I'm taking a blog break.

dunno for how long but I think it's for the best.

Why is getting ready for a vacation so exhausting?

We're going on vacation. We're leaving Wednesday and driving down to L.A. While down there we'll be hitting three major theme parks: Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios. We'll be driving home on Sunday the 9th. And we're going with my in laws.

So today I've started to really get ready to pack. That entailed going to Target and the grocery store. It also entailed doing 7 loads of laundry in addition to making dinner (pancakes and sausage) and cleaning up after that.

Next I need to tackle the bathroom which is not clean. Tomorrow I plan to dust, vacuum and start putting things into our duffel bags to take with us. By the time we leave on Wednesday I'm going to need a vacation!

"I'm a leaf in the wind"

LOL That was a phrase in the movie Serenity that we watched this weekend in the theater. Only funny if you saw it? (the dude kept saying that as he slid the air craft to a halt destroying the craft and everything else. LOL anyway, that is me to a "T").



Last night I totally dumped my Diet Coke into my plate tonight at Olive Garden. Oh yeah, go me. Woot. Woot. They were really great about it. I said I was fine and not to worry about bringing me more food (honestly, I was fine) but they did anyway. So now I've got Chicken Parmigiana and spaghetti up the ying-yang in the fridge. The kid will snarf it down today. No doubt. So yeah, I'm totally a leaf in the wind. *snort* I kept saying that tonight to my husband and he said, "More like an acorn hitting every branch of the tree on the way down."



Tonight my sister-in-law had Brandon snap some photos of her opening her gifts with her digital camera. She's trying to tell him what to do and said, "Look at the window" and he turned around and looked at the windows of the house. LOL Hilarious! Hubby said, "He's too smart for that.... You have to get technical and tell him to look at the screen." LOL The kid actually already knew how to take the photos, but that didn't stop hubby's mom from looking 100% horrified at her daughter handing over her digital to a 7 year old. LOL

Extremely late last night I had another leaf moment... I sewed some buttons back on some capri's and tried to fix a belt loop on hubby's pants. I ended up stabbing myself in the thumb with the dull side of the needle. Nice.

ohhhhhhhh $hhhhhhhhhit!

"Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$hhhhhhhhhhhit!"

That's what I was saying as I ran into Kiddo's room this morning at 7:25 a.m. Me, the lightest sleeper on the planet. The anal one who always sets her THREE alarms every evening (and did, in fact set them last night) somehow over slept this morning. I still have no idea what happened. All I can come up with is somehow they did not go off.

Miraculously, despite being awaked 40 min. Later than usual, Kiddo made it to school on time and I, super mom (snort) was amazing. Oh yes, I was perky for the first morning of my life. I had to be. He kept crying, poor thing. Between being rushed like a maniac and having not read his Monarch Butterfly book to more than 3 people he was a wreck. Cried a total of 3 times. Crying before school is a first for him.

The good news is, today is the last day of school. After today we've got 2 weeks of Fall Break coming our way. Yahhhhhoooooooooooooooo!

Another day in the life of....

Kiddo got up around 1 a.m. to pee. He calls out, "Mom! I need you!" very urgently. I was on my computer but got right up and ran in there. What I found was a lake forming upon what was once my bathroom floor. I jump right in the lake and make for the valve to turn the water off since the toilet doesn't plan to stop pouring out water any time soon. By the time the water valve is shut off the lake has made its way out to the carpeting. All the while I'm yelling for my husband to get his butt off his computer and get in there to help me out. Does he? Nope. He says he'll be there in a moment and yes, at that point he knew what was up. Niiiiiiiiiice.

So hubby mopped up the floor and plunged the toilet (my hero). I finished sopping up the lake and then got to disinfect everything. The icing on the cake was, I had just finished cleaning the bathroom prior to this whole fiasco. Ain't life grand?

I want to go away from the world and be alone for awhile. I swear, if I was a drinking woman I'd have had me a tall glass of something strong tonight!

Tomorrow I'll deal with the nasty soaking wet towels and bathroom mats which are currently sitting outside in a trash bag. Lord help me.

Happy 7th Birthday Google

I dunno.... those slices of cake are lookin' good to me. I should probably go to bed now.

Key issues

Yeah... so it wasn't that long ago that my house key/key to the laundry facilities broke off in the laundry room door. I went the next day and got a duplicate made from my husband's key.

I already had to make another replacement. What is the deal?! The new one I'd had made, it freakin' bent. How on earth does a key get bent. I went to use it one morning after taking Kiddo to school and the stupid key was bent and thus, would not slide into the lock and unlock the door.

Bah.

Thankfully my husband was at home, though sound alseep in bed. Yes, the lucky duck sleeps in a lot later than I get to on school days. I pounded on the door for a few minutes and then started yelling. Once he realized it was me he opened the door. I was lucky. He can usually sleep through anything.

I figure I really ought to have made more than one copy this time around since this whole key thing is just bizarre. Never had issues with keys before... of course I didn't get an extra made. I just love going to the shop and asking the dude to make me another key. Not.

Stay away from the following:

1) Total Raisin Bran. I like Raisin Bran. I like Wheat Chex. I like lots of very healthy, loaded with fiber cereals. Total Raisin Bran is like eating cardboard flakes with raisins. Gak.

2) Kroger Frozen Chicken Tenders (that are breaded and cooked). These are beyond gross. They taste like very bland meat loaded with artificial smoke flavoring. Terrible.

3) Dial anti-bacterial foaming hand soap. Just bought it today, just used it. $1.85 at Target, what a deal. But now I smell like a man. It's not a bad smell, I just don't personally want to smell manly.

I got tagged again!

Uh.... thanks Charity... :)

Here goes nothin'.

Ten years ago: I was 20. I had met my husband just a few weeks prior and we were busy getting to know each other; spend almost any waking hour together that we weren't working. I worked all hours of the day and night (and lots of them) at a residential care facility for the elderly and was trying to take a few classes on top of all that. I had no time for anything else but it didn't matter because I was young and happy.

Five years ago: I had a two year old. I was learning more and more about web design, HTML and making my own graphics. Things weren't super easy for us financially, but we were doing ok.

One year ago: I was crazy busy helping out in Kiddo's school. I was there at least 3 days a week working. I was also very sick. I was so worn down and not sleeping much that I was really ill for 3 months.

Yesterday: I slept in really late, it was lovely. I watched the movie In Good Company and really enjoyed it and I also caught E-Ring on USA. I was surprised at how much I liked it, I hope to keep watching it. I also read some of Once a Thief by Kay Hooper, I did two loads of laundry, made Creamy Chicken and Cheese enchiladas for the family's dinner and made one trip to the grocery store. I also installed a few things onto my new computer. There may have been more but that's about all I recall. Nothing overly thrilled. Basically a typical day in my life.

Five songs I know all the words to: This will be easy - I know the words to 100's of songs.....
Since you been gone - Kelly Clarkson
Going Under - Evanescence
Special - Garbage
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
I'm a believer - Smashmouth

Five snacks:
Doritos (they're evil and addicting, stay away!)
Peanut Butter Twix
raw veggies with my low fat ranch dip
fresh pineapple
an english muffin with light Laughing Cow Cheese spread onto it


Five things I would do with $100 million:
Invest it
Buy a home locally (on the beach - WOO!)
Go back to school
Buy a new car so I could go back to school (no school's here have the major I want)
Travel
and number 6 - never worry about money again. Ever.

