Pickeling in Peace

That's right. I am pickeling in peace today.

I had decided that this year I would make my own bread and butter pickels out of our garden.

Yesterday, it became apparent that it was time to get on the ball. I had already asked Scott's dad for advice. He seemed tickled pink that I was starting up this tradition at our house because he loves to can.

He insisted on giving me the bread and butter mix that he likes and letting me borrow his cold packer . . . although I offered to go buy all of it myself.

Saturday morning I went and bought jars and some alum. He said that it would keep the pickles crunchy.

Saturday night we picked them . . . and a lot of green beans.

So, now I am pickeling them. Thank goodness I had the thought to buy some extra jars when I went to Wal-Mart (and some extra mix) to buy the vinegar.

The first box of jars is already filled with cucumbers and I'm waiting for the mix to boil.

Scott took Wyatt over to take some deer meat and some of the green beans to Rick and Lisa's.

So, I have the kitchen to myself and I'm having a ball learning this.

I may even learn to make jelly. I also need to learn how to make Scott's dad's salsa (it's fantastic) and his chili starter (again, the best I've ever had).

It's hard work . . .but it's so much fun. I love being able to putter around in the kitchen and try something new.

I'm also thankful today for our wonderful families and friends. We've had such a great weekend.

Although Wyatt was horrible at Wal-Mart yesterday when I took him (I actually told him I was going to leave him at the lost and found), we did get out a bit for Lisa and Rick's birthday party. Their family and friends are great. They've taken us right in and made us feel like part of their family. I can't imagine life without them.

BB took care of Wyatt so that we could go. Of course, I had my OCD list of things I wanted to accomplish yesterday. I had some of it done. She picked it up and went thru the rest of it and did it for me. I felt horribly guilty. And, we missed Wyatt's bedtime which always makes me sad. I did go in and check on him before I flopped down in bed though.

This morning, I made the boys breakfast and then I took a nap. I had a horrible sinus headache.

Then, off to Wal-Mart for the vinegar. I had to call my mom to find out where the vinegar was in the store. She's so great. She didn't even ask me why I wanted it, she just told me. And, of course, it was right where she said it would be. I love having a mom like that. She's the best.

So, now I'm pickeling in peace.

Too Good To Be True

Ok, sometimes, my husband is too good to be true.

I am working most of this afternoon (although I don't normally work Friday afternoons during the summer) to catch up on some stuff in my office. It was getting scary.

I realized that I was out of cigarettes. I called the hubby to see if he was in town and could get me some.

Not only did he bring me cigarettes, he brought me lunch. A delicious one at that.

Out of gas

This morning I was out of gas, mentally, physically and literally.

It's been a busy two weeks for me. There hasn't seemed to be a restful moment.

So, this morning, I was exhausted and looking forward to only working part of the day.

I KNEW that the gas tank on the Blazer was pretty much on E. But, I figured I might have enough to get to the gas station.

As I was pulling into the median to cross the highway to get gas, I realized that I had no power steering on the Blazer.

I looked down and realized that the Blazer wasn't running . . . . oops.

I cranked it . . . and it didn't start. Now, I wasn't worried about our safety (I had Wyatt with me) because we were in the median and literally right across from the gas station. But, I was a little apprehensive.

I cranked it again and it started. I scooted across the highway and hoped I wouldn't have to circle around the lot to find an open pump on the correct side of the truck.

We barely got pulled up to the pump when the truck died again . . . but we made it.

Earlier this week, as I was taking Wyatt to his Nana's, I came to a stop sign and saw the funniest thing.




Keep in mind, this intersection is at Farr Road and Anderson Road. Farr is a gravel road that runs thru the edge of the forestry between Old 37 and Anderson. It is really out in the middle of nowhere. I took pictures around it to illustrate it.









Why is it suddenly sitting there?

Singles Ads Part Deux.5

Ok, one last story that sort of relates to the singles ad that I placed.

So, while my ad was running, I was dating other men that I had met the old-fashioned way (bar).

While at the bar one night, I bumped into (probably literally) a "cute" guy who looked to be in his late 30's, early 40's. I happened to be there with some friends and one or two co-workers. He asked if he could buy me a drink and we talked for a few minutes. Then, he asked if I would like to come over and meet his co-worker. So, I went over to their table and met his co-worker. He was a very pleasant man with a New Hampshire accent. Nice enough to talk to. But, the first guy seemed a little too eager. So, I told him I was a widow . . . I lie a lot when I drink. And, I pulled one of my co-workers over and dumped her off on them and moved on.

So, the next morning, I get up and find two business cards (for the first guy) on the floor with my clothes that I had worn the night before. I asked my roommate how they came to be on the floor. She said that she had seen the guy tuck them into the waistband of my pants while I was talking to him.

I kept the cards although I didn't think I was interested . . . I should have thrown them away.

But, several weeks later, I was coming back from Indpls from a date with an ex-boyfriend. Weird, I know. But, he was in Indy visiting his parents and we had decided to get together for a few drinks. Well, the date ended rather abruptly because I actually sort of had a date in Bloomington later that evening. I told the ex that he was more than welcome to come back to my place and spend the night. He wanted to go to a hotel. We couldn't agree, so I was driving back to Bloomington for my date later that evening. I am using the term date loosely here . . .and you'll see why in a minute.

I happened to see the business card when I got in my wallet to get my card to buy gas. On a whim, I called him and left a message. I explained who I was. A few minutes later, he called back and asked if I wanted to meet him for a drink. I agreed but admitted I had plans for later in the evening.

So, we met u p for a drink (or two, or three) and he seemed pleasant enough again. For some reason, I didn't want to stop talking with him, but I didn't want to stay at that bar either . . . you couldn't smoke in it.

So, I explained that I had plans for later that evening that would include a guy that I was sort of seeing on and off. I told him he was welcome to come but that things might seem a little strange until everyone got the vibe that I wasn't there to be with the other one. He agreed and we drove to the other bar.

As soon as I walked in, there was the first guy. I could tell he wasn't thrilled. But, he eventually got distracted by some other girl that was at our table for some reason (she wasn't part of our regualar group) and things seemed to be going ok.

So, as the night ends (Close your eyes Dad), we decided that I would spend the night at his place. I remember telling him right before things got too "busy" that this would not make me his girlfriend and not to get used to me because I wasn't looking for a relationship and certainly didn't want to date anyone exclusively.

The next morning, I am sitting at his table drinking some juice and reading the paper while he was busy doing something. As usual, I was looking thru the personals. He came over and was reading them over my shoulder. At one point, he pointed out that he saw one that he should answer. I laughed because it was mine. He didn't believe me. I handed him the phone, told him to call the voice mail box and listen to the voice.

What are the odds of that?

Too bad he didn't work out. He reminded me too much of my ex-husband and I reminded him a lot of his ex-wife. Plus, he was a CPA and very yuppy. I was a redneck girl managing a trailer park and some rentals.

But, it WAS funny!

Singles Ads Part Deux

Ok, to follow up on yesterday's singles ads theme.

My other date was with an Italian (honestly from Italy) plumber . . . who I would guess was in his mid to late 50's.

He had his shirt unbuttoned too far, was hairy, was greasy and had WAY too much gold jewelry along with an accent I could barely understand.

But, I'm jumping ahead of myself.

Let's start with a little bit prior to the date.

