nerves are causing mild paralisis in his left leg, weakness in his right. He's on steroids right now, and needs "bed rest" for a few weeks. Fine by me....I'll do whatever it takes. Only....the second I leave the room, he starts barking! LOL. And last night he was doing the strangest thing. Percy is a great dog, but never licks someone. NEVER. So, I'm sitting on the floor with him, feeling bad that I was annoyed at having to pick him up all weekend, and he kept pawing at my shoulder. I came down to him and said, "What do you WANT boy?" and he licked me! He did it over and over. I would sit up, he would paw my shoulder, then he would lick my cheek. Awwww....how cute. And slimy. But hey, I'll take the appreciation!

My hands are raw from taking him out to the bathroom. We have a harness that straps over his front legs, and the handles are on his back. I have to lift his haunches, then grab the handles and kind of lift/drag him outside. It's great with two people, but with just me, it's not easy. I broke a strap trying to pull him yesterday, and my shoulders and back feel like I have been working in the coal mines! I took him out this morning, after a night of sleeping, and he could not move his legs at all. Here's hoping he will warm up and be easier to move on his next bathroom break. Oh, did I mention that the steroids will make him urinate more frequently?

In other news....

I am going to school to have lunch with wee one today. Last night she finally broke down and sobbed over her school work. I felt horrible! She cried so much that I had to get a cool rag and wipe her eyes and forehead. This morning she has a headache from all the crying. But....we studied together for a long time and I think she is ready for her two tests today. Math and science. She has the math down pat....it's the science I'm worried about. I would say she knows 85% of it....so please, if you have a little time this morning, send up a prayer that she remains calm and is able to answer the questions!

I'm off to get her ready for school, and to bandage my hands....lol. Have a good one....

It's Monday, so what? At least the weekend is over.

This is exactly how I feel. Exactly. I want to jump up and down, scream, cry....just totally lose it. There are so many things going on right now that my anxiety level is through the roof....

Right now, the issue that I am dealing with that is sending me running and screaming from the house is the dog. I don't know what has happened, but he can't walk. His back legs will not hold him, and if I am able to get him to stand, he takes two steps and they twist underneath him. Also, his back paws are bending forward, as if he can set them flat. A bit of research shows that this is most likely caused by nerve damage. I have picked him up no less than 100 times this weekend. 77 lbs. of dead weight on my back....yes, my legs are hurting and my disk is ready to pop. John has picked him up the other 100 times, as the girls are not strong enough to do it. I have a call into the vet right now, but I dont' know what they can do for him. Of course, with him not being able to walk, means that he sits there, barking. Over and over and over. A high pitched, sharp, break a glass bark. Every time he does it I can feel my blood pressure rise.

I have been a terrible mom/wife this weekend. The stress has gotten to me and I've been so crabby. Every word my husband said to me was like nails on a chalk board. I hate feeling that way....but he was driving me insane. Just writing this is making me edgy!

I need to go do some yoga....but it annoys me. Maybe I should go take a walk. But it's so danged hot here I would melt. (Living here is a whole other issue....). I need a hobby that I can sink myself into to release some of this pressure. I need....I need....I feel guilty about needing. There are people out there today, who are coming home to houses that have been totally destroyed by storms. Their lives gone and never will things be the same again. So what am I complaining about? I dont' mean to sound ungrateful. Trust me I'm not. I know I'm blessed in so many ways.

But damn it....sometimes things just suck.

Saturday evening....

As you can see by the above pics, wee one's sleepover went very well. Only one little girl showed up, so it wasn't as wild as it could have been. They had such a good time, and were so well behaved!

I took wee one to the store after school yesterday and spent $35 on "party snacks". By 10:00 they were gone! LOL....they each ate a box of bagel bites, and then dove into the grape crush in individual glass bottles, pringles, munchos, Flintstone's push ups and Luigi's italian ice. This morning I offered breakfast....and they politely declined saying, "I might throw up if I eat anything else." LOL....they swam for a while last night, and again this morning, but spent most of their time putting on makeup, doing hair and listening to cd's. It was a total "girl's night". They said they stayed up until 1 am, but they slept until 8. Wee one ended up napping from 1 until 4 this afternoon, after I suggested she lay down because she was crabby. LOL.

I got my e-bay cd in the mail today. I thought I had ordered it from someone in Canada, but it was from Moscow! I thought that was pretty cool. Then again I'm easily amused. The guy's name was Alexey....cool! The stamps on the front are all in russian. The cd isn't as good as I thought it would be....but the envelope is neat.