Five places I'd run away to:
Malibu
Santa Barbara
Catalina Island
any nice hotel on the beach
a lovely, quaint cottage somewhere in New England

Five things I'd never wear:
a bikini
leg warmers (been there done that in 2nd grade)
super low rise pants (with my build even mild low rise pants look horrid)
bell bottoms (lord help me)
Birkenstocks

Five favorite TV shows:
Lost
Alias
Nip/Tuck
The Shield
Rescue Me
... and a ton others, but it said only 5

Five greatest joys:
My son
Taking a bubble bath when it's quiet and no one around to bug me
doing something nice for someone else
the ocean and beach
music

Five favorite toys:
my new Dell computer
my MP3 player
my digital camera
Star Wars Galactic Heroes Han Solo and Princess Leia
my new printer


Five to tag:
Michelle
Juls
Stacy
Chris
Tammy

Books read 2005

While browsing the other day I saw someone who had a "Books read" list going on their blog. I thought it was a good idea, to keep track/see the books I've read over the year. So here's mine.... I started reading again as a hobby in June, since then I've read:

One for the Money (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Two for the Dough (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Three To Get Deadly : A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Four to Score (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
High Five (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Hot Six (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Watermelon by Marian Keyes
Seven Up (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Visions of Sugar Plums (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
To the Nines (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper
Ten Big Ones: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
I Don't Know How She Does It : The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother by Allison Pearson
Derailed by James Siegel
Touching Evil by Kay Hooper
Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper
Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Body of Evidence by Patricia Cornwell
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
Hiding in the Shadows (Shadows Trilogy) by Kay Hooper
Stealing Shadows (Shadows Trilogy) by Kay Hooper
Out of the Shadows (Shadows Trilogy) by Kay Hooper
ALL THAT REMAINS by Patricia Cornwell
Cruel & Unusual (Kay Scarpetta Mysteries) by Patricia D. Cornwell
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Eleven on Top (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
Once a Thief by Kay Hooper
Always a Thief by Kay Hooper


Currently reading (or currently sitting on my nightstand for me to read):

Don't Kiss Them Good-bye by Allison DuBois
Must Love Dogs: A Novel by Claire Cook

Which Lost Character are you?

Take the test Which Lost Character Are You?? My Results: Claire You scored 67% kindness, 36% courage, 34% seedy past, and 43% secretiveness!

"Don't talk to me about the baby. I'm sick of everyone telling me what to do." You are Claire. You are a very kind and caring person. You're not the bravest on the island, but you will stand up for yourself when the need arises. Compared to the other survivors, you have a pretty clean past and you're open and honest about most things. It's a good thing, too - Turniphead needs you to be nurturing and caring in order for him to grow up and NOT become the antichrist. Luckily, Charlie seems more than happy to assist you.

Dude! I got a Dell!

I'm on a computer high at the moment. My beautiful Dell arrived today, hubby set it up (mostly) and I'm busying doing the rest of the setting up.... it's amazing, it's perfect. I love it!

Finally, I can get back online. I can get to my life without having to get on for 5 min. and then wait a few hours to try again for another 5 min. I was quite honestly losing my mind.

Anyway, the Dell. It's sleek. It's black. It's fast. It's quick. It's lovely. *swoon* Hubby is jealous... but hey, he got my new Sony Flat Screen monitor so he did get something out of this, too.

Thoughts for the day (thus far)

I'm having some serious sticker shock issues right now. My husband just told me how much my new computer is going to cost. Holy crap. No matter I have to have a new computer. Mine is locking up on me every few moments and I'm here trying to get some actual get-paid-for-work work done.

Is it wrong that after eating two Krispy Kreme's yesterday I no longer feel so depressed and hateful to the world? I guess it's PMS (x10) that's going on, but ugh. I've been hating on everything for the last week. Yesterday, after donut time, I felt perfectly fine. Today I'm still feeling better but not as good as yesterday afternoon.

I was so ready when school started back up for Kiddo on Aug. 1. Now we've only got two more weeks before their first break. I'm about ready for it. I need the sleep. Been having terrible insomnia for the last week... which now that I think about it may have been related to my hating the world bit.

OPI / Marie Claire Freebie

In the October 2005 Issue of Marie Claire (with Keira Knightly on the cover) there's a coupon (on page 272 - info on page 32) for a free full size bottle of OPI Cabernet for the Lady at Trade Secret or Beauty Express Salons.

The color, Cabernet for the Lady looks really pretty - like a berry-red. They're calling it a berry, but going by the photos in the magazine it's more of a rosy/coraly/red with shimmer. Very pretty if you like reds!

My scan (which is kinda crappy as far as the color goes) -- offer expires 10/6/05 or when supplies are gone.

Grocery store shopping etiquette

Some tips on how not to piss off other shoppers:

1) While it's fabulous you're shopping with your friend and her two children, please respect that there are other people in the store too. That means, don't block every isle the two of you lazily stroll down. It also means it's not a good idea to stop mid-isle, blocking off the entire isle and just stand there and chat like you're on the beach. Not everyone is there with their friend having a blast and being lazy. Some of us actually need to get what's on our list and get the heck outta there. We have stuff to do. Move it!

2) If you have three children under the age of 5 and one of them cannot be controlled by you or any other human being, it's probably not a good idea to take them to the store. A screaming, shrieking 2 year old wandering around while his mom keeps yelling at him and saying things like, "You better get over here or I'm leaving you." really makes the whole grocery shopping experience even less pleasant than usual. I get you may not be able to go shopping without all three kids, that's life. However, if said 2 year old can scream and throw a fit for the entire 40 minutes you're grocery shopping it's definitely past time you learn some new techniques on how to deal because your child is hell on legs.

3) If you work at the store and end up bagging groceries for someone that include 2 liter bottles of soda... it's not a good idea to put two into a single, thin plastic bag and then place it on the shelf under the shopping basket. The reason this is not a good idea is that when the poor customer pushes their cart out to their car that bag has a really good chance of slipping off the cart completely thus dumping out both 2 liter bottles of soda into the parking lot. And 2 liter bottles of soda roll pretty darn well. Said customer may not even realize what happened until she's already at her car and has people yelling, "Miss! Miss! Did you drop something?!"

I'm just saying.

Pride Day at School

Kiddo's school has had a Pride Day every year since Sept. 11. They have it either on or very close to 9/11. Today is Pride Day, the kids are having a special assembly and are wearing Red, White and Blue. Since Hurricane Katrina did so much damage (gosh, that feels like an understatement) his school is also having the kids bring in coins to donate.

Yesterday, in the car:

Me: So, are you going to give some of your money to help out?

Him: No.

Me: Ok, fine. You don't have to... but you know those children don't have their clothes, their toys, their books, their PlayStation games....

Him: *thinking*

Him: Ok, I will give 5 [cents]

Me: Just 5 cents?

Him: Ok, 8

Me: Why only 8?

Him: I don't have that much.

Me: Yeah you do. You have a piggy bank with lots of coins. Me and dad always give you our change.

Him: Oh yeah, 'cuz some of those are tens, huh.


This morning:

Without any prompting he brings out his piggy bank and tells me he needs to get it open. I pry it open and start dumping. I've got a pile on the couch and I ask him what he wants to give. He looks at the pile and takes a little from it to keep, looks at the big pile that's left and says, "That much."

So I counted it out - $2.48. We put it into a ziplock baggie for him to take to school. He was highly impressed with the amount. "Wow. That's a LOT! The town that gets this is gonna be lucky."

He's hilarious even if he doesn't quite fully get it.

I explained to him that $2.48 alone really isn't much - but that with all the children bringing in some of their coins it is going to add up and really help some people. I went on to tell him this wasn't about having mom's and dad's give their dollars to the kids to bring - it was about the children. I told him his dad and I had already given some of our money. His response, "Really? That's cool."

Are mom jeans worse than flabby bellies with stretch marks?

I have to ask.....

