Dale and I went dancing the other night and we have video of it. I haven't danced in years but I think I held up pretty well.
Check it out.
Before... and After
10 years ago
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Ima Weener!
I entered some mosaic pieces in the fair this year.... and WON!!First place on the table and second on the wall hanging.
Feels good.
Mom entered a macrame piece also and won first place.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Questioning that that should not be
Every parent has asked some pretty weird questions of their children. I wish I had written down some of the doosies I have asked in the past; but better late than never.
Questions I asked today:
Why is there a lolly pop attached to the closet door?
I didn't get an answer, yet it is still there.
Why is there a Lazy Susan in the middle of my bedroom floor?
Jessica answers from her bedroom, "Sorry, I was sitting on it." Then, from the living room I hear Jason say, "Who is Susan?"
Questions I asked today:
Why is there a lolly pop attached to the closet door?
I didn't get an answer, yet it is still there.
Why is there a Lazy Susan in the middle of my bedroom floor?
Jessica answers from her bedroom, "Sorry, I was sitting on it." Then, from the living room I hear Jason say, "Who is Susan?"
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
How
Okay, I'm talented but not this talented!
| Your Native American Name Is... |
 |
Bathroom blues
Jessica got locked in the bathroom today.
I was in my bathroom at the time. Apparently she spit on Jason and Jason chased her into the bathroom and he pushed on the door or something... and it jammed.
Who knows what really happened. They both deny any wrong doing. All I know was that the door wouldn't open but the knob would turn. It was stuck just like my closet door.
It wasn't funny at first, but after a few minutes, I was cracking up as I listened to her going through stages.
First was awareness. Something was wrong with the door. I could hear her all the way in my bathroom... tugging, turning, rattling, banging.
Next was panic. She realized the door was not going to open; she couldn't get out. She began screaming that the door wouldn't open. I came as quickly as I could but couldn't get the door to open.
At this point she was freaking out. I got her calmed as best as I could and ran to call the management company.
Then came anger. As I was on the phone, I could hear her ranting and raving like a sailor... and I was in the kitchen. That picture of her on Halloween came to mind.
Next was acceptance. There was nothing to do but wait until the repairman arrived, so I began to shove magazines under the door. Anything that would fit. Her friend Rob called and, as I was telling him that she was stuck in the bathroom, she told me to put the phone up to the door. Amazingly she could hear him through the door so I leaned the phone on the floor so she could talk, laughing as I went for the camera. This was too funny.
Finally came relief. After about 30 minutes, the repairman arrived and freed her. She ran out of the bathroom and gave me a huge hug.
Like the other knobs, the insides were plastic and broken. The repairman replaced it with a metal one. I told the management company that they should let the owner know that all of the door knobs should be replaced (after all this has happened four times now) and the woman said she would put in a work order.
I was in my bathroom at the time. Apparently she spit on Jason and Jason chased her into the bathroom and he pushed on the door or something... and it jammed.
Who knows what really happened. They both deny any wrong doing. All I know was that the door wouldn't open but the knob would turn. It was stuck just like my closet door.
It wasn't funny at first, but after a few minutes, I was cracking up as I listened to her going through stages.
First was awareness. Something was wrong with the door. I could hear her all the way in my bathroom... tugging, turning, rattling, banging.
Next was panic. She realized the door was not going to open; she couldn't get out. She began screaming that the door wouldn't open. I came as quickly as I could but couldn't get the door to open.
At this point she was freaking out. I got her calmed as best as I could and ran to call the management company.
Then came anger. As I was on the phone, I could hear her ranting and raving like a sailor... and I was in the kitchen. That picture of her on Halloween came to mind.
Next was acceptance. There was nothing to do but wait until the repairman arrived, so I began to shove magazines under the door. Anything that would fit. Her friend Rob called and, as I was telling him that she was stuck in the bathroom, she told me to put the phone up to the door. Amazingly she could hear him through the door so I leaned the phone on the floor so she could talk, laughing as I went for the camera. This was too funny.
Finally came relief. After about 30 minutes, the repairman arrived and freed her. She ran out of the bathroom and gave me a huge hug.
Like the other knobs, the insides were plastic and broken. The repairman replaced it with a metal one. I told the management company that they should let the owner know that all of the door knobs should be replaced (after all this has happened four times now) and the woman said she would put in a work order.
Friday, November 16, 2007
A taste of wine
Went to my first wine tasting last night.
I rarely drink wine.... and when I do, I get tipsy after a few sips. The last time I had any was a year ago at a workshop in Charleston, SC. The swanky hotel I stayed in had a wine and cheese reception every afternoon from 4:30 until 6:00 (after training had concluded for the day mind you) so I had a glass the second day I was there and found myself giggling uncontrollably while trying to compose an email to a coworker. The third day I had two glasses and proceeded to wander the streets of historic Charleston in search of food.