He wanted to meet at a local pub. It's one that I enjoy going to during the day, but hate going to at night. We agreed to meeting during the afternoon.

I get there and I'm standing outside along Kirkwood (again, I HATE Kirkwood) and, as I am standing there a while, I notice that a VERY handsome man seems to be waiting for someone and keeps looking over at me. Ok, he had a ponytail, which is not my type, but he had on really tight jeans, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat . . . he was hot.

Anyway, I finally got up the nerve and asked him if he was waiting for a blind date. He said he was. I said maybe I was his blind date. He told me no, that his was a brunette. But, he did smile and say he was wishing it had been me. At that point, I should have asked him to ditch his date and we could go somewhere else. . . or at least give him my phone number, but I didn't.

So, hairy, greasy, hard to understand Italian guy showed up. Although it wasn't lunch or dinner time, he ordered a bowl of soup. I IMMEDIATELY knew (just from talking to him, not from the soup) that I was not interested.

So, I excused myself to go to the ladies room. From there, I called home with a plan to tell my roommate to call me and say there was some sort of an emergency and I needed to come home. She did not answer the phone. So, I left her a voice mail with my plan.

About 20 minutes (a LONG 20 minutes) later, my roommate called. We had a pretend conversation about her getting stung by a bee and me needing to take her to the hospital. Actually, that had nothing to do with the conversation, but I made my end sound like it did.

So, I made my excuses and left. As I got up to leave, he gets in his wallet and hands me a slip of paper where he has already written down his first name and phone number. Great.

Oh, did I mention that he asked me to come back to his trailer and smoke pot with him while he was eating his soup?

I had NO intentions of ever going out with (or speaking with) this man again. But, he kept calling me. Finally, he called me on a Friday and asked me out for that evening. He was very insistent. So, I lied and told him I was on my way to Louisville for a work-related trip and would be gone until at least the following Tuesday.

He kept calling. I finally told him that I was packing my stuff to move to Louisville for work.

He still called me for a while but I never answered his calls.

I still shudder when I think of him.

Singles Ads

There have been a lot of commercials for online dating services lately. It's getting annoying.

While I am sure that there has to be some science to it . . . I find it weird.

It got me to thinking on the way home about my own experience with a personals ad several years ago . . . obviously while I was single.

I used to breeze thru the singles ad on a fairly regular basis because I found it curious. Who were all these people "advertising" that they wanted a date. And, I loved figuring out what the "codes" meant. SWF, DBM, ISO, LTR etc.

What always got me was camping. I personally feel that not THAT many people can be interested in camping. It must be code for something else that I don't understand . . . some subculture that I am obviously not part of.

Anyway, that's not the point. The point is (I think) that, one night, while lounging on the couch, I was reading the personals out loud to my roommate. She is a whole different story for some other time.

We then thought it would be funny to make up what MY personals ad would say. So, I scribbled it in the margin of the paper while we giggled about it.

Then, after SEVERAL beers (and probably a joint), I decided to do it. What harm could come of it? At worst, no one would be interested in me. At best, I might meet someone who is ok.

So, I learned that one should not drink and read the personals. Why?

I had exactly two dates (two different men) from my ad. Oh wait, I should back up. I should tell you what my ad said.

Now, I can't remember EXACTLY what it said (remember, several beers), but it said something like . . .

SWF - 30 year old female. 5'4", 102 lbs (yeah, it was YEARS ago) blonde/blue girl-next-door type looking for SWM. Age 25-45 (I'm an open minded woman when it comes to age) 6 ft. +, 220+ lb, must be educated and have sense of humor. Dark hair/eyes preferred. East Coast/Chicago accents preferred. Looking for "casual dating"

Ok, "casual dating" was the best term I could come up for what I really wanted. I didn't think they would allow what I really wanted to be printed in the local paper. (Cover your eyes Dad)

First of all, my roommate laughed at calling myself the girl-next-door type. She didn't think that fit me at all. But, when pressed for a better adjective, she couldn't come up with one. I was going for the "average" type but didn't want to use that word.

What did I get from my ad?

The first guy called. He seemed ok. He wanted to meet that evening at the Starbucks just off of Kirkwood. I didn't have anything better to do . . . so I beautified myself and went to town. I HATE Kirkwood, but I thought it might be worth it. Was I wrong.

I had a cup of tea and we chatted for a while. He seemed pretty dumb, but seemed harmless.

He asked me at one point if I was a smoker. I figured this was a deal breaker but answered truthfully. He said he could tell because I was starting to bounce my leg.

He offered me the chance to walk around downtown with him so that I could smoke. Excuse me, but smokers don't tend to like to take walks. But, I agreed because I wanted to talk a little more and really needed the cigarette.

We ended up at the Irish Lion by a very long route. He stopped and asked if I would like to go in and have a drink. I felt that I could surely use one at that point.

We go in and sit down. I ordered a beer . . . and he orders water. Did I forget to mention that he's a "personal trainer"? I think I did.

I asked him why he wasn't having a drink and he said he didn't ruin his body by drinking and smoking. Oh Lord.

So, we continued to talk for a bit and then decided it was getting late. He kind of acted like he wanted to give me a kiss but I had already warned him that I didn't kiss on the first date.

Close your eyes Dad . . . unless, of course, we ended up knocking boots on the first date . . . but he and I didn't.

So, he asked if he could see me again. I thought it was pointless but I agreed. He said he would take me out on Thursday of that week for dinner.

I went home and told my roommate how it went. She gave me a hard time for agreeing to a second date. My other roommate had company and they asked who I had gone out with. When I told them his name, they said they had went to school with him and he was an idiot and somewhat psycho.

FANTASTIC!

I was really dreading going out to dinner that week. He called me just a few hours before the date and said that he had to go do something for him mom but asked if he could call me later to reschedule. I was relieved that he cancelled but reluctantly agreed that he could call me.

He never did . . . thank goodness.

Ok, this went on longer than I thought. And the other story is long too . . . so I will post about it later on.

It involves a secret phone call from a bar bathroom . . . it's really funny.

Zero Tolerance for bullshit

That's where I am right now.

I have had it up to my ears with bullshit . . . and I'm done with it.

I'm done with it at work . . . I'm done with it with my friends . . . but most importantly, I'm done with it when it comes to dealing with family.

If you can't play nice . . . I'll play with myself. Ok, that was funny, you have to admit it. And, it made me smile a little bit.

I'm just in a rotten mood and it's not going to get any better until I get off my butt and do something about it.

Life has taken over . . .

Someone once said that "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans."

I think that's especially true this last week.

It has been absolutely crazy this last week at work. I don't like to go into details about work here (because this is a personal blog), but we had to let someone go which turned out to be a week long process. And, I had to pick up some extra tasks because of it. Tasks I had not done before or had not done in a long time. So, I had to read the instruction manual each time I wanted to do something. It will be ok though. I'll limp along until my co-worker (who is on maternity leave) comes back and takers back over.

Anyway, that means I haven't had much time to THINK about blogging let alone do it.

But, Scott and Wyatt are at Menard's. So, I have a few extra minutes.

It's 9:30 (I didn't get up until 7 because I was so tired) and I've got a load in the washer. The dishwasher is ready to go as soon as the washer is done. There's another load of clothes and dishes waiting.

The boys have been fed. I got Wyatt ready to go to town with Scott.

