There are some things one cannot just blog about...

It is funny that I as a diarist has a laundry list of things I cannot blog about...

One of those being work...even though I am there 30 hours a week.

Makes it very difficult to go about my day.

In essence I am having another one of my existensial crises..what do I want to do, what do I want to be...

and it seems as though it varies upon the day, etc...

I have learned one thing I abhore office politics and interpersonal work relationships. I do not know how they work. I am not sure how to wade through the muck. I have learned one thing through the years, that is husshhhh. Keep quiet, try and blend. But if you know me, these things are against my nature...

Like I said, everyone at work has been nice...I do not think it is a problem with "others"...I think it is me. It could be that I have been in home for the past few years, and have grown socially retarded. I am not sure...

I do think that being said, the shhh quiet motto is for the best, as is blending. I might just start carrying books around I see in airports...

I might buy a new scent today...

I normally wear Coco Channel, I have for years. I do have a back up right now, it Pleasures, Exotic.

However when my Sister was here, we tried the scent Sensual by Estee Lauder, and I loved it....

I might buy some today.

It was yummy....

The week that never ended

What a LONG week.

Filled with a lot of tragedy. A child in my daughters school was diagnosed with cancer. My Brother lost a friend at work.

I am going to ask if you would pray for both of these families...

I cannot imagine either of these things happening in my own life at this time or ever.

So pray hard.

I am going to try and tie up all loose ends here so we can have family time this weekend

I hate the freezing temps, but I can feel Spring.

I have mentioned how I am not always joyful when Spring arrives.....I is a reminder of the winter projects that I did not do (getting all of those photographs sorted, organizing closets etc) , as well as a 10 mile long to do list to prepare for Spring.

For some reason, even though there is snow on the ground, and the temps are freezing, all I can think about tonight, is going from a stop to a run.

You see I am not a jogger. I run hard, stop, run hard, stop, run hard...and it seems ridiculous at this time to think of myself as a sprinter, but I guess I am.

Who would have thought, but it seems as such....

I am sitting here, with laundry to do tonight. The Collective went down, without getting "a drink", etc. tonight. I imagine they are exhausted. DH must be too, as he is in his recliner with his feet up, snores competing with the South Park I am trying to watch...

I must rethink this run stop plan of mine....and learn to jog...

Wintersong

I hope we thaw out before July, and I am glad it is not 1949.

I have been reading all sorts of stories about the blizzard of 1949 today.

here.

I must talk to my Father about this, he would have been 8, and lived in a town of about 300, and his Father was the City Marshall, and a Pastor. I am sure he will have some great story to share.

I keep reading there was still snow on the ground until JULY! Can you imagine? The first person accounts of that winter is fantastic, as are some of the photographs.

things you overhear watching people belly dance over dolmas

About 2 months ago we ventured out to dine. We as a rule do not like dining out, because I can cook better than most restaurants. So when we do choose to eat out, we try and eat Thai food, Vietnamese, Greek, or Indian etc. So the last time we dined, I chose a local Greek establishment.

The meal was not good at all despite paying for a decent meal. The dolmas were surprisingly, as was dessert. Otherwise, it felt like a waste of resources.

Until the 70 year old belly dancer took the floor....

WE tried to stay, but could not, because it was too weird....

Tonight went went to a local Chinese place, and although the service was very good, the food was mediocre. This has almost cured me of going out all together. Because I am sort of grumpy like that. I do not like spending money on going out to eat if I can cook better than you, or if I want to clean your establishment.

53 days until Spring!

Probably benign...

The blog post title here is sort of catchy...I might rename my blog using it "probably benign...

Ok, I received my final paperwork on my right breast..

On the header..."Probably benign"....

Appears to be fibroid cystic changes, with 2 fluid filled areas. I guess I need to avoid caffeine. Which is hilarious, as I require my coffee in the morning, and I do treat myself to a regular Coke daily. I heart my Coke. I do not think my caffeinne intake is out of control....I digress. It also appears that I need to take 400 Units of Vit. E a day, and now have a mammogram EVERY 6 months. I feel as though next ear I will be more practiced at it, and far less humiliated by the process. Maybe I should podcast or vlog the thing

I have struggled with fibroid cystic breast disease most of my female life, so that is not a big deal.

I was a bit flummoxed by the use of the word "probably"

for serious

the post where I pledge to care for my body...

Last year at this time, my tummy was almost gone, my arms were in fantastic shape...and I was in terrific shape. (For me)

When I had to fix the old house, paint it, sell it, and pack up crap, I stopped going to the gym, because I did not need to. I was getting a heck of a workout from "working". OK, then we lived in a hotel, at my dad's home for a month while searching for a new house, then we moved, and painted...and blah...

I have not been doing my yoga, which I adore, as I have been doing it for years...I also miss my pilates, because it did change my hind quarters, my arms, and my tummy...seriously.

So this week I am headed to the gym to sign up the family for a membership. Tah Dah. PN wants gymnastics, SR needs something, probably swim, and well Mom would like to be able to wear shorts and tank tops, and a swimsuit without embarassment, if the temps ever are above 30 again. When I am moving, I feel better, I sleep better, my mood is better, I am proud of myself for challenging myslef. Because frankly it is easier "not to go, not to move".

When I was working the floor as an LPN, I was on me feet for 12 hours, lifting, running moving. My new job...not so much.

So it will be up to me to get up and GO, move, challenge myself. I look better and feel better when I do so.

I am also not going to make some crazy unrealistic goal of going 5 days a week. Frankly with work, school, the running involved in that, and family time which there is never enough of...I am going to set my goal at 3 days a week to start, and see what I can do.

