Live, Laugh, Blog

A Job With Comfortable Attire

2012-02-13T11:38:00.000-06:00

If I could choose to work a job based solely on how comfortable their uniforms are, I think I'd be a nurse........minus all the gore and sick people, that is.

Think about it. A nurses uniform is really just a pair of pajamas. You got the nice comfy pants held up by elastic and a drawstring, and a big, baggy shirt with large pockets to hold your tissues. What uniform is more comfy than that? And the colors and patterns you see them in today are awesome. I remember going to the doctor when I was little and all the nurses looked the same. They all wore either blue or green scrubs. Not today. I take my kids to the doctor and the nurses have on scrubs with Spongebob or Hello Kitty. My kids' pediatrician's nurse even has a stethoscope with a Spongebob cover! And they give gum (sugar-free of course) when the appointment is over. I think my kids actually like going to the doctor because it's like going to a carnival!

Messing With The Kids

2012-02-13T11:30:00.002-06:00

I convinced that children were put on this Earth to entertain us adults. It's true. Imagine how boring life would be if there were no children to torment.

For example:

Becky: Mom, you know what I hate?

Me: What?

Becky: People who copy me.

She turns to go back into her bedroom.

Me: Well, you know what I hate?

Becky: What?

Me: People who copy me.

Becky: MOM!!!!!

I love messing with the children!

Living In The Country vs. Living In Town

2012-02-13T11:27:00.001-06:00

I love living in the country. The neighbors are few and far between, and there's lots of room to roam. I like the privacy of the country, but there are times when living in the city would be nice. Like, when I want a slice of pizza for lunch, but cannot drive/don't feel like driving twenty miles to get it. Or, when it's ten o'clock at night and one of the kids says, "I need $10 tomorrow for a field trip," and I have no cash on hand. Those times it would be beneficial to live in town.

Another example is when the goulds pump in the well goes out and it costs almost $1000 to fix it. If I lived in the city, I wouldn't have to worry about wells and pumps. City water comes to your home magically. Sure, you pay more for water in the city, but what's worse: paying a smaller monthly bill, or a huge, ginormous bill when the pump goes out and you're completely without water?

Yes, I love living in the country. Big repair bills, I can do without.

Whitney Houston: Autopsy Complete

2012-02-13T08:34:00.003-06:00

Picture courtesy of TV Guide.

Just saw on TV Guide's website this morning that Whitney Houston's autopsy is done. Unfortunately, the results are not in yet as to exactly how the singer died. The coroner said it will be another six to eight weeks to get lab results back to determine how she died. The good news is, there were no signs of foul play or anything else that could indicate a crime against her.

The article went on to say that Whitney was found unconscious in the bathtub in her hotel room, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Even though the coroner has not determined the cause of death, some are saying it was a combination of Xanax, other prescription drugs, and alcohol that lead to her untimely death.

You can read the full article here.

Business Lawyers

2012-02-13T08:25:00.000-06:00

When it comes to business dealings in North Carolina, it's a smart move to hire a business lawyer raleigh nc to handle it for you. These attorneys are experienced in areas such as administrative law, appellate advocacy, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, business and commercial litigation, business and corporate law, commercial real estate, commercial transactions, estate planning, legislative representation, non-profit organizations, trade associations, public/private partnerships, personal injury, pro bono, professional/occupational licensure, property tax appeals, and zoning and land use regulations.

Don't put your hard-earned business at stake if legal issues come your way.

Frustrating

2012-02-13T08:14:00.002-06:00

This work from home thing has really got me frustrated this morning. They say that more and more companies are going the work from home route, but honestly, I don't see it. In the past, I've been fortunate enough to find jobs working from home. Some, I've gotten burned on, like the fiasco with CORA, LLC, and some, I've had good luck with, such as my job as a Quality Analyst with JLodge, but since being let go from JLodge back in August of last year, I've had nothing but bad luck trying to find another job.

This morning, I sat down to apply at a couple of places I've heard good things about, and still nada. All three places that I intended to apply at do not hire people from my state.

WTH?

What do they have against Wisconsin?

Another alarming trend I'm seeing is that unless you're willing to be a customer service rep handling phone calls from angry customers, you really have no other options when it comes to working from home. Any other job is few and far between, and most likely filled already. No one actually likes fielding calls from unhappy customers. It's a thankless job, and a stressful one at that. I have always said that I would never work a phone job, but alas, here I sat this morning, attempting to apply for the very same and getting absolutely no where.

What's a blind woman to do?

Be Smart

2012-02-12T07:55:00.003-06:00

I know it's Winter right now, and although a mild one, most people aren't thinking about outdoor activities such as camping, but it might be a good time to start preparing for it. For me, I'm all about the fun of it, and don't like messing around with the politics. The last thing on my mind is 5th wheel insurance, and really, it should be the first. I hate dealing with insurance companies, mainly because I don't understand all the technical jargon that goes along with it, but all that aside, it is important that you have adequate coverage in place should something happen.

For me, the easiest way to get around the whole insurance debacle is to have my husband deal with it. I'm not sure he understands it any more than I do, but he always seems to get it done. If that isn't an option for you (having your spouse do it, not mine......lol), the next best thing is to go online, research various providers, and secure what you need. I've found it is relatively easy to gain vehicle insurance this way, and not that difficult to understand. We even have our car insurance this way. Still easier to have the Honey do it, but this works, too.

Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T07:34:00.001-06:00

The news that Whitney Houston died yesterday leaves me with a deep sadness. I remember listening to her music as a rebellious teen and finding inspiration and hope in the lyrics. She sang some of my favorite songs at that time, and the video for the song, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" just made me want to dance. I envied her beauty and talent.

It's shocking to think that at only eight years older than me, this icon is gone. No cause of death has been named yet, but years of drug abuse is surely to blame for this terrible tragedy. A person't body can only tolerate so much abuse before it gives out. I am sad that it had to end this way for her. I think we tend to put celebrities on a pedestal, thinking they are like gods who can do no wrong, especially someone like Whitney Houston, who at the peak of her career, exuded a persona of purity and goodness. We forget, they are just people like us, with real lives and problems.

As a tribute to the great Whitney Houston, I've attached her video "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

Paper, Paper, And More Paper

2012-02-11T08:31:00.000-06:00

I just got done doing our taxes a couple of days ago and got them all sent off to the IRS via e-file. What a wonderful invention, that e-file. And doing them online, too. It still took me a couple of hours, what with having to enter all the information and answer the endless questions that make no sense to me, but it is done. I'm happy to report that we are getting a refund again this year, but I can see an alarming trend that shows a smaller and smaller refund each year. As the rules change and the kids get older, we qualify for less credits every year.

As much as I love the advancement in technology, though, I still like to go old school and print out the documents for safe keeping in my filing cabinet as well as saving a copy on my computer for easy retrieval in the future. Last year, I forgot to save a copy on the PC and for some reason, didn't print a hard copy, either. Wouldn't you know it, I needed it for something later in the year, and had a heck of a time getting the information I needed. I was in a panic for a few days until I finally managed to get my hands on my return and got the information I needed. Once again, technology came to the rescue, and using document imaging software, I was able to recover what I thought was lost forever due to my own stupidity.

The whole tax thing gets me in a tizzy every year, though. Even with the ease of doing it online and e-filing, I always wonder if I've missed something, done something wrong, or made some mistake somewhere that is going to cost us big time. Even after the government approves it and notifies me that our refund is on its way, I still worry. It is the government, after all. You know how it works. If you owe them, you'd better sell your children and hock your belongings, whatever it takes to pay them yesterday. Fail to do so, and you'll end up in a secret prison reserved for tax evaders while they threaten your family and make you eat bread and water until it's paid, after which they will deny everything.

Oh my! I think I've been watching too many episodes of Heroes lately........

Anyway, the moral of the story: Do and pay your taxes!

Idiotic Husbands and Getting Back To Normal

2012-02-10T08:42:00.001-06:00

Idiotic husbands. Who has one? You? What about you? Come on, I can't be the only one that has a husband that refuses to use the common sense God gave him.

Oh, you have one, too? I thought so. I think it's something in the male make up. Even though you know they have what it takes to be smart, men have the option to use it or not, and unfortunately, quite often, they choose to be stupid.

Case in point: This weekend marks the opening of sturgeon spearing here in Wisconsin. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's a hunting season of sorts, where men cut six foot holes in the ice and sit inside an ice shanty all day staring into said hole waiting for a huge prehistoric fish to swim through so they can spear it. Mike has sturgeon speared all his life, and this year should be no exception, but common sense should tell you that it is.

Winter this year has been extremely mild. We've seen forty degree temps more than we've seen freezing ones. Hell, it hasn't even been freezing much at night. There is no frost in the ground, and very little snow has fallen. Because of the mild temperatures, the lakes have not frozen normally. The lake the guys sturgeon spear on normally boasts an average ice depth of at least three feet. This year? The average ice depth is only ten inches. And, it's not uniform. Several spots on the lake are thinner, with cracks running this way and that. It's not safe for travel by truck, by any means.

So this morning, Mike and his crew loaded up the four wheelers, in a blinding snow, no less, to head out to the lake to cut their holes. Now, tell me, how much sense does it take to realize that unsafe, cracked, thin ice plus a blinding show storm equals trouble......death, even?

I'm not the type of wife to tell my husband he can't do something, but I had hoped better sense would prevail in this situation.

Hope, schmope.

He's got no sense.

On a lighter note, things are starting to return to normal around here. After the flu hitting each and every one of use, methodically every three days, I'm happy to report that both the children are back in school and Mike has returned to work. It was a rough couple of weeks, but we made it. Just let me say, I never, never want to go through that again.

Lysol is my new best friend.

Scary Story

2012-02-07T07:52:00.002-06:00

Guest post from Constance Rodgers

I was catching up with a friend today when she told me the scariest story. She was home alone late at night with her eight-week old baby while her husband worked a night shift at the hospital. At about midnight, a stranger started banging at the door. Her car was hidden in the garage so she assumed the would-be robber assumed no one was home. She was scared and immediately turned on the lights so the person would know there was someone home. When she did that, the banging on the door only got worse. She then hit the panic button on the alarm system, which went off and alerted police. This scared the guy away. I was so happy she had an alarm, because who knows what could have happened to her if she didn’t. I immediately went tohttp://www.homesecurity101.com and got my home connected. I feel much better now that I have a home alarm. That story shook me to my core. I couldn’t deal with the thoughts that someone might have the audacity to try and break into my house while I am home with my kids.

Sick, Sick, And More Sick

2012-02-07T07:51:00.001-06:00

It has been an eventful week here in the Live, Laugh, Blog household. The flu has reared its ugly head, not just once, but four times, starting with Mike. Tim was next, then me, and now Rebecca. It's like a war zone in here, and until everyone is well again, I am at a loss as to how to keep up with it all. I just throw my hands up in defeat and wait for better days.

It's nasty. This bug has got its victim writhing in pain, spending countless hours in the bathroom not sure which end what is going to come out of. The details are gory, so I won't go into them for your peace of mind. Let me just say, I've never seen anything like it before.

And the flu shot? No match for this virus. I got my flu shot back in October of last year, and it didn't even touch this evil. As a matter of fact, I swear I heard it actually laugh in the face of my flu shot. I might have been hallucinating because of the fever, but it seemed real at the time.

So, as I type this, Rebecca is snoozing on the couch after being up all night long. It seems the worst might be over, but I'm not letting my guard down. I just know this ugly intruder may still be lurking just around the corner, or under the toilet seat, to nab its next victim. I've already warned everyone I know to stay away, so hopefully it will end here, today, and not hitch a ride with some other unsuspecting, unprepared individual.

On To The Next Step

2012-01-30T07:36:00.002-06:00

Now that the walls and ceiling are done in the living room, it's time to start thinking about the floors. I'm still undecided as to whether to put down carpeting or stick with the natural hard wood floors, but I need to make a decision soon as this unfinished room is driving me crazy. The only problem with redoing the hard wood floors is that I just know I'm going to have to rent industrial floor scrubbers, and the work will not be easy. While the floors are in perfect shape, they are very scratched and dull. The previous owners had carpeting in here, so the floors were well protected and can be restored easily. I just don't know if I want to put that much work into it.

I can envision this room with beautifully restored hard wood floors, and it's beautiful. I've never done anything like this before, but with auto scrubbers and battery powered machines, how hard could it really be? I wonder just how long a vacuum battery life is? Will I have to stop and keep recharging the unit, or will it be enough to finish the entire floor on one charge? Once I start, I don't want to have to stop until it's finished, ya know?

Decisions, decisions.

I'll have to do some more research and find out what all is involved in restoring the hard wood floor. I'd like to have it done within the next few weeks, before any type of warmer weather starts making its way here. I don't want to be stuck in this house any longer than I have to be!

Steel Buildings

2012-01-24T07:46:00.001-06:00

Over this past Summer, my father-in-law, having come into some money after his father died, decided to put up one of those steel buildings to house all his toys. You know the toys men buy as they get older: a muscle car (his is a yellow and black Dodge Charger), a camper big enough to house a family of five comfortably, and is actually decorated better than my house, and a decked out work bench area that any auto mechanic would be jealous of. There are other amenities and things besides, but you get the picture.

