The Craziness Goes On and On...

Creativity

2011-09-28T17:17:00.000-04:00

Being on a VERY tight budget has its charms. For one, it is forcing us to be "creative" with our cooking. On Monday, Dennis said, "We really need to go to the grocery store." to which I replied, "No we don't. Look in the pantry. We just need to be creative." With that, I made Paula Deen's Potato Soup. I think the whole meal cost $7 and it fed 4 people with leftovers.

Then I remembered my friend telling me her son is a fabulous cook and makes a lot of Williams Sonoma recipes. It completely escaped me that Williams Sonoma had recipes! Last week while in Williams Sonoma, I saw the cookbooks amongst other things and God knows I love their products. Including this $400 hammered metal pot I am now coveting. The photo here does it ZERO justice. When I saw it in the store on the shelf, I swear I heard angels singing. I LOVE this pot so much I don't even know if I could use it. It would just sit on my stove where I can admire it.

After remembering the part about the recipes, I started looking at their cookbooks online. Then I started trying to find them cheaper... online. Then I checked with our local library. It was shortly after that I found the recipes link on their own website. I never knew the link existed!

Tonight I am making the split chicken breasts that I got on sale, using the recipe that I have this post linked to. I know you all probably cook this way all the time, but for me this is great because it is forcing me to teach myself, how to cook. There is a whole line of fabulous cooks in my family, however that gene seems to have skipped me completely. Should anyone want to send me that beautiful pot, comment and I'll send you my address. ;)

Tomato soup and more...

2011-09-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

Now that fall is in the air, I'm trying to find a good tomato soup recipe for all of the tomatoes I've pulled from my garden. There aren't enough to can, but more than enough to eat in one sitting. Bring in the tomato soup recipe!

I've looked on All Recipes.com, Food Network, and then on to Paula Deen's website where I found this...

This is a photo of an armoire that she uses to store her antique entertaining pieces. LIGHT BULB!!

We entertain here A LOT. Therefore I have quite a bit of service pieces but they are all over the place in different cabinets. What a great idea to put them all in one location such as an armoire. I have the perfect place for it too! The dining room! Now where would I find such item...

The Worst Part

2011-09-10T16:46:00.001-04:00

Hearing life-altering news about a patient before they hear it. Knowing this is going to devistate them. Wondering if they will choose treatment or to let nature take its course. My heart breaks for them and their family. Definitely the worst part.

Like mother, like son.

2011-09-10T16:35:00.003-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Fuznuts baby.

2011-09-10T16:35:00.001-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Fuznut chilling under the pines

2011-09-10T16:33:00.001-04:00

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How I spent my day...

2011-09-09T17:11:00.001-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

What's your Fantasy?

2011-09-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

First full day without children and here we are. Side by side, laptops in full effect. Dennis has his fantasy football pics this evening with the guys from work. This is his third year of Fantasy football and I must say, it's pretty cool. We used to think the tool next door was such a dork when he would talk about his "team", but then after they moved Dennis was asked to play and on a whim, he did. It is so much fun, he's been doing it ever since and this year is on two leagues.

The interesting thing about it is watching football games to which you really have no loyalty to either team. However I have discovered that I am really into The Patriots.

Everyone is saying that this could be the year for the Lions. I'm not going to hold my breath.

You talkin' da me?

2011-09-05T10:16:00.001-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Time Changes Everything

2011-09-04T10:04:00.000-04:00

Of all the places on earth to live, I absolutely LOVE living in Michigan. We experience a complete change with every change of season. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in the south where it is fall, but everything is still green. Or it is Christmas, and it's 70 degrees. There is nothing more beautiful than walking my children to school on a brisk fall morning and the sound of crisp fallen leaves under foot. The only drawback is a gusty day that wipes the beautiful colors from all the trees.

Time changes everything. This year, I will only be walking one child to school. Emily, will be heading to Junior High on a bus. Our traditional "first day of school" photo on the corner, will be minus one. How did we get here so fast?

I just hope time drags its feet so we can enjoy all that life has to offer.

~On a lighter note, I added a couple of new blogs to my "stalker" list. Check them out.

Forced.

2011-08-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

Apparently there have been many students admitted into the Nursing Program that do not think they will ever touch patients. Really? So some genius at the college decided there needs to be an "Introduction to Nursing" class. I call it the, "So you want to be a nurse" class. We go once a week for 3 hours. Buehler? Buehler?

We talk about statistics. How much to nurses make, chain of command, marble floors and grand pianos in hospital lobbys. Did the patient get enough pudding and a pillow? Seriously. This is the first semester the class has been introduced and it is like watching paint dry.

After 15 years of hospital experience I can say, "YES. I know EXACTLY what I'm getting into. Let's get started." Unfortunately I am stuck there. For the next 8 weeks. Buehler? Buehler?

Housekeeping

2011-07-11T21:23:00.000-04:00

I want to clean-up my friends list on facebook. Ever do this and were there any hard feelings from people that were removed?

Sometimes I wish I was a bit more selective about who I picked as friends. I am wondering if I should do it slowly, like just delete people that I don't normally see their posts. FYI, the followers of this blog are safe. I read your wall posts regularly and comment on them frequently. You're safe!

Apron Strings

2011-07-08T09:49:00.000-04:00

Today is a first for the Milobar household. My baby girl, Emily will be going camping... with a friend. She will be going with a school friend & her family. If I had it my way, I would put her in a bubble and keep her with me forever. Safe and sound. Another milestone I would never be ready for.

Putrid

2011-07-07T10:33:00.002-04:00

I'm working on putting together my backrounds. Bear with me. :)

Resolved

2011-07-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

The softball issues have been resolved. In a nutshell, Emily will not be finishing the season with the team. There was a huge breakdown in communication between the coaches and us, and when that took place, they replaced her for the tournaments. While we were waiting to hear from them, they were waiting to hear from us. Because they went through the efforts of finding a replacement, it is better if we just leave it as it is. It was an amicable parting at that. Plus the coaches wife was so nice in saying that we will always be friends because this is just "12 year old softball".

I feel so much better now. I hate leaving things "undone".

I think it's time we freshen up this blog!

And That's, That.

2011-07-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

This is the last time I am going to write about this. I have spent an entire week stewing about this softball thing. One would think it would be easy to just walk away from it and never look back, however the time and money we have invested into this team and the friendships that we have made are proving otherwise.

We received an email that gave us a deadline on letting them know if we were in for Worlds in OH and IN, which was Wednesday, June 29th at noon. On Tuesday we sent an email to all of the coaches asking questions as we did not want to rush into a decision. As of today, Friday July 1, we have not heard a thing. Zip, zero, zilch. No one has said anything. There was a practice on Wednesday as well and we never received an email stating where and what time it would be.

