THE Adventure

Flashback

2008-08-02T14:51:00.002-04:00

Hey folk. I know I owe updates and such, but too busy at the moment. This will have to do for the now.
Had to get out my thumb drive the other day to search for some old work files, and I found this picture.
WICKED CUTE kid! :) He's my kid. A reptile party from years ago.

Bag the Space for Guests

2008-07-12T19:25:00.002-04:00

Happy Saturday evening. Andrew has been gone for 2.5 weeks now, and I'm finally relaxed enough to start my summer projects. I was so wicked spent when he left, that I'm sure I'm still making up sleep and downtime. Today, however, I was able to accomplish a chore that needed to be done since the overnight temperature was consistently above freezing. The guest room. During the winter, my bed has flannel sheets, so the guest bed gets flannel sheets also. What is good for me is definitely good for my guests. ;) Good friend John might be staying over during his visit in a couple of weeks. Depends on if I feel like schlepping him down to Nashua that night or sucking it up and taking him down to Manch early Monday morning. He's a pilot, so his flight probably won't leave without him.....

Anyway, the guest room. I got a wild hair to do the winter clothes storage thing. A must with teeny-weeny closets. Space Bags threw themselves at me one day at Linens n Things. What is it about those things???? A couple of months ago, I sang the virtues of the space bag when I stored winter bedding. About a week after that, I went through my closet pulling out all the winter items needing to be bagged into space. And there they have sat. Natasha loved the extra nap nestling.

Today, finally got my stuff sucked up and ready for storage. Bed remade with "summer" sheets. It's all good.

Crazy is What Crazy Does

2008-06-26T20:33:00.002-04:00

Boyhowdy things have been wicked busy around here lately! Thought things would start to settle down once Andrew left for San Diego. Yeah. Right.

Last day of school was Thursday. It was supposed to have been Wednesday, but we used an extra snow day, so it was Thursday. Thank Gawd!

Friday, Andrew went to Action Club for a couple of hours, then a dentist appointment, then lunch with Mom at work, then to a friend's house. I was able to get some work done in-between shuttles and appts.

Saturday was his Rookie Round Robin. He got an in-park Grand Slam!!! :) It was a great hit! Ball soared over all the kids' heads to the way back of the field!

Saturday was also his start of summer bbq. Experiencing day 2 of allergies gone wild, I could barely get out of my own way. I came very close to calling off the bbq, but I knew Andrew would be very upset if that happened. Fabulous friend Michael came over and pretty much got the thing going. Dare I say I'm forever in his debt? Probably not if he ever reads this, he'll hold me to it..... ;) I was so out of it in fact that as I was devouring my delicious turkey burger, I didn't realise until the last bite, that I had eaten a bun. A non-gluten free bun!! ACK! Immediate run upstairs for preventatives. BBQ was fun. Good times seemed to have been had by all.

Sunday, woke up even more sinusy miserable than the day before. No rest for the wicked. Off to the Red Sox game! Once we got to Lisa's parent's house, she drove to the commuter rail station, and it continued all someone else driving. I made it to our seats, and with the exception of musical seats by the boys, I sat in my seat unless I HAD to get up. We did not stay for all 13 innings, thankyouverymuch. We listened to the rest of the game on the ride home. Another good game & day.

Monday, I let someone else to ALL the driving. We walked to the train station and Amtrak'd it into Boston where we spent a fabulous day at the Museum of Science. On the way home, Andrew (starrrrrving) discovered he likes peanuts. "Yeah! They taste like they have peanut butter in them!"

