A Spin-off of Crazy & Loving It!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genius in the Room

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

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

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

Verklempt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kahonies

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

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

It was very cute.

Somebody Stop Me...

If you've read this one before.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bliss

There is nothing better...

than kids sleeping in,

a cool, gentle morning breeze,

wind chimes in the distance,

and a great cup of coffee.

Life is good.

What I did

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barefoot Contessa's Caprese Salad

Here is the recipe:

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

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

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

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

Time to Re-Group

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

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

Crossing Over

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

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

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

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

Having an awesome time in Lansing... V

Hmmm.

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

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

I'll get back with you.

Conversation...

I think this is so cute...

Little Girl on the Plane!

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

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

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

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

Here We Go Again...

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

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

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

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

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

I'm so sad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emergency!

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

As Promised...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I guess I spit when I scream too! lol

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

Lovely depiction of my favorite color! LOL!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Did It!

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

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

Yeahhhhh ME!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

Stand by!

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

Full Swing!

Softball and Baseball are both in full swing! This year Emily is on the Macomb Eagles Fast Pitch team. It is a SMAFF, travel team. She rocks at it. She can jack that ball out of the park, but then gets so excited she forgets to look at her coaches for signals! By the time she reaches her base, she is holding on to her helmet, jumping up and down!

Last weekend they had a tournament in New Haven in which they won all 3 games. The second game they killed the other team, 12 - 2... and I heard the coach of the other team had no business putting those girls in the tournament. They weren't prepared for it and just got annihilated. The down side is that because they were so easy to beat, the third team almost won, because our girls were slacking off. They weren't ready to really "play" again. Regardless, they pulled themselves together and won the tournament.

Emily had a lot of hits, but the best one that I saw was a double. That ball FLEW over the girls heads. The parents were going banana's, the team was cheering her on, and she was so excited, she only made it to second base! Her coach on third was yelling for her, but she didn't look over at him, lol. She'll get the hang of it soon enough. She's a slugger!!!

I LOVE this photo...

Then there is my little leaguer. He is so handsome in is little uniform. Greg expressed interest around the time the sign up form came home. Then it was down hill. We couldn't get him to play catch, he didn't want to do anything... Until he started practicing with the team. That's all she wrote. HE LOVES IT! Greg is a "Knight" on the Coach Pitch League. He is having a GREAT time and takes it soooo seriously!

While Mr. Green Shirt over there is playing in the dirt, some little sneaker looks like he's about to steal third!

We watched a total of 4 games last Saturday. 3 were her's and 1 was his. It was exhausting to say the least, especially with 40 mph winds.... but we figure that this is just temporary. The kids are having fun, and we LOVE watching them. However this is what Emily looked like by the time Greg's game was half over...

This weekend, the insanity continues. She has a tournament in Richmond on Saturday & Sunday. Den has an alumni game at his alma mater on Saturday, and Greg has a game on Saturday at 4.

Calgon... take me away, lol.

She is playing in a tournament in Lansing for you West Side readers.. it will be June 26th - 28th. We'd love to see you there.

Now Hiring

Ok, here it comes... if I haven't said it before, I LOVE Tastefully Simple. I LOVE this company, and love how they operate.

We had our team meeting here last night. We were talking about the economy and people losing their jobs. Oddly enough, our sales were up 57% in March. I have more parties booked than I ever thought possible, and the calls keep coming in. Everyone wants to book for June, however I'm starting to push them into July. It's CRAZY!

We sell food. Although there is a recession, we are not participating in it, because people are still eating. They are still eating dinner, entertaining friends, and having staycations. People NEED TO EAT! We have a recession proof product! I love home parties and have had quite a few of them here, however I really don't need another food storage container, or baking stone. I already have them. They last FOREVER! Beer Bread on the other hand... usually doesn't make it a week in the pantry. EVERYONE loves beer bread.

So! If you need a job. You are looking to make anywhere from $50 to $100 per week, Tastefully Simple is the company you are looking for. There are no pyramid schemes. You don't have to carry inventory. Reorders are plentiful. In fact, I didn't do any parties from last August to December, and still got loads of reorders. It is that easy.

For parties... You may think, "I can't stand up there and talk". Well let's put it this way... I failed speech in college because I was so afraid of speaking in public. Today... I pass a tray and talk. They aren't looking at me, and half the time they aren't even listening to me. They are eating, oohing and aahhhing, and having a GREAT time with their friends. It's an AWESOME job and this October it will be my 2 year anniversary. I LOVE IT!

Sparked your interest... click the link on the right and read up about it. If you want more information, contact me and we'll discuss it. Totally no pressure. I firmly believe people need to do what is right for themselves, and not for anyone else. But if you think the time is right for you... this may be exactly what you are looking for.

No lay-off's, no pay cuts, no one to schedule you, but yourself. Health Care benefits... This is ONE GREAT COMPANY. I'm loving the ride.

My mom...

My mom was 18 when she married my father, the day after her high school graduation. A few months later, my brother was born. 2 years later, another son, then a daughter, and finally me. My mom was very young, raising a large family. We grew up in the country for most of my life. Living there, I learned about hard work, the beauty of nature, how to handle family conflict, or more like how NOT to handle family conflict.

Through it all, we managed to stay together. While my parents had some rough years, my mom managed to keep the family together, and tried her best to raise her family. All of us kids turned out pretty well I think. We are all homeowners, happily married, and didn't turn out to be drug addicts, wife/husband beaters, or drunks.

Now I look at my parents in awe. There was a lot of turmoil in our lives, yet my mom still managed to provide a nurturing environment. In one case, she saved my brothers from being punished because one of them put their foot through a wall. She just moved her curio cabinet over in front of it, and shortly after the entire family went up north for a vacation. It wasn't until after we returned, that she confessed to my Dad, who still wasn't happy. She did this so that we could still enjoy a very much needed vacation.

