Thursday, February 16, 2006

Remember

Four years ago today my grandpa died. I can't believe it's been that long. I am surprised sometimes at myself, because I will remember him in very odd moments. Last week, I was at the dentist, and they were watching the "Price Is Right" and it instantly made me think of him, but it didn't make me sad, it made me...well, it was a bittersweet memory. I know those moments are what it means when someone stays with you and lives on with you in your heart. So I'm not sad today, I am happy that I can think about all the fun times we had together. He would be embarrassed if there was any kind of fuss about him, that's how he was.

LP and I apparently have a new channel on our Dish programming called "Doc" which is a channel full of documentaries, and we came across a doc on Ray Davies, the lead singer from the Kinks. It was very interesting, and I gained a new respect for their music. He played a song that never became a huge hit in the U.S., but is so hauntingly beautiful it has been tattooed on my brain since I watched that:

"Days"

Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days, I won't forget a single day, believe me.

I bless the light, I bless the light that lights on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.

Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.

Sheesh! Isn't that just gorgeous? To be able to write a song like that. Wow.

And I stayed up last night to watch "Cold Mountain" and although I cringed at the fact that Nicole Kidman's makeup was flawless even when she was in the woods and her hair, although artsily tousled, was perfect, it was a pretty decent flick, and Renee Zellweger was fantastic in it, but above all, I have got me a new pretend boyfriend in Jude Law. My god that man is hot. How come this have never come to my attention?? Was I so blindsighted by David Beckham and Rick Springfield that I failed to jump on the bandwagon of what is called the Hotness of Jude Law??? I usually choose lesser known how guys to have crushes on (i.e., Wes Bentley, uh, yeah Rick Springfield isn't so much considered for People magazine anymore) but there is no way I can deny Jude's credibility. He is gorgeous.

Sorry, the Ricker has officially been replaced. *swoon*
















Dee-lish.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Forward march

Yesterday was an odd day. I felt alone in my giddiness on Valentine's Day, as pretty much everywhere I went, everyone else was telling me I should not be happy on this day, because it was a made up holiday. I even got some flack from relatives, saying they couldn't believe I'd actually been married 9 years, as they didn't think we would have made it past one!! (thanks for the vote of confidence!) Then I had to bring snacks to Al's V-day party...and do you remember how I somehow end up the brunt of some sort of odd occurrence or mishap?? Well it has happened again. (ah, that reminds me to tell of the rat story...got to do that!) Yesterday at the party, they made these Nerf-like Oriental Trading crafts that had a rubber band on the back and looked like shuttles (with a cute teddy bear attached of course). Well. One of the kids in her class thwoked his STRAIGHT at my EYEBALL. Full force. I literally saw stars, and realized he had knocked my contact lens out!! I couldn't see anything. I searched around the room, and on my clothes, and I went to the bathroom to see if it was caught in my eyelid (where it usually ends up), and it wasn't...so then I had another mom look and she found it in the other corner of my eyeball...yeah, it stung a little bit.

But after all that, I was able to drink a glass of wine and have dinner with LP, and can I just tell you, wine sometimes really, really takes the pain away. LP of course had the surf and turf, and I had a filet mignon I could barely finish.

I went home and watched "High School Musical" with my daughters (Cat! Have you seen this? It's all the rage at their school...show tunes galore!) and had a good laugh about it. Good times, good times.

Today I talked with one of my friends about getting a bunch of us together to go to Holiday World this summer!! Remember, this is the place we went last summer for a quick weekend getaway in August with the rough looking Santa. We are saving up $$ for next year's Las Vegas extravaganza (and hopefully Disney again) so this year will be low key, but I went to their website and they are building a new roller coaster, and it looks lotza fun!! How does this look for stomach-churning goodness!!! (from their website):
I expect a lot of screaming on that one. AAAIIIIIIIIEEEEEIIIII!!!!!!! Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Decade



Yep, 10 years ago today I walked into a bar not knowing my life was going to change. 10 years ago, I went to play darts with my friend. When we got to the dartboard, you and your roommate were there, playing darts, on 'our' dartboard.

10 years ago you and I were not at all interested in each other. But my friend and your friend were, so I followed you guys home.

After about a week of them seeing each other, and us having to tag along, we started to realize how much we had in common. And then you cooked me dinner! Tortellini, it was delicious. After that I knew you were a keeper.

10 years ago I had no idea what I was getting into. I just wanted to go out and have a good time. I didn't know I was going to get the best 10 years of my life.

9 years ago I married my best friend. Throughout everything, all the fights and all the stress, and all the turmoil, you still are my best friend. You make me laugh when I don't want to, and when I least expect to.

Now come here and give me some sugar, baby.

Love you, J

Friday, February 10, 2006

spfriday


spfriday
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Yay I participated this week! I am so happy. This week the categories are:

* Thing you LOVE about your home

* Thing you do NOT LOVE about your home

* Thing you LOVE about yourself

SPF LOVE


* Things I love about my Home.

Well now that we've remodeled the kitchen and pretty much every room in the house, I am loving just about everything about it. But mostly I love my den. It is so comfy and relaxing and exactly where you want to be to snuggle with your family. It's also the place to go when you have extended family over and they're all in the kitchen and you want to get away. All four of us fit on this at once, and we love it!!!



* Thing I do NOT love about my Home:


This is my basement. It is a nice basement. There is more to it obviously, the left door goes to the unfinished part, where we keep our weights and elliptical machines and all my love letters from 5th grade. But guess what is missing? A BATHROOM.
When we bought the house, I thought, feh, that's not too big of a deal, we can just run upstairs. Well, guess what. I did not count on how lazy I am. When you are involved in some serious DDR or air hockey game, who wants to stop to run up the stairs to pee? Not this lazy sucka!

I was also going to take a picture of our driveway, because it is on a hill, so my kids have nowhere to really play on concrete. The backyard is level, but you can't roller blade on grass. I went to take the picture, and there were all these damn BIRDS in my front yard. I started looking for a bald head walking by, and didn't see one so thought I was safe....







*Thing I LOVE about myself:

Always a tough one, because physically, there ain't much going. I do love my sense of humor, and my musical taste and random knowledge of trivia, but I also enjoy that I never take myself too seriously. I am very low maintenance, I enjoy a good laugh. I still get totally freaked out talking to strangers, but I really don't give a shit. Here is my Shit Ass Ho Motherfucker look:


This is me, of course in my sweats, sporting my glamourous Stay at Home 'do and my fancy Prada transcriptionist headphones. Do not mess with me. Word. Well, medical ones anyway.











And this is me, not taking myself seriously. At all.

Have a great weekend everyone. Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!!!

(And give Mrtl some good mojo, she needs it! And I want a duck fart!!!!!!)

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Almost Famous


First off, let me just clarify, The Ricker needs to pay for his past transgressions, if he was in fact, the pretend boyfriend of more than 3 of us here, then darnit he needs to pretend apologize. I will not continue pretending he was my boyfriend until he officially pretends to do that. Own it buddy.

Next, I did promise a list of the celebrity sightings/meetings I have had in my life. Yesterday was a bit hectic so I wasn't able to get to it, but it's here today.

(Quit staring at him, I know he is mesmerizing but seriously, pay attention.)

1. Circa 1981. Our family went on vacation, where, I cannot remember. All I do remember is that my dad was Mr. Griswold, he always mapped out our vacations to the last minute (and yes, I did inherit this trait from him). He knew, along the way, that Barbara Mandrell was playing at some concert in some field somewhere, so that was an absolute 'must stop' on the way to our destination. I remember a huge field and a stage, so it was an outdoor event, and my dad was saying something about it being way too crowded (if it's too much $$ or too many people, my dad is so outta there) so we were driving back OUT, when, while being stopped in traffic, Barbara Mandrell's bus drove by us, and she saw us and waved. Dad said that was good enough for him, and we drove outta there.

2. 1989. I went with my friend to Orlando with her and her parents one summer. (I will scan those pictures someday--my hair was HUGE) While we were standing in line for one of the rides at Universal, Jason Hervey, the older brother from the Wonder Years (and Pee Wee's Big Adventure star) was walking to lunch from shooting something on the studio lot. I instantly recognized him, yelled his name and took a picture. He waved at me. Woo hoo. He had a huge entourage, and was wearing Ray-Bans. Oh yes, he was very cool.

