I cringe this time of year - resolution time - "Fresh new year" , "Time to start over, " Make yourself a better you". I agree with the idea of it all but it actually is just another day in life - another week, month, year. I shouldn't have to wait for a date to start fresh again. I should have the where-with-all to do it when it is needed.
Needless to say I have trouble sticking to resolutions. That's why this year I'm starting low and working up, baby.
2011 Resolutions
1. Make a 1 out of the 0 to correct 2010 to read 2011 on all correspondence and checks.
2. Bathe daily.
3. Stop ordering more magazines.
4. Take meds daily.
5. Get a GPS on my keys.
6. Stop asking if I can sing in my husband's group.
7. Learn how to type the word estimate not estaimate.
8. Remember it is only a football game when watching the Saints play.
9. Start packing a week ahead of time when going out of town for a crop, instead of the night before and thus bringing almost all I own.
10. Discover who I am and try not to long to be who I think I used to want to be.
11. Enjoy life.
While I am at this I will try to exercise more, eat right and spend more time with the kids.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
XOXO
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Friday, July 23, 2010
Mini He
This is a scrapbook page I made of Katie with my glasses on. Everyone says Sarah looks like Paul - and she does - but I think Katie looks like him as well. No one hardly agrees.
After I took the pic of Katie, I remebered the photo of Paul from grade school. I put the two together and shazam. It was a scrapbook page that was meant to be. I call it Mini He.
Now do you agree with me? :)
Oh no she didn't
Seriously Margaret Orr? Did she just say that the tropical storm will travel towards Covington?
Paul says that the winds look like they aren't too bad but we'll see what happens. I, as I know many of you, do not want to evacuate. Better make a Walmart run - water, batteries, chocolate - have to be prepared.
Paul says that the winds look like they aren't too bad but we'll see what happens. I, as I know many of you, do not want to evacuate. Better make a Walmart run - water, batteries, chocolate - have to be prepared.
The other side
Since I have not blogged in such a long time, blogspot is behaving differently and I could not post this pic on the previous post. I had to post a pic of Katie and her side of the van. I know you have been wondering and waiting, so after much ado about nothing ....
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Long time no write
It has been some long since I wrote. I always think I need to write something big or funny or something worth the time the reader is spending sharing a part of my life. I read different blogs and some are just snapshots of the blogger's day, random thoughts, likes, dislikes, photos ... well, you know. So I decided I will try to use brevity and blog more often but without so much.
So now, what do I post?
Shall I tell you about my day so far? Sarah and Katie are at Winshape C3 camp at church (9 to 5 baby!) and today was Village Day and Raving Fan Parking Lot. The girls are in different "villages". Saz is in Alpine -she is a ram (how appropriate) and Kates is in the Ocean village - she is a tigershark (also appropriate).
So now, what do I post?
Shall I tell you about my day so far? Sarah and Katie are at Winshape C3 camp at church (9 to 5 baby!) and today was Village Day and Raving Fan Parking Lot. The girls are in different "villages". Saz is in Alpine -she is a ram (how appropriate) and Kates is in the Ocean village - she is a tigershark (also appropriate).
The van had to be decorated half and half. We drew, painted, cut, glued and got all ready last night. At 7:30 we left for church and pulled up in the parking lot to assemble the van with decorations. Now we may not win, b/c there were a few really cute cars are rigged out, but we had spirit.
Monday, March 15, 2010
HGTV - You Tease You
I'm a sucker, I admit it. (OK first rabbit trail - what is the difference between a sucker and a lollipop? Some friends of mine came up with this question. I wish I had, it is so me, but I wonder myself. I think a lollipop is a round candy on a stick and a sucker is a flat candy on a stick, twisted paper, whatever. That's my thought. Probably should Google that.)
So, back to me being a sucker - I enter contests on line. Not all of them. I enter for things that are big dollar items like a year's worth of groceries, a car, money for my children's education, a house. I sadly expect sometimes I might have a chance to win. Why? Maybe because I am an optimist at heart (stop snickering people); okay how about crazy? Or a sucker?
I watch what info I give. Some sites have my info and I repeatedly enter contests with simply my email address. I get reminders to enter daily. I ignore them until my bills start to mount and then I make sure I enter. What in the name of Peter Pan am I thinking I will do with a house in New Mexico/South Carolina/Georgia/Tennessee? I am not moving. I love it here, except for the unarguably distressing heat during the hottest points in the summer. Then, not so much in love. But other than then, like now for instance, I love it here. The weather is so nice, flowers are peaking out, buds on the trees are showing off, people are out and about cleaning, mowing, landscaping, the kids are playing outside ... ah it is nice. And that also means no heat or air is needed. I really like that. And yet I still enter.
I suppose these companies are on to me. See if I win a house in Utah, I am so selling it and taking what is left after taxes to pay off my debt. They must know this about me. This is why I do not get picked. And I know the odds of being selected are greater than being struck by lightning while running with scissors under a ladder.
So tonight HGTV announced the winner of the Dream Home in NM. The winner was a "she" from New Orleans. Come on. I'm waiting. "Born and raised in the Big Easy" - well kind of, I think. "One who gives of herself to the community" - okay now we may be murky. And the winner is - a nice lady who lived in Gentilly, lost her home in Katrina and now lives across the river. Not only did the sweet soul win the house (which is loaded with the newest, latest and greatest), she has a new car and $500 K. Now I am happy for her but really - couldn't that have been split into three prizes? HGTV, if you are reading this, you need to kind of rethink this.
Soon a new contest will run and I will get an email. I will probably enter, providing the prize is good. And again I will be disappointed by the tease. Oh well. I didn't want to go live in NM (no offense friends who live there) anyway. Besides that gigantic check won't fit in my wallet.
So, back to me being a sucker - I enter contests on line. Not all of them. I enter for things that are big dollar items like a year's worth of groceries, a car, money for my children's education, a house. I sadly expect sometimes I might have a chance to win. Why? Maybe because I am an optimist at heart (stop snickering people); okay how about crazy? Or a sucker?
I watch what info I give. Some sites have my info and I repeatedly enter contests with simply my email address. I get reminders to enter daily. I ignore them until my bills start to mount and then I make sure I enter. What in the name of Peter Pan am I thinking I will do with a house in New Mexico/South Carolina/Georgia/Tennessee? I am not moving. I love it here, except for the unarguably distressing heat during the hottest points in the summer. Then, not so much in love. But other than then, like now for instance, I love it here. The weather is so nice, flowers are peaking out, buds on the trees are showing off, people are out and about cleaning, mowing, landscaping, the kids are playing outside ... ah it is nice. And that also means no heat or air is needed. I really like that. And yet I still enter.
I suppose these companies are on to me. See if I win a house in Utah, I am so selling it and taking what is left after taxes to pay off my debt. They must know this about me. This is why I do not get picked. And I know the odds of being selected are greater than being struck by lightning while running with scissors under a ladder.
So tonight HGTV announced the winner of the Dream Home in NM. The winner was a "she" from New Orleans. Come on. I'm waiting. "Born and raised in the Big Easy" - well kind of, I think. "One who gives of herself to the community" - okay now we may be murky. And the winner is - a nice lady who lived in Gentilly, lost her home in Katrina and now lives across the river. Not only did the sweet soul win the house (which is loaded with the newest, latest and greatest), she has a new car and $500 K. Now I am happy for her but really - couldn't that have been split into three prizes? HGTV, if you are reading this, you need to kind of rethink this.
Soon a new contest will run and I will get an email. I will probably enter, providing the prize is good. And again I will be disappointed by the tease. Oh well. I didn't want to go live in NM (no offense friends who live there) anyway. Besides that gigantic check won't fit in my wallet.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A new year full of crazy
We, we did it. We started the new year with a bang. Had a little get together with friends. Stayed up and greeted the year year with cheers and fireworks. Even had a fireworks grand finale that lasted about 5 seconds (it was pretty funny at the time).