I've showered . . . that was a nice, peaceful shower with no one else in the house.

And, I need to put a roast in the slow cooker and start some homemade yeast rolls.

I'm also going to try to make a loaf of apple cinnamon bread for Trina and maybe some cinnamon rolls for work again.

I'd also like to find some time to get in the pool again.

It's finally up, filled and stabilized with the chemicals. YAY!

Ok, so, since I've complained this whole post, I'll stay on the topic.

There are some people down the road who have yard art that drives me insane. It's a gorilla. Yup, that's what I said.

Not only is it stupid, but sometimes they put hats (or a mask at Halloween) on it.

They've also recently put their house up for sale. I hope they take the gorilla with them when they go.

And the answer is . . .

"What is a garden, Alex."

Yup, that pile of dirt was a garden.

I need a car with Auto Pilot

My car has cruise control. And, I have been using it a lot the last month in order to make sure I don't speed in the construction zone on 37 and get some monster ticket.

But, it dawned on me this morning that what I really need is auto pilot.

With over an hour drive each way (by the time I drop off/pick up Wyatt, a significant part of my day gets eaten up in an unproductive way.

Seriously, think of the things I could do if I had auto pilot.

1. I could answer emails on my Blackberry. I already tend to read them while driving, but try to avoid answering them.
2. I could make up my "to do" list for the day.
3. I could get some general reading done.
4. I could update my blog, MySpace page and FaceBook.
5. I could take a nap.

But, no, I have to watch the road while driving. Bummer.

Meet Bob . . .

For those of you who don't see me on a regular basis, you may not have met Bob. Bob is my Blackberry. I named him Bob because he's my battery-operated-boyfriend.

I got him in January so that I could combine a pda and my cell phone into one item.

I never dreamed that I would love him as much as I do. I spend quality time with Bob.

The reason I bring him up today is because I was thinking how quiet he is today.

I managed to leave the house this morning around 10 with only 2 false starts.

The first was that I got in the car and realized my smokes were in the house. So, back in I went.

Then, when I got almost to the access road to get on the highway, I realized my debit card was at home.

So, I turned around and got it. I was trying to hurry because I wanted to get to Wendy's in time to have a breakfast burrito. They are soooooo yummy!

I DID manage to make it there just before they stopped serving breakfast.

Then, I went to the John Deer dealership and got Scott a new hat. I hope he likes it . . . I really love it.

Next was the library. I was dreading going because I hate driving downtown and there's never any parking.

BUT, there was a spot as soon as I pulled in. How great is that? I wanted to pick up some books by a specific author. I've read a couple of her books and really liked them. Now, I don't tend to go to the fiction section of the library, so it took me a few minutes to find what I was looking for.

As I scooped up two of her books, I had a rumbly in my tumbly as Pooh would say. A LOUD rumbly. And, it didn't mean I was hungry. I put the books back and hightailed it to the bathroom.

When I got to the bathroom, there was only one other woman in there. Now, I don't like to poop in public bathrooms, but I felt this couldn't wait.

JUST as I sat down, the bathroom suddenly filled up with women. So much for that . . . I'm too shy of a pooper.

So, I went back out, got the two books I wanted, logged onto FaceBook to find a few authors I thought I would be interested in and got some of their books too.

On the way to checkout, I realized that our library now has a self-checkout. I thought I would give it a try. It was really easy and handy.

At that point, I thought I might go over to the office and use that bathroom since I still needed to go to Kroger and Wal-Mart. But, after fighting Kirkwood traffic again, I decided I would go home to go to the bathroom (praying that I would make it) and then just go to Martinsville and go to Wal-Mart. I couldn't go to Kroger in Martinsville because they are still flooded from last month. I would just have to buy my groceries at Wal-Mart. And, I needed to go to Wal-Greens to pick up a prescription anyways.

I made it home in time and headed to Martinsville. It took me FOREVER to get all of the stuff I needed and the cart was totally full. The air-conditioning wasn't working right and I was sweating by the time I got to the checkout.

And then it happened. I didn't have the checkbook or debit card that I needed. The debit card I had was for an account I keep minimal money in and didn't have enough in it for $190 worth of stuff that I bought.

I was freaking out because I knew my checkbook had been in my car. So, they cancelled my order, took my cart to the service desk and told me to come back to the service desk if I found my checkbook.

I sprinted out to the car and found it. Then, I sprinted back in and they just entered the order number and it re-rang my order up all at once.

By the time I got all of the stuff in the car, I was downright miserable.

I went to Wal-Greens and they didn't have my allergy prescription because it's not made anymore! Oh well, I picked up a Mountain Dew and some cashews for Scott for tomorrow.

By the time I got home from Martinsville, it was 2 on the dot. So, I had spent 4 hours running errands.

I got the groceries in the house and put away and took a 10 minute break to cool down. Did I forget to mention that I took my pants off to put away the groceries? It was just too hot . . . but I'm sure it was a funny sight.

So, now the errands are all run, the groceries are put away, the sheets are in the wash and I'm about ready to start making that cheesecake.

I'm excited to see how it will turn out. While it's baking, I'll unload the dishwasher and work on cleaning my kitchen.

Whew! What a day! I just want to take a nap but I still have too many things to do.

Isn't my life exciting . . . NOT!

And the marathon begins again!

Why does every weekend feel like a marathon?

I always have a ton of chores that need done and someone or something always seems to get in the way.

Scott is working most of today and then he is going to register for a fishing tournament that he will be in tomorrow.

Luckily, Aunt BB is coming to pick up Wyatt for a few hours so that I can get into town and get some shopping done. I HAVE to go today because I need to get stuff that Scott needs for tomorrow.

Wyatt's bag is packed . . . For the second time since he unpacked it once for me. He just needs a diaper change and to put his shoes on. Right now, he's watching Sponge Bob.

Last night he used the potty chair twice again.

I think it's time to put pull-ups on him during the day. Maybe we are taking another step forward?

So, today's to do list:

1. Grocery store
2. Wal-Mart
3. Wash sheets
4. Fold laundry
5. Upload more pics to Face Book
6. Unload and reload dishwasher
7. Change the light bulb in. Wyatt's tractor night light
8. Buy a new hat for Scott (story about it later)
9. Clean my kitchen
10. Go to the library
11. Shop for a new digital camera for Scott's parents. Apparently, my old one that I gave them is acting up again.

That should keep me busy today.

The Porno Chicken

Yup, that's what I said.

The Easter Bunny (Bawk, Bawk) brought Wyatt a basket of goodies on Easter.

One of the things he left Wyatt was this rubber chicken that you squeeze and it squeaks . . . think like a doggie chew toy kind of thing.

I have dubbed it the porno chicken because of the way it's mouth is open . . . it looks like a blow up doll.

See for yourself.



And, I think I am going to have to start collecting rubber chicken things.

I had one at my last job that someone gave me for Christmas. It was the stress ball version of the rubber chicken. Unfortunately, someone poked a whole in it's taint and it leaked these tiny little plastic beads out every time you squeezed it.

As I was getting ready to post this, I had a thought . . . maybe men who use the condoms in the previous post could use the porno chicken for their self-pleasureing needs.

At the Bigfoot

Ok, so those of you who know me well, know I stop at the BP on highway 37, north of Bloomington, pretty much at LEAST once a day.

