Jana say 'qua'

Christmas Cookie Exchange, etc.

2009-12-23T16:15:00.002-06:00

Ms. Susie has invited me once again to join her Cookie Exchange festivities. I am honored to attend, and will be sure to take my shoes off at the door. I have cute warm little sockies to wear instead.

I don't have the time nor the energy to upload new pics, so old pics must suffice.

Our Christmases are filled to the brim. When we first got married, for the first several years both LP and I worked either Christmas Day, Eve, or both. We were flying in every different direction. Some years we did our celebrations on the 24th, the 23rd, even the 26th. Once Rug was born though, both he and I had non holiday working jobs (me being a SAHM for awhile anyway). So for the past 10 years our Christmases have looked like this:

Christmas Eve Day: Baking cookies

Christmas Eve evening: Trek over to my Mother in laws, LP's mom and stepdads.

(if LP and I got each other something, we usually open it after we get home when the little ones are snug in their beds)

Christmas a.m.: Open our gifts from Santa, then off to LPs dad's for brunch.

Eat way too much.

Go home, unload, nap.

Around 4 p.m. head off to my parents' house 1/2 hour away for one more go at it.

***************************************

Needless to say, it's exhausting. Now, last year and this year, I have to work. Just 3 hours, and I get time and a half, so it's not too big of a deal, but basically replace that nap with working. Bummer, right? Plus this year, Christmas falls on my day OFF but we are all required to work. Double bummer. But still, it's not a big deal, cuz I'm at home in my PJs surrounded by my family. It's all good!

***************************************

I love dips and appetizers, I could literally eat them all day long. I just went recently to a party and one of the attendants brought these delicious meatballs along. They were so yummy, that she was hesitant to give me her secret recipe. But fortunately she did, and I will be making them for New Year's this year. Enjoy:

YUMMY DELICIOUS MEATBALLS

Frozen Meatballs
2 12 oz jars Heinz chili sauce (or BBQ sauce)
1 32 oz jar grape jelly
1 bag meatballs (about 80 in a bag)

Put chili sauce and jelly in a large pot, heat until jelly is melted and sauce is smooth, stirring often. Add frozen meatballs; heat until meatballs are thawed and then simmer for 3 hours.

Hey, if you want to make your own meatballs, go right ahead. I'm just making your life a little less stressful.

MY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS:

We read Twas the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve before the kids go to bed. We all pile into our bed, snuggle up and LP reads it. This year I got one of those recordable editions, so his voice will be reading it forever. I love that.

We also go to look at Christmas lights and crank up the Christmas music and then make cookies afterwards. It's the best tradition ever, really.

One last tradition we have is more of my husband's, that is, he every year will promise that next year we will have the best Christmas light display on the block.

We have not had ANY Christmas lights up in 5 years. Gotta love him. And I do! LOL

Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy every moment, smell, sound, and taste of the season. It truly is magic.

And thanks Susie, again, for making me blog and for your friendship. I love ya.

(PS, that was last year's Santa picture, but most definitely a classic)

Someone should call Blog Welfare Services

2009-12-17T16:22:00.002-06:00

This pic cracks me up. I was really, really drunk. First time I'd ever had sake. Have you ever had it? It will knock you out.

Well, I guess my blog is on my New Year's resolutions. I'm really gonna try in 2010, I promise.

No, really.

See you January 1st.

Janasayqua's Book Club*

2009-08-06T09:34:00.004-05:00

*not to be confused with that OTHER book club.

OK so a few posts back I told you I was gonna read a book about cancer, which I thought I'd hate, but actually did enjoy, it was called "Middle Place" and when I finished it, at the end of the book the author described a piece she'd written and BAM it hit me. A few months ago (years?) someone emailed me a woman speaking from You tube, about women and relationships, and it had come at a time in my life where there had been drama with friends, as well as a loss of parents, as well as drama with our kids. It hit HOME, and the fact that the author of this book was also the person in this video, make me respect and appreciate her all that much more.

Here is that video:

TRANSCENDING

So after i was done, I promised myself I'd read "Pride and Prejudice", by Jane Eyre, as recommended to me by the women in the book I read about the potato peel pies.

This deemed far more difficult that I'd originally planned.

"Pride and Prejudice" is, in a simple description, NOT a summer read.

It is to be read on cold winter nights in front of a fire when all the kids are sleeping and you have nothing else to do.

NOT when it is beautiful outside and you have 8 million other things you could be doing. Oh my gosh. While I was reading this book, at least 4 people saw it and said, "Oh! One of my FAVORITE books!" Upon which I replied, "Yeah? When did you read it?" and the response was ALWAYS "in college".

Did you remember what you were doing in college? No-thing. Nothing. Therefore, you had time to fill your head with the 18th century prose that is far more difficult to decipher when you have a 2 year old shoving a sippy cup in your face saying "More mommy" and the sound of the Instant Messager from your 12 year old in the background as well as your 9 year old dancing to Lady Gaga...do you see my point here?

So it was nice when we went on a short vacation and I could sit by the pool and read it, without interruption. I was finally 'getting into it'.

Then we got home, and the book went missing. Hmm. I mourned for about 30 seconds.

I went right out and got Danny Evans' book "Rage Against the Meshuggenah" (from DadGoneMad) and will start it posthaste!

Oprah's got nothing on me.

winery

2009-07-27T08:29:00.002-05:00

1. Must find out the name of that Riesling of which I finished entire bottle.

2. Must always remember to NOT eat cheese, even if it's Swiss, even if it's with crackers. Does not negate my lactose intolerance.

3. Must go to this winery more than once in my life.

Blog lest ye be blogged

2009-07-23T10:50:00.006-05:00

Susie reminded me today what started all of this, my poor neglected blog. But right this second I am being reminded also of why I stopped. Trying to get through a blog post while working is almost impossible. There is always a CT brain scan or MRI to type. It ain't like it used to be, the carefree days I had of babysitting and making my own schedule, which was exactly what I was doing when I started this venture in 2005. But I refuse to shut er down, no way. I still have to keep my little place in the universe.

Why not blog when you're done working one might ask. Well, the summer has been a good one, and with a backyard that looks like this one does not want to be inside for any millisecond longer:

So what has gone on this summer? Well, the whole family went to Greece leaving me and Mo behind. We had fun without them but also missed them terribly. The review from Greece: Food was OK, the Acropolis and ruins were amazing, and they totally took their tops off at the beach, Mom!!!

Seriously, that is all I got. Some good pics though:

I had a 'cool mom' moment and let Al dye her hair pink:

I only consider this a success because I was able to do it without staining my floors, cabinets or walls. For me, this is a huge success. I rarely succeed at much.

I also succeeded in pissing off a lot of moms, cuz everywhere we went, tweens were squawking, "OMG! That is like, sooo cool. Mom, I want to do that to my hair!" Stink eye, everywhere I went.

We took the girls on a float trip, which was wonderful and lame at the same time, because my family is just NOT outdoorsy as I'd like them to be. Mo absolutely LOVED it, so maybe I'll just take her with me. Mo is a natural knee slapper, and will find any way at all to make people laugh. Her favorite way to get out of trouble:

Mo: Hey Mom guess what.
Me: What Mo.
Mo: Chi- wow wow.

This goes on and on and on. I'd say it never loses its humor, but, yeah, it sorta has. She loves chihauhuas, and now I can't say that word without saying 'wow wow'.

Finally, the reason that precipitated this blog post, was a conversation I had with LP last night. Bera in mind, I chose "LP' as his alias several years ago based on a conversation he and I had. He kept calling me his Life Partner, insisting to his uncle (involved in the conversation at this particular time) that he and I were meant to be, and that I was the yin to his yang. It was a bit tongue in cheek, but still nonetheless true. So LP was a good moniker for him, so I thought.

I was talking about something, and he quipped something in return last night. I laughed, and said, "Oh, I am SO Twittering that."

He became defensive.

"Now wait a second, I'm going to have to start charging you for stories, like Kramer did to J. Peterson. These stories and my witticisms are gold, and you can't just go and twitter them."

"Take it easy there pal," i said. "I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I always say you said it.

"Do you use my real name?"

"No."

"Well, I know you use Janasayqua or Vajana, what do you call me? I hope it's not ridiculous."

"I call you LP. You know why."

******silence******

"REALLY?"

"Sure. Why?"

"Well, I know you said you sometimes you and your internet friends were no-holds-barred, but I can't believe you call me that. That's great!"

"wait....uh, what do you think LP stands for?"

"Large Penis?"

...............

OMG. I am on the floor laughing so hard that I could barely type ROTFL if I tried.

summer time

2009-06-09T15:07:00.004-05:00

sometimes i really hate living in the Midwest. just an observation.

Last year we went to Pere Marquette for a weekend and it was such a great weekend.

We went again this year, only it was COLD and the pool was crowded and the food was expensive and it just wasn't. the. same.

but Rug got her first horse ride, and she had some issues with her horse really liking to stop to eat and our guide, Enos, yes, his name was Enos, just had little patience with her and her inability to stop a horse from eating. I mean, really.

I did the Tour de Cure, not a lot of miles but 15 anyway. I could have done 30 but the girls wanted to go to the water park.

I have pictures but i need to get them developed first, as i forgot my camera and had to buy a disposable!! :)

this is a lame post and i should probably delete it. but i wanted to post some pics so endure please.

Rug singing take me out to the ballgame in the dugout at Busch Stadium. How cool is that? We had a great day, touring the stadium and hanging out.

Al has a boyfriend. There, I said it. He has been instant messaging her for months, and finally admitted it last week. I would freak out, but, my first boyfriend was in 5th grade so whatever. I asked her why she likes him, and she said, 'he is funny, smart, and the most honest boy i know.'

what more could I ask? :) Thank God it wasn't, "he is always in the hallway and I love how he talks back to teachers."

Then again, let's wait and see what happens with Rug. I don't even want to think about Mo dating. Yikes.

Daily Assignment

2009-06-02T20:53:00.003-05:00

I started blogging in February of 2005. I started mostly so I could be a part of the comments section on Dooce, and that is where I found a gaggle of ferocious personalities, many of whom I still consider internet friends.

Somehow, through that venture, I met Deb.

Not sure how or when, but I know that when I found her blog, it instantly went into my bookmarks under 'Favorites'.

Deb was soon thereafter diagnosed with leukemia, and I saw her through her first round, kicking its ass along the way, up until last week, May 18th, when Deb succumbed to the disease she fought so valiantly against.

I was always amazed at how upbeat and positive Deb was, regardless of her circumstances. She was frank, and honest, and held nothing back. I always left reading her blog feeling empowered to take on anything that stood in my way.

Many days, Deb would give her readers an 'assignment'. This assignment could be simple, like saying hi to a stranger, or more in depth, like taking your mom/dad out to dinner, or forgiving that one person you've been denying forgiveness. Deb set out to let us see the power we possess, and the choices we had daily to do good in the world.

When she passed away, many of her blog friends, including myself and Circus Kelli, wanted to do something to pay tribute to such a 'fabu' lady.

Since many of us have Twitter pages, we came up with the idea for a Twitter page for Deb's Daily Assignments. That way, Deb's idea of helping others find the good in themselves would continue, in her honor. CK designed the page, and I will be posting the daily assignments, with anyone who wants to suggest and post assignments to happily do so as well.

I decided to start with the very first Daily Assignments that Deb herself suggested, taking them from her blog and follow them as closely as possible. Once they are done, I'm sure we will be inspired to come up with many of our own!

We hope that this Twitter page will be a great place to discuss how we each interpret and 'complete' the assignments, as well as a lot of Chuck Norris jokes, because as you may know, Deb really enjoyed those.

Finally, as Deb asked us to do, we will have a link to the fund set up for Zoe, Deb's daughter, because Deb's last assignment was for all of us to take care of her. She is a special girl and deserves nothing but the best. Plus, she's awful cute.

I hope you will find the time to follow this Twitter page and help us honor Deb with her daily assignments, and we can continue the Queen of the Universe's reign.

Debutant's blog:

http://www.debutaunt.com/archives/000847.php

Twitter Daily Assignments:

http://twitter.com/dailyassignment

Regret

2009-05-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

book club

2009-05-28T07:37:00.003-05:00

i put this pic up, becuz this is the one i like better, Mo did something that made Al and I laugh, and Rug was, well being Rug, so this fits us nicer than the 'posed' pic from before. Love it.

I went to Borders with the girls the other day as we had some time to spare, and I was looking for a book someone had suggested, "I am the Messenger". I looked everywhere, but could not find it, and had a 2-year-old tearing through there knocking books down and causing havoc, so I just gave up. I grabbed a quick Greece travel guide for LP and of course the other 2 had already picked out about 15 books between the two of them, of which I told them to narrow down to one each.

At the counter, the woman at the register said, "Did you find everything?" a question I know they are required to say to me, to get that one last sale, and I said, "NO DAMMIT! i NEED A book to read! and I can't find one!"

(you who have read my blog for years know, of course i didn't say this but it sounds so much better than the 'not realllly' that was uttered). She pointed to a stack of books next to the register and said, "this will make you laugh". I grabbed one off the top, gave it to her to scan and said, 'Done.'

I NEVER do this. I have to know about a book before I buy it, and really want it. It takes at least one good review or recommendation for me to even get a book at the LIBRARY.

When I got home, I started to read it, and could barely get through the first chapter. This was with LP watching baseball, and Rug and Mo wrestling on the bed I was trying to read it in.

The next night I gave it another try, and could not put it down. Then of course, I made the biggest reading mistake and read the rest of it in one night. Now I'm sad it's over.

In the first few pages, we learn about the main character, who used to work in bookstores, and who talks about how her and her co-worker would NEVER suggest the books near the cash register, as they were usually the ones the publishers are trying to push, but instead take the reader to Jane Eyre way in the back.

At that point, I realized I had just been duped by a publisher...but happily so. Because although I read (and loved) the publisher's pushed book...it also convinced me to go read Pride and Prejudice, a book the character would have recommended instead anyway!

Now I'm off to start another book, one I've already decided I probably won't love, since it's about CANCER and really, not too excited to read but it was a gift, so I feel compelled. After that I'm re-reading "On a Pale Horse" a Piers Anthony book I read in junior high, about the Immortal Death, that I want Al to read but want to be sure it's not too racy for her...and then Pride and Prejudice is next on the list.

So I'm not the lady at the cash register, and I would wholeheartedly recommend "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" to anyone who wants a good, funny read. You'll love it. Just get past the first chapter. :) In a sense, it reminds me of my internet friends, people whom I have never met, and probably never will, but we can band together and feel as close as anyone can in 'real' life. My own society, as it were.