3. 1991. I have blogged about this before. I was at Lollapalooza, looking at jewelry at one of the stands, when I heard a voice behind me say, "Oh my gosh, should I act star struck?" and when I looked up, Eddie Vedder was checking out the same earrings I was!! He smiled at me, I MELTED, and he walked away to be whisked into a huge throng of people. Yes, I have kicked myself every day since for not at least saying hello. Oh I was so in love with him. Damn social anxiety disorder! DAMMIT!

4. 1994. Senior year in college, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Hootie and the Blowfish played at our college gymnasium. I am a very big Toad fan, and my friend was an usher, so I got to meet lead singer Glenn Phillips before the show. He was SO very nice and cool. I also noticed he wasn't wearing any shoes, and having been the janitor in that gym for 4 years, really wanted to suggest to him putting some socks on. After the concert, same friends and I followed the Hootie band members into their little trailer and hung out for a little while. I got the guitarists' autograph, and went back to my dorm because I was tired, but I know my friend hung out with them for a long time. About a month later "Hold my Hand" was a huge hit.

5. 2000-present: Well, I have also mentioned that Jason Isringhausen and I have the same pediatrician, but not every one knows who he is, so that's not too much of a sighting is it. Jim Edmonds cut me off in traffic before, does that count??

So you see, I have very little contact with celebrity. I wish I had more. I love to hear about them though, so if you have a great sighting/meeting, tell me about it!

And stop staring at The Ricker. He is MINE!!!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

I've gotta get my feet back on the ground

Ah I could start today's post with a long whiny whine about how my car didn't start yesterday or how the toilet overflowed or how today someone asked me when my baby was due (granted, I had LP's sweatshirt on, but seriously.) But I will not, I will persevere.

Al is at home sick today, so she will miss one of her soccer games tonight. I will stay home with her cuz Rug's got one too, and since it's a blustery day, this would give me great reason to go ahead and make some brownies, but, as I mentioned, someone thinks I look preggers so apparently I need to shed some poundage. That, is a post for another day. I don't think I'm ready to discuss my poor body image with the Internet just yet thanks.

BUT, I am gonna warm you up for tomorrow's post.

I live in the Midwest, the lonely, farm abundant, Wurstmarkt having, trivia night playing, no sense of style Midwest. Therefore, the celebrities I meet aren't of A-list variety, they're more R and S-list. TV anchors, radio Djs and the like. (P.S. I found this litty ditty about my birthplace, sums it up pretty much!)

My celebrity sighting/meeting list is short. So tomorrow's post about my celebrity meetings won't elicit responses as, "Wow, she met him? So cool." No, it will be closer to the, "Heh, that's funny, she almost met him but was too damned shy to say anything. Dork." And I am OK with that. It's my life, and I love it.

Thursday night, I went to help decorate for the girls school's annual Teacher Luncheon. It was held at one of the churches, and we couldn't decorate until after 9 p.m. due to a 'prior function.' I walked in around 9, and there stood this, this GUY. I walked over to the table of my friends and sat down. One of them said, "Hey, do you remember Steve and Betsy from As the World Turns?"

Did I! The summers of 1982 and 1983 were spent at my friend Amy's house, swimming in her pool and ga-ga-ing over Brian Bloom on "As the World Turns." Are you kidding me? I thought Betsy was the most beautiful girl and Steve was sooooooo hot, he sizzled. He was almost my pretend boyfriend, but that spot was already taken by Sir Ricky Schroeder (and later Rick Springfield but that is another matter **inside tangent--I didn't realize I had such a thing for guys named Rick. Hmm**)

"Yeah, I remember him, why?"

"THAT IS HIM RIGHT THERE."

I turned around, and shore nuf, he was standing at the podium, signing autographs. He was there to speak, I guess he is on some tour talking about Hollywood and God and what not. Of COURSE I was too shy to go up to get his autograph, but I did grab a flyer on the way out.

See, some days, being a soccer mom pays off.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Stuff Portrait Fridays--Play, Play that Game Tonight

Now seriously, how great can a post be that starts out with Kansas, huh???

I was able to play SPF this week, I always feel like this is the only day I *might* get past 10 comments, so to feed my ego here it is....

* Games I play
*Our Family Games
* Our game

I love to play games, board games, video games, drinking games, trivia games, I am there. We have game nights with our friends at least once a month. It's a blast. The most fun we have is when we play the Newlywed game or Pictionary and come up with our own categories. Too much fun. Last time we played the Newlywed game the question was, "What would you get rid of first if your spouse died?" and one of my friends answered, "The evidence!!!" Ha!

Anyway...here's my pics:

* Game I play

I already told you about my obsession with DDR, and I have previously mentioned Gametap, which is what I am playing here. Back in 1982 I was the queen of Burgertime, so I am re-living the glory days. Here is yours truly defeating those walking pickles and eggs and hot dogs. Ew, what were we talking about? Hot dogs and pickles? What is this, a porno?






Here is my face after just being eaten by a pickle:

PEOPLE! Get your mind out of the gutter! I didn't say I was EATING the pickle...I just got EATEN by one. Geez. (and please do notice the stay at home hair, it serves me well yes?)












*Our family Games

We love us some games. We got "Scene It" for Christmas and although it is slow moving, it is fun (and I kicked LPs ass in it, woo hoo!). Yes, that's an Easy Bake Oven on the top shelf. My kids are past the Easy Bake Oven stage, but I can't bear to part with it. We also got the SNL edition of Trivial Pursuit and it is uber difficult. Do not attempt unless you worked as a producer on the show.














* OUR Game

Mexican train dominoes. Soooooo much fun. We have taught all of friends how to play, we even taught our parents how to play and now they play every Saturday night. I am pretty good, but LP is the master (OMG do not tell him I said that.). He counts the dominoes, he totally cheats. I have beaten him though. My friend Beth Ann who is very politically correct calls the game Ethnic Dominoes. She doesn't want to offend you know. I certainly think any Mexican individual would be proud to claim this as their own. It is certainly better than tequila, which has ruined many a marriage. Dominoes brings people TOGETHER.


Alright, there's my stuff. Girls have a half day of school today, so I will be out this afternoon but rest assured I will be going to check out everyone else's STUFF.

Thanks again to Kristine, who is the proud sponsor of SPF and I think the 2006 Winter Games too. Okay, maybe not. Anyway, go over there and check her games out too!





Wednesday, February 01, 2006

MIA



LP knows I blog, but has never made any menial reference to the possibility that he might READ my blog. So do you think when I post this picture he might mention something to me? We will see!!!

It is January, and January brings Janasayqua-quietness. It brings blah-ness. It brings the mopes. (Not Moops!) I have not had the desire nor TIME to blog or to read any blogs. I can't get my laundry done! Hopefully next week will be cheerier moods and more time to sit and blog!

Yesterday I went to the self-serve car wash and as I was vacuuming out tiny pieces of old McDonald toys, I heard a piercing scream...yes, OVER the sound of the loud, industrial type vacuum cleaner. It was Rug, and she was screaming, "I've GOT A BLOOD NOSE!" and of course blood is spurting out all over my van. Lovely. Guess what?? NO WIPES. NO KLEENEX. How on earth did I fail so miserably as a mother to not have those items in my car??? What was I? A Neanderthal? (Note to new moms out there...Wipes. Everywhere you are. Keep them on hand at ALL. Times.) So I finally found an antiseptic wipe in the First Aid kit, although it was not enough to clean up the entire mess, it got enough to stop her from wailing any more.

I pulled my car up into the wash area, and I started soaping up the car. I headed onto the driver side of the car and...as I start spraying the sliding minivan door...Al OPENS IT UP, and since it is automatic, I can't just grab it and slam it shut...and in a split second the inside of my car AND my daughter are soaking wet.

She gets out and starts crying, and I am LAUGHING because, well, it was pretty funny. I could have been really mad, but seriously, if you saw what a wet little sad puppy she was, you would have laughed too. I didn't want her to keep crying, so I tried to point out how funny it was, and once she got back into the car (first, I do not know WHY she got out, I guess it was wet, and second, yes, she has reached the age where it's "Oh. My. Gosh. I am. SO. Embarrassed.) she decided it was funny enough to laugh.

