A few years ago, I did a WFMW about girly winterization. I'll give a list of my recent accomplishments and my to-do list.
√ Wash and wax the RAV. Done! I won a wash and wax from the local Toyota dealership when I went to have my oil changed in June. I had previously scheduled it for July, but K- got sick with that nasty respiratory crud I had and was running 104.2. I was going to have it done in August, but we had the chipped windshield, the belt scrapping of the paint, the repaint and the time to allow the paint to cure. The day I dropped the car off for the repaint was the day I was going in for the start of the foot episode. (I tell you, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.) Fast forward through all that crub and to today. There was a kind gentleman who for two hours, kindly washed and waxed my entire vehicle. Y'all, that is no easy task. I now can put a check mark on the list there, though.
√ He also swept the car and wiped over the inside!
√ My car hasn't been a mama mobile since we came back from vacation and Hubs gave it a good detailing for me. I went through and picked up a few pieces of garbage from the back, but you'd be proud that it seriously wasn't dirty!
√ Refilled Purell dispenser in my driver's side door.
√ Wiped windows inside and out. Again, nice gentle guy did that for me! :)!!
√ Storm blankets are returned to the vehicle.
Things to do:
1. Tire rotation. Scheduled for tomorrow.
2. Storm food and add few bottles of water.
3. Check windshield washer fluid and put an extra bottle in the back.
4. Make sure that I have a book to read in the console. You just never know around here.
5. Make sure K- has a book in the back.
6. A flashlight would be excellent!
7. Track down the snow scraper and bring it out to be in view. Snow is around the corner. My 5th metatarsal tells me so!
I can't think of anything else right now. Right now, it is 45 degrees F and raining. It is chilly willie puddin' pie and warmness is not in our future, I'm sure.
Do you see anything I missed? Shoot me a comment! I'd rather know!
Smiles in my day:
- My awesome free car wash and wax!
- My Pampered Chef order arrived! Now I have a simple slicer, a mix and chop and a toaster oven sized stone baker. (I had birthday money.) I'm so excited!
- Dr. W-'s office phoned today to tell me that he has called the orders in to have an x-ray done on my foot before my appointment on Friday. This way, we can actually discuss my progress rather than just guess about it. I like being able to meet with Dr. W- so that I can get the full scoop from him, rather than a relayed message from the nurse. Cross your fingers and toes people. I'm hoping that this thing is healing.
- Having a removable cast that can be flared out in front of the heat vent at night to dry. Twice this week, my aircast boot has taken on water. It got damp and a little muddy at soccer, despite my gorgeous purple plastic boot bag. (Compliments of work.) Last night, I had kind of a rinse and repeat, except I walked in a puddle that I didn't see. The top of my foot was dry, but the bottom was soaked. Yuck. I'm glad that I can dry it out so it doesn't smell like a dead critter strapped to my foot. Ewwwww!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
What if there was a big cat roaming through your 'hood?
The exotic animals that were let loose was probably about an hour and a half south of my house. By other reading that I've done, Ohio seems to be a bit lax on the exotic animal owners. It's several times a year that we have some type of incident. Last year, a handler was mauled to death by a bear that he worked with daily.
My thoughts? Probably not popular with everyone, but I understand why they handled it the way that they did. Do I wish that they could trap and hand deliver the animals to a place like The Wilds? Absolutely. The Wilds is a gorgeous place and they aren't that far from where the exotic animals were released from. Click here for map. (For reference-- Zanesville is where this happened and Cumberland is where The Wilds is.)
My husband said that they talked about this at work. He agreed with what they did and so does Jack Hanna. The animals were released, it was dark, the cages were disabled so that they couldn't be used again, tranquilizers would work for a short time, but couldn't guarantee that they would have enough time to keep the animal down so that they could find them before they awoke. The man didn't leave a note, so they don't know if this is what he considered a last act of kindness or one final stick-it-to-'em. (Our thoughts are for the latter.)
Sadly, many animals died. They shouldn't have. If only the owner would have surrendered them.
Thoughts? I know that I'm opening up a can of worms, so please know that I appreciate every comment. I don't mind if you don't agree. I don't mind if you leave me a longity leggity comment. Just keep it family friendly and constructive, please.
ETA: This article was on Yahoo this evening. There is also this petition to outlaw exotics in Ohio.
My thoughts? Probably not popular with everyone, but I understand why they handled it the way that they did. Do I wish that they could trap and hand deliver the animals to a place like The Wilds? Absolutely. The Wilds is a gorgeous place and they aren't that far from where the exotic animals were released from. Click here for map. (For reference-- Zanesville is where this happened and Cumberland is where The Wilds is.)
My husband said that they talked about this at work. He agreed with what they did and so does Jack Hanna. The animals were released, it was dark, the cages were disabled so that they couldn't be used again, tranquilizers would work for a short time, but couldn't guarantee that they would have enough time to keep the animal down so that they could find them before they awoke. The man didn't leave a note, so they don't know if this is what he considered a last act of kindness or one final stick-it-to-'em. (Our thoughts are for the latter.)