JB worked on the tree house today....and smashed his thumb with the hammer. So badly that the (look away if you are squeemish!) blood squirted out from under the nail. Poor guy....and of course, he then went out and hit it again. I thought he was going to pass out! You know how that is though....you try to be so careful when you hurt yourself, and you always end up doing it again. He is better now though....finished all of the trim and even grilled some steaks. I made him some peach crisp for a reward....he really is a lucky man....lol.

Okay, I'm off to serve him his dessert....have a lovely weekend!

Sleepover night....

Tonight wee one is having two little girls over to spend the night. It was supposed to be three, but one is going to Georgia for the weekend. Wee one approached me with the idea under the guise of, "We have to finish our author's project and we need to do it together. Can they spend the night so that we can work on it?" Why of course you can my studious sweetheart. Of course, after I said yes the truth comes out...."Oh, we finished most of it. All we have to do is find some graphics on the computer." (read: let's spend 5 hours on ToonTown because I'm the one with the subscription). 

I questioned her as to why our house had been chosen....it seems I always end up with everyone over here. She told me, "Well, we voted and our house won because we have a pool, dad built an awesome tree house and they want to see it, and (the clincher) I have a real gum ball machine in my room." Ahhh yes, the hypnotic draw of the gum dispenser....gets them every time. This morning she had me draw them maps to our house and after school we are going straight to the store to get snacks for this evening. She said to me, "What if they haven't had dinner? Shouldn't you make something?" Exactly why I said they can come over at 7....dinner will be over! LOL....I will, however, happily provide bagel bites, Rold Gold cheddar cheese pretzles (yes, the brand and flavor was specified), and various popcicles and ice cream.

Last night a friend of mine that I have known since sixth grade was in town on business and we met for dinner. It was so good to see him again. We spent countless hours together during our school years....and at my house. He loved my parents, and the feeling was mutual. My mom joined us for dinner and we had such fun reminiscing and laughing. He is still in shock that I have a 17 year old daughter. It's funny how I don't think anything about that....but I suppose if you are single and can do whatever, whenever....having a teenager would be a reality check. I haven't seen him since our high school reunion in 97, but he still looked the same. Same boyish smile, howdy doody freckles, along with a few new wrinkles and a bit of a receding hairline. We laughed over that (he pointed it out, not me!) and joked about how we were becoming our parents. It was a very nice evening.

Betsy worked last night which left JB and wee one home to fend for themselves. Never fear, however, as dh provided wee one with a healthy meal of A&W hamburgers, onion rings and root beer. What a guy! LOL....by 8:30 they were both complaining of heartburn and I had to medicate them with Zantac and Prilosec. See what happens when I'm not here to make a well-balanced dinner?

So today I will be cleaning and getting ready for this evening. I was just dusting in wee one's room, asking myself why I was even doing it....because a half hour after the girls get here it will look like a tornado has whipped through. That's okay though....the aftermath of those kid-tornadoes are proof that they are having fun....and that is what it's all about! 

Okay, I'm outta here for now....

Waiting for the Salvation Army....

As you can see from the above picture, wee one has decided not to continue with safety patrol. Here's the deal....

Progress reports came out and although she is doing well in all of her subjects, she had a "D" in math. Not because she doesn't understand it, but because they are doing timed multiplication tests for grades. So, in three minutes they have to answer 100 multiplication questions (no pressure there!), and if you don't finish....no matter how many you answer are correct (all of the ones she finishes are)....you are graded on the amount answered. The first few tests she took were not good....she had left 47 unanswered, then 32, and so on. The last test she took she only left 17 unanswered, so she got a B.

Being that membership in safety patrol is based on grades, when she got the progress report she was put on "probation". (along with many others) Last night she took me into the bedroom and explained why she wanted to quit. She said that she is so worried about getting a good grade, that she is having a hard time concentrating on the work. She said that her worrying has gotten worse and that her ocd is kicking into high gear. So, she has decided that instead of doing poorly in math, she would rather quit the patrol and work on her grades.

I was so proud of her. It's not that she wants to quit because it is hard, or because she doesn't like standing in the heat....she wants to quit so that her school work does not suffer. I asked her if she would wait it out until report cards come out, because she will surely bring the grade up....but she insists she wants to quit at the end of the month. I am asking her to think about it, but in the end, it will be her decision. I told her that whatever she decides, I will understand....