She had a soccer game last night (Beat select team 7-2 woo hoo! And Al scored a goal!) and she said, "Mom, please don't tell anyone about that. I will be so embarrassed."

After the game she said, "I told everyone. They all thought it was hilarious."

Anything for a laugh babe, anything for a laugh.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Best Laid Plans...

Hoss told me once I had enough material for several posts but I crammed
it into one itty bitty post, so I can't do that tonight. I have enough material for the rest of the week, all wrapped up in a 24 hour timespan. I am mentally exhausted!! I have fixed a flat tire, watched my daughters first basketball game, got groceries, got a new library card, did my bills, took a trip to the post office, typed 1300 lines of medical blah-de-be-blah, took my sicky Archie to the vet (which made me very sad), four loads of laundry, waited over an hour at a restaurant for my food, and tried to figure out the point of my existence all in one day. Maybe all this happened because I did not haiku. That's what I need.


Good eats, place burns down.
Owner rebuilds, starts over.
Kinks not ironed out yet!

I am taking the advice of debutaunt and turning the bitter into sweet, so I'll have another go at the haiku. I was tired and crabby so I need to just let it out...isn't haiku the best way??

What took it so long?
Not a tough thing I ordered.
Grilled chicken salad.

I'm not mad, but sad.
I used to love to eat here.
Next time Taco Bell.

Turn bitter to sweet
I went to the library
New Tom Robbins book!


Ahhhhhhh. Much better.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

D-D-DivaStarz



I told my daughter Rug today that she could go to Build-A-Bear to use the gift card she had gotten for her birthday. She told me that since she had more than her older sister, that she would give her card to her sister, and just buy herself an outfit. I was completely blind sighted
by this generosity, and was waiting for the 'catch'...but there wasn't one. So score one for me in the parenting game, woo hoo.

Around 11 I made her get dressed, and my first surprise rang the doorbell...her best friend Mc was at the door, and I told her she was going with us to the mall, as a little surprise. She was thrilled, I probably could have stopped there and she would have been just as happy.

We got to the mall, and I let them browse around Limited Too for a little while, and we 'sauntered' over to Libby Lu...we walked in and the girl welcomed us, and I said, "This is Riley." And the girl behind the counter said, "Oh, would you like to come with me and get your makeovers started??" Rug couldn't believe it!! "Mom, ohmygosh. Ohmygoshmom, are you for REAL?" She she, Mc and her older sister Al got the diva treatment: makeup, nails, hair, even outfits to wear. They got to do a dance in front of the store, and had an absolute blast. Rug was shaking her thing for sure, so I am guaranteed she will have a lucrative future in SOME career, hopefully that will not be the one she chooses but I'm not picky.

As the three of them walked out of the mall, hand in hand, giggling, excited about the fun they were having, Rug noticed, even though her legs were shivering from the cold, that there was a limousine parked outside the front of the mall. I told her maybe she could ask the driver if she could look inside. She started gasping, and said to the driver, "Is this...this isn't for me is it?" He says, "Are you Ms. Rug?" "Yes," she replies. "Oh, well, they didn't tell me I was going to be driving around a famous rock star today. My name is John and I will be your driver, go ahead and hop in."

I thought she was going to burst!

We drove around and ended up at Crown Candy Kitchen for lunch. They had milk shakes and banana splits and gummy hearts and chocolate covered pretzels. Yeah, and then I stuck them BACK in the limo for the ride home, they were BOUNCING like pinballs from the sugar!!!

We arrived back at the mall, and we actually did go to Build-A-Bear so Rug's sister got the boxer dog, and she got a pink outfit for her build-A-Bear at home, and our glamorous day as rocks stars was over.

limo


limo
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

In the end, it was an awesome day. I certainly hope she remembers this forever. I know I will.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

100 Things

I started this post over an hour ago. I can't believe it took me that long to think of it! But I did it all in one setting, and I'm sure I'll want to go back and use other things, but this is it, all there is to know about me. And then some.


100 Things About Me

1. I have tried to keep every note anyone has ever given to me since 5th grade. They are in a Rubbermaid tub in my basement.

2. I also have kept all my journals since high school, same tub.

3. The first concert I ever went to was INXS with Public Image Limited. It was wonderful, I will never forget it. I wore red Converse high-tops trying to be cool, but paired it with Coca-Cola sweatpants (How establishment!)

4. I really wish I could do more volunteer work. I mostly just volunteer at my kids’ school.

5. My grandpa was killed by a drunk driver when my dad was 10. I have no respect for people who drive drunk. I have driven drunk.

6. When I was little I wanted to be a mermaid or a make-up artist like the ones in Fangoria.

7. My mother wanted a foo-foo girl, and would buy me Bonnie Bell sets. I would mix the perfume and lotions together playing “Mad Scientist” in my laboratory. Mwahahahaha.

8. I am not, and have never been, a foo-foo girl.

9. My youngest daughter, yeah, she is totally foo-foo. I wouldn’t allow anyone to buy pink for either of my daughters when they were little. Now that’s all they want to wear. Serves me right.

10. I met a boy at a park one time when I was 10 who was from Michigan. He told me we’d definitely meet again and get married. Obviously that didn’t happen.

11. I smoked cigarettes for about one week in high school, menthols at that. My boyfriend at the time took my pack of cigarettes from me and said, “Come on, you know that isn’t you.” He was right. I never smoked again.

12. I have a strange habit of counting letters, in groups of three. Everywhere I go. It’s my little secret. For example, the word “insane” would be good, ins-ane…but I would have to break up something like ridiculous…it would be rid-i-cul-ous. Seriously, it drives me nuts sometimes.

13. I have to sleep a certain way at night or else I can’t sleep. LP is the only one who knows about it, I can’t tell anyone else!!! It is a total neuroses of mine.

14. You’re starting to think I am crazy. I know. I think so too.

15. My husband has more shoes than I do. There, I said it. I need three pairs of shoes per season…one black, one brown, one tennis shoe. That’s it.

16. I cannot stand the way I look. It took me a very long time before I could look into a mirror completely; if I had to do my hair I’d look up, I even put mascara on with out a mirror.

17. This stems from having really bad skin as a child. It still makes me cringe thinking about it. My skin is still really bad. Okay, let’s move on!

18. I love broccoli and asparagus. I also love brussel sprouts if they are cooked right, and I love peas!! Mmmmm peas.

19. The first guy I had sex with was also my first love.

20. He was one of my Dad’s former grade school students.

21. When my dad found out I was dating him, he yelled and screamed and freaked out and said I was not allowed to date him.

22. We dated for almost a year. My dad actually started to like him.

23. My mom drove off the road and called me a whore when I told her I wasn’t a virgin.

24. She also cried and said I ruined my life when I told her I was pregnant.

25. I am not a whore, and I certainly did not ruin my life.

26. My mom and I had a very, very bad relationship for a long time.

27. It only got better when I moved out of the house to live with LP.

28. She still drives me nuts, but I can’t imagine a day going by without talking to her. She would do anything for me and I love her very much.

29. I lived in the dorms throughout my 4 years of college.

30. I couldn’t afford not to.

31. I didn’t realize how poor I was growing up until only a few years ago.

32. My dad was a grade school teacher. He also tutored at night, so we didn’t see him much during the school year.

33. Over the summer though we would go camping and go places around St. Louis.

34. I have lived in the St. Louis area all of my life.

35. This was not my plan.

36. I am pretty happy here though.

37. One of the kids who relentlessly teased me in grade school killed himself last year. It really freaked me out, and put things into perspective.

38. Did you ever see “Big Fish”?? the analogy that most wolves are very lonely really struck a nerve with me, and it always makes me see angry/mean people in a different light. Mostly they are lonely. I try to remind myself of that.

39. I can’t cook. Seriously.

40. I can bake though. Only by a recipe. And not all that fancy stuff.

41. I have a huge, irrational fear of flying. I flew to DisneyWorld with my grandparents when I was 7, and when I got home I swore I would NEVER set foot on an airplane again.

42. I didn’t until I graduated college, and I went to New Mexico for the weekend by MYSELF. It did not cure me of my fear.