Sadly, many animals died. They shouldn't have. If only the owner would have surrendered them.
Thoughts? I know that I'm opening up a can of worms, so please know that I appreciate every comment. I don't mind if you don't agree. I don't mind if you leave me a longity leggity comment. Just keep it family friendly and constructive, please.
ETA: This article was on Yahoo this evening. There is also this petition to outlaw exotics in Ohio.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tales from the Trenches: A letter to the dog lady and one to smoking man.
Dear Dog Lady,
I know that each morning you see me, you must grit your teeth in anger. I know that you find my protecting the children at the bus stop from your ferociously barking dog annoying. I know that you tell me that as Spot, the medium-sized German Shepherd that barks his fool head off that, "He's really gentle and would hurt no one." Pardon me for not being convinced.
One of the first days of school, you decided to walk Spot through the crowd of 6+ children. I was dumbfounded. "He's fine," you said, as the look on my face suggested otherwise. "I'd really rather not," I said softly while I was horrified to think that I might have to throw myself in front of these children to avoid a good ole fashioned mauling.
Fast forward to a day last week. You were walking Spot, approaching our bus stop corner and not stopping. I stepped ahead of the spot about 5 feet and said, "Ma'am, would you mind not walking your dog through the crowd of waiting children at the bus stop?" "He's harmless," you say, while Spot has his ferocious people bark on. You continue to advance toward me and I continued, "No, Ma'am, please. You don't understand. I would really rather you NOT walk your dog through the bus stop of children. Please consider walking him on the sidewalk on the other side of the street." "Well, there are things planted there and he may pee on them and kill them." Really? You are concerned about burning plants up at the end of the season with dog urine, rather than a concerned parent with children ranging from 2nd - 5th grade. "Well, really, we'd rather you not."
Yesterday, you were approaching the stop. I very politely gave a look your way, moved down a bit and blocked the sidewalk. You took my not-so-subtle hint, turned around and went the other way.
Good girl!
Please understand that I'm just protecting these kids at the bus stop. I have been bitten by otherwise "very gentle dogs" and my bites required medical treatment. I was bit in the hand and chest by a Great Dane. I was also bit in the leg by the same owner's Doberman. My niece had a "very gentle dog" snap one night while she was sleeping with her and my brother came in to find the dog chewing on my niece's head as if it were a chew toy. I had a cousin who had his face chewed by a dog that had gone hungry. I have big dog issues. I love them if I know them, but I don't know your dog and don't care to.
Sincerely,
The Over Protective Bus Stop Mom
- - - - - - - - -
Dear Smoking Man,
I really don't quite know what possessed you to smoke while standing on the white line outlining the boundaries of the soccer field this weekend. I understand that it was raining and that you brought your very large EZ-Up tent to keep your family dry. That was kind of you. What was not kind of you was to smoke right where the children were playing soccer. I know that you can't be surprised by children paying soccer. You've paid your play cost to have your child involved.
The children are out exercising. While I understand that it isn't my place to tell you where to smoke, one would think that common sense would kick in and perhaps you wouldn't do it ON THE FREAKIN' FIELD!
There are asthmatic children. While my child is not one of those, she is smoke sensitive. What do I mean by that? Well, she ends up with a hefty case of croup or bronchitis every time she is exposed to more than a puff of smoke. I had the discussion with my family that we would not be able to attend family functions if they continue to smoke in the house and around my child. If they can move out to keep my child safe, you can use your noodle and move your heiny under the tree, up the hill and away from the children, to keep their lungs safe.
Dude, where is your brain?
Sincerely,
The Smoke-Free Mom
Smiles in my day:
- That my daughter had a teacher that phones. I'm not quite used to that. She is an open book. You can literally talk to her about anything with your child and she truly wants to help. As I was walking down the hall the other day, she grabbed me up to discuss my child's math test. K- failed. K- didn't fail because she didn't know the material. K- failed because she rushed. K- had an A- an interim and I had asked Mrs. B where this 55 % put her. I told her that the way I figured (with tests being 50 % of her grade and this being the first one), she was now sitting at a low C - D. It turns out that K- is sitting with a D. :insert exploding bomb sound here: She called to tell me that she hadn't realized quite the percentage impact that made on the kids grades, and that she had 5 other children bomb the test, too. She will be re-testing that test in a few weeks. I explained to her that I didn't bring up the percentage to her as a want to retest (though I'm thankful), but with at least 25% of the class in K-'s same boat, I could see her point of concern. (Imagine 28.5% of your 2nd grade class now failing one subject all because of one test.) As Mrs. B said to me, they are working with a completely new math program and it is taking some getting used to. Still, I laugh that she calls my house, doesn't even say who it is (thank God for caller ID) and just launches on in talking. I told her that K- is under 2 weeks of restriction to make sure that the impact of rushing is firmly planted in her noggin. She is under screen restriction, except with First in Math, is to double check her work, slow down and concentrate and her handwriting is to be neater. When she doesn't rush, these things aren't an issue. I told her that we would re-evaluate on October 28 and see how she is doing then. She appreciated us taking this seriously and I told her that I don't think it will be a problem for K- again.