Sometimes I think my mom's heart is so much bigger than her brain. She is way too generous to people, yet forgets that she and my Dad are now on a limited income. Today on Mother's Day I rushed out of there with my kids because she started giving them things. While I'm sure she was doing out of her own good nature, I personally don't need another thing in my house!

Yet on the way home, I started to realize how much I am like my mother. While we are just barely getting by, I'm thinking of teacher gifts for the end of the year, or of our dear friends, one of which was diagnosed with Leukemia this week. I'm so worried about their financial situation now that he will be off work for more than a year. While we are barely getting by, I am already pulling out everything in my pockets for them because I love them dearly and do not want to see them suffer.

My mom is an amazing woman who's heart may be bigger than her brain, but one thing is certain. When she leaves this earth, the number of people that she has touched, will be immeasurable.

There once was a time when I shuddered at the thought of being anything like her. Now I can only hope that I become half the woman that she is. I hope that my children will grow up to LOVE the Christmas season, and not for the gifts. I hope that I too will be as loving and giving as she is.

Happy Mothers Day.

Quest for Directions

Today I'm going to the Scrapbooking Megameet with my friends Kim & Michele. In order to avoid the freeway closure at I-275 & I-696, I was on mapquest plotting out map to get there from M-59. That's when I noticed it.... Did you know that on mapquest.com you can actually look up a route by Gas Prices? What the heck? That's... pretty bad.

Obligations

Tonight the first graders are having a musical at the school. Greg does not want to go. He has been telling us this since we first found out about it a while back.

I feel that we should not make him go if he does not want to. Emily on the other hand is very upset that he isn't going. She's carrying on as if the building will shut down because Greg is not there.

We have SO MANY obligations that we are always trying to meet. I do not consider this an obligation. The child REALLY does not want to go. He has already said that he isn't singing, and that he doesn't care for the song selection. He has sung in other musicals before and has been excited for them. This one, he's not so fond of.

I am not making him go. I do not wish to battle the parking lot (imagine about 25 parking spaces for about 700 families), forcing him to go, only to see him not sing. What's the point?

Am I wrong for not making him go?

I'm here

Just studying for a final test. Test scores are 60% of our grade, and I haven't done that well on them. I rocked on the quizzes though. Explain that one! 5/14 is the last day. I can't wait for this class to be over with. In the mean time, factor this...

2x+7y-10

Did I Ask?

When a woman announces her pregnancy, people seem to think that is the green light for them to go ahead and dump their pregnancy or delivery disasters on them. Everyone has had something bad happen, or they try to "out do" the others with their stories.

I didn't have the most wonderful pregnancies. There. I said it. I loved being pregnant, but my body seemed to think otherwise. I survived. So did my children. End of story. I believe that this kind of information shouldn't be "dumped" on to the newly expecting mother because there is no need for it. I mean, why would you do that to someone? "Congratulations! We are so excited for you! But...." I just don't understand that mentality.

That whole scenario brings me to this...

I've told you all that I've switched gears and am aiming for the Nursing program at Macomb. While every one of you have given me a HUGE kudos, there are a great many that have "shared" their major problems with me, even though I NEVER asked for the information.

"FORGET IT! You'll NEVER get in" I've heard. "My son has a 4.0 but didn't score that well on the HESI test, so he didn't get in. Good luck." Oh and then there's... "I've got a 4.0, and scored high on my HESI and I didn't get in"... blah, blah, blah.

I have found ONE consistancy in EVERY stories I've heard. Every single person that gave me their unsolicited advice... transferred their credits from other colleges. I've heard it through the grapevine (a few years back), that most schools will take most of their own students, before taking transfer students. While I'm not banking on this theory, it does sound that it could be a possiblity. Even still... What makes any one of those story telling people think that I am like all the rest of the candidates? Why would they say these things, trying to undermine my intentions and drive?

You know me. You know that my glass is almost always half full. Even with all of the negativity flying my way, I'm still looking PAST the obstacle at the goal. I can see it on the other side, plain as the nose on my face. The obstacle is "getting in". I am living proof that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Paramedic school was relentless. It was hard, challenging, and extremely rewarding at the same time. I worked my butt off and received all A's. Before I ever got into EMT school, I totally thought it was a pipe dream. It wasn't. It was attainable just as anything else is if you work hard and focus on the finish line.

I am excited. I am so excited and just FULL of energy to complete this next chapter in my life. I LOVE to learn new things, and love to reach the goal. I just wish people would put a sock in it when it comes to their negative comments. I, appropriately named Queen Busta Chops am speechless when it comes to their negativity. I wish I knew the appropriate thing to say to put an end to their unsolicited comments, without sounding like a total jerk.

What would you do?

What the.... Where was I?

I was just looking at the newsletter from Emily's class. There are only 7, yes I said SEVEN more weeks of school left! WHAT THE HELL!! Where in the world has all the time gone?! I'm completely floored and stunned at the same time. They just opened up their Christmas gifts like last week!!!

I'm completely blown away.

Billy Ray Cyrus - Back To Tennessee - Official Music Video (HQ)

There I said it... I like country music too. I like all kinds of music, however Country has my vote right now. Enjoy the video from the Achey Breaky Heart guy. V

"The List"

Last week was pretty bad for Greg. It was spring break. They got out on Thursday, and by Friday night, he had a rip roaring fever. This wasn't so great considering the Easter Celebration was to be held at our house. Alas, we still had it here, but little boy blue was sick in my bed the whole time. By Monday, I had to take him to the Doctor.

Sinus Infection we were told. We were given an Rx and sent on our way. On Thursday, we had him back to the doctor as he was still running a 102 fever. Change and antibiotics, and VOILA! He was better by Friday night.

His little illness put the kabosh on every plan we had for that week. I felt HORRIBLE for him as he was the only one counting down days until his "break". What a break that was.

