Blogger Clogger

I have a ton of photos to post, BUT... when I tried to do it, blogger wouldn't let me move them around. You know... click and drag them where I wanted them. Technicians are working on this issue. My post will be here very soon!

It's coming!

See, Dennis is the only one that can load the photos onto the pc because I am apparently a box o' rocks. Maybe Santa will bring us a card reader! :) As soon as the photos are on here, I will post my project!

Mel gets to call her Mandy

Time to lighten things up a bit! After reading Miranda's blog and her recipe of the week, I wrote to her. I wanted to copy the recipe, however clicking and highlighting brought in too much other information. So I emailed her. Her email was so inspiring. Not only did she send me the email, but some other tips that I have already started to put to use!

Stay tuned to see what Miranda's email inspired me to do!

Somber

On Sunday I attended the brunch for our Tastefully Simple Team. It is always such a wonderful event, and I was really looking forward to it. However this event would definitely not be the same for me this year...

Saturday night, Den and I were watching the news. While watching it, a story came on about a man stabbing his wife to death in Chesterfield Township. I then started thinking, That looks like my brother's neighborhood. A few seconds later they showed the street sign and it was my brothers street. Then they showed it. The house next to my brothers.

As we watched, I mentioned to Dennis that a man committed suicide in the basement of that house. Then a family had moved in, and the mother was a drunk. She was constantly being admitted to rehab. I had wondered if the man had killed her. We went to bed, and I didn't think a whole lot about it.

The next morning, I started thinking about it again and it was on the news... again. I then received a call from my mom. While talking to her, I realized that the drunk woman and her family had left the house and there was a new family there. Two boys and their parents. One of the boys became best friends with my nephew. I had the pleasure of meeting this young man this past October when my brother brought Chase & the boy to the campground to see all of us. The kids had a great time together and went trick or treating through the park. This kid was a very nice boy. After hearing that he and his brother witnessed their father plunging a knife into their mothers back, I haven't quite been the same.

How does this happen? How could this man do this? The family was from Albania, however the youngest (my nephew's friend) was born in America. They have NO family here. Now... the boys are in a foster home somewhere, their mother is in a morgue, and their father is in the Macomb County Jail. How does this happen? I just can not seem to wrap my head around this. These two boys are now going to spend Christmas with complete strangers. This would be their first Christmas with a real tree (as the boy told my nephew). The mother was so excited about being able to buy the boys gifts. How does this happen?

I went to my holiday brunch with all of this on my head. As we all sat around a very large table, and talked about what we are grateful for, or our hopes for the future, all I wanted to do was cry. I can't even look at the future, when I think about those two boys. I realize that I will go on, and life will go on, but those boys... their futures have been altered f...o...r...e...v...e...r. How could he kill their mother? Ironically enough, I was paid a compliment that day about how people love to read my postings on our "my family" website. They think I am so funny, and apparently, they think I'm funny all the time. Yet even hearing those words that day, made me want to cry. I know I have my witty moments, but right now I couldn't feel further away from them than I do right now. My heart is broken for those two boys. What will happen to them? Will they be forced to go back to Albania or will they stay here in the foster system?

I'm sorry to not be funny nor witty. I'm just so sad that this has happened, and I wasn't even the boys best friend. My heart is broken for my nephew. I hope he is able to keep in touch with this wonderful kid, forever.

Another Conversation with Greg

Today Greg was running a fever due to an ear infection that we though had gone away. I think it's the child's first ear infection... at least that I can remember. Anyhow, we were reading his book on the White House while in the exam room.

G: "Mom when I grow up, I want to be a Doctor or a Nurse"

M: "Greg if you want to be either of those, you can't be afraid of the things they do to people"

G: "Ok, then maybe I'll be a policeman or maybe a sniper sharp shooter"

M: "Then I will worry about you. You could always do something cool like be in the secret service and protect the President!"

Greg turns around with eyes like baseballs and says, "THEN I'LL HAVE TO MOVE TO WASHINGTON D.C.!"

M: "That's ok. We'll come visit you... often!"

G: "Instead I think I'll go there in the morning, then be back in time for dinner.

M: "You're going to commute back and forth EVERY DAY??? Don't you want to leave us?"

G: "No WAY!"

... and he give me a kiss.

Age Limits

I recently received a friend request from my 9 year old niece on facebook. Seriously people. Are there NO limits to where and what kids are allowed to do? Emily was all over me about joining facebook a while back because her friend was allowed to join. There is no way in hell that I am letting my 10 year old get a facebook page. To me, it's the equivalent of letting them get a myspace page too, which will NEVER happen in this house.

On a whim I decided to look up the age limits to see if there are any and guess what... here it is:

4. Registration and Account Security

3. You will not use Facebook if you are under 13.

It is becoming rediculous how parents are not being parents, but are just letting their kids do whatever, just because.

Am I off my rocker feeling this way or do you agree?

One week!

Wow! I'm so surprised that it's been a week since my last post. Where does the time go?

I guess I am at a loss for words this week. There hasn't been a whole lot going on really. We are preparing for Thanksgiving at our house. We told everyone to go elsewhere last year due to major family drama. Let's just say I was worried there would be a boxing match at our house. So we invited ourselves to our friends house for dinner. It was awesome. Don't you love friends that are good with stuff like that?

This year I will attempt to have a 23 pound turkey done BEFORE the side dishes, and vow NOT to stress out. I've been cleaning here and there, and just doing odds and ends of things to get ready. It's all good.

We started out the weekend with a bang. I told Greg this morning if he came out of the school with shoes untied, he would be writing sentences when he got home. Guess who has writers cramps. lol. I only made him write 5 sentences that read "I will keep my shoes tied". You would have thought I took away his favorite toy the way he carried on. It's then that I hit him with, "Keep complaining and I will add 5 more". He zipped it, and is now starting an awesome weekend by having a nerf sniper shoot-out with his Dad. Did I ever tell you about the collection of nerf guns we have in this house?

I went to the nerf website to see if I could hijack some photos, but their website is wayyyy too animated for my blog. Blogger would definitely crash. Let's just say we have about every Nerf gun known to man, in this house. Including the huge missile launcher that damn near took Greg's head off once, accidentally of course. Yesterday Greg used a bit more of a gift card he received for his birthday, to purchase the double barrel nerf shot gun. I think we have about $13 left on the card which could be used for more darts.

Friday... I'm not sure I'm venturing out for shopping. Only 1 place has something I REALLY want, but 1. It's probably limited quantity. 2. It is at a store that is open 24 hours, which makes you wonder what time to get there for such item, and finally... is the savings really worth losing sleep over? I'm thinking not.

Saturday... we are heading down to Ford Field to watch the Stevenson Titans (Den's Alma mater) take down Detroit Catholic Central. I'm hoping it's an annihilation, since I once dated a guy that went there, then a few years later wondered what the "f" I was thinking. So I'm hoping they will smear them.

What's on your calendar this week?

HELLOOOO, HELloooo, helloooooo

Echo. Every wonder if anyone reads your blog? I wonder all the time, but here I am. Still posting away. Even if I'm talking to myself, I can still put my thoughts out there.

Did you know...

Sodium Benzoate mixed with Citric Acid forms a carcinogen called Benzene which is found in gasoline? Funny huh? Start reading your nutrition labels.

The other day, I was going to buy maple syrup but I didn't. I read the label and just couldn't get past the ingredients. I put it back on the shelf.