I miss walking, I really do, but I am a weenie, and will not join the crazies who run and walk in these temperatures, I am not that motivated at this time.

So I will go Wednesday, take a tour, find a couple of classes and jump in....

Swimsuit Season will be here before I know it, I want to take the kids to the pool, and play with them, and I do not want to hide all summer....

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Only because I keep giving the weather report.

Although I must say me writing about the weather reminds of the great plains diarists I enjoy reading. But weather takes on a completely different feel when you are traveling with virtually nothing in a Conestoga, or a darn hand cart...I doubt if I would have made it.

Middle age has creeped upon me, but indeed the weather does seem to effect us daily in some way. It determines, the activity of the day, what we wear, will errands be run by me with the kids, or will I have DH swing by the store on his way home.

Friday, there were almost blizzard like conditions, not much snow, but a terrific amount of wind. the 2-3 inches of snow we did seem to get... fell between 3-4 hours, and of course it was at the usual travel time, when some shift workers leave work, and children need to be picked up from school. the Lincoln city road crews, did a terrible job of clearing the roads. Which seems to be my biggest complaint about moving back here...I saw 3 snow removal trucks with blades up driving. It irritated me to see a truck driving over snow, when it could have been cleared...
The other thing I find unimpressive is the planet saving, beet juice, corn syrup mixture that I have heard they use to melt the snow. So far I have only seen one incident where enough was used to make a difference. The wind is my new enemy, and I think I will harness its power in my own back yard, if I could afford a damn windmill I would get one. The wind blows all of the time, which in the summer is quite cooling and nice, in the winter it carries a bite that will take your breath away literally. 45 mph winds, almost wiped my 48 pound 5 year old girl in a Walmart parking lot one day, as the parking lot was icy, and the wind came up and moved her backward at an alarming rate before I could snatch her up....

I recall when we lived here before the roads seemed to get cleared a little more timely. Maybe it was because I was young, and did not care as much...

You will be curious to hear it was 60 degrees here last Thursday! 60 degrees, and then the next day it was 14 below with the windchill, and blizzard like conditions. today it was simply brrr....and tomorrow more of the same. 14 degrees is cold. I LOVE all of my wool socks, and my NorthFace summit Series gortex, my new stocking cap, and my Harley Riding boots, seem to do the trick to keep my feet warm...

I do wish if it was going to be 14 degrees, it would snow a bit more, as The Collective have not had one good day of snowman building, fort building, or sledding. It has been cold enough but no snow here....

I have learned to take my boots to work in my bag, as walking through the snow in pumps of any kind is stupid, your feet will feel as though the are frostbitten, Nope the wool socks and boots go into the bag. Have I mentioned I love my wool socks?

Stupid peanut butter recall

OK, here is the list of everything you need to throw away..

<
* Whole Foods Market Recalls "Whole Foods Carob Energee Nuggets” (January 23) New!
* Amway Global Initiates Nationwide Recall of NUTRILITE Energy Bars Because of Possible Health Risk (January 23)
* Brent and Sam’s Announces Nation Wide Recall of Two Varieties of Archer Farms Brand Cookies (January 23)
* Brent and Sam’s Announces a Nationwide Recall of One Variety of Sam’s Choice Brand Cookies (January 23)
* Trader Joe’s Announces Voluntary Recall of Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars, Nutty Chocolate Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars and Sutter’s Formula Cookies Due to Possible Health Risk (January 22)
* Parker Products, Inc. Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Peanut Butter Products (January 22)
* Arbonne International Voluntarily Recalls Figure 8 Peanut Butter Chews Due To Possible Health Risk (January 22)
* Jimmy's Cookies Issues Nationwide Recall of Various Peanut Butter Cookies Due to Possible Health Risk (January 22)
* Perry's Ice Cream Company Adds Two Products to Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products (January 22)
* Kroger Recalls Additional Select Ice Cream Product Due to Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* General Nutrition Centers, Inc. Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of GNC Triflex Peanut Butter Soft Chews (January 22)
* Chef Jay’s Food Products Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk (January 21)
* Rain Creek Baking Corporation Announces Voluntary Withdrawal of Peanut Butter Turtles, Peanut Butter Baskets and Peanut Butter Princesses Due to Possible Health Risk (January 22)
* South Bend Chocolate Company Extends Nationwide Recall of Candy Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 22)
* Nash Finch Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Aspen Hills, Inc. Announces Voluntary Product Recall of Certain Cookie Dough Products (January 22)
* Best Brands Corp. Announces Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Frozen Cookie Dough (January 21)
* Lovin Oven, LLC Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Health Valley Organic Peanut Crunch Chewy Granola Bars (January 21)
* Landies Candies Co. Inc Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Filled Chocolates Due to Possible Health Risk (January 21)
* Weis Markets Announces Voluntary Recall of Weis Quality (WQ) Cheese Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and WQ Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers Due to Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Blanton's Candies Recalls Peanut Butter Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk (January 21)
* Dinners Ready Meridian Recalls November & December Asian Marinated Flank Steak, Indonesian Chicken and Chicken Satay Prepared Meals Because of Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Boca Grande Foods Announces a Nationwide Recall of POCO PAC®, and GRANDE GOURMET™ Peanut Butter Products Because of Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Premier Nutrition Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of selected TWISTED and TITAN Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* NutriSystem Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Peanut Butter Granola Bar Due to Possible Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Contamination and Potential Health Risk (January 21)
* Ready Pac Foods, Inc Announces Voluntary Product Recall (January 20)
* PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuits (January 20)
* Nature's Path Recalls Peanut Butter Optimum Energy Bars Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Country Maid Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Classic Breaks® Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Due to Possible Health Risk (January 20)
* Evening Rise Bread Co. Recalls Peanut Butter Cookies and Bars Because of Possible Health Risk (January 19)
* Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF® and LUNA® Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19)
* Kroger Recalls Select Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19)
* Abbott Nutrition Announces Voluntary Recall of ZonePerfect® Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, ZonePerfect® Peanut Toffee Bars and NutriPals™ Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars in U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore (January 19)
* Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanut Butter Crackers and Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk (January 19)
* Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 18)
* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Wal-Mart Bakery Brand Peanut Butter Cookies Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)
* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Lofthouse Peanut Butter Cookies, Chuck's Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies And Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)
* Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18)
* South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 18)
* McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18)
* Perry's Ice Cream Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Peanut Butter Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)
* Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17)
* Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 16)
* Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin® and Keebler® Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos® And Keebler® Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk (January 16)
* Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 13)
* King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall (January 10)