Emily and I went to see the Hannah Montana movie on Wednesday while Greg stayed home with Den. What a GREAT MOVIE. I totally loved it. Absolutely purchase worthy in our book. Regardless, we heard The Climb the other day in the car. I really like this song and the message that is sent. I asked Emily if she knew what the song was about.

We then started talking about life. I told her about my brother Mike and how he told me about "the dash" poem I posted earlier. She then said, "I love Uncle Mike, they should move up here". I then told her how he and Mary Ann plan to move to Tennessee in a couple of years. Of course, then Peepers pipes up and says, "Let's move to Tennessee! I love it there".

I never realized how unrealistic it is for us to relocate. Not that I'm seriously thinking of moving, but to put things into perspective, I explained that Dennis doesn't have a "normal" job by any sense of the word.

A huge amount of training and education goes into the preparation for the job. Then when a F.D. is hiring, you have to apply. Then you take a test. If you rank high on the test, you get on "the list". Then when your number is called, you have an interview, and a backround check, and an agility test. Then maybe, just maybe, they will hire you. Of course then you are on probation for like 6 months to a year.

I can honestly say in Dennis' 14 years on the department, I don't think I have EVER seen anyone quit. Can you blame them? I have, however, seen many people end up being #1 on "the list" only to have that list expire without them ever receiving a phone call.

Which brings me to this... I found out I have 3 classes to take before the end of Fall, to apply to the Nursing program at the college. Unfortunately I found this out AFTER my priority registration expired. So I ended up being waitlisted for a class I desperately needed to get into. #15 out of 15. Yuk. Then it happened...
#11 out of 15
#7 out of 15 (then they opened up another class, but I didn't need that one, but it made the waitlist smaller...
#6 out of 13
#4 out of 13...
#3 out of 12... and finally yesterday...
#1 out of 12
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.
.
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.
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This morning... I got in. RELIEF! Now send good karma for an A, please.

Life Made Simple

A friend and I recently had an email conversation about simplifying and facebook.

Ok, I admit it. I'm pretty much done with Facebook. It was fun while it lasted, but honestly, I'm rarely ever on there any more. Plus I found yesterday that my friend posted photos of her little boy and I didn't even know about it, until I clicked on her name. To me, this is front page news! I want my friends stuff to be front and center the moment it hits the web! In all reality, Facebook sucks the time right out of my day and seems to take away from the things I really like to do. Plus, I don't really care to see what other people are doing, except for those that matter most to me.

I also just realized that the voicemail on our home phone had 4 messages on there that are relatively old, but hadn't been heard. I'm seriously thinking about shutting off the voicemail. It is yet just another time consumer, listening to people's "stories" on the voicemail. The people I REALLY want to talk to, know how to reach me.

I hate that I'm in this frame of mind, but in all reality, I feel like I'm trying to get back to the basics. Den and I were just talking today about the News. We rarely ever watch the news anymore because it is all sensationalized, and depressing. They use scare tactics on a regular basis and to tell you the truth, I really don't want my kids watching it at all. They don't need to know the graphic details about child preditors, or molesters. I will tell them what I think they should hear.

I guess I'm just sick of being pulled in so many different directions at once. I just want to have more time for the things I want to do, plus if all goes well, I will have my head buried in school books before we know it. I guess this is the perfect time to start simplifying my life.

I'm Not Ready...

I'm starting to feel like I'm the only blogger left on the planet. I would hate to think Facebook is taking over. While I do like facebook, there is something special about a blog that I love. It's random thoughts, requests for advice, memories of the past, hope for the future, hysterical moments, painfully sad moments, and virtual trips that we all take together.

Facebook is ok, but the novelty has worn off, and sometimes I just don't have the time and energy to keep up with the flow. With blogger, it's a once a day post. Like reading your favorite news article written by your favorite journalist. I feel like I'm the only one left here and I am so sad. I'm not ready to stop blogging yet, but it is painfully obvious that not many people are in to it any more. Rest assured my friends, I check your blogs daily. I understand you are busy. I just miss your different styles of writing, and fear that you've decided to be done with the blogger.... But I'm still here.

Hodge Podge

So yesterday, I was in the WORST mood. It is almost impossible to be happy about anything these days. Everything is always bad on the TV and in the newspapers.

I set off for the post office yesterday. While in the post office, this arrogant butt head starts spouting off to the people in line, including myself. He starts slamming Obama for this, and that. Then he proceeds to say that the democratic people are brainwashed, and if we all think this mess is Bush's fault, we need to learn a thing or two. He c0ntinued with his unsolicited opinion for quite a while.

Let's just say by this time, I was staring at the ceiling, literally biting my lip. I wanted to rip into this a-hole like you can't imagine. Not because of my political views, but more so for feeling the need to give everyone in line his opinion, whether we asked for it or not. This jerk had no idea what kind of day people were having, and just felt the need to voice his opinion.

After the post office, I went to Meijer for a few things. As I approached the check out, I remembered Melanie's rant o' rama about self check outs. You know what... The girl is dead on. Why are we paying MORE for our groceries, only to ring them up and bag them ourselves?! I'm taking a stand against this one. I got into a line with a cashier. I had time to burn and really didn't care how long it took. Come hell or high water, I am NOT ringing up my own groceries, and I am NOT going to bag them either.

Moments later, I hear a woman behind me. She works for the store. She tells me to go down a few aisles and another cashier would ring me up. So I go down there, and guess where the cashier is going to ring me up... Yep! At the self check out! So now I have this angry cashier that is running 8 self check out units, ringing up my groceries and bitching about her supervisor. Next thing I know, she has to STOP ringing up my groceries to go handle another customer's check. Here I am, at the self check out stuck waiting for about 5 minutes for the girl to come back. By this time I couldn't ring myself up because she did something to the screen that changed the view. I should have fooled with it enough to give myself 50% off all my groceries, lol.