Two days later, Dennis buys syrup. Guess whats in it. Yep. The junk listed above. I know it is horribly terrible to eat, but have you seen the price of real syrup lately? It makes me sick and even worse... I can't afford to buy it right now. Even though I'm hitting this huge mental block on this, he looked at me like I was nuts. Guess that's why he calls me a "tree hugger".

Every time I put syrup on anything, I feel like the mother in Flowers in the Attic, that is putting arsenic mixed with powdered sugar on her kids cookies. I feel like I am killing all of us by using it, knowing full well it's potential.

I need to grow more maple trees.

Think before you speak!

I'm reading this book called More Build it Big- 101 Insider Secrets for Direct Selling. The title is close to that. It is the sequel to a book that I haven't read. Before going to the National conference this past summer, I decided to find some books on direct sales, and that's how I came across it.

I've been taking my time reading it, trying to absorb the tips and to put some of them to use. For instance, since I started reading it, I added 3 people to my new team. Before it was just Shannan and I. Shannan joined about a year and a half ago. We were a team of two. Then came Joy, Katrina and now Kristin. I am so glad they are with me and this is why...

In the book there is a section on team building. It goes on to say about how you should choose "wisely" because you will be talking to this person on a regular basis. You will be seeing them frequently, emailing them all the time and so forth. I started thinking back about all of the people that I had asked to join me. I think there are about 5 total, and 3 just joined. I am very picky about who I want to work with, but wasn't sure why... until last week.

I was at the school picking up Emily & Greg. When I pulled up to the sidewalk, I saw a friend pull up too. I pick up in the back of the school, and she picks up in the front. So I was wondering why she was on "our side". We are both parked on either side of the street. One facing North, the other facing South (I was north). We both got out of our cars at the same time. I noticed a southbound vehicle coming. It was a classic Ford pick up truck like the one pictured here...

I love classic pick-ups. I don't know what it is, but I would LOVE to have a 1950's Chevrolet in Denim blue. The kind of truck that has wood rails on the back of the truck. Anyway, I immediately admired this truck. The man had looked at my friend and allegedly made a face at her. I saw him too, but did not see any face. She was so angry, she started saying she should have flipped him off, or yelled or something. Why was this "jackass" making a face at her? She was going to show him!!

And that... is when it hit me. OMG... I asked this woman to join my team. Mrs. Short-wick who thinks this man made a face at her. Never in my life have I ever been so glad someone told me "NO". lol There was once a time when I would actually avoid her phone calls. Mrs. Shortwick seems to think I have my doctorate, and calls me whenever someone has so much as a splinter in her house. She never listens to a word I say, and does not seek further medical attention when I tell her. Just talking to her, listening to her ramble on about the 104 fever, and how she isn't taking someone to the doctor after 2 1/2 weeks just drives me nuts. So, I avoid her.

Which reminds me... Den and I play little jokes on each other. When a solicitor calls, I give him the phone as if it's a friend. lol. So... he got me one day. Our caller ID now shows up on our TV. The phone rang and I was in the office, so I didn't see it. I yelled out, "Who is it?" He said, "It's Helen" (neighbor down the street). I joyfully pick up the phone only to hear Mrs. Shortwick on the other end.

Which reminds me... He's due for a payback.

Close... but no cigar!

If you are a follower of The Pioneer Woman, then you know she does contests regularly. Katrina got me hooked on her blog back when there were about 3 people reading it. When she would do a contest, there would be about 200 entries. Should have known that wouldn't last!

Her last contest had about 40,000 entries I think. The funny thing is, when she does a regular blog post, she gets about 63 comments. Where are the 40,000 followers? Are they just trying to win something?

Anyway, back to our story...

This past week in her cooking section she ran a contest in which the winner would win a set of Cuisinart pots and pans. Lord knows we could use a new set of pots and pans in this house. The ones we have now are the el cheapo ones that Service Merchandise used to carry. You know the ones... they look like pot-belly pots with the gold-like handles. Well... the simulated gold finish is has worn off the handles in some spots. They came with NO pans, which means we picked up some cheap ones from Revco back in the day.

The point I'm getting to is that I entered the contest. The question... "Who is your favorite food blogger, or favorite TV chef?" Well... the only food blogger I know is Ree, and to put that would be like kissing her butt, so I put Paula Deen.

The funny thing is my response was #39. I must have come across the contest moments after she posted it. And then the winners were posted. I can't believe how close I was!! Looks like I'll be using my banged up kitchen artillery for a while longer. That is unless the kitchen fairy drops off something awesome!

Green with Envy

I read off Jro's blog that there is a Breakfast Club in Brighton. I went to one in Clawson once. Hook, line and sinker. I have been dreaming of that place ever since. I wonder if it is the same place that used to be in Clawson. I wonder how long it would take me to drive out there for breakfast.... and believe me. I would.

Ok, my fellow bloggers... someone go there for breakfast. Take photos of your food. I want a FULL REPORT!!

Bamboo Cutting Board

Words can not express how much I LOVE this cutting board from Pampered Chef. I purchased it a few years ago, and it is worth it's weight in gold. On one side it has a flat surface with a well around the edge for juices.

On the other side, it is concave. It is PERFECT for that Thanksgiving Turkey or New Years Roast. The well holds ALL of the juices, so that when you are done carving, you can pour them back over the meat!

I LOVE this cutting board, and think it would make a GREAT gift for Christmas.

#1005 Reversible Bamboo Carving Board - $69.50

Reversible Bamboo Carving Board This beautifully handcrafted bamboo board is ideal for all your carving and slicing needs. The double-sided board features a deep center well on one side to securely hold meat in place. Flip it over for a traditional carving board with a generous well to catch juices. 19" x 14" x 1 1/4". Bamboo is a grass and is actually the fastest growing plant on the planet. This sustainable and renewable resource naturally replenishes itself by constantly sending up new shoots from its root system, so there's no need for replanting. Plus, bamboo:
Resists staining, cracking and warping.
Doesn't conduct heat.
Doesn't absorb moisture.
Is harder and more durable than traditional hardwood.

Where-O, Where-O, Where is Jro?

I am totally blown away that Jro was able to just up and leave to follow their dreams. I am so anchored in my life here that there is NO WAY I could do that. I give her MAJOR kudos!

I wonder how she is doing?

Eeeekkkk!!!

Happy Halloween Everybody!!!

How Much Does it Weigh?

Does a gallon of water weigh as much as a gallon of milk?

I know, totally dumb question, but in my defense... a gallon is a unit of measure for volume. I would like to say that Milk is a bit more dense than water. Almost a colloid solution... so do you think they would weigh the same?

That is what is in my head today.

Facebook

I have to laugh. Ok... well I wasn't laughing when I did this, but the results were actually quite funny. Here is the scoop...

In my TS business we have a golden rule. "Book 90 days out". Which means that any parties I have right now, should have been booked 90 days ago.

90 days ago.... where was I? Obviously not doing my job because I suddenly realized that I didn't have any parties! In 2 years I have NEVER had a dryspell unless it was preplanned. That is the beauty of this business. You work when YOU want to work.

Well... now that I want to work, there wasn't anything to do! So I got on the phone. I got on Email and started asking around. I sent this email out to some people that live around me, that are my friends, and have had parties with me before. In my business, all it takes is 1 or 2 parties to get the ball rolling again. That is all I needed. A little shove.