43. I wore a size 8.5 shoe until I had kids, now they’re almost a 9.

44. I have an abnormal amount of music knowledge, mostly of 80s music.

45. My dad has over 1,000 45s, so that has a lot to do with it.

46. I think my iPod is one of the best things I have ever owned.

47. I also think I fell in love with LP’s CD collection before I fell in love with him. It was also one of the reasons I FELL in love with him! :)

48. I quit the newspaper when I was a sophomore. My mom thinks it was because I wrote a story on a Colombian girl and she got mad that I stated cocaine was a Colombian export. I really quit because I wanted to spend more time with my boyfriend. (see #19)

49. I was in dance from Kindergarten until 8th grade. I had a love/hate relationship with it. But now I’m glad to be able to say I was a dancer.

50. I quit because my teacher bumped me up to a more advanced class, and they ostracized me for being younger.

51. Obviously I cannot handle pressure very well.

52. My first car was a Plymouth Champ, which was actually my mom's. You had to keep your foot on the accelerator otherwise it would die. Took me a long time to un-learn two foot driving.

53. My mother found my rolling papers when I was in high school and I said they were someone else’s. She believed me.

54. My older brother scored a 30 on his ACT. He still lives at home.

55. I cannot seem to get this around my head, and it drives me craaaaazy.

56. I almost cut my little toe off when I was 5 in the Kaskaskia River on a glass bottle. I remember the experience vividly. I remember the feeling when I cut it, and all the blood, and my dad holding down my shoulders while I watched the doctor sew up my foot.

57. My epidural did not work with my second child, and it hurt like hell.

58. But I remember more about her birth than I do the first one.

59. When LP and I got married, we lived in a 2 bedroom house that I still miss, even though it didn't have an attached garage. Once someone tried to steal LP's cell phone from his car, but Al woke up and started crying which startled him and he ran off. Our neighbor found the phone in a ditch by her house and called us to pick it up.

60. I love being barefoot. I really hate shoes.

61. I have self diagnosed myself with Social Anxiety disorder. If I do not feel comfortable, I will totally clam up and be quiet. I don’t initiate conversations, and I have terrible ‘small talk’ ability. I think everyone hates me, but I don’t have low self-esteem. I struggle with this on a regular basis.

62. I would wear sweatpants 99% of the time if I could.

63. I usually do.

64. I have a degree in Psychology. I really, really wish I had my Master’s.

65. My dad was the head counselor of a scout camp when I was little, and we would live there over the summers in a cabin that had no bathroom.

66. I worked at a summer camp my senior year in college in Minnesota. It was fun. I had to stay away from the water though, because I can't swim.

67. I used to work at a daycare, and one of the kids in my class was suffocated by his mother with a pillow.

68. I also worked at a center for abused kids, and it was one of the best and worst jobs I have ever had. During that time I got peed on and spit at and punched and kicked, but that was much better than the abuse we received from the administration!!

69. I love nature. I could go on hikes and walks in the woods forever. My dad instilled this in me. He always takes time to watch the sunset.

70. I have never been to Mexico.

71. The only bone I have broken is my second toe when I was in 6th grade tripping over a manhole cover. Heh, I said manhole.

72. In college, I never missed an episode of “Beverly Hills 90210.” However, I could not tell you what one episode was about if you asked me. (Okay, I do remember Donna was a big ol virgin, that’s it though!)

73. I used to love, love, love making tapes for people. I still make CDs, but it’s not the same.

74. I don’t like roses. I don’t like their smell. LP sent me roses on our 1-year anniversary and I got upset that he didn’t know me well enough. Wish I could go back and tell that little weenie girl to shut up, your husband just sent you flowers.

75. I love lilies. He sends me lilies now.

76. I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. I was 5 months pregnant so I don’t feel like I enjoyed it as much as I could have. I would love to go back but that airplane ride…..

77. I dated a guy for 3.5 years that I had no intentions of marrying.

78. One of my most favorite things to do is go on float trips. We used to go every year. Missouri has great rivers to canoe, and I make a cooler full of Jell-O shots. I found a website with all these great recipes, and the cooler is always GONE by the end of the day. I hope this year we can go on another float trip, it’s been awhile.

79. LP hates to go camping. This is a huge problem for me. I love it and would go every weekend in the summer. I’m hoping one day we can buy a camper so he can have his air conditioning and bathroom. The first time I took him camping it rained and he got poison ivy from peeing in the woods!

80. I swore when I was in high school I would never let my hair turn dark. After I had Al, it did, so I immediately got it highlighted. I’ve been highlighting it ever since.

81. My eyebrows are naturally blonde though. Yeah, and the carpet matches. Perv.

82. I get along better with boys. Whenever I’m at a party I usually end up talking with the men than the women. Especially if it’s about music or movies. I hate girlie talk, especially gossip. Well, most of it.

83. I can’t believe I typed this straight through without stopping!

84. I never thought I would be married with kids. I always thought I’d be the single ‘auntie’ to all my friends’ kids who had her own place and did what she wanted. Boy was I wrong.

85. I have never broken up with anyone. They’ve always broken up with me.

86. I think Steve Carell and Steven Colbert are two of the funniest people. Oh and Lewis Black, and Jon Stewart and Dave Attell. Guess they're three, four and five.

87. I love the movie Clerks, but I don’t like Chasing Amy. I love Reservoir Dogs but I don’t really care for Pulp Fiction.

88. I hung out with the stoners in high school, but I didn’t really smoke that much pot.

89. The worst thing I ever did was not attend my dad’s graduation to get his Master’s degree. What a little brat I was.

90. I also killed my neighbor’s hamster when I was in 6th grade. Not on purpose, I accidentally left the lid open after I fed it. 6th grade was a bad year for me.

91. It was also the same year I got picked up by the cops after curfew. I was at a slumber party and another girl and I didn’t want to go T-P-ing so we lagged behind and of course we got busted. My mom had to pick me up at the police station and yeah, she was PISSED. The other girls of course insisted we were the only ones that were out and so the girl’s mom always hated me after that. I was grounded the entire summer, and seriously, my mom still brings it up.

92. I will watch Saturday Night Live, no matter how sucky it is.

93. My most embarrassing moment was in 8th grade when I ran an entire 200 meter race on a false start. I thought I was kicking ASS!! And everyone was cheering for me, when in the sad reality, I was the only one running and they were all yelling at me to get back.

94. I was seriously, honestly, sick the day we learned about parallel parking in Driver’s Ed. I got an ‘A’ in the class portion though so I didn’t have to take my behind the wheel test to get my license, so it didn’t matter! Well, until now when I need to parallel park…

95. My mom calls me every year at 9:39 a.m. on my birthday.

96. This is much easier than I thought, but there’s so much more to share!

97. I think my toes are the cutest thing on me, and I love to wear toe rings, and paint my toenails. My fingernails are never painted though. I hate that.

98. As if you didn’t know, I am allergic to milk. Lactose intolerant. Sometimes it’s better than other times, but I absolutely cannot eat ice cream without bad consequences.

99. I seriously try to make everyone I meet happy. I hate people being sad.

100. I think everyone has a little good in them, sometimes it takes the right person to bring it out. Okay, and that is it!!!!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Monday, January 16, 2006

Day off, I think not

I discovered this morning I need to get a babysitter the next time my daughters have the day off and I do not. They. Bug. Me.

Now, they have both been carted off for a few hours and what am I doing with my time? Blogging. I really need to get more work finished before the yapping yappers come home. But I am not complaining, Rug is at her friends house and I have to pick her up by 3:30 so her friend's mom can go for radiation treatment for her breast cancer! So I think it's safe to say whining on my part would be pretty ridiculous in this situation.

Al had her first ever Instant Messaging conversation today. I am not at all familiar with this technology, due to my not knowing anyone else who does it, nor am I in high school. A friend of mine was telling me her daughter does it, so I thought Al would enjoy talking with her. I was a little afraid, I certainly don't want her talking to weirdos. Apparently you can monitor who she can or can't talk to, and as long as she is talking to her one friend, I'm okay with it, as the conversation went something like this:

Al: whatsup

Z: nothing.