I am sitting here waiting for the Salvation Army guys to come and take away my dining room table and a love seat. I can't wait to be able to walk through my computer room without smacking my knee on things! LOL....I managed to come up with a few bags of clothes and toys as well. John will be happy, since two of those bags have been in my car for a while now.

It was sort of cool this morning when I took Betsy to the bus stop. I actually had the windows down. It was cool....but a "humid-cool". Not the fresh, crisp cool that I am longing for....but at this point I will take what I can get. I see that we are getting a cool front though....next week it is going to be a chilly 86! Better break out the sweaters! The strange thing is that the pool water is cooler than before. All summer it stays so warm that it is almost unrefreshing....but lately it's been on the cold side....which is a sign that the nights are getting somewhat cooler.

I am going to go finish my cleaning and pick the damn dog up off the kitchen floor....he has been laying there barking for 15 minutes. Now before I get a call from PETA, I need to say that he has been fed, watered and walked....he is just too lazy to get up on his own. If I had a steak next to me, he'd find a way to pick his butt up!

A bunch of stuff....

Betsy:  The test went wonderfully. They told her that she would feel a warm sensation as the dye was injected, and a metallic taste in her mouth....neither of which happened. They told her if they saw any remaining stones she would have to stay for another test, but they did not find any. She feels pretty good today. The only lasting effect she had from the test was from the laxative she had to take beforehand....I know she is going to hate me for writing that! LOL....

Hayley: When she left today, she felt confident that she knew all about polygons, triangles and her science vocabulary words. I told her that she did really well working with me, and not to worry. Still, I said a little prayer in the shower today....

Percy: I guess I shouldn't have yelled at him for going on the rug as the vet said he had a "nasty UTI". He is on medication and hasn't had any accidents since....thank goodness. He's laying right here licking his paw....

John: Well, I don't really have an update for him. He's doing okay though. He got his pen back from the engravers yesterday....it was the gift that all the people in the shop bought him for his birthday. It's really nice and has his name engraved on it. He showed it off during a management meeting and the boss wouldn't even look at it, or comment that it was a nice thing for them to do.....he's jealous that everyone loves my hubby and can't stand him. (With good reason, but we won't go into it here....you never know who is reading!)

Me: I feel like someone pulled me through a keyhole backwards. Cough, congestion, chills one second, hot the next. I still have to wash my kitchen floor and it's 1:00! Now you KNOW I don't feel well when that happens....I am going to try and sew for a while though, as they are needing a load. The mornings here have had a slight "fall" feel to them. And I do mean slight. Just something in the air that smells like autumn. Of course, during the day it's in the 90's....which is not my idea of fall....but then, that is what I get for living here. Not for long though....

 

"It is autumn's signature color. Rust on an old farm implement, time's signature of days gone by. Leaves swirling and gliding along the forest path, crunching underfoot in a sea of orange. Harvest moon, hung low in the sky, glowing as though lit from within. It's the blazing grin of the jack-o-lantern, sanguine rays of light emiting from it's carved features. Orange is an amalgamation of energetic red and the happiness of yellow. The colors marry to create blistering images of color. Flaming tongues of fire, lapping at the heavens, trying to escape containment. It's twilight upon the horizon, as the sun sinks slowly and night emerges. It is, simply, orange."~slb

Busy day....

Today is the big day....kidney testing! Betsy went into work with her dad this morning, as the testing facility is just down the road from John's office. He is going to take her....::gasp::..I'm a little nervous, as he has never done anything like this on his own before. Don't get me wrong, he is a great dad, but this is usually something that I, or both of us take care of. I'm sure he will do just fine....Betsy has been having intermittent pain, so it will be very interesting to see what they find. I just pray the testing goes quickly and easily! (He just called me and they only left 15 minutes ago....there are three different offices listed on the paper and he wasn't sure which one to go to....I TOLD him last night which one....dear Lord....)

While they are at the testing place, I will be at the vet with Percy. He is having a problem and I'm not sure what is going on. Let's just say it involves his bladder, my carpet, and lots of paper towels. Thank God for home steam cleaning machines. He is being confined to the porch until the matter is settled....

We are getting our couch and table today....yippee! I'm so excited. I moved the dining room around yesterday, and also steam cleaned the family room for a nice, clean palette to work with. The Salvation Army is coming on Thursday to pick up the dining room table and loveseat....I should throw in the two bags of toys I have had in the back of my car for months that I've been meaning to take to Goodwill. John reminds me every time he opens the back of the van. I keep forgetting....