Which is worse? wearing mom jeans or wearing low rise pants that make your flabby rolling belly hang over a few inches showing your stretch marks?

This is brought on by what I saw yesterday outside of a store. I'm not a fashionista. I'm a jeans and tees kind of girl. I'm a mom, I don't have a job outside of my home that means I must dress up in any way. I won't wear anything that shows my belly as a public service. Trust me, I've got some rolls and plenty of stretch marks from my pregnancy 7+ years ago. I don't want to see it and neither does anyone else.

So what do you think? Are mom jeans (which, no I don't wear them - I wear just normal jeans) better than allowing a chubby stretch marked belly out for all the world to see? Me? I'd go with mom jeans before I was that cruel to the world.

Mirrors suck. Big time.

You know when you're already not exactly feeling your best? I mean, you know you didn't put makeup on and you already know your hair is months behind on the highlights thing and it needs a cut desperately... but then you catch sight of yourself in a mirror and can really SEE how horrible it is and you just feel like mega-crap? Yeah, that happened to me today. I knew I didn't look good. I guess I was just in denial about how bad I was looking. Granted, it was in a store dressing room - but still!

I bought two pair of jeans and hoodie. It has been really pathetic that I own one pair of pants and they are black, not jeans. I mean, I own more than that - I just can't currently fit INTO anything else. I do have capri's and such but gosh I simply had to get me some jeans that fit. Of course this made me late picking up Kiddo from school. And my Mother-in-Law who works in the office at the school called and left a message on our machine at home saying he was getting concerned. I asked him about it and his attitude was basically he could care less. He was hanging out with friends and his grandma was right in the office. So yeah, bad mom moment. Oh well. I seriously had to get some pants and taking Kiddo to the mall when I have to try things on is about as fun as shooting ones self in the foot.

Katrina relief.....

In the wake of what a disaster the south has become I'm so glad to read about the following:

Donations, supplies rush in...
Morgan Freeman to help raise funds for Katrina relief
TV Telethons Announced for Katrina Victims
Duff to Donate $250K for Katrina Victims
Dave Matthews Band to Do Benefit Concert
Katrina Felt Across Entertainment World
Diddy, Jay-Z pledge $1M to Red Cross
Cage donates cash to New Orleans neighbours
Celine Dion pledges $1million US to American Red Cross

I only wish I was able to do more than I can... Whatever you might be able to do (donate cash, pray, whatever) I hope you'll do so. A friend of mine is going to donate 100% of her profits from her Body Shop at Home business to the Red Cross between Sept. 1 - Sept. 14 - that's 25% of your order going to help the victims of Katrina. Want to help out and enjoy some great products at the same time? Check out her site!

Forming his own opinions, growing up.... am I ready for this?

I look at Kiddo some days and can hardly recognize him. He used to be so small, so adorable. Now he's so huge. He's still very cute (I admit I know I'm biased) but I wonder how it all happened so fast? He's not a baby anymore. He's not a toddler anymore. Shoot, he's hardly even a "little kid" anymore. He's growing up, learning things from other people, other kids - things where I look at him and wonder where he came up with that. Where he heard it before and how on earth he knows what such a big word means to even use it correctly in a sentence. He more than just thinks for himself now. He also has a knack for blurting things out at times when perhaps he should keep him mouth shut. And there's how he has his own take and opinion on everything. His opinion that while it must somehow be influenced by his mother and father -- is still his very own.

It's almost scary, ok no, it is scary that Kiddo now forms his own opinions about things. About people. People like his mom. Yesterday he said, "You're funny." I said, "I am?" and he went on to explain, "Yes, you make me laugh sometimes - you're funny." Ok, I am funny. I crack my husband up a lot and more recently my son too. The scary part is he came up with this on his own... so like, uh.... what's he think when I yell? or when I'm like just go away and leave me be for 15 min.? Oh dear.

My son is no longer a little kid. Yeah, he's only 7 years old and he's only on his 4th week of 2nd grade -- but he's quickly become a rather interesting and intriguing person. How'd that happen?

Today on I'm a terrible mother - Mom doesn't go to "Back To School Night"

I'm currently reading I Don't Know How She Does It and honestly, although I've yet to work outside of our home since the birth of my son over 7 years ago (for some reason working from home and getting paid for it doesn't count to most people) I can relate to this book so much it's almost painful. That whole need to be perfect, the automatic mode of always trying to remember everything and get everything done. The complete and utter head spinning it can feel like inside.

Anyway, my latest terrible mom moment was this evening. I didn't go to the "Back To School Night" at Kiddo's school. I've gone every year, but not this one. Last year I went alone (hubby stayed home with Kiddo since children aren't allowed - he was happy to get out of going of course) and learned exactly nothing new about the school and what was going to happen, etc. Last year at the "Back To School Night" was also when I got sucked into being the Room Parent and volunteering for a crazy amount of things. Maybe that is, in part why I just wanted to avoid going this year? I don't know. But I admit, I do feel like this is a failure on my part. It doesn't matter I was completely exhausted. It doesn't matter I'd already spent 1.5 hours helping Kiddo with homework. I didn't make it to "Back To School Night" for his 2nd grade class. Period. Blah.

Why? Why do I/we (Mother's) do this to ourselves. My husbands response was more along the line of Oh Please, like it really matters. Get over it. What did I expect. He is a man. He never reads the Kiddo's papers, he visits the school once a year for the Open House and that's it. He doesn't get it. I wish I didn't get it.

Whatever. It's 7:30 p.m. and I need to log off and go make a lovely homecooked meal for my family.

So I got a new monitor

That is one of many reasons I hadn't posted much over the last month. My monitor was dying; having internal earthquakes, gray and white flashing lines across it; making high pitched noises which caused my techie husband to yell, "Turn it off! It's going to explode!"

So yeah, I'm a huge dork. I did before and after photos *snort*

My husband is very jealous now and is desperately wanting his own flat screen, flat panel. This is the first time ever I've had something a little better than him as far as computer crap goes. Ha. He did think I was the biggest loser ever though for taking before and after pics.

Anywho - now my excuse for not posting on le blog can no longer be connected to my monitor. I'm sure I'll come up with something.... ;)

Donald Trump's dog

*hahaha* That is too adorable on the doggie. Horrible on The Donald, but cute on the doggie.

Pic from The JJB.

Butt Paste & Peanut Butter M&M's

*passing out Peanut Butter M&M's*

Day 2 of my cycle and I finally got my period. Niiiiiice. How on earth. I don't even know. Not sure I even want to know. Started the new pack of pills, on day 2 and I get my period. This would explain why I'm sitting here downing Peanut Butter M&M's. That would also explain the lunch of Cool Ranch Doritos I had today. At least other than those 2 things I haven't eaten anything else so it could be much worse. I can say I'll try to eat some semi decent food for dinner, but I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

So, I got to buy Butt Paste today for the kid. I'd leave it at that but have to mention that blood dripping from your 7 year olds behind is enough to make you have a very bad, very stressed out, emotional day. Yesterday sucked. 'Nuff said on that topic though the fact that they named it Butt Paste totally cracks me up.


I'm going to take a nap now.

The End.

Freakin' A!

Does this $hit happen to other people? or is it just me?

I'm trying to get some laundry done - you know, in between cleaning the bathroom, kiddo's homework (he is supposed to read to me for at least 15 min.), etc. And my frick-frackin' key breaks off in the laundry room door. Oh.my.gawd. I am so not a happy camper right now.

Finally got a hold of my husband he is soooooo helpful. He offers me this fantastically, amazingly helpful advice. "Just don't lock yourself out of the apartment in the meantime." Wow. Wish I'd thought of that. Thanks so much man.