The funny thing is, the older you get, the less you tend to work on your own vehicles. The less you do around the house. It's just so much easier to hire someone to do the work for you, so I have to wonder why he went to this extreme, just because he could.

On the other hand, the building is so big that he has allowed us to store some of our bigger assets as well. Mike's ice shanty and boat, for instance. What once stood outside, naked to the elements, is now tucked cozily inside, right between said camper. No more shoveling feet of snow to uncover the ice shanty when it's time to go sturgeon spearing. Yay!

Butts, Winds, And Books

2012-01-24T07:33:00.001-06:00

I'm happy to report that my butt is feeling much better today. I only tell you this because I'm sure you're just dying to know things about my butt. My rear and I both thank you for your concern.

Still dealing with the standing water puddles in the garage today. Try as I might, yesterday's winds did nothing to help dry it out since they refused to enter the garage. Today, though, is another story altogether. Hurricane force winds are a blowin', and thankfully are blowing in the right direction to come full force through the open garage door. Hopefully after today, at least for a little while, I can walk through my garage without hip waders to take the dogs out.

God, I never thought I'd be thankful for the strong winds that blow in this state on a semi-daily basis.

On a lighter note, I am reading a pretty funny book called "Is It Just Me, Or Is Everybody Nuts!" by Judi Coltman. It's been a while since a book has made me laugh out loud, but this one does. It's not a story, but instead, one woman's view on life (her life), and the things she observes. There are so many things I can relate to, having raised kids of my own, and the things she says about her marriage and such has me nodding my head in confirmation. It's a great book for when you need to know that you're not alone and need a laugh. I got it for free on Amazon for my Kindle Fire, but I believe the going price for the book is $2.99 now.

It's A Harmless Fetish, Really......

2012-01-23T12:42:00.000-06:00

I don't get out much, what with my visual disability and all, but for reasons I can't explain or control, I have a shoe fetish. It's more of an obsession, really. And the funny thing about it is, I only wear just a select few pair despite the numerous pairs that line my closet floor. Keds shoes are my favorite. So many colors and patterns.....yeah. They remind me of summer days. No socks, just a pair of cute Keds to make a summer outfit complete.

Oh, and Dr Martens shoes........drool. So many pretty boots to choose from. Who cares if they don't keep your feet terribly warm. They look fabulous!

For me, buying shoes is like a true religion. I believe strongly in the power of a new pair of shoes to make you feel complete. OK, so maybe comparing shoe buying to religion is a bit extreme, but seriously. I might need professional help to get past this. How much sense does it make to keep buying all these cute shoes if I really have no intention of actually wearing them? Why do I keep buying shoes when the trusty old faithfuls are my favorite?

Someone stop me cause I can't stop myself!

Tushie Cushies and Melting Snow

2012-01-23T09:53:00.000-06:00

There are two things I really could do without right about now. My sore butt and all this melting snow. I know. Quite different subjects. But, it's true.

Let us talk about my butt first. I literally have a pain in the butt today. It happens quite regularly during this time of year when wrestling season is in full swing and entire days are spent sitting on hard, unforgiving bleachers for hours on end. It's the type of pain one doesn't notice until she sits. On anything. No matter how soft and cushy the furniture, I wince in pain until my derriere gets accustomed. Just when I think it's all good, I change positions and wince again. I think losing weight has only made the situation worse. There isn't as much junk in the trunk as there used to be, which is nice as far as wearing jeans goes, but no so nice for extended bleacher-sitting. I think it's time to consider buying one of those tushie cushie things to pad my delicate tuckus.

On to the melting snow. If you're an avid reader of my blog, and I know you are, right? You'll know my feelings on Winter. Just in case you're new around here, I'll tell you now. I hate it. I hate it more than life itself. I'd give anything to move somewhere warm, somewhere without snow. Unfortunately, that isn't possible because my husband refuses, and unless I'm willing to leave him, I'm stuck.

Anyway, normal temps here in Wisconsin this time of year are cold. Very cold. And there's usually an ungodly amount of snow by now. This year however, is not typical. The temps have been warmer than normal and snowfall has been kept to a minimum. I should be happy, right? I thought so, too.

Unfortunately, there has been just enough snow to make things miserable. The most miserable part is our garage. It is attached to the house, which is nice, usually, and was added years after the house was built. The idiots that built it however, should be shot, or at the very least pummeled with rocks until they bleed. Sounds extreme, I know, but seriously. Who builds a garage without a drain in the floor, and then slopes the floor towards the house?

It's a constant battle trying to keep the melted snow that drips from the cars away from the door to the house. I sweep the puddles of water away from the door. They come back. I sweep them away again, they come back. The puddles never dry. They just refreeze and melt depending on the temperature, ebbing and flowing with my sweeping.

And poor Rascal. You know which dog I'm talking about, right? He's the black shih-tzu. He absolutely hates getting his feet wet, so it's quite comical to watch him work his way through the garage from the house door to the back door to go potty. He hops, jumps, and slithers around things on his belly just to avoid the puddles that forever sit all winter long in our garage. The sad thing is, after all that work just to get to the door, he still has to face all the slushy, melty snow in the backyard. Let's just say, he's not a happy doggy.

Nomorerack.com

2012-01-18T07:48:00.000-06:00

As you can probably tell if you've read my blog at all, it's not just for your reading pleasure. Although, your reading pleasure is the number one reason I write, I also use it to generate a little extra income for my family. Some posts may not appeal to everyone, but my hope is that there is a little something for everyone that visits. I've promoted a lot of different products and services throughout the years, some I'm familiar with, some I am not. I really enjoy it when I can write about something that I know, something that I've had experience with, and that is why I am thrilled to be able to write about nomorerack.com.

Nomorerack is a site that sells brand name products at huge discounts. Each day, they feature eight daily deals plus one "charity" deal to equal nine products each day. The products change daily at noon so there's always something different. I look forward to checking my email each day to see what they have featured. It's almost like Christmas every single day because you just don't know what you're going to get until you get there.

I was a little skeptical when I first heard about nomorerack.com. I did a Google search on nomorerack reviews and found hundreds of positive reviews about the site. I decided to go ahead and trust them, especially since I noticed they are PayPal verified, and we all know paying online is always more secure when going through Paypal. I haven't been disappointed. I bought a beautiful necklace recently.........

and saved myself $74! Shipping is a flat $2 per item and although the site says shipping could take up to 4 weeks, I received it in much less time. The whole process went smoothly, and I will definitely buy from nomorerack again.

What Will They Think Of Next?

2012-01-16T07:49:00.000-06:00

Let me start by saying, I do not advocate smoking or not smoking. It is what it is, and to each his own, I say. I do believe however, that once a smoker, always a smoker on some level. It's like being an alcoholic. You may quit drinking, and remain sober the rest of your life, but deep down inside, that urge to drink never goes completely away. It lays in wait, dormant. It's up to you whether you give in to it or not. Quitting smoking works the same way.

Having said all that, I recently discovered a site that sells a different kind of electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes are nothing new lately. Since the US started cracking down on smoking in public, the ecigarette has become the more socially acceptable replacement. This is because it allows the smoker to smoke in public without passing harmful chemicals and foul smells to others around him. The "smoke" emitted from an ecig is not really smoke at all. Instead, it is an odorless, chemical-free water vapor. The beauty of this type of smoking is that it allows the smoker to curb their nicotine cravings and smoking habit without passing second hand smoke to other people. Also, it typically costs about half of what smoking real cigarettes does. It's really a win-win for everyone.

Earlier I mentioned an electronic cigarette that is different than most. This is because the new ecigarette offered by blu allows the user to connect with other blu users through a smart pack. The smart pack in which the ecigarette is recharged in is designed to light up and vibrate if another blu user is within 50 feet. Also, it alerts the user to any nearby blu retailers so buying replacement cartridges or supplies is never difficult. With this new advancement in blu technology, meeting new people is a snap because you already have something in common.....blu electronic cigarettes.

Winter Is Only Good For One Thing

2012-01-16T05:55:00.002-06:00

I have decided that Winter is only good for one thing. Besides this one thing, Winter is useless. It's my least favorite season, and the older I get, the more I hate it. On the other hand, the older I get, the more I like this one thing. It's a love/hate relationship, really.

The one joy I get during the Winter months is not having to shave my legs. Yep, during the Winter months, my Pepe le Pew tattoo sports a beard, but so what. With long socks and long pants, I can go a good month before the husband says anything, and that my friends, is my cue to shave the tree stumps growing from my legs. Until then, I am au naturel, and loving it!

On a more.........appropriate topic, I recently started attending Becky's cheerleading practices in an effort to make her feel more comfortable with her epilepsy. She's gotten a little scared by the recent increase in her seizures and just feels better having me there. I had no idea the amount of work involved in their stunting and routines. Those girls work hard, and I really enjoy watching and helping to spot their stunts.

I never could understand why she was so tired after practice. Now, I know why. I'm very proud of her continued effort despite the seizures. She's an awesome girl!

Miller Electric: A Wisconsin Grown Company

2012-01-13T07:44:00.001-06:00

Well, what do you know? A world-renowned company selling miller welders got its start right here in Wisconsin with a one-man operation. It's amazing to me to see companies start out small and self-owned and become known the world over for it's quality products and services. You know these companies pride themselves on excellent customer service, otherwise they wouldn't have made it that far. Kind of reminds me of the Bill Gates/Microsoft story. One man out to change the world. It definitely gets you thinking that anything is possible with a little hard work.

Laser Spine Surgery

2012-01-13T07:34:00.001-06:00

Isn't technology amazing? What they can do now with lasers just floors me. Many surgeries, including many forms of laser spine surgeries, can now be performed in a minimally invasive procedure that hardly effects the surrounding tissues. This means less pain, less bleeding, and faster healing times.

These minimal invasive procedures can treat a variety of issues that cause severe back pain. Sometimes, small amounts of bone is removed to relieve nerve compression. In other instances, a partial disc removal is necessary to relieve spinal nerve compression. In more severe cases, laser spinal surgery is used to fuse two or more spinal segments to relieve pain caused by motion.

If you suffer from chronic back pain and think you might be a good candidate for this type of procedure, speak with your doctor about the options.

Meet......Err.....What's-His-Name

2012-01-12T09:36:00.001-06:00

Meet the new addition to our family. A black and white gerbil without a name. He's Tim's pet, actually, and he's been here for a few days now. For some reason, I have yet to know his name. I suggested Skunk, but that was shot down immediately.

Skunk certainly fits, don't you think?

He's got quite a personality, although it might be multiple personalities. Just yesterday, I watched him move all of his bedding from one side of the cage to the other, and back again for no apparent reason. He will move bedding into his little house, and then move it back out again. He likes toilet paper and paper towel tubes, too. They are no match for his large teeth as he chews them into a million pieces in no time flat.

Isn't he just the cutest little thing?

Sometimes We Learn Things We'd Rather Not

2012-01-12T08:31:00.003-06:00

I don't think a day goes by that I don't wonder what's wrong with the world and the people in it. Something bad always happens that just makes you shake your head in confusion.

I just read an article about bath salts. Yeah, I like them, too. There's nothing better than a nice hot bath full of luxurious, relaxing bath salts after a hard day. You emerge smelling and feeling better.

Unfortunately, about three words into the article, I realized what I thought bath salts were, was not what this article was talking about. Have you ever heard of a drug called "bath salts?" Seriously, there is a bath salt abuse addiction rehab treatment center in Miami that specializes in treating the often fatal addiction.

I have never heard of such a thing as bath salts!

Apparently, this drug causes hallucinations (both hearing and visual), severe anger issues, hypertension, hyperthermia, increased heart rate, insomnia, increased sex drive, panic attacks, and death.

Why in the world would anyone purposely impose upon themselves these kinds of reactions? Besides the increased sex drive, none of it sounds like any kind of fun. And death? It's scary stuff.

This leaves me shaking my head in confusion. I just don't get it.

Having Fun With The Kindle

2012-01-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful world the Kindle Fire has opened for me. I've already told you that I've been reading the Of Witches and Warlocks series, and that has been phenomenal, but what I haven't told you is that I've found a terrific site that specifically caters to the free and bargain books on Amazon. It's called Pixel of Ink, and it is wonderful!

I know you can just go on Amazon yourself and look at all the free and reduced priced books yourself, but this site features several books each day that fall into those categories. What I like about it is, it has exposed me to many books that I probably wouldn't have taken a second look at myself.

For instance, I'm a big paranormal fan. I tend to only look at books that fall into that category. However, I do, on occasion, like to read romance novels, or mystery books. Actually taking the time to seek out these other books never seems to register with my brain for some reason. When I look for something to read, I always turn to the paranormal. Just think of all the books I'm missing out on by doing this! With Pixel of Ink, I am notified each time they feature a different book, and am exposed to all different genres of books.