I slept until 8:20 this morning...

I figured what the heck, it was a lit sleep from 6-8...as I could hear the Collective up and about...

DH is going to talk to the neighbor today and find out how much replacement cost iis going to be. They are $$$ windows.

I am not looking forward to the estimate. Seriously.

I have a lot of catching up with chores today, but I have 2 small helpers, who seem like they are in no mood to argue.....

I am done, the goose is done cooked...$$ out the window literally.

I would say thank God it is Friday...but Friday sucked.

I went to pick up my son from school today, and whammo, got asked to go inside to talk to the teacher....SR's teacher. I have not had to do so for a LONG....time, he has been good and doing well.

Seems as though he decided to show his ass, abut 3 times today, no BIG infringement, cumulative problems through the day. OK problem solved, we talked about it, consequences were dealt, done. I also decided to take him off of his allergy medicine, because it makes the kid nutty. (I will call the Dr. this week and see if there is any alternative. ) He also is grounded from the Wii, until he can figure crap out.

Blah blah fast forward to tonight's bedtime. I note PN curtains all strange looking, not neat just sort of mussed. so I straighten them out and note that one of her windows has a big crack in it...seriously. I thought she was a peach all week, she was being so helpful, but I think she must have done it out of guilt.....

First off, I will say I am pissed as hell. Do you have any idea how many times I wrestled or threw a ball in the house, or played ball outside with about 9 other neighbor kids, and NONE of us ever managed to break a window.....NEVER. And we played baseball, soccer, football almost nightly for years on end. How my teeny 48 pound daughter managed to break the window I have no idea...

Oh sure I asked, but I never once got a clear or concise answer, and she clearly new she broke it, you could see it in her face. She mentioned jumping, and throwing a stuffed animal, This scenario does not add up in my book.

Pissed does not describe my mood right now. First off, it is like 14 degrees out. Windy as hell...not a good time to have a crack in a window. Second, I am disappointed in both of the kids and myself today..."what in the hell am I doing wrong?"

I do know the neighbor is a contractor, and I am hoping tomorrow he can tell me if he has to order it etc...

Unhappy as hell....teeth are clenched.

Plans for the weekend are shot. We were supposed to attend a pool party tomorrow, Sunday a movie...

I have explained to PN, the money for all family activities for the month is gone...literally out the window. I feel a little harsh for doing so...a part of me feels like a complete bad Mom, but frankly I am clueless how to handle this or this day...

I really was looking forward to Friday, and the weekend......

a

the weather machine

Yesterday we had a record high temp of 60 degrees. Not kidding.

This morning, the wind is blowing and it feels like 14 degrees.

Strange....

of science fairs and grouchiness...

My day was fantastic, work was fine. always something new. The office manager was very complimentary today, and that was good to hear. Being "new", sucks, and you look like an idiot half of the time... "where is the paper?" "where is blah blah blah"...? You begin to feel like the village idiot.

SR's school is getting ready to have a SCIENCE FAIR! How cool is that? I have never been to one, or participated in one. He is still pondering the possibilities. I really want him to do something he wants to do!

PN, well she is coming home, exhausted and grouchy daily. The naps she was taking, lasted one week, and have gone to the wayside. they are a thing of the past. She is excellent all day, and as soon as she gets in the car, I have an alley cat on my hands. Ouch. Poor thing is miserable until bed time, which has moved to an earlier time....

Oye....

I am hoping to spend some time with her alone this weekend. There is a pool party to attend, and she wants to see Coraline.. the movie...

the fireplace is repaired. and costs much less than anticipated! Go team.

Time...

This darn crocheting, well as addictive at it is...might drive me insane before the day is through.

You see no one taught me, I taught myself.

the purple blanket I am trying to make PN. Ughh I have had to pull it out so often now that I am insane...

I was trying to do a simple "ripple" pattern...

heh..

I thought it looked easy as pie, but I keep making a mistake someplace. If I could figure it out I would be good.

I have tried reading the darn pattern, and watching a you tube video. (That is not working)

I might be done with the darn blanket by Christmas.

There are so few hours in the day right now, that it is driving me nutzo.

I am going to finish another throw I have going right now, and then go back to this purple blanket.

I need to pick up 3 more skeins of yarn to do so I think... We will see.

I must get some coffee in my body, and get The collective ready for school. No easy task as SR had a 4 day weekend. PN, well she wants to go to work with her Dad....but today is "C" day at school and she gets to wear a cap. that might be enough motivation for her to go!

In other news I tried getting black lined pants the other day at Younkers. There were none to be had. I seriously thought this was a simple request. They had none. I forget the shopping here is not exactly "exotic". Yes I think black lined slacks are a basic, but I guess not.

I am in no mood to shop, especially with children in tow, I just want to go in and get a pair of slacks and leave. The thrill of the "hunt", is not exciting to me at all.