Anyway, Dale wanted to go and it seemed like something sophisticated grown-ups did, so I was game.
It was held at ABC Liquors near the FSU campus. We arrived around 6:30 p.m., paid the $5.00/per person entrance fee, and collected our wine glass (I thought it was neat that we got to keep our glass.).
We could barely get in the door. The store is not big at all and it was filled with college students! I should have known that offering tastes of different wines (and beer) for a meager $5.00 would attract them.
There were three stations serving various types of wine. I couldn't really see what was being offered though because of the crowds. Eventually, we pushed our way to a station in the back. The woman serving began to explain the different types of wines she had for the tasting. I know absolutely nothing about wine except that it comes in red and white, so I listened intently as she described what she had to offer... Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chablis. When she finished, she looked at me patiently waiting for my decision. I had no clue what she had just said.... it was like listening to a foreign language, so I told her I wanted something red. I am sure she thought I was the cultured one!
She poured a small amount of "something red" in my glass and I walked off down one of the many aisles filled with bottles. It was very dry but not bad. Dale joined me and we stood there away from the crowds. After I was finished, I decided to try a white wine. So I pushed my way back to the woman and told her I wanted to try something white. She proceeded to speak in her foreign language, describing the two white wines she had. Again, I had no clue what they were so I just pointed to the one on the left. It was much better.
After a few more minutes, we maneuvered around to another station that was serving different imported beers and Dale tried a few. After that we left. It was just too crowded and I was feeling kind of sick from the wine. We went to the Hobbit for wings and beer... more my style.
It was a neat experience and I am glad I went, but I don't know if I'll go to any more.
I rarely drink wine.... and when I do, I get tipsy after a few sips. The last time I had any was a year ago at a workshop in Charleston, SC. The swanky hotel I stayed in had a wine and cheese reception every afternoon from 4:30 until 6:00 (after training had concluded for the day mind you) so I had a glass the second day I was there and found myself giggling uncontrollably while trying to compose an email to a coworker. The third day I had two glasses and proceeded to wander the streets of historic Charleston in search of food.
Anyway, Dale wanted to go and it seemed like something sophisticated grown-ups did, so I was game.
It was held at ABC Liquors near the FSU campus. We arrived around 6:30 p.m., paid the $5.00/per person entrance fee, and collected our wine glass (I thought it was neat that we got to keep our glass.).
We could barely get in the door. The store is not big at all and it was filled with college students! I should have known that offering tastes of different wines (and beer) for a meager $5.00 would attract them.
There were three stations serving various types of wine. I couldn't really see what was being offered though because of the crowds. Eventually, we pushed our way to a station in the back. The woman serving began to explain the different types of wines she had for the tasting. I know absolutely nothing about wine except that it comes in red and white, so I listened intently as she described what she had to offer... Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chablis. When she finished, she looked at me patiently waiting for my decision. I had no clue what she had just said.... it was like listening to a foreign language, so I told her I wanted something red. I am sure she thought I was the cultured one!
She poured a small amount of "something red" in my glass and I walked off down one of the many aisles filled with bottles. It was very dry but not bad. Dale joined me and we stood there away from the crowds. After I was finished, I decided to try a white wine. So I pushed my way back to the woman and told her I wanted to try something white. She proceeded to speak in her foreign language, describing the two white wines she had. Again, I had no clue what they were so I just pointed to the one on the left. It was much better.
After a few more minutes, we maneuvered around to another station that was serving different imported beers and Dale tried a few. After that we left. It was just too crowded and I was feeling kind of sick from the wine. We went to the Hobbit for wings and beer... more my style.
It was a neat experience and I am glad I went, but I don't know if I'll go to any more.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Mule Day
Dale, Jessica, and I went to Mule Day up in Calvary, GA, a few weekends ago. I hadn't been since I was a child, so I was excited to experience it with an adult perspective.
Dale, and others, told me that we needed to get there early... like 6:00 a.m. early.... in order to snag a good parking spot. So I set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. so we would have time to wake up and make the 30 minute drive up there. When the alarm went off, however, it was quickly reset for 6:00 a.m. It's just not right to get up that early on a Saturday!
We arrived around 8:00 a.m. and it was already pretty crowded. We paid $5.00 to park in the middle of a pecan orchard, but it was relatively close. We made our way down a narrow road toward a huge field filled with tents in the foreground and campers behind.
Mule Day was huge. It was totally different from my childhood recollection. All I remembered, actually, was seeing harnessed mules attached to a pole of some sort following a circle path beat into the dirt. They were grinding sugar cane into molasses.