My back hurts so bad that it is radiating down my legs....I must have injured a disk or something. I have taken some pain medication and I hope it kicks in before I have to drag the dog to the vet. He does not do good on tile floors, which means a lot of picking him up. Wouldn't that be a scene if both of us fell on the floor....we would both just lay there and whine, waiting for someone to pick us up....although hopefully I would retain my bladder control....

I have tons of sewing to do today between movers, doctors and vet appointments. Not to mention having to help wee one study for the big "polygon quiz" tomorrow. We spent last evening going over things. I think she will do fine if she can get over her nerves. I have never seen someone so tightly wound over tests. She is one of those kids that absolutely freeze when the test is put in front of them. I could ask her questions all night long and she will answer them, but the next day the same questions can be on a test and she will forget everything. If anyone has ANY suggestions on how I can help her to get over this.....please let me know. I hate to see her nervous all the time. She has been put on Zantac because her nerves have caused her to have acid reflux. I was amazed when the doc said that lots of kids her age are on it. The funny thing is that she is such a mellow, happy child. She is so laid back most of the time....it makes me feel terrible to know she suffers like this.

Okay, time to get another half hour of sleep before the day begins....later gators....

Busy day....

Today is the big day....kidney testing! Betsy went into work with her dad this morning, as the testing facility is just down the road from John's office. He is going to take her....::gasp::..I'm a little nervous, as he has never done anything like this on his own before. Don't get me wrong, he is a great dad, but this is usually something that I, or both of us take care of. I'm sure he will do just fine....Betsy has been having intermittent pain, so it will be very interesting to see what they find. I just pray the testing goes quickly and easily! (He just called me and they only left 15 minutes ago....there are three different offices listed on the paper and he wasn't sure which one to go to....I TOLD him last night which one....dear Lord....)

While they are at the testing place, I will be at the vet with Percy. He is having a problem and I'm not sure what is going on. Let's just say it involves his bladder, my carpet, and lots of paper towels. Thank God for home steam cleaning machines. He is being confined to the porch until the matter is settled....

We are getting our couch and table today....yippee! I'm so excited. I moved the dining room around yesterday, and also steam cleaned the family room for a nice, clean palette to work with. The Salvation Army is coming on Thursday to pick up the dining room table and loveseat....I should throw in the two bags of toys I have had in the back of my car for months that I've been meaning to take to Goodwill. John reminds me every time he opens the back of the van. I keep forgetting....

My back hurts so bad that it is radiating down my legs....I must have injured a disk or something. I have taken some pain medication and I hope it kicks in before I have to drag the dog to the vet. He does not do good on tile floors, which means a lot of picking him up. Wouldn't that be a scene if both of us fell on the floor....we would both just lay there and whine, waiting for someone to pick us up....although hopefully I would retain my bladder control....

I have tons of sewing to do today between movers, doctors and vet appointments. Not to mention having to help wee one study for the big "polygon quiz" tomorrow. We spent last evening going over things. I think she will do fine if she can get over her nerves. I have never seen someone so tightly wound over tests. She is one of those kids that absolutely freeze when the test is put in front of them. I could ask her questions all night long and she will answer them, but the next day the same questions can be on a test and she will forget everything. If anyone has ANY suggestions on how I can help her to get over this.....please let me know. I hate to see her nervous all the time. She has been put on Zantac because her nerves have caused her to have acid reflux. I was amazed when the doc said that lots of kids her age are on it. The funny thing is that she is such a mellow, happy child. She is so laid back most of the time....it makes me feel terrible to know she suffers like this.

Okay, time to get another half hour of sleep before the day begins....later gators....

Waitin' for Monday....

I think I'm going to call the Salvation Army and donate another couch and my dining room set. I need to get rid of some of this furniture! I'm running out of places to put it. I have an overstuffed chair in my dining room and with the new harvest table I'm getting from my mom, I will need more room as it is bigger than the round table that's in there now. So....here's the plan:

Take the couch out of Betsy's room.
Put the overstuffed chair in there.
Give the couch and table to SA.
Drive my husband nuts asking him to move furniture again.

Sounds good to me!

Today I spent organizing and throwing things out. You just don't realize how much crud you accumulate through the years. I'm trying to get down to the nitty gritty....keeping only the things we use or may use in the near future. If I haven't unpacked it/used it since Indiana, it's outta here. I hate feeling cluttered.