Starting the new year with friends and family. Watched LSU play in the mud bowl. Ate some good food, yes.
Started the new year with ... swine flu. Or so I have diagnosed it to be such. Thanks to countless websites I have decided that Paul has swine flu. He definitely has the flu. which one is not clear but all his symptoms are the ones listed for swine flu.
I hope he gets better soon. Paul is not good sick. I hate when he gets sick. First I hate the fact he is actually sick and then the way he is when he is sick. He is stubborn. He is ultra sick. I don't know what to do for him. He likes to take things that I don't take like nose spray. Oh yuck. Hate that but he uses it when he gets stuffed up.
I pray he is better. It is painful to see someone you love like that. And he is quarantined. Must keep the girls away so they can stay well. Motive - wellness and attendance at school come Monday.
I must say that since Christmas day life in the crazy house has been tempered a bit by the wonderful invention know as Wii. Wii has entertained my children for countless hours already. They have over 50 Mii folk. They are battling it out, golfing, playing basketball, and shooting arrows. They are getting more exercise than I am (well until today when I must have walked back and forth to our room about 50 times now). I will use the Wii when they go to school. Already have my Mii set up. She is a bit pudgy. Need to slim her down.
I am not making resolutions this year. They are just guilt laced in disguise. I know what I need to do. I need to have a sit down with God and work those things out.
I do have hope that this year will be a better one. If I am more optimistic, then it can only better be better with that mere change alone. We are healthy (well except for the flu, colds and coughs we all have), alive, our needs are met and we are loved. Thank you God for giving us that and so much more.
A house full of crazy will continue to be such this year. Here's to an adventure!
Starting the new year with friends and family. Watched LSU play in the mud bowl. Ate some good food, yes.
Started the new year with ... swine flu. Or so I have diagnosed it to be such. Thanks to countless websites I have decided that Paul has swine flu. He definitely has the flu. which one is not clear but all his symptoms are the ones listed for swine flu.
I hope he gets better soon. Paul is not good sick. I hate when he gets sick. First I hate the fact he is actually sick and then the way he is when he is sick. He is stubborn. He is ultra sick. I don't know what to do for him. He likes to take things that I don't take like nose spray. Oh yuck. Hate that but he uses it when he gets stuffed up.
I pray he is better. It is painful to see someone you love like that. And he is quarantined. Must keep the girls away so they can stay well. Motive - wellness and attendance at school come Monday.
I must say that since Christmas day life in the crazy house has been tempered a bit by the wonderful invention know as Wii. Wii has entertained my children for countless hours already. They have over 50 Mii folk. They are battling it out, golfing, playing basketball, and shooting arrows. They are getting more exercise than I am (well until today when I must have walked back and forth to our room about 50 times now). I will use the Wii when they go to school. Already have my Mii set up. She is a bit pudgy. Need to slim her down.
I am not making resolutions this year. They are just guilt laced in disguise. I know what I need to do. I need to have a sit down with God and work those things out.
I do have hope that this year will be a better one. If I am more optimistic, then it can only better be better with that mere change alone. We are healthy (well except for the flu, colds and coughs we all have), alive, our needs are met and we are loved. Thank you God for giving us that and so much more.
A house full of crazy will continue to be such this year. Here's to an adventure!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's been awhile but wanted to be sure you caught this
Y'all. I have tried so many times to get to my blog and write. Always something gets in my way - work, family, laziness. I have the itch to write but it just doesn't get done.
Today I had to blog. I had to be sure that this did not get away from any of you as it almost did me. Check this out: http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/listedblogpost.aspx?post=1417410&_blg=1,1417410 .
Now I know it is Christmas time and we all have budgets or extended spending but you might want to put the brakes on and direct your funds into this baby.
Seriously. What the heck are we doing anymore? How can we be more ridiculous and outrageous?
If you have the cash to do this, please think about all the needy charities and ministries in this world. I think Brangelina would agree. Otherwise .... really... a sculpture incorporating smashed glasses and DNA? Why am I even surprised?
Today I had to blog. I had to be sure that this did not get away from any of you as it almost did me. Check this out: http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/listedblogpost.aspx?post=1417410&_blg=1,1417410 .
Now I know it is Christmas time and we all have budgets or extended spending but you might want to put the brakes on and direct your funds into this baby.
Seriously. What the heck are we doing anymore? How can we be more ridiculous and outrageous?
If you have the cash to do this, please think about all the needy charities and ministries in this world. I think Brangelina would agree. Otherwise .... really... a sculpture incorporating smashed glasses and DNA? Why am I even surprised?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
How much more can I get frustrated? (Maybe I should not ask....)
Y'all. I am at my peak. The summit. The edge. The end of my rope.
And today it is all because of FedEx. This breakdown brought to you by FedEx - a champion of aggravation!
I use FedEx because:
1. The drop off is blocks away from my house - the house full of crazy. I can walk when it is not sweltering outside. (Let me refer you to my previous post - 2 months ago.)
2. I have an account there and don't need to worry about paying.
3. It is easier to use FedEx ground that USPS.
It has been quite awhile since I have used FedEx until last week. As I normally do I fill out a slip, either online or by hand, pack up my package, drop it off and charge it . Easy cheesy.
I received a letter this week from FedEx. The credit card on the account has a problem and that I needed to go online to pay the charges or call FedEx. I chose go online.
The online experience was so trying. I input my email address. Could not be found. I input my other address - could not be found. OK. I sign-up, input all required info, input my account number and input the last 4 digits of my credit card. I assumed (silly me) they meant the credit card I wished to use on the account, seeing that I had to register the account online and it did not have any info tied to it. I hit submit and it asked me again to input the last 4 digits. I did that and it takes me back to the registration prompt. I quit. I did it all again and I get back to the prompt. Quit. Did it again. Yelled at the monitor. Ok. Three times I am the idiot now. So I decided to call.
I spoke with a rep, rather quickly I might have to say. She asked me the name on the account, to verify the address, and the last 4 digits of the credit card number on file. I did not know the last 4 digits. We opened that account umteen years ago. I do not even know what card has the issue - has it expired, is it the one we had to have renewed due to fraud? I do not know. She said she can't help me unless I had an invoice number or the cc #. I told her that I did not have an invoice, that I drop off my packages and that is that. She said she can not help me. Sorry. FedEx policy. Sorry. Policy. Sorry. Sorry.
Now let me refresh your memory. We received a letter stating I need to contact FedEX to give them new credit card info. I was calling to put the new credit card on the account so they can charge me. FedEx wouldn't go any further with me because I did not know what credit card I used years ago on the account. Is it me or does anyone else see the Catch 22 in this? I searched files, I pulled out old cc #s. I get madder and madder.
Then I have a thought - check the mail. Voila - an invoice. I give said invoice number to her and miraculously we can get through everything else as needed. All I needed to know now was could the charges on the account be put on the cc. I had to be transferred.
As I waited she came back on about 5 times to say she was trying to connect me but she was having phone trouble. (Did I say yet that it sounded like she was whsipering through a can rolling in gravel during all of this but when she put me on hold, Beethoven's 5th was on the highest volume the phone could tolerate before exploding the speaker out?) Finally I heard breathing (really I did) and I said "hello". The agent said"umm hello". I said "hello" and Beethoven blasted me off the receiver. I waited and she came back and then Ludwig was back. Finally she came back (hallelujah) and asks if I wanted to put the charges on the card. She took care of all and we were done.
The call alone took about 20 minutes, in all about 40. 40 minutes of my life I will not have back again. Couple that with the Sprint "courtesy" call I got today from somewhere outside of the US. Well, if he was not outside the US, then he was definitely not from the US. (I love all people from all over the world but dang nab - please- if someone works in customer service, sales or support - please, for the love of God and all that is good - please speak English correctly, audibly and with understanding. I know everyone needs a job but some jobs require English speaking skills.) I tried to kindly twart the call but ended up a 20 minute excrusiation instead.