I was hoping Jessica would get to see that as well, but there wasn't any sugar cane making going on; at least as far as I could tell. Instead, there were lots of food and craft booths and a stage where different groups of cloggers danced to what seemed to be the same song... something country.
People were selling everything from quilts, to Christmas ornaments, to hats, to beautiful fused glass (my personal favorite). Someone was actually selling a "bottle tree" which consisted of a pole with dowels extending off (like a tree) with plastic bottles stuck on the ends. Who would pay money for that? Dale wondered how bottle trees were grown so I told him they started out as baby bottles. [Okay, I know that was pretty bad].
We walked around until our feet hurt, stopping to buy sugared pecans, fudge, back scratchers, and miscellaneous other items. We decided we had better leave before the parade began at 11:00 a.m.; otherwise we would be stuck until it was over because the parade route went between the field and the exit road.
We were too slow, however, and had to wait until it was over. Luckily we didn't have too long of a wait. As I was watching the myriad of horseback riders and mules pulling wagons make their way up the parade route, I laughed as a teenage girl rode past me while talking on her cell phone. It seemed strange to have cell phone usage and horseback riding together in one parade. What could be so important that her phone call couldn't wait until after the parade?
At least 60,000 people attend Mule Day each year. About 20,000 were leaving with us after the parade, just as the other 40,000 were arriving. It was a mad dash to get back to the car and get out ahead of the others.
The main drag through Calvary is a two-lane road, so you can imagine the traffic jam. Both lanes of traffic were backed up as far as you could see and even further... and both were at a complete stand still (well our lane was moving more than the lane into Calvary). Surprisingly, it only took us about 15 minutes to get out of the chaos. I felt sorry for the semi driver obviously passing through and unaware of Mule Day. He looked very unhappy as we passed him. And we saw people parking as far as two miles away.
Now I know why they say get there early.
Dale, and others, told me that we needed to get there early... like 6:00 a.m. early.... in order to snag a good parking spot. So I set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. so we would have time to wake up and make the 30 minute drive up there. When the alarm went off, however, it was quickly reset for 6:00 a.m. It's just not right to get up that early on a Saturday!
We arrived around 8:00 a.m. and it was already pretty crowded. We paid $5.00 to park in the middle of a pecan orchard, but it was relatively close. We made our way down a narrow road toward a huge field filled with tents in the foreground and campers behind.
Mule Day was huge. It was totally different from my childhood recollection. All I remembered, actually, was seeing harnessed mules attached to a pole of some sort following a circle path beat into the dirt. They were grinding sugar cane into molasses.
I was hoping Jessica would get to see that as well, but there wasn't any sugar cane making going on; at least as far as I could tell. Instead, there were lots of food and craft booths and a stage where different groups of cloggers danced to what seemed to be the same song... something country.
People were selling everything from quilts, to Christmas ornaments, to hats, to beautiful fused glass (my personal favorite). Someone was actually selling a "bottle tree" which consisted of a pole with dowels extending off (like a tree) with plastic bottles stuck on the ends. Who would pay money for that? Dale wondered how bottle trees were grown so I told him they started out as baby bottles. [Okay, I know that was pretty bad].
We walked around until our feet hurt, stopping to buy sugared pecans, fudge, back scratchers, and miscellaneous other items. We decided we had better leave before the parade began at 11:00 a.m.; otherwise we would be stuck until it was over because the parade route went between the field and the exit road.
We were too slow, however, and had to wait until it was over. Luckily we didn't have too long of a wait. As I was watching the myriad of horseback riders and mules pulling wagons make their way up the parade route, I laughed as a teenage girl rode past me while talking on her cell phone. It seemed strange to have cell phone usage and horseback riding together in one parade. What could be so important that her phone call couldn't wait until after the parade?
At least 60,000 people attend Mule Day each year. About 20,000 were leaving with us after the parade, just as the other 40,000 were arriving. It was a mad dash to get back to the car and get out ahead of the others.
The main drag through Calvary is a two-lane road, so you can imagine the traffic jam. Both lanes of traffic were backed up as far as you could see and even further... and both were at a complete stand still (well our lane was moving more than the lane into Calvary). Surprisingly, it only took us about 15 minutes to get out of the chaos. I felt sorry for the semi driver obviously passing through and unaware of Mule Day. He looked very unhappy as we passed him. And we saw people parking as far as two miles away.
Now I know why they say get there early.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Jessica wanted to be a prom queen for Halloween so naturally I waited until the last minute to think about finding her a costume. We went to the dreaded Wal-Mart yesterday and looked through the already picked over costumes. There was nothing prom queen-related in her size so we settled on a vampire dress, fangs, and long black wig. The fangs came with makeup.I spent about $30 on the costume, but she was excited so it was all good.
It was crowded in Wal-Mart and there were only three human cashiers, as usual, so against my better judgment I decided to use the self-checkout. What a disaster.