I've decided that I am NO longer going to those self check outs. I'm going to do my part in putting people back to work, by making sure I go into the aisles with an actual human being ringing me up. Period.

On a different and happier note.... I passed my test! Not only did I pass it... I ACED IT! 100%!!!! WHEW!!

I take pride in being an optimistic person, however it is becoming more and more difficult as time goes on. Sometimes I find that I can't even stand myself because of the life sucking mood I am in. I can't tell you enough how much I would love to snap out of this funk.

Comfort and Joy

I love Walgreens. There I said it. I professed my love for a convenience store. We have a Walgreens about 1/4 mile from my driveway. I love that store. Whenever you are in a pinch, it's there. Last night we needed and ice cream fix... Walgreens was there. Gift card, greeting card, make up, shampoo, sugar, cold medicine... Walgreens is there.

Yesterday, Emily and I both finished Professor Layton and the Curious Village on her DS. She worked on her saved game, then I worked on mine. It took a while but we finished it.... and loved it. Emily actually cried when she finished her game. It works you through some crazy puzzles, but they are all so much fun, and sometimes the easiest answer is all you need, even though you've gone through quantum physics only to realize the answer didn't require all that much. (wow, huge run-on sentence there!).

While chilling with the family in sweats, a comfy cotton tee-shirt and my pretty pink and white socks that I just got, she and I decided to run to Walgreens. While I am the first one to rip on people that wear their pajaja's in public, I must say I did go in sweats... and sandals (with socks), lol. Because it's only Walgreens, it was at night, and we needed the fix! I LOVE that store.

The Dash

The Dashcopyright 1996 Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speakat the funeral of a friend.He referred to the dates on her tombstonefrom the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birthand spoke of the following date with tears,but he said what mattered most of allwas the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the timethat she spent alive on earth...and now only those who loved herknow what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;the cars....the house...the cash.What matters is how we live and loveand how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...are there things you'd like to change?For you never know how much time is leftthat can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enoughto consider what's true and real,and always try to understandthe way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,and show appreciation moreand love the people in our liveslike we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,and more often wear a smile...remembering that this special dashmight only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being readwith your life's actions to rehash...would you be proud of the things theysay about how you spend your dash?

Uncle Joe

This week our family said good-bye to a very dear family friend. Uncle Joe and Aunt Norma lived next door to my Grandparents in Detroit. Their son Greg is my brothers godfather. I honestly can't remember a family function in which I didn't see them while growing up. We were part of their family, and they were our's. Uncle Joe was always radiant with positivity. He was a handsome man, and dearly loved his wife. They had an amazing marriage. You could see it when they were together, and you can see it from photo's past. They are both extremely special people, whom you would love to be around.

I learned a lot about Uncle Joe today. Things that I never had the opportunity to learn. For this I have regrets. He lived a very interesting life and his glass was always half full. Our hearts are broken, however we are glad he never suffered.

Good Bye Uncle Joe. You made the world a better place. I feel like a better person, just having known you. For that I am so lucky. You will be missed.

Joseph V. Bilpuch
Date:
May 1st, 1918 - March 28th, 2009
Obituary:
BILPUCH, JOSEPH V. March 28, 2009 age 90 of Lake Orion. Beloved husband of Norma M. of 62 years. Dear father of Greg(Sandra) Bilpuch of Lake Orion. Grandfather of Kristen (Kevin) Gretka, Wendy (Jeffrey) Edgett and Michael Nobar. Great-grandfather of Shelbie, Kaden, Tobias, Kendall and Garrett. Brother of John Bilpuch, Edward (Marilyn) Bilpuch and Betty McRoberts. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Bilpuch was an Environmental Engineer for Alpha Electric in Detroit. He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during WWII where he was a Prisoner of War for 28 months. He was a member of the Lake Orion American Legion Post 233; a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral service Wednesday 10:30 am from the Lake Orion Chapel of the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home. Family will receive friends Tuesday 2-5 & 6-9 pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Orion War Memorial 312 S. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI 48362 A Guest Reflection can be made @ www.sparksgriffin.com

Whew!

I know I've been non-existant lately. I've had a lot going on. First off, I wanted to meet an incentive that Tastefully Simple offered the consultants. Thanks to all of those people that held parties in March, not only have I earned the incentive, I blew my personal sales out of the water. It has been a whirlwind of a month, but a very fun time at that. It is amazing how you would think the economy would drive down this business. I guess my luck is that people STILL HAVE TO EAT AND I SELL FOOD! Imagine that! lol. Guess I made a good choice with TS!

Second... From my earlier post I told you about ALL of those classes I would have to take to be a registered dietitian. Let's just say I don't want to be in school for the next 8 years. So on a whim, I started looking at the college book to see what programs are offered.

Imagine my suprise when I found out I am like 3 classes away from applying to Macomb's Nursing program.! 3 classes! This is something I wish I would have known about 2 years ago when I was at Baker, retaking a bunch of classes that I DIDN'T NEED TO RETAKE! Had I looked into Macomb's program, I very well could have been half way through the nursing program by now! WTH!

Regardless, I have been online all day trying to get into 1 of the three classes that I need. The unfortunate thing is that the registration for the spring/summer semester opened, and when I had the opportunity to sign up early, I didn't... because I was still reeling over the thought of going to Wayne State until I'm 90.

Please send good karma my way. I need to get into A&P, English (need to retake for higher grade) or General Microbiology. I need 1 opening so I can get in. Send good karma, por favor!

2 B or not 2 B

First order of business....

I would like to thank all of my awesome friends that have written to Greg at school. The amount of letters he has received is amazing. And most of them start off with, "This is _______. I'm a friend of your Mom's", or they have come from family.

While he LOVES getting them, I love the feeling I get when he comes home with a folder full of mail from my girls, or from family. It's priceless. So thank you. Thank You for taking the time to do this wonderful little thing. It has totally enlightened our spirits, and especially of one little boy. I wish ALL schools would do this.