Al: You are funny. LOL

Z: (smiley face, laughing face, crying face, confused face, mean face, angel face)

Al: LOL Hahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaha.

Z: Oh yeah blalblablagalsdfkjasldfkjasdflasidfjasflkja

So, as you can see, I have nothing to worry about.

Saturday night we went to our friend's house to play dominoes (no, we weren't setting them up and knocking them down, it's a game and it's a lot of fun, and I should have won, but I got 2nd place so that makes my soccer mom ego feel better). All the adults were in the basement, and suddenly a few of the kids ran downstairs and said there was a policeman in the house shining his flashlight. We all ran up there and when we looked outside, there were three cop cars on the street. One of the cops came up and apologized, as they had the 'wrong house' and meant to go to the next door neighbors, who had a bunch of 8th grade girls there home alone and who had called the police after hearing 'noises'. Needless to say the kids were freaked out the rest of the night!

On the soccer front, I was a proud mamma this weekend. Al scored a huge goal with 50 seconds left on the clock and they won 4-1 to a team we tied last time, and Rug scored two goals and the last one was the winning goal with 12 seconds left on the clock!!!! I was shaking in my soccer mom jogging pants.

This morning, I asked both my girls who Martin Luther King Jr. was and why he is an important individual. Rug says, "oh I know, he played piano, and his teacher would hit their hands if they played the wrong note." What are you talking about? I asked her, and of course, her older sister had to correct her, etc. etc. but she got really upset and she said she SAW it on the teacher's computer, so I looked and found THIS. She told me the same story verbatim. I guess that is what amazed her the most, probably because she takes piano lessons at school. Perspective.

Friday, January 13, 2006

spfriday


spfriday
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Sorry I'm a little late on this, if you read my previous post you will know why. I am feeling a little better, but still very tired. I ran out of work though, so i have some time to blog!

Today Kristine's SPF theme was Friday the 13th, and it was such a good idea I really wanted to play along. Again, be forewarned, I am in a melancholy mood so it may be a bit too sappy today. I promise, next week, more sarcasm, less corn. Let's get on with it!

* Something you are afraid of (besides sock monkeys, of course)

* Your lucky charm

* Something Friday the 13th ish

Something I am afraid of


IMG_0930
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

The day they don't need me anymore.

luckycharms


luckycharms
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

They're magically delicious! Well I really don't have any lucky charms per se, I'm pretty unlucky, except in love I guess (awwwwww). My wedding ring is my lucky charm, I never, ever take it off and heavens knows its brought me joy anyway. Is this a blog entry or a 16 year old girls' diary? Anyway.

I got the bracelet for Christmas from a very good friend of mine. It has my family's birthstones, and I am pretty lucky to have my family so I guess this is as good a lucky charm as ever!

Friday the 13th-ish


demonarchie
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Archie is my very large, but very schizo cat. He is where the term "pussy" came from...you can sneeze too loud and it will send him running under bed. Everything scares him.

Except me. He loves me.

I feed him, duh.

friday13th


friday13th
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

This is what it looks like out my window RIGHT now. Can you get any more drearer? And isn't that totally the Poltergeist tree? One one thousand...two one thousand...

Down with the sickness

I may participate in SPF later on today. I had a pretty bad night. I've been having 'issues'...lower abdominal pain, cramping, etc. and last night it was at its apex. I almost had LP take me to the ER but the thought of it just made me cringe, I feel better today. I have gone to both my OB-GYN and family doctor and both have prescribed me pills to cover the pain and not cure the cause, and now the pills are not helping...BUT anyway. I'm feeling better now, but I need to work while I still have my energy, I know I will have a short supply of it working on 3 hours of sleep.

As for the one lie....Y'all were WRONG!!!

My ex-boyfriend, when we broke up, had 7 tattoos, the last one being my name.

My cousin Molly totally won one of those cars on Oprah last year, and paid a LOT of taxes.

And actually, my best FRIEND was related to the Cardinal, but it wasn't me!!!!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Answers!

Very good class. Might I add that 'stilettos' weren't even ON the list, bravo to you.

1. Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, snowshoes, slippers, skis, stockings.

2. As Cat said, dwell, dwindle, dwarf.

3. Strawberries! (not schnozzberries)

4. Lettuce.

5. Boxing!

So I wish I had some cool prizes but I do not. Maybe next time I will come up with something great. Those bacon Band-Aids are very cool, and would make a great prize.

Last night was one of those "Geez Louise!" type of nights, in which everything goes wrong but not catastrophically so, just enough to send you into a spiral and finally collapsing in your bed. I'm recovering. I have a lot of work to do today, and as much fun as blogging is, again, it does not bring home the bacon, or, in this case, the bacon Band-aids.

I am currently working on my 100 things about Me list, because someone cares, and daun has inspired me, since I think 38 of her things are going to be on my list. Seriously.

But since I have little time, we can always play the Lie/Truth/Truth game, or the Truth/Lie/Truth game, or the Truth/Truth/Lie game. Whatever, I'm tired.

Which one is fake??

1. My ex-boyfriend has my name tattooed on his chest.

2. My great-uncle was Cardinal of Chicago.

3. My cousin won on of those cars on the Oprah giveaway last year.

Good luck!

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

dune buggy

My uncle is the coolest. When we were little, he had a dunebuggy, therefore cementing his coolness to us. We used to drive around in that thing around town, standing up, no seatbelts, no roof, it was excellent. Why he had a dunebuggy in the middle of town, I'll never know.

Anyway, my brother started calling him Uncle Beedy Eyes. Not 'b-e-a-d' but 'b-e-e-d'. I don't know why, granted, his eyes were squinty but my brother also called me Miss Moo as a kid, not because I was fat, I was the skinniest kid on the block, but because he believed I was in a past life a cow living on Farmer Jaffee's farm. Seriously.

So I'm sure my uncle realllllllly appreciated his nieces and nephews calling him this, but he just laughed. It was always nice going over to their house, he had the first Apple 11e I saw. We spent most of the time over there fighting over whose turn it was in "Summer Games".

Uncle Beedy Eyes was over this weekend, and he had several entertaining things he brought with him. First he brought his own version of "Left Right Center" and when I told him it was a drinking game, I thought I'd punched him in the gut. But his version was fun too! Then he had a list of questions, like trivia, but when I asked for the answers, he just started laughing. He didn't have them!!!

Today he finally found the answers for the questions. So without further ado, test your knowledge with these Beedy Eye questions:

1. Name 6 things you can wear on your feet that begin with the letter 's'.

2.What three words in the English language begin with 'DW"?

3. What fruit has seeds on the outside?

4. It's the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked or in any other form than fresh. What is it?

5. There is only one 'sport' in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. What is it?

Monday, January 09, 2006

Condensing

On Mondays I really have a lot of work to do, so my blogging suffers. Don't my bosses know where my priorities lie? I must blog, and work gets in the way. But blogging definitely does not help pay for that 50 inch TV in the den, so I must work.

This weekend was nice, I had my dad's side of the family over for a get-together, and my cousin and I DDR'd it until we collapsed. Although the children, THEY wanted to play along too, what the heck was that all about? Don't they know toys are not for kids??

We, well, meaning the girls, had two soccer games this weekend, one at 7 a.m. and one at 4 p.m. And no, I didn't get a nap in dammit. Rug's team got slaughtered by a bunch of mean 7 year olds, but AL scored two goals and they won 6-1.

I have begun my Vegas trip planning. Next year is the Vajanaland-coupling's 10 year wedding anniverary. (yes, AL will be 10 next year, why do you ask?) We decided a long time ago that we wanted to renew our vows in Las Vegas, have us a real party since our last wedding involved a shotgun and a not-so-white dress. No, that's not true. It was really more of an antique white.

Anyway, I have started my research, and since LP has never been there and I only spent the night there in a parking lot (Long Story), we don't have too much experience with it. Neither one of us are gamblers. I have slimmed down my hotel choices to the Mirage, the Venetian or Treasure Island. If anyone has any recommendations, ideas, suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!! I did see we can get our vows renewed by Rodney Dangerfield or Tom Jones, so that's a total bonus.

Okay, and last of all, to finish off my Monday post, one of my All Time Favorite Toys was voted #16 on PCWorld's list of top 50 gadgets from the last 50 years!!! Woo hoo!