Met Kiddo's 2nd Grade Teacher and fresh fruit

they posted the class lists at the school today - we went even though we knew who his teacher would be. He wanted to see who of his friends would be in his class. One of his best buddies will be in there with him so he's happy. We met his teacher - Mrs. Z. seems wonderful! I just can't believe my kid is going into 2nd grade already - I mean, I remember when I was in 2nd grade for heavens sake!

Yesterday I picked up a mixed fruit salad tub at Whole Foods. I'm eating some of it now. It is divine! I will have to go back on Monday and pick up another. Mmmm!

One day on, one day off

I swear that is how I've been for the last couple of weeks. I can be super woman one day and then the next I have the desire to do jack.

Yesterday it was school clothes shopping day. Kiddo and I drove to my grandmother's, then we went out to lunch (us, Grandmother and my Mom), then shopping for school clothes and shoes. After we were done I was so over shopping I wanted a tall glass of ice cold water and my bed. But no. We went back to my grandmothers and kiddo went swimming in her hot tub for 2 hours. We were pretty much out and about going non stop from 10 until 8 p.m.

Kiddo is actually doing really well with swimming. Somehow he has learned some actual skills in the hot tub. He can do the dead man's float and actually stuck his face in the water (thanks to his new Fairly Odd Parents goggles) and swam around the hot tub. Yay! Go Kiddo!

Then there was today. Today I woke up very late, dragged my butt out of bed. Made lunch for everyone and an hour and half later I was back in bed. I just didn't care. I had some depression or something going on. Why? I have no idea. But I slept and gosh I needed it. I finally snapped out of it around 6:30 p.m. and decided I really should get some things done today. Kiddo and I went out and ran a bunch of errands. Now it's 9:30 p.m. and I'm in the middle of doing 5 loads of laundry (kiddo's new school clothes + ) ; it makes me not feel so bad for doing nothing all day when I'm so productive at night. heh

My paper shredder just died.

Absolutely fantastic. Freakin' thing burned out. Can't blame it really but still.

I spent 6 hours last night/early this morning going through all our bills and other files. I pretty much filled up one of those huge ice chests (I couldn't find a box big enough) of papers I needed to shred. I swear, it's time like this I wish we had a fire place to just burn the darn stuff in.

So I guess I need to go out now and buy a new one... maybe one that doesn't barely cost $20 this time? Eh.... maybe not.

Lance does it again!

I love him - he is so amazing and inspirational in my mind... Congrats to Lance Armstrong on winning his 7th (and final) Tour de France! Woooooooo!

Allergies, school supplies and it's the weekend again

Our allergies have been so terrible lately. Ugh. I hate that! It makes me sleep like the dead and feel tired all day long. Plus the whole sniffing all day and night and red, itchy eye thing isn't fun. And that's with taking allergy meds. Loverly.

So, kiddo begins 2nd grade in just over a week. They go back August 1. I'm so ready for it and so not ready for it at the same time. Poor kid, none of his clothes fit him now. Everything fit fine when school let out the first of June - but now - all the pants are too tight and are high waters on him. His shirts are even looking silly. We'll be going clothes shopping for everything next week.

Today we took care of the school supplies list the school posted. We actually managed to get everything on there, no thanks to Target not stocking enough of the necessities. I hate to think if I had waited any longer. We got the last pack of Crayola Markers and Crayola 16 count Crayons. We got the 3rd to last pack of yellow #2 pencils. For real - you'd think they'd have more of the basics and less of everything else. But no.

Kiddo picked out a new backpack. Last year it was Ninja Turtles, this year he found a Fantastic Four backpack he liked. I swear, they do not make these things very sturdy. I will not be shocked when the thing rips after a few months. At least we got it at 50% off.

I must really be getting old because that shopping trip has worn me out completely. At least it's the weekend... yay! (I think). The hubster and I are planning to see The Island tomorrow - I cannot wait. It looks awesome and I am in love with Ewan McGregor. He rented Million Dollar Baby and Constantine last night so we'll probably watch those over the weekend as well. Sounds good to me.

I do have a small pile of web work sitting here that I should think about doing at some point.... it only arrived today though so I may leave it until Monday.

What's everyone else doing this weekend?

Google Moon Love

Awww, showin' some Google love! Seriously - it's cool, check it out!

I felt inspired today

Why I can't say. But I'm in the middle of doing 5 loads of laundry - eggs and potatoes are boiling (for potato salad). I'm considering making chicken strips for dinner (delish, but a lot of freakin' work).... and I still need to dust and vacuum this place as my grandmother is coming over tomorrow.

I am now sitting here wondering what on earth came over me because I do not have the energy to do all this crap.

My lack of energy just might, possibly, have something to do with what I've had to eat today. Teriyaki Beef Jerky, a Krispy Kreme and Diet Dr. Pepper. Nah. I'm sure that has nothing to do with it.

What is it with leaving the empty toilet paper roll hanging and not replacing it?

I am trying to understand this. My husband does it nearly daily. Uses up the last of the toilet paper roll and then leaves it as is. I am almost afraid to ask him what is so important and taking up his time while he's doing his business on the pot that he can't freakin' reach over and change the blasted roll.

Thoughts?

God bless plumbers

Seriously - plumbers should be one of the highest paid vocations on the planet. I'm a huge fan of indoor plumbing and having to manually refill the toilet for every flush got old real quick.

So yeah, the toilet is fixed. The guy came early yesterday morning and it was fixed before I even got up. Bless my hubby - he got up and didn't leave for work until it was done. Somehow I was able to sleep through the whole thing. That is nothing short of miraculous seeing as how I am the lightest sleeper on planet earth. I can only say it must have been a combination of benadryl, ear plugs and not going to bed until 5 a.m.

Sun burns, peeling, itching, crabs, the beach

Last Tuesday kiddo and I finally made it to the beach. The first time this summer. It was not entirely my fault. We were waiting for it to get above 65 and it did. It hit 70 that day and was perfect.




Kiddo found a dead (empty) crab shell; he's holding it in his hand in that shot. He thought it was very cool. He played in the water some and got soaked as did I. Darn waves came in quicker and the tide was coming in so it looked like I'd peed myself. That was fun. He played in the sand, made a sand castle, went hunting for cool rocks and stuff. He had a ball.



I sat and ate lunch, drank some Diet Dr. Pepper and read a few chapters in Four To Score. I didn't apply any of the Neutrogena SPF 45 sun screen that I had in my bad to myself. Nope, I was going to get a little color on my pale self. Yup. Go me. Or not. I came home and quickly realized I'd burned my left shoulder. Ouch. As the night wore on it quickly became obvious that I hadn't just got myself a sun burn -- I'd totally fried my skin and it was pretty bad. I'm peeling now. I've had worse. You'd think I'd learn.... whatever. The kid did not get sun burned. I am a good mom at least in that aspect. My burn is peeling now which totally grosses out my husband. The kid thought it was gross until he saw how you can peel the skin off yourself and then he was totally grossed out and thought it was very cool all at the same time. Kids.


Yeah, I took all three of those photos. Don't be a jerk and steal them, ok? I'm not in the mood.

Last weekend V. This weekend

Shall we do a comparison? Oh, please. Lets.

Last weekend:

Saturday ~ a quick dinner at Panda Express with the family, then to see Fantastic Four. We all three had such a good time. The movie was fun, the food was good (for fast food). It was just a nice night out for our family.

Sunday ~ a lovely early dinner on Cannery Row followed by a very nice relaxing stroll along Old Fisherman's Wharf. Perfection in a day.