Tuesday was supposed to be a day of rest before heading, yet again, to Boston. At Friday's dentist appointment, we found out he needed to get some fillings redone. Oh yeah. During all this fun of the past several days, Natasha had "tummy problems" where all the washable rugs had been washed numerous times, and are no longer on the floor. I finally got a sample to take to the vet. That errand was done prior to the dentist. (I found out I "get" to pill her twice a day for 10 days.....) Back from the dentist. Spent some time getting to the Pro level of Wii Bowling, then Andrew in the shower, packing, and off to Logan. All was running smoothly, and his plane was almost next in line to take off when a monsoon, that's what I'm going with, hit the airport. The runway was closed. It was about another hour before his plane finally took off. I saw what I thought was his plane take off, so I went to the Customer Service counter near the gate (parents/guardians of unaccompanied minors have to stay at the airport until the plane is airborne) and asked if the flight to San Diego had taken off yet. This woman clearly wasn't aware her job was to be friendly and helpful to customers. Her response was "I don't know. The ramp is closed and no flights are taking off or landing." I said, "really because I've just watched about a half dozen take off and land." She shrugged and went back to examining her fingernails. The set of grandparents with whom I had bonded during the typhoon were able to confirm the actual departure of the kids' flight, and we all left. Whew..... Do I even go into the circus of figuring out if Miche & I could meet for a brief cup of coffee? Nah, too convoluted and exhausting. Andrew landed safely in San Diego, and I attempted a good night's sleep.

Not such a good attempt. I went out to a lovely dinner with a friend once I got back home, and my guess is either the scallops were bad, or some hidden wheat infiltrated my meal. NO sleep from about 2:00am on, and FIVE Imodiums.... UGH.

Wednesday evening at the salon to cover my grays. Quick visit with friends, then home for yet another attempt of a good night's sleep.

Nope. Couldn't get to sleep forever, then once I did, couldn't stay asleep. Acupuncture after work, and am now hoping to sleep well. We shall see. Stay tuned.......

HENH?????

2008-06-18T21:09:00.002-04:00

What is the purpose of hemorrhoids. Seriously. Is there one? I'm going with no, unless it is for pure annoyance....

Good Question(s)

2008-06-17T09:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning:
Andrew: "Mom, if we have two eyes, why do we only see one thing?"
Me: "We see many things. I see that you are not getting dressed."
A: "NO! I mean we have two eyes, why do we see only ONE thing??"
Me: "I still see only one of you not getting dressed."
A: "MOMMMMM! We have two eyes. There is only one you, one tv, one cat - well two cats, but they are different."
Me: "Good question."

Yes, I am comfortable in my own skin, so this is not really whining. I hope....
I nurture Andrew, the cats, plants, house, yard, etc. Who nurtures me?

This could be its own post titled Cat Crap Fever.
Today is trash day, so I cleaned the litter boxes yesterday. So, why then, did I wake up this morning to cat crap on the rugs in the dirt room?
Guess I nurture the laundry also.....

It's Inevitable

2008-06-08T20:56:00.003-04:00

The couple times my Granddad lived with us during my formative years, I would chuckle (ok, heckle) at how, during baseball season, he would regularly sit in his chair, "watch" (i.e. listen) to the Royals games, and promptly fall asleep. I'd think to myself "sheesh! old people!" Well, apparently, I am old. I'm not watching the Royals nor living under my kid's roof - as it is MY roof, but I do have my chair, and I thoroughly enjoy relaxing there watching the Red Sox. Frequently, Andrew will crawl up on my lap, and we cuddle during the games. Yes, sometimes I do nod off. Routines are routines no matter the age or team. :)

Credit Awareness

2008-06-06T17:25:00.001-04:00

Got home this afternoon to a recorded message about possible fraudulent charges on one of my credit cards. I called right away. Someone pretending to be me charged up $520 worth on ralphlauren website. Now, I love that designer, but I am in absolutely NO position to spend frivolously. Account was canceled. Went to log into my online account, and that account no longer shows. Called Customer Service and was told once the account is canceled, it will disappear from online viewing. One thing that caught my attention was the website telling me my last log on was this morning at 10:08. Um. No. I was bored at work, but did not look at personal account other than bank. I changed my User ID as well as password. I am now on a crusade to change all online user names (where I can) and passcodes. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check your credit card charges NOW! Thankfully Chase has a withit fraud department. Or, maybe I was delusional today and ordered a fancy new outfit for the weekend. Nope. Wasn't THAT bored. ;)

HUNH

2008-06-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

Thought I was wicked smaht. Perhaps not. So unable to figure out the "features" of my new mobile. And, No Mother, I did not pay this much for it. I have connections..... ;)

Helping friends of a friend

2008-05-29T11:04:00.002-04:00

Some of us have been in this situation, and thankfully/mercifully, many of us have not.
Posting as requested if you are able to help.
Thanks.

