When it rains....it pours....and I'm broke....

My poor little Lon-lon....she is not feeling well at all! She started on Monday with the puking and moved on to the "other end" by night fall. Poor London was empty by Tuesday morning! She slept all day, which is not like her, and was rather warm as well. Her body was actually warm to the touch. I called the vet and they said I could wait until today to bring her in, not to feed her and watch her closely. I did just that....and thank goodness I did!

I took her outside and just happened to look over as she "made a deposit" on the lawn....and all I saw was blood. I immediately called and they had me bring her in. I'm waiting for a call from the doctor, as there was a power surge as I was in there (gotta love Florida), and their centrifuge went out. I couldn't get the results of the cbc, but we know it's some sort of bacterial infection....and hookworm. $180 later, we have a special food, anti-nausea injection and two prescriptions. (Is anyone keeping count on my pay out this month? A/C, car, now this????) She slept from the time we got home last night, until this morning....and just brought me her ball to throw for her. She is definitely feeling better. I've moved her up on the "normal puppy" scale to an 8 from a 5. She loves her new food, but was happy with the tiny amount I was told to give her. She knows what she can handle and what she can't. I have to take her back to be de-wormed after she is over the intestinal problems....sigh....

Last night was Betsy's first night back to work since the "issue" with the car. Lord almighty....I don't know if I can handle picking her up at 10:30! LOL....we did make a decision on the boyfriend though. Being that she is adamant that she is going to see him "no matter what", we have decided to allow him to come over once a week. I'd rather have that than have her sneaking around, and possibly getting hurt. I haven't said much about this situation here....it's been a tough year. He's a good guy....but they were moving way too fast. He is a bit older as well....and that does cause a problem. I know in the end it will all work out, I just don't want Betsy to be so "in love" that she throws away her future. Not that being with him would cause her to do that....but I want her to finish high school and go to college, and get on her own two feet before deciding to let someone else be her provider. I want her to have independence....to never have to count on anyone else to support her....

Last night wee one and I made fudge for her teacher....actually, she did most of it. This week is "teacher appreciation week" at school and today is "treat day". Her teacher loves all things chocolate, and I thought it would be nice if she actually made him something, instead of going out and buying some candy. We had a blast together....especially licking the spatula! LOL....I have to say, she did an awesome job!

Okay, it's after 8 and time for me to get moving around here....these bills aren't paying themselves....dang it....

Like the fella once said, ain't that a kick in the head?

What is the big secret about this stay at home mom's life? I'll tell you....things aren't always perfect....

Let me begin by saying....she is OKAY.

Last night Betsy was supposed to work. SUPPOSED to work. However, with the intelligence of a teen who is in love and wanting to be with her boyfriend....she decided instead to feign sickness and sneak off to said boyfriend's house, a mere 25 miles away. Being that she was supposed to work until close then clean up, she said she would just spend the night at my mom's, who lives right across the street from the ice cream shop. Fast forward to 12:30....she isn't there, and mom decides to go check the shop. No car, no Betsy. Then of course, the dreaded call. "Uhhh, Sherry? Betsy isn't here....and she isn't at work." Immediately my blood pressure rises, as I know what she is up to, and I try to remain calm. I tell her I'll call her cell and get back to her. I call, she answers. "Where the $*%@ are you?"

"Mom, I'm going to tell you the truth....", well gee, thank you. "I'm at such and such an intersection. I hit something and two of the tires are blown." At this point I ask if she is okay and she says yes. Then, I let her have it...."What the f-bomb are you THINKING? You could have been killed! You could have killed someone else!What happened? Why aren't you at work?"  Then I said, "Here, you can explain it to your father!", who was sound asleep in front of the tv. He woke looking dazed and confused as I'm screaming for him to talk to HIS daughter. The look on his face as she was telling him what happened went from worry to anger in 0-60.

Long story short, mom came over to watch wee one, and we took off to check out the damage. Boy, when that girl decides to wreck a car, she wrecks it! Apparently she was at a light, waiting to make a right hand turn. Someone came barreling up behind her and she thought they were going to hit her, so she decided to turn onto the highway. THANK GOD no one was coming....however, as she turned she clipped the corner too close, and there was construction being done on the curb....there were 8 pieces of sharp metal sticking out of the concrete, so as she drove past it punctured the tires and twisted the hubcaps, blowing them out as she went. She lost control, but thankfully was able to pull into the empty parking lot next to the corner....driving on rims and mangling whatever was left. JB was able to use two donuts to drive home, and today I got 4 new tires and rims, along with a front end alignment....all for $765. Needless to say, she will be working and handing me her paychecks for a loooooooooong time.

I am so thankful that she is alright. After the initial shock, thoughts of what could have happened ran through my mind for hours. Of course, not long after thoughts of what kind of punishment she would recieve took it's place. She got up and went with us this morning to set everything up to get the car fixed....and returned with us later to pick it up. When she saw the car she said, "Oh mom! You will be driving in STYLE! Look at those rims!" I'm just standing there, looking at her as she is smiling at me. Then she says, "Hey, they pimped your ride for mother's day! But don't worry mom, it's on me...." I don't know whether to hug or spank that kid!