No potato peels though. That's just gross.

oops

2009-05-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

i meant to add a pic onto that previous post. So here's one.

yes! It's me! I'm blogging!

2009-05-19T10:16:00.002-05:00

can I organize my thoughts into one coherent post or not is the question though. Probably not. I feel like I am putting together a Power Point presentation sometimes when I think about blogging. Put in my most important points with asteriks, timeline them, and put a small paragraph or two on the main ideas. My English teacher would have been so proud of my outlining abilities.

But I chuck it all and throw caution to the wind, instead just typing as I go and not knowing what might come out.

I've lost my voice the last few days, so that is probably the catalyst for my writing. I can't speak, but I can type, by golly. LP is enjoying it thoroughly, because when I try to speak I sound like a forlorn bullfrog, and even I can't stand the sound of that.

It's the last week of school for Al, and on Friday she will be a....SEVENTH GRADER. Dear Lord in Heaven pray for me. Also, I've become the mom from "Because I said so" in that there is this boy who just LURVS him some Al and she is so nonchalant about him...and I am all, "AL! He is SOOOO cute!! Are you kidding me!!" and she is, of course, all, "WhatEVER mom (tween eye roll)". Ah, do you realize when I started this blog she was in 2nd grade? Holy cripes.

Both of my kids are going back to the private school next year. Both of them were SUPPOSED to go to the public school, but somehow they coerced us into staying. Not sure how I feel about that yet, but I know they will both be happy there at any rate. Just hope it doesn't make them too sheltered is all....

RUG still has a few weeks of school left, she is at the public school right now...they leave in June for Greece, and I am still torn about whether to go or not. I have a small window of opportunity if I do go. Anyway, her grades have improved significantly at the public school, esp. in READING (she likes to read! And gets books without me begging!) so I was disappointed when she said she wanted to go back to the other school. I know it's because it's been hard making friends for her, but I do wish she would have given it more of a chance. Funniest thing she did lately: For Mother's Day, she wrapped up an old bracelet of mine, with a card attached that said: "Please check here if I'm the best kid ever: Yes: No: "

She is awesome.

Mo is crazier every day. We have yet to set sail for the Potty Training Island but that will be here soon enough. Sneezing in front of Mo is the best, the way she says, Bless you! and then you say thank you, her 'You are WELCOME' is the sweetest thing since the invention of Laffy Taffy. Also, she really, really loves rocks.

My goose family has grown, because apparently they told their goose cousins about our place and so we now have 3 families of geese on our pond. Makes for a lot of cute gosling sightings.

On an unfortunate note, a bird has tried multiple times to create a nest in our BBQ grill. And she is PISSED about us taking it out every day. I feel bad, cuz, really, flying from here and there with all those twigs and such? TONS of work I'm sure. Only for her to find it gone again the next morning? Yeah, I'd be chirping my head off too. LP finally duct taped the holes on the side so she wouldn't start again. I love me some birds, but I really love LP's BBQ more, sorry.

Finally, last note, Debutant passed away yesterday, which just SUCKS for anyone who was ever touched by her, including ME. She was a beautiful soul, and will be missed terribly. I am in conjunction with Circus Kelli, trying to start up a Twitter page so her 'daily assignments' can continue as a tribute to her and her universal awesomeness.

sunburn

2009-04-26T08:31:00.003-05:00

I've spent my only two paid days off that I've accrued to going to camp again with Alex deep in the woods of Southern Illinois this week. I truly enjoyed it last year. This year....um, not so much. This was due to sleeping in a cabin with 3 walls in 40 degree weather, and parents who were more concerned with drinking than spending time with their children. The kids were really well behaved.

But it was nice spending time with one of my favorite daughters. I was complimented by one of the other moms as having a daughter with 'one of the brightest personalities she'd ever come across', and I guess when her child had been picked on earlier in the year, Al was the only one who'd come to her defense. Makes my heart sing!!

Today I am nursing sunburnt arms, which is odd for me, as it is usually my face that is beet red, but somehow I put enough sunscreen there but my arms are definitely half cooked on the one side, raw on the other. These are the sacrifices one makes when one has a 5 hour track meet, 2 soccer games and a birthday party in one day. We were out in the sun for a total of 11.5 hours yesterday. Mo was the only one who did not get a lick of sunburn. We like her best, I suppose.

Rug is preparing for her trip, and, after taking in all the advice, I have decided to stay back. It is KILLING me for sure, I mean...it is GREECE for pete's sake. But, I just have to suck it up and perhaps take my other daughter(s) on a trip while they are gone. I am still thinking about having Al go too, but I don't know that I could bear to have all of them in a different country without me. They went to Kentucky last weekend without me, and that was hard enough.

May is going to be a quick one, we have a lot going on. I am still riding the Tour de Cure June 6th, and I have yet to set my booty on my bike since I've registered! What! I know, I am a loser, but the weather has been awful. Today, of course, is gorgeous, since I will be inside in front of a computer all day! Naturally.

I have little to say, just a little check in if you will. Also, in my sunburnt stupor, in bed last night LP and I watched "What happens in Vegas", and, as valiant as he is with his malaria nets, Ashton Kutcher could not make this movie funny. I suggest you not make the same mistake I did and waste your time on it. Can you say, 'studio obligation'???

here is a pic of Al and I at the Grotto at the Camp, where they have mass in a cave!

My conundrum

2009-04-14T09:51:00.002-05:00

Do you all remember a few months ago when I said Rug was nominated to win a trip to Greece to play soccer?

Yeah, well, she won.

I know, I am SOOOO thrilled and excited. But of course, with everything, this comes with a big decision.

See, she gets her trip as well as ONE adult, paid for. That leaves us with me, Al and Mo to pay for ourselves.

Now on first look, this was a no brainer, right? I mean, a chance of a lifetime.

Here come the contigencies:

1. I have only had my job since August, so the likelihood of me getting the specified days off is iffy to probably non existent.

2. On average, this trip will cost about $2000 per person. We are getting $$$ for 2 of us, but that leaves us with 3 left. That's $6000, not including food. I think we may have to eat, going on past experiences. I haven't tried to not eat for a week, but maybe it is doable. Then again, all my past experiences have not included being surrounded by sumptious Greek food 24/7.

3. Then there is the whole kid under 3 issue in a foreign country. i mean, i have a hard enough time controlling her at Target. Can you imagine me containing her on a 9 hour flight? i can't foresee me getting off that flight having made lifelong friends. Furthermore, I have heard the streets of Greece aren't exactly stroller-friendly, and toting a 2-year-old around who has no interest in the Parthenon seems to completely have the opposite effect on my excitement. That is what it boils down to...do I want to spend $$$$$ on a 'trip of a lifetime' that I probably won't enjoy as much having to deal with meltdowns, and trying to appease a child while I am looking at ancient ruins? It's not like I can afford a nanny here, people. Although...Sue? Charlotte? Want to go to Greece? Would you be willing to swim over?

4. On the other hand...the other option would be to leave little Mo behind with grandparents. Seems easy enough right? Hmm. First off, you haven't met the grandparents, so there's that to consider. Secondly, could I really leave her behind? What if something, God forbid, happened to us, I would leave her here to grow up alone without us? I couldn't stand the thought.

5. So here is the other thing, which, only a psychotic Disney person like myself would suggest. Actually, LP was the one who suggested it. If Al, Mo and I stayed back, that would save us about $7000 which we could use towards one KICK ASS of a trip to Disney world later in the year. I'd accrue more time off from work, plus it would be a trip we know we would ALL enjoy, hands down. And we could even stay at the Polynesian if we wanted to!!! And have like every dinner be a character meal! What say you!?!?!! (dang it when are they going to have a character meal with Jack Sparrow? That would be way cool).

Okay, so there it is. Regardless of what happens, I am so proud of my daughter, and what an opportunity, right? I mean, wow! She is a stud, for sure. If anything, she can bring me back some souvlaka.

Only Weekday Rates

2009-04-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

When we moved here, my neighbor warned, "Don't feed the geese. You will have a mess." I was a little disappointed, because I remembered the joy I had taking the older girls to the park to feed the ducks/geese, and how much joy it might bring to Mo if she had her own pond of geese in her backyard. But, I obeyed. I was tempted, but I never have fed any geese since we've been here.

We do have a birdfeeder, though, that brings in tourists from all over, orioles, wrens, and my dad, the naturist for life, sits and points out ever different species to me, and then I tell other people, as though I knew all along. It's great.

I digress.

In late February, I started noticing two geese hanging out more often at our pond than usual. There have been a dozen or so geese on my pond since we've been here, but these two just seemed to stay longer.

A few weeks ago, I was driving home from taking the girls to school and almost hit one of them with my car. One of the geese was on top of the field next to the road, seeming to say, "Get up here!" while the other goose was halfway off of the road, almost saying, "Nope, I'm taking my time, just chill out!" I almost got out of the car to help her/him up the trench, but then I thought to myself, that is a little crazy cat lady kind of thing to do. But I got home, and got my binoculars out to be sure she/he got up the trench safe and sound. S/he did, and I was relieved.

A few days went by, and they were back on the pond. I was glad to see they were safe, but questioned my own sanity for caring about two geese so much.

Every morning in March, I would get up, eat breakfast and sit with my two geese friends, watching them, clearly a pair mated for life. They never leave each other's side. They are always there in the morning, I count on them to be there.

One weekend, they were gone. I was sad, but hoped maybe they just took a break. A vacation.

Sure enough, Monday morning, they were there.

Saturday came...and they were gone again.

Monday morning they swooped down from wherever they weekended, and that evening, LP said to me, Hey! Did you see the new goslings? I looked out, and sure enough, four little 'quackers' as Mo calls them, were snuggling up to their mamma.

So now I had a family, and they have given a finality to moving here, as if they are saying, this is your home, and we like it, so we are staying too.

Apparently, though, our weekend rates are too much for them. I will see them tomorrow!

Almost April!

2009-03-30T12:03:00.003-05:00

Can anyone else believe it is almost April? 2009?!?!?

I was listening to the Sirius/XM 80s channel this morning with Rug, and "Heat of the Moment" came on. I told her, when I was 9, this song came out. The lyrics sang, "And now you find yourself in '82"...and I remembering thinking at the time, wow! Why did he write that, it will seem ridiculous in 1986 when he sings it!

And now it is 2009. Way past Y2K, way past Space Odyssey, certainly way super past Orwell's 1984.

But where are the flying cars darnit?

Anyway.

We have been surrounding ourselves with things this month that in no way correlate with one another.

The Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards were a very big deal here in our house. Seriously. Huge.

Then we bought the new Bond movie, Quantum Solace or whatever. LP and I watched it together, for two very, very different reasons. (Daniel Craig, OMG.)

(that was my teenage reaction to the man. He is hawt.)

Al has started IGI...or, the Catholic version of sex ed. She is 'like SO' embarrassed by the way I am acting about it, but fortunately for her, they are easing them into it, and the first days have consisted of how to deal with bullies. No diagrams of boy's plumbing as of yet, but she had it last year, so I know the worst is yet to come. Good times. LP just pretends he has a lot of important stuff to look at on his phone when we talk about it. You know, like Viagra ads and Youtube videos.

I have two items in my life that, on a normal blogging schedule, I would write separate posts about, but who knows if I will get to them. So, in hopes I have some time, please look forward to posts entitled:

Rug's New Teacher was Fired and How I Got into the Middle of a Shouting Match between the School Superintendent and the Teacher's Mom. (they were shouting, not me. I was just standing there.)

Rug has earned a Trip to Greece and It is Going to Deplete Our Savings Account!!!

Lastly, Mo bit it hard on some concrete stairs, and I think I have a picture of it. SHe loves telling people about the boo boo on her forehead. Loves it. well i can't find the pic, maybe next time!

Best. Day. Ever.

2009-03-22T07:30:00.005-05:00

Remember how I said going to the zoo with Mo was one of the best days this year?

And remember how last weekend was one of the WORST of the year?

Yesterday, March 21st 2009, made the former pale in comparison, and wiped the latter completely off the slate.

Alex went GANGBUSTERS at the Speech Meet and got one point shy of a perfect score. She did the best I could ever hope for, and I even had to 'Putty high-five' LP for a 'hellz yeah we rock as parents' moment. We were so torn as to whether or not to make her try out this year, but we did, and then she made it, and then she owned it. That was the best victory Red Robin lunch ever! Then we got new tires for my bike so I can participate in the Tour de Cure in June, my first race. I'm excited, it's something I've been wanting to do for years. Now it's one step closer to reality.

After THAT, Al and I ran from our house to the 'main road' for the first time since we've lived here. Al said to me, "I think God made this place just for us." She was not kidding. It was exhilerating. Plus, all that treadmill running I've been done apparently has paid off, as I was able to run all 3 miles without dying.

I then took my 3 beautiful girls to the mall so the older two could get haircuts...the almost-12-year-old wanted 'sidebangs' again and of course I also had to pick up our copy of "Twilight" from the store. I wanted to get a picture of all of us with their hair all done-d up, so we went to one of those photo booths in the middle of the mall.

I have no doubt in my mind that photo booths are divine in nature and manufactured for the sole purpose of enjoyment by immature giggling girls. I had tears in my eyes we were laughing so hard. I will try to find the time to scan the pics that turned out, of which we had to have some airbrushed hearts on the top because apparently, the button was stuck and would only let us apply those to our final product.

Lastly I went to visit some old friends, and tho Makenna proceeded to jump on the bed, sit on the dog and more or less wreak havoc among her victims, it was a blast.

Even Al and Rug said on the way home it was one of the best days. "Ever Mom."

Oh, and where was LP? He got a nice break and stayed home doing 'taxes', which I believe is a code word for 'surfing porn' but I can't be for sure.

So I guess he had the best day ever too!

where I go schizo

2009-03-18T11:40:00.005-05:00

i have so many things to blog about...but first, i just remembered that Mo left the fridge door open so I must go upstairs to shut it.

Done.

Is that an analogy of my life right now? Absolutely. I barely have time to shift my weight from one side to the other at this point.

My job is the root of this, but I am not about to be "Dooce'd" to let you in on all of that. Let's just say that I have been vindicated, and I can sleep at night knowing I work hard at my job and try to do my very best. (and let me just say this short paragraph could be two days' worth of blogging, but again, I am going to just go ahead and choose NOT to go down that road!)

So, if someone were to come to me and ask me, "What's going on?" and realllly mean, "I would like to know what is going on in your life"...this is what I'd say:

I've thrown out all markers in my house, and it has worked.

