Since we've had the nephew we have often asked the question...WHY? Why are we the only ones who stepped up to take him, basically giving us no other choice? Why doesn't anyone else really help besides the Grandparents in Arizona. Why do these people complain that they don't hear from him, when, in our opinion, it is their responsibility to keep in touch. We've had some confusion as to fact that if people call and speak to us, we will speak back. Apparently they think that we can't talk because we only hear what they are saying through the Arizona people.
Three and a half years has allowed some healing and perspective, so this year we made sure that the Nephew called all of his pertinent family members on Thanksgiving. We haven't done that before, but it seemed to go well. The only person he didn't talk to was his local Grandmother, but he did leave a message. So that was that.
Now people are calling. A lot of calls over two days. Oh, and they aren't calling us, they are calling the Nephew. Why are they calling? Because some scumbag called the Nephew's local grandmother and told her that it was the Nephew, he was in Boston and needed $2500 sent to him ASAP. Stop and think about that. What would you do? Would you call the people who are supposed to be taking care of him and find out what's going on? Would you call anyone else to find out what's going on? He has been living with us for three and a half years. Do you think that we may have called his realtives if he disappeared. We are legally and morally responsible for him...what do you think we would have done? We would have been doing everything we could to find him, no stone unturned, if youwill. Well I'll tell you what the Grandmother did. She wired a thousand dollars to whoever was on the other end of the phone. I can tell you that it wasn't the Nephew, because he was here with us. I can tell you that they would have known that if anyone bothered to call and find out. I'm hoping it's because she is old and isn't thinking clearly. I'm hoping they don't think that we are that callous, that we would let him take off like that without talking to anyone about it.
I guess this is why we have him. We think a little more clearly than the other relatives in his life.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sorry....
...but I seem to have lost control of things again. And when Doc told me that JJ was a little peeved that nothing new has been posted here, I blushed a lovely shade of red and promised to get on it. So no excuses, it is what it is...let's just get into it.
Today was the first snowfall of the season and Turbo was a little more than surprised by it. I love animals in the snow for the first time. It's hysterical. I have had many cats over my lifetime, though none now thanks to the horrible allergies all the men in my life have (oops, I digress). One of my favorite snow memories is of two of our cats heading outside into the first huge snow of the year. The first cat, Tiger, was a petite little princess who stepped right onto the snow and delicately traipsed across the top as if nothing was going on. Then the second cat, Snap, went out. He was an old man, who looked like he was wearing a tuxedo, that adopted us in his old age. He was very fat and very slow. Poor Snap followed Tiger out the door and proceeded to drop through the snow so we could barely see him. He managed to make his way through it, but it was funny to watch how the different cats worked through it.
So we're a dog family now and I was looking forward to seeing Turbo hit the snow for the first time. When I woke up and saw the snow this morning I couldn't wait to hear Turbo whining to go out. I let him out with a treat like I usually do, took a couple of minutes to gather myself up, while he usually eats his treat, and then I went to the door to see what he was up to. I couldn't really see what he was up to, usually he's wandering around the yard by now when all of a sudden he comes flying out of nowhere spinning around and stops dead in his tracks to look at the door. As soon as he sees my face he hightails it towards me and flies in the house. Clearly no poop happened so a walk is in order.
Thing 1 and I suit up for the snow and head out with Turbo. Turbo takes the better part of our street to figure out how to work the snow. He sprints and stops, sprints and stops until we get to his usual first pit stop. He starts settling in and walking like usual, but I can tell he is a little thrown by the snow. Now that he has figured out that the snow is not some evil being out to torture him, he needs to figure out how to poop. I guess the cold on his feet is a little disconcerting because it took him a while to work the right stance for this. He had a few attempts before he really worked it out. I know that's a gross topic, but it was very amusing and now that my kids are too old to be really funny about stuff like that, I am forced to turn to the dog for this kind of entertainment.
Staying on the topic of Turbo, we have just put the finishing touches on our Christmas decorations. We had to stop before we were done. Why, you ask, why wouldn't you finish putting all of your decorations out? Turbo is why. He has been excellent with the tree, and all of lights and frivolity so far. But not everything was put out. This afternoon we pulled the last boxes out and put the stockings up, the nativity out, the book on the bookshelves and the stuffed abominable snowman (Bumble) from Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. We have all of the stuffies, but the Bumble got separated, so he is the first to get put out. Thing 1 placed him where we usually out our collection and we sat down to eat dinner. After dinner Thing 1 had a funny book on tape that he wanted me to listen to, so we went down to listen to it. Doc was watching football but allowed us to listen. Turbo now likes to hang out with Doc downstairs, so there he was just lying there doing what Turbo does best, nothing. I look at the book, and out of the corner of my eye I see Turbo cross the room and return. Out of the corner of my eye I now see Turbo flinging something around, what is it? Can you guess? Of course it's the poor Bumble. None of the other stuffed characters will see the light of Christmas this year, lest Turbo have a collection that would make all other Greyhounds go weak with envy.
So that's it. Just trying to get myself back into the groove. Have fun prepping for the Holiday of your choice. Life is good! Live it well.