I had to call the cashier over twice to help me. First the fangs wouldn't scan, which sent the computer into lock-down mode and the cashier had to punch in a 14-digit code to clear it. Then I had to get approval from the cashier to purchase beer. Finally, on the way to the car, I glanced at the receipt and noticed I had charged myself twice for the wig, so back we went to get the extra charge refunded.
Of course by this morning Jessica did NOT want to wear the costume because it was too short. And by this afternoon, she didn't want to wear the wig because it made her head itch.
So off she went with her friends to trick or treat with just her fangs and face makeup. But at least I was able to snap this pic while she had the wig on. She looks very much like she does when she is in a bad mood. Ha ha!!
Honor Roll!!
Kudos to Jessica for making A/B honor roll! Way to go Jessie!!!If she looks like she's sleepy it's because she was!! I took this early this morning.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Just another Saturday
I have been living in this subdivision for almost 11 months now, traveling the main road in and out numerous times daily. There are a couple places where the road has dips. They are not big dips but big enough to cause a bump when driven over.
This morning, I noticed construction saw horses with a caution lights had been placed near the dips and signs posted to watch for the dips. I am wondering why they are cautioning people at this point? Surely whomever authorized the signs already knew about these dips. Maybe they are going to be repaired soon.
••••••••••••••••••••••
On my way to the bank this morning, I was stopped at the intersection of Thomasville and Bannerman Roads in the left hand turn lane. A motorcycle cop with lights flashing pulled out in front of me and the other stopped cars and stopped midway across Bannerman to block us. Then another motorcycle cop pulled into the middle of the intersection and began motioning the already moving traffic to move through the intersection, while he held up his hand in a stop motion towards me and the other cars.
I figured someone important must be coming into town, hence the police escort. As I sat there wondering, I watched the traffic going past me for a bus or a limo or something to indicate the reason why these cops had stopped us. Several semis passed, a tour bus passed, and many cars came through intersection, but nothing special. In the meantime, my red light turned green and then red again as I sat there wondering what was going on.
After a few more minutes. The cop in the middle of the intersection got on his motorcycle and left; the other cop followed.
I wonder if they were pulling a joke or something.
••••••••••••••••••••••
On my way back from the bank, I noticed a woman walking down the main drag of my subdivision while reading a book. Not a paperback book either... a rather large hardbound book. I am curious as to how she can read and walk without getting hit by a car.
This morning, I noticed construction saw horses with a caution lights had been placed near the dips and signs posted to watch for the dips. I am wondering why they are cautioning people at this point? Surely whomever authorized the signs already knew about these dips. Maybe they are going to be repaired soon.
••••••••••••••••••••••
On my way to the bank this morning, I was stopped at the intersection of Thomasville and Bannerman Roads in the left hand turn lane. A motorcycle cop with lights flashing pulled out in front of me and the other stopped cars and stopped midway across Bannerman to block us. Then another motorcycle cop pulled into the middle of the intersection and began motioning the already moving traffic to move through the intersection, while he held up his hand in a stop motion towards me and the other cars.
I figured someone important must be coming into town, hence the police escort. As I sat there wondering, I watched the traffic going past me for a bus or a limo or something to indicate the reason why these cops had stopped us. Several semis passed, a tour bus passed, and many cars came through intersection, but nothing special. In the meantime, my red light turned green and then red again as I sat there wondering what was going on.
After a few more minutes. The cop in the middle of the intersection got on his motorcycle and left; the other cop followed.
I wonder if they were pulling a joke or something.
••••••••••••••••••••••
On my way back from the bank, I noticed a woman walking down the main drag of my subdivision while reading a book. Not a paperback book either... a rather large hardbound book. I am curious as to how she can read and walk without getting hit by a car.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Spread the mustard
| Your English Skills: |
 Grammar: 100% Punctuation: 80% Spelling: 60% Vocabulary: 20% |
My English just spreads the mustard.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Laurie
Laurie is back in the hospital.
Daddy called me Saturday night to tell me. All we know is that she is in CCU and is in stable condition. Mom said she thought it was the same problem she initially had last February (the first time she went in)... can't remember what that condition was called.
As before, the hospital will not give us details without a "pass code" and we don't know how to get that yet. I think Laurie is the one who has to authorize it but at this point, we don't know her mental state.
Her boyfriend's sister said that Laurie had started drinking again; that she barely weighs 100 lbs.
When I talked to Laurie last month, she told me was 112 lbs. It was an awkward conversation for me. She seemed out of it, slow to respond, almost like she was drunk. But Daddy said that she talks like that now because of having meningitis... it damaged her brain.
I feel numb. I feel bad that I am not more worried, but I just can't think about it.