Have a great day!
I know that each morning you see me, you must grit your teeth in anger. I know that you find my protecting the children at the bus stop from your ferociously barking dog annoying. I know that you tell me that as Spot, the medium-sized German Shepherd that barks his fool head off that, "He's really gentle and would hurt no one." Pardon me for not being convinced.
One of the first days of school, you decided to walk Spot through the crowd of 6+ children. I was dumbfounded. "He's fine," you said, as the look on my face suggested otherwise. "I'd really rather not," I said softly while I was horrified to think that I might have to throw myself in front of these children to avoid a good ole fashioned mauling.
Fast forward to a day last week. You were walking Spot, approaching our bus stop corner and not stopping. I stepped ahead of the spot about 5 feet and said, "Ma'am, would you mind not walking your dog through the crowd of waiting children at the bus stop?" "He's harmless," you say, while Spot has his ferocious people bark on. You continue to advance toward me and I continued, "No, Ma'am, please. You don't understand. I would really rather you NOT walk your dog through the bus stop of children. Please consider walking him on the sidewalk on the other side of the street." "Well, there are things planted there and he may pee on them and kill them." Really? You are concerned about burning plants up at the end of the season with dog urine, rather than a concerned parent with children ranging from 2nd - 5th grade. "Well, really, we'd rather you not."
Yesterday, you were approaching the stop. I very politely gave a look your way, moved down a bit and blocked the sidewalk. You took my not-so-subtle hint, turned around and went the other way.
Good girl!
Please understand that I'm just protecting these kids at the bus stop. I have been bitten by otherwise "very gentle dogs" and my bites required medical treatment. I was bit in the hand and chest by a Great Dane. I was also bit in the leg by the same owner's Doberman. My niece had a "very gentle dog" snap one night while she was sleeping with her and my brother came in to find the dog chewing on my niece's head as if it were a chew toy. I had a cousin who had his face chewed by a dog that had gone hungry. I have big dog issues. I love them if I know them, but I don't know your dog and don't care to.
Sincerely,
The Over Protective Bus Stop Mom
- - - - - - - - -
Dear Smoking Man,
I really don't quite know what possessed you to smoke while standing on the white line outlining the boundaries of the soccer field this weekend. I understand that it was raining and that you brought your very large EZ-Up tent to keep your family dry. That was kind of you. What was not kind of you was to smoke right where the children were playing soccer. I know that you can't be surprised by children paying soccer. You've paid your play cost to have your child involved.
The children are out exercising. While I understand that it isn't my place to tell you where to smoke, one would think that common sense would kick in and perhaps you wouldn't do it ON THE FREAKIN' FIELD!
There are asthmatic children. While my child is not one of those, she is smoke sensitive. What do I mean by that? Well, she ends up with a hefty case of croup or bronchitis every time she is exposed to more than a puff of smoke. I had the discussion with my family that we would not be able to attend family functions if they continue to smoke in the house and around my child. If they can move out to keep my child safe, you can use your noodle and move your heiny under the tree, up the hill and away from the children, to keep their lungs safe.
Dude, where is your brain?
Sincerely,
The Smoke-Free Mom
Smiles in my day:
- That my daughter had a teacher that phones. I'm not quite used to that. She is an open book. You can literally talk to her about anything with your child and she truly wants to help. As I was walking down the hall the other day, she grabbed me up to discuss my child's math test. K- failed. K- didn't fail because she didn't know the material. K- failed because she rushed. K- had an A- an interim and I had asked Mrs. B where this 55 % put her. I told her that the way I figured (with tests being 50 % of her grade and this being the first one), she was now sitting at a low C - D. It turns out that K- is sitting with a D. :insert exploding bomb sound here: She called to tell me that she hadn't realized quite the percentage impact that made on the kids grades, and that she had 5 other children bomb the test, too. She will be re-testing that test in a few weeks. I explained to her that I didn't bring up the percentage to her as a want to retest (though I'm thankful), but with at least 25% of the class in K-'s same boat, I could see her point of concern. (Imagine 28.5% of your 2nd grade class now failing one subject all because of one test.) As Mrs. B said to me, they are working with a completely new math program and it is taking some getting used to. Still, I laugh that she calls my house, doesn't even say who it is (thank God for caller ID) and just launches on in talking. I told her that K- is under 2 weeks of restriction to make sure that the impact of rushing is firmly planted in her noggin. She is under screen restriction, except with First in Math, is to double check her work, slow down and concentrate and her handwriting is to be neater. When she doesn't rush, these things aren't an issue. I told her that we would re-evaluate on October 28 and see how she is doing then. She appreciated us taking this seriously and I told her that I don't think it will be a problem for K- again.