In Due Time

2008-05-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

So much has happened since Andrew & I returned from our weekend with family. What to say. What to say.... First of all. Jenny rocks!!!!

Still questioning the love of the universe. Logan Airport facilities was organised by angels. 8 year old boys should not be allowed to touch anything, nor should they be allowed to take team ballcaps out of town. Bacon grease burns like a muthah, and Beth is the Goddess of all that is first aide! Still no blisters.

Started this blog how many days ago. Again. Lots has happened. Andrew is doing his evil vs devil dance that he so frequently does since he returned from spring break. Tonight, he redeemed himself from his evility of last eve.

A friendly colleague (not really a friend, but always fun in the office) died of a massive heart attack on Saturday. He was only 52. We are hoping it was after his daughter's college graduation ceremony. Gerry was totally irreverent, yet kept us all real. He could be a pain in the arse, but always with good measure. Just a year ago, he lost his son in a car crash. This year, we lost him. I guess it is our loss, as he is now with his son. He cherished all three of his kids. I digress. Lisa & I went to the service. Full Catholic Mass. Having turned the page from religious to spiritual eons ago, I have to say that I squirmed in my seat more than a few times - even in between the up/down/up/downs that is a catholic mass. The service was lovely, and I hope Gerry approved. Former colleague Paul sang a wonderful rendition of some eagle soaring and mountain top song. Apparently, it is quite popular at Catholic funeral services. Anyway, several weeks ago, Andrew & I attended a charming service at the West Unity Methodist Church. It was a bit on the evangelical side, yet was very welcoming and comforting. It had me wondering if maybe I should be looking for a church in or near Exeter for Andrew & I to join. Then today. Maybe it was just this church, or this minister/priest. Who knows, but I do have to say I felt like a 2nd class peasant. This is after feeling like, eventhough we were all there supposedly to celebrate in Gerry's life, we were being preached to about the symbols of Christ (nothing whatsoever about living a christian life). At the start of Communion, the priest said all catholics are welcome to partake. Non-catholics can be blessed if they so chose, but only by him as only priests are allowed to bless people. He instructed those infidels to go into a separate line and to cross their arms over their chests as a symbol of not being worthy of communion. Now, I've been to many a non-catholic service and partook in communion - no separate lines or arm chest crossing. West Unity as an example. Didn't partake there as it was real glutenous bread, and I was still dealing with my inner conflict (still not sure who has won yet.....)
All this being said, I'm not sure what to say anymore. What I thought was good might not be, and what I thought I should avoid, maybe I shouldn't. I don't live my life in a 'shoulda-woulda-coulda' way at all. Still, the universe makes ya wonder what it's all about. I'm sure we'll all find out in due time.
Sweet dreams Gerry. I've got printer watch from now on.

Preview of how the weekend went

2008-05-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

Waiting at the gate for our flight to board.
A: "Mom, do you have balls?"
N: "No."
A: "Balls like the ones I have?" As he continues hitting himself with his bottle of apple juice.
N: "No. I do not have balls."