Altho it is now BP Gas and Circle K Convenience Mart, I still refer to it as the Bigfoot since that is what it was when I started going there years ago.

So, much of what happens in my life refers back to the Bigfoot.

I've seen a truck catch on fire, people go into convulsions, people fighting . . . all kinds of things.

The other day I needed some medication on the way home. My sinuses were driving me insane. So, I stopped at the Bigfoot.

As I am looking thru that section, I see lots of things that I find funny or curious. I'll get to those eventually, but here's the one I was to talk about today.

Condoms.

First of all, who HAS to buy a condom at the gas station? I can't figure out for the life of me why someone would need to do so. But, that's neither here nor there.

What got me was one of the kinds that I saw. Keep in mind I wasn't shopping for them, but this one just jumped out at me.

I desperately wanted to take a picture with my Blackberry, but thought that would look odd even for me. I mean, can you imagine the look on someone's face as they see me taking a picture of condoms at the gas station?



So, I came home and looked them up on the internet. First, I had the brand name wrong, so it took some research.

But, here's the information on the www.lifestyles.com website for this particular item.
LifeStyles®
Snugger Fit

Designed to deliver the added stimulation and natural feeling you crave.
Ultra sensitive with a unique, natural feeling shape.
Lubricated for extra glide and enhanced sensation.
Natural color and odor free.
Convenient 3-count pack.

Ok, there are several things that I am wondering about this:

1. Who is man enough to go buy a "snugger" condom. To me, this equates a man with a small . . . well, you know. Now, I'm not disriminating against those size-challened penises . . . or is it peni? But, you have to be pretty ok with yourself to do this. I think I would just order them off the internet.

2. What the hell is a "unique, natural feeling shape"? If it's natural feeling, what's unique about it?

3. Odor free? Come on, it's RUBBER . . . rubber has a smell to it. And if it doesn't, the lubricant surely would.

4. Convenient 3 pack. What number in a pack is inconvenient? 1,000? And I read into this that you only need 3 because, unless you are particularly talented with that tiny willy, 3 would last you 3 women . . . get my drift?

5. And again, who the hell is buying condoms from the gas station?

My Cup Was Runneth Over

Well, not mine . . . and it wasn't run over.

But, a travel mug WAS sitting in the middle of the highway at the intersection of Hwy 37 and Tapp Road today.

The picture isn't great, because I was trying to turn left and watch traffic . . . and take a picture of the cup all at the same time. It's a wonder I don't wreck more often.

The Little (and Simple) Things

The other day I needed to buy stamps. I cannot tell you the last time I bought stamps. I usually do everything online . . . or use the meter at work and throw my change in the bucket.

But, I had to have some and I wasn't at work.

I just bought a book. Who knows how long it will take me to go thru 20 stamps.

But, as I looked at them today, I couldn't help but smile. They are a little (and simple) thing, but make me nostalgic.

I hate to write letters, but love to send cards. I love to include a picture with the card.

It made me think . . . what was life like before ATM's? I remember when ATM's were new and scary. But, I guess you had to remember to get cash out of the bank before it closed for the weekend?

And, it's been years since I have bought a roll of film. With a digital camera, I take way more pictures than I used to. And, they are easier to organize on the computer rather than sit in a drawer. But, there was always something exciting about picking up your prints and wondering what they would look like.

Now, I can share my pictres instantly with family, friends, the whole world because of the internet.

So, with change has come some great things . . . but sometimes I miss the little and simple things . . . like stamps.

Oh, and I'm a genius again . . . being in the shower is one of the few alone moments I have each day.

Today I thought of something amazing . . . why don't they have solar recharge panels on cell phones like they do on calculators? Surely we have the technology now?

Is that super-smart or what? How many times have you had to rush home or to the car to plug in your cell phone? This way, just the light in your office or home could power it . . . duh!

And I miss the little devil

So, today, I am back at work. I was relieved this morning to be back at work and into the old routine.

But, you know what? It just hit me that I miss him today. How sad is that? For two days I've complained because he's hung all over me . . . and now I can't wait to go pick him up.

I have no life.

A common theme

So, I have decided there is a common theme going on in my life . . . not getting things done.

Yesterday started out great. Although I got up late, I DID get Wyatt to the church down the road to hand off him off to his grandparents.

Then, I ran up to Wal-Green's and got my presicription picked up.

I came home and started the long (and tedious) process of uploading pictures and video.

Then, as I was getting ready to blog for the day, Scott called and said he wanted to me to come into town and have lunch with him.

So, I went into town and had lunch. I had just gotten home and started on a project that he needed me to do and Nana called. Wyatt was running a really high fever and he wanted me to come get him.

I stopped at Wal-Green's and got some fever and cold medicine (including suppositories)and went and got him. On the way back from her house, I called the doctor and they got us in for an appointment.

By the time we got to the doctor, the suppository had done its job, but he was still feeling yucky.

The doctor said it was probably just a bug and to keep an eye on him.

I spent the rest of the evening taking care of Wyatt and not getting anything else done.

I was really disappointed that a day I had planned for just doing stuff around the house got derailed again.

Today, I am back at work. Not sure if I am glad or not. Lots of stuff to catch up on, but at least I don't have a cranky 2 year old hanging on me.

He seemed to feel a lot better this morning. He actually drank a whole cup of Gatorade and a whole cup of milk which I think was more than he drank ALL day yesterday.

And, I'm awake . . . again.

This insomnia thing is driving me crazy.

Back to uploading pictures again, I guess.

Maybe this picture will put me in the mood:

I always like having people feel totally comfortable at my house, but sometimes it gets comical.

Wyatt went down for a nap one day, and Aunt BB fell asleep too. Note the chaos in the living room. Wyatt had been really playing hard prior to falling asleep.

Saved from the train wreck

I'm not sure how I did it, but I managed to not let Scott being home derail all of my plans.

Dinner is almost ready. We're having pork roast, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, homemade yeast rolls, deviled eggs and baked beans.

I also have chocolate chip & walnut cookies in the oven.

Wyatt's sheets are washed and his bed is remade.

Our sheets are washed, but I haven't made the bed yet.

Everything is laid out for Wyatt's evening routine when he gets home.

The laundry is all washed and dried, just not all folded again.

I have been uploading pictures all day to Facebook.

The trash has been taken out.

I need to scoop the kitty litter next.

I even did some billing for the construction company. Not a bad day at all.

My plan of action has been derailed

I was moving along pretty decent . . . and then it happened.

Scott came home to hook up the plow to the truck and deliver the truck to the guy who bought it.

And, then he said he was done working for the day.

I'm sure I won't get much more accomplished.

But, I DID get the bathroom cleaned, took out the trash, did a load of laundry, washed the sheets (they are in the dryer right now), unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, cleaned my stove top, cleaned my counter top in the kitchen, transferred one of my prescriptions to WalGreens and asked to have it refilled, restocked the bottled water in the refrig., put extra toilet paper in the bathroom, and started the rolls.

We'll see if I get much more done.

I am happy to say that the woman took all 4 of the geese, not just the 2 we promised to replace. So, the geese are gone from my yard. YAY!

A TRUE Day Off

So, today is a TRUE day off.

Scott is at work . . . for now.

Wyatt is with Aunt BB.

I have the house to myself.

I am (once again) hoping to get some things done.