Have a great day!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
By George, I think we've got it.
As many of you know, we've left our home church and have been church shopping. Apparently, we are a try just a few churches and settle in kind of people. We tried the Episcopalian church with the neighbors. We tried the Southern Baptist church with friends. Now, we cruised on to the Methodist church at the suggestion of K-'s school librarian.
We think we've found a church home.
Now, my good friend Rachael said all along that she thought that the UMC would be a good fit for us. The people were warm. Everyone was themselves. They took us in, talked our ears off, the sermon was related to real life and so was Sunday School.
We left with the biggest sigh of relief.
I can't recall at what point I made the comment that being in that church service brought tears to my eyes, but Hubs agreed.
We went downstairs to retrieve K- from her services and I laughed at her teacher. "K- just blended right on in and we didn't even know that she hadn't been here prior to us taking attendance." It was then that I told them that she is a churched kid. We talked about having left our church home, being "church homeless," which was certainly a 4 year consideration of prayer and discussion, and now we are here.
We love that we are amongst people full of flaws and that is okay. I love that they grabbed us up, K- was blended right on in with a 4-child family from school (at one point, I had no idea where she had gone), and people were glad that we were there.
:deep breath:
It's a good thing.
We think we've found a church home.
Now, my good friend Rachael said all along that she thought that the UMC would be a good fit for us. The people were warm. Everyone was themselves. They took us in, talked our ears off, the sermon was related to real life and so was Sunday School.
We left with the biggest sigh of relief.
I can't recall at what point I made the comment that being in that church service brought tears to my eyes, but Hubs agreed.
We went downstairs to retrieve K- from her services and I laughed at her teacher. "K- just blended right on in and we didn't even know that she hadn't been here prior to us taking attendance." It was then that I told them that she is a churched kid. We talked about having left our church home, being "church homeless," which was certainly a 4 year consideration of prayer and discussion, and now we are here.
We love that we are amongst people full of flaws and that is okay. I love that they grabbed us up, K- was blended right on in with a 4-child family from school (at one point, I had no idea where she had gone), and people were glad that we were there.
:deep breath:
It's a good thing.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Big Boy Cable: The TV Report
My child is off today with a bout of the yucky stomach virus, I should be using my time wisely in a domestic fashion, but I'll be continuing my breather break to share with you what we have found. These are in no particular order.
1. Chopped- I love this show. I love that they give them goofy things like herbal cough drops, ramen noodles, chocolate nibs and pre-made waffles that they have to make into something fantastic.
2. Sweet Genius- Tried it once. Can't do it again. It is Chopped on crack. With a bad announcer. And a old concept.
3. Long Island Medium- Not my thing. Tried it once.
4. Sister Wives- Not my thing. Tried it twice.
5. Flipped Out- Loved this show, but the drama made me scratch my head from time to time.
6. House Hunters- It can be okay. I've watched it from time to time.
7. Extreme Couponing- I appreciate the stories where people help family or people in the community, but to have an extreme stock pile of things that -- HELLO PEOPLE, DEODORANT AND SHAMPOO DOES EXPIRE!-- they have and touch and tell it that it is all pretty like makes me so sad. I'm glad that they've gotten such good deals, but really what's with all of the hot sauce and Yokisaba noodles? Most of the things gotten are so extremely unhealthy it is awful. Shelves of chips? Those suckers don't have a long shelf life at all. To me, it is mostly glorifying gluttony.
8. Toddlers & Tiaras- Perhaps I don't understand the extreme craziness of all of this because up north, we all don't do this. We don't do the massive amounts of pageants and crap like that. I mean, I'm sure that there is something, but the south corners the market on dressing their children up in dresses (on this show) that cost more than my entire catered wedding did, are sporting hair with hair pieces looking like they've rocked it right out of the 60's, fake lashes, fake tans, flippers and hoochie outfits that as an adult I would never consider. There was one mom who had her child's hair bleached. Really?
9. American Pickers- We love Mike and Frank and their want to pay what is fair. They aren't out there to steal people's items away from them for a song. They'll give fair prices and even bump those up if the people give them a low-ball price. We love the stories that go along with.
10. Pawn Stars- We love the entire show. It's amazing to see what people have squirreled away. It is like Antiques Roadshow where you love to see the very valuable items, but chuckle a bit when there is something that comes down the pike that is fake. It is so hilarious to see how when people know that their item isn't worth what they thought, yet they still want what they thought it was worth. "Um, no."