So I sent this email out, putting my heart on my sleeve and asked my gals around here if they would have a party for me. "crickets" I got 2 emails back. Both of them said they just couldn't do it right now. THAT works for me. I am totally hip on honesty, and appreciate them telling me so. I can always take NO for an answer. Not exactly what I would have wanted to hear, but I can deal with that. No biggie.

From the others... still "crickets". So I went on fbook and put a post on there. I said...
You learn a lot about a person when the cards are down. That being said, I have a hypothetical question for you. THINK before you answer!!! If a friend were in danger of losing their job and you could help them with a little time and minimal effort, ...would you do it without hesistation, would you take it into consideration, or probably not because you are already so busy?


OMG... comment after comment flooded in. My phone started ringing off the hook, emails were pouring in. "Are you ok?" and the funny thing was this... I sent that email out to so many people and they responded to my fbook post that they would drop everything to help their friend, but never responded to my email. Sooooo what the heck!

Here is what I came up with... many people don't assume that those of us in direct sales consider this a "real" job. I CONSIDER THIS MY REAL JOB. It's the only one I have. I LOVE this job. It's been 2 years and I am still madly in love with this awesome company. I am working it to the best of my abilities and it just got sooooo much more fun now that Katrina and Joy have joined. While we make a tiny percentage off other people, it isn't nearly enough to make it motivational. TS doesn't want to be that type of company. Trust me, there won't be any car payments made off of my downline dudettes, lol.

So back to my fbook post. I quickly realized that I needed to change the topic on my profile. People were getting off the hook on that one, and it was just bizarre to see the flurry of activity. Although I didn't get any parties off of my "begging" email, things have totally turned around. I did a party on Thursday night, and booked 3 parties. I sent out an email letting people know I would be placing an order, and their orders are pouring in. Plus... one wrote me for a party in December.

Life is good... as always. I was just testing the fbookers. lol

The Compliment of my Life

My son just gave me the biggest compliment of my life.

About an hour ago, Greg walked up to me and says, "When you get older, I hope you don't change much."

"Why is that" I asked.

"Because you are so beautiful" he replied.

... I can't stop crying.

Working 9-5

I've come to a conclusion. I have been so busy applying for jobs, that I haven't been DOING my job as a Tastefully Simple consultant and I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary with this wonderful company. I LOVE this company. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! I have had it planted in my brain that because I don't leave my house M-F that I don't have a job, when actually I do have a job. One that I chose because I didn't want to leave my house M-F unless I planned it that way. What was I thinking?

Last night our team went to see Jill. She is the Founder and CEO of Tastefully Simple. A regular chic like the ones I choose to be my friends. The message wasn't SELL, SELL, SELL, but more inspirational. When you have tragedies in your life, or life just plain sucks at the moment, you take it from day to day. If you can barely make it day to day, then you take it minute by minute. Be happy with what you have. Be happy with what you receive. If you want more out of your life, then you need to make that happen.

Our thoughts are self-fulfilling. Positive thoughts will get your positive results; negative thoughts will get negative results. Thoughts control our emotions; emotions control our actions.

It's time... to get back to work.

Please let me know if you need to place an order, or if you are interested in helping me do my job, by doing a book party or a taste-testing party with me.

www.tastefullysimple.com/web/vmilobar

$19.71 or 1971

Coke. I had the craving of the century that would only be cured by Coca Cola. Of course, we had none. After dropping the kiddies off at Religious Ed, I stopped in to our local Walgreens (my all time favorite convenience store) and got my 2 liter fix. As busy as they were, I ended up at the beauty counter register with another man in front of me.

He was older than I, by a bit. Maybe mid 50's. He smelled nice, and had nicely combed hair. He wore jeans and a flannel shirt. Sort of reminded me of my Dad. I don't know what it is, but you never see men that are well groomed like that, or smell nice. When you do, you take notice. He obviously takes care of himself.

$19.71 the cashier told him. "Ahhh 1971. THAT was a good year" he replied. "Yes it was" said the cashier.

Ahhh, I thought to myself. Finally someone has talked about a date... in which I wasn't even born yet. That one statement, made me feel young again. Ahhhhh the joy.

Two Years ago Today...

I signed up with Tastefully Simple. I am so glad I was offered the opportunity and that I took it. It has been so much fun, and the girls on our TS team are amazing. I am so thankful.

12:58 am

Last night we woke to the sound of cats. Our cats. Yelling at something outside the doorwall in the living room. If you are a cat owner, or have ever been, you know what type of yelling I'm talking about.

I got up and went down the hall. As I rounded the corner, I found Pumpkin & Charlie both camped out at the doorwall, with hair standing on end. All over the living room however, there was cat hair. Big tufts of orange cat hair that obviously came out of Pumpkin. I flipped on the light, looked out and saw a black and white cat.

The bottom of the doorwall is covered in muddy paw prints. Obviously the cats all got into a fight, through the window. But that still doesn't explain the hair in the living room. I scared off the outside cat, then picked up Charlie. Lifting him is like picking up a huge ziplock bag full of water. I carried him to the basement door and then went back for psycho kitty. When I picked him up, the back of his head was wet. WTF?! I nervously carried him to the basement too as I was worried he would sink his big ole fangs into me.

I locked them both in the basement, and went back to bed. This morning... tumbleweed of orange hair all over the living room. Can anyone explain that?

Turning Over a New Leaf

Ever get so crabby that you can't even stand yourself? I have been a total piece of work lately. So much so that I started thinking that I was on the verge of losing my witts. I recently snapped at a friend going through a hard time, and believe I have ruined the friendship. She just asked the wrong thing at the wrong time and that was it. I had no filter and just went off on her.

I felt like sticking a humongo "L" on my forehead because I can't find a job. I have my TS business, which I LOVE and continue to work with enthusiasm, but feel that I need to find something more consistant. I have applied and applied only to hear... "crickets".

On Sunday night, I decided I was turning over a new leaf. I'm sick of being upset. I'm sick of being in a bad mood. I'm sick of being crabby. Whatever is going on in my life, "is what it is". There are so many things that can not be changed, and I was wearing myself out trying to change them.

I am the luckiest person in the world to have such a supportive husband. Dennis has shouldered me through all of this, and held my head up high when I couldn't. He has said the right things at the right time, and now... I feel so much better. I am really thankful that I had him to lean on.

You PEOPLE!

Hey, have you watched any of those videos over on the right? The one with the man in the bed is my favorite. If you are a cat owner, I am quite sure you will find it pretty accurate, and flipping hilarious!

Watch them!! LAUGH OUT LOUD!!

Where does Barbie Live?

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Greater Detroit market:

"Birmingham Barbie"

This princess Barbie is sold only at The Galleria. She comes with an
assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey
and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face
lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Canton/Farmington Hills Barbie"

The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Wind star Minivan
and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation.
Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Westland or Taylor Barbie"

This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife,a
Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only
available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable
bills) ....unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"West Bloomfield or Bloomfield Hills Barbie"

This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2.
Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also
available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to
afford any of them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Waterford Barbie"

This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too
small, a NASCAR t-shirt and twe ety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud
light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's
butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag
bumper sticker absolutely free.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Royal Oak Barbie"

This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit
and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends. Percocet prescription available
as well as warehouse conversion condo.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Downriver Barbie"

This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own
high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Butler
Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a
see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ferndale Barbie"

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair,
arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her
Willow . She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Point Breeze Barbies
and the optional Subaru wagon , you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"8 Mile Barbie"

This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories
include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very
difficult to find since the addition of the infant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Novi Barbie"

She's perfect in every way. We don't know where Ken is because he's always
out a-'huntin'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Woodward Avenue Barbie/Ken"

This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply
adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on parts.