There is a ball at the end of the coming month, and I am unsure if we will go or not. DH and I do not seem excited at the idea......

We will see.

Oh and I did not fix the fireplace, so today I am going to call the fireplace guy, and get him here. I wonder how much a new fan will run. I also guess the battery was the back up for the fireplace, in case there is an outage, and has nothing to do with the fan. Who knew?

Cinderella

I am home from work, and I seemed to have a little "umph", so I decided to clean the sliding glass doors, the tele, and fireplace. And as I was cleaning the fireplace, I decided to take it apart, and clean it. (Who thought a gas fireplace would need cleaning?

I only hope I remember how to put it back together now. (Way to irritate a spouse #4, he is not here, and I thought I would have it together before he returned)...

However I noted where I need 2 D batteries. They must run the darn fan in the thing, which would explain why the fan was not working. It has been a mystery to me. I think I might have figured it out. At first I thought this was ridiculous, and then I thought, well if the electricity goes out, it would make perfect sense to have a gas fireplace with a battery run fan...

Who knows? I will see if replacing the batteries helps.

The Collectives bathroom is next on the list, and I will enlist help. It seems as though I can clean in there everyday, and there is ALWAYS toothpaste somewhere....

I have a few things that need to go in the basement, and will also enlist help with that.

DH is hungry for my chicken curry, and I am not in the mood for it. I will make this in the next couple of weeks for him.

DH is gone for a few days coming up, and The Collective are requesting to see Coraline, or Hotel for Dogs. I will check and see.

School conferences are coming up for SR.

Also for those of you interested in sponsoring a school aged child to attend school in Pakistan, there are still plenty of children that need sponsoring. It is only 13 a month for 10 months. What a great lesson for the entire family. I have had 4 readers sponsor children!! You guys are awesome, seriously you impress me at every turn.....

leave your email in the comments, or e-mail me and I will get you in contact with the church.

Thanks!

Domestic....and inspired

We got our first HIGH gas bill the other day $210. Frankly not too bad considering the temps were below freezing for days and my house is quite big...

We went to church this morning...

It was motivational indeed...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marriane Williamson

I loved hearing that this morning, and needed too.

Today I am catching up on all things domestic. I have veggies to cut and clean, chex mix in the oven, an apple pie to make , laundry whihc never ends, including bed linens, and rugs and dough rising so I may make Runzas (which is time consuming, but I made the filling a month ago and froze it, and will make enough I can freeze some.

Recipe

Original Runza Recipe

2 pound ground beef
1 large onion , chopped
Salt
Pepper
1 Medium Cabbage, chopped
2 batches of bread dough

Saute onion in a bit of oil until just translucent. Add hamburger and saute until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain away the grease, and return to the pan. Cover the mixture with the shredded cabbage and cook until the cabbage is done. Stir occasionally. This could take about 45 minutes or so.

Using an egg-dough recipe, roll small balls of dough thin to make a 5×5 square. Put about 1/2 cup of cabbage mixture in center of square and seal closed. Place seal side down on a parchment lined baking sheet (or a lightly greased sheet).

Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 or until lightly golden brown.

I am also taking engagement pictures today.

Busy, I might need extra arms. But frankly I heart being busy, it makes me feel good and useful.

Obama administration cannot plan security for a party?

The link to the story is here...

Millions are expected to make the pilgrimage to see him place his left hand on Abraham Lincoln's burgundy velvet-bound Bible to take the inaugural oath.

The US Secret Service is overseeing a security force of more than 40,000 people, including 7,500 active duty soldiers, 10,000 National Guard troops and 25,000 law-enforcement officers, FOX News reported.

That surpasses the 31,000 American troops serving in Afghanistan.

If, as expected, a record crowd turns out for Obama's inauguration, Washington will be ready with the largest number of security people ever assembled in the capital.

Intelligence officials say there are no specific threats, but they acknowledge that the high visibility of the inauguration, the presence of dignitaries and the significance of swearing in the first Black president make it a vulnerable target.

ALSO

I read this...

"We have to be prepared for the lone individual who will try to interrupt the event all the way up to a terrorist organization," FOX news quoted Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan, as saying.

Huh, terrorism? What terrorism? I thought most of the left thinks this terrorism is a sham...maybe they are worried about Bill Ayers showing up?

Where is the hypocrisy now?

Here is what I cannot get over, they are still calling folks up for this thing, because security was not properly planned....I am still hearing of units getting called up NOW.

So we are trusting this administration with National Security, but they cannot plan security for "a historic event"...

Vet66 was right TGIF

It has been a long and blustery week here.

I am actually glad it snowed, perhaps it will stick, we will have more and I can take The Collective sledding this weekend. Frankly we have not had enough snow to do much in. I am thankful i have not had to once scrape the windshield, but it is winter, and I did promise the kids snow when we moved here.

I think work is clicking a little better, things are easier etc. It is just VERY very busy, really. which is good. It makes the day go by very quickly and that is a good thing.

We have parent teacher conferences with SR teacher this week. I had to talk to her yesterday, as he ha gotten into trouble. Seems as though he thought it would be a good idea to pinch someone. For the sake of Pete. He has been without incident for so long, I hope this was a fluke. He did not get any Wii time last night. I am also making him write a letter of apology this morning.

PN is good, other than contact dermatitis on her paws, and a sore throat this am. No complaints at all from school.

I am off.....to herd cats

Boobie ultrasound today

I remembered

I also have PN complaining of a sore throat.....

darn it..

It better not be Wednesday

Now that I am working again I lurve the weekend. I woke this morning, and thought "damn it is Wednesday, this is a long week....."