I bought my new mop on Saturday. I'm very excited to try it out....it's a Rubbermaid. I went to WalMart for Pine Sol and a pool vacuum hose and came out with $180 worth of stuff. But I really needed it....I mean, who knows if they will have the 24 oz. bottle of liquid Peppermint scented potpourri in December! And Betsy really did need a faux crushed velvet body pillow cover. And I was desperate for colorful fall leaves to put in the glass pumpkin that's on my dining room table....not to metion the bill organizer/corkboard/dry erase board I needed for above my desk. See? All things I just couldn't wait to get. Of course I forgot the lip balm I was out of as well as the fabric softener. But I can remind myself to get it next time by tacking a note up on my handy-dandy corkboard!

Ahhhh, here comes Mr. B., with a romantic proposition for me....you know the kind. It's late, the kids are asleep, hubby walks up behind you, puts his hands on your shoulders and whispers in your ear...."Come to the bedroom sweetie....I need you to iron me a shirt for tomorrow."

Now, how can I resist that?

A plethora of pictures....for your pleasure....

Today the Salvation Army folks came over and picked up our sectional couch. I had to clean behind it and I came across my container of pictures. I thought I'd scan a few for your viewing pleasure....enjoy!

eBay keeps me purty....

Another winning bid on eBay....a "professional" cosmetics case, sleek and shiny in silver. Gotta love that! I was using my poor, broken down Caboodles carrier that I've had for 10 years and it needed to be replaced. So, I went on eBay and found this baby....I got it today. Wee one was happy with it too....as she took the old carrier and is now using it to house her "makeup".  Even dh had to admit it was nice....

I won another bid today....I haven't been on eBay for months and all of a sudden I'm there looking and bidding. I got a cd this time. Wee one loves listening to my Amelie soundtrack every morning on the way to school, so I got another cd by the same artist. The reviews were good....so I'm looking forward to receiving it. I also had to buy John's books for school today....I got one at eCampus and one at half.com. Boy, that is the way to go. I got both books for the price of one. I'm sorry, but $100 for a paperback textbook is ridiculous. He will learn just as much from a book that has already been opened. Sheesh.

I'm keeping my eye on Ophelia, who is hanging out on the coast....a mere 150 miles south of us. Fortunately, the hurricane centers have said that she is turning slightly east and will be headed out to sea....but then, you never know when it comes to "mother nature". It's been cloudy and rainy here for the past five days, which has been wonderful....but the seven day forecast has us sunny and in the 90's by Monday. Yuck. How about some 70's? I will even take 75....

I am up waiting for Betsy to get home from work. She had to work until close tonight, which gives her a whopping 5 1/2 hours of sleep. Me too, actually, since I wait up for her, then get up to drive her to the bus stop. I just don't feel safe letting her walk, being that it's 1/4 mile, in the dark, on a main street with cars flying by....of course, she really isn't safe walking 25 feet to the bus even if I drive her. Why? Well....

You know the crazy lady neighbor who shares all her personal woes....well, her son is a sophomore this  year and she drives him to the bus stop. She is always there before me so I park behind her to wait. She used to be there after me, and would park crooked with her lights on, which would reflect in my mirrors and blind me every morning (common courtesy? Naaaaah.). Anyway,  every morning Betsy walks past her van to get on the bus. EVERY morning. You can't miss her. Well, normal people can't. Yesterday the bus pulls up, Betsy gets out and starts walking....mind you we can't go anywhere because the bus is blocking the street and there is a stop sign....crazy lady starts pulling forward, totally oblivious to Betsy. I'm thinking, surely she will stop because Betsy is right by her window. No....I'm about to lay on the horn when she slams on her brakes and realizes she is about to crush Bets between her bumper and the bus. I'm telling you, this woman is NUTS.

WooHoo! Betsy is home safe and sound and I can go to bed....nighty night!

Randomness....

I took wee one to the doctor last night and she has a double ear infection. She had been complaining that her throat hurt, but then told me that she was mistaken....it was her ear that hurt and it was shooting pain down into her throat. Great. She had also been sneezing and coughing so I decided I had better get her into the doctor's office. Good thing I did. He put her on an antibiotic....an adult dose. And he said that when she takes anything now....motrin, tylenol, whatever....it's an adult dose. I feel so sad....no more will I have to ask the question, "Do you want bubble gum or mixed berry flavor?" when purchasing fever reducers. Never again will I medicate my baby then while kissing her pain away, inhale the sweet smell of her cherry scented breath. Sigh....