Mother's Day

2008-05-15T17:49:00.002-04:00

Right. So it's Thursday, and I'm blogging about Sunday. Ya got three sets of photos with a few words in each on Sunday, so the timing works.....
Saturday night, Andrew had a sleep over at a friend's house. I went out to dinner with a friend. Entertaining evening for all.
Got up Sunday morning in time to pick up Andrew at the, so I thought, agreed upon time of 10:00. I was first told, by the friend's sister to come back at 1:00. The mom told me noon. Back home I go to work on the garage.
Leave again a few minutes before noon for 2nd pick-up attempt. Grandfather of friend tells me the boys just went swimming, and he will bring Andrew home around 2:00. Sounds good to me. I went back to attacking the garage.
Around 2:30, Andrew is deposited home. All he wants to do is go inside and watch tv. With the exception of swimming, he'd been inside all day and the previous evening playing Play Station, so some outdoor time would do him good. Still being the ungrateful child - much longer vacation deprogramming this time - he fought me every breath. Even when I reminded him about it being Mother's Day. OH! At the 10:00 pick-up, I went over to Andrew and gave him a peck on the cheek, and asked him if he has anything to say to me. "Hi." "Thanks." "See you later." Finally, his friend leaned over and whispered "Happy Mother's Day." Andrew reluctantly repeated. I thanked the friend, and left.
The week has been wicked busy with appointments, baseball games, chores, and general getting ready to leave town stuff. Tonight is 3rd grade parental orientation at the other elementary school (yes, there are two. K-2 and 3-5), so packing will be done late.
Enjoy whatever it is you are doing. See you tomorrow Mom.

After - finally

2008-05-11T15:14:00.002-04:00

Two blue bags, leaf/debris bag, and two piles of twined cardboard. Found two usable Rubbermaid totes and both of my sprinklers. I'm spent. Now, if Andrew will just allow me time to relax......

During

2008-05-11T11:42:00.002-04:00

Outside is only half the crap from the left bay.

Before

2008-05-11T10:15:00.003-04:00

First - Happy Mother's Day!

Now - these are the before pics of my garage. Today's project.

Universal Time

2008-05-10T10:21:00.003-04:00

Last night, Andrew's class had a sleep over at the school. His teacher does this every year with her 2nd graders. It's a big end of year treat. Reading under the auspice of fun. When my friend Lisa found out I get a night to myself with no sitter involved, she was horrified to learn I had actually volunteered to help with a portion of the evening. I volunteered for snacks. Tough assignment..... Another Mom & I met around 8:15. I was out of there by 8:45. During the set up and tear down, other volunteer mom & I were discussing what we were going to do with the rest of our evening. I said I was meeting a friend for drinks. She said she is staying over with the kids because, "it's too early to go out and do anything." Clearly, this woman is not only under 40, but under 30. 9:00pm??? Too early to go out?? That's like almost bedtime! ;)
Today is baseball picture day and then baseball game. Food shopping, other errands, then attempted quiet time before taking Andrew to a friend's house for yet another sleep over. Maybe the universe is starting to like me after all......

Balancing

2008-05-08T09:12:00.002-04:00

Ok, so figure I should post something happy and positive to balance the rant from the other day. Don't really feel like it since my bedside table attacked me in the middle of the night giving me a matching goose egg from the coffee table attack. Whatever.

Spring is here. Tulips are beautiful, and hostas are on their way. :)

How do we know

2008-05-06T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hello folk.
Been pondering this for a few days, and need to get it out of my head once and for all.
How do we know if we are doing the right things for the right people? I'm a giver my nature. I don't expect anything in return, and always appreciate a lovely gesture either in return, or just because. Since I'm a giver, I'm questioning if I'm giving the right stuff to the wrong people and the wrong stuff to the right people? How do I know what the right stuff is? How do I know who are the right people and who are the wrong people? Sometimes I can tell the wrong person because when I give something, it is received in such a way like the person expected nothing less. They were not necessarily appreciative. It's like, "well yeah, I deserve this because I deserve all, and when do I get more?" Those folks I've pretty much tagged and avoid whenever possible. But what about people I consider good friends, and whom I'm under the impression also consider me a good friend? I give because I want to, not because I want things in return, so when I give something - whether it be time, support, an actual item, etc - and the person is just non-chalant about it, I have to wonder "am I doing the right thing for the right person?" Then people whom I find totally deserving, I feel inadequate in giving anything. Again, these are not material possessions. It could be time, running an errand, making a phone call, giving a hug, etc. Things like that. Because I give to give, I don't stick around waiting for anything in return except maybe a 'thank you'. Are my standards too high? Do I expect too much from people? Especially whom I consider good friends? Oh, and what makes a friend a 'good' friend, and not just a 'friend friend'? I'm at a loss folk. Last week was a good learning experience for me. With the exception of a wee group of people, I spent the majority of my week alone. One person in particular whom I'm questioning the "good friend" status played the part of the good friend, and we've all been told "Actions speak louder than words", but what then, when actions contradict each other? Huh? Again, I'm at a complete loss. The universe still hates me. Just in case I had started to forget, it reminded me this evening when I whacked my head on the coffee table bending down to get my address book from under my chair. Nice goose-egg should greet me in the morning. FU&K the universe. FU&K selfish undeserving people.
I'm done with my rant. For now.