Ah ha it is Thursday. Thank goodness.

2 more work days. So far I am enjoying it, I get to take the kids to school and pick them up, the day is BUSY, and fast. I am just ready for the week to be over.

I think I managed to teach myself how to make a ripple pattern, so am working on 2 separate blankets. One with leftover yarn, and a plum one for Pink Ninja. For the record, I do not "do directions.". I prefer learning by doing. Which is crazy, because SR can READ anything and he has it. Me, I could read something a million times, but until I do it...it makes no sense.

14 below!

Already did 2 loads of wash this morning, am ready for work....

Need to get steaks out for tonight's meal.

Have a good day

We are off

and a whiskey mouth....

OK dokey, I am boiling water for pasta, just walked in the door, it seems as though PN Left ear...not an infection. Her tube (which was placed in her ear at 18 months, that they told me was gone...was not). It seems as though her tube in her left er was acting as a unitise, for wax...So they irrigated her left ear, and yuck...lots of wax, it also seems as though she has dermatitis from washing her hads a million times a day. so we got cream for that.

Looks like I got my ass handed to me in diarist catagory, I am 5th. But then again I write about ear wax.

Yay go.

the thing about blizzards

They come out of nowhere, seriously. DH called me yesterday in the morning, to warn me of snow and wind by the time I picked up the kids...

I looked out the windows all day at work waiting for the weather.....Nothing all day, I almost called the meteorologist a liar.

Nothing, until 10 minutes before I was scheduled to leave work. Then boom wind and snow, to the point you could not see 30 feet in front of you. In fact there was a 27 car pile up on one of the interstates here yesterday after 2 trucks jack knifed....

It made me think of the"School children's blizzard of 1888".....A blizzard that I grew up reading about and hearing about for most of my school age years....

In other news PN is complaining of her left ear hurting...not good. My guess is an ear infection. I did attempt to relieve it with hydrogen peroxide.

I will have to call the Dr. today and see when I can get her in today, which will not be fun I assure you.

Sr just finished a until with his mentor on magnets. Last night we sat and watched as a he presented us with information on declination, and repulsion. He starts oxidation today....

So much for chicken tomorrow...

My 7 year old ate a leg, wing, 1/2 breast and a thigh....himself.

Perspective...

I think you all remember Cpt Yllescas, He was the Husband, and Father, and American soldier who recently passed.

His wife continues to blog.....

And it begins...

Laundry is complete, except for the stray things from today, and rugs etc...

Yay.

In other news I am only like 1,300 votes behind Raymie, and Dooce in the diarist catagory. heh....It appears that Raymie takes pictures of herself in sexy tights, and trendy outfits while out drinking and barhopping. Dooce, well she is Dooce, and has a book deal. So I do thank my 75 regular readers who are out voting daily....That is nice. I also think there are many fantastic diaries out there, and nominated a couple of them. I think diarists are far underrated in the blogosphere, but then again, they are what I enjoy reading the most.

The week begins in the morning, I have a chicken out, and will throw it in the crock pot in the a.m., nothing crazy I am just going to roast it so we have roasted chicken tomorrow, and perhaps chicken Mexican something or other the following day. I froze our leftover soup tonight, and it will come in handy at another time....

In wardrobe news, I still have not had to wear the same ensemble twice. If you saw what I own this would be impressive! I am still able to mix and match. Tomorrow I am wearing a bronze blouse, and some black and bronze trousers, very smart looking indeed. I am pairing it with a chartreuse/gold bauble necklace thingy, and am unsure about the shoes (guessing black). I do wish I would have been keeping track of what I have worn so I do not wear items too close to one another.

RESOLVE

Goal this week write, and send thank you notes that are complete. Please AWTM, you can do this, it is good manners and polite. Also encourage The Collective, and ensure they do the same....

Must get done this week.

I got two chicken wings and a microphone

We have just returned from church.... oh, if any of you folks would like to sponsor a child in Pakistan to attend school, and provide a food ration for a mere $13.00 per month, let me know. Leave your e-mail address, and I will send you contact information, etc. It would be for 10 months out of the year. I think this is a great idea. you can write letters etc, and progress notes will be sent. This is being done by a missionary couple at our church. I think it is a great idea, and there are only 50 children that have families interested in attending. This would be good for our family to participate in....I think it is an excellent project on many levels. I cannot wait to talk to DH about it tonight. He will be excited. $130 per year is a drop in the bucket for most of us....also you do not have to pay up front, you can give $13.00 at a time. Think about it.....

OK Dokie, today is Sunday which means, I have to prepare all of us for the week. A menu, clothing, a sort of schedule as it were, wash nap blanket and pillow for PN. I am used to sort of winging things, particularly after being "home for 8 years"...which I count myself as beyond blessed to do.

However, winging it, does not seem to cut it any longer, especially on these weekends where DH is not here. I am sort of left to sort all out, and make sure he knows when I need him etc.

Today I am trying to think of what to do with some leftover roast beef, I thought about making beef salad, but what a bunch of work, even though I make the best beef salad on the planet. I am in no mood to get my meat grinder out etc. So I am going to make beef barley soup for dinner, and a salad. Then to plan dinner for the week....

Oye. With this mantra, remember to take meat out of the freezer. Remember you own a crock pot. Someone gave me a crockbook cookbook a few years ago, and I gave it to a working girlfriend who I thought could use it more than I did....Thank goodness for the internets. I actually have no laundry in the laundry room to do at this moment. I need to unload both the washer and dryer, but I think it is caught up. I did not manage to get my rugs washed this week. Also thank God my children are good eaters, and help set the table, and clear it.