Since I spend so much time on Facebook, I went to their page and "LIKED" it. This way, I get each notification from them on my wall. I also opted to have an email sent to me with each featured book throughout the day. This way, I never miss what they have to offer. I've already downloaded hundreds of free books. So many, in fact, that I'm wondering how I'm going keep them all organized. Just when I say to myself, "There. I think I should have enough books to keep me going for a while," Pixel of Ink will feature another book that I can't live without.

If you love to read, and have a Kindle, I highly recommend you check them out!

A Fun Way To Promote Yourself or Your Business

2012-01-12T08:03:00.001-06:00

Looky, looky at what I found online to help promote just about anything!

These challenge coins are a fun and easy way to get the word out about whatever you want to get the word out about. They are stylish, shiny, and definitely make a statement. No one is going to forget that they received a coin with your name on it. You could even have the coin made into a key chain that they use every single day. They'd be reminded of you and/or your business all the time and would be more likely to return to you for services.

I only wish I had something to promote just so I could give these beautiful coins away!

Puking, Misplaced Shoes, And Crabbiness

2012-01-12T07:43:00.002-06:00

Ah, mornings. That time of the day when one should be well-rested and looking forward to what the day has to offer. It's a new day, a new beginning, after all. A chance to do things right.

Cue screeching tire sound here

If only.

A typical morning in my house consists of crabby children who refuse to get up on time, are incapable of getting ready on time, and lose everything necessary to making the process go smoothly. One child is puking (it's an acid reflux problem), one child is complaining because said puking child is taking too long in the bathroom, and any "extra" time is spent looking for their shoes. Keep in mind, we have two bathrooms, but they insist on using the same bathroom, I think, just to drive me insane with their bickering.

Most mornings, I wonder what I've done to deserve this. Then I remember the curse my mother placed upon me years ago, uttered in a moment of desperation and despair when I myself, had driven her over the edge.

"I hope one day when you have kids, they act just the way you are right now!"

That's got to be it. I'm being punished by my mother. She's probably sitting at home laughing at me, knowing that the curse worked. Her tone is sympathetic when I call to vent about the children, but I bet it's difficult for her to contain herself.

I have yet to curse my own children. I'm saving it for a day when they've done something really bad. That's when I'll play the curse card, and someday, they will know. They will know.

Strawberries

2012-01-11T07:53:00.001-06:00

Who's got a birthday coming up? I wish I did, so I could ask for these delicious looking chocolate covered Strawberries.

Don't they look absolutely wonderful? Almost too pretty to eat...........almost.

Wouldn't they make the perfect gift for Mother's Day, too? That's it! I'll tell my wonderful children that they can get me these for Mother's Day. I deserve it, right?

And then, I won't share with them! Oh, what an evil person I am.

What? That's mean? Well, I was only kidding of course. I'd probably let the three of them share one. And not the white chocolate ones. Those are my favorite. And maybe not the dark chocolate ones, either. Those are pretty good, too.

Yeah, they could share a milk chocolate one. But, only one.

Of Witches And Warlocks

2012-01-11T07:44:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness, you guys. This series I am currently reading has me glued to my Kindle for hours on end. I've read the first four books and am almost halfway through the fifth and final book of the series. The series is called Of Witches and Warlocks, and it's written by a very imaginative lady by the name of Lacey Weatherford. If you're into the paranormal type of thing, witches, vampires, etc., then I highly recommend you give it a try.

What I love about the whole story is the fact that the main characters, Vance and Portia, seem so real, despite the whole fiction story line, that is. I can just picture how good looking Vance is, and how innocent Portia is. It's like you've made a couple of new friends after reading the books. I'm going to be kind of sad once I'm done reading this last book, though. It's going to be hard to let Vance and Portia go.

On the upside, the author just announced that there will be a spin-off series coming in the near future called, Of Witches and Demons, so I'm really looking forward to that. I'm sure the main characters will be different, but hey, making a couple new friends never hurt anyone!

On Dating

2012-01-10T09:34:00.002-06:00

Call me old fashioned, but the way people go about dating nowadays has me totally confused and quite frankly, terrified. I'm thankful that I don't have to worry about it anymore because, a: I'm married, and 2: If and when I ever am not (God forbid), I'm not going there again.

I can't believe the number of free online dating sites out there. I understand the need to meet someone new, and even the challenges in doing so, but dating online? How can you date someone you've never seen in person before? And, how can you commit to meeting someone in person that you've talked to online? To me, the risk is high. You really have no idea who you've been talking to for months and months before you actually meet them.

I guess I am old fashioned when it comes to matters of the heart.

Twenty Down, How Many To Go?

2012-01-10T08:02:00.003-06:00

I am happy to say that when I look at my naked self in the mirror now, I'm a little bit less repulsed.

Why, you ask?

Because I've officially lost 20 pounds!

*Cue upbeat music and drop the colorful, sparkly confetti. Applaud! Applaud!

It's taken a while, but I did it. I really did it.

And, I have such a cool mother. She is so supportive. She made a deal with me that if I lost 20 pounds by Christmas, she'd buy me a pair of diamond earrings. Well, I didn't quite make Christmas, but I got the earrings anyway, on the terms that I continue with the weight loss. I did, and just a couple short weeks later, I did it.

When I told her the good news, she said, "Congratulations! Now, what do you want for the next 20?"

Is she awesome or what?

I decided that for the next 20, I wanted a shopping trip with my mother to the Goodwill store for some new clothes. By then, nothing I have will even remotely fit and I will be in need of some new stuff. But, the way I look at it, it doesn't pay to go out and spend a ton on new stuff since I won't be done with the weight loss game. I'll save the shopping trip for "new" stuff when I've reached the end of my travels.

We won't discuss what I have to lose yet, because it is quite a bit. I don't like to dwell on the big picture. It's too overwhelming to think about all that I have to lose. I prefer to take it one day at a time, one pound at a time. Each pound is an accomplishment and one step closer to a thinner, sexier, healthier me!

Calgon! Take Me Away!

2012-01-09T08:01:00.001-06:00

It has been many years since this family has taken a vacation anywhere. As a matter of fact, I don't think we've taken a vacation since before Becky was born.

Oh my goodness! That's a long time. My kids have never been on vacation!

With recent issues taking precedence over everything else and causing stress levels to be high, I'm thinking this summer might be a good time to get away. Even if it's just for a weekend, I think this family has earned the right to a little rest and relaxation.

I'm kind of up in the air as to what we should do and where we should stay, though. We are a family of five, and cramming us into a hotel room would be tight. Dividing us into two rooms can be expensive. I've been checking out vacation rental homes as an alternative to a hotel, although the hotel pools are a really nice benefit should we stay in one.

I don't know. Maybe I should decide where we are going first, before I make any decisions about the housing.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Monday

2012-01-09T07:52:00.003-06:00

Mondays are quickly becoming my least favorite day of the week. Sundays used to be the day because it seemed everyone was always so crabby knowing they had to return to work and school the next day. It is also the only day Mike has off from work lately, and a busy day to say the least while he tries to get everything done that he doesn't have time to do the rest of the week.

However, it is becoming increasingly harder to drag ourselves out of bed Monday morning after a weekend filled with fun and activity. Mike managed to get to work today, but an hour later than he planned. And he was tired.......and crabby. I was thankful he went to work because I could feel crabbiness creeping at the edges of my nerves as well.

Tim and Becky are home sick today, as well. Becky didn't sleep well, said she didn't feel well, and made the decision to stay home. With the recent increase in her seizures, I think she's scared that she will have a seizure today due to lack of sleep. She's back in bed as I type this, trying to get more rest.

Tim, struggling with his asthma recently, is having breathing/vomiting issues again this morning. It's hard to send the kid to school when constant coughing sends him into a fit of vomiting unexpectedly. He's on the couch right now, watching TV, after nursing the nebulizer in an effort to open his airways and quiet the coughing.

Needless to say, several calls will be made today to various doctors and coaches to make appointments and notify of absences.

This Monday is not good.

Walmart Gives Such Good Writing Material

2012-01-09T07:24:00.000-06:00

She must have been new to her job. And, it must have been the first time she had to change the paper in the receipt printer. A look of fright and confusion came over her when she saw the red line across the previous customer's receipt. It was obvious that she really had no idea how to change the tape.

She apologized to me, promising that "this will only take a minute."

I smiled politely and nodded my head.

She began by trying to open the machine. She pried on this, and pushed on that. The cover didn't budge. She looked at me with apologetic eyes. I just stood there.

It was a full three minutes later when she finally got the receipt printer open. Her next mistake came when she didn't pay attention to the way the old roll of paper came out. She ripped it out of the machine, proud that she was making progress.

She opened the small drawer below her register and took out a new roll. The end was glued so smoothly that she couldn't find the end. Once she did find it, she picked at it, trying to loosen it from the rest of the roll. She picked and picked, pulling small bits of paper off, but not really getting anywhere.

I suggested she use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut a shallow slit across the roll and then tear off a layer or two to start with a fresh end.

She didn't understand.

When she finally got the end loose, it had been a good seven or eight minutes. She placed the new roll of paper in the machine and then stood there. Which way does it go? I could tell she was trying to remember. She tried this way and that. She put the end through over the top. She put the end through underneath. She pressed the advance button to no avail. Over and over again, she tried.

After about five more minutes of trying, she finally gave up and called for assistance. Thank goodness someone came right away. The supervisor had the tape in and everything back together in under a minute. The girl apologized again, her face flushed with embarrassment.

She checked us out with the only complaint being that she wasn't quite sure how things should be packed, and we were out the door.

I Am Angry

2012-01-07T08:57:00.001-06:00

Before I begin, I want you to know that I'm aware of the fact that this post is going to sound irrational. This is okay since there is no rationality where epilepsy is concerned. It's unpredictable and cruel. No rhyme or reason to its madness. It just is, and I spend so much time trying to find something to justify its existence.

I am so very angry.

I am angry at myself, first and foremost. Angry at myself for being so incapable of helping my daughter beat this disease. I realize this is an impossible task that I place upon my own shoulders, but believe me when I say, if there were any way possible for me to take it away from her and carry the burden myself, I would do it in a heartbeat. That's what mothers do, right?

I am angry at the doctors that see my daughter on a fairly regular basis. It's been two years since her diagnosis, and instead of getting better, her seizures are getting worse despite a constant increase in medication. Why aren't they doing more? Why is she still having these God-awful seizures that threaten to limit her teenage years?

As much as this is terrible to say because it's definitely not her fault, I am angry at my mother-in-law, who herself has epilepsy. She passed this affliction on to my daughter unknowingly because at the time she was planning a family, the doctors told her it wasn't genetic, that she couldn't pass it on. Well, guess what? She did pass it on, and it's not fair. It's not fair that her doctors were clueless, and it's not fair that my daughter has to suffer because of it.

Would I wish it to be any different? Do I wish that she had never had children to avoid passing on the epilepsy gene? Of course not. My husband and my daughter mean everything to me. I can't imagine a world without them.

Most of all, I'm angry at the epilepsy. What gives it the right to come into my daughter's life at such a critical time in her development and try to take over? She's only 14. She should be going out with friends, noticing boys, attending school trips, participating in extra curricular activities, and so much more. She does these things, but there's a constant black cloud hanging over her that makes it almost impossible for me to let her out of my sight. Next year she's supposed to get her learner's permit to begin driving. How do I tell her that this can't possibly happen at this point in time? She's going to be devastated. When will I ever trust that she can drive? Will one year seizure-free be enough? Two? Five?

I worry most of all that kids at school will begin to make fun of her. I worry that should she have a seizure at school, will they know what to do? Will the seizure last too long requiring an ambulance? Can anyone take care of her like I do if I'm not around when a seizure decides to strike? It breaks my heart and terrifies the crap out of me when she's not with me.

I just want to rip the epilepsy right out of her and punch it in the face. I want to throw it to the ground and stomp it. I want to keep stomping it until nothing remains but dust. I want to sweep it up and throw it in the trash to be hauled away and never seen again. I want to show it who's boss.

Rebecca is strong. She will overcome this obstacle in her life, I know she will. They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. I think this is going to be the case for Rebecca, eventually. It's getting there that's the hardest.

Babies

2012-01-07T05:37:00.003-06:00

Thanks for the guest post by Jo Levy.

There are many theories about whether or not babies should watch TV. My kids’ pediatrician suggests that kids should not watch any TV until they are two years old. I have read that some doctors recommend certain visual stimulation before age two from TV such as programs that include bright colors and music. My husband and I are not super strict on TV rules for our kids, but our two year old does not really show much interest in TV. We have a six month old as well. When we were deciding which direct tv packages we wanted, I wanted to make sure we got one that included channels where we could get visually stimulating shows for our children if we want them. I know we will not be the type of parents to use the TV as a babysitter for hours each day, but I do want the option to use it for educational purposes when the need arises. My husband sometimes says that we should get rid of the TV all together, but I think we will be able to meet in the middle on this topic.