I told him I was at work and he wanted to know if he could call me tonight. Sure - let me kick back tonight and talk with you while the kids need a bath, dinner needs to be made, homework needs assistance and to be checked, so you can tell me why since I am a valued Sprint customer, you need to sell me a new line for $9 a month for a family, friend or loved one. They'll even throw in a new phone (which believe me was so dang tempting since I have a hate/hate relationship with my phone) but I explained that I am just waiting for Paul's contract to expire and for the day that I accidentally drop my phone behind the tire of my van and roll over the stinking thing so I can get an iphone.
Why is everything so dang difficult these days? Why is customer service taking a national plunge? Why is technology making my life harder instead of easier? Why are other people who I am in no way related to, aquainted with or have any connection other than we are from the same species sucking time out of my day?
So all this has driven me to blog. Pretty or eloquent -no. Therapeutic - yes.
Got to go now. Time to experience life and gather more blog fodder. Have a customer service/telemarketing-free night all. Dah Dah Dah Dahhhh.
And today it is all because of FedEx. This breakdown brought to you by FedEx - a champion of aggravation!
I use FedEx because:
1. The drop off is blocks away from my house - the house full of crazy. I can walk when it is not sweltering outside. (Let me refer you to my previous post - 2 months ago.)
2. I have an account there and don't need to worry about paying.
3. It is easier to use FedEx ground that USPS.
It has been quite awhile since I have used FedEx until last week. As I normally do I fill out a slip, either online or by hand, pack up my package, drop it off and charge it . Easy cheesy.
I received a letter this week from FedEx. The credit card on the account has a problem and that I needed to go online to pay the charges or call FedEx. I chose go online.
The online experience was so trying. I input my email address. Could not be found. I input my other address - could not be found. OK. I sign-up, input all required info, input my account number and input the last 4 digits of my credit card. I assumed (silly me) they meant the credit card I wished to use on the account, seeing that I had to register the account online and it did not have any info tied to it. I hit submit and it asked me again to input the last 4 digits. I did that and it takes me back to the registration prompt. I quit. I did it all again and I get back to the prompt. Quit. Did it again. Yelled at the monitor. Ok. Three times I am the idiot now. So I decided to call.
I spoke with a rep, rather quickly I might have to say. She asked me the name on the account, to verify the address, and the last 4 digits of the credit card number on file. I did not know the last 4 digits. We opened that account umteen years ago. I do not even know what card has the issue - has it expired, is it the one we had to have renewed due to fraud? I do not know. She said she can't help me unless I had an invoice number or the cc #. I told her that I did not have an invoice, that I drop off my packages and that is that. She said she can not help me. Sorry. FedEx policy. Sorry. Policy. Sorry. Sorry.
Now let me refresh your memory. We received a letter stating I need to contact FedEX to give them new credit card info. I was calling to put the new credit card on the account so they can charge me. FedEx wouldn't go any further with me because I did not know what credit card I used years ago on the account. Is it me or does anyone else see the Catch 22 in this? I searched files, I pulled out old cc #s. I get madder and madder.
Then I have a thought - check the mail. Voila - an invoice. I give said invoice number to her and miraculously we can get through everything else as needed. All I needed to know now was could the charges on the account be put on the cc. I had to be transferred.
As I waited she came back on about 5 times to say she was trying to connect me but she was having phone trouble. (Did I say yet that it sounded like she was whsipering through a can rolling in gravel during all of this but when she put me on hold, Beethoven's 5th was on the highest volume the phone could tolerate before exploding the speaker out?) Finally I heard breathing (really I did) and I said "hello". The agent said"umm hello". I said "hello" and Beethoven blasted me off the receiver. I waited and she came back and then Ludwig was back. Finally she came back (hallelujah) and asks if I wanted to put the charges on the card. She took care of all and we were done.
The call alone took about 20 minutes, in all about 40. 40 minutes of my life I will not have back again. Couple that with the Sprint "courtesy" call I got today from somewhere outside of the US. Well, if he was not outside the US, then he was definitely not from the US. (I love all people from all over the world but dang nab - please- if someone works in customer service, sales or support - please, for the love of God and all that is good - please speak English correctly, audibly and with understanding. I know everyone needs a job but some jobs require English speaking skills.) I tried to kindly twart the call but ended up a 20 minute excrusiation instead.
I told him I was at work and he wanted to know if he could call me tonight. Sure - let me kick back tonight and talk with you while the kids need a bath, dinner needs to be made, homework needs assistance and to be checked, so you can tell me why since I am a valued Sprint customer, you need to sell me a new line for $9 a month for a family, friend or loved one. They'll even throw in a new phone (which believe me was so dang tempting since I have a hate/hate relationship with my phone) but I explained that I am just waiting for Paul's contract to expire and for the day that I accidentally drop my phone behind the tire of my van and roll over the stinking thing so I can get an iphone.
Why is everything so dang difficult these days? Why is customer service taking a national plunge? Why is technology making my life harder instead of easier? Why are other people who I am in no way related to, aquainted with or have any connection other than we are from the same species sucking time out of my day?
So all this has driven me to blog. Pretty or eloquent -no. Therapeutic - yes.
Got to go now. Time to experience life and gather more blog fodder. Have a customer service/telemarketing-free night all. Dah Dah Dah Dahhhh.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
It's too hot y'all!
Happy July 5th. Thought I would give the 5th a day of attention since the 4th got so much.
Summer is fully here my friends in the tropics of south east Louisiana. Last week I spent the weekend in a cabin in the swamp. Notice I say in the cabin. Well it would have been too difficult to crop (scrapbook) outside anyway but we really did not venture outside except to get better cell phone reception. (Side note - why is it that when you can't get tower or whatever it is that you need to make a phone call, you can text?) Back to the swamp - we did not go out also because it is so dang hot. Africa hot. The kind of hot when you walk outside you immediately start sweating. Now I am no fan of sweat, it's ok. But faucet pouring sweat down the face, the head from the scalp, behind the knees, even down the back is just yuck, if you do not have workout clothes or a bathing suit on. Today we looked at weather.com for the forecast - 96 degrees (another side note - how do you type the symbol for degrees? Anyone?) with 66 % humidity. Heck - you can drink the air with that much humidity.
This past week, well for most of it, it has been unbearably hot. I just want to say to anyone who HAS to work out side for a living - I feel so badly for you. Please drink a lot of water and find some shade. Actually if you can find shade it is not as bad. Who am I kidding? I was under a house (elevated) yesterday and last night and it was hhhhooooottttt.
The girls have been a bit bored and have decided that fighting at any given chance would help wain the hours away. I have threatened all sorts of punishments but one really is effective - "You will have to go outside for the rest of the day if you don't stop ....." Now surely you know that I would not just throw them out of the house into the back yard. I would be sure they had water. No really I can't do that unless there was a water feature in the backyard like, ummm, a hose. Even peace and quiet is thwarted by the dang heat.
What scares me most of all is the electric bill. I dread getting it. I know it will be high and I will have to live with that but it sure stings - twice. Once when I open it and then when I write the check.
Even the pool is hot. A little tidbit about me - I do not like hot water. I do not like to bathe in hot or even warmer water. I am not a fan of sitting in a mass of water that is hot at all. Now cold is too cold. I like cool to warm. So the pool right now is on the warm side and that is just nauseating to me. But the children like it. They don't care. Well actually they do. When Sarah and our friends went to the pool recently when Paul, Katie and I were at the emergency room for her lip (another blog at another time), they went to the pool and only stayed about 20 minutes. Should have sent her with shampoo and soap and had her clean up.