In pictures (yes, I took the ones of the Wharf):





This weekend:

Saturday ~ hubby didn't feel good at all. We did next nothing all day. Kiddo spent the night at the grandparents. Hubby and I had dinner at Chili's where the service is either really good or really bad. Guess how it was last night? Yeah, it wasn't good. Then we had to go to Target and Albertson's and not for fun stuff. Then he totally pissed me off as I was going to bed. *growl*

Sunday ~ hubby has managed to totally piss me off many times. I really do not know what his deal is but I'm so over it. He wanted subway for dinner, fine. Sounds good to me, too. But then he didn't start to even get ready to pick it up until 9:30 p.m. and the man takes forever messing with his hair and shit. So he gets there and they're already closed (they close at 10 p.m.). Lovely. Then he goes to Carl's Jr., they're closed too. He calls me. We're on the phone to each other, not talking for about 10 mintues. He ends up (30 minutes later) at Jack in the Box. *gag* I say nothing because hell, at least I didn't have to cook, right? Exactly.

So he is still irritating me and then kiddo comes out of the bathroom. "Mom. You know when the toilet was broken and we had to put the water in it." Oh shit. Mmm-hummm. So um, yeah. The damn toilet is broken. What is it with this stupid toilet? Growing up our toilets NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS! This one, it has had issues (serious issues) at least three times now. I'm not a happy camper. Now I'm off to clean the freakin' bathroom and then tomorrow bright and early, I get to call the manager(s) to get someone over here to fix the blasted thing again!

This weekend in pictures - I was kind to all of you and didn't post an image of a gross toilet. (Word of warning, don't go looking for images on google with the word toilet):





Yes, I am PMSing. Is it that obvious? *innocent* I swear though - it isn't me. (stop laughing!) Every month my husband just turns into a complete and utter ass munch for about a week. I'm going to run away from home soon. Although I do feel slightly better after spending the time making up those images. (loser)

What's Your Ideal Career?

Your Career Type: Investigative

You are precise, scientific, and intellectual. Your talents lie in understanding and solving math and science problems. You would make an excellent: Architect - Biologist - Chemist Dentist - Electrical Technician - Mathematician Medical Technician - Meteorologist - Pharmacist Physician - Surveyor - Veterinarian The worst career options for your are enterprising careers, like lawyer or real estate agent.

What's Your Ideal Career?

How many more days of summer break are there?

Ugh. Ok, this is a new one for me. I am ready to ship the kid off. School needs to start back up. NOW. For my own sanity's sake. I'm losing it. Ok, I've lost most of it already and am hanging onto threads.

What is it with 7-year-olds? All of a sudden he has to ask me everything about everything. It makes me crazy. And he repeats everything I say as a question.

Me: "Very few people actually get to go into space."

Him: "Very few people actually get to go into space?"

Then he spouts off another question... then repeats the answer. It is never ending. I am going crazy here.

School starts back up Aug. 1. I am actually looking forward to getting up early and having to drive to and from school twice a day. Bring it on baby! *silent scream*

Do real men wear pink?

The other night kiddo said, completely out of the blue, "It takes a real man to wear pink." If you knew my husband... I look at hubby and asked if he'd fully heard what kiddo said. I repeated it and stated he needed to spend more time with his child. LOL

To kiddo I asked, "Uh, who told you that?" He said, "Gramma" (hubby's mom)... then he said, "No, it was JA" (hubby's sister). Ack! LOL

For the record, my husband would never wear pink; I personally don't care though I don't think many straight men can pull it off. And for the record, my father in law would also not be caught dead wearing pink. :)

Happy 4th of July!

Have a good one everybody!

I'm gone for a few days and Ben & Jen get married

this is what happens with my DSL goes down for 3 days... I come back and can't get caught up. My head is still spinning. I've been online for nearly 4 hours and I am still trying to catch up on everything. Bah!

So what happened while I was off in the land without internet access? What did I miss (besides Ben & Jen getting married)? Me? I was going mad and was reduced to cleaning and cooking. It was horrible.

Ben and Jen: They Do! ok, do you even care? I'm happy about it because they seem happy and seem to be suited for each other pretty well. It is at least nice that they finally confirmed Jennifer's pregnancy. Not that we didn't already know. Hello. I love her... though I 'm not sure Ben is a step up from Scott... but whatever.

It's the weekend

For the 2nd weekend in a row kiddo is staying with his grandparents (my in laws). It is strange and quiet with him gone. Since he was outta here hubby and I decided we should go out. We had dinner at Chili's and shared the most amazing fajitas ever. OMG. They were divine! We were both stuffed to the gills.

After dinner we headed to Target to pick a few things up. While we were browsing I had this feeling like, "Oh man. We gotta hurry up." and then I realized. No we totally do not. Wow. You know, it just hit me that I had no responsibilities and could stay out as late as I wanted. Very weird. But nice. It's funny how being a mom changes you.

We came home and watched The Jacket with Adrian Brody, Keira Knightly, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kris Kristofferson. It was interesting stuff... not wow, what an awesome movie. But totally interesting if you're into that sort of slower paced, long story with some Sci-Fi mixed in. Totally held our interest that's for sure.

Happy Father's Day!

I have no father figure in my life. They're alive... it's just that... well, seeing as how I'm not on Oprah I'll just leave it at that.

Anyway, Happy Father's Day to any dad's out there. Hubby got his gifts Saturday night. He kept bugging knowing we'd probably bought him a game and since he's spending Sunday at his Dad's house - he wanted it now. We got him Guild War's for the PC, a camo t-shirt that says, "Ha! Now you can't see me." and two packs of socks. Poor guy needed socks so badly that he was actually happy when he pulled them out of the gift bag. He loves the shirt and of course is thrilled with the game. He figured we'd bought him one of the games he wanted - but said he was happily surprised with the other items. Yay!

Saturday we went out to see Batman Begins. Awesome, awesome movie. Not all comic-bookish like the past Batman movies. This one is actually a good film and not corney or cheese filled. Christian Bale is..... Mmmmmm!

Costco samples are awesome, but beware of Whole Foods

Ok, you know how when you go to Costco they always have tons of people standing around making and giving out samples of various food products? And you know how they are 99.9% delicious tasting with that last 0.1% being just ok? Yeah. Ok... so....

The kiddo loves going to Costco. He would make it a meal, I'm not kidding. Going from person to person getting his food samples and snarfing them down. You can't blame him, it's good stuff they hand out.

So, we went to Whole Foods on Friday. Um, yeah. Can you see where this is going? *snort* We're walking around. I'm looking for a health supplement and some bread that my husband loves. I find what I need, we head to the check out. There's a lady there giving out samples of some.... I still don't know what it was and some goat's milk ice cream. Kiddo takes the samples after I give my ok. Being smart I refuse the samples for myself. Are you kidding me? This is Whole Foods! Yeah, so kiddo takes a huge bite of the green whatever it was and the lady asks him, "Is that good?" and he nods his head. We walk away and I look at him and ask, "So, is it really good?" and he says, "No. It's really nasty." The look on his face says it all. He asks if he can throw the remaining part away and I say of course. He then digs into the goat's milk ice cream. He liked it. A lot.

We're in the car driving away and I tell him that ice cream was made from goat's milk, not cow's milk. His reponse? "Eeeeeeeeewwwwwww!"

When relying this story to my husband I compeltely lost it. I'm probably a horrible mom for fining it so funny, but oh.my.gawd. Needless to say, the kiddo now knows that Whole Foods is not like Costco and to steer clear of any and all samples at Whole Foods. *snort*

Awwww and funny from the Kiddo

So I'm doing the dishes very late Tuesday night. Kiddo is getting ready for bed, once he's done he comes and finds me and starts rubbing my back (yeah, I've raised him well). He says, "Wow. Mom's have so much work. You know, I should start helping you with that." *points at the dishes* "I should do that with you."