Today was the first snowfall of the season and Turbo was a little more than surprised by it. I love animals in the snow for the first time. It's hysterical. I have had many cats over my lifetime, though none now thanks to the horrible allergies all the men in my life have (oops, I digress). One of my favorite snow memories is of two of our cats heading outside into the first huge snow of the year. The first cat, Tiger, was a petite little princess who stepped right onto the snow and delicately traipsed across the top as if nothing was going on. Then the second cat, Snap, went out. He was an old man, who looked like he was wearing a tuxedo, that adopted us in his old age. He was very fat and very slow. Poor Snap followed Tiger out the door and proceeded to drop through the snow so we could barely see him. He managed to make his way through it, but it was funny to watch how the different cats worked through it.
So we're a dog family now and I was looking forward to seeing Turbo hit the snow for the first time. When I woke up and saw the snow this morning I couldn't wait to hear Turbo whining to go out. I let him out with a treat like I usually do, took a couple of minutes to gather myself up, while he usually eats his treat, and then I went to the door to see what he was up to. I couldn't really see what he was up to, usually he's wandering around the yard by now when all of a sudden he comes flying out of nowhere spinning around and stops dead in his tracks to look at the door. As soon as he sees my face he hightails it towards me and flies in the house. Clearly no poop happened so a walk is in order.
Thing 1 and I suit up for the snow and head out with Turbo. Turbo takes the better part of our street to figure out how to work the snow. He sprints and stops, sprints and stops until we get to his usual first pit stop. He starts settling in and walking like usual, but I can tell he is a little thrown by the snow. Now that he has figured out that the snow is not some evil being out to torture him, he needs to figure out how to poop. I guess the cold on his feet is a little disconcerting because it took him a while to work the right stance for this. He had a few attempts before he really worked it out. I know that's a gross topic, but it was very amusing and now that my kids are too old to be really funny about stuff like that, I am forced to turn to the dog for this kind of entertainment.
Staying on the topic of Turbo, we have just put the finishing touches on our Christmas decorations. We had to stop before we were done. Why, you ask, why wouldn't you finish putting all of your decorations out? Turbo is why. He has been excellent with the tree, and all of lights and frivolity so far. But not everything was put out. This afternoon we pulled the last boxes out and put the stockings up, the nativity out, the book on the bookshelves and the stuffed abominable snowman (Bumble) from Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. We have all of the stuffies, but the Bumble got separated, so he is the first to get put out. Thing 1 placed him where we usually out our collection and we sat down to eat dinner. After dinner Thing 1 had a funny book on tape that he wanted me to listen to, so we went down to listen to it. Doc was watching football but allowed us to listen. Turbo now likes to hang out with Doc downstairs, so there he was just lying there doing what Turbo does best, nothing. I look at the book, and out of the corner of my eye I see Turbo cross the room and return. Out of the corner of my eye I now see Turbo flinging something around, what is it? Can you guess? Of course it's the poor Bumble. None of the other stuffed characters will see the light of Christmas this year, lest Turbo have a collection that would make all other Greyhounds go weak with envy.
So that's it. Just trying to get myself back into the groove. Have fun prepping for the Holiday of your choice. Life is good! Live it well.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Seriously?
I received a Williams Sonoma Catolog today. I saw it and thought to myself...ooh fun, let's look through that. I can spend frivolously with the best of them, but I have been toning it down quite a bit, what with the economy and having little extra money and not wanting to work any more than I do. I do like looking at nice things and realizing I don't need them. I like the power of not spending money, but sometimes I like new stuff more.
But this catalog brought one word to mind.
"Seriously"
Who spends this kind of money?
Seriously? I'll get one at job lot for $15, thank you very much.
But this catalog brought one word to mind.
"Seriously"
Who spends this kind of money?
Ruffoni Hammered Copper Stockpot with Acorn Knob
Internet/Catalog Only
Available in your choice of three sizes, this versatile stockpot is a culinary work of art. It starts with a single sheet of copper that is hand hammered into shape at the Ruffoni family’s workshop in Alpine Italy, then finished by hand with a traditional tin lining and brass loop handles. The lid’s distinctive acorn-and-oak-leaf knob is hand cast in brass. The copper transfers heat quickly, so soups and stock cook evenly, and the durable lining won’t react with acidic ingredients. Engraved with a monogram, the pot makes an elegant addition to any cookware collection. Hand-wash. Made in Italy. A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.
 | Monogrammed, 13 1/4-Qt. | $419.00 | |
Seriously? I'll get one at job lot for $15, thank you very much.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Small Victory
An update on the pilfering front. Turbo has succeeded in obtaining a small Bear in the Big Blue House from the nephew's room. I tried to retrieve it, but Turbo is having none of it, snatching it from my grasp every time. Some things are just meant to be.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Turbo the Wonder Thief
My dog is in love with Bear in the Big Blue House AND he is a thief. How do I know this? Well, he has 4 stuffed animals that he has stolen from the nephew (he has also taken shirts and hats from him, but those have since been returned). Turbo is no Alpha dog, so I think he is creating a pack he can command from inanimate animals. He has 2 Teddy bears, a fox and a raccoon from the nephew. He also has a squirrel and a stuffed bone that we gave him. He now has RJ from Over the Hedge thanks to Thing 1 feeling a bit of compassion.