I need to get some pictures uploaded.

I have some minor housework to get done.

The dishwasher is already running. I will start the washer once the wash cycle is done on the dishwasher.

Yesterday, I needed to pack a bag for Wyatt. I decided it would be easier to pack it from the clean clothes that had not yet been put away.

When Scott saw me (and the couch) starting thru the laundry, he said we should wait until Wyatt was gone to fold laundry.

My response?

I'm not really folding laundry.

I think this picture of the couch tells a different story.

She has stolen my heart!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I'm awake, might as well get something done

I was completely exhausted today. I took about a 2 hour nap today while Scott watched Wyatt.

Then, when Aunt BB came to pick him up, I put him in the truck and came back in to lay down on the couch and watch tv.

Apparently, I fell asleep for another 2 and a half hours. Now, I can't sleep.

So, I thought I would update the blogs a little.

Good morning! i think.

So, Wyatt didn't get up until about 7:30 this morning. That was good since we didn't get home until 11 last night. Wyatt was terrified of the fireworks. We actually were running so late getting to them that our friends called and said they were waiting to start them because of us. So, by the time we got there, I didn't have time to take any pictures of anyone. And, Wyatt was too scared to let me take any pictures during them.

He DID enjoy an orange Tweety Bird sucker tho. At one point, he decided to store it in my cleavage for safe keeping.

So, this morning I got up and fixed the boys some breakfast. They had hacon, eggs, fried potatoes and bread.

The washer has already run once and that load is in the dryer.

The dishwasher is running the first load of the day. I think there will be 3 loads.

The sheets need washed.

And I think I am really making the pork roast and cherry pie today.

Aunt BB and Big Al will pick him up today and he will spend the night and all day tomorrow with them.

Scott will probably go fishing with his cousin Pat.

And, I might actually get some things done today, maybe.

We're home, temporarily.

So, we got to see the new niece. She is too cute for words. I will post pictures tomorrow.

The geese have arrived. We ended up having to take 4 if we wanted any of them. So now we have 2 spare geese.

And, we are off to a 4th of July party that got delayed yesterday.

I am already exhausted.

Today's the day!

FINALLY! I am finally going to see my niece who was born in February. I have been up since 4:30 filled with anticipation.

Wyatt's bag is packed and he's dressed.

The two bags full of gifts (I bought the cutest set of barrettes yesterday too) are waiing by the back door.

I am dressed and ready to go. I even have a touch of makeup on.

The dryer is running.

I will start the dishwasher before we leave.

I keep sending Wyatt in to wake up Scott.

I am ready to go see that baby!

I will load pictures tonight or tomorrow. I can't wait!

It's a short trip . . .

To driving me crazy.

Yesterday I managed to get the dishwasher run twice and get the laundry done.

I made the cinnamon rolls and took them in to work.

I also managed to get some other stuff done. I took a check to the bank for Scott to be deposited.

I stopped in at Big Lots and bought some presents for my niece that I will finally get to see tomorrow. I bought her several toys, 3 or 4 new outfits and a fluffy pink blanket. Of course, I got Wyatt a couple of toys and new outfits.

I ran a quick errand for Trina and I got a haircut.

I still felt like I didn't get as much done as I would have liked to.

This morning, Wyatt is driving me crazy. I think he's allergic to me sitting down or finishing any one task. Every time I sit down or start to get something done, he suddenly has to have something.

I did get the dishwasher unloaded and another load of laundry done. For five minutes, all the dishes were clean and put away.

Now I am making those yeast rolls to go with the pork roast . . . Finally.

Wyatt is busy using the Dustbuster to clean up a mess he made. When he finally goes down for a nap, I am going to look up a cherry pie recipe. And, I am going to finish making my shopping list.

The rain has stopped us from doing anything outside.I guess that means no more work will get done on getting the pool set up.

If his dad doesn't get home soon, he may have to pick me up at the loony bin.

Anyone have a Valium?

And I am off!

It's nearly 9:00 and here's what the plans for today are:

1. Unload and reload the dishwasher - Done.
2. Laundry - It's washed, just have to put it in the dryer.
3. Fold laundry. - Not done yet.
4. Make cinnamon rolls for the girls at work today - Done. I am just letting the caramel glaze cool a little before I put it on them.
5. Have lunch with Trina.
6. Get my hair cut - the appt. is for 1:30.
7. Clean up my kitchen.

I have a feeling the cherries and yeast rolls will have to wait another day.

Scott talked to his Mama this morning. They are already in West Virginia. They seem to be fine so far.

I have a headache . . . as usual. And, my back and hip are giving me fits. But, I am not going to let that slow me down. I have too much I need to do today.

Wyatt is with Aunt BB today so I can get some work done.

If I had a nickel . . .

for all the things I didn't get done today, I might be able to afford a gallon of gas.

I did get the dishwasher run, but only once.

I got one load of laundry done.

And, I picked up a prescription.

That pretty much sums up my day. The little monkey hung all over me most of the day.

He DID take a nap this afternoon, but I napped with him since he got me up at 4:30 am to start the day.

Since I mentioned that Wyatt went with his grandparents earlier in the week to see his great-grandma (Mimi), I thought I would include a picture of her from last year.

Scott's parents leave for Virginia at 3 am. I'm nervous about them going this year. I can't explain why, but I am worried sick.

Wyatt will spend the day with Aunt BB tomorrow so that I can go into town and get some stuff done.

I Am NO Martha Stewart!

But, I am at home with Wyatt today so I might as well get some things done.

What's on my exciting agenda today?

Well, the dishwasher is running for the first time today. It will run at least once more.

I am making homemade rolls to go with the pork roast we're having for dinner.

I need to use up some cherries in my refrig too. Maybe I will make a cherry pie.

I will need to clean my kitchen after all of that.

I have laundry (as usual) to do.

And, if the child ever naps, I have plans to upload some pictures to facebook.

Exciting stuff.

Tomorrow is a different story. It IS packed.

Ok, so I am Ok, I think

Ok. So, tomorrow, I start some vacation time. Nana & Poppy are going to Virginia which means I needed a babysitter.

I decided to take some time off instead.

I have lots of reports I need to do at work today. I have a few projects I need to either wrap up or move on to the next stage, but I THINK I am feeling ok with this. It's very hard for me to step away from my job for nearly a week. I love it and want everything to go just right. I know, there are things that are beyond my control, but I need to let it go.

So, I am ok, I think.

Things that I see as a good sign for the week to come:

1. Gas was down to $3.96 this morning and I needed to get it.
2. I get to see my new niece (born in February) on Saturday. I will take lots of pictures and load them. I can't wait to see her! I'm gonna cuddle and kiss on that little miracle.
3. We're getting a pool! Yup, a pool. I decided to buy an 18' x 4' pool. I will probably go get it this weekend.
4. I have time to try new recipes.
5. I'm having lunch with Trina on Thursday. How cool is that!
6. I think I'm going to go get my hair cut on Thursday.
7. Today is technically my Friday.
8. Hell's Kitchen is on tonight.

I know, they are small things, but they add up. I've learned to be thankful for those small moments.

So, I'm off to start work for the day. Hopefully, I will have time to get on here and blog tomorrow. We'll see.

I am a genius . . .

Ok, I am a genius. Did I spell that right? Who cares!