Yeah, I melted. He's so sweet and adorable some days.

I took advantage and went on to tell him that yes Mom's do have a lot of work they have to do and it's always nice if the Dad's pitch in and help. I told him when he's big, if he gets married he should be sure to help out too. He sighed all serious like and responded with, "I don't know Mom. I'm only 7. I'm a 2nd Grader. That's a long ways away. I might forget by then."

LOL

*pant pant*

I need a nap! Here's it's barely 6 o'clock and I'm ready to drop. I worked out good and hard on my elliptical, then managed to get 7 loads of laundry done, cleaned up the mess in the kitchen - dishes overflowing the sink. I still need to clean the darn rat's cage but I'm thinking that may just have to wait. I'm tired of going up and down the stairs all day. And to think... I still have to make dinner and then clean up the mess. *wahhh* I want to be a kid again.


Yesterday was a day of play for us. We went to Dennis The Menace Park and Kiddo had a total blast climbing on the train. The day was a grand one for him as he got Mc Donald's for lunch (gag), went to the park, then got a snow cone and candy at the snack shack.

Photos should you care to see:

I've been tagged.... again...

Charity got me back for tagging her with the "If I could...." deal. So here goes nothin'.

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Total Books Owned: I'm not sure I could stand to count them all. I own a lot of books and that's even with having got rid of a ton of them when we moved last. I'm about to sell a bunch of 'em on Half.com. I'm a book person as my Aunt would say - so I have a lot ~ my husband is also a book person so our place has stacks of books everywhere.

Last Book I read: One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. I just finished it this evening and have put a hold on the next book in the series - Two For the Dough at the library.

Book sitting on my coffee table I am planning on reading: I don't have a coffee table so I'll take this to mean books I plan to read in the near future. That list includes Baby Laughs by Jenny McCarthy (on loan from the library), the rest of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and Derailed by James Siegel (recommended by a friend - I'm picking that up from the library in the next day or two).

Five books that mean a lot to me: Oh gosh... I am going to have to think on this one....

1) The Green Mile by Stephen King. I wasn't a Stephen King fan prior to reading this book however I can easily say now that it is my favorite book of all time. Why? Because it was entertaining, very interesting and filled with so many truths about life that I had to stop and think about it more than once. I was amazed. I was impressed. I was touched and felt I was a better person for having read this book. It was so full of truth about reality, people, life and how to live that I'm still not over it.

2) The Bible - for obvious reasons? Or are they not obvious? I am not religious; however I am a Christian and believe in God. I would say the Bible has been the most influential book in my life.

3) Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney. When I was younger I most read the classics and I loved this book about a close knit family of children. I was obsessed with their story -- still am slightly. I would love to get my hands on the rest of the series. I only ever read books 1, 2 & 3.

4) I was going through an Oprah phase. She was doing her book club thing and I was her minion. This book makes this list because it got me back into reading. I loved reading as a child and young adults and then when college, marriage, motherhood hit I only ever read textbooks or medical research. It was past time for me to branch out and the book that got me back into my love of reading was Gap Creek by Robert Morgan.

5) Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Allcott - again with the classics from my childhood. I can't even remember how many times I read both of these books - but I can remember enjoying them while sprawled out on my bed at the age of 12. Good times!

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Ok, so it's my turn to tag... I'm so going to tag back Juls. Juls - woman, you owe me! :) And while I'm so tag happy I'm getting Stacy too just because I seem to love her book recommendations and am curious what she'd say in answer to these questions.

The DMV

I'm sure every adult who has ever had dealing with the DMV has strong feelings about it. Heaven knows I do. I hate the DMV with a passion. There's nothing like having to stand in a line for 40 min. just to be told which other line to go stand in. And yes, that's what my DMV is like here. No longer can you just go to the part of the DMV that you need. You first must check in, get a number and go stand in yet another line. For the love of sanity! Make it stop!

So, here I am giving the DMV kudos. You see, we can renew our yearly registration online now. I did it with my car last year - and today kiddo and I took hubby's car to get Smogged, it passed, we came home (ok, so we did a ton of other things and then came home) and in less than 5 minutes I had the car registered. Thank you DMV! I love the DMV. Ok, so not -- but at least they have finally done one thing right.

It's Summertime!

So even though I really just wanted to stay home today - I got out and took kiddo to the library. He signed up for the summer reading program (you sign a paper saying you're going to read _____ each week, bring in the paper each week with your progress, get a little prize). He did it last summer and really enjoyed it. They also had a Magician come in and put on a show. Kiddo went and loved it. He got to be an assistant for something too. I didn't get to see it though, I stayed out as last year they were always turning kids away so I didn't go so someone else could. I sat out in the library and read some of One for the Money. Love it! :D

Home now, going to nap just because I can. Ha! :) I got up this a.m., forced myself to eat something and got right on the elliptical to get my workout in before I showered. Love it! My husband ended up not going to work today. He didn't get up with his (or my) alarms. *no comment* I woke up at 9 a.m. going, "Xxxx! It's 9 o'clock". He called into work and is doing some stuff at home for them.

On our list of things to do this summer is:

Train park - actually it's Dennis the Menace Park which features a locomotive in the front that the kids can climb on. We'll probably go a couple of times. We also have a park right across the street that we'll go to a couple of times.

Beach - I hope we go several times to several of the different beaches here but the weather must cooperate. I refuse to go on a 63 degree day and have the chilling ocean wind freeze me to the bone. Picky, I know. :)

Chuck E. Cheese - he wants to go and we probably will next week. It's not local though which is the biggest con for me but it's just for an afternoon... they ought to make this place nicer for the adults that have to go. I'm not sure how, but something. I'll just bring my book and attempt to read.

The Wharf - we definitely need to play tourist at the wharf at least one day this Summer. That's always fun!

There's also a chance we will go to Disney next month, but not 100% on that just yet. We are really hoping it pans out.... it would be for my niece's b-day. Lucky little girl is having her birthday party at Disneyland!

What's everyone else doing for summer? Any plans? Vacations? Day trips?

Kiddo's last day of school was June 3 and he goes back August 1 (year round school). Last week he got to play in the hot tub at my grandparents house. He loved every moment of that. So far he's having a good summer. I have told myself we will get out and do all the things we want to do. It's got to be a priority otherwise it will be the last week of July and I'll be sitting here wondering what happened. LOL


Kiddo 'swimming' in my grandparents hot tub

PSA ~ Movie to Avoid

Just a public service announcement from me:

Avoid Alone in the Dark "starring" Christan Slater and Tara Reid at all costs. Like you already knew that, right? Yeah, I knew it too - but watched it tonight with my husband who actually paid good money to rent it. It was so beyond horrible now I'm going to have to say up even later to watch something decent to get that outta my head.

My husband is afraid of spiders. What I'm afraid of doesn't even compare.

My husband is afraid of spiders. What I'm afraid of doesn't even compare.

I'm the spider and bug killer of the house. Most of the time I find my husband's fear of spiders funny, other times, like when he must turn all the lights on in the middle of the night, thus waking me up, rather annoying. It's almost a joke in our home, what is mom afraid of? He asks me that and every time I try to come up with something and can't. You see, my fears are things that don't even compare. Spiders? Nah. Heights? Nope. Snakes? No.

My son was playing outside today. My husband, being the sheltered and over protective person he is doesn't really think it's such a good idea for kiddo to play outside unsupervised. I made a compromise with the kid. He may go out and ride his scooter, play with his balls, whatever so long as he stays right there inside the apartment complex. I have to be able to see him should I poke my head out the door or look out the window. I have to be able to hear him should he fall and get hurt or need me for something.