Moving along...

I'm in a funk. I went to class yesterday to find out that I barely passed yet another algebra test. At first I hadn't passed it, then after looking at the key and comparing it with my test, I found that I did a bit better than he thought, and I called him out on it.

Regardless, this is BASIC Algebra. In order to become a Registered Dietician, I have to take A LOT more math classes AND about 4 different chemistry classes. PLUS last week I went to the counselor at Macomb to find out if I am on the right track. Let's just say that it was very enlightening. I found that I have even more classes to take on top of the program requirements.

I am in a funk. The hurdle of the math classes alone is daunting. I'm 37 (there I said it). As much as I joke around about being 29, I'm actually 3 years from 40, which is still very young. If I live to 80, my life is still not even half over. But do I want to spend the next 10 years in class AGAIN? Not really.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Is this a mid-life crisis? I have a degree as a Paramedic, and have no intentions on working the road again. What are my options? It's not like there is this pressing for me to go find a job. But the thing is... I feel like I should be doing something more to bring in an income.

My cousin suggested I work in a scrapbook store. I told her to clean out her crack pipe. Me working in a scrapbook store? You could reword that as Me working to PAY OFF the scrapbook store.

I am in a funk and I feel that I should be doing something. But what.

I wonder if there are any good books that would help me sort this out. I feel like a failure, yet I know that I'm not.

My Big Brain

Couple things on my mind this week. 1. I can't believe that Natasha Richardson died. I saw her in Maid in Manhattan and really didn't like her. Not "her" but her character. One of Emily's favorite movies is The Parent Trap, with Lindsay Lohan, the cute guy and Natasha Richardson. I LOVED her in this movie. It's gotten to the point that we all watch it when it is on, no matter how many times we've seen it.

It is just so sad that something so bizarre took her life. It has been said that she had a minor fall and by looking at her, you would never know anything happened. To put this in English, she developed a bleed and clot between the membrane of her brain and the skull. It pressed inward on her brain and basically killed her.

After going through some websites and seeing what people were saying, one man said he bought helmets for his kids, but because he is older, he doesn't need one. HELLLOOOOOO? The woman was 45 years old! Kids heads are bigger because they are growing. Adults brains start to shrink after a period of time, which leaves MORE ROOM in your skull for your brain to bounce around. Mr. Man doesn't seem to get it that his brain is like a marble in a tin can. Dork.

Anyway, her death bothered me so much that it actually interrupted my sleep more than once this week. She wasn't my favorite actress by any means. I guess it is just the whole thought of how something so simple can take a life.

On the flip side, I went to the College today to make sure I am on track to eventually apply to Wayne State. So far so good. I am relieved to say I don't have a whole lot of credits that are needed so that is good. Regardless, I am still very excited about this and will continue to move forward in this adventure. I just wish it wasn't at 3... I mean 29 years old! lol.

Have a GREAT weekend Y'all!!

What they think of me.

Me according to E & G.Saturday 7:05 pm
Me... according to my kids
Answered by E (9) & G (7)

1. What is something mom always says to you?
E: You're very pretty.
G: I Love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
E: When I clean my room
G: Uh... ME.

3. What makes mom sad?
E: When I'm sick.
G: Uh... When I don't get all smiley faces on my work.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
E: Imitating Sandy in the bowling alley. (She smokes A LOT and has the raspiest voice I've EVER HEARD!)
G: When you put your "thingers" in my arm pits. (He means fingers)

5. What was your mom like as a child?
E: Dorky
G: She pooped all over the place. (They are going to bed early).

6. How old is your mom?
E: 29 maybe.
G: 97

7. How tall is your mom
E: About 5 feet
G: 5'2"

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
E: Scrapbook
G: Go to Tastefully Simple parties, ALL NIGHT.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
E: I don't know, what do YOU do when I'm not around?
G: Sit and watch TV. (definitely going to bed early now)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
E: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... selling food.
G: Kisses

11. What is your mom really good at?
E: Scrapbooking
G: Math (lol)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
E: cooking. (E once asked if we were having "toxic vomit surprise" for dinner).
G: Math (I reply, "You just said I was good at math!", Oh.... UH.... COOKING!

(not sure why there is no 13)
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
E: Spaghetti
G: Dirt

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
E: Um... because you're my mother.
G: Your baking

16. What do you and your mom do together?
E: Scrapbook
G: Sit around.

17. How are you and your mom the same?
E: Um.... we both hate math.
G: Uh because I look like you. (He does)

18. How are you and your mom different?
E: You wear glasses and I don't.
G: Because I eat dirt.

19. How do you know your mom loves you?
E: She lets me sleep with her sometimes. I know you love me because you make time for me.
G: Uh... Because she likes to make stuff for me.

20. What does your mom like most about your dad?
E: He's HOT! lol
G: That you go crazy with him. (I asked how) Because you kick his booty, lol.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
E: "To your bedroom, no I'm kidding." I have no idea.
G: White Castle (Mom says YUCK)

This was fun... and taken off Facebook. Their answers were pretty funny. But they are still going to bed early. lol

Another Gregism

Greg gets into his pajaja's and comes to sit by me on the couch. He is planted right up against me and starts talking. Here is the conversation that ensues;

G: Mom, you know that man that comes to the school all the time?
M: Huh? Who are you talking about?
G: You know, that man. That man that is at Emily's practice.
M: Oh! Mr. "so and so".
G: Yeah. DID YOU KNOW... that he's touched a blue whale before?
M: He did?
G: Yeah, when he was in the Navy.
M: WOW. I didn't know that.
G: Yep, he said it was very smooth. Not wrinkly like this... and he starts stroking my cheek!!!
M: WHAT?! By this time Greg is zeroing in on my cheek really checking it out. Now I'm freaking and starting to wonder if I have the grand canyon developing on my face.