What does he want most though? What makes his heart go pitter pat? Well I think it's Bear in the Big Blue House. I am pretty sure of this because he has repeatedly taken Bear from Thing 2's bed. Thing 2 is not willing to share so Bear goes back on his bed. I am seriously trying to convince my son that the right thing to do is give Bear to Turbo. Why? I think it's because Turbo is pretty apathetic about life, so now that he has found something worth stealing repeatedly, I think he should have it. (This is similar to when Thing 2 all of a sudden wanted to wear a specific shirt every day and night, so I went out and bought him three of them. He didn't care about anything except that shirt and dammit, I was going to let him wear it.) Thing 2 is having none of it though, and so I am now on the search for a Bear in the Big Blue House stuffed animal to make my dog happy. I found one on Ebay for $6.00. But the shipping was almost $9.00, which makes it more than I spent on the first one. Since I refuse to become crazy dog lady (though it may be too late for that), I am going to stop looking, but if anyone has one that they can get rid of, you know who to call!
To sum up, my dog is a thief, I am doing my best to aid and abet, Thing 2 is inflexible and Thing 1 clearly loves his dog. Above and beyond any of this, I am very entertained by the fact that when we leave the house, Turbo is wandering around looking for friends and taking them at will. See, mostly he stays in his crate (which remains open at all times) or on his alternate bed(which is right next to the crate). So the fact that he musters the courage to go down the hall to search for his friend makes me smile. I love my dog, he fits in nicely with this family. A little isle of misfits have we.
What does he want most though? What makes his heart go pitter pat? Well I think it's Bear in the Big Blue House. I am pretty sure of this because he has repeatedly taken Bear from Thing 2's bed. Thing 2 is not willing to share so Bear goes back on his bed. I am seriously trying to convince my son that the right thing to do is give Bear to Turbo. Why? I think it's because Turbo is pretty apathetic about life, so now that he has found something worth stealing repeatedly, I think he should have it. (This is similar to when Thing 2 all of a sudden wanted to wear a specific shirt every day and night, so I went out and bought him three of them. He didn't care about anything except that shirt and dammit, I was going to let him wear it.) Thing 2 is having none of it though, and so I am now on the search for a Bear in the Big Blue House stuffed animal to make my dog happy. I found one on Ebay for $6.00. But the shipping was almost $9.00, which makes it more than I spent on the first one. Since I refuse to become crazy dog lady (though it may be too late for that), I am going to stop looking, but if anyone has one that they can get rid of, you know who to call!
To sum up, my dog is a thief, I am doing my best to aid and abet, Thing 2 is inflexible and Thing 1 clearly loves his dog. Above and beyond any of this, I am very entertained by the fact that when we leave the house, Turbo is wandering around looking for friends and taking them at will. See, mostly he stays in his crate (which remains open at all times) or on his alternate bed(which is right next to the crate). So the fact that he musters the courage to go down the hall to search for his friend makes me smile. I love my dog, he fits in nicely with this family. A little isle of misfits have we.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
An Update on Thing 2
So here is the surgery update for Thing 2. He had Tubes placed on June 11. One has already fallen out, resulting in an ear infection. He will now have them placed, for the fifth time, on October 1st. He had his Eye surgery on August 7th. That seemed to go well, though his eye is still turning in. Seriously, I am writing the prenup myself, no vasectomy!!
Back into the Swing
So I guess I took most of the summer off from the blog. I find it hard to function when everyone is home for the summer. I totally lose my routine, and now that I think of it, I don't know that I ever had it together last school year, but this year will be different, I say with mild enthusiasm.
The big thing that helps the routine get in place is the dog. Turbo the Wonderdog as I like to call him. He has greatly helped me structure the school year morning routine. The Nephew needs to get up at 5:45, so I set the alarm for 5:30, let the pooch out, start laundry, check email and then rouse him for school. I finish taking care of some stuff and the pooch and I are off and running. Well, walking... well, strolling mostly because he stops a lot. When we get home the dance continues with getting the boys up to watch a show at 6:30 so thing 2 can get some eye patching time in without screaming and crying. Breakfast and dressing happens after that, then piano homework (I know, but it actually works for us) then relax till we get them off to school. Somewhere in there I have showered, dressed and had breakfast. It is working and it doesn't feel as crazy as it sounds. It wasn't so efficient over the summer, I got up and got the dog out for a walk, then I would sit and putter online. Clearly nothing productive, or you may have seen many more posts. But, hey, that's what summers are for.