Friday, January 06, 2006

spfriday


spfriday
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Wonderful Friday to you all!! I was going to try and be creative with the before/after idea, but since I am the Queen of the Before and After of 2005, I figured I'd cheez out and show more pics of the house. Cuz I'm a cheezer that way.

The categories please:

* Before

*After

*Your New Favorite Thing

I chose to use two before/afters because I realize I have not shown you my new dining room table, and it is Must See Tv baby. Enjoy!

Before-Front Room


IMG_0895
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

This was at the early stages of our Renovation. Notice the 70s baseboard and railing, and the dying plant, and the awful broken rocking chair. Please, someone remind me to tell the rocking chair story another day.

Here is the After:

No pictures on the walls just yet, but a huge improvement, no?? (Got rid of that dying plant at least!)

Before-Dining


IMG_0881
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

How could I keep food down eating in a room like this? We purchased this table before Rug was born, and within 4 weeks AJ had drawn on the cushions with permanent RED marker. LP attempted to re-upholster them, with eh results. I should have really taken a close up shot of the carpet. They were very, very disgusting. Once I got mad and threw a bottle of MUSTARD across the room (just a wee bit of stay at home frustration, I was alone, so it's OK, no one got mustardized) and yeah, mustard, does NOT come out.

And After:

I love this table. Not as much as my husband, but it is definitely up there on the list. At our New Year's Eve party someone suggested playing "Spoons" on it. IdonTHINKso.

My New Favorite Thing


DDR
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Dance Dance Revolution!!!

When we were buying our Ginormous television, while at Best Buy the girls played with the demo the entire time. I knew it must be ours. And now it is. What other thing allows me to shake my groove thing, all at the same time telling me to 'stay cool'? Assuming I am already cool, and to stay that way!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Feel like Delilah looking for Sampson

I can say this post is completely inspired by Kristine. First she wrote a post about insomnia, something I hold dear to my heart, and then another about first heartbreak. So last night, I sat up, with insomnia, THINKING about my heartbreak. And not just the first one, oooh noooo. I had a whole night of SLEEP to waste.

After going from 6th grade to the time I met LP, I was exhausted. Then this morning, I started thinking about the songs that would make me feel the best after a breakup. I realized though, there is more than one type of break up song. There is the angry one, when you are PISSED off and need to vent and assure him yeah, you will be FINE without him. Or then the sad, sappy songs, that make you remember the good times and you can cry and hold onto that Snoopy he won you at the carnival...cry the tears you have to. Or then there are the breaker upper songs, when YOU are the one to blame and need to assure said person that you can change, or that you screwed up, so listen to this song like I am and you will totally take me back. (note: they never do, or if they do, it never works out so don't bother.)

With that in mind, here are my top 5 breakup songs, broken into sub categories: PISSED OFF, BROWN EYES BLUE, and WHOOPS I MESSED UP TAKE ME BACK.

Oh and ***disclaimer*** these are not THE top 5, these are MY top 5. And I'm a bit off.

And second ***disclaimer*** I got most of these songs from: Break-up Songs and Azlyrics.

Top 5 Pissed off cuz we're broke up songs:

5. "Don't Shed A Tear"- Paul Carrack
4. "Hit 'Em Up Style" - I don't even know who sings this, but it's a great revenge song
3. "Kiss Off" - Violent Femmes
2. "Hit the Road jack" - Ray Charles
1. "I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor (boys: if you ever see a cluster of women singing this at a bar, DO NOT APPROACH)

Top 6 "Brown Eyes blue" Break Up Songs: ( I had to add 6, couldn't stop at 5)

6. "Without you" -Harry Nilsson
5. "Black" - Pearl Jam
4. "Different Corner" - George Michael (okay, it's Wham, I admit, but great song)
3."Crying" - Roy Orbison
2. "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"- The Platters
1. "I can't make you Love Me" - Bonnie Raitt

Top 5 "Whoops Take Me Back" Songs:

5. "What Kind Of Fool Am I?" - Rick Springfield, naturally
4. "I keep forgettin" - Michael McDonald
3. "Most Beautiful Girl" - Charlie Rich (this reminds me of my dad...I remember being a kid feeling so sorry for this guy singing this song. I would have totally forgave him.)
2. "I Miss you" - Blink 182 (I think this is a break up song, if it's not, well I view it as such)
1. "The Reason"- Hoobastank

Final thoughts, by Vajana: Those of you with freshly broken hearts...don't let it keep you bitter, keep your heart open to love, it will come!!

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Term Paper

Well I playing around with the Glitter Maker I found on Mrtl's site, and apparently left some residuals. Now they're gone. I had wanted to put "I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER" all glittery and pretty on my blog, but right now that ain't going to happen. Suffice it to say, even sans the glitter, I still totally love peanut butter.

Yesterday was the last day of Christmas vacation. I took the girls and LP to the "Mills" for some ice skating. It was fun. Best thing about this place is that their food court has SUSHI and that's a rare find here in Middle America. In fact, it is so rare that one will travel pretty far to get to it and will not censor themselves when eating it and moaning in ecstacy when the sushi touches their lips. Hey, just cuz they're eating Chik-fil-A doesn't mean I have to. (oh--if that offends any CHik-Fil-A eaters, I'm sorry.)

I digress. I could go on, because this was really good, fresh sushi, but I won't. be glad.

The ice skating was fun, but Rug got tired of it pretty quickly, her being only 5 and all, and the teenage boys impressing their cute little girlfriends would not SLOW THE FUCK DOWN and I think that freaked poor Rug out a bit. So we went and ate Haagen Daz ice cream and life was good.

We went to the bookstore where LP surprised me with buying David Beckham's autobiography for me. Thank GOD there are pictures.

I also tried on Nike Shox, cuz I need some new running shoes, and they weren't real comfortable to me. I am an avid fan of New Balance running shoes, but since they stopped making my favorites, I am afraid to purchase them without testing driving them. Anyone have good luck with running shoes???

And lastly, we took the to the Nascar Speedpark, cuz that's what good Middle Americans do. They got to ride some goofy up and down ride, and they were happy. So were we. Life, still good.

So, in conclusion, it was a good day.

And that's what I did on my Christmas vacation.

Okay.

The End.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Something clever I have not

I'd like to say I have something interesting to say but I do not. I am still recuperating from Friday night's puke-o-rama and have yet to regain my senses. I appreciate all the well wishes from my blog friends, it did cheer me up. But I so do enjoy ringing in the new year not toasting to it, but eating toast. And drinking a lot of Sprite. I will, forever and ever, endorse Sprite as the one who brought me back up when I was at my lowest.

We still had our party though, even after staying up until 3:00 throwing up and grabbing on to the floor for dear life all night. Thing I hate about those kinds of puking episodes is that, there was no drinking involved beforehand, so there was no glimmer of jubilation, no fun before the storm, it was all just darkness. Bad, bad mojo.

I was headed to the grocery store to get supplies for Mrtl's crab dip when it hit me, and I had to leave the store immediately and pray I made it home without hurling all over the Grand Caravan. No one likes to witness a soccer mom throwing up all over her chariot, I assure you.

I did make it home, but the next day I couldn't even THINK of going near food, so LP ended up getting little weenies and stickin' em in BBQ sauce, and he made some guacamole dip that pissed me off cuz I couldn't eat it. The party was nice, but like I said, I felt on the verge the entire time and it was ugly. And yes, someone DID bring Velveeta dip, I stand defeated. We played Pictionary, because that is what soccer folk do at parties, and the gals lost, being unable to properly draw "Muggsy" the dog or "Albania" for our team. Oh well.

So today I am chillin' like Bob Dylan and will resume tomorrow with more upbeat and lively material. For today, have a great 2006 and see ya on Monday. Go watch some football.

Saturday, December 31, 2005

Last day of 2005 and...

I do not usually drop "F" bombs on this blog but in this case it is deemed necessary.

FUCKING STOMACH FLU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

argh.

Or, for my fellow medical transcriptionists....

FUCKING ACUTE VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, December 30, 2005

Last SPF of 2005


new year 2006
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

I started reading Dooce when she was pregnant with Leta, but I did not start 'blogging' until this year. It sounds ridiculous, but it has changed me, and i'm a better person for it.