My child is 7 years old. He's going into second grade at the end of summer. I remember when I was just 5 years old and went to Kindergarten. I walked to school by myself. My mom didn't even watch me walk half way. Thanks to either the changing times and or my own (nightmarish) childhood experiences I'm much more protective and aware than that. I don't trust people with my child - even “good people”. In my experience those good people were not always so good.

I walked outside this afternoon. It was getting later in the day and it was about time for the kid to come inside. He wasn't there. I walked around, I called his name. He wasn't there. That feeling - that horror, the nausea and absolute disbelief is not something you can compare to anything else. I came inside and put on my shoes. I went back out and started looking feeling very frantic inside, panicked. There is was. He was fine. He hadn't stayed right where I told him; he had gone out of our safety bounds but not by much. He was till in the apartment complex. He'd found a kid from his school and they were playing around being little boys. But that feeling won't leave me even an hour later.

I just looked at him. I told him it was time to come inside now. He said he was sorry. He knew he wasn't supposed to leave the area we'd set. I try to explain it to him. How his father and I would never get over it. How we would never be ok. How he really is the most important thing in our lives. How we have nothing if we don't have him. How there are evil people in the world. How he can't tell if someone is bad or not just by looking at them. I try to explain it, I try to tell him. I don't want to scare him, but he needs to know. The thing is, he is 7 years old. He is still innocent, thank God. He can't comprehend how evil people can be. He doesn't understand and can't at this age. He knows what I tell him yet that doesn't mean a whole lot.

My biggest fear is something happening to my child; someone or something harming him in a way that he and we would never recover from. I fear that someone or something will snatch away his innocence in a second and not slowly, gradually over time as he's old enough to hear, learn and see the things that will take it from him. I fear I would be left without him and I fear I would never be ok again. I fear that my life, however rich, is really meaningless without him. And I fear the exact same things about his father, my husband.

My husband is afraid of spiders. What I'm afraid of doesn't even compare.

I'm it, apparently.

I have been tagged by Juls!

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Choose five things from the list below and complete the sentence.

If I could be a scientist -- I would invent a cream to get rid of stretch marks... and so I don't sound overly shallow I'd also cure cancer and AIDS.

If I could be a farmer

If I could be a psychologist -- I would try to be as cool as my college psych teacher.

If I could be a librarian

If I could be a professor

If I could be a writer

If I could be a llama-rider -- I would have a very sore bum and walk funny.

If I could be a bonnie pirate

If I could be an astronaut

If I could be a world famous blogger -- I really would never log off the 'net and I'd have the coolest, most tricked out computer ever with at least 4 flat screen (huge) monitors. Yeah baby!

If I could be a justice on any one court in the world

If I could be married to any current famous political figure -- I would shoot myself in the foot for being so stupid.

If I could be an innkeeper

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Ok, moving on.... I'm gonna tag Charity! Charity - you're it girl!

It's 6:55 a.m. and I've already broken out the Diet Pepsi

It's the last day of school for kiddo; the last day of First Grade. Wow. I'm a bit stunned. It went by so quickly.... and yet so not.

Couldn't sleep last night, finally just got up around 5:30 a.m.; played around on the computer while trying to wake up and find the motivation to shower. Took a shower and felt like death warmed over so it was time to start on Diet Pepsi. I used to drink it this early in the morning but haven't in years (I don't drink coffee - it kills my stomach).

I just know these next several weeks are going to fly by us and before I know it, it'll be August 1 and he'll be going to 2nd grade. Eeek!

Blah, blah, blah

I showed off the book that we (er, I, as room mother) made for the teacher today for her end of the year class gift. Showed it to some of the class parents, a friend of mine, kiddo's Kindergarten teacher and my mother-in-law (she works in the office). Everyone was highly impressed with it and loved it. B's Kinder teacher - I had asked her what she thought of the idea and she said it sounded good, but apparently she didn't fully understand that it would be a hard cover, professionally bound book. MIL was also in awe and said, "All the teachers are going to want one". Yes, I'm all proud and happy. I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. For those who haven't heard of it before now, I had all the children draw a picture for the teacher, write some sentances for the teacher and asked the parents to send in photographs. Then I scanned, edited, etc. everything and made up the pages for a hardback, professionally bound book. You can do it through Shared Ink. They are amazing! I was so shocked at how impressive it looked. Wow!

My mother-in-law told me who kiddo is getting for his 2nd grade teacher. Apparently she had wanted him to get Mrs. Z and his first grade teacher also wanted him to have Mrs. Z - so that's who he's getting. Its very cool to know before school lets out who he's going to have. They don't let you know until the weekend before school starts. Having an insider is nice at times.

Talked to kiddo's teacher ~ she said over the summer break to just work on his writing down what he wants to say more. This is a problem w/him -- when he was younger it was actually saying what he was thinking. In fact that was an issue just last year in Kindergarten. I'm pretty sure it's related to his CP that somehow the wires just get crossed. It makes him so mad, too. Poor kid. So we'll do that - no problem.

She was so sweet, gave me a little gift (darling little vase with gold trim) and a very kind card. Just one and half more days left! We made plans to go to my Gran's house Friday after school gets out. Kiddo will 'swim' in the hot tub and I'll just sit around, drink Diet Pepsi and relax. I can't wait!

I got all the teachers gifts wrapped (a candle for the reading teacher, a candle for kiddo's kinder teacher (we adore her, so got her a little something) and of course something for kiddo's teacher and then the class gift). Kiddo is almost done making the cards for everyone and I want to hand write a few notes out as well. So almost finished with all of that....

I was a total idiot today and didn't eat lunch before I left to pick kiddo up from school at 2:15. Then, we ended up staying at the school talking to people and stuff until 3 and then we went to the store. So it was after 4 before I ate again after having had a bowl of cereal for breakfast at 7 a.m. Why do I do that to myself?! Argh.

MySpace.com

Are you on MySpace.com? I am now and it's all D*ana's fault. If you are too let me know. I feel rather pathetic with only 2 friends... I don't count that Tom dude. Ok, so I don't really care except it looks a little sad on my profile. :) Yennyway, if you're on there and read my blog - let me know!

Check me out on MySpace!

I survived the dentist

and it wasn't so bad... I had been dreading the shot - but apparently he's really good at giving 'em and or it was my high pain threshold kicking in. Either way, yay. I'm as numb as a mother and it is so bizarre feeling (haven't been numb since I was 15 and had my wisdom teeth out). Cra-zay!

My lovely elliptical

front view... yeah, that's my desk and chair in the background

I'm alive. No, really.

Well my husband actually put the elliptical together for me today! I slept in past him (amazing) and he got up, showered and started putting it together. :D It's huge. OMG. I mean, I saw it at Sears, but it seems so much bigger in our apartment. I've only just started to get things reorganized so there's room for the elliptical. Its in the place it will remain, but everything else isn't.

Just finished going through kiddo's First Grade school work. Everything he's brought home this last school year - wow. It's incredible how far he's come in a years time. Tomorrow it's back to the grind until Friday (the last day of school). Kiddo is so excited for school to get out. Compare that to last year where he was very upset about it. LOL He still loves school, but he now also welcomes a little break.

Lucky me, I get to visit the dentist tomorrow morning. They're going to remove my old filling (only one I have) and replace it as it's really old. I am so not looking forward to it. I never used to dislike going to the dentist.... but now. Ugh. I don't wanna go. Thankfully after this I'm basically "caught up" on my dental stuff and only need the check up/cleaning every 6 months. I am probably going to have retainers made for myself though as my lower teeth are starting to go back to how they were.

I hope you had a nice Memorial Day!