Insert Depression "here".

Wow. I'm really getting the life sucked out of me here. I have a theory about women and school. I talked to one of our fellow bloggers today and this is what I said, "So a girl graduates high school, then goes on to college. She gets her degree and a great job. Then when she marries and has children, she becomes a stay at home mom. Then when it is time for her to return to the work force, she can't find anything in her field. In fact she finds she isn't qualified for half the jobs out there. Why did she go to college in the first place?"

I feel like such a loser. Literally. I can't find a job to save my life. I have NEVER had a hard time finding a job. I regret leaving my last job but I have theories that go along with the "find a neighbor to tuck your kids in at night" comment. I just couldn't work for people with that type of integrity. I LOVED that job. I took that job to a higher level than any other job before, because my doctor owned it. More than anything I wanted HIS company to be successful. While I had it up on a threshold, I was the company doormat. I just couldn't get past that. I regret that I cared that deeply about that job because it still bothers me.

Now... I am getting more and more depressed as time goes on. I can't find a job. I have even applied to the local coffee house. I drove by there today and there are NO signs of life as they haven't opened yet.

I keep trying to tell myself that it isn't me. It's the economy and the gazillion other people looking for the same jobs that I am. But still. I'm qualified. I can do all types of things. Maybe that is the problem. Even as I am known as "Queen Busta Chops" in this house, I had it thrown right in my face this weekend by a friend. The comment that she thought was so funny, cut me to the core. "You go from thing to thing". At this moment, I do feel wishy washy. I feel like such a loser. When YOU are the stay at home mom, you can't really have a career. Your job is to take care of the house and the kids. When you need to make some extra cash, you do what you can.

I'm debating on removing myself off Facebook. I need to find a job. I need to find something, and I am starting to become a bit paranoid about "what is out there" on me. How do I find it, and how do I remove it?

The good thing about my blog... when I search my name, the blog doesn't show up. So this... will stay.

Dear God...

Please don't let me ever get the brilliant idea to have another garage sale. It sucked the life right out of this weekend! Not to mention the amazing self control that you bestowed upon me when the woman in Versache sunglasses kept bartering for lower prices than we already had. I am thankful that I did not rip her head off, and bust up those glasses while still maintaining the pleasant smile that you have given me. I promise, I will not be doing this again anytime soon.

Amen.

Choices

So today I saw that my ex-sister in law is on facebook. She and my brother had a rocky and somewhat messy divorce. When my mom told me they were getting a divorce and thought I would be upset, my first words were, "It's about time". Not that I want any marriage to break up, but they NEVER got a long. Like EVER. I think they were probably even talking divorce before the ink on the marriage license dried.

Regardless, she is on facebook. And I am surprised by the number of family members that have become her friends. I really don't have anything against, her but I also am loyal to my brother. Which leads me to this...

Marks wife once told me (Mark is my other brother), that when she divorced her ex-husband for cheating on her, his family wrote her off. She LOVED that family and was devistated that they did this to her. I told her I could never do that and she disagreed. She said, "Blood is thicker than water. You will choose your family."

I never thought I would see that day where I would say, "She is right". While I don't have anything against my ex-sister in law, I also had nothing with her, aside from the fact that she was my brothers wife. I didn't marry her. He did.

I have been bugging my brother left and right to get on facebook. Now that I saw her on there, there is no way in hell he will get on there. And I might add, with the amount of family that have "become her friends" on there, if he were to get on there, it could become quite a mess.

I have been stalking my fbook all day. Sort of worrying that she will ask to be my friend. I have nothing against her, but really wish that she would move forward with her life. My loyalty is to my brother. I would do anything for him... again Mark's wife was right. What a sucky position to be in.

What is your spin on this my friends?

Because I am crazy...

I'm preparing for yet another... Garage Sale. Have I ever told you how much I HATE having Garage Sales? It is the drive for cold hard cash in this unemployed hand that moves me to do it. I have my TS business, but that is a side thing that I do. I wouldn't want to depend on that to make the rent. I have been applying for jobs that I am qualified for, but it is much harder than I ever thought it would be.

So until then... I'm taking my aggressions out on my house. I would love to get rid of 50% of the stuff in this house... before it suffocates me!

See Rock City!

I'm sure you've seen them! The "See Rock City" signs posted all over Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. After seeing about 600 of them on the way to Tennessee, we decided to...

SEE ROCK CITY!

Did you notice the bottom sign? lol, I did too. It totally jumped out at me!

Not only did we need to see Rock City, now we needed to find Starbucks! Please note that I was thinking about my blogger babes when I shot this photo.

Here comes a task... from now on... when you take a vacation, find a Starbucks, and take a photo of it. Post it in your blog. It will be interesting to see different ones!

Unless you know someone who has been there before, there is no way to know exactly what Rock City is. We had gone to Lookout Mountain and gone to the top. The view was captivating, and deserves it's own post. After doing that, we followed the signs to "See Rock City", just to "see" what the heck it was! After seeing the price, we had second thoughts! However after a few minutes of looking at the map, we decided to take the plunge. It was the best money we spent all weekend.

The scenic trip takes you through caverns, caves, and what appeared to be a rainforest. Could that be because it was raining the whole time we were there?

To the right in the photo is a waterfall. It is so big we could not get far enough away to capture it in a photo. The thunderous roar was incredible.

Dennis, Emily and Greg are much more brave than I am, by a landslide. They walked over... The Swinging Bridge without even thinking twice. I walked over the narrow stone bridge, with my hands and feet braced on both sides!

Rainbow Cave

Can you really see seven states? I think those states should put up flags saying "Here I am!"

This... should come with a warning. Clausterphobic people... go another route. I had the panic attack of a lifetime in this crack in the earth. When we started out, I turned around once only to have Dennis telling me, "You'll be fine". The second time I turned around, I wanted to run him over, however there were people behind him. By the time I got to the other side, I was hyperventilating, crying, trembling, and thought my heart would beat out of my chest. To say it freaked me out... is putting it lightly. He put his paramedic hat on, and got me calmed down quickly though, so we could enjoy the rest of the day.

After all was said and done, it was the best money and time we spent on Lookout Mountain. Plus after Fat Man's Squeeze, I didn't need a triple latte, for I had already reached my target heart rate for the day!

She couldn't have said that...

This weekend we are heading to Tennessee for a family reunion on my mom's side. We will be meeting relatives that I've heard stories about, but have never had the opportunity to meet. I don't know about your family, but it seems to me that families are falling apart. Cousins that we grew up seeing all the time, we barely know anymore. Some I haven't seen since 1986!

When you look at other cultures, many are VERY family oriented and some will not allow marriages outside of their own nationality. Can you blame them? This country has turned into a giant melting pot. Just throw everything into the mix, it will be ok. Well really? Cause it sure doesn't seem that way. People are busier than ever, and why is that? Why are we all working ourselves to death, just to live. Who wants to "just live"? I would rather be broke, living in a run down shack, and to have a life rich in family, and values, than to have all the money in the world.

One of my relatives recently said, "This will be the first and last family reunion. Our parents have maybe a year or two left".