Kristine, our ever faithful sponsor, has one last task for us for SPF and I am happy to oblige. Happy New Year everyone, hope you are all blessed beyond your belief in 2006.

SPF theme: New Years, duh.

*Your New Year's resolution

*Your favorite pic from 2005

*What you'll be glad to be rid of

New Year's Resolution


bitchshirt
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Think no apathy. That is what I want for me in the New Year. I want to be less of a scapegoat and a stepping stone and more of a lion and a rock. I want to empower myself to be stronger and self-dependent than ever. I want my daughters to have a role model and not a Tootsie Roll. I want to rock the boat this year. I want to learn new things, explore new places, and break out of the Soccer Mold I am in.

My Favorite Picture 2005


IMG_0243
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

I sorted and scanned through them all, and I kept coming back to this one. I was trying to NOT use one from DisneyWorld, because how corny is that? But, in the end, it was by far the most fun we had this year, and in this picture it totally shines through. The smiles on our faces are not forced. We were exhausted but at the same time ecstatic. We were together as a family, and it felt awesome. We had just finished a day at MGM studios, awaiting "Fantasmic!" and some German girl took this pic of us in exchange of me taking one of them. I hope theirs turned out as happy as ours did.

Rid of this!


IMG_0884
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

I know, avert your eyes, it is pretty hideous. Of course I am so Ultra glad to be rid of, and finished with, the old Romper Room kitchen I had. It's like someone puked denim jeans in my kitchen. And the nasty carpet that had Gogurt stains on it, glad those are gone too.

I still have that cute butt though, he isn't going anywhere thank goodness!

sorta after


counters2
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

For good measure here is another 'almost after' of the kitchen. The backsplash will be done next week, and then I will be able to show true after pictures. But aye, this will hafta do for now. Last pic of 2005.

Have a very happy New Year. To all my blogging friends, I am so thrilled to have met all of you! I have met people I may not have ever met outside of the blogworld, people who have made me laugh until my sides hurt, cry without notice, and be in awe of the talent and wisdom I have discovered in all of you. Thanks for becoming a part of my life, here is to a New year of blogging and more fun yet to come!

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Appetizer Exchange!!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Not Christmas but not yet New Year...



Ah, how was your Christmas? We had a very nice one this year, especially due to friends and family visiting from out of town we got to see that we hadn't in awhile.

Both of my kids got American Girl dolls, much to my resistance, but I am no match for the force of that which is the Aunt, so I was outvoted. I am really pleased with them though, the girls are learning a lot about history and the American Girl website etc. is very positive and empowering for girls. Ah, but before this turns into a "The More you Know" spot, let me tell what my favorite toy was--the Dance Dance Revolution!!!! Oh my gosh this is so fun. Have you seen in the arcades where they have the dance pad with the arrows and the only people on it are teenagers who seem to be having some sort of convulsion? Yeah, we have one of those now! It is soooo fun and I can rock to "Pump up the Volume" in my own basement. Oh yes, pics to come for sure.

And on a rather surprising note...LP got me DIAMOND earrings!!!! OMG! They are so beautiful. He totally tricked me, I thought I was getting pajamas. LP has not been the best gift giver in the past, okay, he SUCKED at it. Have I ever mentioned the magazine rack? Yeah, he got me one. But this year, he has absolutely made up for it. Diamonds baby!

Speaking of baby, and using a little bit of word association, I also got the Michael Buble CD and he may just very well replace Rick S. as my new number one crush. He. is. So. Hot. That is all.

Today I am taking Al to the Titanic exhibit with a few of her friends. It looks interesting, and they are reading about it in school so she is very excited about going.

Is there any way we can do an 'appetizer' exchange?? The cookies were delicious, and I am having friends over for New Years so I need some ideas?!!!!! ANYONE??

Friday, December 23, 2005

stuffportrait Friday!


stuffportrait
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Happy Holidays from Vajanaland! I cannot believe today is Christmas Eve Eve. The year has flown by. I have met so many wonderful people this year, I cannot tell you how grateful I am. But that is a post for next week.

I woke up early enough this morning to participate in SPF. The categories are:

* Your favorite wrapped gift
* Something you added to your decorations this year
* Your Christmas Cards.

If I don't post tomorrow, I am wishing all my fellow bloggers the happiest Christmas and Merry Boxing Day ever.

Favorite wrapped gift


gift
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Yeah, that is the suckiest bow ever. This is only my favorite wrapped gift due to what is INSIDE, and I had to hurry and wrap it before LP started peeking. It is for him and I will forever be his love goddess after he opens it up (not that I'm not already). And yes, that is a birthday gift in the background, I didn't just run out of Christmas paper.

Something I added to my decorations


IMG_1066
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

I actually got this snowglobe at a gift exchange this year. Normally snowglobes have been banned from our house, as they have resulted in two trips to the emergency room and a few messes that could have been prevented. We shall see how long this one survives.

Christmas cards


cards
Originally uploaded by Vajana.

Here are some of my cards, but as you can see in the bottom right, there's a huge pile of them and I don't know where to put them. I prefer to put the picture cards up on the mantle, and I guess all my friends are out procreatin' so there are more of those this year!

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Sneaky Peeky

Well, seeing how it is the last few weeks of December and all, I thought I would show you a little bit of my kitchen. After 4 months of stress and construction and making do without, I can say it is almost done. The only thing left to do is the backsplash, but other than that my kitchen is fully operational. We are going to go tonight to Lowe's (NOT Home Depot) to figure out the backsplash design...btw, I have learned that the easiest way to get my kids to behave is to threaten them with a trip to Home Depot...they loathe it and straighten up right quick with the mere mention of it. So with that, I offer you the before and almost after:



Granted it isn't done yet, but you can at least see my Christmas colored cabinets are gone, and now i have a beautiful not-1970s-orangerust countertop. And a Lazy Susan! And look, there's that damn spice rack LP had to have. More pictures to come.......

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Happy Festivus

Haiku for you:

Circus Kelli rocks
Makes me happy via mail
Norah Jones CD!!!!!!!!

She is the coolest ever! At first I thought, no way, no one would be so generous to send me a CD for Pete's sake. But...even Pete didn't realize what a cool chickadee CK was. I am thrilled.

Hm. Now to think of something cool to send back, this will require some ingenuity...stay tuned!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Blog cookie Exchange

Brought to you by Susie, and I almost didn't catch it but the kids and LP are asleep so I can sneak in before midnight....

Categories, please...

Favorite holiday recipes
Special traditions
Favorite gift to give
What you wear when you don your gay apparel :)

I shall start from the bottom and work my way up...

What you wear when you don your gay apparel:

I love my white sweater I got from Old Navy last year for $7. It is warm and wooly and I love it. I think a lot of people hate wool cuz it is so itchy, therefore that is why I got it for $7. But I love the heck out of it.

Favorite gift to give:

I agree that sentimental gifts are far better than anything else, well, duh! I used to give out family portraits but then thought that was sort of vain, but I love the idea of a scrapbook; I got one from a friend of mine this year for my birthday and I treasure it. I also love the gift of a good book, whether it's a classic, worn book or a new book to read, but certainly NOT a self-help book or how-to book, usually those imply too much! I think movie passes are nice gifts too, because movies cost a heck of a lot these days, but who doesn't enjoy going?

Special traditions:

When we got married, LP and I both agreed we always wanted a real tree for Christmas. Fast forward 8 years and cutting down your own tree and the pine needles and the cats drinking the water and...well Wal-Mart had some nice fake ones on sale the day after Christmas last year so guess what, there goes that tradition.

We do read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" every Christmas Eve before the girls go to sleep. That is our time, amid the chaos of running house to house to house.

Favorite holiday recipes:

Those peanut butter Kiss cookies are the shizzle, but I do have one recipe I make every year:

Chocolate Raspberry Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups (12-ounce pkg) Nestle toll house semi-sweet morsels divided
1 1/4 cups (14 oz can) Condensed Milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 350. Beat butter in bowl until creamy. Beat in flour, sugar and salt until well mixed. With floured fingers press 2 cups crumb mixture onto bottom of greased 13 x 9 pan; reserve remaining mixture. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are brown.