My 2-year-old no longer cusses. This is directly correlated to my giving up cursing for Lent? Who knows.

I took Mo to the zoo last week and it was absolutely one of the best days I've had in a very long while.

Rug got to participate in the "Human Ice Cream Sundae" last week and I was able to watch her. She was very excited I was able to come.

Last weekend was a really bad weekend. I mean, Friday the 13th, a full moon, and the ides of March all at one time? Clearly that was a warning signal.

I was hoping to meet up with one of my blogging friends, but it wasn't meant to be...I did think it was pretty cool that I was at least in near proximity to one of my blog friends, as that has not happened before! Next time Shellibells!

Al DROPPED and successful DESTROYED our brand new laptop. Since I pretty much require one for work, we had to replace it immediately. No punishment could have equated to the shame and embarrassment she put upon herself. It really was an accident.

I am reading "Eclipse" and it is really, really good. At first, I wanted to chuck it out the window, because Bella...yeah, she is my least favorite character. but I am now at the part of Jasper's transformation, it is compelling. So glad I stuck with it. Still love New Moon, but we shall see what Breaking Dawn brings.

My husband's ex-girlfriend contacted him on Facebook and got into a very...uh, shall we say...TMI conversation with him. I was sitting next to him the entire time, but I was amazed at where the conversation went. She clearly still has some issues...and is very lonely. I highly doubt her husband knows she had such a conversation with my husband, and I'm not sure he would appreciate it if he did know. She wasn't coming on to my husband or anything like that...she just seemed very lonely in her life and perhaps questioned her decisions in life? I don't know...LP and I trust each other and he made sure I viewed the entire thing, it was just weird, you know? I would never think in a million years to 'friend' an old boyfriend and start speaking so candidly with him after so many years. Just, weird. Props to LP for telling her that I am his soulmate...yes, he was compensated adequately ;)

Lastly, the Speech Meet is Saturday. This is DEFINITELY a post for another day, but in short, Al is doing a serious monologue and I need all blog good mojo for her, as she does well, but last year got like one point away from a blue ribbon, so we are really nervous for her.

OK, I told you I had a lot going on, did ya think I was joking? Finishing up with some token pics of the chitlins:

How I know my daughter watches too much TV: Upon seeing this lemur for the first time, Mo started singing "I like to move it move it...I like to move it move it..."

so far the spring soccer season has sucked...and the only thing good about that is the alliteration I just used.

Hoss, Meet Ernie.

2009-03-08T14:51:00.002-05:00

Today my day started out learning that Hoss is gone.

And here is the background to that sentence.

When I first started my trek onto the Internet, I mainly belonged to one yahoo group, a group of women doing Body for Life, as I was. This was around 2003/04. I made a few friends on there, including Skwigg, who is a very funny lady indeed.

She was a reader of Dooce.com, and I instantly became hooked, the comments on Dooce's blog were about as funny as you were going to get.

That is where I 'met' the usual gang of idiots...most of the blogs I started to read. This was a large number back then, as they all sort of 'knew' one another and would comment on each other's blog as well as Dooce's...and I mean to tell you, those comments were laugh-out-loud, I have to tell my husband about that one funny. Of course, it was never as funny retelling them as it was reading them.

I knew all of these people, but did not know a one of them.

Of all the blogs, I started reading Susie's regularly the quickest, mostly because, as most of you know, Susie is fabulous in every way but loose. I adore her. She was the one who introduced me to Hoss.

I cannot tell you what post it was that led me to Hoss, but I remember the first thing thinking, "This cannot possibly truly be a 75-year-old man. He has the wit and charm of a frat boy. I'm sure this is some funny young kid pretending to be living in an old folk's home as a lark". Hoss was SO funny, I for some reason or other thought he could only be a young cad being facetious.

I was partly wrong.

From then on, I lamented about all the blogs I read and how I probably would never have any readers, and Hoss decided to become my Army of One. He lived up to that, and I always knew I would have a funny comment from Hoss waiting for me after every post.

He and I became fast blog friends, emailing each other about this or that, but mostly just stupid jokes we'd heard that day.

I could only imaging explaining to my mother how my buddy was a 75-year-old man I'd never met, and how she would probably never understand that. LP, however, did, thankfully, and was never threatened in the least at my adoration for him. Nor was he perplexed when I received an Oregon Ducks sweatshirt as the one above from Hoss in the mail.

I only wish I could have met Gene in person to tell him how he truly has touched my heart. From reading other comments about him, I am one of many. He taught me to never take yourself seriously, and to always be young at heart.

His obituary, written by him, ends: "He will be cremated and immediately he will be reincarnated." I'm sure as a dung beetle, as he would want it.

Love ya, Hoss.

totally random, but here it is.

2009-03-05T11:38:00.002-06:00

LP calls these bean bags our 'moose poop' chairs. They are sooo comfy though, obviously.

I took Mo to a local 'science center' (the Magic House, been there since I was kid, but is MUCH cooler now) and she really liked the 'princess' area with dress up clothes, a pumpkin carriage, and of course a royal dinner. She had a blast.

I'm still working like a mad woman, but it looks as though tomorrow I will get to take Mo to the zoo. that will be fun.

Rug made me watch the reality show about the Duggars the other night, no really...she MADE me...I guess she was implying that their mom doesn't cuss and they are all happy and la-dee-dah...and actually, it weirded me out cuz, like, they really do SEEM to be happy and normal and really whatever. Although, seriously I do get saving money and not having your children be slaves to consumerism, but Peter pan collars were never a good look. For anyone.

why thy blog has failed

2009-03-01T08:31:00.002-06:00

Something happened to my laptop. All arrows point to the Instant Messenger thing my 6th grader has added to the computer, so she can 'LOL' and 'OMG' her Bff Jill. So, now i have all these computer certificate problems that I do not have the patience nor the brain power to full understand or deal with. Therefore, the laptop is used solely for the websites I can get to, which usually consists of CNN.com and the Onion.

Lately it's gotten better at Facebook, and it has become my outlet. Which leads to the next reason my blog has failed.

I WORK. ALL. THE. TIME.

Seriously. Now I have two jobs, and this new job is kicking me where it hurts. I have about 1/8 of a second on a daily basis to collect my thoughts outside of the MRIs and CTs and PET scans that I am listening to and typing. I can eke out 140 or so blurbs, but to be able to actively make up a post for a blog is near impossible.

I also have not been able to read as many blogs, due to above mentioned computer thingee. It never allows me to comment and that frustrates the hell outta me. So I read, but can never comment. I've become a 'lurker', and that is not something I like.

We have also gotten back to the task of putting this house back together. Just this weekend we were able to finish painting the basement, RE-paint all the areas where my 2-year-old drew on the walls...and put shelves up and a new DVD storage shelf so said 2-year-old cannot destroy every DVD we ever owned.

Oh yeah, that 2-year-old. She is defining the term. If I cannot see her, she is up to something. She shaved her pointer finger this weekend with my daughter's razor. Didn't even cry. Took me 25 minutes to stop the bleeding, took me 23 to get her to stay still so I could apply the pressure. She is one bundle of fun.

With that, I hope all is well. Send me a shout out so i can keep touch with all of you if anyone even comes here anymore.

2009-01-23T07:47:00.002-06:00

i have been tagged by Shellibells to give 7 random facts about myself. I am not Chuck Norris, but I would like to be, so here goes.

1. My favorite smells are cinnamon, cherry and coconut. My least favorite is vanilla or musky smells. Please note this if you are my husband and are buying me shaving cream. I HATE VANILLA.

2. I played the flute up until my freshman year of high school. I quit the band and my mother was so upset. It was just not my thing. I was pretty good, from what I understand. Oh well.

3. My grandparents took me to Disney World when I was 7, and I remember very little about it. The biggest thiing I remember was that Epcot was being built, and my grandma bought me a stuffed "Lady" from Lady and the Tramp.

4. I had an uncle who biked the state of Iowa, and to this day that remains one of my biggest things on my 'to do' list. Although I'd prefer a different state, Iowa is completely boring (but flat!).

5. I never once got drunk in high school. I had alcohol but was so frigging nervous about it all I never got drunk. Of course, my freshman year of college, all bets were off!

6. Mystic Tans do not take on my skin. I'm one of those people. It just doesn't.

7. I really, really do believe 2009 is going to be a year of change.

OK, well I'm supposed to tag 7 people, but I don't even think 7 people read my blog, so just enjoy knowing a little more about me!

long week

2009-01-18T00:12:00.003-06:00

it's been a very, very long few weeks. I think I am not the only one, from what I've read. My laptop crashed, so LP had to fix it and he's stored ALL of my pictures somewhere I cannot find. Therefore, I can't finish the 2008 roundup. Which really, is pretty irrevelant now, since it's the middle of January.

Al had the spelling bee last week, and she froze up on the word 'exercise' and spelled it 'excercise'. She said she would have rather done the spelling bee in front of a billion strangers, as opposed to 300 kids from her own school. Sadly, door #1 was not an option.

LP was out of town last week and we were so busy, it went quickly and I was so tired from it all,I actually slept instead of being up all night like I usually am when he goes out of town. NOW, however, it's almost 1 a.m. and here I am, awake. I blame mexican food for that.

Mo peed through her diaper last week during Mass during the Homily, alllll over my leg. Appropriately, the Homily was about Baptism.

that's all I've got, next week is Rug's birthday and if I get around to finding those pics, I may finish up 2008 and put it to rest.

Have a good one folks,

2009-01-01T09:01:00.017-06:00

Yesterday I was gearing up to rock the house with our New Year's Eve party so I was unable to blog the Say Qua Year in Review.

Also, I was working.

But today, the first day of 2009, I had to wake up early to share the post with you that pretty much equates to a bad Christmas card newsletter.

Oh, and I have to work(blast my job that I work from home and in my jammies...oh no wait, I love my job, nevermind. Plus...holiday pay today, BONUS).

Last night we had friends over, played "Partini" (which was fun but...totally read the directions prior to starting the game. Total buzzkill: a blonde like me deciphering how to play a game while everyone is waiting) and then something my friend dubbed the Michigan game, which ended up the biggest winner and reducing all of us to tears from laughing so hard. In a nutshell: No expectations = Great time. I've always known that. Plus, have good friends, that helps, too.

on with the sheeeewwwwwww.......

JANUARY:

And you are already reading someone else's blog. i know, "Shit, Jana, al-freaking-ready with the Disney? Enough I say!" Well too bad. This was an unexpected trip to The Happiest Place on Earth. We could not have had more fun if we tried. The weather was iffy some days, but this was a case of High expectations = Disney can always deliver.

For all you anti-Disneyites:

Rug also turned 8, and I rocked the Mom world by surprising her with tickets to the Disney Pirate & Princess party. (see how I snuck that in?) Also her aunt made her a Wheel of Wow Cake, for those sans kids, is a Webkinz reference and if you know not of Webkinz, be ever so grateful.

FEBRUARY:

Clearly February 08 was one of the less exciting around here, as this is the only pic I have in my 02/08 folder. The girls went to see the Jonas Brothers. I do recall my 11 year anniversary as far less exciting than the year before (but Vegas was the year before, again, expectations) thus one of the least favorite, I was sick and we ate sushi at home and it just pretty much sucked. Expectations for this year will be high! (but note, already we have a soccer tourney that weekend, so guess who is getting to eat her anniversary dinner at an indoor soccer facility? Oh yeah!) (oh yeah...but seriously 11 years is pretty kickass though ya know? That's as old as my oldest daughter! Oh wait, never mind.).

MARCH:

New Year's resolution: To keep better tabs on what occurs Feb-April. I'm at a loss. Also, LP just came down insisting he ate something bad, he's been puking. Yeah, you ate something called 35 years of birthday cake and drinking ain't what it used ta be! Hello?!!?! He drank Crown Royal out of his "Pimp King" glass all night last night, that doesn't equate to good feelings the next day, duh!

Anyhoo...this is Rug's 1st Communion and she was so beautiful and sweet that day. Rug is my 'tough exterior' kind of girl and as her mom I love to see her at tender and more vulnerable moments. So sweet.

APRIL:

Ah shoot looking at the pics made me realize...let's go back to March. My aunt died and I took the girls to Dixon, IL to her funeral...that was a lot of dramz for my mother...and then of course, LP bought his new car that month. Big points on the Say Qua scale, and I'm totally glossing over them. That's what happens when you drink Blue Moons all night before (note to LP: I stuck with beer. It's a better way to go).

Only pic in my April file. I could actually go back to my blog posts and find out what happened in April but that would take effort. I'm not about effort. I'm hanging a bit today, folks. Perhaps next year. Or this year, whatever.

I do recall two out of town soccer tournaments this month...one at which LP almost got arrested for verbally accosting an angry soccer Dad. Karma ruled over and we won the game, but I'm sure that guy weaves tales of how he almost got punched in the face by a guy that sort of looks like "Dante" from the movie "Clerks".

MAY:

Can be summed up by this cute girl (the one in the red, not the other one!):

So fun. Zoo runs, Pere Marquette, hiking, playing, going to camp with Al, roller coasters, May had it all. I wish May could represent the entire year of 2008.

JUNE: Just we started hard core looking for houses. We had looked for awhile in 2007, but were ready to have another go at it. Lots of house hunting. i fell in love with HGTV. We had a lot of soccer drama this month, it was tryouts and there are still a few relationships from that we have yet to recover. So sad when soccer dictates your life and all the hurt you allow it to cause. I love soccer but it certainly isn't worth what some others put into it.

Al left me for a week to go to camp and people I was MIS-RUH-BULL. She tells me now she knows there was 'no way we missed her as much as she missed us'. Whatever kid. I went fetal without her. So glad she had fun though. Oh, and I ran out of gas in LP's new car on the way to pick her up. That's a story for the future son-in-laws. Another reason I can only be thankful LP continues to put up with me.

Al also has a "Mystery Sleepover Party" that rocked the tween set and resulted in the BEST Picture Of The Year:

JULY:

Madness begins. We put a bid on our present house 07/11/08. Put our old house up for sale I think 07/16. Sells the first day FULL PRICE. Then inspections and guess what...we have radon. No go. 35 showings in all, I wake up every day and say a 'thank you' prayer I am done with all of that! ugh the cleaning and the leaving and the showings and the hope and...July was a LONG month. (insert me singing "Roller Coaster!" here)

So exhausting:

AUGUST:

Still trying to sell the house. Ah, first week of the month and my boss informs me they are cutting my salary in half. Good times. I took this picture that day to remember how Mo was the only one who could cheer me up that day:

After that we took a trip to Holiday World and much to the wonderful technology that is the iPhone, i got a new job and corresponded with them via the iPhone as I was in line to ride the scariest roller coaster I've ever been on (the Voyage). Mo had so much fun and the German restaurant we ate at twice still remains the Official Worst Service Ever for a Restaurant but We Don't Care Cuz the Food is just That Good.