The Dog added a new element in the beginning of the summer. He is a greyhound and came right from the track, so we had quite a bit of teaching to do with him. Though he was mostly house trained, we had to teach him how to go up and down the stairs. I don't think I have ever sweated so much in my life. It's taking a while for him to settle in. At first he was rooing at 4:00 in the morning. We got him to sleep in our room for a while, but apparently the ceiling fan offended him, and he refuses to even step into our room now. He is very skittish and seems to only really like me. He really doesn't eat consistently. He is kind of miserable and happy at the same time. He is the sweetest little boy though and I love him. So, we are taking him to dog training today to figure out how to get him happier. What I think is coming, is another greyhound. I keep hearing that people get a second because the first is so lonely. I am trying to avoid that. It's kind of like having a newborn when you bring the dog home. I didn't like the fatigue with either of the babies, and I didn't like it with the dog. But....if another dog would make Turbo happy, well, maybe.....I don't know. I am going to give it a little more time, and if he is just miserable, maybe we will have the pitter patter of big furry feet once again added to the house.
Another distraction has been Facebook, if you are on it, you need no further explanation. If you aren't on it, well go sign up and then you will understand.
Now, though I am feeling a little more in control. I give a lot of the control over to Doc during the summer. He is home with the kids during the day, and I still work part time, so the routine falls on him. I follow what's going on and kind of get lost in the process. You would think that after doing this for so many years, I'd have the hang of it. Now that I think back though. this was probably the first summer that I have worked so much since having the kids. Let's travel back.
2000: Have baby in June, get the summer off.
2001: Have baby in June, get the summer off. (yes, I know, wow! they are only a year apart)
2002: Working part time, living with parents to help with their health...not running the house on my own
2003: Ditto
2004: First summer in our own house...Working very part time, Very good routine.
2005: Working much more, feeling stressed...Dad died in July. Stopped working at all, moved back into parents house ....no routine what so ever
2006: Not working...excellent summer
2007: Working, but very part time...good routine
2008: Working more, Doc is working more, no real routine...
ah ha! It's because I haven't done this for real yet...that's why it felt so out of sorts. When I look at it like that, I don't feel quite as incompetent. Now I am ready for next year...hey maybe we should get two more dogs!!!!!!!!!!! No just kidding.
I have a lot of posts brewing, so I hopefully am back on the wagon here. Happy late summer and back to school time to everyone. May your routines go as smooth as possible.
The big thing that helps the routine get in place is the dog. Turbo the Wonderdog as I like to call him. He has greatly helped me structure the school year morning routine. The Nephew needs to get up at 5:45, so I set the alarm for 5:30, let the pooch out, start laundry, check email and then rouse him for school. I finish taking care of some stuff and the pooch and I are off and running. Well, walking... well, strolling mostly because he stops a lot. When we get home the dance continues with getting the boys up to watch a show at 6:30 so thing 2 can get some eye patching time in without screaming and crying. Breakfast and dressing happens after that, then piano homework (I know, but it actually works for us) then relax till we get them off to school. Somewhere in there I have showered, dressed and had breakfast. It is working and it doesn't feel as crazy as it sounds. It wasn't so efficient over the summer, I got up and got the dog out for a walk, then I would sit and putter online. Clearly nothing productive, or you may have seen many more posts. But, hey, that's what summers are for.
The Dog added a new element in the beginning of the summer. He is a greyhound and came right from the track, so we had quite a bit of teaching to do with him. Though he was mostly house trained, we had to teach him how to go up and down the stairs. I don't think I have ever sweated so much in my life. It's taking a while for him to settle in. At first he was rooing at 4:00 in the morning. We got him to sleep in our room for a while, but apparently the ceiling fan offended him, and he refuses to even step into our room now. He is very skittish and seems to only really like me. He really doesn't eat consistently. He is kind of miserable and happy at the same time. He is the sweetest little boy though and I love him. So, we are taking him to dog training today to figure out how to get him happier. What I think is coming, is another greyhound. I keep hearing that people get a second because the first is so lonely. I am trying to avoid that. It's kind of like having a newborn when you bring the dog home. I didn't like the fatigue with either of the babies, and I didn't like it with the dog. But....if another dog would make Turbo happy, well, maybe.....I don't know. I am going to give it a little more time, and if he is just miserable, maybe we will have the pitter patter of big furry feet once again added to the house.
Another distraction has been Facebook, if you are on it, you need no further explanation. If you aren't on it, well go sign up and then you will understand.
Now, though I am feeling a little more in control. I give a lot of the control over to Doc during the summer. He is home with the kids during the day, and I still work part time, so the routine falls on him. I follow what's going on and kind of get lost in the process. You would think that after doing this for so many years, I'd have the hang of it. Now that I think back though. this was probably the first summer that I have worked so much since having the kids. Let's travel back.
2000: Have baby in June, get the summer off.
2001: Have baby in June, get the summer off. (yes, I know, wow! they are only a year apart)
2002: Working part time, living with parents to help with their health...not running the house on my own
2003: Ditto
2004: First summer in our own house...Working very part time, Very good routine.
2005: Working much more, feeling stressed...Dad died in July. Stopped working at all, moved back into parents house ....no routine what so ever
2006: Not working...excellent summer
2007: Working, but very part time...good routine
2008: Working more, Doc is working more, no real routine...
ah ha! It's because I haven't done this for real yet...that's why it felt so out of sorts. When I look at it like that, I don't feel quite as incompetent. Now I am ready for next year...hey maybe we should get two more dogs!!!!!!!!!!! No just kidding.