Daddy called me Saturday night to tell me. All we know is that she is in CCU and is in stable condition. Mom said she thought it was the same problem she initially had last February (the first time she went in)... can't remember what that condition was called.
As before, the hospital will not give us details without a "pass code" and we don't know how to get that yet. I think Laurie is the one who has to authorize it but at this point, we don't know her mental state.
Her boyfriend's sister said that Laurie had started drinking again; that she barely weighs 100 lbs.
When I talked to Laurie last month, she told me was 112 lbs. It was an awkward conversation for me. She seemed out of it, slow to respond, almost like she was drunk. But Daddy said that she talks like that now because of having meningitis... it damaged her brain.
I feel numb. I feel bad that I am not more worried, but I just can't think about it.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
One small step for mankind... one giant step for me
I now have a dryer. Yipee!!
I called up Mays-Munroe and asked if they had any dryers in my price range and the man (the owner actually) said the cheapest one he had was $299. It was an off-brand made by Whirlpool; a commercial grade dryer. He proceeded to give me way more information than I would ever have wanted to know which I liked. He knows his stuff. They have been in business since 1932.
I asked how soon it could be delivered and he said they could deliver it today.
Well that was good enough for me.
So I bought one right then and there over the phone. Bought it sight unseen.
After the delivery guy called to tell me they were on their way, I realized that I didn't even ask what color it was. I was hoping it was white, to match the washer, and it was.
I never thought I would be excited to do laundry..... and it will be nice to have a backyard that is not booby-trapped with clothesline.
I called up Mays-Munroe and asked if they had any dryers in my price range and the man (the owner actually) said the cheapest one he had was $299. It was an off-brand made by Whirlpool; a commercial grade dryer. He proceeded to give me way more information than I would ever have wanted to know which I liked. He knows his stuff. They have been in business since 1932.
I asked how soon it could be delivered and he said they could deliver it today.
Well that was good enough for me.
So I bought one right then and there over the phone. Bought it sight unseen.
After the delivery guy called to tell me they were on their way, I realized that I didn't even ask what color it was. I was hoping it was white, to match the washer, and it was.
I never thought I would be excited to do laundry..... and it will be nice to have a backyard that is not booby-trapped with clothesline.
Get the phone
Yesterday at work I heard a phone ringing. It was the phone in the copier area.
It rang and rang and rang and rang and rang.... no one answered.
I continued working trying to ignore the incessant ringing in my ears. I began to think, "Doesn't this person realize after 30 rings that either no one is around to answer it or is going to answer it?"
Finally, after at least 50 rings, it stopped.
Relief. I went back to concentrating on my work.
Three minutes later the phone began to ring again. "Geez," I thought to myself, "Doesn't this person ever give up? NO ONE is going to answer the phone!!!!!!"
I looked over as Colin was walking out of his office and we both looked at each other as if in mutual understanding. He thought it may be a fax call. But it wasn't a fax because we now get our faxes through our copier. We have no fax machine.
I decided that I was going to answer it. I walked back to the copier area and saw two people in the area ignoring the phone.
I just walked off. Somehow I felt stupid for wanting to answer it.
It rang and rang and rang and rang and rang.... no one answered.
I continued working trying to ignore the incessant ringing in my ears. I began to think, "Doesn't this person realize after 30 rings that either no one is around to answer it or is going to answer it?"
Finally, after at least 50 rings, it stopped.
Relief. I went back to concentrating on my work.
Three minutes later the phone began to ring again. "Geez," I thought to myself, "Doesn't this person ever give up? NO ONE is going to answer the phone!!!!!!"
I looked over as Colin was walking out of his office and we both looked at each other as if in mutual understanding. He thought it may be a fax call. But it wasn't a fax because we now get our faxes through our copier. We have no fax machine.
I decided that I was going to answer it. I walked back to the copier area and saw two people in the area ignoring the phone.
I just walked off. Somehow I felt stupid for wanting to answer it.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
I NEED a dryer!
I went to look for a dryer today.
Okay, I know I have procrastinated. I know.
First I went to Home Depot. They had one, a brand made by Maytag but not called so, for $279.00. Their delivery fee was $55.00. The sales lady said there were none in stock but I could have one delivered by Wednesday.
I decided to move on and look at Lowes.
Lowes' cheapest dryer was $259.00, but was an off-brand... a Rover. The door didn't shut very easily so I was wary. They had an Amana brand dryer for $279.00 and the door shut better. They charged $59.00 for delivery and could have it delivered tomorrow.
I have cold feet, however. I pondered and pondered. But I feel like I need to check out Mays-Munroe, a family-owned business that has been around since I can remember. And they were not open today.
In the meantime, I am continuing life without a dryer. I got my clothes out on the line today even though there wasn't much sun and it was humid.