PN actually cleaned her room yesterday, and swept the kitchen, all without me asking. She is a worker. I rewarded her with $$, but what she really enjoyed was all of the PRAISE from her Father and I.

SR thinks chores interrupt his free time. (Is this a little boy thing?) I must make a schedule or have DH make him one, where he earns time on the Wii for chores done. (DH if you are reading this please work on it...thanks because I might forget to tell you)

Today we are working on a family kitty for Disney World. I normally take money out of the kitty for allowances for The Collective, for chores they do. They only earn money per chore at this time, and it is in small increments. They do not get a weekly allowance at this time. Help with dishes, etc you get a small amount of money. Today I am having PN work on a coffee can kitty for Disney. DH will have to go for work for a week or so, and I thought, well heck I might try and save some money up and take the kids. We will see how this goes. There are so many things our list, that we would like, and I also want to remain charitable with some of our moneys. Normally when I start one of these kitties, we have a car that breaks down, or an appliance that dies, emergency plane tickets for a funeral etc...here is hoping we can try and make it work.

I hope this weekend finds you blessed, with a peaceful mind and heart....mine is, and it is nice. I am seeing things in others lives right now work fro them. Tammi got a job, CPO is retiring, Bou finished a marathon, Guard Wife has managed to get enough money from gracious donations to begin her adoption of a little girl. Patience, faith, it is a good Sunday.

It only takes 20 minutes to get them dressed.

It is nice enough to send The Collective out of doors. It was a no go until the wind stopped blowing 46 mph.


I reminded them both to use the restroom prior to getting dressed, because getting dressed and undressed is an ordeal. By the time I locate all pieces of winter items, then it is dress time. PN is easy peasy. SR is an oversensative type, the smallest of things, will make him "done"...seams of his clothing , anything too snug, too loose, etc. So it takes a bit longer to make sure he is "ready"...(It is better than it used to be, there was a time I had to remove all of his tags from his clothing, we do not have to do that any longer. ) Frankly we are thrilled he will deal with layers of clothing at this point. That is progress.

PN loves to be outside, it does not matter what season it is, but she really can tolerate the cold. I have seen her throw 3 snowballs at her brother already.

explaining.... D.I. V. O. R.C. E.

There is a divorce going on in our midst, and no it is not us. (I will not mention specific names, etc)...I have not blogged on it, out of respect for those in this particular circumstance. However, I have been trying to explain it to The Collective.

SR, was quite cut and dried over the thing. When I tried to explain it to them, PN asked "what is a divorce?" I wasn't sure how to answer that....

SR answered it for me, by saying "It is when people become unmarried."

That seemed well enough to explain what is going on. However, PN is now concerned about the collateral damage involved, as this couple has a child, and PN is concerned about what will happen to the child. We all are....

I did not know how to explain that either.

SR, explained it as good as I could, and told her, it happens quite a bit, and kids are ok. People still love them etc......

I am not going to judge here, some people should not marry each other I guess. And sometimes loving each other is not enough. This couple did struggle with this decision, and tried to make a go of it for the child. But frankly, it just was not working for them.

balaklava...

We bought SR a balaklava in Washing DC at LL Bean. He wore it to school the other day, and when I picked him up, he did not have it.

The teacher and I went in to find it, and it is gone.

darn it.

Also everyone at work has been ill. And now I think I am sick too.

Crap, I was lysoling EVERYTHING.

It is Friday!

15 years ago, I would be all ready to go out......heh.


Right now I want a nap, it was a heck of a week and frankly I am surprised I am sooo tired. But that is a good thing right. The insomniac is tired.

I managed to get The Collective rounded up despite the hurricane force winds. They were dying of hunger, so I rounded up a snack, and did dishes from breakfast, and am now making a quiche, and a hash brown casserole for dinner, I can pair it with a salad.

I have laundry in a pile staring at me. An entire load of "delicates".

Huh? I just looked outside 5 minutes ago, no snow. And now there is snow on the ground. ICK.

It is supposed to snow for the next day or so.

PN is already begging for a cup of hot cocoa, because she equates snow, with cocoa. I must make some.

Here is a simple recipe

• 6 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix
• 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

The tree is coming down tomorrow, if I can ever get my laundry caught up...

The thirty hour work week, which actually equates to 45, if you throw in the dropping off kids and picking them up. It is really a hum dinger.

Willy Wonka, is playing at here, and I thought about taking the kids to go see it this weekend.

They actually loved the Gene Wilder Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which sort of surprised me, as it is a bit creepy in parts.

I am off, to my housewifery! EXCITING!

Climatizing

I picked up SR from school the other day, in a blazer, and slacks, no jacket.

It was 30 degrees. Now I promise I would not have wanted to stand there all day, and there was no WIND. The no wind thing, makes a huge difference.

DH thinks it is hilarious, that I think 30 is balmy now.

17 below is not balmy and that is what is supposed to happen this week.

I picked up my boots yesterday! Reheeled! I noted a lot of shoes on the shelves, I did not realize so many folks had things repaired instead of replacing them. I also only had my check card at the time, and they only take cash or check. They actually let me take the boots, and told me to mail them a check? I was all prepared to go to an ATM, or something. I thought that was very NICE! So if you are in Lincoln and need shoes repaired, go to OLE's boot and shoe repair.

Anywho, since I got my boots back I can wear a skirt today. I still need a nice pair of lined black slacks. Must continue to look on clearance racks to find a nice pair. I gave my last pair away, because I thought I would never fit in them again. (I would have)

I am thrilled it is Friday, but not thrilled that DH has been working late nights this week, and must work the weekend.

I need to take my tree down like yesterday, but it will happen this weekend.