The Older I Get, The Colder I Get

2012-01-06T10:06:00.001-06:00

Is it just me, or does this happen to everyone? It can't be just me, because every time I go to my in-laws' house it is eight million degrees inside and they are still wearing layers. It's like an unwelcome trip into a sauna, and I'm not wearing my swimsuit. It's so hard to decide what to wear. If you dress for the weather, you're sure to die from heatstroke inside the house. If you dress for the temps inside, you'll freeze to death before you ever get there. It's quite a quandary.

These Wisconsin winters are going to be the death of me, though. I just can't seem to get warm, no matter what I do. That is, unless I go to the in-laws, but I can't spend every waking moment over there.....can I?

I even went out and invested in one of those heated mattress pads, which has resulted in more than a few sleepless hours for Mike and me. Even though they have dual controls that allows him to keep his side at his preferred temperature, and I to keep mine within my preferred range, the fact of the matter is that when sharing blankets, it really doesn't matter what your preferred temperature is, both occupants are going to receive the same temperatures. It's either too hot for him, or too cold for me.

I think separate blankets are in order. Or, maybe separate beds........

Halfway House For Wayward College Students

2012-01-06T09:54:00.000-06:00

Am I just the coolest mom or what? The answer to that question is yes. Yes, I am.

Tristan, that's him......

is home from college for the holidays and ever-so- politely asked if one of his friends from school could come stay with us for a few days over the break. I, being the coolest mom ever, said, "Of course!"

A few days later, I received a flower delivery. Odd, since no one I know has ever been thoughtful enough to send me flowers. I had to check the mailing label three times to be sure they weren't delivered to the wrong address.

I took them in the house and opened them.

I know! Aren't they gorgeous?!

Who could they be from, I wondered. Upon looking at the enclosed card, I find they are from the aforementioned friend as a thank-you for letting her stay with us.

How thoughtful!

Here is said friend, enjoying the company of my three dogs. You know a good person when the dogs think she's great!

Trying To Lose Weight Sucks

2012-01-06T08:09:00.002-06:00

This whole trying-to-lose-weight thing really sucks. Although I've already lost 20 pounds (and by "already," I mean since this time last year), I feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall. It's so much........work.

You gotta exercise all the time. And watch what you eat. You gotta get on the scale once in a while and hope it tells you what you want to hear, otherwise you have to throw it through a window (I've gone through a couple of scales....and windows......this way). It's all just so overwhelming.

I wish there were magic weight loss pills that you could take at bedtime, that overnight would transform you from a big, fat cow into a svelte beauty without any more effort than swallowing a glass of water. Why hasn't something like that not been invented? It's a fairly simple concept. I should invent something like this. Can you imagine how rich I'd be?

As I type this, my treadmill is goading me. I can hear it calling to me, saying things like, "Shawn, you're fat. You haven't been on me in over a week. What are you waiting for? Magic pills?"

I hate that treadmill, I really do.

Back To Reality

2012-01-06T07:55:00.003-06:00

Well hello there! I see everyone survived the holiday season and is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Did you all have a good Christmas? And New Years? Did you party like it's 1999, or did you stay in and hide under the covers hoping the new year would come in without incident?

Me? Well, being the big partier that I am (NOT!), I stayed home, watched some TV and actually managed to stay up until just slightly after midnight. For the first time in....I can't remember......I actually got to see the New Year in. How exciting!

Now, all the Christmas decorations are put away, thank God! I put them up so early this year, that by the time Christmas was over, I couldn't wait to get them out of my sight. For some reason, my family thinks under the Christmas tree is an appropriate place to store everything they own. And not just their new gifts, either. When I took the tree down, there was a doughnut shaped pile of "stuff" ranging from new clothes to dirty ones, shoes (no one got new shoes for Christmas this year), and a variety of other things, mostly not new. Taking the tree down and putting everything away took less time than sorting through the junk I found under the tree. The good news is, I did manage to find Tim's long-lost inhaler buried under the tree. Apparently, one of the dogs found it first, chewed it a bit, then hid it under there. Luckily, it still worked. Unfortunately, he will have to be careful when using it to avoid slicing his lips off on the chewed mouthpiece.

So, it's time to get back to reality.....a bit of normalcy sound good right about now. As much as I enjoy the holidays, and this year was exceptionally enjoyable, getting back into a normal routine feels refreshing. The kids went back to school this week, which they weren't happy about. I, on the other hand, could have danced a little jig when the bus pulled away with them on it. As a matter of fact, a little squeal of joy might have escaped my lips at that very moment. I really don't remember.

Mike returned to work this week as well, only to discover that he got a big, fat raise on payday! How's that for a New Year surprise? I'm so proud of him I could bust. He works so hard, and deserves it so much. I'm just so glad he enjoys his job and they appreciate the work he does.

So, there you have it. It's business as usual once again. I wonder how long it will be before I get bored and wish for something exciting to happen again?

Think Summer

2011-12-30T09:07:00.002-06:00

I realize we are in the throes of winter here in Wisconsin. The weather is cold and although there isn't any snow to speak of, it's definitely winter. I have the heat bills to prove it!

What I've been dreaming of, because I'm no big fan of winter, is a dip in a nice richmond pool. A little getaway from the cold, dreary days without sun that have plagued us lately. Imagine it.

The sun is shining, warm on your skin. You're dressed in nothing but a swimsuit. The temperatures are perfect, 75º. The pool looks inviting, nice and cool and clear. You dip your toe in to test the temps and find it to be perfect. You stash your belongings on the nearest empty table and jump in.

Ahhhh....now that's the ticket, wouldn't you say?

I Don't Think I Would Want To Be A Doctor

2011-12-30T09:00:00.002-06:00

Being a doctor would be too stressful for me, I think. What with malpractice a constant thought day in and day out. The cost of medical malpractice insurance florida alone would be enough to make me think twice about pursuing a career in that field. It's no wonder the cost of going to the doctor is so high. We, as patients are paying for those insurance premiums.

Besides the cost, knowing that other people's well-being is in my hands is too much. I'd never be able to sleep. Hell, I can't sleep when one of my own children is sick. The worry keeps me up at night until they are better. I think if I were going to go into the medical field, I'd have to be a nurse. Nurses know just enough, but the real responsibility falls to the doctor. Nurses just do as they are told.

Yeah, I think I could be a nurse.

Duct Tape Tote

2011-12-30T08:53:00.003-06:00

Check out how creative my daughter is! Of course, I take full responsibility for her creativity. She is her mother's daughter, after all.

Isn't it great? She made this tote completely out of duct tape. When my mom asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she told her, "Duct tape!"

My mom looked at her like she was crazy, but Becky explained what she wanted and why. So, my mom went shopping for duct tape and bought her several rolls of various colors and patterns. Becky set to work immediately making this tote.

I love that she made this not from a pattern, but from her own imagination. She added a piece of velcro for the closure and a strap I had laying around from an old camera bag. It's actually sturdy enough to carry a few notebooks and a couple of text books for school!

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Cleaning Services

2011-12-30T08:17:00.001-06:00

I got a kick out of a site I found for cleaning services cary nc called "The Other Woman, Inc." I love the name. On their site, they say "Why don't you save time by inviting the Other Woman into your home?" Isn't that creative? The company was started by a woman who realized that in this day and age, time is valuable, and there isn't always enough of it.

She offers other services besides cleaning, as well. The team also does concierge services, running errands, dog walking, dog sitting, watering houseplants, picking up prescriptions, and a host of other services that you may not have time to do yourself. The list is not limited to what you see on the website. If you need it done, they will do it for a fee.

Now, if only I could find "The Other Woman" here in Wisconsin.........

Tony

2011-12-30T08:07:00.002-06:00

This is Tony, another one of our furbabies. Tony came to us unexpectedly, but has been a fun part of our family.

A couple of years ago, Mike's grandpa bought Tony when he was just 6 weeks old. His grandpa wasn't in good shape, suffering from diabetes and heart disease, but he was lonely and thought the dog would make a good companion. Unfortunately, he took a turn for the worse and we ended up taking care of Tony as well as his grandpa.

When his grandpa died, and since we already had three dogs, Tony went to live with Mike's cousin and his family. I was devastated. I had fallen in love with the little guy, but I agreed that another dog would be a lot of work.They had two girls and one other dog. Being a puppy, and a chihuahua, Tony was a handful. They tried to love Tony, but he proved to be too much and they called us to see if we wanted him.

I was thrilled! He had grown quite a bit since I had last seen him, but he remembered me! He came to live with us and has been here ever since. I can't say it's been all fun and games, since he does tend to have that Chihuahua mentality, but I can't imagine not having him in our lives. He's another one that loves to sit on my lap, which with four dogs, tends to not be big enough.

One of the funniest things about Tony is his bedtime ritual. He sleeps in a kennel beside our bed, and every night it's the same. I let him out one last time to do his duty and carry him to the stairs. He begins to shake because he knows what's coming. I call up the stairs to Rebecca, because she's always in her room. I say, "Tony's ready for bed!"

She comes out and calls to him. He runs up the stairs and jumps in his kennel, waiting for his treat, an animal cracker. I keep a bag on top of his kennel as an incentive to go up the stairs and into his kennel at night. The whole show is hilarious, because he knows that the treat awaits him when he gets into bed at night.

Time To Start Thinking About Prom

2011-12-30T07:24:00.000-06:00

Although I don't have to worry about Prom this year, I love looking at what's in style this year for prom dresses. I remember my prom like it was yesterday. My dress was beautiful, a white thing with silver detail, sequins, spaghetti straps, and it was cut higher in the front than in the back. My mom even made a silver shaw to throw over my shoulders. I remember feeling more beautiful on that night than I had ever felt in my entire life.

Despite looking good, the evening itself was a sham. Nonetheless, it is a night I'll never forget.

Anywho, nowadays, you can buy a prom dress online, and never have to leave your house.

No way, you say?

Yes way, I say.

I'm not sure about the whole sizing thing online, but I would imagine as long as you have specific measurements, you can buy just about any style and color right from the comfort of your home, and save yourself a lot of hassle and cost. You know girls and how they like to shop. This way, they can browse the vast selection available and pick what they want and you don't have to spend hours upon hours begging them to "just pick one!"

Rascal

2011-12-30T07:15:00.000-06:00

This is Rascal. He's one of the five furbabies we have. He's a 3 year old shih-tzu, and one of the dopiest dogs I have ever seen! In his defense, he is the only one of the five that has learned to untangle himself from around the tree when he's on his chain outside.

Rascal isn't like most dogs I've had. Most dogs are muscular and quite in control of their bodies. Rascal, on the other hand, is floppy. That's the only word that I can think of to describe him. He's like a rag doll, seeming to have no muscle tone or control whatsoever. It's like his limbs are held on with stretchy bands that just flop around when you pick him up.

Despite his dopiness, he is one of the most lovable dogs I've ever known. He's quite content to sit on my lap any chance he gets and just be. He gives kisses and loves to be snuggled.

We almost lost Rascal a couple of years ago to pancreatitis. He got so sick, and lost so much weight from not eating, that he had to be hospitalized for a week. The vet didn't hold out much hope and tried to prepare us for what might happen. Miraculously, Rascal pulled through. He's been fine ever since, but I keep him on a strict diet of only his special dog food and no table scrapes of any kind.

I can't imagine my life without him because he brings so much joy and laughter into it.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Jobs

2011-12-29T07:46:00.000-06:00

For those of you out there looking for jobs in the medical field, what are you doing to locate such jobs? Are you looking in the newspaper? Maybe you're looking online. There's a site out there called Beyond.com that helps you search for jobs in your area. Right now, there's quite a few Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Jobs available in several areas around the United States. Take some time and have a look to see if anything peaks your interest.

It Is Confirmed

2011-12-29T07:40:00.000-06:00

Although this was a great Christmas, I am kind of sad. The magic of Christmas with little ones is over. None of my children believes in Santa Claus anymore.

Oh, I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but when the last one tells you he doesn't believe anymore, it feels as if a special part of Christmas is gone.

The Friday before Christmas:

Me: Santa comes tomorrow!

Tim: Yeah, right.

Me: What's that supposed to mean. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Santa comes on Christmas Eve.

Tim: Come on, Mom. It's impossible.

Me: What's impossible? (That's me playing stupid.)

Tim: A fat guy in a sleigh with reindeer flying all over the world in one night delivering presents to every kid? It takes longer than that to fly around the world in a jet.

Me: Well, what about magic? Santa's magic, ya know. And he reindeer fly faster than the speed of light.

Tim: Flying reindeer, Mom?

Me: Sure.

Eating the breakfast sandwich I had made him:

Tim: Magic? I'm going to sprinkle some pixie dust on this sandwich to make it look better.

He proceeds to pretend to sprinkle the sandwich with pixie dust and looks at me expectantly.

Tim: See, still the same. There's no such thing as magic, either.

Me: Well, how do all the presents get here, then?

Tim: You and dad. I'm not a kid anymore. I know things.

Wanting to end this conversation:

Me: You only think you know. Now eat your sandwich before it turns into a frog.