Greg then starts to play with my hair and sweetly says, "Let's see if we can find your first gray hair".

Yep. Love him to death, but could have rang his bell. Hair was cut and dyed promptly the next day.

kRaZyyyy!!

I am having the most insane week. First off... THANK YOU MELANIE for booking a party with me. As most of you know, I have been a Tastefully Simple consultant for about 2 years now. I love the company, love what I do and swear to you it is in no way like A***y. With TS, what you see is what you get. And what you make of it is what you get too!.

So this month TS is offering this amazing incentive. Hit certain sales levels and earn beautiful clothing items. Who couldn't use free beautiful clothes? So I sent out an email asking a few people to do a book party at work. Rather than that, they want to do a real party. So I am well on my way to earning every incentive this month!! Melanie is helping me! Trust me. I'll be taking care of my girl.

Then I came home today to find a "secret" client (whom I don't recall ever meeting), placed a HUGE order on my website. Let's just say it was well over $200. Bang! Even closer to the incentive!

To make things even better... I have a wild hair. I hate certain things about my house right now. Dishes included. While we've decided to make more "changes", one thing I am grateful for is the fact that Den gave me carte blanc to get whatever dishes I wanted.

I'm sick of having Kmart elcheapo dorky dishes. I've had them for 12 years. I'm done. So I found the ones I want...

Life is too short to eat on a dorky dish. So I fell head over heels for these dishes. A bit fancy, but like I said... Life is too short.

So yesterday I am late running to class. I high tail it up to my room, only to find class is dismissed. The teacher is out. So on a whim, I decided to go to JcPenny where the dishes are. I just wanted to see them in person. Oddly enough, I love the green in this photo, yet HATED it in the store. It is a weird cheap looking green/blue, yet I still LOVE the design of the dishes. So I stalked the dish department for like an hour. This worker comes up. Asks if he can help me. I ask him about the deal with the credit card. You can save 15, 20 or 30% on your purchase if you use your JCP card. He gets these rub off cards, fans them out and tells me to pick on. Guess who picked a 30%! And guess which dishes were on sale for 50% off on top of that!

I decided to go with the same dishes, but in yellow. The yellow is absolutely charming. Problem. The only ones in stock are a setting for 4 ppl. I need 8.

So I mention to the man that I found the 8 place setting online, but I wanted to pick them up here to avoid shipping. Then he tells me if he can find it online, he will order it and have it sent to the store, with FREE shipping. HE FOUND THE DISHES!! So I got the most beautiful set of dishes, in a beautiful color, FREE shipping and 80% off!!!

SOMEBODY PINCH ME. I am having the most fun, CRAZY week!!!

Spring!!!!

Before I've seen my first robin of the season, and before I noticed my tulips poking through the dirt, I've seen the first signs of spring.

The other day I saw the resident squirrel playing tug o' war with the burlap on the tree out front. I wondered why it looked so ratty, then saw why. Mrs Squirrel was getting supplies for her "nest". I'm a bit worried though because the tree she is nesting in, will be cut down this year. The new neighbors next to us have decided to level all the trees in their yard. This is very sad for the tree hugger in me. I just hope that Mrs. Squirrel will be ok. Maybe they will wait until fall to do that.

My second sign of spring... the birds are building a nest in the bird house on our patio. Pretty soon we'll have the joy of seeing them going at it on the bush out side, lol.

I am so relieved. Spring is coming.

The Bachelor

I admit it. I got sucked in to this season. Particularly because I watched the Bachelorette and saw Deanna dump Jason. So my heart was broken for him... until last night.

Let me be the first to admit that I am an overly emotional person. As strong as I try to be, the water works turn on and the tears start flowing. I try to control it, but sometimes I just can't. On the other hand, the Bachelor got on my nerves. Enough already. I started to feel like he was acting. What guy cries THAT MUCH???

So I watched it to the end to see who he chose. Funny enough, Molly is my sister in law's cousin. Acutally it's her cousin's daughter. So it's a pretty close connection. I didn't really "feel" the connection between Jason & Molly, but still felt horrible for what he did to her. To make matters worse, the "after the final rose" show that came on next was TERRIBLE!! Jason actually told Melissa (the one he purposed to) that he was still in love with the OTHER girl that he sent packing. He broke off their engagement right there on TV. Then they brought out Molly and SHE TOOK HIM BACK!!! I couldn't believe it.

I could not believe that I wasted all those Monday nights watching that dumb show. I could not believe that I actually felt sorry for this piece of work named Jason. I am so mad at myself for getting hooked into it. I am NEVER watching that show again... unless Melissa is the next bachelorette. ;o)

Telling You Like It Is...

This is Charlie since he's been on a diet. That old bag pretty much sums up how I was feeling last week. A haircut and dye job fixed that! But Chuckie Ton's O' fun is still doing the dance.

Friday

A man on a horse road into town on Friday. He stayed 3 days and left on Friday. How did he do it?

Punks

As you know me, I am not normally a negative person, however I have something I want to rant about that is really pissing me off. Soon enough I promise to take this blog to the happy fairytale land as you know it. As y'all know, I failed my last math test. Math obviously does not come easy to me. I am great at a lot of other things, but not math.

This class could be the beginning or the end of the next chapter of my life. If I don't pass, I will not be able to continue to my goal. With that being said, I would like to go off about the punks in my class.

Aside from the instructor who appears to be in his 60's, I am the eldest of all the students. I probably have a 15 year lead on the next oldest student. The rest are young punks. Fresh out of high school. Unfortunately I have to take day classes because it is easier for me to go when the kids are in school. I'm sure that the night classes have more adults in them.