Ah heck. I have to continue later. I spent all this time organizing these pictures when we bought this new laptop and they are just completely out of whack, and it's giving my OCD a run for its money. Plus the Blue Moon headache has emerged from my ibuprofen eclipse, so i will finish later. Sorry to keep you waiting.

These things May or May Not have occurred Over the Holiday

2008-12-28T15:12:00.003-06:00

* We ran out of propane and had to call Hank Hill to refill our tank. On christmas Eve. Things were thrown.

* My mother's power was lost on Christmas Day due to a frying of a squirrel. She called the police instead of the power company much to my confusion, and fortunately our hillbilly relatives didn't show up in their RV to cook said squirrel.

* i made a kickass pumpkin cake.

* Having successfully completing the creation of 'bath fizzies' with her "Spa Factory" Rug placed said bath fizzie into a plastic container with a lid VIA THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BOX and it immediately BLEW UP in her hand, causing a lot of screaming but fortunately no injury. Angry mom has already written a zero star review for Amazon.com.

* LP surprised me with diamond earrings in a Cheez-it box.

* I returned the favor by giving him the gift that keeps on giving....a Goblet with encrusted rhinestones that spell out "PIMP KING". Ohhhh yeah. Totally equal gift. this, please note, is after we both decided we were NOT giving each other gifts this year. I think he should be pretty damn proud to be Pimp King.

* I am not completely addicted to 'De Blob' on Wii.

* I can no longer enter Al's room, since the 'Jacob' poster adorning her wall is now following me with its eyes.

* Mo is still the cutest little bug in a rug I've ever seen. She has memorized all the words to "Toy Story 2" and now will come up to you, unprovoked and point and say, "YOU ARE A TOY!!!"

Happy New Year week, y'all.

SPF Friday -easy breezy

2008-12-18T22:46:00.004-06:00

I sent out my cards this year the day after Thanksgiving. Why? I was in a car for 2 hours driving to an outlet mall, plus I wanted everyone to have my new change of address, so THEY had no excuse to send ME a card this year. Boo yah!

We took quickie pics this year of the girls, of course not without some drama. Here is the winning Christmas card photo:

and here is the runner up:

Clearly Rug has listened to "Christmas in Hollis" one too many times.

Merry Christmas yo.

a Major Award

2008-12-17T11:15:00.003-06:00

I have finally been recognized for my greatness by Kelly, from KLOG (with the best taglines ever). She is fantabulous, and I am honored.

Actually I wrote a whole long post and then my computer ate it so this is my second try. Definitely will not be as long.

The rules are as follows, I must say something nice about my Man (what? What sort of whacked out award is this? I might be like that one chick who ended up not thanking her husband at the Oscars and then they get divorced...I certainly don't want that.)

Also, 6 things I think make up SUCCESS.

Lastly, I must bestow this prestigious award onto others.

NICE STUFF ABOUT LP: He centers me. I mean, when I'm acting like a fool, he will call me on it. Also when I'm freaking out, he, like I like to call it, 'talks me down'. Chills me out. Like the other day when someone drove by my house and their headlights shone into my bedroom, thus waking me up, and in my stupor I assumed (as one would, right?) that the light was an atomic blast and were were being bombed. He talked me down from that.

Have I mentioned I'm quite neurotic? I was half asleep, that is sadly my only excuse.

HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS: Pretty much 'what Kalki said'. But I can add that I think success is basically doing something again after you've failed. And failed. And you keep trying until you finally GET it. That is success. I do think that those people who think success is LOOKING successful have it all wrong. I believe that having your PRIORITIES straight makes you successful. In life anyway.

Now to tag. I would bestow the honor to two bloggers who already received it, that being Kalki and Susie whom I both adore. So for my purposes I bestow this award to:

Bente: Not even on the same continent and I would consider her my friend. Very nice, and her photography is amazing.

Kristine: She was the one who taught me about blogging. I found her through her hysterical comments on Dooce. she's like the cool girl in high school everyone wants to be friends with.

Circus Kelli: Only blog friend I've spoken to on the phone, and she is just as charming in 'real' life. Her minivan has flames. Now THAT is success, my friends.

Ahhhhh AFTER

2008-12-16T09:51:00.003-06:00

also have i shown you my Disney bathroom???? i would not have done this on my own, but it was here, so I kept it, naturally.

BEFORE pics

2008-12-10T13:14:00.002-06:00

The worst part about this green is that it looked PROFESSIONALLY DONE.

P.S. The 'bean bags' are actually "Cordaroys" of which I found on HGTV.com and promptly purchased. They have mattresses inside!

After pics to follow....

Days go By

2008-12-09T12:36:00.002-06:00

I have been religiously getting up at 6 a.m. to run, so far, so good. I am amazed at how much I can get accomplished between 6-8 a.m. and my daughters can't even bring up their laundry baskets. "We run out of time!" Sigh. Time management, clearly, is a class I need to teach the family. Also, how not to wear white socks with dress shoes, that's a big one too.

Last week was the Christmas Bazaar and even though I'm working, I was able to pull it off. Yay me!

I am making scrapbooks for the older girls of their school pictures for Christmas. I hope it doesn't turn out like those weird gifts you got from your mom where she's all super excited and you are like, uh, this sucks, where's my George Michael tape? yeah, that didn't happen or anything.

LP actually wants to exchange gifts as usual this year, we have ALWAYS given each other gifts, regardless, but this year...I'm thinking we have spent WAYYYYYY too much money this year, it's time to cut back. Although I am sort of hoping he is wanting to replace my DIAMOND earrings that got vacuumed up by an 11-year-old whom shall go unnamed here....that would be nice.

Almost wiped out yesterday in the car from the ice! We saw FOUR accidents on the way to school, what usually takes me 15 minutes took over 45 minutes. I was actually enjoying the thrill of the swervy swerving, but I dare not tell my girls that.

I am attending a Christmas 'card' party next week, it's a yearly thing, we get together, eat yummy food and write out our cards. I have almost finished mine (although, if you want one, send me an email and I will send you one!) but I figure I can bring the scrapbooks over instead. She also liked TKW's Bad Christmas Sweater idea so we are stealing that. I have to go find one this weekend, and I will let you know how I fare.

I am *THIS* close to being done shopping. One plus to having 3 sets of grandparents...dole them out the expensive gifts and they will take care of it for us. Plus Fisher Price toys were Buy one get 1 free this year at the toy store so I did pretty well. If only Wii games would ever be discounted, I'd be set.

Oh, that's right, I'm supposed to be working. Next post? Painting the awful colors away in my new house. pics to come.

Mi little Mo

2008-12-06T07:03:00.003-06:00

So you drop the F bomb not too often but often enough for me to be embarrassed, and though I blame it mostly on your father, who feels words can't be 'bad' so he uses it as often as ESPN.com, I have been known to drop a Bomb or two. Plus, I AM the Vice President of Swearing at In-Laws in the club "moms who drink and swear" on Facebook so I can't innocently say I'm not to blame, even though my preferred curse word is the "S-missle" and is usually directed towards the in-laws, and not 2 year olds. Or i use the term 'mothergrabber', a nice term your Daddy coined when your oldest sister was your age to prevent us from using the alternative, clearly showing what happens between the first child and the third.

Yesterday I went to register your sister for her new school, and when I turned to sign some papers, you had grabbed an ornament from the school office Christmas tree and shattered to the ground. Clearly assuming it would bounce, one would hope.

When we returned home, you found a box of Ritz Bitz your sister had stashed and proceeded to open it, pull apart the crackers, eat the peanut butter inside, and then smoosh the two crackers into the ground, as you were already sucking the peanut butter off the next cracker victim.

These incidents may or may not have caused me to drop the F bomb.

However, I am not writing them down because they frustrate me. As I was blowing bubbles yesterday and you were yelling, "Caught it! caught it!" I knew that these are merely moments in time and soon will be forgotten. Soon, you will be sitting at a computer typing away on email or something completely ignoring me. All you want right now is a bit of my attention, and I am trying so hard to give you as much as I possibly can. Every time I lose my patience with you I try to collect it back again because I know you will not get that excited about bubbles for very much longer. I know that soon bubbles will just be bubbles, and a broken ornament will just be a mess to clean up. Now though, it is a chance for me to interact with you, to teach you, to show you the world and how great and wonderful it truly can be. It's also allowing me to learn a few lessons of my own.

So I think the F-bombs are OK, as long as we don't say them in front of Grandma anymore, K? Heavens knows she's gone through enough lessons with me as her daughter.

NOT Negatorily negative.

2008-12-02T08:26:00.002-06:00

Last night I was complaining that I had a pretty sucky birthday this year, and LP was refuting that belief. He said I only saw the negative in it and started calling me Ja-NEGATIVE which truly made me laugh. It's hilarious because I'm usually the positive one in our relationship, so whenever i say the least amount of stinkin' thinkin', he totally calls me on it. Apparently I'm the Rainbows and giggles in this household, and am not allowed to speak words that are not cheerful and happy. OK, then, I'll take that as a challenge.

I will overload him with Happiness and Giggles. be prepared for the onslaught!

My frigging Christmas tree is so great. I need to take a picture of how far away you can see it from the road. Like a mile! It's because LP put these funky blue lights on it and we have no outside lights, so it has become the Blue Light Special of our street. I hope no one expects a bargain when they enter.

I LOVE how Mo repeats every last word we say. I could talk to her for 10 minutes straight, and she will grab onto that LAST word and repeat it, like a question. Such as "I believe that the world is coming to an end." Her: "END??" "Mommy drinks to have a drink" Her: "Drink?" "When I was little, I used to think I was going to be a special effects artist, and go to Hollywood and do the gory makeup for scary movies. I was always into that and the coolest makeup I though was from American Werewolf in London." Her: "London? Mommy Hot dog!" (Hot dog is what she calls Mickey Mouse, and unless you have a child who watches the 'new' Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, you will not understand why)

OK that is all the positive ness you're going to get from me today. Maybe I'll go spread some happiness to my twitter pals.

No Janegative for me, it's Janeverbenegative for me!

Naturally

2008-12-01T09:21:00.002-06:00

Annual Christmas Dance for you from the Say Qua Girls

Turkey Weekend

2008-12-01T08:15:00.003-06:00

I had a surprisingly enjoyable weekend. Thanksgiving was busy, and the food was delicious. NO DRAMA! Which is the sweetest part of it all.

Friday morning I got up early to head to Wal-Mart in search for a good deal on a new camcorder, and a few Christmas gifts. Now that we live in the sticks, we are closer to the SUPER Wal-Mart even further away, and I was hoping it would be less crowded than the one I used to go to. I was totally right, and it was awesome. I got two of the 'doorbusters' that I hoped to get even though it was already 7:30 a.m. I did witness my first Black Friday fight, in electronics naturally. Some woman claimed another woman took something out of her cart, and it was free for all. I backed away quickly, singing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas!" as I got outta there.

I found the checkout near the garden area with no line so I didn't even have to wait in LINE! It was great. I got home, ate some breakfast and left with the in-laws to drive 2 hours to an outlet mall for more shopping. We go every year, stay in a hotel and get away from my kids for 24 hours. It was nice, and I got some great deals. can you say fleece pullovers at Old Navy 2 for $10? Oh yeah!

Of course now we are knee deep in stomach flu and both the kids are home sick today, but the next 3 weeks there is no soccer, little homework and a lot of Christmas cheer. I can't wait.

One more thing, I found out LP's uncle is going to be on Reno 911! Isn't that cool? I'm almost famous.

Turkey Day, say Qua style

2008-11-23T09:03:00.003-06:00

Scene: LP and I, drinking wine in front of our new fireplace, discussing the aftermath of a stuffing passive/aggressive situation between the in-laws for Thanksgiving that is resulting in our less than enthusiastic anticipation for the impending holiday:

LP: ...so I say we say screw them all and let them eat their own damn stuffing by themselves!

Me: Man, we are SO exactly like that new Vince Vaughn movie coming out.

LP: (with lightbulb over head) That's it! Instead of Thanksgiving here next year, let's take the girls to Disney World and have turkey and stuffing with Mickey and Minnie! It'd be perfect, I'd only have to take 2 days vacation, the girls would only miss a few days of school and....what do you think J?

Me: (not responding as I am already booking the hotel).

Happy Birthday mo

2008-11-22T20:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday mo mo. I loves ya.

downloaded some pics

2008-11-20T12:12:00.006-06:00

so i finally found the USB cord to download some pics. We have one room painted (Al's room) and we will be painting the 'green' room this weekend...after I lose my mind and have family over here tomorrow night for mo's birthday...yes, that is right she is 2 tomorrow (whimper, cry, go fetal). So anyway, here are some pics. I LOVE my office, the ability to shut the door to the madness is just wonderful to me.

I do have to say that having people help you move is fantastic. However, if said people are stocking your fridge, make sure they do not put the eggs on the bottom shelf where a 2-year-old can reach them and throw them onto the floor.

(the one of the family is us at the old house during the madness of moving, saying goodbye to the house that was home for 10 years...and LP going, OK, let's hurry this up)

Satisfied

2008-11-13T07:53:00.002-06:00

Last night we were driving home from the mall, the 'new' way to our 'new' house. The exit off the highway was nearing and LP starts wailing,

"THERE IS OUR EXIT! JANA TAKE THAT IT'S OUR EXIT!"

(pause)

"Oh, that's south, we need to go north. The next one is our exit."

I gave him an all knowing like, like, duh, I knew where I was going.

ONLY because last week I'd taken the first exit instead, but he didn't need to know that.

ho boy

2008-11-06T14:22:00.003-06:00

well here we go. Went to the new house last night, and had to drop a check off to our new neighbors across the street. Met their 5-year-old, who immediately SMOTHERED Al (who is, the most reserved of us all) and would not unleash her from a bear hug. SHe was not amused, nor was I that his mother clearly had no restraint on the kid. Great!!!!!

I will see you all on the flip side...in my NEW HOUSE!!!!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

Hope

2008-11-05T07:59:00.002-06:00

I don't get political on this blog, only because I don't feel I'm informed enough to be making any type of judgement on most of what is going on. Not that I don't care, but I just don't think I truly ever have enough information to go spouting my opinion on. Kind of like Madonna and Guy Ritchie's marriage. What went wrong, what do I think went wrong? I don't know, I don't know these people from Adam and I cannot assume that I know what happened to them. He could have just called her a wanker every time Madonna got dressed in blue, who knows...it's not my call.