 

Pimpin' ain't easy....

Today is wee one's big Safety Patrol field trip. I would venture to guess she got about 10 minutes of sleep last night, as she is so excited. When I woke her this morning she said, "I didn't think the morning would ever come!" Ahhhh, youth. She got up quickly, got dressed, ate, packed her little backpack and is ready to go. I thought we were going at 7:00, but we dont' have to leave until 7:30....so I thought I'd throw in a quick entry. They get to buy their own lunch today, and according to her...."We have to buy one souvenier." Hmmmm, I highly doubt that was a prerequsite to the the trip....but more of a ploy to get me to give her an extra $10! Whatever it was, it worked....and Miss Moneybags had better not spend it on a $25 shell with googly eyes that says "Florida"!

I can't believe it's Friday already. Where did this week go? It's not like I had a busy week either. I guess since the girls only have 4 weeks of school left, things are bound to speed up. This year went by so quickly....actually, this life has gone by quickly. Next year is going to be so different. No longer will I have an elementary school student....I've been part of the elementary crowd for 13 consecutive years....and my reign as room mother is coming to an end. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. Next year I will have a senior who is graduating half-year, and a middle school student. When exactly did life pass us by? Things are changing for my girls....they are entering new and exciting phases of their lives....I know they are ready....but am I? LOL....I guess that doesn't really matter. As long as they are happy and content, I will be too.

Ahhhh, yes. Before I go I wanted to pimp a few of the newest journals I've been reading. They are written by four great gals....and who knew....they are from Europe!

First we have Debbie, The Life and  Times of an Essex Girl. You will immediately be taken in by her sweet personality and zest for life. This girl never sits still for a moment! She can make everyday life seem like a party....a visit to this journal is worth the trip!

Next is SalonRose, a wee bonnie lass living in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Stop by and give her a warm welcome....I just know she could kick my butt at Bash the Haggis!

Sam is quite the woman....six kids and attending nursing school! (Not to mention her two horses and various other animals!) Try and keep up with her in her busy life....a great read!

Finally we have Lyn, over at Brits Blog. She and her husband are from the UK....however they live here in Florida....and not too far from me! We share a love for Books-a-Million, and she knows the best places for me to shop for my British goods....World Market, here I come!

I know that j-land has gone through some major changes over the past year. We've lost many good journalers, either through changing of sites or through sadder circumstances, but there has also been a good side to it. I've met a lot of new people, and have enjoyed reading some great new journals. New and old, I cherish all of my j-land buddies! I'm just glad I didn't jump on the bandwagon and leave. No other place would feel quite like home.

Well, looks like it's time to head out and enjoy a day of glass bottom boats and 100 hyper safety patrol students. Wish me luck!

Pineapples, chips and other things....

I posted the pics of the pineapple plant....as I got lots of requests to see it! It really is amazing....I've never seen a pineapple plant either. John's friend told us to cut the top off of one and then plant it in a pot. I did, not expecting anything. He told us that it would take about three years....and he was right! I can't wait to see how big it gets. I will keep track with pictures in my journal and we can all watch it grow!

Yesterday I mentioned that wee one and I bought Jays chips at Big Lots. Well, I received an e-mail from a friend who also lives in Florida (with roots in Chicago), and she said they have them there too....and that people are filling their carts with them! LOL....my family has been thoroughly enjoying her stories, and the fact that we are able to buy them now. Funny how something as simple as a chip can occupy our minds for two days! I love it though....

Speaking of Chicago....my Cubbies kicked butt last night! They beat Florida 6-3. They were down 0-3 in the 8th, and came back with three runs and a three run homer....I was off my feet, and had to catch my laptop that slid off my lap! LOL....I was thrilled to say the least. I've been walking with my Cubs hat on every day....so I guess my routine will not be changing....because you know it's the hat that is doing it! LOL....

Ahhh, I hear the delightful sounds of wee one....yelling that I need to come in and help her with her hair for school! LOL....I guess that is my cue that it's time to get off my butt and get some things done. Enjoy the day!!!!

 

Procrastinating again....

I am supposed to be writing a speech for my husband's business class....but I have put it off for a week. I hate writing speeches. And when he gets home from work, he will have to record himself and send it to the instructor. Why oh why did I leave this till the last minute? I sat down to write and then thought....hmmm, I havent' written a journal entry for a while....and of course, I decided to do this instead. Sigh....I've got until 3:30 to get it finished, and then he will be home. I have not wasted the day, however. I did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the entire house, took my walk, got cleaned up and have things all ready for dinner....so I'm not a total slacker! Now, I don't want to give the wrong impression....this class is one that is mandatory, however, it is one that would be for people who are just starting out in the working world. A class that people who work under my husband would be taking. I help out with the homework, and he takes the tests. Between us we are getting 100%, so I guess we make a pretty good team!