"A YEAR OR TWO LEFT?" What the heck?! My parents are 66 years old! A year or two left?!
Then I started thinking about it.... she may actually be right.

How sad is it when people stop taking care of themselves. Is their outlook on life so bad that they can't wait to be 6 feet under? I look at my parents and think... they are a wreck. I won't go into details, because if you really know me, you already know the details. I'm just so sad that they don't veiw themselves the way their family does. They could easily have another 30 years, and healthy ones at that, if they only took care of themselves instead of throwing in the towel.

So this weekend, we are heading to Tennessee for a family reunion, I'm very excited about it, but her comment will be looming over my head for the next couple years. I just hope she isn't right.

And?

I changed it. Sorry. I LOVE FALL. I am so excited about it. The leaves turning and falling. The cooler temperatures (which I have not complained about this summer). College football...

I'm ready.

7,4,5,2 & Dr. Oz

Dr. Oz was on GMA the other morning talking about heart disease, and American's getting healthy.

One of the things he suggested is something I can do, but need input on.

Eat:

7 servings of whole grains (this is where you come in)

4 servings of fresh fruit

5 servings of vegetables

2 servings of nuts or healthy fats.

HELP! What suggestions can you give me for getting in 7 servings of whole grains in a day? I picture myself making whole grain rice constantly and obviously that isn't an accurate depiction.

What things do you eat or do you suggest I eat to help make that quota?

Guess Who?!

Yep.. 3 years now and Fuznut still comes to visit. Except now we have an understanding..

I give her peanuts, and she let's me get close for photos.

It's all good!

Nothing.

Today I got up, got ready and hit the pavement. I went looking for jobs. I went to the schools, thinking... Lunch room mom, crossing guard. Not hiring.

Then I went to the hospital where I worked (Starts with a Beau...)
Nothing. In fact the HR woman basically told me, without really telling me, that if there were any jobs in my category, they would be online. So I left and what do you know... I ran into my old supervisor. I handed him my resume, letter of recommendation, and again was told "nothing". There's a hiring freeze. Regardless, I asked him to keep me in mind for a contingent position if anything opens up.

Next I went to another hospital in Rochester. There were no ER tech positions available, but I did fill out an app for a full time medical assistant position. Now I'm weary. I HATE having my back to the wall, however I am married to a firefighter. You don't know odd scheduling until you've worked around a firefighter and two school age children. I was looking for a contingent/part time position, and ended up applying for the full monty. Now I'm worried. At the same time, I feel that I should still interview for it if given the opportunity, then see what happens. But with my luck... I'll get the position, then be freaking out about child care and getting frick & frack to their extra-curricular activities. UGH!

This economy effin' sucks. PERIOD.

Let's Go Camping!!

I'm with you gals. Fbook is a time suck. Plus I can't 'tell my story' like I do here. There is just too many people on there, and with my current status of "unemployed" I would like to keep some of my life semi-private. My friend Laura told me the other day that 85% of employers will not hire someone due to the information they have on the internet. With that, I went and made my fbook private. I searched for myself too to see what I could dig up. My blog... did not appear :)

As summer starts to wind down, I would like to make some of the next posts about what we did all summer. First off...

We bought a camper!

Most people would start off with a pop-up or a small camper. Apparently we aren't most people.

We settled for this 2002 Flagstaff 30' superlite.

The weight was under our limit and the price was nice too!

I will admit we were nervous wrecks at first, but now that we've taken it on a couple trips, it pulls so nice, you almost forget that it's there!

The door is to the right. That's Peepers doing what she does... she peeps. The front has a queen sized bed that you can walk around. It has tons of cabinet storage for clothes too. The bed lifts up for even more storage space. Here you see the kitchen. It is beautiful and has a lot of counter space.

This is the other view from the door. Notice Den's touch on the floor. The sofa and dinette both fold down into beds quite easily I might add. The cushions don't come off, they just roll, and roll until they fold down flat into the bed. Pretty nice!

These are the kids bunks. They are PERFECT. Although the bottom bunk is in a very odd place. I would totally have an anxiety attack down there, plus we still can't figure out how in the heck you would get in there. Back in feet first? Can you tell which one is Greg's bed?

THIS was a huge selling point. A BATHROOM. My only stipulation for buying ANY camper was that it HAD to have a bathroom. PERIOD. Ain't no way Jason is going to slice and dice me up on the way to a campground bathroom in the middle of the night! Now when you gotta go... you just go. :) On the right across from the commode (not shown) is the shower. At first I thought, no way. Then we went to Jellystone up in Silver Lake. Once we figured out how the hot water tank worked, I decided to give the shower a whirl. I LOVE IT. I showered in it every day, and didn't have to wear shoes!

I'm here!

I tried to post something last week, and spent a lot of time working on it. Then when I tried to "publish" it, an error message came up. So then I remembered that it saves "drafts". Well guess what it didn't do. It didn't save the draft either! After spending that amount of time working on the post, I just got mad and exited it without reposting. Now I can't even remember what it was about.

But... I have a new post to put up! That is coming up in just a bit. Let's hope it publishes!

Just Drive!

Jro's blog has been so funny lately. I know I get on my fellow bloggers to write something. The reason being, is I LOVE to read everyone's thoughts. You guys are so flippin funny sometimes, even if you are rambling about nothing. I would rather read what you write, than anything else out there.

Her stories of camping recently brought back a memory for me.

Mio, MI 1996 or 96

My sister and I worked together at Rock Financial. She had invited us up to Mio to camp and canoe on the Au Sable river. Den and I had odd schedules at the time, so we were the first to head up.

After arriving and seeing "Camp Runamuck", we decided to go look for a hotel. The place we were to set up camp was in the yard of a single wide trailer that looked like it could be the scene of a homicide. It was in the middle of the jungle, with an outhouse.

We made it all the way to Alpena. No Hilton, no Mariott... nothing. After deciding we would rather stay at the camp rather than the methlab hotels that we had seen, we went back. We pitched our tent, then headed off to find beer. Beer makes EVERYTHING better. An hour later, after passing a house on fire (with no fire department to be found), we located a party store. It was hot, cramped, and packed full of junk. The beer... hot, dusty, and a year past it's expiration date. After purchasing NOTHING, we left. Passed the burning house, and went back to camp.

My sister arrived with her "friends". I quote "friends" because I could not believe the people that were with her. My sister is sometimes a bit odd, but how in the world did she get hooked up with these dirt bags? Hillbilly USA! After throwing up their tents, a fire was built. Using anything and everything that they could torch, including gasoline. Which by the way went over like a lead balloon with the resident firefighter.

After a night of tent sleeping (which isn't really sleeping), we headed to the river. On the way, we again passed the burning house, which was now leveled to the ground and smoldering. We also found a grocery store on the way and picked up our beverages. We got in our canoes and headed down the river. A short distance later, someone came up with the brilliant idea that we should all tie up canoe's and "drift". It was a fairly decent time until one of them decided to spark up a fatty. THAT WAS IT. THAT was the last straw. Den and I untied our canoe, and told them we wanted to just go solo for a while.

6 HOURS! 6 HOURS of paddling like mad and we finally made the pick up spot. We all headed back to camp where Den and I proceeded to pack up ALL of our things after canoeing all day, and drove ALL THE WAY HOME. We had been awake for 36 hours, including the EXHAUSTING canoe trip. It was the worst trip I had EVER taken in my life. It wasn't even worth spending an extra minute there let alone 2 more days!!