Never give away black pants, especially very nice lined ones. It will haunt you later.

Must read of the week...

I have not been able to read as much as I would like...

but THIS

is important....

scheduled

Ultrasound on my right breast is now scheduled for January 16th at 3:30pm.....

*Noting it here so I do not forget...

Sissy departed

My sister, just pulled out of the driveway.....

I have seen miracles

My Sister celebrated her birthday today, she is now 46 years old. Not a big deal to most folks, but to our family, this a huge deal.

My sister was an infant with hydrocephalus....

There is conflicting information on the hows and whys of her circumstances. The neurologist that they took her to as an infant, said it was because of a birth related injury, forceps were used. I have since spoke with a couple of people that have told me it could have been congenital. I do not know, and we will never know.

I do recall my Mothers horror stories, as she told me that when my sister was an infant, her head became so swollen, and her cries were deafening, so they they drove her to a specialist in the town where I now live.

My parents had little in the way of money and happened to find a neurologist here in town, that at the time, that was doing groundbreaking work in hydrocephalic infants. So while other Drs. were telling my parents to go ahead and put her in an institution, because she would not EVER live a "normal life", and would be diasbaled.....this Dr. appeared and saved her...

The neurologist put a shunt in my Sisters head, and sent her home, and replaced that shunt about 4 times. He did this, sans normal fees, and would see my sister whenever she was having difficulty. My parents would show up at his office with her, and he would drop EVERYTHING and tend to her. He only asked my parents to pay what they could afford to.

She has had a hard go of things, as anyone with several primitive brain surgeries in the 1960's and 1970's , there has been damage over time, either from the hydrocephaly, or the surgeries, this is another thing we will not know.

Her motor skills on her left side have been affected, she walks with a limp, and has poor motor control over her left hand as well, her vision has been affected as well, as the motor control in her left eye is not good either.

This is an inspirational tale though I must tell you. She graduated high school, attending normal classes, was a baton twirler, and in pep club, she is probably one of the kindest and most gentle folks you will meet....She has held the same job for well over 20 years, is married and owns a home. This was all supposed to be impossible for her. But besides the Dr. performing what I know think was a miracle, she has maintained an excellent attitude, and heart. She has so much empathy and compassion for others, she understands others pitfalls and does not judge...

She works at maintaining her independence, and goes to the gym often,I wonder where she would be if she did not.

The most amazing thing? I have NEVER heard a complaint about any of it. NEVER. Even when her shunts would stop working, and her head would hurt, and she would be vomiting in a car on a 2 hour drive, not a peep. Rarely a tear from her re: pain, or circumstance. No complaints from her when she was in her teens and would go to school with half of her head shaved. NONE.

If that is not admirable I am not sure what is....

So happy Birthday to my sister, who they never guessed would live so long, or soooo well.

She is truly a miracle....

She has to leave tomorrow morning, as her vacation has come to a close, but the collective have enjoyed her presence in the house.....

I love her very much

Gonna crawl back under...

My Sister likes television, always has.

So since her arrival, I have given her the reigns to the tv. I have been crocheting like a crazy person, and might crochet myself a rock. I have completed about 6 scarves in the last month, and actually was commissioned to crochet one for $$$! Who knew?

Last night we watched that horrid bachelor show, and some show where attractive people are supposed to be judged by how "nice" they are. both shows sucked. I didn't get it.

Tonight we are watching "the biggest loser"....BORING.

So a scrabble tourney is going to ensue.....

Oh and one final note, am I the only person that wants the Howie Mandel craze to end?

*Post Script: I just saw an ad for Morley and Me, whatever the dog movie is, with the "other Wilson, not as cute as Luke Wilson person in it. The ad was "hey the top movie for the 2nd week in a row!" That means all movies out right now suck worse than a dog comedy....

Where is my raft and my wilson?

My life and schedule have changed, and oh how I miss my Wilson. I do.

In less than interesting news "I will not blog about work, I will not blog about work, I will not blog about work." But frankly it is killing me to have to keep my mouth shut. I will say that since I do not watch tv, and read the latest best sellers", I am appearing as though I live under a rock, which I do.



The above clip is what I feel like at work.

HA.

I personal news, I have not yet had to wear the same outfit twice, which is something, as I do not have a lot of clothing. I am expert at mixing. (All of that thrifty living has taught me something! I do need to pick up my back boots this Thursday. I had to take them in to a"Ollies boot shop", to get reheeled. I walk on my heels, which plays havoc with shoes, and boots.

My hair looks great in the morning, but by noon, it looks like I have been rolling in the hay. Poor fine, thin, and naturally curly hair.

I have decided I need one of those jewelry armoires, so I do not have to untangle things every single time I want to wear something. It has been fun wearing necklaces etc. I have noted with all of that time on the phone, earrings are not a good idea.

Nothing exciting, I told you. Things are moving. I get my second paycheck this week! How thrilling.

extra

I was offered a few more hours last week, and accepted them. I am now working 30 hours a week instead of 24.

I am getting my ass handed to me here....

Supposed to be 43 today!!

On a shingle...

My sister is her this week, for her vacation, and to celebrate her birthday. She does not cook, and does not like to, so I try and accommodate her palate by asking what she is most hungry for.

Like most folks, she gets hungry for food she grew up on, and rarely consumes now.

Her one request this week was creamed eggs on toast. Huh? Wha you say? Yuck?

This was actually a weekly staple that we grew up on, and when i say weekly I am not exaggerating.

My sister and I just had a long discussion at the table about what my Mother cooked when we were under the age of 12, and lived on Logan street.