So. I guess that's that. Time to move on and not look back. I will miss the girls on the team though. They are a wonderful group of girls and I will really miss them.

Conflicted

2011-06-26T10:15:00.000-04:00

I don't know what we are supposed to do or how we are supposed to feel. Emily worked her tail off training with another coach last summer, to make the softball team she is currently on. When she was asked to join the team, we knew full well it would be a huge commitment on not only her part, but ours too. She trained all fall/winter/spring with them and now we are in the middle of the playing season.

The Problem

The manager of the team has been very fair in playing all of the players, until recently. In the past three weekends, Emily has sat on the bench more than any other player. She had a period where she wasn't hitting well but thanks to a lot of time on her part and ours, we have been practicing like crazy and she is hitting again. But he still won't play her the way that he is playing other players. We don't understand it.

Two weeks ago, we were in Canton for a tourney and left the ballpark at 9:45pm. We had to be back at that same park at 7:15am and it was over an hours drive from our house. We drove at breakneck speed to get there and she sat. The only opportunity she had to play was when they put her on a base for the international tie breaker against a team that she absolutely hates. The next game she got 1 at bat and was able to field for 1 inning. While this may sound like blah, blah, blah to you, it should raise red flags and alarm others that know how this game works.

Last weekend, we had to drive to Columbus, OH. She had 3 at bats the whole weekend long which was about 4 games. Then on Saturday, Dennis received a phone call for overtime at work on Sunday. He had to turn it down because Emily had to be there to play. We stayed all day on Saturday and when it came to game time, she sat. She never set foot on the field at all. The team lost, and the tourney was over. Had we known she was not going to play, we could have left and he could have worked.

This weekend... I took 12 hour off of work (unpaid) on Thursday as she had to be there by 12:30 on Thursday. Again, she was played minimally. On Friday, she didn't play at all. Never set foot on the field. Then on Saturday, she played the whole first game (they had to know I was furious at this point), then sat the whole second game aside from being put in as a pinch hitter. She was so stressed out by this point that she cried after she got off the field.

Emily thinks she sucks. She thinks they are not playing her because she sucks. Then when they do give her the opportunity to go out there, she is so stressed out about not making ANY mistakes that she can't play to her optimum. She thinks that every time she gets out there, they are pending her next play on how she plays at that moment. Make sense?

Yesterday (Saturday), they played her that one game then we sat there... in Eaton Rapids, waiting THREE hours for the next game, only to watch her sit. We missed a graduation party we wanted to go to, we had over an hours drive home, and yet we sat there. She got 1 at bat, hit a pop-up that was caught, and came off the field devistated. WTH.

After every game, the coach has a meeting with the players. I was so angry at this point I told her to pack her stuff, we were leaving. She packed her bag and we left. No meeting. We went straight to the car and left. We made it home in record timing, but still made the sacrifice to miss something that was very important to us.

We want to end her commitment to this team. She made them a priority and they have made her even less than an option. It is one thing for them to do this to her, but now the manager is doing this to her parents. I feel that we have become pawns, or doormats rather. In 2 weeks of softball, we have paid out over $700 in hotels and lost work time, to watch her sit.

My kid is not a quitter, but I feel that the manager has quit on her. If he is going to continue on this path (keep in mind the team is going to Maumee, OH and Hamilton County, IN for 11 days), we would rather cut our losses now and move on.

What would you do?

Just a Test

2011-06-15T13:30:00.001-04:00

I just downloaded a new blog app from WindowsLive and wanted to test it out. That’s all that this is. :)

I'm not ready.

2011-06-14T20:16:00.000-04:00

I have so much going on in my head right now that I decided to start blogging about it. I'm a mental mess.

Thursday my dear daughter will graduate from 6th grade. She will be leaving Elementary School and moving on to Jr. High. She is elated. I am a wreck. That dear sweet little child who LOVED to watch Clifford on PBS is no longer little. The little girl who would ask, "Push me swing?", hardly ever swings any more. Instead of playing with her American Girl dolls, she would rather chat up her friends on facebook. Just the other day she said that she still likes to play on one of the little kid websites. I told her to keep playing on it. It will be our secret.

Our tradition on the mornings they ride bikes to school, I stand on the end of the driveway and watch them all the way down, until they turn the corner. She ALWAYS looks back to see me one last time. Tomorrow, she will make that journey one last time. While I plan to record the moment, I will probably be crying too hard to see through the lens.

I knew that this day would come. I tried to keep it all in perspective because it's not like she is leaving the nest. Still, I can barely handle it. That sweet little girl is becoming a young woman... and I'm not ready.

Yet Another Gregism

2011-01-09T09:16:00.002-05:00

A commercial comes on TV that shows a laptop being transported to Africa. Emily then says, "If you win a laptop, a child in Africa wins one too".

Greg, "If I win a laptop, I'm sending it to a kid in Japan, China or Korea".
Mom, "Why would you send a laptop back to the country that it was made in? They probably ALL have laptops in Japan!"
Emily starts giggling, lol.

2011

2011-01-07T08:45:00.004-05:00

I have a feeling that this year will hold positive turning points for many people in my life. To point out one, M gave her notice at her job yesterday. I am so proud of her for knowing when things are too unhealthy to carry on. I have a feeling big (good) things are in store for her this year. :)

MAKE THIS! It rocks!

2011-01-05T21:21:00.002-05:00

No Peek Casserole

2 lb stew beef
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 small can of mushrooms
1 packet Onion Soup mix
3/4 cup red wine.

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker on low for 8-12 hours. (Ours was done in 8)
Serve over noodles or rice.

I made this tonight for dinner. HUGE hit. Child B had 4 bowls of it! I served it with french bread and steamed broccoli.

Buon Appetite!

Wanderlust

2011-01-03T19:14:00.002-05:00

I can't help but talk about the economy. When you have the urge to travel like I do and have no choice but to sit at home, it totally sucks. Gone are the days of hopping a plane to Miami & getting on a cruise ship. I look at my two kids and realize that they are growing at breakneck speed, and we can't even go anywhere to enjoy it.

This year I resolve to consistently work 2 days per week which will definitely help us get back to our regularly scheduled vacations.

First up, we want to visit New York City in honor of my "a hem" 29th birthday (2012). We are going to take the kids too. Among the places I want to see are Central Park (at least 1/2 a day in the park itself), Serendipity, and Ground Zero. I totally can't wait.

I really believe that some issues with the economy are under our control, such as how much money we spend on crap we don't need. Eating out or taking unnecessary trips in the car, plus countless other expenses we could totally do without.

I'm turning over a new leave this year and am really looking forward to the fresh start.