On our way to school today it was raining and I was thinking about the raincoats my kids used to wear. I had a pink vinyl bunny coat with big long rabbit ears attached to the hood. Whenever my girls would wear it, people would comment on how cute they were. I miss those days.....they had matching boots to go with them as well. Now Betsy would rather get soaked than use an umbrella, never mind a raincoat. (Teenagers!) And wee one, although she still loves to use an umbrella, has packed away her Power Puff Girl and Spongebob variety. Plain umbrellas are the protection of choice these days. Ah well, I suppose eventually it was bound to happen. My girls would grow up. But I just didn't expect it to happen so soon....

Betsy woke up with the excruciating pain again today. She says she feels like she passed another stone. I tell you, she's a geologist's dream at this point. I am a bit miffed that I haven't heard from the doctor's office regarding the test, so I will be calling today. I sent her to school with a bottle of water and Advil. We will save the big guns till she gets home. Poor kid.

Today is early release day....which basically means a short day for the kids, and a PITA for me. I just get them where they need to be, and it's time for me to pick them up again. I don't know what one extra hour every two weeks is supposed to do for teacher planning....as I don't think the teachers down here plan anything except how they can get around actually teaching.

*Random Thought* If that freaking dog does not stop barking, I am going to scream.

I am going to have to run to the bank today and deposit a few checks (holy smokes....a DEPOSIT????) and then pick up the dog's pills, get a few groceries and stop by my grandmother's to check on her, as she is not feeling well. So....being that I have a very limited time frame in which to get all of my duties done....I shall bid you adieu....

Okay, okay....here's mine....

I've been tagged by Gretchen and Julie....

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die:  

~ Go to England....oh what the heck....MOVE to England!

~See my children happy, healthy and successful in their lives

~Hold my grandbabies for hours on end (and like Gretchen says....many, MANY years from now! ;o)

~Become debt free

~See my husband working at a job he is passionate about

~Be on stage....doing what, I don't know

~See a size 9....and not because I'm standing in the teen section looking for jeans with my daughter!

7 Things I Can Do  

~ Clean my entire house, one end to the other, in 2.5 hours including mopping and vacuuming time

~Tell you who does the voice of most cartoon characters, without waiting till the credits roll (Yes, I am a fountain of useless knowledge)

~Play the piano, flute and trombone

 ~Clap with one hand

~Cook the best dang breakfast you have ever had!

~Take blood....I went to school to be a phlebotomist, but broke my elbow immediately after clinicals. So much for my budding career....

~Curse in French and in sign language....classy, huh?



7 Things I Can't Do  

 ~Stay away from my arch nemesis....SUGAR....

~Continue clicking past a channel if a Woody Allen movie is on

~Stop feeding the neighbor's cat....she's just so cute....although she is getting rather fat

~Start sewing/cooking/leave the house and go somewhere to relax if the house is not clean (surprise!)

~Eat just one cookie....

~Go anywhere without Natural Ice lip balm

~Hear Glen Miller without thinking of my Dad  

7 Things That Attract Me To The Opposite Sex
~Sense of humor

~Strong, long, meaty....legs (I know where you thought I was going with that....)

~Straight white teeth ~Crinkles around his eyes due to excessive laughing and/or smiling

~Thick, run-your-fingers-through-me hair....(don't tell my husband)

~Plump, kissable lips

~A British Accent....(you'd have to scoop me up off of the floor!)

7 Things I Say Most Often

~Do you have any homework?

~I love you.

~You want some tuna? (To the cat....)

~Did you give the dog his pills?

~Do you know the difference between light and dark? (To anyone who will listen....)

~How was school?

~Someone let the dog out.

7 Celebrity Crushes  (in no order)  

~David Williams

~Trevor St. John

~Michael Easton

~Thorsten Kaye

~Mike the plumber

~The Brawny Guy

~Mr. Clean

7 People I Want To Do This  

~Any 7 who want to!

I rolled out of bed for this....

Yeah, this pretty much says it all....

My weekend has been soooooo boring. I'm not complaining, mind you....but I feel like such a lazy bum. Yesterday I did clean the porch; which entailed three buckets of water, a hand vac and the regular vac, and some good old fashioned elbow grease. JB has used it for a storage center for all the wood, tools, etc. needed for the tree house for so long, I just couldn't stand the mess anymore. Now, I have a nice sitting area again. If only the weather would cooperate so that I could sit out there without feeling like I was in a sauna.