Hilarious Blog

This site cracks me up to no end. They are too freakin' funny. They post images of vintage patterns and then make up stories for them. OMG. You must check it out.

Disney Quiz

A friend sent me this and I thought it was cute. So here it is:

You scored as Sleeping Beauty. Your alter ego is Princess Aurora, a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty! You are beautiful and enchanting, and as sweet as ever. Sleeping Beauty 63% Cinderella 63% The Beast 56% Pinocchio 50% Goofy 44% Donald Duck 38% Ariel 25% Cruella De Ville 25% Snow White 19% Peter Pan 13% Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego? created with QuizFarm.com

This kid!

We're out to dinner last night for my mom's birthday. We're sitting there and she offers kiddo a bit of her brownie and ice cream sundae (the rest of us got root beer floats with our meals). He said his typical, "Sure." Then he felt the need to explain it. He said all sweetly, "That means yes. I'd like a bite, ok?" Good lord. So, I'm pimping out the kid now - if you need an education or words explained to you - I can hook you up. But good!

We were driving the other day into the valley. There are gorgeous green rolling hills with bushes and trees everywhere. Kiddo says, totally out of the blue, "Those trees... they look like broccolis."

Men Working... I'll alert the media

Every wonder why men need a sign when they work? Yeah, me either - as it's painfully obvious. They're proud that they're working. I dunno 'bout you, but I've never seen a WOMEN WORKING sign. Ever. Why? We never stop working so what's the point.



This one is at least a little more like it. Use extreme caution around a man who is working.

I <3 Family Guy

It's horrible, irreverent and all around awful. I love it. I am amazed, stunned, horrified and tickled with every episode. Yay for Fox finally bringing it back.


Which Family Guy character are you?

Oh.my.god. They're HORRIBLE!

Ack! I once had thoughts of being a teacher. After today - I will never think of that again. Holy hell. Those kids are HORRIBLE! Ack!

Was in kiddo's class today doing a project with the kids for the teacher's end-of-the-year-gift. I had sent home packets with the kids and they were to do it at home. Well, half of them didn't. And I need it done NOW (the deadline was last Friday) so I can do my end, blah, blah. So I had to go in today and do it w/the ones who didn't do it at home.

The kids are so beyond terrible. I need some meds or something. Can you say frazzled?! Holy crap. If kiddo behaved like that I'd change my thinking on smacking/spanking him. Good lord. I feel for their parents... although they're like that, I'm sure, because their parents let them get away with it.

God bless teachers.

*shudder*

Happy *ahem* (late) Mother's Day!

Yeah, I'm late but I still hope all you Mom's had a really great Mother's Day. Because of my obsession with Google and their cute-sie holiday logo changes (among other things) here's what they had up for Mom's Day. Say it with me now, awwwwwwwwwwwwwww.



My Mom's Day was good. Hubby and the Kid came though in a big way. I felt, for the most part, undeserving as I'm having issues right now with my hormones being so out of whack.

Saturday they both went shopping with a list I'd made up for them (per their request). I had no idea what they would choose from the list (or if they would even stick to the list). They did good. For real. Real good. Kiddo had made me a card a few days ago and he'd also made me a M-O-T-H-E-R poster thing at school using each letter in the word MOTHER to say something really cute and sweet.

On their shopping trip they made the following purchases. :D


That is, a roller massager from Bath & Body Works, The Body Shop Nut Foaming Bath, The Body Shop Hi-Shine Lip Treatment and Prescriptives Lippity Split. Of course there are two lip products in there. Do my boys know me or what?!

We saw our Mom's today... had brunch with my Mom and Grandmother (and other family) and had dinner with my husband's Mom (and Dad).

So yeah, I cannot complain one little bit about my day. It was good. I am loved and frankly I couldn't ask for more.

The next few days will be insane. I have a ton of work piling up here - plus I am supposed to be putting together the end-of-the-year-class-gift which is turning out to be a royal pain in the a$$ and taking a lot of time that I don't have.

I can't help it.... proud mom moment

I'm a mom, I can't help it. I had to share this. Kiddo drew it months ago and I simply love it. It is the coolest thing ever. :) He drew it, in part, thanks to an Usborne book about drawing that we gave him for Christmas 2004. I believe it was the "What Shall I Draw Today?" book. Anyway, this was done his first try and being the ridiculous perfectionist he is (gee, wonder where he got that from?!) he wasn't crazy about it. It wasn't good enough. The lines weren't straight, blah, blah. Whatever. I think it's awesome. It rocks. My kid is the bomb. :D

And now I will shut up about my kid and go finish up some work so I can go to bed.



Kiddo's Castle

The suck-fest that was yesterday

So I go to bed at a somewhat decent hour (well, decent for me anyway) Monday night. I lay there wide awake for 2 hours. No joke. I'm sick with a head cold, I had, at that point benadryl and codeine in me which normally knocks me right out. But no. Wide awake.

After laying there awake for 2 hours it starts. Horrible, painful, piercing abdominal cramps. I mean it was baaaaaaaaaaaad. I end up in the bathroom several times. Finally it seems to stop and I am back in bed laying there awake. I toss and turn. I don't sleep. By the time the alarms start to go off I realize I had actually slept for maybe 20 min. here and there. I also realize I have a splitting headache that is verging on being a migraine. I realize there is no way I can safely drive my child to school. I realize I am pissed that they charge families for their children to ride the bus to school.... ok, so I've known that all year but I'm seeing now how badly it really sucks. Your kid cannot just ride the bus one morning to school. They need a bus pass which we don't have, blah, blah.

So I call the kid in sick for school. He comes in at 7:30 a.m. "Mom. We gotta hurry. It's already 7:30!" Damn him and his SpongeBob Alarm Clock. Damn him and knowing how to tell time now. I give him the news. I can't drive him to school. He's very upset, storms out of the room like his life is about to end. He cried, he's mad. He comes back in, "Mom. Can Dad drive me to school?" Dad is still in bed next to me, the bum. According to Dad, he can't do it or he'll be late to work. Never mind he's late to work every day anyway.

I make sure the kid has food and I go back to bed. I toss and turn and sleep on and off until noon. I feel like hell embodied. I feel like I hadn't slept in weeks. Then it starts up again. The cramping, the bathroom trips. All day long this happens.

I actually did mostly succeed in doing nothing all day... but lemme tell ya. I'd rather have been up and feeling well that's for darn sure!

The one thing I actually did accomplish was I cleaned out the freezer and fridge and then washed it out, too. That was no easy task. My husband was complaining that it smelled like rotting veggies (it did) so there was no putting it off. I never did find where the smell was coming from. I tossed out the veggies, but they were all sealed in baggies and did not smell nasty. *sigh* An hour after the cleaning, it still smelled when you opened up the freezer. A few hours later the stink was gone. Irritating that I have no clue what caused it. No spills anywhere in there.... I mean, yeah, it was dirty and dusty and icky. But no stinky spots or spills.

Whatever. Now it's all nice and clean.

This morning kiddo comes in to get milk for his cereal. He opens the fridge door and I hear him quietly gasp, "Whoa." Then he says, "Uh, mom. Did you throw everything away?" He's a sharp little bugger that one.

Woo Hoo!

Ok, I have to post this because I am so happy about it. Being the room mother/parent for my child's first grade class this year I was "in charge" of putting together out basket for the Annual Spring Auction. Our theme was Car Care, Travel & Safety. I had moments of concern that the other parents in the class wouldn't come through and donate an item (or two) or cash but in the end they did and how!

We ended up with a fabulous basket that was worth at least $455.00 and ended up selling for over $400.00. That's a lot - other class baskets were selling for much, much less (though they were worth less also).

So, Woo Hoo!