11. Storage Wars- A new love for us. I turned Hubs onto this one last night. Now, grant you, I'd like to bean the guy (Dave) who belts out his bit in a Tourette's like repeat. (We mean no offense to anyone with Tourette's, as we love someone in our family with it.) Barry is my absolute favorite. Darrell? He seems like a whiner that stomps away in a huff. Jarrod and Brandi? I think that they'll work it out okay. Jarrod just needs to pull up his big boy britches and act as such.
12. Storm Chasers- Of course. We aren't a fan of the rework of the show, though. Team Dominator, Team TIV and Team TWISTEX? Really? Just ditch the "team" part. The music? We miss the music that you've had for YEARS! We aren't a fan of the new narrator, either. We're thinking that Storm Chasers is declining and isn't going to be around much longer.
13. Mythbusters- This is a toss up. Sometimes, it is really good. Sometimes, it just sucks. Adam is still my favorite, as Jamie seems a bit constipated. The duct tape show is still my favorite so far.
14. Dirty Jobs- We used to love it, but now we hate it. I don't know that we'll watch it again. They reworked it and the "Dirty Mindbenders?" Too much of the show is sucked up with banter and less is in the dirtiness part.
15. Bridezillas- Train. Wreck. Do people actually act that way? I've watched it a few times and all I can say is, "Jerry Springer!"
16. Say Yes to the Dress- I don't mind this one. My years as a bridal consultant doing this very thing makes me appreciate what these folks are going through. Believe me. This show is no lie.
17. Top Chef, Desserts- I don't mind it, but I like Chopped better. I watched it a time or two and that was enough.
18. Iron Chef- I don't seek it out, but I'm good with watching/listening to it.
19. American Handyman- (or something to that effect) Mike Holmes, we plead to you-- please stop doing this show and go back to Holmes on Homes or Holmes Inspection!
20. VH1- I love the 80's- Oh. my. goodness. I loved it! Hubs had me sit down and watch it. I'm such a child of the 80's that it is disgusting.
21. 19 and counting- I'm okay with it. It's not something that I seek out, but it is on in the AM when I drop K- off to the bus stop and come back to eat my cereal.
What is your take on big boy cable? We've come to the conclusion that we are very happy that we don't pay for it and that when it does go away, we will miss certain things. Still, we won't miss quite enough to increase the subscription.
In final post news, we're so sad. Mike, our neighbor, just let us know this evening that his pit bull Brandy has been given 2 weeks - 2 months to live. Brandy has been a bit of a fixture, waiting for me to come home when Mike is out toodling in the yard. She loves K- (through supervised visits, of course) and I've taken care of her more times than I can count over the 12 years that he has had her. Mike will not do well when Brandy is no longer here and it's safe to say that we will be in the same boat with him. K- and I went over this evening to give her a good ole fashioned scratch on the nose. Our hearts are sad. We'll miss having Brandy around, lounging in the shade of the purple plum and forever leaving dead strips of grass behind from her peeing all over our front yard. She'll be missed.
1. Chopped- I love this show. I love that they give them goofy things like herbal cough drops, ramen noodles, chocolate nibs and pre-made waffles that they have to make into something fantastic.
2. Sweet Genius- Tried it once. Can't do it again. It is Chopped on crack. With a bad announcer. And a old concept.
3. Long Island Medium- Not my thing. Tried it once.
4. Sister Wives- Not my thing. Tried it twice.
5. Flipped Out- Loved this show, but the drama made me scratch my head from time to time.
6. House Hunters- It can be okay. I've watched it from time to time.
7. Extreme Couponing- I appreciate the stories where people help family or people in the community, but to have an extreme stock pile of things that -- HELLO PEOPLE, DEODORANT AND SHAMPOO DOES EXPIRE!-- they have and touch and tell it that it is all pretty like makes me so sad. I'm glad that they've gotten such good deals, but really what's with all of the hot sauce and Yokisaba noodles? Most of the things gotten are so extremely unhealthy it is awful. Shelves of chips? Those suckers don't have a long shelf life at all. To me, it is mostly glorifying gluttony.
8. Toddlers & Tiaras- Perhaps I don't understand the extreme craziness of all of this because up north, we all don't do this. We don't do the massive amounts of pageants and crap like that. I mean, I'm sure that there is something, but the south corners the market on dressing their children up in dresses (on this show) that cost more than my entire catered wedding did, are sporting hair with hair pieces looking like they've rocked it right out of the 60's, fake lashes, fake tans, flippers and hoochie outfits that as an adult I would never consider. There was one mom who had her child's hair bleached. Really?
9. American Pickers- We love Mike and Frank and their want to pay what is fair. They aren't out there to steal people's items away from them for a song. They'll give fair prices and even bump those up if the people give them a low-ball price. We love the stories that go along with.
10. Pawn Stars- We love the entire show. It's amazing to see what people have squirreled away. It is like Antiques Roadshow where you love to see the very valuable items, but chuckle a bit when there is something that comes down the pike that is fake. It is so hilarious to see how when people know that their item isn't worth what they thought, yet they still want what they thought it was worth. "Um, no."