Let's see....last night we did nothing. Today I finished my mountain of ironing....and I did it without burning myself! Go me! (Of course, I'm not the only one in j-land who has trouble with burning myself....right Ang? LOL) However, I made up for it by grabbing the handle of the skillet that had been in the oven warming the onions, which of course caused an immediate blister to form. I spent the entire dinner trying to eat with one hand whilst the other was soaking in a pyrex measuring cup with ice and water. That was Saturday and my finger is fine now. I did make a nice lunch for everyone today without searing my fingerprints off....

After we had lunch of bbq'd ribs, baked potatoes and seasoned green beans with sauteed mushrooms and onions, followed by sundaes with brownie chunks and strawberries....I don't think my butt got off the couch. As a matter of fact....I didn't even get dressed today! (Well, I was "dressed" in my nightie....just not in regular clothes). I did do my hair and makeup, which made up for some of my passiveness. I spent the afternoon watching the Mad TV marathon, and when that was over, moved on to the Reno 911 marathon. It's still on now but I'm tired of watching tv at this point.

Ok, I'm not totally useless....I did manage to help wee one with her homework at one point today. BTW, Betsy is feeling 100% better. She has no pain at all, not even when she presses on her kidney. She will still be going in for the test this week, but I am so thankful that she is pain free now. She looks like she feels better too, which is wonderful to see.

Tomorrow is back to school....thank you Lord. I was so sad when the summer came to an end (for us) in August. I didn't think I'd get used to not having the girls home all day....what would I do without my buddies. Well, now I know....I will enjoy quiet time! LOL. Actually, they were pretty good....it was dh that was driving me insane. But not until today. It's funny how my mind knows that it is a weekday which means....at 12:45 it is not "show your husband how to look for a textbook for his next class on eBay" time, it is "half-way through Andy Griffith getting ready to sew" time. Sheesh!

Okay, time to hit the hay....again. I have an early morning, what with the kids going back to school and hubby going back to work and 6 hours and 45 minutes of unaccompanied bliss....

Lazy day....

Ahhhh yes....another beefy night at the JBCoupe household.  John grilled some hamburgers for us this evening and I must say, they were rather good. I bought potato salad and macaroni salad, cooked some tots ("Dude, give me some tots!"), and baked brownies for dessert. I should have waited for Monday to cook out, but I didn't. I did, however, pick up some buy one get one free ribs, which I will grill on Labor Day.

I took Betsy for a haircut today. She really needed it. I didn't realize how long her hair has gotten. It's halfway down her back. We had an inch taken off and it looks really good. Sometimes you just need to freshen it up. We went to Supercuts....our first time there. It was a nice place and the prices were good. Although I did notice the guy in front of me was charged $2.00 extra in order to request a certain stylist. I have never heard of that before. Since Betsy and wee one both have long, straight hair, I take them to the "bargain" places for cuts. I can't see paying $40 for a ten minute trim. We used to go to Hair Cuttery, but down here I've had nothing but bad service with them. I tried all three locations and was disappointed with each. Especially when they messed up Betsy's hair her freshman year. She took a picture of a shoulder length bob and came out with a pageboy cut to her chin. She cried over that one! Poor kid. Anyway, I thought they did a nice job here. The last trim she got was at Great Clips....and they did good too. The last haircut wee one got was from me....and I don't charge extra for the blow dry!

Right now Betsy is at her girlfriend's house. It's her birthday and they are having a cookout. The pain pills have really helped and she is able to move about much easier. I just wonder if the pain that woke her up during the night was the stone passing (she said it was an excruciating pain and she had to go to the bathroom immediately after), and this pain she is having now is the aftermath. I hope that is the case, and that she slept through the worst of it. We will find out this week after the scan though.

Tomorrow morning we will be taking my mom to the airport for her vacation in Indiana. She will be visiting my sisters, which will be nice....and my father's grave marker came in a few weeks ago, so she will get to see that for the first time. I know that will be an emotional day for her. Somehow, seeing it in stone makes it more final. I remember when John's dad's marker came in. We knew he was gone, we had been to the cemetary several times....but seeing his name on the marker was, in a way, shocking. I don't know how to explain it. I know that mom will be fine....she will have my sisters there for support.

Well, I had better get to bed, as it will be a very early morning. Night all....

 

P.S. A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY (yesterday)to my dear friend Martha (Lifes2ODD)....I hope you had a good one!

Update on previous entry....

Well, it's official....she has another stone. She was prescribed Lortab for the pain, and told to drink "tons and tons of water".  She is also scheduled for a test in which they inject dye and watch how the kidneys are functioning. Now we have to wait for that call....which I'm sure will not come until next week, being that Monday is a holiday. So, until then she will be drugged up and floating....poor kid.