After getting home, we had the best night sleep we have probably EVER had.

A Spin-off of Crazy & Loving It!

Jro & Gunny are in the midst of posting about their trip to the UP (Michigan's Upper Peninsula for you non-Michiganders). I have to laugh because she keeps giving us cliff hangers. At this moment, I dream that she is sitting at her computer waiting for midnight, so that she can post the day 3 of their humorous adventure.

Their trip so far has been about Whitefish Point, and Tahquamenon Falls.

Flash back to 1998. Den and I had been married for 1 year, and had no children. We decided to be adventurous and head up to the UP with Mike & Donna whom we commonly refer to as Ken & Barbie. I vividly remember driving up in our dark green Chevy Blazer, and jamming to music. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot - that song played about a gazillion times on the radio. So much so that I still can not listen to it without wanting to gouge my own eyes out with a fork! Then K.C. & The Sunshine Band came on. "Get down tonight!". Den and I were shimmying our shoulders as we barreled by Barbie & Ken, looking at them and dancing while we drove.

Jro talks about the area being desolate. She isn't kidding. When you see signs for Paradise, it isn't what you think. I refer to Paradise as palm trees, warm beaches and awesome drinks. This is trees, trees, and more trees, with a blacktop road running through them. At one point, we had the radio on and when we hit scan, it went in a complete circle without landing on a single channel! Cell phones? Forget it. Not even if you drove around with a 15' antenna on your car.

As we got closer to our campground, we saw a bunch of cars pulled over on the side of the road. Off in the distance, standing very tall and eating grass, was a Moose! We were so excited to see it, and thought "Cool! There are moose up here!". We should have taken note of the number of cars pulled over, with tourists shooting photos. This would be the LAST moose I would see! Even now, 11 years later, I still haven't seen a Moose in the wild since.

Barbie & Ken set up their pop-up while Den and I pitched our 3 bedroom tent. Lord knows why we needed such a monstrosity, but it sure was roomy! We put down tarps and fixed them "just so" with the hopes that no water would come in if it rained.

During our trip, we had the brilliant idea that we would hike from the lower falls to the upper falls. After all, it couldn't be that far. :-) A guide at the park said it was approximately 1 mile to the upper falls. Definitely manageable.

We made our way through the forest as happy little hikers. About a mile into the jaunt, Barbie trips and sprains her ankle. Did I mention we are about a mile into the forest? I also haven't told you that Mr. Park Guide was wrong. It wasn't exactly 1 mile to the upper falls. As we stood there in the wilderness, we are all 4 looking around thinking, OH CRAP, as we are watching Barbie's ankle swell up like a bowling ball. There is no way we can carry her out, and there is no way someone can come get her. This was up and down, turn here, turn there hiking on a very narrow dirt path that looked like it was made about an hour before we all decided to become stupid!

Barbie was a total trooper. She toughed it out and continued the hike. 3 fricken miles later, we were all worn out, pissed off, and no longer speaking to each other. Had we known it would be 4 miles, 1. we would have drove, and 2. we would have taken at least a water bottle or something to keep from dying of thirst!

We spent a total of 2 minutes looking at the stupid falls while seething that we were now FOUR miles from out campsite with an injured camper and NOTHING to drink! PLUS there was a very cute little gift shop with a plethora of beverages chilled to the point of almost being frozen, and yet we had not a dime between us. Being that the upper falls were only supposed to be ONE MILE from the lower falls, why would there be a gift shop there? Who would have thought of that?

We decided to take the road back. Tired, weary, dehydrated, injured, and PISSED, we all walked the 4 miles down the road to our campsites. No one said a word the entire time. We got back and all parted our ways. Everyone napped for about 2 hours, then got up and everything was fine. We were talking again, laughing and having fun... until we played UNO. The game that NEVER ends.

I don't remember a lot about the trip, but those things are as clear as the monitor in front of my face. After we arrived home, our phone rang and it was Barbie & Ken. They weren't ready to say goodbye yet, so we met them at a restaurant which is now called Tin Fish on Lake St. Clair. We had drinks on the deck as we watched the boats and the sunset. We laughed and laughed, and to this day are still GREAT FRIENDS.

I can't wait to see Jro's next installment!

Genius in the Room

For MONTHS I have been looking online, and reading as much as I could about hooking up an Mp3 player (or iPod in my case) to my car. I have one of those radio doohickeys that plug into the bottom of the ipod, and you tune it into your radio. It's like listening to your favorite jams on AM 950.

Some cars have a port to plug in your iPod, however mine does not. Then the other day, it hit me like a lightening bolt. We have a DVD player in my Envoy. Directly behind the screen, are A/V jacks. Hmmm.... A/V jacks. On a whim I searched on Bestbuy.com under iPod accessories, for an Audio cable. Sure enough. They make one! AND it's only $5!

Within 1 hour I was up at Bestbuy picking up my cord. Life is good, and now I can cancel XM radio! Yeeehawwww! I AM A GENIUS!! lol

Verklempt

I'm so sad. Well, not sad, but well... sad. I can't think of any other wording for it.

Today was Emily's last softball game on the Macomb Eagles (click this link). When you go to their website, you see the photo that was taken of the girls after the Plymouth Canton Pride Tournament, after they took Second Place. The coach on the left side of the photo is Coach Brian. He is the reason Emily was an Eagle this year. Last year she was on his recreational team, the CVGSL Falcons. They took second place in the playoffs, and then he encouraged her to try out for travel fastpitch softball. We took him up on that recommendation and before we knew it, Emily was soaring like an Eagle!

This year was the most fun we have EVER had watching her play sports. It all started last August...

Before we headed to Beaufort S.C. for my brothers retirement ceremony from the U.S. Navy, we attended the tryouts for the Eagles. We told the manager, Matt that we would be on vacation that he could call us via cell phone if need be. One night while in our hotel room, we got the call. Coach Matt asked if Emily would like to play on the Eagles. She was SO excited I thought she was going to rupture something. She was jumping up and down squealing.

That was just the beginning. Starting on Thursday nights, the girls met at a school gym to practice for an hour and a half. This went from September to February. Then in February, the girls started going to an indoor batting cage facility on Sundays, and an indoor soccer arena (for fielding practice) on Wednesdays. It was a lot of training, but the excitement was building, as we were looking forward to seeing all of this put together in competition.

And compete they did! The girls made it through most of their season undefeated. Then the ONE TIME Emily missed a game due to a fever, they lost a game. However the team they lost to, were also undefeated. Thanks to a double header, the Eagles lost the first game, and the Heaters lost the second game. Both undefeated teams were once again, tied for first place.

Mix all of these double header Wednesdays in with 5 tournaments, one being in Plymouth/Canton, and the other being in East Lansing, and it was one hell of a season. It was the most fun we have ever had.

The girls are all so much fun, and being that we spent so much time with these girls and their parents, we really got to know each other well. On every team Emily has played on before, we barely knew the parents. In fact, one of the girls on the Eagles, was with Emily on the Rec team "The Falcons" last year. Her mom and I have gotten fairly close this year, and yet last year, I didn't know her at all! In rec ball, people come, their kids play, and then you go home. It can be very clicky, and you really aren't there long enough to get close to one another.

In Federation (travel) ball, it is a totally different ball of wax. When we were "newbies" on this team I looked at the seasoned parents and how they seemed to know so many people on different teams. I then realized that even though you are so attached through out the year, the girls will eventually move on and their parents go too. THIS is why I am so sad.