COMBINE 1 cup morsels & condensed milk in saucepan, melt over low heat until smooth, spread over warm crust.

STIR nuts into reserved crumb mixture, sprinkle over chocolate filling. Drop tsps ful of jam over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with remaining morsels. Continue baking for 25-30 minutes or until center is set. Cool.

Now, go check out Susie's place for more recipes!!
Santa ClauseNorth Pole, Earth
Dear Santa,

I have been a good Girl.

It really wasn't my fault what happened at Circus Kelly's office party. It was Kathy who spiked the punch with too much Buttery Nipples. I can't help it if I drank 35 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like "georgio".

I thought it was funny when I put Circus Kelly's skirt on my head and danced the mambo on the desk while singing `We are the Champions'. I didn't mean to break Circus Kelly's iPod and don't know why Circus Kelly would accuse me of treason.

I don't remember calling John's wife a saucy pig---even though she looked like one with blue eye shadow and red lipstick!

And when I threw up on Mrtl's husband's arm, it was only because I ate too much of that pumpkin pie.

After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my minivan through my neighbor's den. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a crazy lion and have me arrested for assault!

So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all weak and dirty. And I'm really not to blame for any of this fuzzy stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money!

Sincerely and quietly yours,Vajana (Really a nice Girl!)

P.S. It's only 58 bucks!

P.P.S. I borrowed this from Nessa who got it from here!!!

Ho ho ho

My kids are goofy.
And oh my, all the typing errors I have discovered in my blogging! I must be better at editing myself. Geez.

Last night we went to see the Big Man at the mall. There was much conversation about his address and how to contact him, and I informed them that he also sends a survey out to all parents regarding behavior. That one threw them in quite a tizzy. I expect excellent behavior for at least 11 more days.

One in the pink I shall refer to as AJ. RUG is in blue. Both crack me the heck up on a regular basis.

I still have plenty of more shopping left to do, and have no clue as to what I'm getting those I haven't yet shopped for. Crunch time, I work great under pressure.

My dear husband has requested two things for Christmas: memory for the computer and "Good Times" on DVD. Yes he is a peach and totally taken, mine all mine.

Have you seen these Chocolate Fountains? Oh my, that is dangerous for someone like me. I would have that sucker on constantly. Hmm. Upon further review those last few sentences look a little naughty, better watch myself. AJ did my Naughty/Nice factor last night and it turned out not so nice.

I guess Santa heard about the garbage man situation.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Garbage wars

"Aurora looking down at me with disdain"
This is where she spends most of her time. We have this ginormous monitor, and she sleeps on top of it most of the day, especially when I'm working.

Yesterday I got a nasty note from my garbage man. LOTS of exclamation points, and they weren't just regular exclamation points, they were the ones with little 'x's instead of dots at the bottom. He writes, "TOO MUCH WASTE!! You have had 4-5 weeks of too much and next week I will NOT pick it up!!!!!" And the paper was this bright orange.

I am totally aware there is too much out there. We are remodeling our house. There's trash. Lots of it. So I called the waste 'management' company a few weeks ago (probably 4-5 weeks ago, according to Mr. Garbage's note) and ASKED them if I needed to rent a dumpster as we'd be having an excessive amount of waste in the next few weeks. The woman on the other line looked up my address and said to me, "Ma'am, we are showing here you have UNLIMITED pickup, so no problem."

Okay, see my point here? I was MISLED by the MAN. Or, the woman.

I called them up yesterday and told them about the note. She asked for my address, I gave it to her.

This is where I turn into 'Elaine' from Seinfeld. Apparently, my file has been marked "DIFFICULT."

"Uh, yes the driver said you've been leaving too much out for weeks."

"But I called you guys to make sure that was okay, and I was told it WAS."

"The driver has also said you left out a toilet?????" (now the sarcasm is dribbling through her voice)

"No, I don't recall that..."

"The driver said you also left a bicycle, a hot air balloon, a Chevy Malibu and the Elephant Man's bones????"

"uh....no....I...."

(wait a second, why am I on the defensive here? I AM THE CUSTOMER!")

"LOOK. I called your place on the very premise that I didn't want to look like an ASS when we left all this stuff out there, so if this guy had a problem with it, why didn't he tell me this 5 weeks ago instead of leaving this nasty little note with the 'x's instead of dots on his exclamations???"

"Hmm. The driver also said you left a Mack truck, a float from the Macy's Parade and the set from the Merv Griffin show???"

"oh NEVER MIND!"

Well, after all that I have to pay them extra for a 'special' pick up to pick up what is left. I have a friend who is a garbage man, and he tells me of all the things he finds in there, so you KNOW that guy has gotten some treasures out of my TRASH, yet I bet he had a nice little conversation with this garbage phone lady yesterday about ME.

And I always make cookies for him for Christmas but by golly this year they aren't going to be send with LOVE.

At least I know he can spit in my garbage and it won't affect me. Bah!

Sunday, December 11, 2005

I can see clearly now

I call this "Aurora with Flair."
I have not had much gumption lately to blog. I don't even have the time to comment on anyone else's blog, and I am continually apologetic for this, but I really do not see an end to this behavior any time soon. *Sigh* the days of blogging for 8 hours straight are unfortunately behind me I think. BUT I am going to make a solid effort to post every day this week. Everyone is equally allowed a spanking of me if I do not reach this goal.

This weekend was fun. Busy, but fun. Friday night LP called and said, "Be ready by 5:30, wear something nice." Assuming this meant no jeans, I got all dollied up, and he took me out to dinner at a very nice restaurant. for NO reason at all!! Amazing. And hell YEAH I had the crab legs! Kings baby! Big honkin ones too. Deeeeeelicious.

Later, after a bottle of wine or two we went to a WINE tasting. Note to self: Wine all tastes great after you've already had a bottle or two! And it was SO unbelievably cold that night, hmmmm, wine makes ya warm and cozy and.....

AH I digress.

Saturday the girls went to a 'pom camp' where the high school pon pom (or whatever) squad teaches the little kids a cute routine and they perform it at a basketball game. The girls love getting a sneak peek into the minds of teenage girls, and I enjoy an afternoon shopping. HOWEVER I chose to bring my husband along this year, and well, let's say it would have been better had I had a 2 year old along with me. After the second store you'd thought I had driven needles into his eyelids. "But Jaaaaaaaana, I'm tired. I don't waaaaaaaaaanna go to another store." Okay, enough, enough. Next year, I'll be Jana-SOLO on my shopping spree.

So, after 5 hours of shopping we got ONE gift. One. And I got a cute outfit for a Christmas party we are going to this weekend.

Sounding board here: it was a relatively positive weekend and I'm trying to be upbeat but let me give you two pet peeves of mine: Price tags. And people who don't seem to get it when their kid is screaming BLOODY FREAKING MURDER when they put her/him on Santa's lap. Enough already! First off, don't most merchants realize I am probably, more than likely going to buy something as a GIFT and so therefore WHY do they insist on these price tag stickers that require a blow torch and a machete to take off? Especially when they put the price tag smack dab in the middle of a picture frame. Brilliant, just brilliant. Oh yeah, and the baby on the Santa lap thing too, that irritates me.

Okay. Well, I did get some nice things for the house too, I'd been wanting a tart burner and I finally found one I liked. If you do not know what a tart burner is, well, the better off you are cuz you can say tart burner without it having the boring connotation it actually has. Mmmm tart burner.

Today I went to my friend Sarah's house. She has a "Christmas Card" party every year where we all sit and write out our cards together with music and stickers and stamps and food and whathave you. Her husband was there and he says THIS to me: "Oh, you want to hear something weird? This guy I know has a Web Log. Have you heard of this? It's like a DIARY that ANYONE can read. I mean, how insane is that???" Seriously, he said that. I said, "Uh, I have one of those."

"YOU DO????????"

"yes."

"And you let people you don't KNOW read it? And like, comment??"

"yes."

----silence----

"Oh."

Hmm. Apparently I'm more of a risk taker than I thought!!!

Ah, and lastly we took the girls to see "Chronicles of Narnia". I never read the book so i didn't know what I was in for. I still don't. Go see it, formulate an opinion and let me know.

I shall be back tomorrow!