Calvin Klein Coupons

2011-12-29T07:09:00.000-06:00

Who's still in the mood to shop with the Christmas season over? Personally, If I can do it over the Internet, then I'm all for it. If I have to go out in public, forget it. I've had enough of crazy people to last me well into 2012.

Just in case you're one of the crazy ones, there are some 2012 calvin klein coupons up for grabs that could potentially save you a ton of money. Some may be usable online at the Calvin Klein website, and others can be used at local retail locations. But, you have to hurry. These coupons expire on January 1, 2012.

I Love My Kindle Fire!

2011-12-29T07:02:00.001-06:00

It's been so many years since I've been able to read a book, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. There is nothing like reading a book, letting your imagination take you into another place and time. Oh, I've watched movies made from books over the years, but nothing compares to actually reading the story. The detail in the written word is so much more in depth compared to watching it on a screen. I'm just so thrilled to be reading again with my Kindle Fire!

I've finished two books already and am reading the third book in the "Of Witches and Warlocks" series by Lacey Weatherford. While waiting for the USB cable to arrive in the mail to connect my Kindle to the computer to upload books, I found the first book, "The Trouble With Spells" on Amazon.com for free. It was so good, and I finished it so fast, that I bought the second and third book. There's two more in the series and I can't wait to read them.

I can see a long and happy relationship forming between me and my Kindle!

Electrosurgery

2011-12-28T07:58:00.000-06:00

How interesting......

I was surfing the Internet out of boredom and came across an article about electrosurgery. Have you heard of it? I had not, until today. It's a type of surgery done with high frequency electric currents to cut tissue. It's supposed to keep blood loss to a minimum by cauterizing the tissue as it cuts. I guess it's used in many different types of surgeries, including dental procedures.

You've learned something new today!

She Had To Get Her Bearings

2011-12-28T07:43:00.001-06:00

We are struggling to get Rebecca's epilepsy under control right now. We thought we had it licked because she didn't have a seizure for over 6 months, but it reared its ugly head again, twice in the last month. It could quite possibly be triggered by her menstrual cycle, but that has yet to be proven, as the doctors are saying that twice does not a pattern make.

This last time was pretty scary. Her seizure didn't last all that long, about 30 seconds, but afterward, it took her longer to get her bearings. She's usually very incoherent and stubborn when she first comes out of a seizure and actually requires restraining until she comes to.

I kept telling her that she had had a seizure and needed to lie with me for a while. She just kept saying, "No," and trying to get up. I could tell she wan't herself because she had this blank stare. There was no recognition in her eyes.

What let me know that she was finally alright was when the light "turned on" in her eyes and she asked, "Why am I on the floor?"

I told her what had happened, and she said, "Are you freakin' kidding me?!"

It was then that I knew she was alright to get up and would be fine.

Go Ask Your Father

2011-12-28T07:16:00.002-06:00

I get such a kick out of my kids. They must think I'm the nice parent. You know, the parent that always says yes? I have no idea how I got this prestigious title, because every time they want something, or ask to do something, without fail, I say, "Go ask your father."

What do they expect? 99 percent of the time, whatever they are asking for requires driving. I do not drive. I haven't driven in over ten years. Why would I give them an answer without first consulting their father? Silly children.

As if my yes answer is THE answer, and no matter how he feels, what I say goes.

The funny thing is, every time they ask me, and I tell them to go ask their father, they roll their eyes and get mad. You'd think they'd learn after all these years to just go ask him first.

One time, Tim told me he doesn't like asking his father because he always says no. "Well, what makes you think I'm going to say yes, then?" I ask him.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

2011-12-28T07:07:00.002-06:00

How many of you have life insurance? Often times, life insurance is offered through an employer, but sometimes, preexisting conditions make it difficult to obtain. For this reason, guaranteed issue life insurance may be the way to go.

Guaranteed issue life insurance is just that. Guaranteed. There are no medical exams required, so obtaining the necessary life insurance is easy. So easy in fact, that it can be done in as little as 15 minutes online or over the phone. You cannot be turned down for any reason.

The one drawback to this type of insurance is that it is more expensive than conventional life insurance. You have to be willing to pay a little more for the same coverage, but when time is of the essence, and no other options are available, it's nice to know that at least you have a choice.

Sometimes I Wish My Kids Were Little Again

2011-12-28T06:46:00.002-06:00

Despite the fact that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and know that my time will soon be my own again, I find myself wishing that my kids were little again. You know, when they were dependent on me, had to do what I told them, and were home safe and snug in their own beds each and every night.

I thought that having a college aged child would be so much easier than having children living at home. At 20 years old, I shouldn't have to worry so much about him, that he is an adult capable of taking care of himself. Boy, was I wrong.

I worry about him more. Despite his age, I do not believe he could take care of himself fully. I thought college was supposed to prepare them for a life in the real world, but unfortunately, it hasn't. He's forgetful, doesn't listen, never picks up after himself, and continues to do stupid stuff that could potentially be dangerous or life altering.

I blame it on the fraternity he joined last year and currently lives in. A houseful of men children can never be a good thing. They party all night long, sleep all day, and live like pigs. They don't clean up after themselves because the "house mother" does it for them. She cooks and cleans and they just love her. It's like they never left home, except now, they have the freedom to drink and do God-only-knows-what without having to listen to their parents.

This behavior follows them home for holiday visits and summer vacation as well. For example, Tristan is home for a few weeks for Christmas break. I'm always so happy to see him when he comes home. He's my first baby, after all. It doesn't take long before his frat boy ways begin showing, though. My workload doubles around the house. I'm constantly picking up after him and doing laundry. He has friends over at all hours of the night, which really makes Mike mad since he has to get up early for work each morning. With people coming and going during the night, the dogs are barking and doors are slamming. It's like we run a hotel for the wayward college student around here. Oh, and the electric and fuel bill. He leaves lights on all night long and takes a minimum of two showers a day!

And when you try to talk to him about it, he gets defensive and cannot understand where we are coming from. You can't tell him anything.

So, you see now, why I want my kids to be little again? Even though at the time, it seemed like a lot of work, now that I know better, I would go back to that time in a heartbeat. Life was so much simpler and I had control.

Yoga?

2011-12-27T07:17:00.001-06:00

In my infinite search for weight loss and well-being, I'm wondering if yoga might contribute to the cause. I've never even done it before, but people say they feel so much more relaxed and in tune when they do it. They say it helps with weight loss, too, which for me, is the main goal.

Of course, then I'd have to buy some of those funky yoga socks with the individual toes and non-slip grips on the bottom, but that's okay. Those are cool. Hell, I'd probably wear them just because, yoga or not.

What do you think? Anyone do yoga? What does it do for you?

Mom, You Rock

2011-12-27T07:07:00.000-06:00

That's right, folks. According to Tim, I rock.

I bet you never knew I was so cool, did you?

Well, know it and understand it, people. I am the coolest mom you'll ever meet. And to prove it, here's a card made especially for me by my wonderful son, Tim.

The outside. To Mom From Tim

The inside. Mom
You rock.
Always there
Nice all the time
Goes shopping a lot
Chasing after the cart
You are so awesome mommy
You are so nice to let me play
You are so nice when I do bad things
So that's why I will always love you mom

You may now bow at my feet.

Hydraulic Cartridge

2011-12-27T06:49:00.002-06:00

What the heck is a hydraulic cartridge?

After much research, I still don't know the what, why, or how of a hydraulic cartridge. Sounds like something used in the building of planes to me. Or maybe it's something used on cranes. You know, a part responsible for the lifting or moving of something?

Anyone out there have any idea? Because if no one can tell me, I'm going to keep on guessing, and it will drive me insane until I know.

Maybe hydraulic cartridges are used on the Space Shuttle? "Houston, we have a problem. Our hydraulic cartridge has malfunctioned and we're returning home."

I don't know, but it sounds like they perform an important job.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T06:24:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful Christmas had by all this year! It was full of good food, great company, and awesome presents. I have to say, I think the kids were really surprised and happy with what they got from Santa this year. It's no secret that we don't have a lot of money, but Santa did his comparison shopping this year and found many good deals. There were clothes, electronics, and jewelry galore!

I was especially good this year and got a Kindle Fire from my wonderful husband, and a pair of diamond earrings from my mommy and daddy. I look beautiful while reading now.

Of course, the best part was that Christmas was at my house this year and we didn't have to travel anywhere. Oh yes, it's the traveling that makes a holiday crappy. Having it at my house meant cooking a huge meal and having a lot of people in the house, but all went well and everyone had a great time. It went so well, in fact, that I may volunteer to have it at my house again next year!

I'm such a glutton for punishment.

How was your Christmas this year?

Small Business Grants

2011-12-23T08:10:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but it has crossed my mind a time or two that starting a business of my own might be a good way to go. I mean, with being disabled, running a business from my home makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, the idea also terrifies me, mainly because of the start up costs and the risk involved in "losing everything" if it doesn't pan out.

I found a really cool website where they help you find legit small business grants for just such a purpose. The site is full of information and how-tos to find grants and start up monies for a new business. Did you know that local and federal governments are just waiting for entrepreneurs to claim this free money? Why, you ask? Well, by starting a new business, you are creating new jobs for others in your community and also increases tax revenue. It's all good for the economy, dontcha know.

Also, many major corporations have foundations specifically for giving money to new business owners to either start a business or expand an existing one. All in the name of enhancing the community. It's really a win-win for all.

If you're in the market to start a new business, check this site out. You just may be on the road to success in no time!

How My Morning Started

2011-12-23T07:42:00.003-06:00

Last night at bedtime:

It was late, and I was tired. Mike and I had just gotten back from Christmas shopping and we were exhausted. All I wanted to do was go to bed. I knew that as soon as my head hit the pillow, I'd be asleep.

Problem #1: As I was getting the dogs out for their last potty of the day, Tim comes stomping down the stairs yelling about something. Boy, was he mad! Turns out the cat had pooped all over his blankets and sheets.

Lovely.

As I'm getting his bedding changed, along comes problem #2.

Mike went into our bedroom to get ready for bed. All of a sudden I hear him cursing from the next room. I walk in to find him stripping OUR bed. The cat had peed right in the middle of it.

At this point, I wanted to cry. I managed to get both beds changed and crawled into bed.

But, guess what?

I was no longer tired. After stripping and remaking two beds, I was wide awake. I laid there listening to Mike snore for quite some time before sleep finally took me.

This morning:

Because of the fiasco last night, I decided that the cat is no longer allowed in our bedroom. He usually sleeps on our bed during the day, but that privilege is revoked. So, after getting out of bed this morning, I closed our bedroom door. I could hear the cat pawing at the door and meowing from downstairs and I thought, "Too bad, Kitty-cat. You unmade our bed, now you can't lie in it."

Unfortunately, one of our dogs sleeps in a kennel in our bedroom, and I had to go up there to get him out to go outside this morning. I pushed the cat away from the door and went inside to get the dog, closing the door behind me. I got the dog, whose name is Tony by the way, and opened the door to go out. The cat was ready. He shot into the room like a rocket!

Remember, I have Tony in one arm, so I tried grabbing my twenty pound cat with the other. All I managed to do was squash him to the floor. As the cat struggled to free himself, I lost my balance. Down I went. In an effort to not kill Tony or the cat by falling on them, I opted to dive away from them, hurting my knee and my face in the process. The cat got away and hid under the bed, just out of my reach, and poor Tony cowered in the corner afraid to come to me.

I took Tony out after coaxing him out of the corner with an animal cracker, and limped back upstairs with a broom to flush the cat out from under the bed. He looked at me with hatred in his eyes and hissed a couple of times, but I got him out. I threw him out into the hall.

As I type this, he is sitting outside our bedroom door, pawing and meowing again.

Wish We Had Dental Insurance

2011-12-21T07:50:00.001-06:00

I miss the good ole days when having a job meant having all the medical, dental, and vision insurance you needed, at no cost to you. Those were the days, huh?

Gone are the benefits necessary to stay healthy. A lot of employers don't even offer health insurance of any kind, and if they do, it usually costs the employee an arm and a leg. For instance, we do have medical insurance through Mike's employer, but nothing else. No dental. No vision. It costs us a pretty penny each month for the family plan, and then when we use it, and we use it a lot, the deductible is high. Fortunately, we are a family full of sick people, and the deductible is met easily, but that is beside the point.

Now, I've got two of us needing a dentist, and I'm at my wits end trying to find something that isn't going to require a second mortgage on our house just to go. One of the things I'm looking into is a discount dental plan. While it's not insurance, it does offer discounts on many common procedures. Ameriplan, one such provider of these discount plans, offers dental and medical plans, as well as a work from home opportunity. I suppose the money you spend at the dentist can be recouped by their work from home business.

It's tough these days just trying to stay healthy. Maybe I could do the dental work myself? All I really need is a hammer, a pair of pliers, and maybe some gauze.

Kindle Fire

2011-12-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me......early! Mike bought me a Kindle Fire a couple of days ago, and I absolutely love it!

I've already finished a book! I haven't read a book in years because of my eyesight, and I'm ecstatic! I used to love to read before my eyesight problems began. I read all the time. I remember I could find a comfortable spot, start reading, and lose all track of time for hours. I'd read two or three books a week.