At Christmas, I gave my digital camera to my in-laws because I won a new one (the one I had been coveting) at our company Christmas party.

Well, a few weeks ago, they called to say it wasn't working right. They gave it to me about a week ago (along with the book) and I piddled around with it but couldn't figure out what was wrong. It was set for Auto, but the screen was always black.

Being the Queen of Procrastination, I put off looking at it again until tonight. They need it by tomorrow evening. I promised them that if I didn't have it fixed by tomorrow morning, they could borrow mine for a week or so.

Well, it only took me about 10 minutes to think I had fixed it. I tested it three times. Sure enough, it is working again. Don't know what I did, or how I did it, but I am a genius.

Have you seen my routine?

Seriously, I am looking for it. I was out of whack with Wyatt being gone this weekend. . . although I enjoyed it.

Last night, Nana called and said that they would pick up Wyatt at the church down our road because they were headed to Terre Haute to visit Wyatt's Great-Grandma this morning. So, I had to have Wyatt packed and ready to go and down the road by 6:00 am. We normally leave for Nana's at 6:20.

I managed to get Wyatt up and ready (but not myself) and in the car by 5:50 this morning. As I was strapping him in, Nana and Poppy pulled up and said they were running early and they thought they would just pick him up at our house. So, I got everything out of the car (including Wyatt) and transferred to their car.

I work Monday and Tuesday of this week. I might come in on Thursday, but I have Wednesday and Friday off.

Then, next week, I have Monday and possibly Tuesday off . . . depending on the babysitter situation.

My routine is destroyed.

So, if you see it, could you point it back home? And, ask it if it's found 2 white geese yet.

Life Without Wyatt . . . Again

So, I left Wyatt at Nana's on Friday afternoon so that I could get some stuff done at home.

Saturday morning, we spent the morning together while Daddy worked. Then, when Scott got home, he said Aunt BB was coming to take Wyatt for a few hours.

So, I got up to pack a bag for the afternoon. The normal stuff, a change of clothes, a bottle of Gatorade, a handful of diapers and Bob-Bob.

Then, Aunt BB called to say she wanted him to spend the night. Back to repacking the bag. He now needed more than one change of clothes, some jammies, more Gatorade, more diapers, an extra sippy cup and Georgie (his favorite pillow) and one of his favorite blankets.

So, what did Scott and I do without Wyatt? We went to dinner with Toby and Cheryl. Then, we decided to go to Big Lots . . . we were bored. That turned into going to Lowe's, which turned into . . . you guessed it, going to Wal-Mart.

By the time we got home, it was after 9:30 . . . that's pretty late for us.

I expected that Wyatt would come home around noon today. Scott went fishing and I worked on my MySpace page. Not long before noon, Aunt BB called to say that she wanted to keep him until 3:30 or 4:00 because he was invited to a birthday party for one of her nieces.

I went back to my MySpace page, did some laundry, did some dishes, made some homemade cinnamon rolls. I went BACK to Wal-Mart to do my actual shopping. It was nerve-wracking. I really didn't want to leave the house to start with. I decided to go at noon . . . it was really busy and lots of crying kids.

I came home, made some more cinnamon rolls, worked on uploading more pictures . . . did some general chores around the house.

Just as I sat down to write my blog (about 5 hours ago), Scott wanted me to go get gas for the mower.

By the time I got back and was pouring the caramel sauce over the last batch of cinnamon rolls, Aunt BB showed up with Wyatt.

Poor guy. He was exhausted! And he was happy to see us. I fed a good dinner (he had worked up an appetite) and gave him a bath. He had two sippy cups of milk and fell asleep in my arms.

It was so sweet . . . and he smelled so good. It was hard for me to put him in his crib.

HE DID IT!

So, for the last couple of months, I have been trying to introduce Wyatt to the potty chair.

He really likes to take his shorts off, take his diaper off and sit on the potty chair for two seconds.

Then, he wants you to put the diaper back on, put his shorts back on . . . and he starts the process all over again.

So, I had put the potty chair away thinking that it wasn't time yet. I am trying not to push him.

This week, I brought the potty chair back out and put it in the bathroom. We have been talking about it when we go in the bathroom. We talk about how big boys use it and Daddy uses the even bigger one because he is all grown up.

Tonight, a miracle happened.

I was getting him undressed for his bath and he showed a little interest in the potty. So, I sat him down on it. He quickly got up and wandered around our VERY small bathroom for a few seconds and then announced, "Pee Pee" and started peeing on the floor. I grabbed a hold of him and got him to the potty chair and he finished by standing up in front of it.

I was so excited. I laughed and clapped and told him what a big boy he was. He was very excited too.

So, he got in the bath and then announced "Pee Pee" again. He scrambled out of the tub, positioned himself in front of the potty chair (with my help) and peed some more.

I know, it's just the first step and we're sure to take steps backwards, but it's exciting.

After he got out of the bath, he sat down on it again for a just a few seconds.

I never thought this day would come.

Things that make you go hmmmmm . . .

Ok, so there are multiple things wrong with this picture but I am eating the Schwan's version of Dippin' Dots for lunch.

A. I don't eat ice cream.
B. One shouldn't eat ice cream for lunch.
C. On the bottom of the front of the cup it says:
"To maximize your eating pleasure, grasp cup in the Hold Zone."

WARNING!

Ok, this was pointed out to me by a friend. I absolutely love it!



© The Journal of Irreproducible Results, vol. 20, #3, March 1974, pages 22-23.
National Geographic, the Doomsday Machine
George H. KaubPollution of many types and kinds is currently paramount in the public mind. Causes and solutions are being loudly proclaimed by all of the media, politicians, public agencies, universities, garden clubs, industry, and churches, ad infinitum. Pollution runs the spectrum from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the soil we till, as well as visual and audio pollution, and in recent years, pollution of outer space from junk exploration hardware.

These threats to our environment, our health and our mental wellbeing are real and with us, but not nearly as immediately catastrophic or totally destructive as the disaster which imminently faces this nation and menace of monstrous proportions can be likened only to the entire country resting on a gargantuan San Andreas fault. Earthquakes, hurricanes, mud slides, fire, famine, and atomic war all rolled into one hold no greater destructive power than this incipient horror which will engulf the country in the immediate and predictable future.

This continent is in the gravest danger of following legendary Atlantis to the bottom of the sea. No natural disaster, no overpowering compounding of pollutions or cataclysmic nuclear war will cause the end. Instead, a seemingly innocent monster created by man, nurtured by man, however as yet unheeded by man, will doom this continent to the watery grave of oblivion.

But there is yet time to save ourselves if this warning is heeded.

PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE MUST BE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT ALL COSTS! This beautiful, educational, erudite, and thoroughly appreciated publication is the heretofore unrecognized instrument of doom which must be erased if we as a country or continent will survive. It is NOT TOO LATE if this warning is heeded!

According to current subscription figures, more than 6,869,797 issues of the National Geographic magazine are sent to subscribers monthly throughout the world. However, it would be safe to say that the bulk of these magazines reach subscribers in the United States and Canada, and it is, and never has been, thrown away! It is saved like a monthly edition of the Bible. The magazine has been published for over 141 years continuously, and countless millions if not billions of copies have been innocently yet relentlessly accumulating in basements, attics, garages, public and private institutions of learning, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, Good Will, and Salvation Army stores, and heaven knows where else. Never discarded, always saved. No recycling, just the horrible and relentless accumulation of this static vehicle of our doom!