Regardless, here is the situation... The instructor is very nice. He is very polite, and has tried many times to get the punks to 1. stay there for the entire class time, and 2. keep the side conversations to a minimum. After all of his efforts, many of the students are coming in late (like 20 minutes late), leaving early (one even said he was hungry as he dragged his feet, carrying his punk ass out of the class), carrying on loud conversations, and disrupting the rest of the class. I'm not talking quiet banter here. They are really causing a problem.

Then there is me. 37 y/o (there I said it), mother of 2, on her third attempt with this class. I don't have the luxury of getting a do over. This is it. At this rate, things aren't going well (hopefully todays quiz will be a turn around), and I have no choice but to try harder. That means that I totally can not let myself get confused with what he is doing or saying. It is virtually impossible with the crap that is carried on in that room.

I'm not saying that I would like to sit in a library, but these kids are disrespectful and pompous. Yet as I sit there, I desperately want them to shut the hell up! I don't have the luxury of doing this again, but obviously I can't do that.

I keep telling myself to just keep going, tune them out, and just keep trying harder. But part of me wants something done about it.

That's my .02 cents for the day. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Money.

I may have mentioned it before, but if not... Emily bowls with my mom and the other kids on a Sunday morning league. It is a lot of fun for them, and they are getting to be pretty good bowlers.

Today while I was there a young girl that was with them, started going through the Target Ad. She then proceeded to go on and on about all the things she wants. For instance, Target has the Ipod Nano 8gb for $145. She wants it. Forget the fact that she just received the iPod Shuffle for Christmas. I thought she told me her parents gave her the iPod, but as it turns out Santa did. I am so bothered by what she said. She now wants the Ipod Nano. Regardless of the fact that her Shuffle has been in her possession for about 60 days.

I'm bothered because her parents both lost their jobs last year. Her father was out of work for almost a complete year and has luckily found work at a warehouse recently. Her mom is still out of work. They do the best they can to provide for their kids and are just getting by. Santa giving her this iPod basically tells me that he gave it to her because maybe her parents couldn't afford it. Yet she is constantly WANTING more and more things. Maybe this doesn't bother her parents at all, but it makes me sick to my stomach.

Now I look at my own children. My parents did the best they could while I was growing up and I never learned how to "save" money. In this society of instant gratification, we buy whatever it is our hearts desire. We still save money, but many people wouldn't be in the predicament they are in now, if they had learned this major life skill.

Emily has holes in her pockets. If she has a quarter, sure enough it will go into a vending machine. If she has a dime or nickel, she will blow it at the school spirit store. She can't save money to save her life, and I don't know how to teach her how important it is. As parents, we try very hard to not let the kids feel the negative impacts of the economy, as we felt them for most of our lives. I guess this is why we are all now an instant gratification society!

Regardless, I am totally stumped as to how to teach my kids about saving money. They need to know WHY they are doing it, rather than for me to force them to put half of their money in the bank when they just don't understand. I am so bothered by this whole thing today. The kids just want, want, want, and when they get what they want, it isn't good enough and they want more.

While there is nothing I can do about this other little girl, I can do something about my own kids. But the thing is... what? How do I teach them something I was never really taught? Please post your thoughts and comments. I'm am racking my brains on this one.

Reincarnation

Have you ever heard someone say, "When I come back, I want to be a cat". If I had a nickel for every time I've heard this, I'd be.... well I'd have about a buck-fifty, but anyway.

Charlie.

He is huge. In fact it has been said that his body looks like a boulder and his head looks like a dot. I don't get it. Charlie & Pumpkin have been eating Iam's weight management cat food, they've eaten canned cat food, low fat cat food, food with herbs in it. You name it, they've eaten it.

Dennis is starting to think he will need to take out the cat door that leads to the basement. He's thought about tracing a basketball onto the door, then cutting it out... for Charlie to fit through it. He's that big. The other day, Den went downstairs to play his drums. When he started pounding away, Charlie shot up the stairs like an elephant, running through the door - which wasn't all the way closed, and got stuck. So instead of being able to go through the door, the door swung open hitting the garage door with a cat stuck half way through it. Two Ton Tessie had to be "rescued".

After all my feeble attempts at feline weight reduction, I called the vet and made his appointment. After pouring dear ole chuck into the carrier feet first, I carried it by the bottom, for fear of the handle breaking off.

26 pounds. I know Miranda, he doesn't compare to your kitty, but this dear fuzzy feline weighs half of what my son weighs. After being hauled to the lab area for a lab draw, dear ole' Chuck was brought back.

Canned cat food said the doc. Any kind of canned cat food and as much as he wants to eat. Fresh water and she'll call tomorrow with the lab results. Chuck is officially on the "Catkins" diet.

Reincarnation. If you wanted to come back as a cat, how would you feel if your favorite past-time of eating and sleeping suddenly got thrown out the window. Your mindless grazing of kibble suddenly came to an end, and you were FORCED into a weight loss routine. At this moment, I'm willing to bet that dear ole tons o' fun wishes he had thumbs.

Results are In

I failed my math test. :o(

I am NOT giving up. I am NOT throwing in the towel. Some things come easy for some people. Some things are harder for others. I WILL pass this class. Failure is NOT an option. I will pass.

Now I have to go do my homework.

The Bet

This is Chase. My "honorary nephew".

Chase has been wearing the same look on his face since fall.

The look on his face will hopefully turn into a smile on

10.03.2009

Can you guess why?

We Interrupt This Program...

Hey folks, I have a math test on Thursday. I'm taking algebra... AGAIN because I never understood it, therefore never could pass the class. I'm working hard and studying so that I can do well.

I'll post as soon as I can. Wish me luck! Send good Karma!

Ted

In our old neighborhood, we knew a total of 4 neighbors in the 4 year span that we lived there. That was pretty bad considering it was a normal city block where the houses are jammed together.

Once we moved into Macomb, we knew almost every neighbor on our street within a week. There are about 14 houses on our street and we know almost every family.