So that is why I don't make any political essays on this blog. Madonna and Guy.

Anyway. I'm sick, on cold medicine and little of this makes any sense.

The point is this. Last night, for the first time in YEARS, I had hope. And that hope has rolled into this morning. I know, Lord do I know, that change cannot happen overnight. That one man cannot be our Savior.

But by golly he is awe-inspiring. I wasn't born when MLK or JFK were around, and this is the first time I feel like I've been alive when a true 'maverick' (ha) will inspire us to become better people. To become a better Nation.

I love America and I love that I have the freedom to vote and choose who will lead us.

Obama may make mistakes, he may screw things up, but I know that he has given the jolt that we need. Yes, yes we can.

(insert chanting "USA! USA" here)

He may not be able to bring Guy and Madonna back together, but I think, if we are willing as a country, he can bring us together and make us the country we ought to be.

Nov 4

2008-11-04T08:07:00.003-06:00

you're damn diddily doodily I did.

P.S. It's my Dad's birthday today too, and although we don't see eye to eye politically, he's a darn good Papa and I love him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Now THIS is awesome

2008-11-03T10:11:00.000-06:00

Amazon is cutting down packaging!!!

interim

2008-11-02T09:10:00.005-06:00

<
I've deveoped a slight head cold this weekend from burning my Supermom candle at both ends, but still I persist! Who cares, I'm moving!!! Woot!

I've learned a lot about Craigslist this week, in that some people are really weird, some are rude, and some are just spectacular. I've had more spectacular and that is wonderful to me.

i also learned that giving free CDs to teachers makes them VERY happy. :) Who knew my husband's old Aphrodite's Child CD would make an 8th grade teacher giggle so? I was just glad to be rid of it...it's pretty awful. Hated to see the Cole Porter one go, but what are you gonna do, it's on my iTunes.

Lastly, Halloween came and went pretty quickly. Mo ran out of gas once we were around the circle of our street, so I took her home and Rug went with a neighbor. Apparently Al feels that working for candy was not worth her while, so she spent the night at her aunt's and watched "Poltergeist" for the first time.

Here are some pics from the festivities. We are moving most of our stuff Wed. and then closing Friday, so not sure if I'll be around this week or not. If not, then I'll see you from the new digs!!!

guess what!!!!!!

2008-10-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

update

2008-10-26T09:47:00.001-05:00

Potential buyers' realtor had a baby last week so we have not heard back yet.

no, I'm not even kidding you.

We are 'supposed' to hear today. But from the looks of it we may be moving. It does not sound like they found anything too terrible in the inspections but who knows.

I know what is wrong with this house, and it shouldn't deter anyone from moving here!

so the waiting game continues....

D-Day

2008-10-19T15:55:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is it.

Tomorrow is our inspection from the last people, our last chance of moving out of this house.

I'm very apprehensive.

Although I pretty much got the basement packed up this weekend, there is still a chance I could not be moving.

But at any rate I got rid of those love letters from that awful ex-boyfriend. Way past due on that one.

how awful was he?

let me see. He didn't show up to my high school graduation, and when I got mad at him for it, put ME in a headlock for not listening to his lame excuses.

What is worse, I dated him for 2 more years after that incident. Lame!!

I think I kept those letters just to remind myself of how great LP is. He is truly my soul mate, and just plain fantastico.

How I wish I had that time machine to go back in time to tell that younger me to not waste my time with that doofus and wait because something great was just around the corner. Oh well.

The only thing I can do now is appreciate every second I have with this man.

And, on that tangent, maybe I'll be spending the rest of my life with him in a new house! Starting soon!

OK!

P.S. I am reading "Twilight" because it is ALL the rage in 6th grade and my daughter talks about it seriously, all. the. time. Every day I hear about something Edward or jacob has done, so one of the other soccer moms is letting me borrow her copy so I at least have an idea of what is going on. It's been OK so far. Kind of like a vampire Harlequin. I also have "Son of a Witch" on hold at the library, which is a sequel to "Wicked", the last book I read. Story of the Wicked Witch of the West's son. Should be interesting.

That is all for now! I love the rambling, don't you?

Anticipate my next post to be either me hanging my head a la Charlie Brown or jumping for joy like Snoopy!

from the archives

2008-10-17T15:18:00.002-05:00

This was taken in 1999 when I was pregnant with Rug. These 2 guys next to us on this hayride are two of my very best friends. I adore both of them, and I love this picture of us because it was a LAME evening, but we were making the best of it and laughing and just enjoying being with one another. This pictures demonstrates how I feel whenever they are around.

Glad I have the pic to remind me of how much fun we have together.

There is NOTHING like good friends.

annnnnnd......

2008-10-15T21:31:00.002-05:00

well the first buyers had some problems with their inspections so we are moving forward with the second buyers! But, the first buyers said if anything happens, they still want to be in the race, I guess they have some time or something to get their financial stuff squared away.

So next up...even more inspections.

But I have spent every night going through the basement and I have found hee-LARIOUS stuff down there, stuff from when I was in high school. Plus lots of old love letters from my ex boyfriend of which I promptly threw away. What the FRICK was I thinking? Oh man, he was just bad, bad. Bad.

Anyway, maybe if I ever get a chance I will scan some of the things i have. It's pretty good stuff.

Latest Update

2008-10-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

We have another offer on the house, so we have to utilize the 'kick out' clause in our contract with the other buyers...they have 48 hours to come up with financing. Today at 2 p.m. will officially be 48 hours so I will know then if we are going with the first buyers or the second! Woot!

First buyers pros: Already had inspections, and are OK with them.

First buyer cons: Still have house to sell; they could always have more problems with that.

Second buyer pros: Do not have a house to sell!

Second buyer cons: Still have inspections to go thru.

If all goes well, we could be moving November 7 or 14th. Just in time for Mo's Cookie Monster Birthday!

In other news, my husband thinks the only way to relieve stress is by having sex. Ok, well that's the lamest attempt of getting me in the sack I've ever heard.

(but it worked, so Husband 1, Me 0)

USB- finally found it

2008-10-11T16:13:00.007-05:00

As I was cleaning...trying to get rid of some stuff...we have TWO offers on the house right now but still have to go through inspections...if all goes well we may be in the new house by November 10th...but again, I am not holding my breath!

I promised pics so pics you will get!

Balloon Glow

Merely moments before her total breakdown and deciding without hesitation she did NOT like the loud hot air balloons.

OK not the best picture but this shows how close I was to him!!! rick rox! And I am a total dork! But I am proud of it!

is she not just gorgeous in this picture? I adore it.

More to come! I am trying to clean out/organize the basement! All in one day!

Waking up

2008-10-08T08:05:00.003-05:00

I wish i could mush up together an actual coherent thought. My brain is fried.

But with all the presidential things going on, I have to tell you I am far more disgusted with what is happening in my own STATE.

My governor has his priorities screwed up.

He is closing down state parks AND state monuments! Like Lincoln's first law practice!

Sad, sad STATE of affairs.

Rain is falling

2008-10-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

Well if you read my Twitters, you will find that once again, we are back to square One.

The latest contract is still sort of in effect, but they have no buyer for their house as of right now. The buyers had inspections done and found RADON and cancelled their contract. So, basically here are the steps that must be taken in order for us to move:

1. People need to find a buyer for THEIR house.

2. Need to go through inspections and 'pass' on their house.

3. Must go through inspections on OUR house and 'pass'.

4. House is OK for them to move into, and they want no repairs.

5. Make sure no one else is interested in the house WE want to buy.

6. Close.

Yikes.

I need a beer. That's a lot of hoops to jump through. I need to start watching "Ninja Warrior".

2008-10-04T07:26:00.003-05:00

I didn't get to go to the meet and greet...BUT...

I did get a signed T-shirt, he WAVED at me (and really, that's all I needed, you know, a kind gesture that he is aware of my love for him right?) he signed my CD and my friend and I were in the 2nd ROW.

More pics to follow.

It was so much fun.

Oh and I met John Waite!

P.S. we were by 3 guys who are MUCH bigger Rick fans than I could ever be. Is that possible? Apparently...I have never 'air guitared' to him. These guys? Totally did.

Proof the Universe is Against Me

2008-10-02T11:11:00.002-05:00

My friend, who is going with me to the concert tomorrow night, won 2 MEET AND GREET passes to meet Rick Springfield. Seriously.

She gave the other one to her sister. And unfortunately, her sister is hands down the nicest person I have ever met and clearly deserves stuff like this.

But why!?!?!?!?!

Anyway, I'm tagging along with them in the hopes I might just be able to make it in. If I do, I will forever be on top of the clouds. Oh my goodness.

Put all your hands together and pray for the 80s mojo to kick in for me!

Countdown

2008-09-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

4 days and one hour until I see the MAN for the 4th time.

I am so way super duper pathetic.

McSpazatron would be a good term for me.

*I'm so excited!*

even more things.

2008-09-25T11:18:00.002-05:00

hey look i'm blogging more than once a month, that's cool right?

just a quick update...we have another showing tonight. this will be 26. Ironically, tomorrow is my 26th birthday. Okay, no it isn't. But it was a nice try. Tonight is the last night I will be closer to 30 than to 40. :(

Next of all, Mo has been so incredibly entertaining as of late. She can sing her ABC's and can at least recognize the letter C due to her recent obsession with Cookie Monster. I mean, he is old school, right? But she is in love. If she had to choose between Elmo and Cookie, I'm not sure what she'd do. Cookie is more her level though, even since he's become more "PC" and eats fewer cookies (he eats veggies now too), he is still pretty non-evolved and I think that's why Mo likes him. It's interesting how some Monsters on Sesame Street have very good vocabulary (Zoe, telly, who is just about the most annoying one on there) yet others have yet to even grasp the idea of first person. (Elmo, Cookie) I guess those folks know what they're doing over there though. Heaven knows it's 10000 better than Dragon tales or Barney.

Okay that was quite a tangent.

I also wanted to mention some song she sings, only in the car, and only when she is revved up. We don't know where it came from, or what it is, but it just sounds like, "WHA-DAY" over and over again, with arm motions, and then some other chorus after the refrain, that is completely unintelligible to all in the car, besides Mo of course. it's hysterical, but I will never get it on video because I'm usually driving and she has never sang it at home, and if you try to sing it, she looks at you as if you have desecrated the National Anthem ala Roseanne.

Last of all, Al scored 4 goals the other night at soccer, her last game of the year for the school, and the score was 4-3 so needless to say she won the game for them. I was SO proud of her, and I told the principal of her school if he saw her in the hallway to give her a pat on the back. Instead, he announced it in front of her WHOLE class, and made them give her a standing ovation. She was beaming when she got home, and I pray and pray she never ever finds out I told him about it!

I've got more work to and and apparently some cleaning to do as we have a showing at 5:30 and I'm sure the house still smells like Smelly Cat.

where i've been

2008-09-23T06:32:00.002-05:00

* Working 80+ hours for this new job...when your computer sits in your house, it's hard to say you won't work. Not like jumping in the car and driving to an office, they KNOW it's right there. So, in a nutshell, my back hurts, my fingers hurt and my head hurts from all the new terms I've been learning. Good times.

* Driving up the River Road with my delicious husband for his birthday and sitting on a deck drinking Blue Moons and watching the sunset. Fantabulous.

* Getting my yearly cups from the Italianfest...each year our city holds this festival where there is a ton of Italian food and beer (ya I know, I hate it too!) and with each beer you get a cup. These are the ONLY cups we drink out of, and I have 10 years' worth in my cabinets. This year was the 25th anniversary however, and the cups had RIDGES. It's like my whole collection of fine china has become upgraded. (oh, and by the way, I 'earned' WAY too many cups this year and spilled one over my friend's super hot brother's back. 'Sokay though, I was giving him a hug at the time and was rubbing up against him, so it was worth it)
* Transcribing cardiac stress/rest tests that make my brain squeal in pain.

* Running! With all this stress I need an outlet, and even though i didn't make my bet with LP, it's OK, because at least I'm still staying healthy.

* Finding a new channel that I like on Sirius, #36, lots of dance music.

* Eating at the hibachi grill again, those onion volcanoes just are the bee's knees.

* Going to a balloon glow before the annual Great Balloon Race in St. Louis. Did you know STL was famous for this? I mean, I knew it happened but I don't think anybody outSIDE of St. Louis does. But they insist it's what we're famous for. You know, not for being the murder capital or for that big silver McDonald's arch-looking thing that towers over the city. WTF? *** Oh, I wanted to post pics, because this balloon thing was so fun, but I can't find the USB cord. Hopefully I will have them soon)

* Watching a LOT of soccer. Guess what I'm doing Friday for my birthday? If you answered getting a pedicure while having a back massage by David Beckham you'd be...really wrong. I'm going to a soccer game.

* Did I mention the working? It's truly kicking my a$$.

* we had our 25th showing last night of the house. That is 25 times I've had to clean the house to Martha Stewart clean. 25 times we've had to go find something to do, and 25 times I've yelled at the kids to pick up after themselves. Still, we are here.

* Collapsed into bed only to not be able to sleep due to LP's incessant snoring.

* Oh and I got an IUD! Is that appropriately listed here? Probably not. It's probably nobody's business either, but I had planned a post actually about taking this birth control pill called Yaz that made my hair fall out. You read that right, it made my HAIR FALL OUT.

* Enjoying the last week where my age will be closer to 30 than it is 40. :(

So that's it. It doesn't get any more exciting than that either, so breaking this up into separate posts would have only put you to sleep faster, so good day. Enjoy your nap.

Hope all is well, and as soon as I find that cord I will post pictures.

When Sesame Street Appeals to the Mommies

2008-09-04T10:59:00.002-05:00

Brilliant.
Mo and I can certainly watch this episode over and over.

Mmmm yum.

My obsession visits with Mo's obsession.

travell

2008-09-02T12:45:00.003-05:00

This weekend was SO much better than the last. Granted I worked every single day (yes, transcriptionists work on Labor Day. It's Labor. we work. in our jammies though) but the weather was beautiful and LP and I even got to go on a drive in the convertible. Wish we could have gone floating, we have not done that in 4 years and I'm seriously craving it.

3 showings this weekend, haven't heard back on any of them. Still contemplating buying a lot of land and starting from scratch as soon as we sell this. who knows, I still love that house we have a contract on. Just not sure if it's the 'one'.