Welcome Back!

2010-12-16T18:04:00.004-05:00

That welcome is directed to you... and to me! I remember a while back saying that I have been wanting to post but I just hadn't done it. Now I know why. The culprit? BIOL 2710. Otherwise known as Anatomy & Physiology. I laughed, I cried... I wanted to quit. But... I didn't. I finished this intense class this past Monday and am the proud recipient of a solid "B" in the class. I wanted an A, but you know what... I'll take it. This has seriously been the hardest class I have EVER taken and what I have learned... is incredible.

Inspiration

2010-09-16T08:57:00.002-04:00

I suck. I have had a gazillion different ideas for postings and I am just so busy that I never get to it. I have all my summer photos on a memory stick and will definitely put them on soon. I have so much to tell you... and so little time.

I don't get it.

2010-08-06T16:37:00.002-04:00

I have this statue in my back yard. It is a statue of a little black boy. It is about 12" tall. This statue used to sit on my great grandparents porch in Jeanette, PA. Then it went to my grandparents house, in Detroit. Now... it is in my back yard. I love it. I think it is so cute and reminds me of where it came from.

It used to sit on my porch. One day my neighbor asked, "whats with the black statue?" Did he think I was saying something by having it there? I'm lost. I moved it to my backyard because I like it and really don't want to answer questions about it. What I wanted to ask is "what is your problem with the statue?"

Yesterday I took a photo of Emily practicing for softball tryouts. I posted the photo on my facebook and said I was very proud of her. I didn't realize my statue was in the photo until someone posted "who's on third base?" At first I thought he was referring to her coach who happened to be next to her until Emily pointed out the statue would be on third if we were actually at a ball park.

Rewind to Fourth of July weekend. We went camping with a group of people that we had not camped with before. One of which happened to be the neighbor that asked about the statue. The campground was packed. There were people from all ethnicities camping there. All we heard all weekend were racial slurs from the people we were with (many of the other adults). I actually could not believe how freely these people were speaking. It was extremely disturbing for me and I didn't care for my children to be subject to that either. The way I see it... people were camping. Camping with their families. No one was murdered. No one was raped. There were no drug overdoses... etc. People were camping. What is the problem.

I found myself unsure of how I should have handled it. I felt that my family was the minority in the group we were with. We don't share in their racist feelings or remarks. How would you handle this? What is the right way to handle this situation?

Back to my little statue. The person that asked "who's on third base" was someone we camped with that weekend (a relative of the neighbor mentioned above). While I think this guy is really cool, his racist remarks are a bit more than I can bear. I had to wait 24 hours before I responded to the question because I was once again shocked... that he went there. What the heck!

The hard part is that I really like all of these people until they open their mouths and shit like that comes out. I really... don't want to hear it.

I really could use some advice on how I should handle this in the future. I understand people are entitled to their opinions, however if I wanted their opinion, I would have asked for it. I'm sick of being subjected to it. If I shared in their feelings towards people, I wouldn't be working in health care. I feel all people should be treated equally unless they prove that they are scum of the earth. Finally, I like my little statue and don't understand how this is considered a racist thing.

Dammit!

2010-07-08T17:11:00.001-04:00

Now that I've done a tour of Jro's house I have to clean mine. DAMMIT!! TOOOOO CUTE! Totally inspired to clean up my dump!!

Twenty One years and still...

2010-06-25T11:09:00.008-04:00

I sat in her room by the window. The sunlight was coming in - warming the cream colored bedspread as she lay there sleeping. It was so peaceful that afternoon. I sat for an hour or more, thumbing through the pages of People Magazine featuring Lucille Ball. After a while, my grandma woke up. "How long have you been here?" she asked. "Not long" I replied. "You can go back to sleep Grandma. You don't need to stay awake just because I'm here."

My Grandma was in Royal Oak Beaumont for an illness that I can't quite remember. I can't recall much more of that afternoon, however the peace that came over me is forever etched in my mind.

I had planned on going to see her again that Friday, but instead chose to take my nephew Christopher shopping for new shoes. He was all of two or three at the time. We spent that afternoon together then returned home. CJ (Christophers brother) was less than a month old. I stood in the living room holding him when Jan gave me the devistating news. My Grandma had passed - unexpectedly. I wanted to drop to the floor. I wanted to run. I wanted to punch something. Jan held me tight while I lost all control. This woman was loved and adored. This... was a tremendous loss.

I think of Grandma Gladys every time I watch the Golden Girls. She loved that show so much and everytime I watch it, I feel like I am being punched in the gut. I watch it and remember the glass door knobs in her house. The sunlight coming in her back room. Biscuits & Gravy. The smell of Prell Shampoo. Walking to the Dairy-O with my cousin to bring her back dessert. And every time another Golden Girl passes away, it reminds me of how long ago Grandma died. And every time, I miss her even more. It has been 21 Years... and I still remember her voice.

Getting There...

2010-06-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

Not too long ago, I went on a tirade about my weight and being out of shape. As luck would have it, the gazillion steps I take in a day at work have gotten the ball rolling. While I have no idea if I've lost even a single pound, I can tell you that my pants are so much more comfortable now that I am not comparing them to sausage wrap. My training from hell has ended and my hours have tapered off. Just enough so that I can actually breathe.

I have taken the initiative and found 5K walk/runs in my area. My next step was to actually calculate how far 5K is (3.11 miles). The walk I'm eyeing is actually in Howell. It is in August and is affectionately named the Howell Melon Run... or something along those lines. I also have a partner doing it with me. The resident 11 year old has agreed to do this with me... that is until she saw how far 3.11 miles is. For some odd reason she had it in her head that she would not be able to carry a water bottle on her "walk". She even made mention that she was going to "can" her water so she could wear one of those beer can helmets (the one that holds 2 cans simultaneously). Once I informed her she absolutely CAN carry water with her, she was back on the mission.

Next, I found this awesome website Map My Run. It allowed me to start at my house, then go through my neighborhood street by street, calculating a route that would be approximately 3.5 miles. I even found an additional route in case we get sick of the neighborhood one.

My next step... taking the plunge. Actually printing off the registration form and sending it in. THEN... I am committed. I am eager to get to this step, and to get moving. :)

I am excited, nervous and a bit apprehensive about this HUGE step. I have never done anything like it, but am ready. Once I calculate my time for my walks, I will start posting them for everyone to follow my progress.

Namaste.

Another Gregism

2010-06-02T10:44:00.001-04:00

G: Mom, where is my radius?
M - points to long bone that runs on thumb side of G's arm.
G: Mom, you know what my favorite part of my body is?
M - thinks G will say his radius.
G: My arms - cause their tan and when they are tan, I'm a hottie!