We went to Walgreens to get her prescription and some Dasani, and then to Zaxby's for a chicken sandwich. She's lying down before her shift at work tonight. Oh, get this one....

The girl who does the "mj" and was supervisor last night, decided to go home because she was "having an allergic reaction to her medicine" and was throwing up. She called and begged this boy to come in and cover for her. He came in to work, after finishing the lawn, even though he had a lot of homework he would have to do after they closed. Well, the girl told Betsy that the real reason she was leaving was: 1. She and her best friend are no longer speaking because of a boy and she is upset, and 2. She tried cocaine the other day and is still feeling agitated. Nice. Betsy told her she was crazy and didn't she know that once she started that she would just want more and more? The girl said she didn't think she'd try it again. Anyway, the boy was talking to Betsy and was saying since the girl was sick, he felt bad....and then Betsy told him the truth. Let's just say he isn't going to be covering for her again. You know, I don't blame Betsy for telling him. And better that others know what's going on too. BTW, Betsy was working with LEGITIMATE pain. I told her not to tell the girl what kind of prescription she had or she'd be trying to buy it from her.

Anyhoo....

I'm just hoping Betsy will be okay, and that she gets some relief soon!

Uh-oh....

Well, I'm waiting on a call back from the doctor's office. Betsy is still in a lot of pain....wait....okay they just called me back. She is going in this afternoon. Thank goodness. I figured with it being a holiday weekend, I had better get her in when I could. I hope she doesn't have to go to the hospital....

In other news....

Well, there really is no other news. Today is cleaning day....but my mop is broken. I took it apart and showed it to my maintenance man, and he said it is not fixable because a tiny piece of plastic had broken off. Dang it. Now I have to buy a new mop. Of course, being a lover of cleaning supplies, this means I can go out and peruse the vast and varied selection of mops my local WalMart holds. Although, they really don't have much of a selection....and I'm rather specific about my mops. I prefer the cloth strips to the foam heads, and I like the kind that have the little "scrubbies" built in. Oh, I'm sure I will find one to my liking....not to worry!

I just finished four loads of laundry; washed, dried, folded and put away....and wouldn't you know I have another load staring me in the face. What is it with these people? They won't wear anything more than once. Now, there are certain things that you need to wash after one wearing, but there are others that can be worn two or three times before a wash. However, my family seems to think that if it touches your body for more than, oh say, five minutes....it needs to be washed. Wee one is famous for this. She will change out of her school clothes to play clothes, wear them for a few hours in the house doing homework or playing video games, computer, whatever....nothing sweaty or dirty....then when it comes to bedtime she will take them off and throw them in the laundry basket rather than fold them back up. What is with that? Typical kid....lol.

You know, I seem to have lots of issues with laundry. I wonder what a psychiatrist would say about that?

Well, I need to get myself cleaned up so that I can take Betsy to the doctor. I'll report back later on what they found or decided to do. Until then....

 

Thursday....(I'm going with a theme here....)

I am so tired today. My throat hurts too. I think I'm getting sick. My head hurts too...what a whiner, huh?

I feel so bad for all of those people affected by Katrina. It is almost unbelieveable watching the footage....the flooding, the devistation. It is amazing to me how so quickly, the Red Cross and hundreds of volunteers, even cities are willing to help these people. Our country, although it has it's faults, is truly a compassionate one. On the news this morning they said that money is needed right now more than food or clothing. They said since they have no way to move things around, the money would help right now. Our local fire departments are asking for canned food donations and are taking them to the people....everyone at work brought in canned goods and water, and John is delivering it to the firehouse. My prayers are with all of those people....

Betsy had a great time at Smackdown. She was a little disappointed being that Undertaker was not there, and most of the wrestlers were newbies. She did see Eddie Gurrero and Chris Benoit however, so she was happy about that. She is hoping that if Raw ever comes around, she will be able to see some of the bigger names. In any case, she had fun which was the point....

She isn't feeling too good today though. She said that last night she drempt that someone was hugging her really hard and she told them to stop because they were hurting her back, and when she woke up she had kidney stone pain. She said it was hard for her to reach up and blow dry her hair even because it was so sore. I hope she isn't going to have another one. She took money to buy bottled water during the day at school today, and I haven't heard from her, so she must be feeling at least okay.

Well, I'm off to sew....again. I finished one load yesterday and now I'm on to another. Have a good one!