I can't read that fast anymore, but the Kindle Fire makes it so that I can read again, and I'm happy with that. The fact that I can go on the Internet or download apps is just bonus for me. It's all about the reading for me!

Little Cigars and Whiskey

2011-12-20T09:20:00.000-06:00

What is it with men and little cigars? Even though Mike doesn't smoke, it seems that during special occasions, he likes to have a djarum cigar and whiskey to commemorate the occasion. How is this a good thing?

I don't get it. Cigars smell, and whiskey tastes terrible. It's got to be a guy thing because either one of the two has the potential to make me hurl.

Sorry. That was probably TMI, as the kids like to say.

Anyway, Mike left specific instructions for me to order him some cigars for Christmas day.

"Order a few extra in case your dad or brother wants one." he said.

Oh, I'll order extra alright. And then you can take your drinks and little cigars outside to enjoy, while freezing your butts off, because there will be no cigar smoking taking place in this house!

Today, I Hate My Scale

2011-12-20T09:12:00.001-06:00

Have you ever woke up in the morning and felt as though you weigh less? That's how I felt this morning. I thought for sure I'd get on the scale and be rewarded for all my hard work. I mean, I literally felt a pound or two lighter.

Such was not the case, though, when I stepped on that evil device this morning. Nothing had changed. Nothing at all. I was so disappointed and angry.

What does a girl have to do to see some weight loss around here? I exercise. I try to eat right (most of the time), and I pray to the weight loss Gods every single day.

Either the Gods aren't listening, or my scale has a terrible sense of humor.

Wrestling Season Starts Soon!

2011-12-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

My favorite time of year, wrestling season. I'm not much of a sports fanatic, but when it comes to watching my boys wrestle, I'm a maniac. I don't like it when parents push their kids hard to excel at sports, but man oh man, wrestling brings out the competitor in me.

When the boys were in elementary school, the parents were allowed to sit by the mat while their child wrestled. I was that parent who screamed from the sidelines, pounding on the mat in an effort to somehow make my child wrestle better. As if yelling, "Squeeze him!" every few seconds was going to remind him to do just that. Now that Tristan is in college (and not wrestling anymore, boohoo), and Tim is in Middle School, the parents cannot sit by the mat. Instead, they have to sit in the stands like other common fans and cheer them on. Me? Well, I still scream and pound on the closest thing to me, which usually happens to be Mike. Sometimes, he sits a few feet away from me. I'm not sure if it's to look as though he isn't with the crazy screaming mom, or avoid being beat up.

We recently revamped Tim's room to make room for his many awards. The top of his dresser just wan't cutting it anymore. I put up shelves on his wall to hold the trophies and medal displays, and made a nice display for his engraved plaques. Some of the awards are for baseball, but the majority are for wrestling.

I'm really enjoying watching him get better with each passing year. Only a few short weeks before the season begins, which means I need to start stocking up on cough drops and throat spray. For some reason, I have a constant sore, scratchy throat throughout wrestling season.

Bathroom Cleaning Day

2011-12-13T07:53:00.000-06:00

Ugh.....bathroom cleaning day.

Yes, I designate a day to clean the bathroom. Why? Because I hate it so much, I have to psych myself up to do it.

"OK, Shawn. Tomorrow is bathroom cleaning day. You've put it off way too long, so tomorrow's the day. It can't wait any longer. Things are starting to take on a life of their own behind the toilet. It's scary. No more excuses. Tomorrow you clean the bathroom."

Want to know why I hate cleaning the bathroom so much? It's the toilet. With so many males living here, the toilet......gross. I can't even think about it without nausea setting in. I swear they do it on purpose.

"OK, son. It's up to you and me now. With your brother away at college, we need to step up our game plan. Your mom, she's starting to feel a little less needed around here. By making sure the bathroom is a disaster, she will feel better. "

"But Dad...."

"No buts. We're doing this for your mother, son. Never forget that."

"OK Dad, but...."

"Son, just shut your mouth and do what you're told. We'll split the duties. I'll take the toilet. I'm taller and can create more of a splash. You take wet towel and dirty laundry duty. Make sure to leave your wet towels balled up in the corner and stuff some dirty underwear behind the toilet so when I take my morning pee, they will be sure to be part of it."

"Alright, Dad, but I don't think....."

"I'm not asking you to think. Always remember, this is for your mother. Now, go get 'em!"

Displays In Malls

2011-12-13T06:02:00.000-06:00

Tis the season for retailers to get their merchandise out there for the world to see. You see their attempts in malls, especially where every few feet venders of some sort are sitting in exhibit booths trying to peddle their goods to the masses shopping for just the right gift. This time of year, you see many products in these displays that you don't normally see.

Vendors use many different methods for displaying their merchandise to catch the eye of the shopper. Truss displays are meant to enhance a display by creating a place to attach special lighting and graphic banners to draw the shopper in. Another way retailers try to catch their customers' eye is by the use of logo floor mats. Logo floor mats usually depict the venders' logos or some colorful graphic display to enhance their advertising. Trade show displays are a very effective way to increase sales during the holiday shopping season.

There have been many times when I myself, have stopped to look at something based solely on the display itself. If a product is presented properly, especially at Christmas time, it can increase sales dramatically. Just the right lighting and graphic displays will draw a customer in every time.

Facebook Makes a Birthday Better

2011-12-09T11:31:00.001-06:00

Be honest here. How many of you check your Facebook wall for birthday wishes on your birthday? How many of you make it one of the first things you do upon waking on your birthday?

Come on. Admit it. It's important, right?

Today is my birthday, and I'll admit that one of the first things I did today was go to my Facebook wall and admire the number of birthday wishes I had received already.

It's like high school all over again. As if the number of Facebook birthday wishes somehow determines your popularity among your friends. And the number is important. It's all about quantity here, am I right? The more 'Happy Birthdays" you receive, the better birthday it will be.

Most of the birthday wishers I haven't seen in years, and to be honest, never really associated with them in high school either, but that doesn't matter. It's like an unwritten rule that if someone's birthday pops up in the Events column on your wall, you're obligated to wish them happy birthday. It's the right thing to do.

And how do you handle your birthday wishes? Do you take time to go through the list, 'liking' each one so that the person that sent the wish knows you saw it? Or, do you wait until the end of the day and lump a 'thank you' into one post, hoping everyone sees it and knows you received their greeting? Personally, I 'like' each one. Somehow, that seems more personal to me.

I hate when the person with the birthday gives a group thank you early in the day. It makes it seem like a late birthday wish if you wish them happy birthday afterward. Like it's an afterthought, ya know?

Birthday Wishee (8am): Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! I feel so special!

Birthday Wisher (8:01am): Happy Birthday! (thinking: sorry I'm so late in wishing you happy birthday. Hope you had a great one!)

See? See how it makes a wisher almost need to apologize for being late in delivering the wish? And what about all the ones that will wish you happy birthday after you've already thanked everyone? Do you go back later in the day and thank everyone again? If not, won't those that wished you happy birthday after the fact feel like you've neglected to thank them. As if you've ignored their greeting? There's just too many what-ifs when you thank everyone too early.

So, I like each individual birthday greeting, then at the end of the day, I will send a group thank you to ensure everyone knows that I appreciate their greeting.

Criminal Minds

2011-12-07T12:25:00.000-06:00

Contributed by Allen Mooney

Have you guys ever watched that show Criminal Minds? I’m not usually into stuff like that but I really love this one for some reason – I think it has to do with the fact that the show really lets you into the character’s personal lives so you get a feel for what it’s like to actually be in the FBI and you get to follow along with the crime solving which is pretty fun, too. I got expertsatellite when I moved here and it’s really the only show I spend time watching – since I work from home I’ve been able to catch up with old episodes since A&E usually runs a bunch during the day. The show itself has gotten darker and darker the longer I watch it and you know, I guess that’s just a reflection of what viewers want. I can’t imagine why in the world people would act the way they do on this show but it’s crazy to imagine people like this really exist and that they’re out there.

Almost Finished

2011-12-06T10:20:00.002-06:00

I've been working hard to finish remodeling the living room. It's taken me quite some time to get the painting done, what with my limited eyesight and all, but it's finally done. Well, the painting part, that is. All that's left to do is to put in new carpet.

See? I have wonderful hardwood floors, but they need to be refinished, and Mike doesn't like hardwood floors. No matter how much I discuss the possibilities with him, he's insistent on carpet. So.....

We used to have carpet in the living room. When we first moved in, it had an off-white berber carpet that had some questionable stains and a slightly funky smell. I tried all sorts of stain removers and urine odor removal carpet austin cleaners, to no avail. It wasn't long before we tore the carpeting out. We've been living with the unfinished hardwood ever since.

Speaking of carpet stain and odor removal, check out http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-cleaning-services/upholstery.shtml. Here you'll find many options for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Criminal Minds

2011-12-04T09:43:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen it?

I am hooked. I'm up to season 5, and let me tell you, I've learned a lot.

I've even started profiling the children.

"Mom, I don't feel good today. I need to stay home from school."

"Hmm....are you now?"

"Yes. My head hurts and my nose is stuffy. I think I have a cold."

Feeling the forehead. "You don't have a fever. Are you sure you're sick or is there some other reason you don't want to go to school?"

Sniffling, "I'm sick, Mom. I'm going back to bed."

"What are you really saying? What's going on at school that you don't want to go? Last night you said you had a test in Science today. Is that it? You don't want to take the test?"

"Mom, I feel horrible. I can make up the test when I go back."

Making the 'I'm keeping my eye on you' motion with two fingers from my eyes to his, "Alright, but I'm keeping my eye on you. You'd better be sick."

Edmonton

2011-12-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

Do you know anyone looking for houses for rent in Edmonton, Alberta?

Come on, I'm sure there's someone out there that is moving to Edmonton and needs to find a place to live, right? I mean, it's a beautiful place. Who wouldn't want to live there?

I came across this really great site that helps people looking for a new residence in Edmonton. All you have to do is pick the area of Edmonton you'd like to live in, and several homes come up for you to view. It doesn't matter if you're in the market for a house, town house, apartment, or condos, it's all right there in front of you to help you make your decision.

Each listing has descriptions and pictures, as well as prices, and you can sort your options according to price, desired bedrooms, or even property value. It really makes things easy when moving is usually so stressful.

Hop on over there and check it out if Edmonton, Alberta is your destination.

The Saga Has Come To An End

2011-12-03T05:35:00.000-06:00

Hopefully.

So, Rebecca's rash isn't gone yet, and the risk of her having another seizure is still raised, but, the dermatologist has determined that it is all due to a nickel allergy that started on her stomach months ago.

Rebecca wears this belt. Every day. Said belt is wide, barely fits through the belt loops on her pants. Said belt also has a metal buckle that stays in constant contact with her skin.

Again, being the loving mother that I am, I have begged her to stop wearing the belt on several occasions to no avail. "My pants will fall down!" is the answer I get. She has lost some weight in the last few months, and while this may be true, the miserable rash on her stomach, in a normal person with common sense, should have been enough to convince her to stop.

So, she continued to wear the belt. And finally, her body said, "ENOUGH! I can't take it anymore! If you won't listen to the small rash around your belly button, maybe you'll listen to a full body rash from Hell, complete with itching, burning, and hideous bumps that everyone will see!"

She has taken notice now. Oh yes, she wishes she had listened to her older and wiser mother.

Scrubs?

2011-12-02T06:12:00.001-06:00

What with visiting all these doctors lately, I get a kick out of seeing all the different kinds of scrubs the nurses wear. Especially since the doctors we're seeing are pediatric doctors, the scrubs are usually brightly colored and have fun characters on them.

I remember when I was a kid and went to the doctor, the nurses always wore the standard blue or green scrub. Nothing fun or colorful like the nurses wear today. I can see where it makes a child more relaxed and happy to see the fun characters on them nowadays.

And they look so comfortable, too! A few years ago, (when I could see) I made a scrub top for myself from a pattern I bought at Walmart. I still have it, although it's a bit too big for me, and I wear it as a night shirt now, but man, is that thing comfortable. I especially love the big pockets, although I tend to stuff them full of junk when I wear the shirt.

Over at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/, they sell scrub sets in a wide variety of sizes and styles and colors. I spent some time browsing over there and think I'm going to buy me a couple sets of the cotton scrubs to wear as pajamas. They really do make great sleepwear. I can totally understand why medical professionals wear them. They are easy to wash, too. Most stains come right out.

If I could, I'd wear them every day to lounge around in.

More Doctors and More Meds

2011-12-01T18:31:00.001-06:00

Oy.....it's been a long week.

Rebecca's rash isn't getting any better. As a matter of fact, it's getting worse....and spreading. She now has it on her hands. And itch! She's up all night long itching.

So, I called the doctor back today to let her know. She in turn, called Rebecca's neurologist to confer. The neurologist called me. Then, the pediatrician called me to refer me to a dermatologist. Then, the dermatologist called me to schedule an appointment. Then, the neurologist called me back to find out what I found out. She then suggested, rather firmly, that I not wait until the scheduled appointment in case the rash was caused by her epilepsy meds. So, I called the dermatologist back and asked for a sooner appointment.