Rug was invited to go to Greece, she is still in the running to have it paid for, but her coach invited her regardless, but we'd have to pay for it. It'd be about $20K for the 4 of us to go there, and that's if we left Mo here. :( which would be hard to do, but what would be harder, lugging her around the Parthenon? Probably. So we are doing tons of searches on Greek tourism, it looks so exciting to me. I of course would have to go to Santorini just cuz Kalki did.

Gotta go, a CT of maxillofacial bones is waiting for me.

Arguing

2008-08-29T09:07:00.002-05:00

My husband and I are arguing this morning about what the top 10 'grunge' albums would be. Of course it is all subjective really, but we both have pretty strong opinions on the subject, seeing how both of us were in college during the heyday of grunge itself. I was a Freshman at EIU when Smells Like Teen Spirit and Alive came out. So it pretty much was the soundtrack for my college experience. When I graduated, Hootie and the Blowfish were inundating the airwaves and though I liked them at the time, it was the end of an era.

So here are my top 10, and of course this certainly isn't relevant to any of my readers being too YOUNG to remember or too OLD to care, (which both have their merits of course, but could never appreciate the joy of Grunge) but if my daughters someday read this they will know that Mommy had the better taste in music than Daddy. Which of course, they already know, having to listen to all that awful Cinderella music he insists on playing.

(For Pete's sake he wanted to put Offspring on the list. Seriously????!)

Top 10 Grunge Albums You Must Have if You Call Yourself Grunge and ever in your Life Wore a Flannel Shirt and it Was Not Cold Outside:

10. Rage Against the Machine

9. Tool, Undertow

8. Smashing Pumpkins, Siamese Dream

7. Pearl Jam, Vs.

6. Nirvana, In Utero

5. Soundgarden, Badmotorfinger

4. SINGLES soundtrack

3. Alice in Chains, Dirt

2. Pearl Jam, Ten

1. Nirvana, Nevermind

And there you have it. Al and Rug and Mo, listen, trade in those Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers CDs and replace them with these fine classics. You will never be disappointed, I promise. If anything, you would reverse the damage you've caused with that awful "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" remake Miley Cyrus has made to Mommy's brain. Thank you.

2008-08-28T11:27:00.003-05:00

I told you all those pictures were of Mo. She is so cute though, no?

I've had so many things in my head to post but of course they all have vanished in the air. The best I can tell you is that my husband thinks he is a Pro at grocery shopping, yet he went Sunday and forgot milk and white bread. Pro--bably the worst grocery shopper ever. We do have tons of chips and beer now though.

The job is going better. My head is spinning with all the new reports I've learned. If you ever need to be scanned for gallstones, I know what to look for. Thoracentesis? I'm your lady. Needle biopsy? Haven't got that one done quite yet. You don't want to be getting one of those any way.

The girls have had their first whole week of school this week, and they've been hanging pretty well. We have NOTHING this weekend except to chill and play Mario Cart on the Wii and probably not drink as much Dixie cup wine.

And if this is sarah, stop reading right now lady.

Monday

2008-08-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

Well it's Monday and I said i would update.

Had 3 showings this weekend AND an open house, still no leads. Hanging my head because I busted my TAIL cleaning. Commencing the weeping....

Now on top of all of my stomach problems I have added panic attacks to my repertoire. Nice! I've never had those in the past, but with the new job + selling house + school starting + not feeling well apparently equals a panic attack. Fun for all.

OK I have to get back to work. No more of all this positive energy!

Friday nights

2008-08-23T08:32:00.003-05:00

Two Dixie cups of wine got me tipsy.

Clearly this is a sign I need to start drinking more to get my tolerance up, right?

15 years ago I know I was probably doing the same thing on a Friday night, dixie cups and all, but I'm 100% certain I was not as buzzed as I was last night.

Or that I was at a 2-year-old's birthday party.

Road to nowhere

2008-08-21T12:47:00.002-05:00

I had a 30 minute conversation with a lead transcriptionist on how to work the software. Okay, I know now, but I have no password to get in to the system. Great. I've called and emailed 4 dfferent people with no response. So what do I do?

I blog!

This pic of Mo is priceless because I have physical evidence of her obsession with her bellybutton. It must be her entire system function button, because she always has her finger on or near it. That button is important and she is not letting anyone else touch it. I wonder if it will launch missiles from Houston if I push it.

Out of the pics I have from Holiday World, 24 are of Mo. I figured I had some catching up to do and I already have a ton of the older girls. Who needs more right?

I'm really praying I can start on this new job soon. I'm very excited but nervous at the same time. My old job was a very small hospital with very little variety in reports. This is a huge account with reports I've never heard of let alone typed. Totally feel like I'm in over my head.

Actually, someone compared my situation to being in quicksand. As soon as I get my footing, I start sinking again, and then get back up, and sink again. Just all the instability in my life that is going on, it's a great analogy. I do not have any firm ground to set my weary feet upon! Everything is in such reflux.

tomorrow I get my hair highlighted and cut so I will be able to close my eyes and relax for awhile. This weekend we will be gone most of the time. I will update on Monday. Have a great rest of the week!

This too Shall Pass...

2008-08-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

Well I've started this post at least four times now. My boss called me this morning to inform me my salary has been budgeted at a FRACTION of what I make. Basically it was 'we're kicking you to the curb' but saying it in a nice, financial way.

So much for that new house. I'm going on vacation!

Yesterday I went to run some errands and found that Mo had pooped all the way down her leg, even seeping into the cracks between her toes. Apparently the A T & T store did not have customer bathrooms, so I had to go take her to the girls' school but got caught in traffic for 1/2 hour. She was not pleased, to say the least. Once I arrived, I discovered the grapes and fruit salad from the day before had not so much been digested as it was evident in the whatnot that was spilling from her diaper. it was a lovely sight.

Later that evening LP had given me the Saab to drive (he saw it in my eyes) Al to her soccer game as he went in the opposite direction with Mo and Rug to HER soccer practice. He got a new phone, and text messaged me, "I love you, hope you are having a good night! XOXOXO" but since the new phone was well, NEW, he wasn't accustomed to the pad and apparently sent that message to someone with the number that ended in a "5" instead of a "2" like mine does. Whoops--there goes someone's marriage.

In the meantime I'm going to be searching the internet for job opportunities and perhaps consider going back to school, at 35 years old. (well, I'm not 35 yet, but I will be in September, and that just makes me hurl). What the hell, it's not like I'm using my college degree any, let's just get some more schooling under my belt! I may end up a ph.D after all is said and done! Too bad there isn't a doctorate in transcription, darn!

But first, probably should start by taking a shower.

First Day

2008-08-18T13:05:00.002-05:00

Today the girls started back at their school, the one they've been going to all this time. Who knows what will happen next week. They might be going to a DIFFERENT school by then. It has changed so much in the last week, my head is spinning.

Holiday World was a blast. We spent every second enjoying the nothing and I swore to LP if he even brought up moving, selling, or relocating I would pinch his eyeballs out. Of course yesterday we came back to reality, and had two showings, one of which are returning on Thursday for another look.

I don't even know what I want anymore. Today I dropped $800 on a radon removal system. 3 months ago if you asked me what that was, I would have looked at you like dopey. "Wha?" Now I can tell you how radon gets into your house, and how it is removed. And why it needs to be. Radon 101.

I love to compare how the girls have grown up. The one pic is from 2004. Riley was going into kindergarten, Alex into 3rd. My how things have changed.

Mo finally said her name today as well as dropping a very audible F-Bomb, so clearly she has her "K" sound mastered.

I've got a new job on top of my old one, so I'll be in front of the computer more often. Won't that be grand. LP will love that I probably won't be showering as often.

I will post more pics when I get them.

2008-08-16T16:33:00.002-05:00

I love Jasper Indiana so much. It is just a nice quaint little German town. I heart it. enjoying every millisecond of my time here.

Check out the German restaurant we ate at last night, and apparently according to my husband, will be eating at again this evening as he cannot have enough German food.

Schnitzelbank

Right now Mo is sleeping, the older two are with their grandparents, LP is downloading every possible iPhone application to my iPhone, and I am having a nice, quiet moment getting to know my new laptop (yes, I know, this is my very FIRST laptop, crazy, no?) and drinking Diet Dr. Pepper and eating the free hotel cookies.

Bliss. Pure bliss.

diary

2008-08-13T23:41:00.003-05:00

I stumbled across an old diary of mine from when Al was a baby. Actually, Al stumbled across it and read it. She said to me, "I was in my terrible twos mom, you wrote all about it!"

When I sat down and read the entries, the one thing that stuck out was how I felt like I was missing something. "I don't write as much as I used to" I said. "I can't ride my bike like I want to". All these things, because I had a child.

I wasn't missing a thing. I'd take those moments again in a heartbeat!

I do appreciate the blogging, as it helps me write as much as I used to. Now to just get that bike on the road...

I just finished reading both "Wicked" and the "Year of Magical Thinking". Both worth reading. I actually enjoyed Joan Didion's prose so much I went and got another one of her books and started it tonight, "Play it as it Lays" or something like that. I have to tell you when I was in high school, she was the kind of writer I vowed to be. I wanted that life. I wanted to be able to conjure up a poem at the drop of a hat or reference some old literary quote so obscure I'd have to find it to prove to someone I knew it.

Well then I went and majored in Psych instead of English. I just figured with my social anxiety, I would have ended up teaching English to a bunch of bratty teenagers who didn't care what Shelley had to say about anything. I didn't want that.

So now I blog, and that'll do me just fiiiiine.

We have had two contracts on the house fall through, I'm not even in the mood to talk about it. The girls are just stressed out, they just want to KNOW what is going to happen already, and I don't have that answer. I'm going to take a few days off from work, go swimming, have a beer and a pedicure and come back and think about it Monday.

Ciao.

Lame Things to Keep Me Going

2008-08-04T00:35:00.003-05:00

Well it's late and I can't sleep so blogging is the best second alternative to slumber. For me anyway, because if there are any readers out there, this is going to be D-U-L-L.

Some things:

Mo has some new phrases.
"I You?" Which is her way of asking me to sing that blasted Barney theme song. She caught it once on TV and it has forever stuck to her as a perfect lullaby.

"Up Above so High?" Again, lullaby singing request, this one for Twinkle Twinkle.

"That is SO kewl". Usually after something her sister does that makes her laugh.

"Oh, no SHIT" Yeah, well, I drop things. A lot. She is a parrot. (she said this in front of my mom and fortunately she thought it hilarious. Whew!)

"Sit down." "All done" and "Side?" All just your basic demands from a 20 month old.

***********************************

In other news, we had two people see the house this weekend. One came back saying it was too small for them. (Dude, we have a HUGE house for this price range. Clearly a couple with eyes bigger than their wallets. Unless we're at their low end price range). The other we have yet to hear from. I hate to be hopeful because once I am, the floor falls below me. It's not bumming me out anymore though. The worst that could happen is we still have a fantastic family in a smaller house. I can handle it!

LP had to replace the sump pump this weekend, and I thought it was going to be a huge undertaking but he got it done in like a half an hour. I was impressed by his Tim Allen male-ness and rewarded him appropriately. He got to watch football and all that other junk ALL weekend.

This week we are going to see Tom Petty and Steve Winwood. It should be fun, but certainly not as emotionally provoking at the Foos were.

oh and I'm reading "Wicked" and it's really good, and I'm going to go read it right now because it should make me sleepy. I have "Year of Magical thinking" on hold for me at the library as soon as I'm done.

That is all.

Mo Definition: Exhaustion

2008-07-30T12:46:00.003-05:00

After trying unsuccessfully for 2 hours to get my daughter to take a nap, I feed her dinner, and when I turn my head to spoon up another bite for her, I returned to her looking like THIS:

(and yes of course she stayed up until 11 p.m. later that night, naturally!)

Quick Summary

2008-07-29T08:19:00.002-05:00

1. the guy cancelled the contract due to the inspections. Since the inspections weren't all *that* bad, the realtor seems to think something else was going on, i.e. he got back with his wife and needed an excuse or something. Who knows.
2. So now we're back to square one again.
3. A few people have seen the house, no luck.
4. It is near impossible to keep your sanity and try to keep your house 'showing' clean with 3 kids.
5. I've lost it.
6. Right now we've accumulated $3000 worth of repairs we did not anticipate.
7. I'm just about ready to give up.
8. But I can't. Not yet.
9. I'm taking the girls to a water park today to clear my head.
10. I think having a case of beer might clear it faster.

And finally,
11. I don't care what anyone says, at the next baby shower I'm buying Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for the new mommy. She has NO IDEA how much of a Godsend those things are.

Borrowed from Kristine and R & O

2008-07-25T08:12:00.002-05:00

Have you ever showered with someone?
LP and I shower together all the time. It's the rare 15 minutes we have with no kids.

Where did you last sleep other than your house?
May in Champaign

Who was the last person in your bed?
Mo

Strawberry Milkshake or a Banana Pancakes?
Neither. If I HAD to choose it'd be the banana pancakes but I'd smother them with syrup.

Last movie you saw in theaters
Indiana Jones

Burger King or Wendy's?
Wendy's. I sacrifice my lactose intolerance for Frostys.

What time is it?
8:14 A.M.

Where are you right now?
In my front room doing my morning routine of reading the news, blogging, and playing Boxerjam games.

Where do you think your best friend is right now?
Getting ready to go to work I think.

When will you see your best friend again?
Next week, she is delivering her bambino

Are you listening to music right now?
No.

Who else is in the room with you?
LP. Give it a few seconds and Mo will come barging in.

In winter, would you rather wear jackets or hoodies?
Hoodies definitely. But oddly enough, i cannot STAND wearing hoodies while I'm driving. The hood just gets in my way.

Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?
Moving into my 'new' house *sniff*

How long can you go without your mobile phone?
Forever.

Ever kissed a blonde haired, blue eyed person?
I'm usually the blonde/blue eyed person.

Who last called you babe/baby?
LP. He always calls me, "Hey Babe?" This is when I know he is looking for something.

What's the worst way to say I love you?
Devoid of any actual love I guess.

If an ex said they hate you, you say?
Depends on which ex actually.

Would you curse in front of your parents?
yes and i do.

What is your current annoyance?
the guy who won't make a decision on buying our house or not.

Do you like drama?
In life hell no. I like a good chick flick sometimes.

How many pills do you take a day?
Two, BCP and a multivitamin

What was the last item you bought?
I bought a Webkinz for my daughter. It was a pink Googles.

Are you afraid of roller coasters?
Uh...NO they are my favorite!