11. Storage Wars- A new love for us. I turned Hubs onto this one last night. Now, grant you, I'd like to bean the guy (Dave) who belts out his bit in a Tourette's like repeat. (We mean no offense to anyone with Tourette's, as we love someone in our family with it.) Barry is my absolute favorite. Darrell? He seems like a whiner that stomps away in a huff. Jarrod and Brandi? I think that they'll work it out okay. Jarrod just needs to pull up his big boy britches and act as such.
12. Storm Chasers- Of course. We aren't a fan of the rework of the show, though. Team Dominator, Team TIV and Team TWISTEX? Really? Just ditch the "team" part. The music? We miss the music that you've had for YEARS! We aren't a fan of the new narrator, either. We're thinking that Storm Chasers is declining and isn't going to be around much longer.
13. Mythbusters- This is a toss up. Sometimes, it is really good. Sometimes, it just sucks. Adam is still my favorite, as Jamie seems a bit constipated. The duct tape show is still my favorite so far.
14. Dirty Jobs- We used to love it, but now we hate it. I don't know that we'll watch it again. They reworked it and the "Dirty Mindbenders?" Too much of the show is sucked up with banter and less is in the dirtiness part.
15. Bridezillas- Train. Wreck. Do people actually act that way? I've watched it a few times and all I can say is, "Jerry Springer!"
16. Say Yes to the Dress- I don't mind this one. My years as a bridal consultant doing this very thing makes me appreciate what these folks are going through. Believe me. This show is no lie.
17. Top Chef, Desserts- I don't mind it, but I like Chopped better. I watched it a time or two and that was enough.
18. Iron Chef- I don't seek it out, but I'm good with watching/listening to it.
19. American Handyman- (or something to that effect) Mike Holmes, we plead to you-- please stop doing this show and go back to Holmes on Homes or Holmes Inspection!
20. VH1- I love the 80's- Oh. my. goodness. I loved it! Hubs had me sit down and watch it. I'm such a child of the 80's that it is disgusting.
21. 19 and counting- I'm okay with it. It's not something that I seek out, but it is on in the AM when I drop K- off to the bus stop and come back to eat my cereal.
What is your take on big boy cable? We've come to the conclusion that we are very happy that we don't pay for it and that when it does go away, we will miss certain things. Still, we won't miss quite enough to increase the subscription.
In final post news, we're so sad. Mike, our neighbor, just let us know this evening that his pit bull Brandy has been given 2 weeks - 2 months to live. Brandy has been a bit of a fixture, waiting for me to come home when Mike is out toodling in the yard. She loves K- (through supervised visits, of course) and I've taken care of her more times than I can count over the 12 years that he has had her. Mike will not do well when Brandy is no longer here and it's safe to say that we will be in the same boat with him. K- and I went over this evening to give her a good ole fashioned scratch on the nose. Our hearts are sad. We'll miss having Brandy around, lounging in the shade of the purple plum and forever leaving dead strips of grass behind from her peeing all over our front yard. She'll be missed.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Bulk shopping by phone.
My husband phones me on my cell and says, "I'm at Sam's Club. Do you need anything?"
"Cheese sticks and lunch meat."
"Do you need anything else?"
:insert non-pregnant pause:
"I can't think of anything."
"If you do, give me a call back."
Suddenly, the thought comes to my mind. I call Hubs and say, "Give me a call when you get to the feminine products aisle."
:ring, ring:
"I'm in the feminine products aisle."
"Good! Do they have Tampax Pearl?"
"Yes."
I go on to continue with the remainder of the make, model and serial number.
"Yep. They have it. They actually have both."
"I have Always," he says.
"Thin?"
"Ultra thin."
"Wings?"
"I have wings."
"I'm not a big fan of wings, but I can do it. How much?"
He told me and I can't recall, but I think it was $13.00 or so for 60.
"Don't worry about it. I can get those elsewhere."
"Oh, wait! I have Always Maxi! They are $7.48."
"Thick?"
"I think!"
"Uh, no. I don't need to feel diapered."
:insert husband laugh:
My husband walked away with two 96 count boxes of tampons for me. What a man. Considering that I'm 38 and still have a ways to go with this, I'm thinking that 192 tampons should last me for a while.
"Do we need Purell?" he asked.
"I think so."
"Ooo! Go on down to the vitamins and look for K-'s vitamins."
"Gummy, gummy, gummy, gummy . . . "
"Nope. No gummy. She would have to take two and that doesn't save money. Just look for the average chewable."
"Ahh! Flintstone?"
"Yes! How much?"
It was $13+ and I wasn't willing to pay that much.
"Forget that. I'll get them somewhere else. Can you check Calcium with D for me?"
"I have a bottle of 300 for $12.00."