So as I write I am dreading this afternoon. Paul and his band, In His Company, are playing at the Mandeville Seafood Festival tonight on the Dew Drop stage. After they play Paul is playing with FBC Cov's worship team. It will be a long evening. I want to go see the Radiators at 4:30 but just don't know if I can take being out that long (and I suspect it will be crowded). Oh - we could go in the lake for a dip or at least get out feet wet. Hmmm.
Friends, stay cool. Stay indoors. Keep hydrated. Pray for a cool snap. It could happen. I need to go figure out what I am wearing so that when I get drenched today I won't be weighed down. Misery will have company.
Summer is fully here my friends in the tropics of south east Louisiana. Last week I spent the weekend in a cabin in the swamp. Notice I say in the cabin. Well it would have been too difficult to crop (scrapbook) outside anyway but we really did not venture outside except to get better cell phone reception. (Side note - why is it that when you can't get tower or whatever it is that you need to make a phone call, you can text?) Back to the swamp - we did not go out also because it is so dang hot. Africa hot. The kind of hot when you walk outside you immediately start sweating. Now I am no fan of sweat, it's ok. But faucet pouring sweat down the face, the head from the scalp, behind the knees, even down the back is just yuck, if you do not have workout clothes or a bathing suit on. Today we looked at weather.com for the forecast - 96 degrees (another side note - how do you type the symbol for degrees? Anyone?) with 66 % humidity. Heck - you can drink the air with that much humidity.
This past week, well for most of it, it has been unbearably hot. I just want to say to anyone who HAS to work out side for a living - I feel so badly for you. Please drink a lot of water and find some shade. Actually if you can find shade it is not as bad. Who am I kidding? I was under a house (elevated) yesterday and last night and it was hhhhooooottttt.
The girls have been a bit bored and have decided that fighting at any given chance would help wain the hours away. I have threatened all sorts of punishments but one really is effective - "You will have to go outside for the rest of the day if you don't stop ....." Now surely you know that I would not just throw them out of the house into the back yard. I would be sure they had water. No really I can't do that unless there was a water feature in the backyard like, ummm, a hose. Even peace and quiet is thwarted by the dang heat.
What scares me most of all is the electric bill. I dread getting it. I know it will be high and I will have to live with that but it sure stings - twice. Once when I open it and then when I write the check.
Even the pool is hot. A little tidbit about me - I do not like hot water. I do not like to bathe in hot or even warmer water. I am not a fan of sitting in a mass of water that is hot at all. Now cold is too cold. I like cool to warm. So the pool right now is on the warm side and that is just nauseating to me. But the children like it. They don't care. Well actually they do. When Sarah and our friends went to the pool recently when Paul, Katie and I were at the emergency room for her lip (another blog at another time), they went to the pool and only stayed about 20 minutes. Should have sent her with shampoo and soap and had her clean up.
So as I write I am dreading this afternoon. Paul and his band, In His Company, are playing at the Mandeville Seafood Festival tonight on the Dew Drop stage. After they play Paul is playing with FBC Cov's worship team. It will be a long evening. I want to go see the Radiators at 4:30 but just don't know if I can take being out that long (and I suspect it will be crowded). Oh - we could go in the lake for a dip or at least get out feet wet. Hmmm.
Friends, stay cool. Stay indoors. Keep hydrated. Pray for a cool snap. It could happen. I need to go figure out what I am wearing so that when I get drenched today I won't be weighed down. Misery will have company.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Why I like Summer
Everyone is making lists or answers questions on lists these days on the facebook interweb thing. I do not do these for many reasons - time, effort, and too much to think about and type. But I have been thinking about some things today that make me happy about summer. I thought I'd list them for you. There is no ranking here - just thoughts.
1. The smell of coconut - lotion, candles, drinks, whatever. Love coconut.
2. Get to sleep later than 6:45 a.m. except during VBS, camp weeks and if we happen to go on vacation and need to get up early to drive to get to the park, etc.
3. Swimming.
4. BBQ and ice tea. Now we do this all year but it just fits better in the summer.
5. Seasonal fruits and vegetables. Just bought 2 seedless watermelons and I think I almost single handed ate one of them. I have a new love for melons. Did not like cantaloupe when I was a child. Mine like it. Cool.
6. Growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and herbs.
7. The smell of fresh cut grass.
8. The smell of rain.
9. Snoballs. Plum Street hands down chocolate.
10. Wearing my Volatile sandals.
11. AC.
12. Going to the farmers market for vegetables.
13. Going on vacation.
14. Cleaning house - really cleaning. Organizing. Purging. Storing away treasures.
15. The beach.
16. Shrimp.
17. Being with the kids.
18. VBS.
19. Knowing school starts in August.
20. It gets dark later.
21. Baseball.
22. Waterparks. Swimming pools. Sprinklers. Hoses. Water in general.
23. Basketball.
24. Scrapbook retreat/crop/weekend and being with my peeps.
Now that was so positive of me. It was hard not to throw in the negatives. So what is a girl to do - list those negatives, of course.
1. School is out.
2. It is some kind of hot and muggy.
3. Bathing suits.
4. Shorts.
5. Work is at the same pace and the kids are at home so it makes it hard to get things done.
6. I just wanna play.
7. Lazy days, lazy girl.
8. Sunburn.
9. The electric bill is ridiculous.
10. May not be able to go on vacation this year.
11. Camping.
12. Hurricanes and evacuations.
13. Baseball. (I know I put it on Likes but sometimes it always seems to be on.)
14. The sounds of fighting.
15. Mosquitoes. Oh ok. They are out almost the whole year round but I'm not.
16. Watering the grass.
17. Bad snoballs.
18. Sweating like a faucet. Sweating is ok but not soaking.
19. Children boredom which leads to mother bothersome.
I guess that's it for now. Looks like the positives outweigh the negatives. Cool.
Happy summer everyone. Have lots of fun , don't forget your sunscreen, have lots of fun and make sure you are ready in case you have to evacuate. We'll probably be here on a staycation this year unless we win the HGTV Green House.
1. The smell of coconut - lotion, candles, drinks, whatever. Love coconut.
2. Get to sleep later than 6:45 a.m. except during VBS, camp weeks and if we happen to go on vacation and need to get up early to drive to get to the park, etc.
3. Swimming.
4. BBQ and ice tea. Now we do this all year but it just fits better in the summer.
5. Seasonal fruits and vegetables. Just bought 2 seedless watermelons and I think I almost single handed ate one of them. I have a new love for melons. Did not like cantaloupe when I was a child. Mine like it. Cool.
6. Growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and herbs.
7. The smell of fresh cut grass.
8. The smell of rain.
9. Snoballs. Plum Street hands down chocolate.
10. Wearing my Volatile sandals.
11. AC.
12. Going to the farmers market for vegetables.
13. Going on vacation.
14. Cleaning house - really cleaning. Organizing. Purging. Storing away treasures.
15. The beach.
16. Shrimp.
17. Being with the kids.
18. VBS.
19. Knowing school starts in August.
20. It gets dark later.
21. Baseball.
22. Waterparks. Swimming pools. Sprinklers. Hoses. Water in general.
23. Basketball.
24. Scrapbook retreat/crop/weekend and being with my peeps.
Now that was so positive of me. It was hard not to throw in the negatives. So what is a girl to do - list those negatives, of course.
1. School is out.
2. It is some kind of hot and muggy.
3. Bathing suits.
4. Shorts.
5. Work is at the same pace and the kids are at home so it makes it hard to get things done.
6. I just wanna play.
7. Lazy days, lazy girl.
8. Sunburn.
9. The electric bill is ridiculous.
10. May not be able to go on vacation this year.
11. Camping.
12. Hurricanes and evacuations.
13. Baseball. (I know I put it on Likes but sometimes it always seems to be on.)
14. The sounds of fighting.
15. Mosquitoes. Oh ok. They are out almost the whole year round but I'm not.
16. Watering the grass.
17. Bad snoballs.
18. Sweating like a faucet. Sweating is ok but not soaking.
19. Children boredom which leads to mother bothersome.
I guess that's it for now. Looks like the positives outweigh the negatives. Cool.