Later, as I was sitting on the couch, I heard rain... it came out of nowhere!
"DAMN," I yelled. I jumped up and started running around like a mad woman.
"Jason, QUICK!, help me get the clothes..." I ran to the car to get my umbrella. I couldn't find it. I opened every door on the Jeep and looked all over the garage before I found it.... in the Jeep.
This has happened too many times now. WHY!!
We got the clothes in, but they were damp. And Jason was complaining the entire time because apparently he will melt if he gets wet.
As soon as we brought the clothes in, it stopped raining.
I NEED a dryer!!
Okay, I know I have procrastinated. I know.
First I went to Home Depot. They had one, a brand made by Maytag but not called so, for $279.00. Their delivery fee was $55.00. The sales lady said there were none in stock but I could have one delivered by Wednesday.
I decided to move on and look at Lowes.
Lowes' cheapest dryer was $259.00, but was an off-brand... a Rover. The door didn't shut very easily so I was wary. They had an Amana brand dryer for $279.00 and the door shut better. They charged $59.00 for delivery and could have it delivered tomorrow.
I have cold feet, however. I pondered and pondered. But I feel like I need to check out Mays-Munroe, a family-owned business that has been around since I can remember. And they were not open today.
In the meantime, I am continuing life without a dryer. I got my clothes out on the line today even though there wasn't much sun and it was humid.
Later, as I was sitting on the couch, I heard rain... it came out of nowhere!
"DAMN," I yelled. I jumped up and started running around like a mad woman.
"Jason, QUICK!, help me get the clothes..." I ran to the car to get my umbrella. I couldn't find it. I opened every door on the Jeep and looked all over the garage before I found it.... in the Jeep.
This has happened too many times now. WHY!!
We got the clothes in, but they were damp. And Jason was complaining the entire time because apparently he will melt if he gets wet.
As soon as we brought the clothes in, it stopped raining.
I NEED a dryer!!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Just a weekend
David had the kids this weekend. He took Jason and Jessica up to Columbus, GA, Saturday for a soccer play date. I traded vehicles with him Friday night so they could travel in the Jeep.
David's truck is on its last leg. Actually it should have died a painful death years ago but for some unknown reason it is still running.
David has never wanted me to drive the truck because it could break down at any time, but he agreed because he had no choice. He couldn't take a chance of driving it to Columbus. Besides, I assured him, I wouldn't need to use it much so there wouldn't be any problems.
I drove it to Dale's Friday night. I was kind of worried that I would make it. The truck's engine sputtered every time I stopped at a light and it had absolutely no pickup. It was all I could do to get it to go 60 mph. I didn't dare pull out in front of anyone, not even if they were aways away. And the lack of side mirrors made it that much more hard to drive.
On my way home Saturday afternoon, I got a flat tire coming off I-10. I was sitting at a light when the man next to me told me my tire was flat. It went flat fast because I stopped at that light with a full tire, and when it turned green and I stopped at the next light it was flat. So I pulled off into the first gas station I could find and called AAA. Thank GOD for AAA; it's so worth the $57 membership!
I called David to tell him what had happened. After he calmed down enough to listen, I asked him where the spare tire was. It's in your garage, he said. WHAT?
Well what do you want me to do? Have AAA tow the truck to my house and have them put the tire on? Or, tow me to a tire store (which I had no clue where one was nearby)? He couldn't answer me.... all he could say was do what I thought best.
After about 45 minutes, the AAA tech showed up. He put enough air in the tire so I could follow him around the corner to a Discount Tire store.
I then proceeded to spend the next 2 hours waiting for a new tire to be put on.
My whole Saturday wasn't ruined, however, because Dale came over and cooked me Etouffe with crawfish and shrimp. It was fantastic. It was such a treat to have him cook dinner for me... and he can really cook! Later we watched the FSU football game... yes I actually watched football.
Today, he mowed my lawn for me. This man is so sweet.
David's truck is on its last leg. Actually it should have died a painful death years ago but for some unknown reason it is still running.
David has never wanted me to drive the truck because it could break down at any time, but he agreed because he had no choice. He couldn't take a chance of driving it to Columbus. Besides, I assured him, I wouldn't need to use it much so there wouldn't be any problems.
I drove it to Dale's Friday night. I was kind of worried that I would make it. The truck's engine sputtered every time I stopped at a light and it had absolutely no pickup. It was all I could do to get it to go 60 mph. I didn't dare pull out in front of anyone, not even if they were aways away. And the lack of side mirrors made it that much more hard to drive.
On my way home Saturday afternoon, I got a flat tire coming off I-10. I was sitting at a light when the man next to me told me my tire was flat. It went flat fast because I stopped at that light with a full tire, and when it turned green and I stopped at the next light it was flat. So I pulled off into the first gas station I could find and called AAA. Thank GOD for AAA; it's so worth the $57 membership!