"Well, I just bought a bottle of 60 for $3.99, so that is good."
"Wait! I just found a bottle! It's a bigger bottle! It's 600 for $7.48!"
"Sounds great!"
"What about prenatal vitamins?" (Again, not pregnant, but I do take prenatals as they have the extra vitamins I need to balance the blood clotting disorders.)
"Centrum, but no prenatal."
"No. Forget it. Need the extra vitamins. I'm good."
"I'm glad that I called back," said Hubs probably relieved that our marathon phone shopping session in the H&BA aisle of Sam's was done.
What a sport.
Smiles in my day:
- Getting Hubs hooked on Storage Wars.
- Catching the last 15 minutes of Along Came Polly with Hubs.
Have a great day!
"Cheese sticks and lunch meat."
"Do you need anything else?"
:insert non-pregnant pause:
"I can't think of anything."
"If you do, give me a call back."
Suddenly, the thought comes to my mind. I call Hubs and say, "Give me a call when you get to the feminine products aisle."
:ring, ring:
"I'm in the feminine products aisle."
"Good! Do they have Tampax Pearl?"
"Yes."
I go on to continue with the remainder of the make, model and serial number.
"Yep. They have it. They actually have both."
"I have Always," he says.
"Thin?"
"Ultra thin."
"Wings?"
"I have wings."
"I'm not a big fan of wings, but I can do it. How much?"
He told me and I can't recall, but I think it was $13.00 or so for 60.
"Don't worry about it. I can get those elsewhere."
"Oh, wait! I have Always Maxi! They are $7.48."
"Thick?"
"I think!"
"Uh, no. I don't need to feel diapered."
:insert husband laugh:
My husband walked away with two 96 count boxes of tampons for me. What a man. Considering that I'm 38 and still have a ways to go with this, I'm thinking that 192 tampons should last me for a while.
"Do we need Purell?" he asked.
"I think so."
"Ooo! Go on down to the vitamins and look for K-'s vitamins."
"Gummy, gummy, gummy, gummy . . . "
"Nope. No gummy. She would have to take two and that doesn't save money. Just look for the average chewable."
"Ahh! Flintstone?"
"Yes! How much?"
It was $13+ and I wasn't willing to pay that much.
"Forget that. I'll get them somewhere else. Can you check Calcium with D for me?"
"I have a bottle of 300 for $12.00."
"Well, I just bought a bottle of 60 for $3.99, so that is good."
"Wait! I just found a bottle! It's a bigger bottle! It's 600 for $7.48!"
"Sounds great!"
"What about prenatal vitamins?" (Again, not pregnant, but I do take prenatals as they have the extra vitamins I need to balance the blood clotting disorders.)
"Centrum, but no prenatal."
"No. Forget it. Need the extra vitamins. I'm good."
"I'm glad that I called back," said Hubs probably relieved that our marathon phone shopping session in the H&BA aisle of Sam's was done.
What a sport.
Smiles in my day:
- Getting Hubs hooked on Storage Wars.
- Catching the last 15 minutes of Along Came Polly with Hubs.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
PTA should have a time clock and employment benefits.
Vacation.
Over time.
Sick pay.
Shoot, a time card would be nice. (Our school is working on that with KeepnTrack. They are still setting it up.)
At any rate, I have not fallen off the face of our dirt and water covered orb. I had the walkathon that we did this past Friday. Of course, I couldn't actually walk (against doctor's orders) and realized today that I won't be able to trick or treat (but Hubs is determined to find something to haul me around and has threatened a wheel chair. I said I'd rather a wagon.) That's beside the point. I've spent the better part of the last two weeks organizing and attempting to get things approved. Then, Kay (the wonder friend and fellow PTA board member) stayed with me to help count, account and deposit the $10,500. that we earned from our walkathon venture.
Saturday was the pioneer festival. Though K- and I got caught in a traffic jam, on a Saturday and in podunk, we arrived and did our volunteer duties. (Yes, there are pictures, but thanks to the fact that I erased the Kodak printer from our computer, it took the camera software with it that I use for my Nikon, put my pictures somewhere in my box (I'm hoping) and I need to go through reinstall, which I don't have time for), but rest assured, K- and I were dressed all pioneer-- well except for the Tevas, Birkenstock t-strap and the aircast cam boot.
Sunday took us to our friend's church again, which is fine. It's small enough to where people know us, know our names and my daughter enjoys it. We'll be back again this week, as Hubs isn't going to be able to attend with us. We had made the pact to go to the next church on our list together.
After church, we made a quick run through the local Walmart (yes, I see you cringing Rachael, but I was desperate) and bought a roasted chicken and a few items that I needed for a chicken pot pie. I didn't have time to cook the bird, so I ran with a rotisserie, steamed the veggies while I picked the chick, rolled the shell out of the package (don't cringe, it does the trick just fine) and then made my gravy with the chick leftovers. I was able to assemble the pie, roll on to soccer and have enough time to cook the assembled yumminess before Hubs got home. Well, it always takes a little longer to bake than I actually think, but it all worked out fine. We ate that pie on Sunday and Monday.