Happy summer everyone. Have lots of fun , don't forget your sunscreen, have lots of fun and make sure you are ready in case you have to evacuate. We'll probably be here on a staycation this year unless we win the HGTV Green House.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
So you want to renew your driver's license...
Today I decided to look into renewing my driver's license since it will expire this month. I went on line first to renew my car's registration. Filled out the form, used the info from my renewal statement that came in the mail, hit send, voila registration completed.
Next I was ready to renew my driver's license. When I go to the first page this is what I see:
Step 1a: Certify Conditions
By exercising this method of renewal, I am certifying under penalty of law the following:
- I have received a Louisiana computer generated mail-in renewal invitation.
- I have not experienced any loss of consciousness other than normal sleep.
- I do not have any mental or physical condition that would impair my ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Blah-de-blah blah about registration - so on and so forth, amen.
I certify the above statements to be true and correct. Yes, No
Ok. First what the heck do they mean have I not loss consciousness other than normal sleep. Really? Are they really asking this on this form? I just find that bizarre. Secondly - can I really honestly say I have no mental condition. I am almost 50 years old with 2 kids under 11 years old, own my own business with plenty stressful episodes daily, and so goes my life. Are they really expecting me to answer this honestly? Third(ly?), I am too honest sometimes. I can not continue on because I did not get a renewal in the mail.
So, now I have to call the DMV (or in the New Orleans area - the driver''s license place). After going through the automated directions (now here is a blog just waiting to happen - computer generated voice directions vs. a human - ok, a human that speaks English as their first or second language. People we live in the USA. Our official language is English. I expect to speak English or have someone at least understand English when they are in customer service. Another time though.) I am in the queue for 7 minutes, caller number 20. Thank goodness for speaker phones. Not only does the DMV have music on hold but helpful tips about driving, getting your license, registration and so on.
When I do speak to a customer service rep I am told that I can not renew on line because I did not get a renewal/invitation. She said they are like jury duty - some people get them and some don't. She said that when I go to the DMV (synonymous with going to the dentist or GYN) to make sure I have paperwork, my license and cash - $24.50. Now why? Why not $25? Will they make change? No check. No credit card. Just cash. $24.50. And she says to be sure when I get my license that my name and address is correct before I get out of line. I did not ask but I suppose if you are walking out, see they spelled your name wrong or gave you a different name or address and you go back, you have to pull a number and wait all over again. Now I don't know about you but that is just wrong.
I do not relish the idea of having to go there in the first place. The pool of humanity can be off the charts. There are things being said, stories being told or scenarios that just make my mind run amok that I would rather not experience. Secondly I feel intimidated in there. They have the power and they know it. I ain't messing around with them - you best believe. I want quick in and quick out. A nice photo would be a bonus but they can't pose you or tell you that "The first shot makes you look fat. Let's take another one darlin." Oh no. "Look here." Click. "That's all you get now move on." That's it for the next 2 years. And how about the weight question? I hope I don't get a look over the glasses or a "A huh". That would set me off and I can't afford to do that.
So wish me luck. Maybe I can use the experience for another blog. Or maybe I should pray I get a renewal form/invitation in the mail next time. Watch me get jury duty instead.
I'm off to unconsciousness.
Next I was ready to renew my driver's license. When I go to the first page this is what I see:
Step 1a: Certify Conditions
By exercising this method of renewal, I am certifying under penalty of law the following:
- I have received a Louisiana computer generated mail-in renewal invitation.
- I have not experienced any loss of consciousness other than normal sleep.
- I do not have any mental or physical condition that would impair my ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Blah-de-blah blah about registration - so on and so forth, amen.
I certify the above statements to be true and correct. Yes, No
Ok. First what the heck do they mean have I not loss consciousness other than normal sleep. Really? Are they really asking this on this form? I just find that bizarre. Secondly - can I really honestly say I have no mental condition. I am almost 50 years old with 2 kids under 11 years old, own my own business with plenty stressful episodes daily, and so goes my life. Are they really expecting me to answer this honestly? Third(ly?), I am too honest sometimes. I can not continue on because I did not get a renewal in the mail.
So, now I have to call the DMV (or in the New Orleans area - the driver''s license place). After going through the automated directions (now here is a blog just waiting to happen - computer generated voice directions vs. a human - ok, a human that speaks English as their first or second language. People we live in the USA. Our official language is English. I expect to speak English or have someone at least understand English when they are in customer service. Another time though.) I am in the queue for 7 minutes, caller number 20. Thank goodness for speaker phones. Not only does the DMV have music on hold but helpful tips about driving, getting your license, registration and so on.
When I do speak to a customer service rep I am told that I can not renew on line because I did not get a renewal/invitation. She said they are like jury duty - some people get them and some don't. She said that when I go to the DMV (synonymous with going to the dentist or GYN) to make sure I have paperwork, my license and cash - $24.50. Now why? Why not $25? Will they make change? No check. No credit card. Just cash. $24.50. And she says to be sure when I get my license that my name and address is correct before I get out of line. I did not ask but I suppose if you are walking out, see they spelled your name wrong or gave you a different name or address and you go back, you have to pull a number and wait all over again. Now I don't know about you but that is just wrong.
I do not relish the idea of having to go there in the first place. The pool of humanity can be off the charts. There are things being said, stories being told or scenarios that just make my mind run amok that I would rather not experience. Secondly I feel intimidated in there. They have the power and they know it. I ain't messing around with them - you best believe. I want quick in and quick out. A nice photo would be a bonus but they can't pose you or tell you that "The first shot makes you look fat. Let's take another one darlin." Oh no. "Look here." Click. "That's all you get now move on." That's it for the next 2 years. And how about the weight question? I hope I don't get a look over the glasses or a "A huh". That would set me off and I can't afford to do that.
So wish me luck. Maybe I can use the experience for another blog. Or maybe I should pray I get a renewal form/invitation in the mail next time. Watch me get jury duty instead.
I'm off to unconsciousness.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
10 years ago
Ten years ago around this time I was being driven to the hospital in Massachusetts to be admitted for a scheduled C-section for our first child. It was a misty morning and I was nervous and excited at the same time. We just moved to Massachusetts a few days prior. I went to see my new OB on a Thursday and he said "Looks like we'll have a baby on Monday". My reaction - "This Monday. Like the Monday after this Saturday Monday. Can we wait?" He said I could, but for how long. "A month or so maybe?" I replied. I was not ready. I just moved from New York, had boxes and boxes to open, things to put away, we did not have a changing table or any furniture for that matter. We borrowed Sheila and Kevin's baby bassinet. Fortunately for us, Cindy was in to see her folks in Conn. and she drove over to see us. When you need action done, Cindy is the one to call. She took good care of us and got all we needed for those first days.
So I remember the op room. Not a place that is cheery. It probably made me more nervous than ever. I can't recall all the procedures except for the arms out routine, the draping, the tugging and such. I however vividly remember when the doctor delivered the baby and showed her to me over the drape. Something came flying towards me before the baby so I was stunned when I saw the little one. They took her and cleaned her up, checked her out, measured her and such. Paul was right next to me. Staring down at me. He looked ashen. He kept stroking me. Then they gave the baby to Paul and he brought her down to me. All I could see was her face. She was a cocoon with a cap. But to me she was beautiful. I fell utterly, totally, fully and unconditionally in love with this child. Right there.
After I was all taken care of, we were in a recovery room. Us. Our new family. Our new baby - Sarah - Paul and me. Paul held her oddly at first. I suppose he was being very cautious. After awhile he did bring her to me in the bed. I stared at that child for the beginning of an eternity. There was nothing more important or more interesting to me at that time. Just Sarah.