We got one for tomorrow morning.

Whew!

In the meantime, the pediatrician prescribed another medication because we really think it's not a rash related to her meds, but scabies instead.

Scabies. The word itself just makes me want to go "ewww."

And guess what? Scabies is only spread by skin-to-skin contact. Guess what else? I've been helping the poor girl apply her creams and lotions for the past week. Yeah......

Thank goodness the doctor had the foresight to prescribe a few refills of the medication. You can bet I'll be taking special care in checking my body for any sign of the little buggers.

Update 6:30pm: Just got another call from the neurologist to double check on our appointment with the dermatologist scheduled for tomorrow morning. 6:30pm! I am really impressed with the level of communication between these doctors and their concern for my daughter. I can rest easy knowing that the doctors in my daughter's life are some of the best there is!

Cymax: I Believe It's Time For New Furniture

2011-12-01T08:38:00.002-06:00

With all this remodeling going on, I think it's time to consider new furniture. We've never had new furniture before. Usually we just get the hand-me-downs from my parents or Mike's when they get new furniture. That's been fine for the most part, but I really, really want something that matches and accentuates my new living room.

I've been looking online at various sites and have found some really great things at Cymax. What I really want is a leather couch. I absolutely love the sophistication and rich look of a dark brown leather couch. I'm just a little concerned about the wear and tear, what with having four dogs, a cat, and children who think the house and everything in it is their playground. The leather my have to wait until they get the heck out of my house for good, but in the meantime, I still want something that's mine.

And a coffee table. We've never had a coffee table, but I love what having one in a living room does for the look and feel of the room. Somehow, a coffee table just brings everything together and makes it feel more homey.

I haven't told Mike yet about my plans for new furniture. I'm sure, being the guy that he is will see no reason to spend the money since "Everything we have is fine. Why do you want to spend money on things we don't need?" Guys just have no sense of style when it comes to decorating a house, and since it's not something he needs, I'm sure there will be some discussion.

I'm not worried, though. It will happen.

I Worry About My Childre

2011-12-01T08:26:00.000-06:00

What mother doesn't, right?

Here's an example from the other day:

Becky was due to be picked up any second by her friend to go to cheerleading practice. She was in a rush to get her things together and I was rushing her along. I hate to keep people waiting, and I hate even more to have people come into my house to wait because it always looks as if a tornado has torn through. For the life of me, I cannot understand why it's so difficult to keep this place up.

Anyway, her ride shows up, and I yell up the stairs, "Becky! Your ride is here!"

She flies down the stairs, cheer bag slug over her shoulder, flying behind her. She grabs a bottle of water from the fridge while attempting to put her hair up in a ponytail. Her arms are loaded with iPods, shoes, clothes, and God only knows what else. What was in her bag, I have no idea. It only makes sense to me that all of these things should have been in her bag.

I follow her out to the garage to say goodbye and wave to the nice parent sitting in the driveway who has come to pick her up. She opens the door and THUD! Literally. It sounded just like that. THUD!

She had opened the door right into her forehead!

In her haste to get out the door, she had forgotten to step aside to allow room for it to open. She attempted to go out the door in the same instant she had attempted to open it.

She nearly knocked herself out! She stumbled backward a little bit with a dazed look on her face. And me, being the good mother that I am, just stood there, mouth agape. My first instinct was to laugh out loud, but again, being the good mother that I am, I ran over to her and steadied her. When I determined that she was OK, only then did I laugh.

Hey, she began laughing first, holding her forehead where a large, red welt was beginning to rise.

Of course, her friends in the car saw it happen as well. I could see them laughing, too. So, it wasn't only me. It was rather comical. Just like something you'd see on a cartoon, where afterward a huge knot rises high above the head.

So you see, I have cause to worry. This isn't the first time she's done something like this. This is the only girl I know that can walk through a room and trip over absolutely nothing and end up on the floor. We used to think there was something wrong with her when she was small, but the doctors assure us that she's fine, just clumsy.

It's a wonder she survives day to day sometimes.

So, I worry.

Scott Kay Wedding Band For Christmas?

2011-11-30T09:55:00.000-06:00

Mike is so hard to buy for. He says he's not picky, but he lies. Usually when I ask him what he wants, he tells me that he could use one tool or another.

Tools? That isn't fun.

Usually I just take his word and get him whatever tool has caught his eye, but his year, I'd like to get him something that shows him how much he means to me.

Whether he likes it or not.

I've been looking online at new wedding bands. The scott kay wedding bands, especially the SK Colbalt line, have caught my eye. They are made of the same durable steel they use in the making of surgical tools. That means that Mike can do the things that manly men do and not have to worry about destroying his wedding ring. The prices aren't that bad, either.

The one I'm looking at is only $320.

Look how shiny it is!

I think he's going to like it!

Remodeled Living Room!

2011-11-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

After almost 6 years of living in this house, I have finally gotten around to painting.

I know. I know. 6 years.

I've always hated the living room, ever since we moved in. The blue actually hurt my eyes and I spent little time in there. Today though, I enjoy it much more. It's homier (is that a word?), and more inviting.

Here's before

And here's after

Never mind the date on the pictures. I lazily neglected to change the date on the camera after charging the battery.

What do you think?

Sad, Interesting, And Easily Avoidable

2011-11-30T08:53:00.000-06:00

Did you know that most drownings of children aged 1 to 4 years old occur within 5 minutes of the child being unsupervised? This fact comes from Tom Christensen, a spokesman for Health and Human Services Agency in San Diego.

In addition, most drownings of children this age occur in backyard swimming pools, in as little as 2 inches of water.

These are some scary facts, folks. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that these types of deaths, while incredible sad, are easily preventable.

Some Tips to Help Keep Kids Safe Around Swimming Pools:

1. Never leave children unsupervised near any body of water. Maintain constant eye contact at all times and be no farther than an arm's length away.

2. Install a pool fence san diego with a locking gate to help keep your family and others safe.

3. Young children should wear a life preserver of some sort, whether it's water wings on their arms, or a life jacket any time they are near a body of water.

I know these tips should be common sense, but remember, it can happen so fast. Children have a way of doing things they shouldn't very quickly, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

I Need A Do-Over

2011-11-30T07:48:00.000-06:00

What a week it has been....and it's only Wednesday!

Monday morning I put the kids on the bus, and less than two minutes later, I get a phone call from Tim. Becky had another seizure.....on the bus......in front of all her friends. The bus driver was oblivious to what was going on and did not bring her home. Hell, they hadn't even turned off our road yet, but still he continued on. I ended up having to have her grandpa pick her up at school once she arrived. On the bright side, Tim did an awesome job taking care of her until he arrived.

Number 2: Becky has this horrible rash, caused by God only knows, that we ended up taking her to the doctor for, thinking it might be linked to her epilepsy meds, which can be fatal.

Talk about scary!

Turns out the rash isn't related to her meds, thank goodness, but the doc has no idea where it's coming from and thinks it may be an infection. Antibiotics, two creams, and two days later, we're seeing little if no signs of improvement. All docs involved think the infection caused the seizure, lowering her seizure threshold. Tomorrow will be the deadline for improvement or another trip to the doctor.

Today: I swear, these kids have made it a point to drive me insane. I think that is a child's job. That is what they are put on this Earth for. Every morning, it's the same thing. The bus is due any minute, any second, and they are not ready. They have to go to the bathroom. They still need to brush their teeth. They still need to take their meds. This morning, it was Tim. He decided (not really decided, but still..) to throw up his breakfast. Not because he is sick, mind you. He's always had a sensitive stomach, and mornings have never been good for him. What with his asthma and morning phlegm and all. I knew I shouldn't have let him drink that glass of chocolate milk. Chocolate milk and phlegm are not a good mixture.

So, he throwing up and it's time for the bus to come. He gets done, runs upstairs to get his inhaler, all the while I'm yelling at him to hurry up, and guess what? He misses the bus. Becky gets on just fine, and because her brother was busy throwing up when she went out the door, didn't make the bus driver wait. He only missed the bus by seconds. And me being unable to drive, Tim is staying home. Free day for Tim!

I'll be glad when this week is over. Between worrying about Becky, and now this, I have gotten nothing done. I feel so uninspired. I'd better find inspiration soon, though. I've got Christmas at my house this year, and my house is in need of some major TLC before then.

Ugh.

All I Want For Christmas

2011-11-25T10:20:00.000-06:00

Tim came up to me the other day and said, "I want a guitar for Christmas."

Just like that. Out of the blue. I never knew he wanted to learn to play. Other than singing along with his iPod when he thinks no one is listening, I've never seen him express any interest in learning a musical instrument.

This is all fine and dandy, except I have no clue how to play a guitar. I once tried to learn when I was young. My mom plays and she tried to teach me, but I soon learned that it took too much effort and I had no interest in effort at that age. To this day, I can still feel the pain of my sore fingertips.

I've been doing some research and found a site online that will teach you guitar easy songs. Some are free, and others you have to pay for, but it looks like it could actually teach you (or your son) how to play the guitar. At least the basics, anyway.

I'm going to consider this further, because this kid is so hard to buy for!

Tis the Season

2011-11-25T10:12:00.000-06:00

Not for Chrismas or any other holiday, but for dry skin.....and rashes. Poor Becky. She has a terrible rash caused by dry skin. She's itchy and pimply. Her skin is terribly dry. I've been trying everything I know to help her. Humidifiers, lotions. You name it, I've tried it.

I wonder if it's food allergies austin? I can't imagine she's eaten anything different lately, and she's never had them before, but they can spring up anytime, right?

Tonight's plan of attack is to goop her up good with Vaseline and then have her sleep in old clothes. We'll see what happens in the morning. Hopefully she is seeing some relief.

If it doesn't get better soon, I'll be forced to take her to the doctor for some super-duper meds.

Poor thing.

Personalized Music and Books for Kids

2011-11-18T05:40:00.000-06:00

Got young kids and are wondering what to get them for Christmas? Something that will both educate them and be fun? Well, have I got the gift for you!

Music and Books 4 Kids sells personalized music and books for kids. Their eyes will light up when they hear and see their name, and their families' names as part of the story. These great stories feature well-known characters such as Sesame Street's Elmo, Scooby-Doo, and Garfield. Your child will want to read the books over and over again, promoting good reading habits for the future.

These gifts make great stocking stuffers, too!

The ordering process is simple. All you have to do is fill out a short form and your personalized CD or book will be on it's way in no time.

Hop on over there and check it out today!

Women's Jewelry at Lauren Klein.com

2011-11-10T08:09:00.001-06:00

It's the time of year again (I said that in a sing-songy voice, so read it that way, please.) You know what I mean. Only 44 days until Christmas. Time to get out there and get that shopping done for those near and dear to your heart.

Or, instead of getting out there, you could stay in, stay in your comfy, warm jammies, grab a cup of coffee, and shop online. Yeah, that sounds more like it, doesn't it?

Lauren Klein.com is an online jewelry store that carries some of the most gorgeous pieces I have seen. I spend a lot of time drooling over the women's jewelry, and just this morning, sent Mike an email linking to the pieces I'd like to have. I hope he gets the hint. Sometimes you have to hit the guy over the head with it before he gets the idea, but really, it doesn't get any easier.

What I really like about Lauren Klein is the selection. I've found many items that are unique, things I've never seen before anywhere else. It's not just your typical diamond earrings, or heart-shaped pendants. I like that some of the jewelry is suitable for just wearing every day. Even if I'm dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, I still like to have accessories, but not ones that are too dressy. I find that Lauren Klein has jewelry for every occasion.

So, if you're in the market to buy a gift for your honey, or just want to hit your man over the head with a hint, check out the jewelry at Lauren Klein. Be sure to notice their specials, too!

Deer!

2011-11-10T07:48:00.000-06:00

It was a close one, let me tell you. Even I could see the whites of his (her?) eyes (do deer even have whites?). It happened so fast, it's all a blur now. All I know is, I never want to see a live deer that close to my car again.

We were traveling along, minding our own business after a nice outing to Walmart, which is my favorite store, by the way. We had just turned on our road and Mike and I were gabbing about something or other, when all of a sudden, I spot a maniac deer with a death wish running full speed at our car! Mike, who was driving and should have seen the crazy beast, kept right on driving as if impending doom was not a concern.

I started yelling, "Oooh! Oooh!" with my hands in the air, unable to get the word "deer" out of my mouth. Mike looked at me like I had lost my mind. Innocent bystanders would have thought I was auditioning for the role of Arnold Horshack in "Welcome Back Kotter."

The closer the deer got to our car, the louder my "oohs" became and the faster my hands waved back and forth as if they had a mind of their own.

Finally, Mike saw the deer and swerved, sending us all into the passenger side of the car.....hard. My shoulder still hurts from being smashed up against the window. I think Tim hit his head on his window.