Our weekend was good....we spent it working around the house. Saturday wee one and I had a shopping day together. We went all around, picking up things that we needed. We ended up at Big Lots because I wanted to see if they had any cheap gnomes for my garden. What we found was quite a bonus. We turned the corner and both of us stopped in our tracks. At the same time we said, "Are those....????" Yes, they were. A full endcap of.....JAY'S POTATOCHIPS!!!! We were so excited....people actually looked at us as we happily filled our basket with the best chip in the entire world....made in Chicago!!!! I have never seen them down here. So now, we have a pantry full of Windy-City snacks! When we got home, she set them up on a table and covered them with a bag, then presented them with a flourish to her father. He was pretty danged happy about it....as was Betsy. I know, strange how something like that can excite us....but it was like a little bit of home. I've been really missing Indiana lately. I think because I have been watching the Cubs so much. It reminds me of my childhood, my dad, good times with my family....I even said to wee one, "I want to go back home!" She agreed with me.

Sunday we went to church, then spent the day on homework and just lazing around. Wee one spent the afternoon swimming at her friend's house, and Betsy watched movies. She is at work right now until close....bummer.

I took some cool pics of the yard, and the pineapple that is FINALLY growing out of my plant! I'm so excited! It's been 3 years since I planted it. Of course, the pics can only be downloaded to the other computer, and I'm not going to go in there and do it now....I have to write that freaking speech! Okay, I'm outta here for now. Have a good one!

 

Could I get any cooler????

Aaaahhhhh yes....finally we have air!!!! The guys came in this morning around nine, and left after five....a long, hard day for them being that the air handler is in the attic, and it's about 100 degrees up there. They were sweating so bad....I felt terrible. I supplied the ice water and thankfully they made it! We are thousands of dollars poorer, but our house feels like an igloo....which makes it worth it! There was one problem however....they didn't have the right air handler and it was on backorder. The guy said if he waited for it, it would be at least a month before he could put it in, so he offered us a bigger and nicer one for the same price. WooHoo! We've got some strong winds blowing in this house! In any case, we are ready for the hot and humid Florida summer....bring it on baby, show me what you got!!!!

I have to say, it was a long, boring, warm day. I basically went from sewing machine, to washing machine, to computer over and over. However, with all that wandering about, I didn't get much done. You would have thought I would have gotten caught up on everything....but no....I pretty much wasted the day. Sigh. Of course, tomorrow will be busy and I'll have extra to do....but it's my own fault. I think sometimes I enjoy the hurried atmosphere....makes the day go by faster.

Wee one has a school carival this weekend, which she is looking forward to. Her sunburn is better....she spent Monday in the pool with her friend. I think this weekend we will open our pool. It's definitely warm enough! I have to admit, there have been a few times I've come home from my walk, and wished I could jump in! I need to go get sand for the filter, and some chemicals. Oh joy.

I am soooo loving this lap top. Of course, setting up the wirless router was a whole other story....I bought the first router and worked on it for hours....I had everything set up correctly, all the lights were burning....but I couldn't get a connection. I had had it after about the 10th try, climbing out from under the desk, hitting my head so many times that I had a minor concussion....that I poured myself a nice drink and decided to wait until the morning. When I got up, and my head cleared, I called BellSouth and they said the router I had was not compatable with their service. Well great. So, off I went to Radio Shack to get the proper router....and after only 4 tries with that one, and one more call to BS (quite appropriate I must say!), I got it going! Of course, I had a little help from my NY buddy....

Now, being that I am able to sit anywhere to use this....where do you think I ended up last night? Come on....guess. Yes, I was at my desk. I turned my mlb.com on my desktop so that I could watch the Cubs (who, by the way, are kicking ass this year!!!!), and chat at the same time. I know....pathetic. Although, I did make up for it today trying it in the kitchen, bedroom, backyard swing, and right now, the screened in porch. It's so cozy out here! I love technology....

Well, I am off to surf in various rooms of my house. Hmmmm, I wonder if I could use it in the bathtub????

Easter pics....

I know, I know....I'm late on this....but I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter!

We ended up spending the day at my grandmother's house. We had the usual ham and potato salad....which was very good. Everyone enjoyed themselves a great deal. The girls had a great time together, which really made my day....

We went to church that morning, which was held in the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena. It was spectacular! The music was incredible, and the message was as well. Our church is having a concert with the "Veggie Tales", and during the Easter sermon the pastor got a "call" from Larry the Cucumber. It was so cute. The kids were in awe....if you haven't checked out "Veggie Tales", do it. John and I love watching them! It was a wonderful morning full of praise and prayer.

The Easter bunny did visit....and everyone was happy. Wee one got a Jumanji dvd and candy, Betsy got a Family Guy dvd and candy, and JB got an Office Space dvd and....banana cashew popcorn. Ewwwww! LOL. But he says it's wonderful. I'll take his word for it....

I'm so excited....Thursday we get our air installed. I don't even mind the price after a week in the high 80's. Man, I'm melting! I can't wait to be able to crank that sucker up and actually feel the cool breeze blowing on my hot....head.

Okay, time to take wee one to school and get some sewing done....I'm out baby, I'm out!