And now 10 years later I reflect on what a wonderful child my Saz is. She is smart, talented, funny, beautiful, interesting, good hearted, and a blessed child of God. She is so precious to me. I love her with all I am. God has shown me what love is for a child that I never could have understood before. He has shown me what my mom feels, which I never did understand before.
Not everyday is a bed of roses I do have to admit. Those of you who know us know that I am at wit's end most days; some new adventure to traverse on a daily basis around here.
But all in all I am so proud of my Saz. She's a great kid. Thank you God for this child and for the blessing to be her mother. I prayed so many days for a child and You have answered my prayer many fold.
Happy Birthday my little pooka. Here's to your first decade. I love you dearly.
Mom
So I remember the op room. Not a place that is cheery. It probably made me more nervous than ever. I can't recall all the procedures except for the arms out routine, the draping, the tugging and such. I however vividly remember when the doctor delivered the baby and showed her to me over the drape. Something came flying towards me before the baby so I was stunned when I saw the little one. They took her and cleaned her up, checked her out, measured her and such. Paul was right next to me. Staring down at me. He looked ashen. He kept stroking me. Then they gave the baby to Paul and he brought her down to me. All I could see was her face. She was a cocoon with a cap. But to me she was beautiful. I fell utterly, totally, fully and unconditionally in love with this child. Right there.
After I was all taken care of, we were in a recovery room. Us. Our new family. Our new baby - Sarah - Paul and me. Paul held her oddly at first. I suppose he was being very cautious. After awhile he did bring her to me in the bed. I stared at that child for the beginning of an eternity. There was nothing more important or more interesting to me at that time. Just Sarah.
And now 10 years later I reflect on what a wonderful child my Saz is. She is smart, talented, funny, beautiful, interesting, good hearted, and a blessed child of God. She is so precious to me. I love her with all I am. God has shown me what love is for a child that I never could have understood before. He has shown me what my mom feels, which I never did understand before.
Not everyday is a bed of roses I do have to admit. Those of you who know us know that I am at wit's end most days; some new adventure to traverse on a daily basis around here.
But all in all I am so proud of my Saz. She's a great kid. Thank you God for this child and for the blessing to be her mother. I prayed so many days for a child and You have answered my prayer many fold.
Happy Birthday my little pooka. Here's to your first decade. I love you dearly.
Mom
Friday, April 24, 2009
Jazz Fest and I'm not there :(
Jazz Fest starts today. Love Jazz Fest. Jazz Fest was one of the main reasons I wanted to move back home . (OK, the cold weather, high housing costs and lack of great food were up there too, not to mention being around family) Jazz Fest is so much better than Mardi Gras. Great music of all types - jazz, gospel, rock, zydeco, Cajun, kids and so on. I love it all. I especially love the gospel tent. The music coming out that tent is so rich and encompassing. And so many of my favs are coming this year. OK I have odd taste perhaps but I love Joe Cocker, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Emmy Lou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Neville Brothers and The Radiators. Is Marva Wright going to be there? Love her. Jakob Taylor, The Robert Cray Band, Los Lobos will all be there. Erykah Badu, Rebirth Brass Band and the Imagination Movers. And oh so many more. MANY. Check out the line up http://www.nojazzfest.com/ .
$50 a day.
Now I am NOT saying this is not the best deal in the world - all these bands (and there are too many to count) for $50 a day. (Oh - they are playing on 5 days, not all on one day. Cher. That would be too much.) But $50. That is $110 for the 4 of us (kids $5 - now that is a DEAL). I can't pick what day I would go. And see that is another issue - parking. They do have parking in some spots but it is mostly hit or miss or park and ride.
And then there is food. The food is spectacular. And the crafts -oh the crafts are out of site. Some crafts people are history lessons of themselves and their art/trade.
Then there are the posters, the shirts, and so on.
And the weather is to be picture perfect. Hot now but no rain which means no mud.
Now if I could get free tickets, darlin' that would be sweet. Still not sure when I would go but it would make it all easier. Anyone have free tickets they want to share?
So I guess I will have to admire from afar - and I mean afar. I can go on the website and get the simulcast on 5/2 and 5/3 I suppose. Crack open a cool beverage of some nature. Break out the watercolors or clay. Stand in the sun in the backyard. Park the car 20 blocks away and go get it. That could give me some of the flava.
So here's to the 40th New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Guess the Nevilles will have to close without me - unless any Neville is reading and wants to donate some tickets?
If you can go - please do and let me know how it was. Just don't rub it in! Don't forget your sunscreen.
$50 a day.
Now I am NOT saying this is not the best deal in the world - all these bands (and there are too many to count) for $50 a day. (Oh - they are playing on 5 days, not all on one day. Cher. That would be too much.) But $50. That is $110 for the 4 of us (kids $5 - now that is a DEAL). I can't pick what day I would go. And see that is another issue - parking. They do have parking in some spots but it is mostly hit or miss or park and ride.
And then there is food. The food is spectacular. And the crafts -oh the crafts are out of site. Some crafts people are history lessons of themselves and their art/trade.
Then there are the posters, the shirts, and so on.
And the weather is to be picture perfect. Hot now but no rain which means no mud.
Now if I could get free tickets, darlin' that would be sweet. Still not sure when I would go but it would make it all easier. Anyone have free tickets they want to share?
So I guess I will have to admire from afar - and I mean afar. I can go on the website and get the simulcast on 5/2 and 5/3 I suppose. Crack open a cool beverage of some nature. Break out the watercolors or clay. Stand in the sun in the backyard. Park the car 20 blocks away and go get it. That could give me some of the flava.
So here's to the 40th New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Guess the Nevilles will have to close without me - unless any Neville is reading and wants to donate some tickets?
If you can go - please do and let me know how it was. Just don't rub it in! Don't forget your sunscreen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Candy Day
Can someone explain to me why every holiday has to have some sort of candy associated with it? Is the candy industry secretly running the country? I mean every time you turn around there is candy - the same candy mind you but wrapped in a different color or designed wrapper.
Start with Halloween. What is Trick or Treating without candy? Nothing. Sure you can pop some popcorn and buy some erasers and pencils but candy is meant to be handed out. OK. I get that.
Then it's Thanksgiving. OK, candy is not priority but it is available say for hostess gifts. Then Christmas. You name it and it is available, for stockings mostly but also for gifts and candy dishes.
Valentine's Day holds the market on candy I think. Say you just want roses or jewelry but candy is king.
Easter is also a big candy holiday. I happen to know that the Easter Bunny also gives out sports balls, dolls, knick knacks, gizmos and chips. But he prefers to distribute the sugary stuff. Oh and edible grass.
Mother's Day. There's a big candy holiday.
And then we rest for awhile. Guess the candy manufacturers go on vacation in the summer.
Maybe the dental association runs the country. Or Jenny Craig?
There is some candy I can just do without. Anything with marshmallows. Yuck. Anything with liquid goo inside. Yuck. Fruit flavored hard candy. Yuck. Fruit flavored hard candy with some jam like substance inside. Oh yuck. Floral flavored candy. Yuck. Jaw breakers. The dental association must be behind this. Sticky candy. See?
Now notice chocolate did not get on the list. Chocolate is the bomb and there is no substitute. Dark is preferred however milk is very good as well. Now to throw a kink in there - white chocolate. Back to yuck.
So now we have to purge this home of the evil stuff. I know I have a weakness for it. Hard to "be good" and have kisses and Dove bars around.
So happy belated candy holiday. I hear a malted milk ball calling my name. Shut up!
Start with Halloween. What is Trick or Treating without candy? Nothing. Sure you can pop some popcorn and buy some erasers and pencils but candy is meant to be handed out. OK. I get that.
Then it's Thanksgiving. OK, candy is not priority but it is available say for hostess gifts. Then Christmas. You name it and it is available, for stockings mostly but also for gifts and candy dishes.
Valentine's Day holds the market on candy I think. Say you just want roses or jewelry but candy is king.