Monday morning, I had a PTA board meeting before school. Monday evening, I went and cut glass for a window project that someone had. I was paid a handsome sum for my time (Christmas money!) and went on home to work on some fundraiser bits before bed.
My day today began with a splitting eye headache, the room parent PTA tea and some inaccurate information rolling forth from my mouth since my head felt like someone was standing and twisting a knife into my optical loveliness. It only took two Advil, two Tylenol and a can of Coke to kill it. The breakfast was lovely. I mean, how could you turn down little custard puffs of loveliness for breakfast? Delicious!
It brings me to tonight. Mom just called to report that she did come to my house, she picked tomatoes and picked tomatoes and picked tomatoes and she is certain that she didn't even put a dent into the tomato-ism that I still have going on. Right at the time that the tomatoes and pears were ready to can, I busted my foot and to stand for the hours required to can, I just can't do it this year. She found parsley and was in love. She said that she would have pulled tomato plants out, but there were far too many tomatoes still on to toss. Believe me, I understand what she means. She took two bags and one bowl full home. I invited her to come back. She said that she's good. I may be going to work next week with boxes of free tomatoes.
Now if you'll pardon me, I must go make reward certificates for the winners of our major awards for the fundraiser. A PTA board member never sleeps. Well, at least we may sleep, but not as much as most.
Have a great day!
Over time.
Sick pay.
Shoot, a time card would be nice. (Our school is working on that with KeepnTrack. They are still setting it up.)
At any rate, I have not fallen off the face of our dirt and water covered orb. I had the walkathon that we did this past Friday. Of course, I couldn't actually walk (against doctor's orders) and realized today that I won't be able to trick or treat (but Hubs is determined to find something to haul me around and has threatened a wheel chair. I said I'd rather a wagon.) That's beside the point. I've spent the better part of the last two weeks organizing and attempting to get things approved. Then, Kay (the wonder friend and fellow PTA board member) stayed with me to help count, account and deposit the $10,500. that we earned from our walkathon venture.
Saturday was the pioneer festival. Though K- and I got caught in a traffic jam, on a Saturday and in podunk, we arrived and did our volunteer duties. (Yes, there are pictures, but thanks to the fact that I erased the Kodak printer from our computer, it took the camera software with it that I use for my Nikon, put my pictures somewhere in my box (I'm hoping) and I need to go through reinstall, which I don't have time for), but rest assured, K- and I were dressed all pioneer-- well except for the Tevas, Birkenstock t-strap and the aircast cam boot.
Sunday took us to our friend's church again, which is fine. It's small enough to where people know us, know our names and my daughter enjoys it. We'll be back again this week, as Hubs isn't going to be able to attend with us. We had made the pact to go to the next church on our list together.
After church, we made a quick run through the local Walmart (yes, I see you cringing Rachael, but I was desperate) and bought a roasted chicken and a few items that I needed for a chicken pot pie. I didn't have time to cook the bird, so I ran with a rotisserie, steamed the veggies while I picked the chick, rolled the shell out of the package (don't cringe, it does the trick just fine) and then made my gravy with the chick leftovers. I was able to assemble the pie, roll on to soccer and have enough time to cook the assembled yumminess before Hubs got home. Well, it always takes a little longer to bake than I actually think, but it all worked out fine. We ate that pie on Sunday and Monday.
Monday morning, I had a PTA board meeting before school. Monday evening, I went and cut glass for a window project that someone had. I was paid a handsome sum for my time (Christmas money!) and went on home to work on some fundraiser bits before bed.
My day today began with a splitting eye headache, the room parent PTA tea and some inaccurate information rolling forth from my mouth since my head felt like someone was standing and twisting a knife into my optical loveliness. It only took two Advil, two Tylenol and a can of Coke to kill it. The breakfast was lovely. I mean, how could you turn down little custard puffs of loveliness for breakfast? Delicious!
It brings me to tonight. Mom just called to report that she did come to my house, she picked tomatoes and picked tomatoes and picked tomatoes and she is certain that she didn't even put a dent into the tomato-ism that I still have going on. Right at the time that the tomatoes and pears were ready to can, I busted my foot and to stand for the hours required to can, I just can't do it this year. She found parsley and was in love. She said that she would have pulled tomato plants out, but there were far too many tomatoes still on to toss. Believe me, I understand what she means. She took two bags and one bowl full home. I invited her to come back. She said that she's good. I may be going to work next week with boxes of free tomatoes.
Now if you'll pardon me, I must go make reward certificates for the winners of our major awards for the fundraiser. A PTA board member never sleeps. Well, at least we may sleep, but not as much as most.
Have a great day!
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