Litter

2010-05-22T09:30:00.003-04:00

If I were to throw a straw wrapper out of my car window (which I would NEVER do), it is littering. Yet people throw cigarette butts all over the place, including the ground when walking into a store. Is that not littering too? That REALLY pisses me off.

ADD

2010-05-15T09:23:00.002-04:00

Greg's been having issues in school lately. It's very odd. The kid is incredibly smart (knowing all of his presidents and which order they are among other things). But this we have been racking our brains wondering why he isn't doing well in some subjects. Actually almost all of them.

This week, his teacher said he is showing signs of having ADD. I will be the first to admit that I always thought ADD/ADHD were just another excuse not to "parent" your kids. Well, if you know Greg, you know he is actually really well behaved. He is very sweet, compassionate, loving, etc. He just gets "distracted". Once I started looking into ADD and symptoms, I could answer "yes" to almost every question.

We have an appointment on Tuesday with our family physician to see what needs to be done. We are absolutely ADAMANT that we do not want him put on any meds of any type. I just don't need my kid to be chemically altered. We are willing to change his diet, or do whatever is necessary to avoid this from happening.

Does anyone have any information on ADD and natural treatments or remedies? I'm not really looking for supplements either. More just "changes" or have you heard anything about those titanium necklaces?

Your thoughts please...

Another Lesson Learned...

2010-05-12T18:26:00.003-04:00

My ER career started in 1996. In all my years in the ER, I never learned the lesson that I have this week.

NEVER... get sick at the same time as your spouse or "life partner".

So many times in the past couple weeks, we have gotten people who come in for a "quickie" and want to be released asap because they have an ailing spouse at home that needs them.

Folks. NOTHING is quick in the ER. When you see well over 200 people per day and they all need labs, xrays, ct scans, MRI's, IV therapy, yadda, yadda, yadda... nothing is quick. And it's not like the staff just stuck you in a bed and forgot you existed. Just because we drove a needle into your arm and pumped you full of juice, doesn't mean your lab work is done el pronto. Just because you are back from CT, doesn't mean VOILA! Go HOME! What's the point of having a CT done if you're not going to wait the time to have it read?

Stress tests? Just because you didn't pass out on the treadmill doesn't mean the test is over. All those wires they hook up to you sends readings to a computer that track the electrical impulses of your beating heart. Digesting all that info and disecting your ticker takes a few hours. So plant yourself. Put a smile on your face and plan on spending a few hours with us. We're glad you are here.

Weakness

2010-05-05T18:52:00.002-04:00

What are your weaknesses? I'm sure you've all been asked this question during job interviews. I never know how to answer it. However in my short stint with the hospital one has reared it's ugly head. Prisoners. I have NOTHING for them. Zero. No compassion, no caring. Nothing. I go through the motions taking vital signs, drawing blood and that's it. The prisoners come in from correctional facilities for medical treatment. They come in for health problems and for other things, including the ingestion of items that shouldn't be eaten.

In my profession, we are supposed to treat all people equally and with dignity. It is virtually impossible for me to do this when every shred of my being is telling me this person is a dirtball, thug, and is incarcerated for something pretty major, including murder. Today while doing vital signs on one of these "patients", one of the guards stood up and came to the side of the bed. Seeing this huge, brick shit house of a guy stand guard totally rattled my cage. I watched carefully while taking el creepo's temperature just in case he may have the sudden urge to lunge forward and bite my hand off. These people are creepy beyond all get out.

Is my behavior irrational? It is blatantly obvious that I would have NEVER done well in law enforcement.

Cats! Or should I say Pigs!

2010-05-03T20:22:00.002-04:00

The cat bowls are separated so that I can control how much each cat is eating. Charlie's bowl is on the stairs to the basement and Pumpkins is in front of the washer (which is upstairs, right by the stairs). At night both kitties are put into the basement (no worries, it's finished - no dungeon feel here). They have food, water and the litter box at their disposal.

I used to have the food on the upper stair, and the water one step down. That is until I kept having to empty it due to food floaties. Now the water is above the food.

Can someone please tell me HOW in tarnations the food got INTO the water bowl last night?

The Cross

2010-04-24T08:33:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow Greg will make his First Communion. Sometimes you send your child to religious ed, and wonder if he understands what they are telling him. The fact that he constructed a wooden cross out of 2x4's, is an indication that he's getting it. Attempting to nail Emily's Cabbage Patch doll to it? Message received. Need I say more?

The Cube

2010-04-18T09:02:00.002-04:00

I LOVE this product!! I found it at Macy's recently. It is in the Martha Stewart collection and it is a lunch cube. The thing I like best about this cube is that you no longer need those expensive, earth littering plastic bags for lunch! Plus it protects its precious cargo from getting smashed under heavier objects.

I tried to put photos here for you to see but their website isn't set up so you can hijack a photo. So click the link to see this cool cube!

To open it, you flip open the blue "sistema" lock. It helps if your sandwich is on top when you do this. When it opens in half, the sandwich will be on one side with a lid protecting it, and there are two other compartments on the other side. Again, make sure the sandwich is on top when you open it or the other items will fall out. This hasn't been that big of an issue.

I have been packing a lot more lunches for my kids now thanks to Jamie Oliver and his lovely demonstration on what chicken nuggets are made of.

The lunch cube was the best $5 I have spent this year. It is easy to clean, easy to use, and earth friendly. What could be better!

1 week, 4 days

2010-04-15T08:36:00.002-04:00

That is how long I have been training for my new "positions". I believe the training to work in the White House is less intense than this. I literally feel like I've been in a cattle chute for the 9 days straight. 90% of the time I have no idea where I am going for my training (ie class, floor, basement), but I still manage to get there. I am not complaining. Well actually I am a little. I am getting paid an awesome wage to sit in a classroom day after day after day, however tonight I am training from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, then have to return tomorrow at 8:30 for another class. I.... am tired already. lol

I have a new found respect for those that have to wear business attire day after day and sit all day long. I am looking forward to wearing my scrubs, which feel like pajamas and running my tush off taking care of patients.

Remind me I said that about 6 months from now when I'm complaining about that too, ;)

Tech in Training

2010-04-06T17:16:00.003-04:00

Last December I sat in the office of the Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager at Henry Ford Hospital. I was being interviewed. When he told me there were well over 350 applicants for 1 position, I suddenly felt very lucky to be sitting there whether I got the job or not.

Fast-forward a couple months. I still hadn't heard anything from the ER when I was called to interview for a position in the Observation Unit. It was the most bizarre interview I had ever been on. I sat in this tiny little office, sweating bullets as 3 supervisors asked me questions that appeared to be printed off the internet. "In the last six months at your last job how many times did you call in sick?" he said in a monotone voice. When I say bizarre, I mean bizarre. At least with my other interview it was more of a conversation. This one was cut and dry and barely any talking. Thank god for deoderant. I walked out thinking, There is no way in hell I got this one.