What would you do if your best friend told you they were moving?
Show up with a six pack ready to work

Apple juice or Hollister gift card?
What the hell kind of question is that? WHat's Hollister?

What is/was your school mascot?
In grade school it was the Crusaders. In high school we were the Mighty Maroons, which really isn't a mascot at all. Pretty ridiculous.

At what age do you want to be married?
I am married.

Where is your mom right now?
in bed I'm sure.

What should you be doing?
Taking a shower

Are you slowly drifting away from someone close?
No

When was the last time you felt unbearably guilty?
about 4 years ago a woman I didn't know very well found out I said some things about her that were not so nice.

When was the last time you cuddled?
I cuddled last night with Mo. When LP cuddles with me I fall off the bed. He is a big man.

When was the last time you woke up to someone?
this morning

Favorite name?
Girl name: Avery Boy name: Max

Fourth Text In Your Inbox?
what?

Would you bail your best friend out of jail?
Yes but she doesn't even roll stop signs so I doubt it'd ever happen.

Do you think people talk about you?
Duh.

Do you judge people?
I certainly try not to.

Browsing

2008-07-24T07:19:00.002-05:00

First I was HERE: Dooce.com

Then I clicked a link to *HERE: Etsy.com

Found some awesome cool stuff, but then it took me HERE: thisnext.com
Which directed me to HERE: instructables.com

Ah, what a morning of internet surfing can teach you!

*this was my longest stay, I adore hand made things

Big Me

2008-07-23T19:54:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday I had a spiritual experience. A complete and total whole body nirvana. (foreshadowing here) Extreme bliss, pure and unadulterated cosmic righteousness.

I was one with the universe.

I saw the Foo Fighters.

I'm sure that if Dave Grohl was the minister at my church, the attendance would surely be higher. His sermons would rock anyone socks off. He could probably get me to donate my life savings to whatever charity he was begging for that week.

This was the BEST concert I've ever been to. I'm going to have to apologize profusely for the lack of flair to that last sentence, because it does not have the ability to truly describe to you how fabulous it really was.

I realize the Foos are 'that' band for me. Everyone has that one band, or artist, that just SPEAKS to their soul. The one that got you through that tough time in high school. The one that helps you conquer that last mile in your run. The one that convices you they've written all their songs just for you. The Foos do that to me. I said that very thing to LP after the concert, I felt like they had physically hugged my inner self and made it say, "Life is good".

Dave Grohl is just amazing. The way he gets the crowd going, wanting more. He told an old story about a night he had in St. Louis years ago, and it made us all feel like we were sitting next to him in a local bar, swapping memories about old times.

I'd gotten the set list off the internet weeks prior, so I knew what they were going to play. If you know anything about them, they just released an acoustic album, so they set up two stages, one for the 'rock' and one for the 'acoustic' songs. We were closer to the 'acoustic' stage, and when he played "Everlong" the hair on my entire body tingled. He also put his entire being into "Marigold" which is the last song he and Kurt Cobain wrote together, so I'm sure it's bittersweet for him to play.

As he introduced the band, since they had the acoustic set they had brought along an extra 'percussion' guy. Dave introduced him as the 'triangle man' and said, "Judas Priest doesn't have a F**king triangle guy, but we do!" and made the poor guy do an entire triangle solo. And he rocked it, totally!

The last song of the evening was "Best of You" and I am fairly certain even those girls who were dragged to the concert by their Foo loving boyfriends most definitely left thinking they had just been a part of something seriously fantastic.

We drove home, after a night of shedding the Mom and Dad title and declaring ourselves still young enough to ROCK, and neither one of us could shake the goosebumps we still had on our arms.

Moving on Up

2008-07-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

The inspections went well for the new house. Almost *too* well. The inspector tested out my jacuzzi bathtub and I almost stripped my clothes off and jumped in. I think that might have discounted the inspection price had I done so. Or inflated it, who knows.

Now all we are waiting for is the inspection of THIS house that we live in, which I am far more leery about. It's about 30 years old, and with that comes a lot of aging. I'm older than this house, but not much, and if houses ache the way we do, I can see where its joints and back may be hurting a wee bit. Unfortunately for houses you can't just go and slap some Ben-gay on. It requires a heckuva lot more, kind like of a tube of Ben Gay that costs about 2 grand.

So anyway. I will let you know how that goes down. He has to have them done by August 6th so i will know by then if the picture above will be where I'll be cooking dinner in the near future!

Crazy!

2008-07-17T07:53:00.001-05:00

Our house went up for sale on Tuesday.

We got an offer Wednesday afternoon. What!

Our closing date is August 29th.

I am sufficiently freaking out right now.

Anyone have any boxes?

The King is Dethroned

2008-07-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

St. Louis has been my 'hometown' since I was born. There are only TWO truths to living in/near st. Louis.

1. You are a Cardinals fan.
2. You drink Budweiser products.

Today, InBev bought out Anheuser Busch.

it is a sad, sad day for the St. Louis area and its residents.

AB stood for everything we know is good...almost more American than apple pie. At least, you would eat your apple pie with an ice cold Bud and it would taste better.

AB donates greatly to MANY great causes in our area. They are always there to give a helping hand.

A few years ago, I read the 'biography' of the Busch family, VERY intriguing read. Being from this area it meant a great deal, but is still very interesting to learn about the family that created such an empire. It's pretty tragic, actually.

On one of our first dates, LP and I went to tour the AB brewery, which is located in Soulard, south of St. Louis. It has ALWAYS been free, and after the tour, you get 2 free samples of their products.

Nearby, Grant's Farm houses many of the Busch family's exotic animals, and you can go there. FOR FREE. Plus, again, the 2 free samples of the AB products. What's not to love? They also house the Clydesdales, and all of the family's former cars. We are going there Friday, hopefully it won't be the last time.

I'm truly heartbroken that this great company has gone to Belgium, somewhere I may never see. All my life we have been the AB headquarters and even though I'm not much of a drinker, I felt a lot of pride in that. Strange Brew, indeed.

Here comes the King Here comes the Big number one!
Budweiser beer used to be second to none...(well...second only to Inbev!)

Try to have a Budweiser product today and we can all raise our glasses up for globalization! Cheers!

The original Clydesdale commercial is HERE

Freaking out

2008-07-11T12:53:00.002-05:00

The guy accepted our offer on the house. OMG.

I've been cleaning like a fiend all day because we're putting our house up next week.

Crazy!

Why This Week has So Far Rocked Out

2008-07-09T20:52:00.002-05:00

(Picture and hairstyle by Al)

Such a great week. Let me tell you why.

* Spent a whole day with best friend from Florida and her cool kids. Hung out at the water park and felt good about ourselves.

* Got a very pretty sassy pedicure in PINK. Dude, I never wear pink. Ever. I even opted for the girlie flower on the big toe. My piggies are not sure what to do with themselves, especially when I slip them into Adidas flip flops and not Jimmy Choos.

* EVERYONE told me their kid had the 'best time' at Al's party. It was a resounding success and that makes me Hap-Py.

* Al got the Indiana Jones game for the Wii and it's hilarious!

* We got rid of our old water heater. And doesn't getting rid of crap make anyone feel good?

* We put an offer on a super cool house. Won't know until tomorrow what is going to happen but the suspense is making me giddy! Maybe that's the reason for the pink...
(it has central vac! and a lake!)

* I forced my children to watch a few of my old favorite movies from the 70s..."The Incredible Shrinking woman" and Escape to Witch Mountain AND Return to Witch Mountain. they LOVED the Witch Mountain ones but the Shrinking Woman, was, sadly, just not their style. Next up on the 70s movie list...Roller Derby and the Apple Dumpling Gang...I won't make them watch Savannah because I would just cry. (by the way, I've already made them watch "Midnight Madness" a hundred times. I bought it, and if you have not seen it GO now!!!)

* Tomorrow I am going to an art exhibit of MAD magazine comics. I am so incredibly thrilled and ecstatic about this. MAD magazine had a very large role in teaching me a LOOOOOT of things.

* Last of all, Mo is really developing a sense of humor. I do believe she will be as twisted as I'd like her to be. Awesome! Sufficiently warped, I love it.

Plus the weather has been great. Also we have the Simpsons movie in the car so everytime we go somewhere far, I get to hear the Spider Pig theme song. Which would make any normal person happy.

A Whodunit

2008-07-06T18:56:00.007-05:00

This year Al REALLY wanted to do a scavenger hunt for her birthday. Normally I go all out for her birthday, but this would have required MAJOR work on my part, including passing out flyers to our neighbors, coordinating teams, etc. etc. I was not up for it.

Good thing I didn't, because it poured down the night of her party. which was perfect for a MYSTERY party that we had!

When I sent the invitations, each girl was assigned a character. Some of them included a baker, a karate expert, a practical joker, and a ballerina.

Al was the actress.

Rug, naturally, was the Clothes Horse. When asked, she said she owned "1041" pairs of shoes.

Once all the girls arrived, they all introduced themselves and really hammed it up. I was pretty impressed with how they all got into character! Plus we had a special surprise guest...

Me and Leana the ballerina. I'm on the left.

The girls had to make up commercials for pretend products such as Magic Socks and Bubble Gum Bath, and Candy Shoelaces. Even the quieter girls were working it.

After the cake and gifts, we learned who the culprit was! They all screamed and hooted and hollered and just had a blast. Worth every penny!!

Last but not least I brought out a game we played a few years ago at a party that was a HUGE hit...just stick some hard to chew Bazooka gum at the bottom of a mess of whipped cream and whoever blows the first bubble WINS!

I did have to finally go down to the basement around 1:30 and tell them to GO TO SLEEP ALREADY but besides that, it was great fun had by all.

Now if I could just catch up on the sleep I've lost!

(P.s. The mystery can be purchased at www.dramaticfanatic.com in case you're interested...)

Makenna Definition: Concentration

2008-07-02T14:09:00.002-05:00

(Hairstyle courtesy of Al)

When I'm bored and surfing You Tube....

2008-06-30T19:57:00.001-05:00

This video has three of my favorite things: Disney World, Star Wars, and Thriller. Truly a trifecta of hilarity.

Darth is getting jiggy!

Sunday Sunday

2008-06-29T19:03:00.002-05:00

Well it's been a whirlwind type of week. I should blog more, but I've been so busy...not being busy, if that makes sense. Outside enjoying the lovely summer. Fortunately I live on the bluffs near the Mississippi therefore was not affected by the flooding nearby, which is crazy. Half of the steps to the Arch are under water.

We have spent the last week celebrating Al's 11th birthday and full swing into Tween-dom. She even got the side bangs with the swishy haircut, the transformation is complete. She also got her own digital camera so maybe she can take better pictures for this blog than her mom! We did the annual trip to Six Flags, where I found the roller coasters I once loved just cause me to get headaches. I did enjoy tattoo watching at the water park. I will never get one myself, but I love to admire others.

This week we are going to check out a really fancy house, it is very European/modern/Ikea ish and if it has what we like, we may make a bid on it. Who knows.

We are also doing a Murder Mystery Party for Al's birthday. I will let you know how that goes.

As of right now, I hear a certain 19 month old has unplugged the tub and is swishing in the bathtub bare butt with no water. I will resume blogging later.

SPF Youth

2008-06-20T11:36:00.001-05:00

Youth = Backyard Hose and big sisters.

Nuf said.

Please allow me to Introduce Myself...

2008-06-16T17:49:00.002-05:00

First off, I just now realized the typo in last post's title. Chold? What is that?

Anyway.

What a long strange trip this past week was. Al got back from camp, intact, albeit a little weary for the wear but all in all she had a blast. Heard the "Coconut" song the entire 2 hour drive home. You'd have to hear it that many times to TRULY experience it. Thanks to the counselor who taught it to them.

Before I begin this ditty, I want to let everyone reading know that I am NOT a complete and utter nitwit. AFTER reading this ditty, you will almost instantly think otherwise, but I repeat, I am NOT a nitwit. I have a college degree, dammit.

The whole week Al was gone, I insisted to LP that I was picking her up in the convertible. He insisted the gas mileage was going to be just as bad as the minivan's. Yeah, and monkeys might fly out of my butt. He loves his baby. I asked him if there was a speeding truck headed towards me and the Saab at the same time, which would he pick? He didn't answer.

And he still hasn't.

I was INSISTING on the convertible. I was picking Al up along with a friend whose daughter is one of Al's bestest friends. They are conjoined at the hip, truly. They met in preschool and have been pals ever since.

I am obviously trying to avoid this story and what it will reveal.

We started down at 7 a.m. and we had a lot to talk about. My friend, we'll call her Myspace because her Myspace has like a gajillion friends and she is very popular and I am not. She is also gorgeous, but that does not have anything to do with this story.

Myspace's daughter is on the same soccer team as Al's and there is a lot of drama going on, so we were yapping and yapping. Myspace is also single, and was just in the middle of telling me about some new boy she was being set up with, when all of a sudden, not unlike a movie scene...KAJUNG KAJUNG KAJUNG the car starts jerking and sputtering and making weird noises I had never heard before...and I am freaking out...."WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR? OOH NO! WHAT THE....."

Myspace replies, "Um, I think we are running out of gas."

Seriously? No. I am a responsible 34-year-old woman with three kids. No WAY would I ever....run...out...of....gas.

Oh dear.

I pulled my husband's almost brand new spiffy sports car onto the shoulder of the highway as FAR as I could. And then I lost it.

"What?!! I ran out of GAS? What idiot does that? 16 year old girls do that. I do not do that! What the hell?????"

Myspace had to get out of the car because she was laughing so hard she almost soiled herself. I was still in shock. Because guess what? We were in the middle of NOWHERE.

If you've ever been in Illinois, you would know when I mean NOWHERE I mean banjos were not even close to being heard in the distance. No freaking where. Several miles of walking in either direction.

I call the motor assistance card LP has in the glove compartment, and after being on hold for what seemed an eternity (which in reality was most likely 30 seconds) I soon learned it was only for TIRE assistance.

Just as I am hanging up, Myspace notices a black car several hundred yards in front of us on the shoulder, backing up slowly. My mind is spinning.

"What if they're crazy old men in there? What if they want us to do naughty things for gas? Oh my gosh what if they tell my husband???"

Myspace says as the car gets closer, "Well, it might be worth it, it's a Jaguar."

As they get closer, and we read the license plates, we realize they are people we know.

Yes, someone was watching out for me that day. My guardian angel works overtime, I realize that. Hope s/he gets paid double.