Easter is also a big candy holiday. I happen to know that the Easter Bunny also gives out sports balls, dolls, knick knacks, gizmos and chips. But he prefers to distribute the sugary stuff. Oh and edible grass.
Mother's Day. There's a big candy holiday.
And then we rest for awhile. Guess the candy manufacturers go on vacation in the summer.
Maybe the dental association runs the country. Or Jenny Craig?
There is some candy I can just do without. Anything with marshmallows. Yuck. Anything with liquid goo inside. Yuck. Fruit flavored hard candy. Yuck. Fruit flavored hard candy with some jam like substance inside. Oh yuck. Floral flavored candy. Yuck. Jaw breakers. The dental association must be behind this. Sticky candy. See?
Now notice chocolate did not get on the list. Chocolate is the bomb and there is no substitute. Dark is preferred however milk is very good as well. Now to throw a kink in there - white chocolate. Back to yuck.
So now we have to purge this home of the evil stuff. I know I have a weakness for it. Hard to "be good" and have kisses and Dove bars around.
So happy belated candy holiday. I hear a malted milk ball calling my name. Shut up!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Y'all.
(First off I love using that word. Secondly I am always wondering if I am spelling it correctly. I used to write it this way - ya'll. But about 5 years ago I learned that it was wrong. So now I question myself when I write it. Anyway...)
I think I have see it all and then something new comes down the pike. The other morning on the Today Show they were showing gadgets. We always have the tv on in the office while we are working and turn it down when we need to talk on the phone. Otherwise we have on the news, the Today Show, House, Law & Order, stock (yawn) news... something. Occasionally we put on concerts. But in the a.m., we watch Matt, Meredith Ann and Al.
So they show this gadget. It is for a tombstone. It has a video screen. One can play the video when visiting the grave site. This is the best link I can find right now - www.vidstone.com.
Now really. I do think this ices the cake. They have them for pet memorials too.
People, maybe I just see things differently. Scratch that. I know I see things differently. I feel like I am from another world sometimes. This is a bit off. I find it a bit creepy to view a person and lots of photos of the deceased after they are gone at the grave site. Hey that's what scrapbooking is for.
If you have one of these do-hics and I have offended, I apologize. But seriously. Why? Who takes care of it should it go crazy - too much sun or rain? Or just it having the effects of time on it. I know my computer needs care every so many days so how is this thing-a-ma-jig going to hold out? And who puts the "show" together?
Ok. I have wasted too many moments of potential sleep on this. I must sign off. Need to get my rest so I can find something new to crown this.
(First off I love using that word. Secondly I am always wondering if I am spelling it correctly. I used to write it this way - ya'll. But about 5 years ago I learned that it was wrong. So now I question myself when I write it. Anyway...)
I think I have see it all and then something new comes down the pike. The other morning on the Today Show they were showing gadgets. We always have the tv on in the office while we are working and turn it down when we need to talk on the phone. Otherwise we have on the news, the Today Show, House, Law & Order, stock (yawn) news... something. Occasionally we put on concerts. But in the a.m., we watch Matt, Meredith Ann and Al.
So they show this gadget. It is for a tombstone. It has a video screen. One can play the video when visiting the grave site. This is the best link I can find right now - www.vidstone.com.
Now really. I do think this ices the cake. They have them for pet memorials too.
People, maybe I just see things differently. Scratch that. I know I see things differently. I feel like I am from another world sometimes. This is a bit off. I find it a bit creepy to view a person and lots of photos of the deceased after they are gone at the grave site. Hey that's what scrapbooking is for.
If you have one of these do-hics and I have offended, I apologize. But seriously. Why? Who takes care of it should it go crazy - too much sun or rain? Or just it having the effects of time on it. I know my computer needs care every so many days so how is this thing-a-ma-jig going to hold out? And who puts the "show" together?
Ok. I have wasted too many moments of potential sleep on this. I must sign off. Need to get my rest so I can find something new to crown this.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Capers of all sorts and sizes
I love my children. God has shown me what unconditional love is. He has it for me and I have it for my kids. God is patient with me and I am not so patient. I mean I wonder what in the world makes these girls tick. God already knows.
Tonight we are getting Katie to bed. Now to tell Katie to clean her room is like telling her to mess it up even more. You have to stand there and point by point tell her what to do. Here is where the no patience comes in. I either get more upset, or I walk away or worse I go in and take over. I have to. If I do not, the room will be a danger zone. Seriously. If you are missing something, go to Katie's room. Somewhere in there you will find what you are missing squirreled away.
So back to tonight, I hear Paul telling Katie to clean off her bed. (Sarah also has a room issue and the bed is my bane of contention with her. How can one sleep under books, blankets, clothes - clean and dirty - shoes, toys and who knows what else? Don't even think I approve of that but sometimes at day's end, I just want them in bed.) Katie is walking into the kitchen with crazy straws by the handful. Several trips. I decide to go in the room - even after being forewarned by my caring husband. (Today I had a long talk with God and asked Him to help me as a mother. I decided I would not let things get to me so much. I knew Satan would be all over that and throw as many curve balls at me as he could. Paul must have received a clue that I was trying to maintain today.)
I go in and it is not bad and not great. I start picking up and pointing out stuff on the bed. She has a boxed marble candle stick holder on the bed. She has a box of Aveda soaps that I got as a Christmas gift on her bed. 3 soaps. One is under her pillow unwrapped. Of course she has a sundry of toys and clothes on her bed and when I turned to the closet I looked down because something odd catches my eye. A jar of capers. A brand new jar that I bought yesterday. It has been opened and a quarter of the capers and liquid is missing.
Now, maybe this does not seem so odd but I have to say I am awestruck. I live with a pack rat. The rat from Charlotte's Web. I look to my husband and we start laughing in utter disbelief. Paul tells me he has nothing. He does not know how to manage this. I am past that.
I take the capers and leave. Kiss the child good night and walk to the refrigerator to put away the salty berries. And then I decide to type. Because frankly besides pray with which I will be doing in a bit, I just don't know.
I love that child.
I am missing a black cooking spoon. Bet it is in there. Think I'll hold off until tomorrow to look.
Tonight we are getting Katie to bed. Now to tell Katie to clean her room is like telling her to mess it up even more. You have to stand there and point by point tell her what to do. Here is where the no patience comes in. I either get more upset, or I walk away or worse I go in and take over. I have to. If I do not, the room will be a danger zone. Seriously. If you are missing something, go to Katie's room. Somewhere in there you will find what you are missing squirreled away.
So back to tonight, I hear Paul telling Katie to clean off her bed. (Sarah also has a room issue and the bed is my bane of contention with her. How can one sleep under books, blankets, clothes - clean and dirty - shoes, toys and who knows what else? Don't even think I approve of that but sometimes at day's end, I just want them in bed.) Katie is walking into the kitchen with crazy straws by the handful. Several trips. I decide to go in the room - even after being forewarned by my caring husband. (Today I had a long talk with God and asked Him to help me as a mother. I decided I would not let things get to me so much. I knew Satan would be all over that and throw as many curve balls at me as he could. Paul must have received a clue that I was trying to maintain today.)
I go in and it is not bad and not great. I start picking up and pointing out stuff on the bed. She has a boxed marble candle stick holder on the bed. She has a box of Aveda soaps that I got as a Christmas gift on her bed. 3 soaps. One is under her pillow unwrapped. Of course she has a sundry of toys and clothes on her bed and when I turned to the closet I looked down because something odd catches my eye. A jar of capers. A brand new jar that I bought yesterday. It has been opened and a quarter of the capers and liquid is missing.
Now, maybe this does not seem so odd but I have to say I am awestruck. I live with a pack rat. The rat from Charlotte's Web. I look to my husband and we start laughing in utter disbelief. Paul tells me he has nothing. He does not know how to manage this. I am past that.