Two people that I really like are Ted & Lucy. They are probably in their late 50's and are polish. Ted keeps his lawn meticulous. In fact he mows in his bare feet. I once asked him if he was worried about stepping on something, like a bee's nest, which of course he replied "no". The first time I saw Ted, I immediately thought of my Dad. Ted works for GM, and wears the same uniform that my Dad wore for so many years.

He is always outside doing something, whether it be to his house or lawn. He also rolls his lawn with a huge roller filled with water, which my dad has also done. On one occasion, I borrowed it after the spring thaw, to roll the ruts out of the lawn. It worked like a charm.

Ted and Lucy mostly keep to themselves, but any conversations with them are usually always good ones. One year however, I noticed there was no activity at their house for an extended amount of time. I started to worry. For people that we normally see every couple days, there was nothing. The lawn remained untouched and there were no signs of life. Finally I saw Lucy outside, and I went over there. I told her that I was very worried (although whatever or where ever they were, remained none of my business). She was pleasantly surprised that someone noticed. They had gone to Poland for a vacation. A day or two after they arrived, her Dad passed away. They remained in Poland longer than originally planned. I felt so bad for her.

Regardless, a year or two has passed. Today it's warm out. I'm ready. I am so ready for this snow to be gone that I am half tempted to shovel the lawn off. But instead, I decided to go out and clear the areas around the drains in front of our house. Our drain was already clear, as it lays directly in front of our mailbox. Across the street however, the drain was hidden. I grabbed a gardening tool and went to work. I was diligently working at the snow and ice, trying to locate the drain, when Ted came out to his mailbox. We then talked for a few minutes, then he too decided to take up the cause. Locating the one in front of his house was of special interest to both of us. Within minutes, we found it.

We continued with tools in hand, cutting rivers through the ice, watching the melted snow rush into the drains. It was the most therapeutic hour I've had all week. At first I'm sure Ted thought I was nuts, but then when we started working together, the conversations started as well. We talked about work, school, the economy, why everyone should speak English (which this foreigner not only brought up, but agrees to). We talked about the kitten he found in his engine compartment, and how Dennis took it to the Humane Society this winter. We talked about how the neighborhood used to look before 400 ash trees were leveled to the ground. Most have planted something new. We chose a silver maple, while he went for an oak.

I am sure this post has probably bored you to tears, but for me, I feel so much better having spent the time clearing the drains today. If not for the snow to make a quicker exit, but more for time working with Ted... which is like being with Dad.

Money

So on the Comcast.com web page, the woman in California who gave birth to octuplets spoke out about it. She said she had 6 embryo's implanted via invitro. They also went on to say that she has been criticized because she is single, unemployed and already has six children.

My question is... If she is unemployed, who paid for the invitro? I thought that was very expensive.

Another Day in Paradise

Grab your seats, I'm 2.2 seconds from going on a screaming rampage.

Emily is sick. Strike that. Emily AND now Greg too... are both sick. This makes for horrendous illness #3 in this house for these kids.. this winter alone. Let's not lose sight of the 2 boughts of stomach flu prior to Christmas.

Emily went to a birthday party on Saturday, and spent the night. Sunday, I went to pick her up and the birthday girl's mom (who happens to be a friend of mine) told me that 2 girls went home sick. One had asthma issues and the other had a fever. Instantly I thought GREAT - because it is inevitable that my kids will catch it.

Monday evening, Emily was up all night with a horrendous stomach ache. Tuesday morning she felt better, but was exhausted. We let her go to school at lunchtime. (Because she was symptom-free). 3:15 we pick her up and guess who has a fever.

Last night Emily woke us up at 3:30 with the most awful cough, and raspy breathing I had ever heard come out of that child. I literally can see how parents would panic as I almost was myself. I grabbed my stethescope and listened to her lungs. No wheezing. It was coming from her throat, not her lungs. But again... she had a fever. This morning I made the appt and took her to the doctor. Diagnosis: Influenza. Luckily she is in the window for Tamiflu.

About 2 minutes after we got in the door, the school called. Guess who is in the office with a headache?! YEP. Greg.

I picked him up and brought him home. Temp of 101.4. He's now in his pajamas, camped out on the futon, with a shot of motrin in his tummy.

So here is what I'm pissed about...

The girl at the party with the fever... just spent the week with her entire family sick. She was the exception last week... until she went to the birthday party. Now Emily has it, Greg probably has it, Dennis is praying his flu shot works, and I'm wishing I had gotten one. Instead I am pounding down spoonfuls of that healthy liquid I told you about last time.

I FEEL SO DEFEATED!! We are a busy family! We have things going on almost every day and don't have time for people to be inconsiderate! I give my kids probiotics religiously so that they won't get gastritis again. They take a multivitamin daily. I make sure they are eating all the colors of the rainbow, but not in the form of junk! WTF PEOPLE!!!

As I sit here, I'm feeling sort of strange, myself. Is my stomach turning because of something I ate? Why is my neck sore? Why am I so tired?... probably because I'm nuts! The thing is, I have class tomorrow. 5% extra credit for good attendance. I don't have time to be sick. My family does not have time to be sick.

And people need to be fricken considerate of others health! Now I get to hold vigil with tylenol and motrin over my very sick children, praying they get better as soon as possible, and although I have been against the flu shot - mark my words. We are ALL getting one next year!

DAMN!!!

Mikey's Cup of Coffee

My friend Mike used to do a newsletter where he worked. From what I have read on facebook, it must have been something pretty cool, as people want him to start it up again.

At the urging of a person that shall remain anonymous, he has a blog now! Visit the link on the right under "Blogs I Stalk". He's a very funny, quirky and intelligent. I'm sure we're all going to enjoy his musings.

Are You Ready?

I am starting to equate the digital transition commercials to the political ones prior to the election. I'm sick of them. If people aren't ready for the transition, then they will move their asses once they can't watch tv. Enough already! It's a waste of perfectly good air space.