As always I sent thank you letters immediately after both interviews and called two weeks later. When I called the nursing recuriter (HR), I was told that both departments wanted to hire me, but they were waiting on additional paperwork. I thought I would rupture something, I was so excited.

Finally the call came for the Observation Unit. They wanted an answer on the spot. Before I answered I asked, "What about the ER?". "Do you want the ER instead" Tom asked? "Well... is there any reason I can't take both since they are both contingent?" I replied. "Sure you can" he answered. So... I took both since they both require a minimum of 2 days per month.

Fast forward again...

I started training yesterday and had to go down to One Ford Place, which is a short jaunt from Wayne State University. It was the first day of new employee orientation. I sat in the room with approximately 50 other newbies. Time after time, I noticed my jawl wide open after hearing comments that I thought were fairly surprising. "Unfortunately I will be at Henry Ford Main" one girl said. Unfortunately? I thought. FORTUNATELY YOU ARE NOT STANDING IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE, DING BELL! She thought it was unfortunate that she had to drive from New Baltimore. Funny... I don't recall anyone twisting my arm when I applied.

The jawl dropping comments started while we were doing our introductions. One asshole stands up and says he is a retired firefighter. "I worked 3 days per week, which if you calculate it out folks, averages 70-something days per year! Not bad for $85,000 huh?" Really ass munch? Cause last time I checked three 24 hour shifts equals 72 hours per week. It's short of working 2 full time jobs, not to mention the trauma and carnage that is forever burned into your brain. Is THAT worth $85,000 per year?

During the break I met one woman out at the coffee station. She will be working as a Unit Secretary on midnights in the same ER as I. "They said they are 12 hour shifts, but there is no way I can go 12 hours without a cigarette, so I told them I need 8's" she tells me. "Where did you work before?" I asked. "Automotive. I got laid-off" she answered. Seriously? Desperado finally found a job and now she needs time to smoke?

Needless to say, I am thanking my lucky stars to be where I am now. That's all I got to say about that!

The News

2010-03-23T14:52:00.002-04:00

One thing I love about traveling is watching the News in other cities. Seeing different faces tell of different stories actually confirms, "Yes... you are not at home" There is just something about it that makes me a bit giddy.

In our house we watch either WXYZ (ch 7), WDIV (ch 4), or Fox (2). Watching Fox is like watching paint dry. You know it is a slow news day when they pick up the newspaper and proceed to read it to you. Or when they cook. GAWD I HATE it when they cook. Cooking should NOT be on the news. There is a whole network devoted to that. Regardless, the airheads on Fox get on my last nerve so I would rather watch anything else... but that.

Lately I've been watching WMYD TV 20. I'm not sure why. I can tell you that watching an unfamiliar channel and catching the news is like being on vacation. Different faces telling somewhat different stories. That's just my .02 cents.

What I Want

2010-03-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

A Lemon candle that smells like lemon. NOT lemon cream.

Real Maple Syrup from a local that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to buy.

A Morning in the Life of...

2010-03-11T12:44:00.004-05:00

6:49 am - Mollie wimpers from her crate at the end of my bed. "Lay down!" tell her.

6:50 am - alarm goes off. You've GOT to be kidding.

6:50:25 am - Mollie blows the doors off of the cats in the hallway, running for the back door.

6:51 am - Mollie damn near breaks the bell off the door trying to get outside before she poops her pants.

6:53 am - Let Mollie back in. Chase her out of cats bowl. Feed all of the above.

6:55 am - Make coffee, turn on channel 7. Say Good Morning to Eric Smith.

7:00 am - wake up the kids. Smooch all over Greg's neck while he giggles pretending to sleep.

7:15 am - wake kids up again. More Smooches

7:30 am - wake kids up again, singing "Going down the Cat Walk... You'll be having a ball... cat walk" (If they are not in the car by 8:02, the have to walk down the catwalk to the school).

7:45 am - ask 15 times what they want for breakfast.

7:55 am - argue with Greg to STOP TALKING and eat.

8:00 am - tell them to stop screwing around in the bathroom, and brush their teeth.

8:05 am - whew... don't have to deal with parking lot (insert catwalk here)

8:10 am - ask them if they plan on going to school today.

8:11 am - leave. Drop off at you know where.

8:13 am - come back home.

8:14 - 9:00 am - catch up on GMA and ENJOY the silence. 7 hours until chaos begins again.

Time

2010-03-07T10:47:00.002-05:00

For those of you who wish you had the time to get things done, I implore you to take a class. Take a class that consumes so much of your time, that you can't do anything else. When it is over... you will find that you had plenty of time to get things done. You just didn't see it. :)

My english class is over. I am just waiting on my final grade. On May 24th, I start Anatomy & Physiology. The final class needed before taking the HESI test and applying for the nursing program. I plan to use the time between now and then, to get things done... now that I see that I have time, lol.

If only we could escape...

2010-03-05T14:08:00.001-05:00

If only we could escape...
Originally uploaded by janula48

LOL, this is a riot!

What Planted the Seed

2010-03-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

Did I ever tell you that I collect cookbooks? My Aunt Valerie gave me this one back in 1998. Dennis and I had been married one year. The other night while working on my meal plan for March, I pulled it out. I started going through it, and was overcome by the history within the pages.

This cookbook is from the Washigton Historical Society. Washington Township is where Dennis works as a firefighter/paramedic.
I love it when my cookbooks are inscribed. When I see this, I am flooded with memories of that time. I run my finger over the impression that the pen left on the paper.

If you can read the Preface, you will see that it was made in 1994. Dennis and I were only dating. He had just gotten onto the Fire Department. It is amazing how fast 16 years can go by.

Did you ever see 13 Going on 30? There is a part in the movie where Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo (total hottie) are swinging on a swing set, and are competing to see who can jump the furthest. The winner has to pay for dinner on Friday night and an Orange Julius. I always wanted to know what an Orange Julius was... and now I do. And now I want one too.

Glog. What the hell is glog? It sounds like something that someone would cough up into a tissue.

Anyone up for this challenge??

This recipe hit me like a ton of bricks. Mrs. George Atkins. Do you call yourself by Mrs. _______? No. We go by Valerie Milobar, or _________

Life has gotten so informal. (rant o' rama coming) What the hell is with people wearing pajama pants in public? Seriously people?? Have a little common decency. Church. Have you been to church lately? Did you see what they wear to church? Ok... need to refocus.

I LOVE the history at the top of this recipe. These people are long gone, but their family has not forgotten them.