It was our first time with a federation team, and it was the best time we've ever had. The coaches did a tremendous job of organizing everything, including fundraisers that helped out with the cost significantly. One of Emily's friends was on another team and when I heard they paid close to $1,000 for her to play, I just about fell over. There is no way I would be willing to let Emily play for that amount of money. The fundraisers were a HUGE help and a pretty good success, even with the current state of the economy.

We always knew where we were supposed to be, we always knew what hotels to stay at, and we never really had any questions. The coaches did a tremendous job and I am just so worried that the chemistry won't be there on another team.

With that, I found out that the Eagles Manager, Matt is moving up to the 14U team, Coach Brian is not taking over the 10U team (which is what we hoped for), and someone new will become the coach. Whatever happens, we really just hope that it is a great team like this year, and that things will run as smoothly as they have so far. Most importantly we are going to do what Emily wants to do. If she wants to try out for other teams, we will let her, although I will never forget this very short period of time we spent with the Macomb Eagles.

Kahonies

In the movie Home Alone, there is a scene in which Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern tell Kevin that they're going to cut off his kahonies and boil them in oil. Greg LOVES this scene.

Yesterday while on their 2 day stay at Nana & Papa's, Greg told Emily he was going to cut off her kahonies and boil them in oil. Emily told us about this in the car on the way home last night. After a really good laugh, I asked Emily, "Do you know what kahonies are?" In which she replied, "Yeah, fingers and toes". lol After an even more laughing I told her that kahonies are actually "boy" parts.

It was very cute.

Somebody Stop Me...

If you've read this one before.

Have you ever seen The Wedding Planner? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the part where Mary goes to the park to watch that old classic movie. It actually happens twice during the movie. Once at the beginning and again at the end when she wins the smoking hot guy.

This is the part where I wish all of my blog readers lived near me...

I wish that I lived near a park that does something like this. However... I wouldn't want it to be dedicated to kids movies. PG movies fine. Nothing too scary, nothing pornographic... you get the picture.

I googled "Movies in the Park" and was very surprised at how many entries I came across. There were some right here in Michigan, however even though they were somewhat close... they weren't that close.

I wish my girlfriends lived near me, so that we could all get something like this rolling... together.

Movies in the park, a bottle of wine, and great friends. THAT would make for a GREAT summer.

Bliss

There is nothing better...

than kids sleeping in,

a cool, gentle morning breeze,

wind chimes in the distance,

and a great cup of coffee.

Life is good.

What I did

Yesterday was my official last day of class. I have to say that I had so much tension in my back and neck that I could actually feel my neck muscles wrapped around the base of my skull. It took me hours and hours to come down off the ceiling. I was just that amped up! Not that I was excited by any means, I was just that stressed out.

Today I woke up abruptly at 8:44 am. I couldn't believe that I was still sleeping that heavily at that time. I got up and got busy. The house looked like a tornado has been camped out here for the last 6 weeks. Den came home and took the camper for new tires. OMG... did I tell you we got a camper? lol OOPS. Ok, that will be another blog post coming shortly. Now that it is at it's "storage" area up in Armada, which is where I'll be celebrating the Fourth of July tomorrow, I will be sure to take photos inside and out! Our awesome friends Mike and Donna live on acreage up there and are letting us keep it there when we aren't using it.

Where was I? Oh! So the delimma for the day... where the hell are all of these tiny little ants coming from inside the house?! I have no idea what the heck happened, but we are getting these tiny little buggers in the laundry room and in the office. I've sprayed what I could, vacuumed regularly, but still... ants. I'm ready to tear my hair out.

Regardless, I got a lot done today, then we took the camper up to Armada. It was a breeze to drive it there, but I never thought of how narrow their drive way is... until we had to make that turn. lol. White knuckle moment for the Griswolds.

After that we went to the Putters House (my parents). I folded my hands, put a pout on my lips, and batted my eyelashes at my mom and asked her if she has anything I can pilfer for the camper, ie; towels, skillets, etc. I spent the next 2 hours going through the attic, the garage, the pantry, the linen closet. She is a gem, however she gave me a really nice mattress pad that I don't think she should have given me. It is too nice and I think I may return it to her.

Den, Greg and my Dad fished in the canal, and Emily earned a few bucks doing some things for Nana.

Finally we left and hit Kroger on the way home. Because tomorrow, I'm making THIS...

Barefoot Contessa's Caprese Salad

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients
12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces fresh salted mozzarella
12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with the garlic, sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 2 hours until the tomatoes are concentrated and begin to caramelize. Allow the tomatoes to cool to room temperature.
Cut the mozzarella into slices slightly less than 1/2-inch thick. If the slices of mozzarella are larger than the tomatoes, cut the mozzarella slices in half. Layer the tomatoes alternately with the mozzarella on a platter and scatter the basil on top. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Serve at room temperature.

Trust me when I tell you that I CAN NOT cook. But this blows peoples socks off. It's my current, "Yep I made that!" dish! lol. It's worth EVERY effort my friends, so give it a whirl.

******Happy Fourth of July America!******

Time to Re-Group

Stick a fork in me, I'm done. I finished Microbiology today and am on pins and needles until I see my grade. Praying to the BioGods I say, "Please let me get an A, Please let me get an A." That was one whirlwind of a class. I mean really. I wrote a gazillion research papers... no wait, let me count them... I wrote 22 papers in 6 weeks, took 3 lecture tests, 2 lab tests, and had 7 other assignments that I completed. Stick a fork in me, I'm done! lol

As soon as I scrape myself off the ceiling and relax, I will write something more fun and creative. I promise.

Crossing Over

So it took a trip to Lansing, which is where I'm writing this, for me to realize something. We are here for the State Tournament for Emily's softball team. They didn't fare so well at this tournament, however these were heavy hitters as far as teams go. They did take out the Oakland Edge which the coaches were super proud of as I have heard there is a "history" between the two teams. I'm sure over a few beers, and a lot of laughs, I will hear this one.

After todays loss the manager of the team told everyone to meet at this restaurant for dinner. We chose to sit inside thankfully because apparently I didn't realize that I got major sun today. I never felt that one coming on. As we are there, I got up to use the restroom. As I was in there, the 12U team girls were in the mirror doing what 12 year olds do best... primp.

I entered the stall, only to hear the converstation ensuing outside about this girls dad snoring like a "choo-choo train". Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I have crossed over. When I had Emily I was a 27 year old kid that could not believe that the hospital would let me take this precious thing home without knowing if I knew how to take care of it or not. Somewhere in that 10 year span, I have crossed over into "the folks" role, and I'm not talking about taking care of a baby. That little baby that managed to survive two brand new parents that didn't know squat about raising a baby is now 10. Two years shy of being a 12 year old, that is talking about her dad snoring like a choo-choo train. I am no longer that cool chic that hung out with her friends. I am old, doddery, boring and parental, and I can't stop laughing about it. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED and where was I???

I still... wouldn't change a thing.

Having an awesome time in Lansing... V

Hmmm.

I've sat here for quite a while now and have so much to tell you...

But I just don't know how to put my spin on it. It's been a long weekend... and it's only Saturday.

I'll get back with you.

Conversation...

I think this is so cute...

Little Girl on the Plane!

A stranger was seated next to a little girl on the airplane when the stranger turned to her and said, 'Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.'