I called David to tell him what had happened. After he calmed down enough to listen, I asked him where the spare tire was. It's in your garage, he said. WHAT?
Well what do you want me to do? Have AAA tow the truck to my house and have them put the tire on? Or, tow me to a tire store (which I had no clue where one was nearby)? He couldn't answer me.... all he could say was do what I thought best.
After about 45 minutes, the AAA tech showed up. He put enough air in the tire so I could follow him around the corner to a Discount Tire store.
I then proceeded to spend the next 2 hours waiting for a new tire to be put on.
My whole Saturday wasn't ruined, however, because Dale came over and cooked me Etouffe with crawfish and shrimp. It was fantastic. It was such a treat to have him cook dinner for me... and he can really cook! Later we watched the FSU football game... yes I actually watched football.
Today, he mowed my lawn for me. This man is so sweet.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Cell-out
I did it.
I have become one of the millions.
One of the millions who have a "cell" phone.
Okay, I have had a cell phone for several years... a prepaid one. I bought it when I went to New York City the first time. It made sense to make calls on it rather than pay the outrageous hotel fees, plus I would have something for emergencies.
I have been using this phone for 4 years now. At first, I never used it. But as time went by, it was convenient to have.
Really convenient.
I would be in Publix and need to ask a question about something and I would be able to just call home and ask... No second-guessing.
Over time, my need to use it increased. I had it on in the car after work so the kids could call. I had it on when I went anywhere away from the kids.
I found myself adding $10 every week. I finally had to ask myself... "What is the point in having a prepaid cell phone that costs almost as much as a 'real' cell phone?"
In addition, the kids had been harping on me to get their own cell phone. And they were relentless in their pursuit.
You don't need one, I would say over and over, like a broken record. My logic was unheard however. According to them, it wasn't fair. All of their friends had a cell phone. It's true, unfortunately, but that doesn't mean I will cave and get them one.....
Until yesterday.
I went to Sprint. David has his cell with Sprint and is very happy. I went down there with the intention of getting myself a phone... myself only.
But after about 15 minutes, I ended up getting the kids a phone.... I broke down and got the FAMILY plan.
God help me, I caved..... but the kids are so happy. And I am happy too, I have to admit.
The phones are all alike, except for the color. Mine is blue, Jessie's is pink, and Jason's is black.
I can see the value of them having a phone now. God, I am SO brainwashed I know. But I can see it.
I have become one of the millions.
One of the millions who have a "cell" phone.
Okay, I have had a cell phone for several years... a prepaid one. I bought it when I went to New York City the first time. It made sense to make calls on it rather than pay the outrageous hotel fees, plus I would have something for emergencies.
I have been using this phone for 4 years now. At first, I never used it. But as time went by, it was convenient to have.
Really convenient.
I would be in Publix and need to ask a question about something and I would be able to just call home and ask... No second-guessing.
Over time, my need to use it increased. I had it on in the car after work so the kids could call. I had it on when I went anywhere away from the kids.
I found myself adding $10 every week. I finally had to ask myself... "What is the point in having a prepaid cell phone that costs almost as much as a 'real' cell phone?"
In addition, the kids had been harping on me to get their own cell phone. And they were relentless in their pursuit.
You don't need one, I would say over and over, like a broken record. My logic was unheard however. According to them, it wasn't fair. All of their friends had a cell phone. It's true, unfortunately, but that doesn't mean I will cave and get them one.....
Until yesterday.
I went to Sprint. David has his cell with Sprint and is very happy. I went down there with the intention of getting myself a phone... myself only.
But after about 15 minutes, I ended up getting the kids a phone.... I broke down and got the FAMILY plan.
God help me, I caved..... but the kids are so happy. And I am happy too, I have to admit.
The phones are all alike, except for the color. Mine is blue, Jessie's is pink, and Jason's is black.
I can see the value of them having a phone now. God, I am SO brainwashed I know. But I can see it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Birthday girl
Jessie turned 13 yesterday. She's finally a TEEN!! Well technically she's been a teen since she turned 10 but now the sound of teen is in her age.
We celebrated this past Saturday. She had two friends come over for a sleepover. They played music and made up dance routines all day. It really brought back memories of when Laurie and I used to make up dance routines and cheers.
Her bootie included...
Two Webkins animals (a dog and an elephant)... Webkins is apparently the new Beanie Baby. For a mere $14.00 you get a stuffed Beanie Baby-like creature but the difference is that you adopt the creature and can go to the Webkins website and play games, etc., online.
It was funny because I knew she wanted a Webkin very badly, so I went to Blue Abaco to buy her one. They did the gift wrapping very nicely in a white bag with pink and white tissue paper. But the bag had their name and logo on it and I knew if she saw the "Blue Abaco" logo she would immediately know what was in the bag. She was the one who told me that Webkins were sold there.