I have a lot of posts brewing, so I hopefully am back on the wagon here. Happy late summer and back to school time to everyone. May your routines go as smooth as possible.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Quote again
"People work too hard to figure out the meaning of their lives. Why me, why now. The truth is, sometimes things don't happen to you for a reason. Sometimes it's about just being in the right place at the right time for someone else."
A Second Glance
Jodi Picoult
A Second Glance
Jodi Picoult
Monday, August 4, 2008
The new Beautiful Boy
Yesterday a new little life came into the world. My brother in law and sister in law had a beautiful baby boy at 5:51 yesterday. We got to see him hours after he came into this world. He is small and pink and perfect in every way. I am going to have to work a screen name for him. I have to get to know him before I can give him something truly spectacular. He really is just perfect and I can't wait to get to know him.
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Quote to Enjoy
"'We gotta rescue this horse,' Lula said. 'I can't take a chance on crappin' up my karma now that I'm gonna be a supermodel.'
'What's with all this feng shui and karma stuff?' Connie asked Lula.
'I got my horoscope done, and it said I needed to be more spiritual. I looked into being Catholic and it sounded like a real pain in the ass, so I'm going with Asian shit.' "
Plum Lucky Janet Evanovich
'What's with all this feng shui and karma stuff?' Connie asked Lula.
'I got my horoscope done, and it said I needed to be more spiritual. I looked into being Catholic and it sounded like a real pain in the ass, so I'm going with Asian shit.' "
Plum Lucky Janet Evanovich
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Getting my Freak Flag up There as High as I Can
So I have a little issue. If I used it properly I could invent an interesting diet. The Never Eat What You Love Again Because the Mere Thought of it Will Make You Gag Diet. It an interesting concept.
Here is what happens. Last week I decided to make Chili. I bought special lean meat, chopped everything just so. Lovingly added spices, even used beer to deglaze the pan...this was going to be the best chili ever made. I made some rice to go with it. It took about an hour for me to make everything. Man did the house smell good. I put some rice in a bowl, and piled some Chili on top for Doc. I put some rice in a bowl and put some chili on top for me. As I turned to put the bowl on the table (oh, I am gagging already and we are a week past this), I saw it. Sitting there nestled in the top of the chili. Not a finger, not a bug, not a piece of dog fur. It's not a bandaid, or dog food, or anything that would make anyone else stop in their tracks. Nope, it was one lonely piece of my own hair. It could have fallen in while I was spooning the chili. It could have fallen in while I was cooking. It doesn't matter. It was there and that was it. The gag started and I put the bowl down on the counter. I sat at the table and watched everyone eat their dinners while I fought back the urge to run to the bathroom and hurl.
I never ate any of the chili. It was up to Doc and the Nephew to consume it over the next few days. I may not eat chili for quite some time, which is a shame because I love chili. Other foods I can't eat anymore? Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with butter, and Oatmeal with raisins. It's much much worse if the hair actually makes it into my mouth. I actually saw a hair on the outside of a bowl of watermelon salsa and had to look away as Doc removed it. It took me about 10 minutes to start trying to eat it again.
So, it could be a very effective diet. I really could eliminate anything fatty and delicious just by putting a piece of my hair near it. God help me if I am at someone else's house and it happens from someone else's hair. I may not eat anything for a week. Who am I kidding? I can't go an hour without eating.
As I sit here writing this, I am gagging left and right. It will probably be an hour or so before I can get myself to have breakfast now. Flying the flag high and proud.
Here is what happens. Last week I decided to make Chili. I bought special lean meat, chopped everything just so. Lovingly added spices, even used beer to deglaze the pan...this was going to be the best chili ever made. I made some rice to go with it. It took about an hour for me to make everything. Man did the house smell good. I put some rice in a bowl, and piled some Chili on top for Doc. I put some rice in a bowl and put some chili on top for me. As I turned to put the bowl on the table (oh, I am gagging already and we are a week past this), I saw it. Sitting there nestled in the top of the chili. Not a finger, not a bug, not a piece of dog fur. It's not a bandaid, or dog food, or anything that would make anyone else stop in their tracks. Nope, it was one lonely piece of my own hair. It could have fallen in while I was spooning the chili. It could have fallen in while I was cooking. It doesn't matter. It was there and that was it. The gag started and I put the bowl down on the counter. I sat at the table and watched everyone eat their dinners while I fought back the urge to run to the bathroom and hurl.
I never ate any of the chili. It was up to Doc and the Nephew to consume it over the next few days. I may not eat chili for quite some time, which is a shame because I love chili. Other foods I can't eat anymore? Cinnamon Raisin Bagels with butter, and Oatmeal with raisins. It's much much worse if the hair actually makes it into my mouth. I actually saw a hair on the outside of a bowl of watermelon salsa and had to look away as Doc removed it. It took me about 10 minutes to start trying to eat it again.