After offering up my firstborn and any other things to NOT tell LP about this incident, they helped me get to a gas station, get a gallon of gas and put it into the Saab. yes, I left LP's baby on the highway, by ITSELF for a time span I physically get ill about thinking how long it truly was. And LP knowing.

We got back into the car, and headed down the highway again, all the while I'm thinking only about the next gas station I needed to get to to fill that sucker up all the way. So of course, I almost missed the exit to turn.

Needless to say, I'm never allowed to drive down there again.

Once I got home, I thought of my options. I could just never bring it up, and LP would none be the wiser.

Yeah, right, until Myspace and I get together at the numerous drinking events we partake in and start yapping it up!

So I calmly told LP what I'd done. He was pretty accepting of the fact, and didn't get mad or even roll his eyes.

Strangely though, whenever I go out to the garage, the Saab is locked up and I can never find the keys. Coincidence? I think not.

Next time I am going to just embrace my Minivan status and never again be seduced by such an inticing little harlot of a sports car.

Nit wit.

SPF---Chold's Toy

2008-06-13T15:50:00.006-05:00

Well this has been a very busy week this week, which I am grateful for, less time for me to miss the Ali Baba. Anyway, I'm going to get her tomorrow morning, and I'm trying to clean the house up before she gets home. Then I'll never get a chance to get back into the tween sanctuary she calls her room.

Kristine has given us the assignment of showing a picture of a child's toy, and Lord knows I have a gajillion Polly Pockets, but i'm just going to go into my pictures and grab the first toy I see in there. I have three kids folks. Lots of toys.

Rug got the Hair Kit for her American Girl doll one year. Guess how many times she played with it? You are lookin' at it.

This toy gets the vote for All Time Most Incredibly Annoying Loud Toy in the World. So of course Mo adores it. Lots of spinning, farmer in the dell-ing, rattling, etc.

I've shown this picture before, but it is funny that Kristine's daughter hates the Smurfs. I LOVED the Smurfs growing up. They were, obviously, my favorite.

Absence makes the heart grow sadder

2008-06-12T16:05:00.003-05:00

Well Al has been at camp since Sunday. I finally got a postcard from her today, thanks goodness. It was mailed Monday so who knows what kind of week she has had. She did say in her postcard she wasn't getting much sleep, but that may have changed from the first night! I miss her, but I know she is having a blast. Definitely more fun than sitting around here watching Tom and Jerry. (yes! Tom and Jerry! Back on some channel and just as popular with the kids as ever)

Soccer tryouts are this week and that has been drama filled. I try my hardest to stay out of it but how can you not? People are so insecure about everything, and the smack talkers are out in full force. I could care less. I just want what is best for my daughters.

Speaking of soccer, Rug was nominated as one of the players in her club to travel to Greece next year for one (paid) week of training. I'm very excited about this. It would mean so much to her, and I would get to travel somewhere I've never in my life thought I'd ever see. we won't know until around March if she got it. She plays two years up, and is the leading goal scorer on her team. That ain't braggin' folks, that's just the facts. :) Definitely didn't get it from her mama. (that crazy knotted knappy hair oh yes, she got that from me.)

Mo has just erupted in words and sayings all week. Al will be stunned when she comes home to hear her. Her new one is "See ya later" and that usually means I need to pay attention because she is headed somewhere she should not.

I have been working out diligently and have lost yet another two pounds and that excites me. I have printed out the Expedition Everest Challenge Sheet and stuck on my refrigerator as incentive. If anyone is interested in joining my husband and I, please, the more the merrier. I am SO going to make it.

SPF--Through the Eyes of a Child

2008-06-06T12:39:00.006-05:00

Kristine over at Random and Odd has made the month of June "Through The Eyes of a Child". Which makes me laugh, because in college my buddy used to always say I should title my autobiography "Through the Eyes of a Dancer". Just because it sounded good, not because I was a dancer.

Anyway. Probably one of those 'had to be there' kinda things.

My kids were extremely excited to participate in this project. Anything to get to handle Mom's camera. The results:

Al, 10-year-old:

Snoopy reading about the Jonas Brothers

Mo Temper Tantrum

And here are Rug's contributions:

Still Life--Table

Mo giggle

I attempted to give Mo the camera but she was not too interested:

Now THAT was easy.
Did YOU play?

It's the little things

2008-06-05T09:27:00.002-05:00

10-year-old is on the list today. Her infractions:

1. Leaving a blue Sharpie marker in Mo's reach. Spent much of this morning cleaning up after her. 10-year-old can't find anything to help me clean up.

2. When I asked her to go get toilet paper, she grabbed the thinnest, almost generic paper she could find. Going to be a few "rough" weeks here at the house.

3. The eye rolling! When did that start?

4. Not liking baseball. At all. Who does she think she is? I'm at a loss.
(see picture below, I snapped her in all her moody tween "i don't want to be here" glory at the Cards game the other night)

5. Lastly, going to camp for a week without me! And being excited about it! Not cool, Al, not cool.

Weekend Update

2008-06-03T14:53:00.004-05:00

I didn't get to haiku this weekend, the first time I decide to and I don't. What a loser. Anyway, it was pretty busy. We had a wedding on Saturday which was lovely, weddings sure are gorgeous these days. Open bar, that's the key.

Sunday I took the girls to the Zoo to run in the Make Tracks for the Zoo Race. It was only one mile, but
I was proud of the girls, we all ran it in 9:15 minutes. (Rug pretending she's too cool to be photographed).

We stayed at the zoo for awhile. St. Louis may be #1 in crime but we also have one of the BEST (if not THE BEST) zoos in the country. Seriously. Come visit. Plus, it's FREE. Can't beat free.

They even have dinosaurs!

Last night we went to Mo's SECOND Cardinal game in her life. I was worried, now she is mobile I'm afraid she'd lose attention fast but Doggone it she loves that organ playing. Yelling "CHARGE" all night never lost its appeal. How the Cards gave up a 4-0 lead is beyond me, but oh well, we had fun.

SPF-- Tribute

2008-05-29T21:40:00.002-05:00

So this week's SPF is a tribute, and I'm sure Kristine means with a song. Well, a few minutes ago I learned Harvey Korman passed away. When I was little, the Carol Burnett Show was just about the greatest thing on earth, and I truly had a crush on Mr. Korman. So today my tribute is to him. He was one of the greats, and he will truly be missed.

Mo closest picture to 18 months I have

2008-05-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

Mo update and other random items

2008-05-29T08:46:00.003-05:00

Mo turned 18 months last week and I didn't even get a picture of her. I swore with my 3rd I wouldn't be this way, but looks like I am. Chalk up another point for 'them' because 'they' are always right.

We bought a new treadmill and put it together last night. I have yet to run on it but plan on running today, bad back be damned. God wouldn't have my back still hurting if he didn't want me to run through the pain, right?

LP is out right now buying a new water heater. I had mentioned before it was on the fritz, yesterday it officially stopped working and began to leak all over the basement. Now isn't that exciting? That is my life.

On the other hand, my mom has better stories in her neck of the woods. Last summer, her 10-year-old next door neighbor (next door!) set fire to a house down the street and because he was only 10 and they lacked evidence, he didn't go to any juvenile detention or serve any type of community service. We see him all the time when we go over there, and my mother tells me it's like that kid from the Twilight Zone movie, you know, nobody wants to piss him off so everyone is super nice to him.

So yesterday, her neighbor down the street was jumped and beaten severely by 3 men and is in the hospital recovering for 4-6 weeks. Turns out he is a gay man, and that is all my mother had to hear. She has never met a gay person in her life, (that she knows of...anyway) and for some reason she is so curious about anything GAY. When she told me this story, the subject of the email was "THE GAYS". Cracks me up. She is so sheltered.

And all I have is a broken water heater. Maybe I should go beat it up or something. Or set it on fire.

**************************

I did want to write a list of the things Mo can say now. I know, that is a clear and total lack of segue there, but that's how I roll. I don't have time for things to relate to one another. I'm a busy person, see?

Mo definitely does not talk as much as Al did, but probably more than Rug did. That's not to say she doesn't talk, she is constantly saying SOMETHING but it is Portugese or some language I do not understand. She has clearly been reincarnated and was once a fisherman somewhere and is just not ready to let go of that dialect.

First off, the brainwashing she gets from TV:
Bob Bob: Spongebob
Doo do Doo: Dora
Oooh! FFFFF! (Clifford, not from TV more books)
Melmo: Elmo
Win Pooh
Ohhhhhhhh: (intro to Spongebob song)

Next, People I Live with:
Dada
RahRah
Lala
Mom, Mommy, AHHHHHH!!!
Hi Kitty
Meow

Things I like to do:
Dan: Dance
Soc Ball
Drink
More (eating, and more eating)
Gippppsssss (grapes)
Yes!!!! (baseball watching)
Knuckles (hitting knuckles, someone taught her this)
Five (hi-five)
Ta-Da!
Spider (itsy bitsy spider, on heavy rotation)
Awwwww (petting animals)
Night Night
Thank you!
No! No!(vacuum, in response to me saying these words when she tried to unplug it)

Animals I think are pretty cool:
Goggie (doggie)
Kitty
(raz noise) Horse
(sniffing) Bunny
(pop noise) Fish
Oooooh! Bird

Explicit instructions:
Bye! ("I'm ready to go. RIGHT now.")
Shoe? ("I'm ready to go. RIGHT now. Put on my shoes.")
MMMMWAH! ("I'm ready to go. I'm blowing kisses to get the heck outta here.")
More!!! ("I need more of these. NOW.")
Booop! ("Honk my nose.")
AHHHHHH!!! (everything else you are not doing for me right this second)

Songs I like to sing:
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Any song from the Sesame Street Rock and Roll Show DVD
Elmo's World
ABCs
Winnie the Pooh
Twinkle Twinkle
Old Lady who swallowed a Fly
Low by Flo Rida (thanks, Rug)

When Stupid People Strike

2008-05-28T14:46:00.003-05:00

Seriously? Sharon Stone, are you a COMPLETE idiot? When you make such ridiculous end of the world comments such as THIS, what do you expect? People will bow down to your greatness? No, they will realize what a total schmuck you are. Those who want to free Tibet are not backing you on that one, sweets. Go back to opening your legs for the movies honey. We don't want to hear you speak.

That is all.

What I'd Like to say to Some People but Can't

2008-05-27T09:29:00.002-05:00

Blogs are great ways to vent. So here goes. Namelessly I will say what I really want to say to people. Here goes!

1. It's not that moving the car seat into your car is a big deal, it's that I don't trust my kids with your driving.

2. Seriously? You have to stop complaining.

3. You haven't seen us in so long because I can't stand the way you talk to my mother. Have respect please.

4. Move out already. You're almost 40.

5. Remember how you said there was a girl in your school growing up who was mean and no one would stand up to her? Yeah, that's YOUR daughter.

6. Your husband is really not a nice person, and has destroyed our friendship and you don't seem to care. I miss you.

7. Losing your temper is not 'just the way I am'. You can control it better than you do.

8. I don't trust you anymore. Don't pretend we are still friends, you told me yourself you needed new ones. (because I don't drink as much as you do? Nice.)

9. For Pete's sake, order something other than a cheeseburger for a change.

10. Stop telling people stories about my childhood. It drives me nuts. (ok, this one is obviously towards my mother. But really, it's driving me crazy) Or at least tell the good ones, not the embarrassing ones.

Hiking with the Say Qua's *

2008-05-25T15:22:00.005-05:00

Don't look now but the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are converging!

*totally stealing from kalki

Saturday Haiku

2008-05-24T13:46:00.002-05:00

I've decided each Saturday I will devote my blogging to haiku. Because I can.

Overnight at lodge
Two rivers converge nearby
Good breakfast buffet!

Hiking in the woods
Just me and my family
I'll look back and smile

One year olds are tough
They want to explore the world
Scream when you stop them!

SPF-- You in the Music

2008-05-23T10:06:00.004-05:00

Hey folks, my back completely went out picking up the little muggle so I'm barely getting by today, but I will at least take a crack at SPF from old pictures I have. Most of my pics from last week were of people dancing though, so I may have screwed up here.

The girls 2006 at the Kelly Clarkson concert. I was 6 months preggo and not really into the music so much!

Here I am in 1992 with two of my guy buddies listening to a really loud band my friends were in. This was taken at the local 'teen center' which lasted only a few months in each different location they tried moving it to. Darn meddlin' kids, always getting into trouble! The question is, why did I think a gray vest was ever a cute thing to wear?

Did you Play?

Because God Knows Too

2008-05-22T19:56:00.001-05:00

I may be replaced soon

2008-05-21T08:08:00.003-05:00

Have I got your attention?

Let me introduce you to my friend, Mr. Daniel Craig. He's hard to look at, no? Here is the sad part...I was introduced to him by my husband, LP.

A few weeks ago, I went out somewhere and once the kids were in bed, LP found a video on demand to watch. He selected "Casino Royale" starring Mr. Craig.

Since then, this movie is almost constantly on my television. Or should I say the tellie, since Mr. Craig is indeed British.

Every time I walked in the room, it seemed as though some part of this movie was playing, especially him playing poker. it is after all, about gambling, or so I surmised from the title.

I'm not a fan of Bond movies. Not that they aren't good, I just don't have the patience for them. Roger Moore was the only Bond I could honestly tolerate anyway.

Until now, that is.

Finally after days of complaining that there is something ELSE on the television, LP made me sit down and watch the movie.

I loved it. And I now officially love Daniel. What IS it with those British boys that just make me swoon? (BTW, Rick Springfield lived in England too, you know...and David, of course)

So due to my husband's man crush on this gorgeous hunk of a man, I now have someone else to put into my fantasy repertoire. Which in case you are curious, involves them coming over and mopping my kitchen floors and then asking me what I want to talk about. And then actually listening.

I guess it should concern me my husband has a man crush, but it's OK. It could be worse.

He could have a man crush on someone else. Then we'd have problems.

It's Monday, let's play a game

2008-05-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your Name: Jana

Famous Artist/Band/Musician: Jimi Hendrix

4 letter word: Jack! (wtf!)

Vehicle: Jaguar baby

TV Show: Judge Judy

City: Jackson, Mississippi (i've stayed there, in a Red Roof Inn...don't ask)

Boy Name: Joseph

Girl Name: Jill

Alcoholic drink: Jack and Coke

Occupation: Janitor

Flower: Juniper

Something you wear: Jodhpurs!

Celebrity: Jennifer Aniston

Food: Jelly

Something found in a kitchen: Junk

Reason for Being Late: Just got up

Cartoon Character: Jana of the Jungle!

Something You Shout: Jeebus!