National Geographic averages approximately 2 pounds per issue. Since no copies have been discarded or destroyed since the beginning of publication, it can be readily seen that the accumulated aggregate weight is a figure that not only boggles the mind, but is imminently approaching the disaster point. That point will be the time at which the geologic substructure of the country can no longer support the incredible load, and subsidence will occur. Gradually at first, but then relentlessly accelerating as rock formations are compressed, become plastic and begin to flow, great faults will appear.

The logical sequence of events is predictable. First will come foundation failures and gradual sinking of residences and public buildings in which the magazine has been stored. As these areas depress the earth, more and more structures will topple and sink until whole towns and cities will submerge, then larger and larger land masses. This chain reaction will accelerate until the entire country has fallen below the level of the sea and total inundation will occur.

The areas of higher subscription density, affluence and wealth, will be the first to go, followed by institutions, middle class, urban, and ghetto areas in that order, with the relatively unpopulated plains and mountains finally sinking into the sea.

We have been warned of this impending calamity by a seeming increase in so-called natural disasters throughout the country, as well as isolated occurrences striking areas heretofore immune to natural destruction:

Increase in earthquake activity in California has been triggered by population growth and the subsequent increase in National Geographic subscriptions and accumulations of heavy masses of the magazine. This gradual increase in weight has caused increased activity along the San Andreas fault.
Earthquakes in the Denver area were not caused by pumping of wastes into wells at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, but by accumulation of National Geographic magazines by more and more people as the population increased over the years.
Sinking of several coal-mining towns throughout the country can only be attributed to the increase in workers benefits and pay increases, allowing them to subscribe to and hoard National Geographic.
Mud slides in California, which have brought destruction to hundreds of homes built on the hillsides, were triggered by the final straw in the form of the last delivery into these areas of National Geographic to subscribers and hoarders.
The list is endless. The warnings are clear.

The time grows short and we must act at once if this calamity is to be averted. The National Geographic must cease publication at once, if necessary by Congressional action or Presidential edict.

Redneck News

So, I listen to Hank FM (97.1 out of Indpls) on a regular basis. They play all of kinds of country music and their morning team of Wank & O'Brien can't be beat for humor.

This morning, they did a news story that caught my attention. It was about a 265 lb woman at a dollar store.

Apparently, someone cut in line in front of her. So, she handed her 8 month old baby over to a store employee and proceeded to pull the hair out of the woman who cut in front of her and choke her. Then, when the cops showed up, she bit one of the cops.

Wank & O'Brien pointed out that there was one element wrong with the story to keep it from being a TRUE redneck story. Can you guess the element?

I guessed it right away.

She handed her baby over to a store employee. A TRUE redneck woman can do ANYTHING with a baby on her hip. I speak from experience.

Wyatt is back.

So, Aunt BB brought Wyatt back around lunch yesterday. He and I spent the afternoon together until we both fell asleep.

Today, Daddy is at a fishing tournament. Right now, Wyatt is napping on the couch.

So, I am cooking like a maniac as usual. We are having meatloaf with carrots and new red potatoes and homemade yeast rolls. I haven't decided what we will have for dessert yet.

I am also trying to catch up on my blogs and work on my class list for my reunion.

The dishwasher, washer and dryer are all calling my name. I also need to fold laundry and take the trash out.

Sometimes, I think the cycle is neverending, but it's better than being on the wrong side of the grass, I suppose.

Life WITHOUT Wyatt

So, Wyatt had his first sleepover this week. He spent Tuesday night at his Nana and Papa Davis' house.

Scott and I took advantage of it and went out to a nice dinner with some friends. We did call and check on him several times though.

Yesterday, Aunt BB stopped by and decided she was going to take him with her for a few hours. Then, the next thing I know, she was hunting down pj's and supplies because she wanted him for the night.

I put him in the truck with BB, Al, Jesse and Ronald and kissed him goodbye.

Then, I watched a little tv while Scott puttered around in the garage.

Around 6:30, we decided to go to Wal-Mart and pick up some stuff. BB called while we were there because Wyatt wanted to talk to me on the phone. It was so cute!

So, I'm not sure when BB will bring him back today, but I'm living the life of luxury this morning without a 2 year old hanging on me.

What are my plans for today? They're exciting . . .

Wash clothes
Wash sheets
Color my hair
Buy myself a new pocket knife
Make banana bread for BB and the boys
Pick up my living room
Return some shorts that Scott bought last night that didn't fit.

I told you it was an exciting day. What more could a girl want?



This morning, as I was sitting on the porch having a smoke, I caught a squirrel trying to break into the bird feeder.

Well, that's it for now. I had better get to my exciting "to do" list.

WANTED: 2 ADULT WHITE GEESE

Ok, this is a weird way to start a blog post. But, when I sat down this evening to say what was on my mind, this is what popped up.

Last week one of our subcontractors ran over a client's geese and we now have to replace them.

So, I am desperately searching for 2 adult white geese. Sex is unimportant, though I would prefer you wouldn't take your perverted fetishes out on birds.

If you know of somewhere where I can these geese, please get in touch with me. We are willing to pay cash.

The Mazda's brush with death

Ok, so I am a huge fan of Mazdas. The 1997 Protege that I have right now is my third Mazda. And, I am always bragging on the gas mileage (31 mpg) and that it never needs anything except basic maintenance.

Memorial Day weekend, the AC quit working. We assumed that it just needed charged. Nope, the compressor went out. So, I cussed, but decided it could wait a while to be fixed since my sister-in-law has my Blazer.

Well, this morning I heard an awful squeal coming from one of my belts and then it popped. Oh yeah. The serpentine belt broke. Luckily, I have a two belt system in my car, so I could still drive it. But, that meant no power steering either. I had forgotten what it was like to drive without power steering. The last car I had like that was the Miata and it was so small that you didn't need power steering.

I managed to get it over to the mechanic's and get in to work on time.

My sister-in-law brought my Blazer in and dropped it off.

But, I am sad that I'm finally having to fix something on the Mazda. I had planned on replacing the belt this fall.

Oh well. I should have the Mazda back by next Tuesday. Until then, I'll be driving the gas-guzzling monster of a Blazer.

It's a good thing I'm not a tree-hugger. Maybe I should start running them over with the Blazer?

The Attention Span of a Gnat

Some might say I have a short attention span. I say, "There's no way I have . .. oh look! There's a chicken!".

Now, where was I?

Oh, right smack dab in the middle of this diagram.

Boo Boo and the Stink ... I mean Pink Eye

Yes, it's confirmed. Baby Boo Boo has pink eye. Fantastic right?

I knew something was going on the last few days, but yesterday I had reason to believe that he might have Pink Eye.

So, I called the ped on the way home ...I was on hold 20 minutes. And, we went over his symptoms and they confirmed that it was Pink Eye. They said there was no reason to bring him into town and pay $50. They called a prescription in to our pharmacy and I went and picked it up.

And, tonight is the first night that Wyatt will sleepover at someone else's house. He is staying with Nana & Poppy Davis tonight.

Am I worried? Yes. Why? I know I'll miss him . . . and what if he keeps my in-laws up all night?

I'm trying to breathe and know that this is a natural part of life. But, how does any parent do it?