2 days a week we had breakfast supper. Pancakes, eggs, and side pork. I never liked side pork. It was to porky, if there is such a thing, and I did not even like the smell. Once in a while she would fry up bologna instead, we did have bacon on few occasions as it was a treat. My Father would put peanut butter on his pancakes.

1 night a week we would have creamed eggs on toast, which was delicious.

1 night a week we would have hamburgers, fried in a skillet.

Sometimes we had fried egg sandwiches on toast.

1 night a week we would have goulash (hamburger, tomatoes, and macaroni)

Saturdays we may have chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, or chicken and noodles.

Sundays we would have a beef or pork roast, or fried chicken.

The following were big treats liver and onions for my Dad. Fried fish in the summer after dad went fishing, always paired with a macaroni salad, and fresh buns. Spaghetti or tacos.

Seems strange, but we sat and pondered and pondered that menu for about an hour, and that was what we came up with...

I looked at her, and said, "you know, I knew we were poor, but we must have been very poor to have eggs 4 nights a week". Eggs used to run mom about a quarter a dozen for Jumbo farm raised eggs that often had double yolks. And she bought them from a gal that delivered them to the house. A quarter a dozen if that, they may have run cheaper than that from time to time.

I also will tell you my Mom is rolling in her grave right now, for sharing this on the internets...

This is my Wilson....

Today is my Brothers birthday, my sister is headed here for about a week for a visit. She left this morning, and it is foggy. I wish she would have waited for about another hour to leave. Fog makes me nervous.

My house still looks like Christmas threw up. I have tried organizing my mess around here, about 20 times, and I am just going to have to break down and do it for realz.

DH and I both have the weekend off together, and we are at home.....ahhhhhhh. This will not be the case for the rest of the month. DH has to work next weekend, and then the following weekend, we have a family get together happening. In good news, I never have to work a weekend. This is actually a first, in my entire work life. I have always had jobs, where working the weekend was the norm, as were Holidays. So, this is terrific.

I noted in my site meter a couple of days ago that I had been nominated for "Diarist of the year". Amazing, I am not sure who nominated me, I had actually nominated several folks for awards. I know this past year of blogging has not been interesting, or edited for that matter. It was a weird year, full of to do lists, etc. Not much humor or story telling. the blog turned into a laundry list of things that needed to be done, things done etc. A sort of evoloution in a bad direction for a blogger if you ask me. But I have sort of needed the blog as a dumping place, and not as a creative outlet. I think I used to be a little more creative, and now it is where I go to empty my head.

The other night while watching Cast Away with Tom Hanks, I watched as Wilson tumbled off of the raft, and watched him panic....and I thought to myself, what sort of attachment to a non person would cause me to panic like that?

"The Blog".

the blog is my Wilson, it has become a way for me to track my life, most of my REAL friendships, that I care deeply for, were made via this blog....

The blog is my Wilson, and my friends are my raft....

New Years resolutions...

Of course I am making them.

#1) Make it to church weekly

#2) Return books to the library on time (this was not a problem at the last library, they let me return things WHENEVER)

#3) Learn to use the sewing machine. I would like like to make Pink Ninja doll clothing, and I would like to learn how to machine quilt.

#4) Learn to knit. The crocheting, has been great fun for me.

#5) Do not gain weight during hibernation season, get the family a YMCA membership, and start doing yoga again.

#6) Get thank you notes out on TIME. This is just good manners.

#7) Cook one new recipe a week for dinner.

#8) Eat out only for special holidays, or as a treat, do not eat in a restaraunt that makes what I can prepare better, it only leads to disappointment.

#9) Refocus our 10 year plan.....

intelligent design.

As I age, it seems my PMS gets worse. TMI, I know. But it seems as though I am anxious, and grouchy for longer.

I think it might just be purely biological at this point.

I mean I am 38. I am in no physical presence for new babies a this time in my life. I think this is by design and genius. I mean, what better natural birth control than grouchiness? God was a genius.

You know you might be a ...... if?

SR turns 7

SR opening his "I WANT" gift from his Sissy.

"You got my Boom Blox, I love you Sissy!!"

Mom and Dad bought themselves a guitar Hero and passed it off as a birthday gift....




SR opening a magic set from his Grammie in North Carolina!

The sunsets here are beautiful, and this is a horrid photo. Tonight the sky was yellow and orange, last night it was pink and red.




DH driving us home, as quickly and safely as possible, the whining in the back seat was driving him batty!


The Collective loathing the 2 1/2 car ride home from Grampanios house, they had things to do at home, and wanted to get there NOW!!


Twas a big day. My son turned 7.

My Husband kept asking me "so do you remember what you were doing 7 years ago today?"

Just for the sake of not going into too many details, SR's birth was clouded by several events, and things that happen in life that are not so terrific, or great. I was caring for my Mother who was in the process of dying at the time, and she ended up in the hospital the very same day I was delivering, we were also dealing with a depldeployment. The events surrounding that very special day.....a lot of it not good or cheerful. I think I shall not choose to recall those events on a regular basis, because there were a lot of dark moments. A lot of it not good, and leaves me with some sour feelings for those I have since forgiven. But I thought about it for about 5 minutes, and then chose to move forward.

The birth of SR, was an astounding life altering moment, the moment where my heart left my body, with legs, and arms. A truly wonderful blessing.

The memories with him, have helped me move forward, and be present and try to enjoy every moment. He amazes me daily, and has taught me many things. Patience being the first, acceptance of others, unconditional love, forgiveness, a rebirth in my faith....

So today was a good day, the start of a new year, his birthday, Nebraska managed to win the gator bowl with Clemson, even if they played terribly through most of the game.

Here are some photos of the day