I take the capers and leave. Kiss the child good night and walk to the refrigerator to put away the salty berries. And then I decide to type. Because frankly besides pray with which I will be doing in a bit, I just don't know.
I love that child.
I am missing a black cooking spoon. Bet it is in there. Think I'll hold off until tomorrow to look.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Post and win
Hey. Go to this site and post and maybe or maybe you may win a spot at ScrapEtc.'s event in Atlanta in May. Don't forget to mention I sent ya. Maybe I can get the chance to go too!
http://www.scrapetc.com/
http://www.scrapetc.com/
Reality TV - really?
Finally. A day to take a breath. I need to go to the grocery. No coffee in the house. But no, I can't even get to the Walmarts. Work is keeping me busy. Now if I can just close some deals. I am not a sales person by nature. I don't like sales people calling me so I equally don't like calling others. But hey, we have to pay bills.
So, I have been working tonight and have the TV on. The amount of junk or odd topics on TV is staggering. I had on a show on the Travel network on buffets or places that serve large meals. There is a place in the SW that serves a 15 lb. hamburger. It was gianormous. Four guys were going to eat it. Think about that. If equally split that would be almost 4 lbs. a piece. 4 lbs. It had 20 slices of cheese on it. I have never seen such a thing. That burger could feed a village in a third world country.
Then I saw a show on little girls competing in a beauty pageant. Who in their right mind takes a gorgeous natural beauty and turns her into Tammy Faye Baker to compete in a "beauty" contest? These kids had dyed hair, fake eyelashes, makeup to stump the anchors of the Today Show and fake nails. What in the world? BTW - interesting piece of info. I saw a woman on the Today Show this a.m. She wrote a book on girls self esteem and self image. She stated that she went to Africa and studied young girls there. They do not get the same media coverage of what a girls should look like, be like, etc. and she found their self esteem levels were higher than our girls here in the USA. After watching the beauty pageant I can understand the study a lot better.
I saw a show topic on the guide - why weight gain is in fact better for you. Thought about watching that but then felt the extra tire on my waist and chose not to, so I would not have another excuse to lean on.
Then there was Dog. You know Dog the Bounty Hunter. I enjoy the show but am so intrigued as to how good Beth looks. She has lost weight. Her chest is less chesty. Her hair is loonngg. I think she looks good. If I looked like her I would wear tank tops and leather pants, too, I think. Don't you find that would suit me?
After Dog was a show set in Louisiana - The Exterminators. It's a family business and they say dude a lot. These dudes go to places and rid the premises of rates, bugs, bats, whatever vermin may lie. Tonight it was raccoons and raccoon poop. Also they found a mummified rat. Nice.
Paul now has on Myth Busters and I am ignoring it. He told me that there is a new reality show coming on with Billy Mays. You know the OxyClean guy. It's called Pitch Men. I think it's about inventors and how to pitch their products. Paul says the tag line is Stop the Yelling and Start Selling. That's almost as sad as the show on the loggers. Or the Exterminators dudes.
Now I love Dirty Jobs. Mike really makes the show. And I like Biggest Loser. And I think that is it for reality. American Idol just doesn't move me. Hasn't really since Taylor won. Whew.
Think I will start a show. Here's the idea. A couple works together day in and day out together - have been for over 18 years (in computer years which is like dog years, that's like 105 years), have a business with craziness all about, 2 wild and unpredictable children a house in constant need of something and dissarray with a landscape that looks like a weed museum, with no time to do much of anything but remain stressed and rushed. Sounds like a loser which means it will be a winner. Don;t know if I could take the cameras though. How do Jon and Kate take it? 8 kids and cameras!
Now we have on a show -a real show. Trust Me is the name of it - about an ad agency in Chicago. I like it very much. Hits that creative side of me that is screaming to come out. Yeah yeah - after the accounting, the sales, the laundry, meals, school prep, blah, blah, blah.
Ok. Now the ExtenZe commercial is on. Need to turn off the tv. Dude. Shut up!
So, I have been working tonight and have the TV on. The amount of junk or odd topics on TV is staggering. I had on a show on the Travel network on buffets or places that serve large meals. There is a place in the SW that serves a 15 lb. hamburger. It was gianormous. Four guys were going to eat it. Think about that. If equally split that would be almost 4 lbs. a piece. 4 lbs. It had 20 slices of cheese on it. I have never seen such a thing. That burger could feed a village in a third world country.
Then I saw a show on little girls competing in a beauty pageant. Who in their right mind takes a gorgeous natural beauty and turns her into Tammy Faye Baker to compete in a "beauty" contest? These kids had dyed hair, fake eyelashes, makeup to stump the anchors of the Today Show and fake nails. What in the world? BTW - interesting piece of info. I saw a woman on the Today Show this a.m. She wrote a book on girls self esteem and self image. She stated that she went to Africa and studied young girls there. They do not get the same media coverage of what a girls should look like, be like, etc. and she found their self esteem levels were higher than our girls here in the USA. After watching the beauty pageant I can understand the study a lot better.
I saw a show topic on the guide - why weight gain is in fact better for you. Thought about watching that but then felt the extra tire on my waist and chose not to, so I would not have another excuse to lean on.
Then there was Dog. You know Dog the Bounty Hunter. I enjoy the show but am so intrigued as to how good Beth looks. She has lost weight. Her chest is less chesty. Her hair is loonngg. I think she looks good. If I looked like her I would wear tank tops and leather pants, too, I think. Don't you find that would suit me?
After Dog was a show set in Louisiana - The Exterminators. It's a family business and they say dude a lot. These dudes go to places and rid the premises of rates, bugs, bats, whatever vermin may lie. Tonight it was raccoons and raccoon poop. Also they found a mummified rat. Nice.
Paul now has on Myth Busters and I am ignoring it. He told me that there is a new reality show coming on with Billy Mays. You know the OxyClean guy. It's called Pitch Men. I think it's about inventors and how to pitch their products. Paul says the tag line is Stop the Yelling and Start Selling. That's almost as sad as the show on the loggers. Or the Exterminators dudes.
Now I love Dirty Jobs. Mike really makes the show. And I like Biggest Loser. And I think that is it for reality. American Idol just doesn't move me. Hasn't really since Taylor won. Whew.
Think I will start a show. Here's the idea. A couple works together day in and day out together - have been for over 18 years (in computer years which is like dog years, that's like 105 years), have a business with craziness all about, 2 wild and unpredictable children a house in constant need of something and dissarray with a landscape that looks like a weed museum, with no time to do much of anything but remain stressed and rushed. Sounds like a loser which means it will be a winner. Don;t know if I could take the cameras though. How do Jon and Kate take it? 8 kids and cameras!
Now we have on a show -a real show. Trust Me is the name of it - about an ad agency in Chicago. I like it very much. Hits that creative side of me that is screaming to come out. Yeah yeah - after the accounting, the sales, the laundry, meals, school prep, blah, blah, blah.
Ok. Now the ExtenZe commercial is on. Need to turn off the tv. Dude. Shut up!
Friday, March 20, 2009
No lie
OK. They are home again. Sick. My babes. My offspring. My love angels on earth.They are hungry. "Katie, what do you want for breakfast?" " A salami sandwich and pickles." There was no prompting from me. I could not (well, yes I could because I am the Mom and I know my girls. OK. Rabbit trail - isn't it amazing how in a room full of kids you can still hear your child's voice when she calls Mom out? I even saw a mom call to her daughter, in a soft voice, from about 10 feet away in a crowded loud room and the 2 1/2 year old heard her. Amazing.) believe it.
So I did what all moms or scrapbooking moms would do. I took a photo. Here she is.
Side note - I was looking on google for the name of a person who sells pickles (anyone see Crossing Delancy with Amy Irving?). Turns out it is pickle-maker.
But oh this is what I found...
You must see this. I did not know about this and now am intrigued.
OK. Off to tend to other issues in the home. Need to make lunch. No telling what that is going to be.
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