So, being the crafty person that I am, I taped an index card with her name written on it over the Blue Abaco logo. She would never know now!!
Then her friend Morgan arrived with the EXACT same bag!!! And the sticker was showing!! God, I thought to myself, she's gonna know for sure now. I mean the bag was identical... same tissue paper and all. However, Jessie must have been too excited to notice, because she never picked up on it. While she was opening Morgan's bag, I was praying that it wasn't the same Webkin!!
She also received...
Some clothes from Grandma Jill that look fabulous on her. One such item is a black skirt that swishes and sways when she walks. It's scary to see my daughter with hips, I tell you.
Gift cards to Claire's and Justice for Girls from dad.
A CD of Hannah Montana, the latest in tween music. Actually she's very good. She is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, if you remember him.... Achy Breaky Heart.
A Nintendo DS and game called Nintendo Dogs. Actually she is buying the Nintendo DS with money from her grandparents, but I went ahead and bought it for her in advance so she would have something to play the game on.
She had a very good birthday I think. Here are some pics.
We celebrated this past Saturday. She had two friends come over for a sleepover. They played music and made up dance routines all day. It really brought back memories of when Laurie and I used to make up dance routines and cheers.
Her bootie included...
Two Webkins animals (a dog and an elephant)... Webkins is apparently the new Beanie Baby. For a mere $14.00 you get a stuffed Beanie Baby-like creature but the difference is that you adopt the creature and can go to the Webkins website and play games, etc., online.
It was funny because I knew she wanted a Webkin very badly, so I went to Blue Abaco to buy her one. They did the gift wrapping very nicely in a white bag with pink and white tissue paper. But the bag had their name and logo on it and I knew if she saw the "Blue Abaco" logo she would immediately know what was in the bag. She was the one who told me that Webkins were sold there.
So, being the crafty person that I am, I taped an index card with her name written on it over the Blue Abaco logo. She would never know now!!
Then her friend Morgan arrived with the EXACT same bag!!! And the sticker was showing!! God, I thought to myself, she's gonna know for sure now. I mean the bag was identical... same tissue paper and all. However, Jessie must have been too excited to notice, because she never picked up on it. While she was opening Morgan's bag, I was praying that it wasn't the same Webkin!!
She also received...
Some clothes from Grandma Jill that look fabulous on her. One such item is a black skirt that swishes and sways when she walks. It's scary to see my daughter with hips, I tell you.
Gift cards to Claire's and Justice for Girls from dad.
A CD of Hannah Montana, the latest in tween music. Actually she's very good. She is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, if you remember him.... Achy Breaky Heart.
A Nintendo DS and game called Nintendo Dogs. Actually she is buying the Nintendo DS with money from her grandparents, but I went ahead and bought it for her in advance so she would have something to play the game on.
She had a very good birthday I think. Here are some pics.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Trying
There is only so much in life that I can take.
I am trying to get divorced.
I am trying to deal with two teenage children who are challenging.... SO challenging.
I am trying to date a man who means so much to me.
I am trying to get dad to spend more time with the kids.
I am trying to work full time.
I am trying to get the kids counseling.
I am trying to be a better parent.
I am trying... I am trying.
But yet, I feel like I am failing.
I am trying to get divorced.
I am trying to deal with two teenage children who are challenging.... SO challenging.
I am trying to date a man who means so much to me.
I am trying to get dad to spend more time with the kids.
I am trying to work full time.
I am trying to get the kids counseling.
I am trying to be a better parent.
I am trying... I am trying.
But yet, I feel like I am failing.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Leaning to drive
Today, on my way to work, as I was sitting at a traffic light staring vaguely ahead and singing to my CD, I noticed a car coming from the opposite direction making a u-turn. The car was white. An older model car, big like a Cadillac, and it was leaning very much towards the passenger's side.
It was so lopsided that I thought the car would surely flip over. But it didn't. It looked like someone had jacked up the driver's side so that it towered above the passenger side.
And after the driver completed the u-turn, the car stayed that way. I thought it must have had a whole lot of weight on the passenger side to keep it down like that.
It really looked odd.
The light turned green and as I passed the car, I looked over and noticed that there was a VERY large woman holding a baby in the passenger seat.
It was so lopsided that I thought the car would surely flip over. But it didn't. It looked like someone had jacked up the driver's side so that it towered above the passenger side.
And after the driver completed the u-turn, the car stayed that way. I thought it must have had a whole lot of weight on the passenger side to keep it down like that.
It really looked odd.
The light turned green and as I passed the car, I looked over and noticed that there was a VERY large woman holding a baby in the passenger seat.
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