Ultimately I love the typing on the recipe cards. There was no spell check, dictionary.com or anything like we have now. I will admit that I love my computer and that I can go over something ten-fold before sending it out with horrific errors on it. But the typewriter. Remember how if you pushed too many keys at once, the arms would get stuck up in the air and you would need to unjam them?

Aaahhhhh history.

History

2010-02-23T17:16:00.003-05:00

Seasons change. People change. I was never interested in history until fairly recently. For me, my passion is local history. Local meaning anywhere in MI, not just in my backyard. It started a few years ago. In Shelby Township there is an intersection where 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke cross. Before it became part of Shelby Township, the area used to be called Disco. Before Emily was born in 1999, I remember reading about the Hope Baptist Church. The church was an original structure still standing where it was built. The members of the church wanted to move it to the Shelby Township municipal grounds to be kept as a historical building. After this was accomplished in 2001, they built a new church on the property.

Another area that I have discovered is the town of Davis which is sort of between Ray Township and Washington Township at 27 Mile road and Romeo Plank Roads.

The Prestonville Cemetery is very intriguing to me as well. It rests on 25 Mile Road, west of Schoenherr. The headstones in this cemetery are so old, they are almost ineligible.

One of the links above will take you to many of the places I have discussed. When looking at photos I saw a photo of an old farmhouse in Prestonville. Not long ago, that house also sat at the corner of 25 mile and Schoenherr. I always dreamed of bringing it back to it's original glory. The house sat on the corner of the intersection with a very large yard, where the chicken coop still stands proud. There was a creek on the north side of the house, and the entire lot was shaded by tall trees. The house is no longer there, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to admire it before it was taken down.

I am most intrigued by the fact that people walked this same area so many years before us. We live in a world where every family has 2+ cars, a TV in every room of the house, mp3 players, cable, electricity, city services, a mall within a few miles and god knows other countless amenities, and yet the people before us, lived such a simple life. They had it hard and worked hard, but they simply... lived. They made it work with what they had and they were proud. I sometimes think I could have lived in this time period. Free from the distractions that we have brought on ourselves.

It almost makes me feel bad that we have so much, even though we worked for what we have. Why does it take so much to make people happy? They say money can't buy happiness, however look how much crap we have laying around our homes. Crap. That's all it is. Are you happy? Cause I'm not. I could easily get rid of half the stuff in this house and be completely content.

Believe it or not, I actually had not planned on telling you this much. Something I did last night brought all of this on. My next post will be what I intended it to be. This just took on a life of its own, and I needed to put it out there.

Sorry dear readers. I am the person that will bring the car to a screeching halt just to go wander through an old cemetery dreaming of the life these people lived.

Insert Photos Here

2010-02-18T12:16:00.002-05:00

I have so much to tell you, but really wanted to post with photos. You see... I am a technical anomaly. I have no idea what I am doing, but can usually figure it out. Except when it comes to taking photos off my camera and putting them on here were you can see them. Which reminds me... put photos on pc - onto CD's.

Moving along.

The dog.

Mollie is a GREAT dog. She is a Shih Tzu Yorkie mix. A designer dog if you will. Long story short... Neighbor and his sister bought Mollie for their mom Christmas 2008. Mollie was an unwelcomed gift. Mollie ended up at sisters house where she was never house trained, and yelled at a lot. Fast forward. Christmas 2009. Mollie ends up back with neighbor. During the week, I let neighbors dog out 2x daily to potty. Mollie was crated for 10 hours per day, and only out those two times to potty. Insert my broken heart here.

We gave Mollie a trial. Brought her to our house to see how the cats would handle her. No problem what so ever. Decided to take her. Still working on house breaking but all in all, she is one great dog. Love her, Love her, Love her. Had her spayed this week. Emily was a disaster saying they wrecked her dog. Let's just say Mollie was higher than a kite, and I too was a bit worried, but knew she would snap out of it. Mollie is recovering well.

The room.

2 years ago when I left my job, I had full intentions to paint Emily's room. 2 years later it wasn't done. We even went so far as to sell her bunk beds to prepare for it. The poor child has been sleeping on mattresses on the floor ever since. This week is midwinter break for the kids. Luckily, Dennis's time off stretch fell this week too. Since we are so broke we can't even pay attention, we decided to get the damn room done! Monday we stripped everything out of the room. Picked the color, headed off to Lowes and bought everything we needed. Fast forward to Thursday (today). Room is painted. Mouldings are redone. New closet doors. Carpeting cleaned. Furniture cleaned. Waiting on lady on Craigslist to decide if our offer is good for a new bed (like new - which matches her pricey dresser & hope chest), and a desk.

CraZinEss!! I am worn out, but am super happy to report... the birds are building a nest in the bird house on our patio. You know what that means... spring is right around the corner my friends. Enjoy.

Question

2010-02-17T12:39:00.001-05:00

Did you ever walk into someone's house and it was such a dump that it actually made you mad? Like you are stunned that they could actually live like that, let alone let other people see the chaos?

I never thought something like that would bother me, but obviously it did. I'll leave it at that.

The first of many...

2010-02-14T11:41:00.002-05:00

My Uncle Jerry died last Sunday. This week we buried him in the most beautiful and serene cemetary I have ever seen. It sits up on a hill and is filled with trees.

Saturday was my birthday. I feel bad that so soon after losing her husband, lover and best friend, my aunt sent me the first birthday card I have ever gotten, without my Uncle's name on it.

I am so sad for her although we all know his passing was the best thing for him. Yet she still sent me a card. It's bittersweet.

The 8 lb. Wedding Ring

2010-02-04T08:50:00.003-05:00

After battling a contact dermatitis on my left ring finger since last fall, I finally made the appointment and went to the Doctor yesterday. After being weighed and checking my chart we have found that I have also lost 8 pounds since December! NOW... we are talking.

One look and the doc determined I now have an allergy to nickel which is many times mixed with gold. I told him it felt like my ring was trying to weld itself to my finger, lol. Regardless, I am on the mend, and need to get with our jeweler to see what they can do to fix my ring. I HATE not wearing my wedding ring. I feel like it is a part of who I am, and should sit on my finger where he placed it almost 13 years ago.

Who would have thought that ring would weigh 8 pounds! ;)

It's all about me

2010-02-01T11:28:00.004-05:00

Late last week, I had a breakdown. The minutes during which I cried my heart out were preceded by weeks of feeling so terrible, I could vomit. I am so ashamed of myself. This is where you just read and do not reply with your pity on me.

I have let myself become more than 50 pounds overweight. I... let this happen. I have been so busy putting irons into the fire, rather than taking care of myself. I used this as a smoke screen so that I could just... be. I am so ashamed of myself.