Luckily, the act of swerving the car in a Dukes-of-Hazzard-type fashion gave the deer enough time to change his course of direction and make it behind the car safely, but only by a white hair or two of his tail. He ran quickly to the other side of the road and off through the field to live another day.

After we got home, I apologized for not being able to warn him about the deer sooner. Mike informed me that had I yelled "deer!", he would have slammed on the brakes and it would have ran right into the side of the car for sure.

As it turns out, I was a hero without meaning to be. I single-handedly saved our car, and probably everyone in it from sure disaster.

How about that?

Canada, Anyone?

2011-11-08T10:49:00.000-06:00

I'm not much of a traveler, but have always wanted to visit Canada. I know, I know. Not much of a leap there considering I live in Wisconsin. But, believe me when I say, I don't get out much.

I've been working on Mike about taking a family vacation next summer. We haven't taken a vacation since before we were married. We've been married forever, dontcha know, so it's been a long time. I found some beautiful places to rent in Cochrane, which is only a few miles from Calvary. He's not so open to the idea.

"It costs too much to take a vacation," he says.

Typical response. But, I'm working on him. I may have to pull out all the stops to get him to even consider the idea, but I prepared.

Anyway, Canada is someplace I've always wanted to go. I think the country is beautiful and have heard that the people are very friendly. I know I could dream of traveling to foreign lands and experience foreign cultures, but frankly, that type of traveling scares the hell out of me. I'm quite happy to stick close to home where I can understand the language and blend in.

Lately, I've been thinking that I need more. It's that mid-life crisis thing I eluded to in my last post, I'm sure. For goodness sake, I'll be turning 40 in a couple months! And what do I have to show for it?

Don't answer that. I may cry.

Enough is Enough

2011-11-08T10:33:00.000-06:00

I have decided that the time is right to start a new venture in my life. Call it a mid-life crisis or whatever you want. It is time. There has to be more, no, I know there's more out there than what I'm currently seeing.

Don't get me wrong. I love being a stay-at-home mother and taking care of my family. Honestly, I don't think the title "stay-at-home mother" really applies to me anymore. I mean, my oldest is in college and my youngest is now in 6th grade. That title is a misnomer.

Besides, I want a new title. Something bold. Something that says something about who I am and what I can offer. I have a few ideas, and none of them include the word "mom".

The ideas are running through my head as we speak, and I'm really excited about the possibilities. Unfortunately, I can't let you in on my plans at this time. They are undecided and unorganized, but you can be sure that when I finally have a handle and a full understanding, I will fill you all in. Just know that this is going to be big. BIG, I tell you!

Christmas is only 47 Days Away

2011-11-07T12:25:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it? I sure can't! The good news is, I've already started my shopping. Instead of waiting until the week of, I've already gotten Christmas gifts, and am almost done with one child! That, my friends, is progress, and not procrastination.

I'm pretty proud of myself, actually. I abhor Christmas shopping and ALWAYS put it off until I can't any longer. Of course, by then, all the good stuff is gone, and the kids end up with a screwdriver set and underwear for gifts.

OK, that's not entirely true. The one time I gave them underwear as a gift, they thanked me, and wore them. At least I think they wore them. I could tell by their looks though, that underwear was not a preferred gift at Christmas time and have never given it again.

I don't know what's wrong with kids. I happen to like brand new underwear.

So, with our newly remodeled living room, and most of the Christmas shopping done already, I am actually looking forward to the holidays this year, which is a total shock to me. I usually associate the holidays with stress, too much food, and not enough time.

Here's to hoping for a good holiday season this year!

Today's Random Thought

2011-11-07T12:15:00.002-06:00

After turning the clocks back on Saturday, I wondered to myself, "What happens with TV programming at 2am when the clocks go back?"

I mean, I understand how it works when we turn the clocks ahead in the Spring. Some programming just gets skipped to allow for the time change. That makes sense. But, what about when the clocks go back. Do they run an extra episode of the program that was showing at the time of the change, or do they just throw another show in there to fill that extra hour? I've never thought about it before, but seriously.

What do they do?

Personalized Baby Gifts

2011-11-04T15:13:00.001-05:00

When it's time for me to go shopping, these days I turn to the Internet first. Especially if I'm looking for things that don't require trying on. Shopping for personalized baby gifts is no exception. I could go to a local department store and try to find something unique and awe-inspiring. This is fine if I want to spend a ton of time walking around the baby department, picking up this and that and putting it back down because it just doesn't send the message I'm wanting to send. It's tiring, and frankly, not my idea of a fun time.

Baby Stuff Gifts is the place on the Internet that I can always count on for just the perfect baby gift. They carry many unique, personalized gifts that will not only please the recipient, but will make my life easier. The cool thing about this site is that they are always running special deals. Right now, if you "LIKE" Baby Stuff Gifts Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Stuff-Gifts/96750394162?sk=app_128953167177144) you'll get a coupon code for 10% off your entire order! With the holidays coming up soon, this is an excellent deal, and will make that holiday shopping a little easier!

Who knows? Maybe with the extra money you save, you can afford to buy a little something for yourself!

Walmart Police

2011-11-04T08:13:00.001-05:00

While in Walmart the other day, I had an experience with a cashier who thought he was the Walmart police. It was his duty to make sure that no one got out of the store with anything they didn't pay for. Never mind that they already have those nifty things at each door that beeps if you try to walk out with something not properly deactivated by that silly machine at the register. Honestly, I think those thing are more trouble than they are worth. I have been the victim of incorrect deactivation by the machine several times, and had to suffer the humiliation of standing at the door while the "greeter" checks my receipt to what is in my bags while hoards of people stare and whisper.

But I digress. This is another story for another time.

I had a 24-pack of bottle water on the bottom of my cart, a fairly full cart itself, and my purse in the front seat of the cart. I began putting all of my things on the conveyor belt. Before I could get to the water on the bottom, which I don't mind lifting up to make the cashier's job easier, he said, "I'll get that ma'am. I have my trusty ole portable barcode scanner right here," and he, I kid you not, produced a hand-held scanner from his belt. Like a gun! He had a little holster for it and everything! He literally sauntered around the end of the counter and in a manly fashion, picked up the heavy case, scanned it, and put it back.

The next thing he did, and I'll tell you, I was a touch offended, was to pick up my purse to check for any items that might be underneath and didn't find their way to the conveyor belt. Can you believe it?! He touched MY PURSE! I was so flabbergasted that I didn't even say anything.

We left the store. Once in the car, I finally was able to get my senses back. I probably should have went back inside and said something to management. That can't be right. He really shouldn't be doing that, touching other people's personal property like that. Hell, I don't even like my kids touching my purse! What makes him think he can just do that? I wonder if he's ever done that before to anyone else? Did I look like I might be stealing something? Did I look like I'm the type that would?

So many questions. I'd better stop talking about it now because I'm starting to get worked up again.

That's Why We Have Kids

2011-10-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

"I need a new bosch dishwasher," I told Mike the other afternoon.

"No you don't," he answered matter of factly.

"Yes, I do," I insisted.

"I thought that's what we had kids for?" was his reply.

"No, we had kids so we wouldn't have to carry the heavy bags of groceries. And to let the dogs outside to go potty. And to dust and vacuum the house. Oh, and to mow the grass and rake leaves," I rattled off. "I need a dishwasher. When the children do dishes, they claim the dishes are clean, but there's always crusty gunk on them. I've told them time and time again how to do dishes correctly, but they never learn. I think they do it on purpose so I'll just do them myself. They may not look it, but they can be quite crafty when they want to be," I told him.

"I need a dishwasher. My hands are all cracked and dry from being in the soapy water. No amount of lotion is going to save these babies." I thrust my hands in front of his face, and wiggled my fingers for good measure.

He just raised his eyebrows and went back to his computer.

"Well?" I asked.

"Well, what?"

"Am I getting a dishwasher or not?" I was starting to lose my patience.

"Oh, you were serious?" he asked.

"Never mind. I don't have time to do this. I have dishes to do."

Did I Ever Tell You About the Time

2011-10-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

When Becky tried to pee standing up?

No? Well, it's quite a story, trust me on this one.

She was about three, maybe. I'm not quite sure because the event was so funny and traumatic that I've blocked it out. Traumatic at the time, but I'm able to look back on it now and laugh. Kind of.

She came to me while I was doing dishes and said, "Mommy, I have to go potty." I told her that I'd be right there to help her. To go ahead and get on the toilet.

I continued to wash the dish I was holding, not thinking anything about it. I rinsed it and placed it in the drainer. I dried my hands and went to the bathroom to help her wipe.

What I saw when I entered the bathroom will stay with me forever. There, in all her bare-assed cuteness, was my daughter. Standing up in front of the toilet. Her pants were around her ankles and she was "holding" herself, aiming for the open toilet.

She had already attempted to pee in the toilet before I got there. Her pants were wet, and the bowl had pee running down the front. She was leaning way back, as far back as her little body could go without falling over, and there was a stream of pee almost-but-not-quite making it into the bowl.

I screamed, "STOP!"

She turned around and instantly her face fell. Tears filled her eyes and she started to cry. I felt like the world's worst mother at that moment. Making my kids cry was not something I did on a regular basis. I went to her and hugged her tight.

"Where had she learned to do that?" I thought to myself.

"I was trying to go potty, Mommy. That's how Daddy does it."

Ah-ha! She must've seen Mike in the bathroom once when he neglected to shut the door. Have no fear, though. Since that day, it is a standing rule that if you're in the bathroom, the door must be shut. I don't care if you're just in there to comb your hair or brush your teeth. The bathroom is private time and not to be shared.

Anyway.....

I explained to her the difference between girls and boys as best as I could considering she was only a wee thing. She seemed heartbroken that she would never be able to pee like a man because she didn't possess the right parts. She never tried to do it again, and I don't believe she was too terribly traumatized.

I, on the other hand, had to clean the child and the bathroom, as well as have a conversation with a three year old about boy parts and girl parts. I think I was more traumatized than she.

It's funny now, almost 12 years later. If she pulls another stunt like that, she is more than old enough to clean up after herself.

Geocaching

2011-10-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

Ever heard of it?

Me either. Until my sister-in-law introduced me to it a few months ago. It's where someone hides a weather-proof container somewhere outside and then leaves clues online as to where it can be found. Searchers use truck gps or some other navigational device to find the "cache" or container. Usually the cache contains a logbook that the person who finds it signs and dates. It's like a high-tech game of hide-and-seek.

Anyway, she and my nieces do it all the time. She even bought a new GPS just to do it. Sometimes, people even leave little trinkets for trade in the box. The idea is, if you take a trinket from the cache, you replace it with something else. Sounds like fun. You know, the whole thrill-of-the-hunt sort of thing. I'm thinking about riding along with them next time they head out on one of their excursions. Who know? Maybe it'll become my new past-time.

Won't Mike love that? Since I can't drive, he'll be my chauffeur!

Apples, Apples and More Apples

2011-10-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

Tis the season.....

My dear husband brought home a brown grocery bag full of various types of apples. A guy at work, who felt he owed him something for some wheel weights my husband gave him months back, has apple trees in his yard. He told Mike, "Make sure you wash them before eating them. I sprayed pesticides to keep the bugs off."

They are beautiful apples. Red ones, green ones, red-green ones. I have no idea what actual kind they are, because I'm not an apple expert, but they are pretty. So pretty, in fact, that I put a bunch of them in a basket on the dining room table. After I washed them, of course.

Last night I made baked apples for dessert. Brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. The family thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. "Where did you learn to make these?" they asked. As if making baked apples is a skill learned only by the world's most accomplished chefs.

I have to figure out what to do with all these apples before they go bad. I have a recipe for an awesome crunchy caramel apple pie that I will dig out of the recesses of the cabinet where my cookbooks ~~collect dust~~ are kept. My sister-in-law sent me a nice recipe for some apple bread, which I intend to make this weekend. Beyond that, I am at a loss as to what to do with all these apples.

Any ideas?

Something to Spruce up the Joint

2011-10-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

Every Fall, I start feeling the need to change things up. You know, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, cleaning that doesn't usually get done, like closets and windows, that sort of thing. I don't know why. Maybe it's the thought of being shut in soon because Winter is just around the corner. I tend to be a little anal about the whole thing. By Spring, everything I've done the Fall before is old and driving me crazy and I can't wait to get out!

This year, I've decided to spruce up the outside a little bit. I've been looking at address signs to go on the front of the house. Right now, we have no numbers on the front of the house and only an ugly old metal sign at the end of the driveway to mark our place in this world. While the metal sign is mandatory per the county, I'd like to have something decorative to not only identify our house, but to accentuate it as well.

What's your thoughts?

Randomness

2011-10-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

While visiting one of the local middle schools in the area for a volleyball tournament last weekend, I came across this beautiful scene. The school is situated right next to a river and the day was perfect for picture taking. I just wish I had had the presence of mind to capture the school itself as it was a beautiful old brick building that complimented the scenery very well.

I bet just one week later, the trees on the other side of the river are just gorgeous with fall colors. I have half a mind to have Mike take me by there again this weekend to see!