So, it could be a very effective diet. I really could eliminate anything fatty and delicious just by putting a piece of my hair near it. God help me if I am at someone else's house and it happens from someone else's hair. I may not eat anything for a week. Who am I kidding? I can't go an hour without eating.
As I sit here writing this, I am gagging left and right. It will probably be an hour or so before I can get myself to have breakfast now. Flying the flag high and proud.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
A bed fit for a mouse....
Have you ever had the perfect thing to say, at the perfect time and actually said it? Once in a blue moon this happens to me. Usually I spend the next two days thinking of the perfect thing to say, which would have been witty and funny and made everyone laugh. But, once in a while, I can pull them out.
This goes back a few years, but it makes me laugh every time I think of it, so you are fortunate to have me share it with you.
Island Girl and I were visiting a friend who had an apartment with her sister. Her boyfriend came to visit and ended up moving in with them. When Island Girl and I visited our friend...I have no idea what to call her, so she shall just be Friend, we received the grand tour. During the grand tour, I noticed that Friend had only a twin bed in her room. I asked her, out of curiosity, where the Jerk (because that is what he turned out to be) slept, did he sleep on the couch?
Friend "No, he sleeps with me"
Me "How does that work?"
Friend "Oh it's fine, I sleep on the right side of the bed"
Me "FRIEND! Are you kidding? The whole thing is the right side of the bed! How is that comfortable?"
Friend "Oh, it's fine"
ME "Ok....(whatever)"
I am pretty sure Island Girl had a choice comment as well. I think of this all the time. I loved that I came up with that on the spot. It so rarely happens, and I don't think I hurt her feelings, it was just funny. There it is, hope you liked it.
This goes back a few years, but it makes me laugh every time I think of it, so you are fortunate to have me share it with you.
Island Girl and I were visiting a friend who had an apartment with her sister. Her boyfriend came to visit and ended up moving in with them. When Island Girl and I visited our friend...I have no idea what to call her, so she shall just be Friend, we received the grand tour. During the grand tour, I noticed that Friend had only a twin bed in her room. I asked her, out of curiosity, where the Jerk (because that is what he turned out to be) slept, did he sleep on the couch?
Friend "No, he sleeps with me"
Me "How does that work?"
Friend "Oh it's fine, I sleep on the right side of the bed"
Me "FRIEND! Are you kidding? The whole thing is the right side of the bed! How is that comfortable?"
Friend "Oh, it's fine"
ME "Ok....(whatever)"
I am pretty sure Island Girl had a choice comment as well. I think of this all the time. I loved that I came up with that on the spot. It so rarely happens, and I don't think I hurt her feelings, it was just funny. There it is, hope you liked it.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Taking Time to Enjoy the View
We have spent the past three years making this house our own. Our latest renovation is a new deck. We just had it put on this year. It is beautiful. We love it. We have a beautiful dining set, bar height on it. We love it. We show it off to everyone who comes over. Our grill is up there now. It's great.
Last night I had my good friend Island Girl over for some crafting and chatting. She hasn't seen a lot of our updates so I showed her around. We toured the deck and she loved it, everyone loves it. She asked if we eat every meal out there, if she had this deck she would be out here every day, at every meal. I looked at her and said no, and I have no good idea why. So this morning I am out on my deck having my coffee and breakfast. I even brought the laptop out to blog so I am not stuck inside blogging. It is beautiful. I have the birds, my ipod and the fresh morning air. It's gonna be a hot one today, and you know what? I spent a crapload of money on this deck, I am gonna be out here eating lunch too. Even if Doc won't come out. Doc eats on the deck pretty infrequently because he really doesn't like eating in the heat, and who can blame him. We have an umbrella which really only helps at high noon. His irish skin burns easily and his least favorite thing to do is bake in the sun. The future may hold an awning for our deck in it. That would give Doc more shade out here.
Last year our favorite addition to the house was central air. That is a luxury that we have definitely not taken for granted. I thank God every hot sticky day that we were able to provide that for ourselves. I have taken the deck and all it offers for granted, and I won't do that anymore. You may be thinking, geez it's just a deck. But really it's not, when we worked so hard to pay for it, and had to pay extra to fully demolish the old one we had hoped to rehab. It is another sign that the house is ours. My mother's crazy notions of form over function are slowly being ripped away. And that's a good thing.
Life certainly is too short. Enjoy your little luxuries that may seem like nothing. All it takes is someone elses perspective to show you how lucky you really are.
Thanks Island Girl!
Last night I had my good friend Island Girl over for some crafting and chatting. She hasn't seen a lot of our updates so I showed her around. We toured the deck and she loved it, everyone loves it. She asked if we eat every meal out there, if she had this deck she would be out here every day, at every meal. I looked at her and said no, and I have no good idea why. So this morning I am out on my deck having my coffee and breakfast. I even brought the laptop out to blog so I am not stuck inside blogging. It is beautiful. I have the birds, my ipod and the fresh morning air. It's gonna be a hot one today, and you know what? I spent a crapload of money on this deck, I am gonna be out here eating lunch too. Even if Doc won't come out. Doc eats on the deck pretty infrequently because he really doesn't like eating in the heat, and who can blame him. We have an umbrella which really only helps at high noon. His irish skin burns easily and his least favorite thing to do is bake in the sun. The future may hold an awning for our deck in it. That would give Doc more shade out here.