I have had enough. I am sick and tired... of feeling sick and tired. I am sick and tired of how my clothes feel like sausage wrap. I am sick and tired of wearing the SAME WARDROBE day in and day out, because I am not putting more money into dressing THIS frame. I am sick and tired.

AND I AM DONE.

I guess you need to hit rock bottom and become so pissed at yourself that you end up where I am now. I AM DONE.

Starting immediately, I am working out 3-4 times per week. I am eating healthier, smaller, more frequent meals. I am done.

I am done being the "yes" girl that volunteers to do everything for everyone else. I am done.
I am done being everything to everyone else, while letting my health slide. I am done.
I am done being everyone's fat friend. I am done. Shut it and let me vent.
I am done being out of breath after doing simple housework. I AM DONE.
I am on a mission. A mission to get rid of this 50 extra pounds of shit that I have been carrying around. I AM DONE.

I have a goal. I want to walk. I want to work towards a goal of walking in a 5K marathon and I need a friend to do it with me. THIS... is just the beginning of the rest of my life.

This month, I will turn 38. I vow to shed this 50 pounds before my 39th birthday.

For Miranda

2010-01-29T16:26:00.002-05:00

This has been hanging on my refridgerator for YEARS. It is my mantra when it comes to housekeeping!

He's the Man!

2010-01-26T12:30:00.002-05:00

Oddly enough I had something else to blog about when I sat down. However as I was changing my layout and backround, the phone rang.

It was the Union Secretary from the Alpena Fire Department, calling for Dennis. Alpena. Isn't that like wayyyy up north? (Note to self: Look at a map) Anyway, he called needing to ask Dennis a question regarding Fire Fighter stuff.

Wow. A dude from Alpena is calling MY HUSBAND to ask HIM a question. WOW.

HE is the MAN! (I know. Y'all think I'm nuts. My cat's and now dog are my co-workers. What do you want.)

I can do this!

2010-01-24T12:31:00.002-05:00

Aside from the really poor grade I received on my first quiz, I think I am up for the challenge of my English Class. As I mentioned before, Melanie liked the idea of me taking it, and thought it would be very beneficial for my bloggers block, and to really sharpen my mind when it comes to writing.

My first paper was to be an essay describing an inanimate object. I chose to write about our patio. Lucky for me, our patio is another room. It isn't enclosed, however it is our most favorite place to be on a hot summer day, so I used my passion for this space to write about.

I am proud to report that I received an A on that essay! My teacher also wrote some really wonderful things about my writing style.

So I not only am I accepting this compliment, I am thanking all of my blog readers for being there. If you were not reading my dumb little posts, I would have stopped writing long ago. But because you ARE there, I am still writing and I really believe that by blogging, it keeps our literary knives sharpened, our imaginations flowing, and our minds fresh.

Blog on my friends, blog on.

America's Test Kitchen

2010-01-23T15:10:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this show. It is on Public Television (check local listings for channel & times).

America's Test Kitchen is sort of a variety show that shows you HOW to cook foods, why recipe's don't always turn out, the best bang for your buck when it comes to kitchen equipment and all things kitchen related.

Today they showed how to make a "French Omelette" that appeared to be so easy, even I could make it!

They also showed an awesome recipe for homemade blueberry muffins that I just CAN NOT wait to make.

In the mean time, I thought I would send you the link so that you can check it out.
I did register (free) with them to view the recipe's. They are worth it. :)

Mush

2010-01-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

OMG... my brain is mush. This week I started an online English class which means I only have 1 more class to take before I can apply for the Nursing program at the college.

Doing this online is totally turning me into a nut case. There are so many things that have to be done, and trying to keep track is making me crazy. Not to mention we had to do our first essay.

We had to write a descriptive essay on an inanimate object and give it life. PLUS we had to write and outline. THIS is something I haven't done in a gazillion years.

I have come to a conclusion though... I suddenly remembered today why I received a "C" the first time around. English - was my instructor's second language. I recall her accent being so heavy that half the time we had no idea what she was talking about. Nowing now what I did not know then... I should have dropped the class, or switched to another class. I was just a dumb 18 year old then and didn't understand how important it was to UNDERSTAND what the instructor is teaching you!

Melanie thinks this class could really stir up my creative juices. Of course she would say that. Her degree is in this type of field, lol. Let's just hope she is write or is it right... lol

Fire and Rain

2010-01-19T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hodge Podge

2010-01-17T12:54:00.002-05:00

I feel like a few of you according to your blogs.. In a funk. Here is what is going on in my world at the moment...

The dog. Why won't she just ring the damn bell so we can put her outside to pee? But she did sleep MUCH BETTER last night... in her crate.

The interview. I had an interview at a local hospital between Christmas & New Years. Haven't heard too much, but what I have heard... is positive. Operators are standing by.

The house. Why can't I get motivated to get my kids rooms painted? The paint at Lowes is on sale RIGHT NOW and I'm not even ready for it.

The kitchen. Why did Dennis clean up OUR mess from yesterday. Em had an indoor tournament in Flint yesterday and with that, the kitchen/living room looked terrible. We came home, built a fire and I played games with her. He on the other hand... was at work.

The tournament. I am getting sick of making this team of her's a priority when they are only making her an option. We have sank over $700 into this team thus far, and I watched my kid sit on a bucket yesterday for the 3rd game. She put on her catchers gear, caught 3 balls, and the inning ended. The next inning, the girl that was pitching, was now catching... and she wasn't even brought onto the team as a catcher. Once again, watched my kid... sit on a bucket. We're considering our options. Last year she sat A LOT and we were told it was because she was like the JV player on the varsity team. Now... she's the varsity player... and I get the feeling the team is playing favorites with the "jv" players. Politics. My kid just wants to play the fricken game.

TS. I thought promoting to Team Leader in my TS business was going to be exciting. I thought it would be fun. It hasn't been. I signed on 3 new people in October/November. I have a feeling 2 of them jumped in w/o really thinking about what they were going to be doing, and will be deactivating. I feel so defeated, and am no longer interested in leadership. I am starting to think I am no longer interested in the business period. This happening has totally made it lose it's luster for me. I will add that these two need to do what is best for them and not for me or anyone else.

The dog... why won't she ring that damn bell to go outside?

Hmmm... I wonder if I should beef up my vitamin D. I bet that is the whole reason I feel like I'm in such a funk.

Change of Heart

2010-01-15T09:29:00.001-05:00

Ok, today not so much of a dog lover. This one year old dog is NOT housebroken. Last night I was up at 3:30 while she went and effed around in the backyard. I almost left her out there because I was so pissed. I have her crate in my room, and am moving it out today. I've had enough!