Tis the Season

Tis the season for my allergy and sinus issues.

As I struggled with a sinus and ear infection this weekend, I wondered why I always look forward to Spring so much.

Today, on the way to work, it dawned on me.






Construction workers! They make my day. Nothing like a man in a hard hat and work boots.

Ok, this is not one of them I actually saw . . . but it proves the point, right?

Code Blue at Wal-Mart

So, I'm at Wal-Mart today because I have a hankering for frozen egg rolls.

I find a few other things I need and start meandering thru the store to the checkout.

Suddenly, over the intercom I hear, "Attention Customers and Wal-Mart Associates, this is a Code Blue."

I thought it was kind of weird and wondered what a Code Blue was, but kept going towards the checkout.

About 2 minutes later, the voice comes back on over the intercom (as I see employees running around like chickens with their heads cut off) and says "Attention Customers and Wal-Mart Associates, this is a Code Blue. We are evacuating the building. Please walk calmly to the front of the store and exit the building."

As an employee goes by me I asked her what a Code Blue was.

She told me it was a bomb threat.

The guy next to me insists that the cashier should ring up the one thing he wanted to buy. When she told him no, he told her he was going to go buy it at another store.

Have you ever seen 200 cars leaving a Wal-Mart parking lot at the same time?

Jesus and the middle finger

So, I have 16 (I think, at last count) nephews and nieces. They range from in their 20's to just born in February. There are 6 girls and 10 boys.

So, one of my nephews (who will be in 4th grade this fall) hurt his middle finger on his left hand. When I asked him to show me which finger hurt, he did. But, not in the naughty way. He pointed it down, not up.

His brother (who will be in 2nd grade this fall) yelled, "It's his flip off finger!".

His mother got after him for saying that. That's not the funny part.

Ronald (the 2nd grader) then informed us that there was nothing wrong with saying that because that finger is what Jesus gave it to us for.

I laughed out loud. I'm not sure where they got that from. They're not exactly religious.

Kids . . . what are you going to do with them?

I am stuck on Band-Aid

Ok, this commercial has been running through my head for 3 days. I'm not sure why it popped into my brain. . . but I'm now really stuck on Band-Aid because Band-Aid's stuck on my brain.

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Playing (Trying Not to Run Over the) Possum

It's not uncommon for me to see possum. There are a lot around my in-laws and our house. But, it's unsual for me to see them (at least alive) while I am driving around. This morning, not one, but TWO crossed the road while I was driving. There were not together. They were on two different roads. I also went by at least a half dozen turtles. I guess it was possum and turtle rush hour? I wonder if it's bad luck if one crosses in front of you? Personally, I enjoy the stunned look on the possum's face as I JUST miss it going 55 miles an hour on the back roads.



I took the liberty of looking up some informaiton on the possum. You should learn something new every day, right?


The opossum was a favorite game animal in the United States, and in particular the southern regions which have a large body of recipes and folklore relating to the opossum. Opossum was once widely consumed in the United States where available as evidenced by recipes in older editions of The Joy of Cooking. Ok, I really need to track down a version of The Joy of Cooking with possum recipes.

In Dominica and Trinidad opossum or "manicou" is popular and can only be hunted during certain times of the year due to over-hunting; the meat is traditionally prepared by smoking then stewing. The meat is light and fine grained, but the musk glands must be removed as part of preparation. The meat can be used in place of rabbit and chicken in recipes. The cousin of the opossum, the possum, found in Australia (and introduced to New Zealand) is consumed in a similar manner. (Davidson, 1999)

Historically, hunters in the Caribbean would place a barrel with fresh or rotten fruit to attract opossums who would feed on the fruit or insects. Cubans growing up in the mid-twentieth century tell of brushing the maggots out of the mouths of "manicou" caught in this manner to prepare them for consumption. It is said also that the gaminess of the meat causes gas. Do I need to even comment on this one? If you are eating possum, I don't think a little extra gas is the worst thing going on in your life.

In Mexico, opossums are known as "tlacuache" or "tlaquatzin". Their tails are eaten as a folk remedy to improve fertility. I refuse to comment on this one. It's too hard to laugh and type at the same time.

Opossum oil (Possum grease) is high in essential fatty acids and has been used as a chest rub and a carrier for arthritis remedies given as topical salves. I'll skip that massage, thanks.

Weather Forecast

You know that I love a good dick (sorry Mom and Dad) or fart joke . . . .


Weather Forecast

Bugzilla

I got in my purse today at work to look for a specific pen. I found it in my purse, but this is what was on it.



And, the worse part was, it was DEAD and STUCK to the pen.

Fishzilla

Scottie went fishing the other night and lost a really good sized bass. But, not long after that, he reeled this one in.

Deerzilla

Last year, we had a friend who kept coming out in the morning to find his target deer torn all to pieces. He borrowed our scouting camera to find out what was going on and we all got a good laugh out of Deerzilla.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Long Awaited "Chasing Bubbles" Video

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mama's Little Helper

No explaining necessary. One day, he'll make someone a good husband . . . if I can get him to stop biting and pinching.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Guess What This Is?

Ok, here's today's picture. Can you guess what it is?




Stay tuned for the answer!

I'm back . . . again, I think

Ok, once again I have been sadly lacking in my blogging. The Queen of Procrastination runs wild and free.

But, I DO have new video! YAY!

I will not give the back story of this one in order to protect the not so innocent. . . but the fawn was returned safely to his mama. It was not easy to say no to Baby Boo Boo when he looked at me and said, "Ma, deer, PEEEEEESE?".

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Who Do You Love?

The other weekend, Daddy was gone and Wyatt and I had the chance to have some quality time alone together. What did Wyatt have to say?

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wyatt's New Skill

A friend of ours bought a 4-wheeler to pay us back for Scottie helping to remodel his house. Every night, Daddy and Baby Boo Boo go for a ride. Tonight we discovered he has learned a new skill.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Birthdays, mushrooms, etc.

Ok, I've been slacking again on posting. But, the last week I've had another project with my other blog www.anatomyofascam.blogspot.com

I had a small (family only) birthday party for Wyatt on Sunday. I think it went over pretty good. I have a video of him chasing bubbles that I will post later.

We also let him "hunt" his first mushrooms today. I'll load the video for that as well this week.

Here's his birthday cake.

Dead Goldfish Fun

Here's What I've Been Doing

How fitting is this that Michelle sent it to me? I think it explains what I've been doing instead of posting to my blog:

Truth in Advertising

Ok, I've been bad and not posted for almost 2 months. I have lots of stuff that I want to post, but never seem to have the time or energy to post them. But, I am back on the bandwagon . . . I think.

Here is a listing for Bloomington, IN on www.craigslist.com that a coworker shared with me. It seems normal enough until you get to the last part . . . it sounds like something I would say:

Great outdoor dog, gets too hot inside. Large dog, needs room to run but not good with chickens. 7 mo. old. Call for info. 325-XXXX

New Year's Resolutions

My second entry for my "dream weird road trip".

Anchorage, Alaska - Fishing Reel Bridge

New Year's Resolutions

Ok, in the spirit of my New Year's Resolutions:

I am starting my list for the world's weirdest road trip across America.
Since I've been procrastinating (as usual) I'll have to do 2 a week for a while until I catch up.

Brundidge, Alabama - Big Rooster Made of Car Bumpers