Last year our favorite addition to the house was central air. That is a luxury that we have definitely not taken for granted. I thank God every hot sticky day that we were able to provide that for ourselves. I have taken the deck and all it offers for granted, and I won't do that anymore. You may be thinking, geez it's just a deck. But really it's not, when we worked so hard to pay for it, and had to pay extra to fully demolish the old one we had hoped to rehab. It is another sign that the house is ours. My mother's crazy notions of form over function are slowly being ripped away. And that's a good thing.
Life certainly is too short. Enjoy your little luxuries that may seem like nothing. All it takes is someone elses perspective to show you how lucky you really are.
Thanks Island Girl!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thunder, Lightning and Anxiety...Oh My
On Tuesday we had some pretty crazy weather come through the area. We had storms alternating with beautiful blue skies. I worked most of the day and Doc was home. The things were in camp. Doc picked Thing 2 up early because he had a therapist coming to the house to work with him. As I was driving home from work at about 2:00, it started pouring. Thing 2 doesn't do well with thunder and lightening so I was a little concerned, but Doc was with him and the therapists as well. As I get a couple of blocks away I notice the traffic lights are dark, which of course means an electrical outage in the area. Usually the electricity comes right back on, so it's not a big deal and we never make a big deal out of it when the lights go off, so I figured that wouldn't be a problem. When I arrived home, the lights are on, but Thing 2's face is a little puffy. Apparently he was holding on by a thread during the storm, but the electricity going off was a huge issue. "NOW I"LL NEVER BE ABLE TO SEE AGAIN!!!" Mind you it was 2:00, still pretty light out. But that's how Thing 2 works, in extremes.
The rest of the afternoon went fine. During the summer we go to the library every Tuesday night, they have a summer reading program and we really enjoy doing this with the kids, so it's assumed every year that we do this. This year an added wrinkle is that Thing 2 has bike group on Tuesdays as well. This would normally be fine. Add to the mix that Doc was taking a class, and will now probably be working every Tuesday night for the summer, to make some extra money, so it's just me and the Things, which, again, is nothing new, usually not a problem. But on this particular Tuesday, it was.
We had dinner and headed over to bike group. A group that is supposed to help us teach Thing 2 how to ride his 2 wheeler. He was excited until we got there. Then he was a bit unsure. He took a turn with one of the therapists, who , may I say, are amazing. Then it was my turn to take him around. He absolutely refused to do this with me. Thing 1 at this point is riding his bike all around having a great time. Getting no attention whatsoever, which seems to now be an issue with him, but that's another post. Anyway, T2 takes his turn again with a therapist, and she hands him off to me and I manage to get him around. At this point, he starts completely falling apart, but they get him around one more time before he decides he needs to get in to the car for a break. All of this happens in about 15 minutes.
This whole time I am watching the sky because a storm is rolling in and when I say rolling in I mean the clouds were literally rolling in. It looked like a scene from Independence Day. I could see the lightning in the clouds, but we couldn't really hear the thunder yet and it was still sunny. T2, mercifully, has been so distracted by being upset with the bike group, that he hasn't noticed the clouds yet. Thing 1 does notice and I shush him when he tries to talk about it (again, another post will be coming).
I manage to get T2 out of the car and and a therapist calms him from his bike related hysteria. He takes a couple more turns on the bike with both therapists and just as I am about to take one more turn with him, he sees it. He just happened to be facing in the direction of the cloud when lightening rippled through it. I have never heard such a scream come out of anyone in my life. I do a scoop and go. I get T2 in the car as he screams the whole way, "WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!!! WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE". You and me both pal. T1 is doing his thing, very calm and fine with everything. I get the bikes in the car, stop trying to get T2 to take his helmet off and off we go to the library. There is no rain at this point.
As we drive I am noticing that the storm seems to be following us. I can see blue sky ahead, but the clouds are moving in on all sides. Yeah....this has cluster f*&k written all over it. I say to Thing1 that we may not be able to go to the library and the look on his face...well it was as if I told him his best friend had died. So I keep driving, dammit this kid needs us to do something for him, he is always doing stuff for T2. As I am driving I am calling my sisters-in-law to see if one of them can come meet me, maybe if someone can stay with T1 at the library I can just get T2 home and everything will be okay. Neither one is able to help. I consider who else I could call, but it's so crazy. I feel like a maniac trying to sort this out. I can't make a capital case out of this, T2 will just have to be okay. As we pull into the parking lot of the library it's start to sprinkle, okay no problem, as I park the car the heavens open up.
T2 starts up all over again, gets in my lap in the front seat, I am almost in tears and T1 is annoyed that we aren't getting out of the car. T2 is screaming "IT'S GOING TO FLOOD WE HAVE TO GET HOME!!!". T1 is yelling "wow look at the blacktop, it's all flooded". Thanks kid, thanks a lot. I send a text to Doc "This is a nightmare". The text I get back gives hope, "blue skies over RIC". That means the storm is a quick one.