HELP!!!! Any tips on housebreaking this dog?

The Secret

2010-01-14T21:08:00.004-05:00

Have you read the book The Secret? I read about half of it, then realized that it seemed to keep saying the same thing, over and over. Regardless, it talks about the universe and how you can get the things you need or want by the messages you send out into the universe.

In December, Greg's teacher had a baby girl. Molly Marie is her name, however I kept thinking "Molly May, Molly May, Molly May... or May not!".

Fast forward to the time around Christmas. Something you may not know about me is that I go to my neighbors house two times daily to let their dog Mia out. I do this because they are wonderful people that work long hours. So Mia goes out at 11 am and again at 3 pm. I've been doing this for quite a while now.

Around Christmas, Helen texts me with a photo of a very cute little dog. Her name is Mollie May. She said she is Mike's (her husband) mom's dog and is staying with them for a few days. How funny... teacher has baby - names it Molly Marie. I keep thinking "Molly May" and BAM... a dog shows up!

And then it started... Apparently Mike and his sister had this grand idea to give their mom Mollie last Christmas, and it was not a well received gift. The dog ended up living at his sisters for a year and ultimately ended up at Helen & Mike's. They started working very hard to find this pooch a home. The first few times I saw this dog I thought, "Oh hell no". She was in her crate, SCREAMING as if her leg was caught. I would let her outside, then put her back in the crate. Aside from about 20 minutes outside of the cage daily, she spent the remaining 9 hours and 40+ minutes caged. EVERYDAY.

We all knew this could not last, however they did not know this dog well enough to leave her out of the crate all day. Helen & Mike kept working to find her a home, which included hitting me up multiple times.

One night, the kids and I were there. I started to really watch this dog, and how she handled having so many people flocking to her. I should mention that she is either a Shih-poo or a Yorkie-poo. She looks like a Shih more than a Yorkie for sure. She is only one year old. Regardless, she was really very sweet. That screaming dog that left that awful first impression on me, no longer existed. She just wanted people.

The next day I talked to Dennis about her. We decided to give her a whirl and bring her to our house for a few hours to see how the cats would react to her. When she came in, Pumpkin practically jumped out of his fur. Charlie was intrigued. She was only there for about 1 hour.

The next day we brought her to our house again. This time was for a few more hours. The cats were not sure what to make of her, but they were less intimidated.

The third day, we brought her for the whole day. The novelty of the dog wore off for the cats. They could care less. We decided that unless this dog is a very good actor, she is actually quite a good little pooch.

We took the plunge. Introducing the newest member of the Milobar household...

Mollie May Milobar

Inspiration!

2010-01-05T18:25:00.004-05:00

Recently on The Rudolph Family Tree, Miranda posted a recipe for a Cranberry Orange Pork Loin. I emailed her, requesting the recipe. At the bottom of her reply, she talked about meal planning and how she started doing it one week at a time, then moved on to a full month. I... was inspired. I went on to Outlook Office and printed off a blank - December calendar, and planned meals for the last 2 weeks of the month. As I filled out the calendar, I went through my pantry and freezer to see what my meals would require. And that's when I hit the spice cabinet. Ohhhh the spice cabinet. The great abyss, chock full of crap we bought, inherited, and were given. The shelves had spots sticky with an unknown goo, and dried spice crumbs all over. It did smell pretty good. I started out by emptying the entire cabinet onto the counter. That shiny silver thing in the background with tomato's on it... is my prized latte maker. You should pick one up :)

I should have taken a photo of the cabinet BEFORE I emptied it out, but the idea of blogging this project didn't strike me until AFTER I had covered the counter. My DH thought I was positively off my rocker as I was shooting photos of crap we cook with.

Inquiring minds want to know... how many of you have this Zehnders chicken seasoning in your cabinet? I highly suggest you get one if you don't. It's awesome on split chicken breasts, roasted in the oven!

As with the Zehnders, everyone could use a good ole' "butt massage". Takes pork to a totally new level!

Aahhh look! In typical Valerie fashion... I have items in multiples. Did I ever tell you I found 6, yes SIX cans of shortening in my pantry once? Every time I made butter cream frosting, I kept buying a new one. Needless to say the garbage was very heavy that week.

Raisins... in the spice cabinet. Who'd a thunk it?

Hmmm... here's an interesting find. Do the math.

Hmmm. Another interesting thing I came across. They are the SAME THING!!!

Yep. Valerie's been here.

These are from the Weber Grill restaurant in Chitown. Dennis and I practically beat each other up over this sampler platter that you could lick clean. The awesome waitress gave us a hand full of seasoning packets. This is all that is left.

I was never so happy to throw so much out. My fresh new garbage bag was 1/2 full by the time I was finished. I cleaned the shelves, and restocked the cabinet. The riser shown is from... Target I think. It raises your spices up so you can see them. It extends to almost any cabinet width. TIP: If you store your spices upside down, the spice pushes the air out of the bottle and keeps it out, thus keeping your spices fresher longer. My TS spices are inverted because they contain no preservatives.

This... This was a rare find. First off... this archaic spice came from a store that is no longer in business... Farmer Jack.

Secondly... it is older than my 10 year old.

It expired in... 1998. How... in the world... did it get there?

I haven't even lived in this HOUSE... that long!! I should have kept it. Just because.

Having completed this project, my 2 weeks of planned meals sailed through amazingly. Now I'm working on planning out the month of January, but suddenly I feel like a one hit wonder.

And the Cranberry Orange Pork Loin? It was down right fricken awesome!

Do you have any recipes to share to make my life a bit easier?

Blogger Clogger

2009-12-29T22:20:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-19T09:23:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-16T15:10:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-02T15:48:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-30T14:41:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-11-24T16:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-17T09:24:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-11-15T17:38:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-11-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-07T17:39:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-04T09:13:00.004-05:00

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

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?

2009-11-03T21:00:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2009-10-31T13:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween Everybody!!!

How Much Does it Weigh?

2009-10-27T16:20:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-25T22:42:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-18T21:14:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-14T11:28:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-05T19:05:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-10-03T14:31:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-30T13:23:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-29T09:11:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-09-24T18:25:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-09-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

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".

2009-09-21T13:47:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-09-20T20:13:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-14T15:03:00.006-04:00

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...

2009-09-14T15:03:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-09-09T15:02:00.008-04:00

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...

2009-09-01T15:18:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-08-31T15:24:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-26T10:23:00.002-04:00

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?!

2009-08-25T13:51:00.001-04:00

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.

2009-08-24T15:25:00.002-04:00

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!!

2009-08-23T20:34:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-08-23T13:45:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-08-07T20:23:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-07-28T22:43:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-21T22:29:00.002-04:00

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