The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the stranger, 'What would youlike to talk about?' 'Oh, I don't know,' said the stranger. 'How about nuclear power?' and he smiles.

'OK', she said. 'That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass - . Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?'

The stranger, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, 'Hmmm, I have no idea.' To which the little girl replies, 'Do you really feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don't know shit?'

Here We Go Again...

I've said it before... I'm saying it again. I love and hate the last day of the kids school year. I am so excited for the summer but then get so depressed about another year having flown by.

I used to help in the school all the time when Emily was little. Now I'm rarely ever there. I remember her first day of nursery school. I have a photo that I took of her standing in front of the building with her cute little haircut, all of her baby teeth in place, and she is just beaming with excitement. The second day of school she threw up in the room because she was so scared to be there.

Her 4th grade year is over. My cute little nursery schooler is now a 5th grader.

When Greg was in preschool, we decided to put him in an early 5's class instead of kindergarten. It was called Begindergarten. It seems like it was just last week. Now... he's a 2nd grader. Another year flown by.

I always get so emotional at the end of the year. It is just another reminder of how big they are getting. Another reminder that Emily has 2 years left in this nurturing nest they call school, before she is off to Junior High. Another reminder that they are getting older, and growing out of the phases of childhoood. Another reminder that Den and I are getting older too.

I'm so sad.

I am Her, She is Me... I want to sleep, She has to pee...

lol, Ok so that has NOTHING to do with anything, but actually it sort of does. I'm sure all two of you readers have read Mel's blog. She talks a lot about having "ideas" for posts, but then forgets them, forgets how to word them, or just forgets she has a blog all together, lol.

I am SOOOOOO her. I'm sorry y'all. Fbook is like dead last on my list of things to do. While I never thought I would have anything to write about, truth be told, I LOVE blogging and LOVE reading blogs more than anything. I check out all of my favorites DAILY. Yep. You over there that hasn't blogged in over a month. I still read that every day. Everything IS going to be ok... as soon as you write something else for me to read! ;p

I have been a busy chickadeeta here. I am in Microbiology now. M - Th from 1 - 5 pm. We have lab for 2 hours, a short break then go to lecture for 2 hours. Words can not express how excited I am to go in there tomorrow to see if I have bacteria growing in my Petri dish. lol. I am hoping that there are BIG TIME colonies and that I did it right. I know, I know. I'm nuts. I never thought I would love this class as much as I do. I am learning SO much and it is amazing how much these things affect our every day life. Let me put it this way...

Last week, we learned how to make agar which is the gel substance in a petri dish. We made our agar, then put it into test tubes for autoclaving (sterilizing). Then we reboiled the sterilized agar to make it liquid. Then we poured it into the dish. If we were to stick it in the incubator, nothing should happen because it is sterile. HOWEVER... we took this tiny little loop, sterilized it, dipped it into a bottle of E Coli, then made smears on the Petri dish. If we did it right, the plate should have 4 quadrants on it, the first having heavy growth, and the last having individual colony's. I hope I have colony's! I swear I may jump up and down cheering right there in the lab! lol

It is hard to know if it actually worked as the loop looks clean even after dipping into the bottle of bacteria. It totally reconfirms that there are gazillions of bacteria on EVERYTHING we touch.... Look at your keyboard! lol

This is a rockin class. I knew I liked science, but didn't realize that I liked it this much.

Emergency!

Funny how he look's like Dr. Brackett from Rampart!

As Promised...

For Mother's Day, I was given this lovely book made by my dear child Greg. Enjoy faithful readers.

Apparently I am in desperate need of Oil of Olay, and I must quit smoking IMMEDIATELY as you can tell from the lines on my lips. (I have never smoked)

Notice how I like to wear my tennis racket around my neck. And those are stars above my head from being wacked with it.

I also must scream my name at my children so they remember it, lol. Apparently it must really make me mad when I have to do this!

I like to turn on fans FULL BLAST! So I am told.

Ah yes... the Hawk. We've had a problem with a hawk trying to use our bird feeders of a buffet. How sweet of Greg to remind me of the carnage!

Don't let him fool you. He LOVES it when I kiss his face! And No... we don't like to kiss. Not like that. That's just gross.

Apparently I am either hearing impared, I think my children are hearing impared, or I am blind. Something like that! Notice Emily's hair blowing back from me SCREAMING at her!

Here I am shown with a salivating problem. He tells me I'm drooling. :)

I guess I spit when I scream too! lol

Anyone who knows me, knows that THIS is not true. Emily inherited that gene from BOTH Grandma's!

Lovely depiction of my favorite color! LOL!

This one kills me. Apparently I have been watching too much wrestling on TV as I am now taking out my kids with folding metal chairs! POW! RIGHT IN THE KISSER! lol

Ah yes. This is me with a fire on the cake, flower in my hair and me squirting myself in the face with frosting. Such a clean baker I am.

Yeah, me throwing Greg into the pool. THAT will be the day!!

Maybe once he gets over his fear of water... hey wait. That gives me an idea for summer! lol

I haven't forgotten about posting Greg's book. Thing is... I can't remember where I put it! I set it aside so that I would remember to scan it in, and I think it got lost in the shuffle. I will look for it though.

I am a HUGE mental mess right now. I literally feel like a box of rocks. As I mentioned previously, our dear friend Chris is in the battle of his life. He was diagnosed with Leukemia and has been in the hospital since May 4th. I also can't remember if I told you that Chris & his wife Deanna are both Greg's godparents.

When I was younger, my dear friend got Leukemia. I now am thankful that ignorance is bliss. Had I realized the capacity of this, back then... I would have been a total nut case. Even more than I am right now! I just carried on with her as if it didn't even exist, and we had a GREAT time. I'm sure she will agree.

The funny thing is that I know full well that Chris is going to survive this with flying colors. There isn't a seed of doubt in my mind. I can't explain it, but there is NO doubt. This is just a "interruption" in the life of Chris. A crappy one at that. On the other hand, I feel like I'm wearing a straight jacket. We are totally climbing the walls here, and are just furious that he is going through this. It is starting to become very rough on his 3 children too. I'm worried about his wife, also my dear friend, and that she isn't taking proper care of herself to be there for him. She assures me that she is, but I am still worried.

I am happy to say now that fundraisers are being put into place to help with their medical expenses. He is a Sterling Heights Fire Fighter/Paramedic. On a patients darkest days and moments, Chris is there, fighting for their lives. And now we are going to help a brother out.

I will be sure to keep you posted on the fundraisers, in case you would like to contribute.

I Did It!

Algebra... the hardest class I have EVER taken. EVER. I'm talking.... like EVER!!

And I passed. I got a C... and I will take it!

Yeahhhhh ME!!!!!!

I actually started sobbing when I saw my grade. Never in the history of all my credit hours have I ever had a grade impact me the way that did.

Top that off with Emily's team being in FIRST PLACE after today's games! They took all 4 games, but I can't remember the scores. They are starting to run together, lol.

We are back in Richmond at 8:30 tomorrow morning to take on the First Place in the other division.

It's been a GREAT... but draining day. Good Night!

Stand by!

It's late, and we have to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow for Emily's tournament. Greg made me a Mothers Day book at school, and let me tell you... it is a total treasure. I don't have time to scan it in right at this moment, but trust me, it's something you don't want to miss. It's funny to see how your kids REALLY think of you. I promise to do it as soon as I get a free moment. Be sure to check back!