We stay in the car and wait it out for 15 minutes. It's pouring, and I eventually get T2 to pretend we are in a waterfall, he starts noticing the lightning and thunder a little less. The sun comes out behind us, but it keeps raining on us. The rain starts to slow down and when we look out the driver's window there is a beautiful rainbow. Now the rain stops and the sun is out over us. We can still see the rainbow and the storm cloud, but the worst is over. So we go in the library and have a great time with the story teller. We get to meet Doc and the nephew for ice cream after too.
I was exhausted after. So was T2, and Doc, and T1 It was a very long day for all of us. I used to love summer thunder storms. I used to open the windows and just listen to them. Now we spend the entire time calming a screaming boy. I am pretty sure I will love them again some day, but for now, they just induce anxiety attacks all around.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
You had to get the Crazy Dog...
Yes, apparently I did. Not that he is a lunatic or tearing the house up, but our new housemate, Turbo the greyhound, is a little sensitive and picky. I can't seem to find a treat that he likes. He is afraid of the sliding glass door. He is afraid of everything. We have to stay out of the kitchen when he eats. But he now goes up and down the stairs like a champ.
We picked him up this past Monday from the kennel at Twin River. He is a sweet sweet boy. He is small for a male, which is fine, and he likes to lean up against people. Other than having a few adjustment issues, he is a perfect little boy.
Why did we get a dog? Honestly? I don't know. Maybe so someone in the house wouldn't talk back? Maybe so the boys could have the experience? I honestly don't know why, when I am not a fan of dogs, I all of a sudden wanted a dog. My dad had dogs growing up and I have had a real strong feeling over the past few weeks that we needed to get a dog. Maybe it's my dad pushing me in this direction. I do know that if he were here, he would love this little misfit, sweetheart of a dog. Turbo is a doll who is settling nicely into our house...though at this point, I think he is training us more than we are training him. If only I could find a treat he liked, maybe we could start training him a little.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Life Cycle According to Thing 2
First you're born
then you're a baby
then a kid
then an adult
then you're...dead
The End
Thursday, June 12, 2008
My Limerick
I entered the limerick contest on Looky Daddy here it is...I am mighty proud of myself.
At The Church Steak Fry
There once was a boy named Brian
The truth is what he was flyin'
Across the big group,
"Hey Dad I hafta Poop!"
About that he was not lyin'
There once was a boy named Brian
The truth is what he was flyin'
Across the big group,
"Hey Dad I hafta Poop!"
About that he was not lyin'
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Yet again
The disaster du jour is.........drum roll please......a potential case of..............PINK EYE!
and let's add yet another set of ear infections woo hoooooo!
(do you even have to ask which thing it is? you do? ok, it's thing 2)
and let's add yet another set of ear infections woo hoooooo!
(do you even have to ask which thing it is? you do? ok, it's thing 2)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Ah ha
It started about two months ago when Doc asked me if I was okay. "You seem sad or angry all the time". No, I am fine, yeah the house is a mess, and I can't seem to get myself to do the voice...or piano...or laundry....cleaning...or anything...but no, I am fine. I can't think of anything to blog about, that's why nothing really has been blogged about. In general, though I am happy with the life I have and grateful everyday for what I have, I feel blah. Now that I think about it, I am blah, something isn't right. Where did that mojo go? It seems to have disappeared again.
So it has taken a bit of time to figure it out, that perhaps maybe Doc's surgery and thyroid thing hit me harder than I thought. This is how I tend to rock things, I deal well in the moment, then get all kablooee after, without even realizing it. After my Dad died, I had a lot of anxiety about leaving the kids or Doc for any length of time. That started to get better, I could go out, go away for a weekend. Now it is not so much that I can't leave, but I think I don't like it when Doc leaves, and since he is gone a lot, to work, or school, I apparently am having a hard time pulling myself together. I used to enjoy the time with me and kids, I used to take advantage of the time and get a lot of things done...not so much now. But now that I see what is going on, now that I can put a finger on it, now I can try to find my mojo again. It's around here somewhere...maybe in that basket of laundry....would somebody come fold it please?
So it has taken a bit of time to figure it out, that perhaps maybe Doc's surgery and thyroid thing hit me harder than I thought. This is how I tend to rock things, I deal well in the moment, then get all kablooee after, without even realizing it. After my Dad died, I had a lot of anxiety about leaving the kids or Doc for any length of time. That started to get better, I could go out, go away for a weekend. Now it is not so much that I can't leave, but I think I don't like it when Doc leaves, and since he is gone a lot, to work, or school, I apparently am having a hard time pulling myself together. I used to enjoy the time with me and kids, I used to take advantage of the time and get a lot of things done...not so much now. But now that I see what is going on, now that I can put a finger on it, now I can try to find my mojo again. It's around here somewhere...maybe in that basket of laundry....would somebody come fold it please?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Why?
Why is it that when Thing 2 is all quiet with a toy or book, Thing 1 wants it. It doesn't matter that he has 500 other things he could play or look at, he wants what Thing 2 has. Never in reverse. It is infuriating.
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