Yep. Gotta Do It

2008-05-04T11:07:00.003-04:00

Morning folk. 48 degrees and rainy. Still a lovely day because......
ANDREW COMES HOME TODAY!!!!!
Also, I realised that I must, must, must do my daily nasal regime (regiment??). Forgot to do it this morning, and quickly noticed that, yeah, it does help!
Breathing is good.
No sinus headaches is good.
It's all good.
Did I mention Andrew comes home today!!! :)

What I Love

2008-05-03T21:35:00.002-04:00

Andrew coming home tomorrow.
Me time
Space bags
Good friends - where ever you may be.
Aveda
Wine
Common sense
Honesty
Most of my family ;)
My house
New Hampshire
New England
Sleep
Clean
Andrew

A Many Splended Allergens

2008-04-27T12:00:00.003-04:00

Decided that I'm done self diagnosing and self medicating with the sinus issues. The acupuncture is helping keep migraines at bay (with today as an exception......). Went to an allergist last week. Results and homework:
House/Dust mites - moderate
Tree Pollen (Oak, Beech) - moderate
Animals (dog, rodents) - mild
Nose treatments:Mucinex-D - 1 in AM and another at 2:00pm
Zyrtec - 1 x dayNasal spray - 4 squirts 4xday
Surgilube - 4 sniffs 4xday
Nasonex - 2 squirts 1xday
NasalCrom - 2 squirts 2xday (then stand on my head for 30 seconds)
All of the above with frequent nose blows
Food journal
Follow-up appt in a month
ACK.
So, I have spent most of the first few days of no-kid freedom ridding my house of bug poop. Cats are helping in that Shadow's digestive system is adjusting to being an outdoor cat, and Natasha had vaccines last week which so do not agree with her tummy. Off to buy a spot carpet/rug shampooer.
Rainy day is good for this!

First Day of Freedom

2008-04-26T10:18:00.006-04:00

Mornin' folk! Today is the first full day of freedom. Andrew's plane took off without a hitch, he made it the 6 hours and 10 minutes flying solo. I'm hoping to get the full story today about the flight. When he called last night, he was in loud baggage claim, and I was in a loud bar. Still, I knew he was safe in San Diego. Apparently, I get to have some words with American Airlines since Andrew's father was unable to find an AA rep to get his security clearance to go to the gate. Thankfully, Patrick was able to find an understanding soul with common sense to give this man a pass to be at the gate to meet his 8 year old son! Would the gate agent/flight attendant have had a field day with that if the only unaccompanied minor had no one to meet him at the gate. I for one, do not need the flashbacks thankyouverymuch.

Beautiful sunshiney day! Off to the dum-uh-her transfer station to dump last week's leaf collection, then down to Aveda to get my double points, then off to other destinations for more fun!! YAY!

A Good Answer

2008-04-24T08:24:00.002-04:00

Thank you wonderful Australian friend!

Dr Suess' answer: Just why does Nancy blog? Is it because she hasn't a dog or is it that she's in a fog?

Dr Phil's answer: What we have here is a classic example of Nancy trying to come to terms with her inner demons. What she has to realise is that her blogging is merely a substitute for her need to spend more time in France...

George W Bush's answer: We don't really care why Nancy blogs. There is no middle ground here - she is either blogging for us or against us.

JFK's answer: Ich bin ein blogger so you can be one too.

Bill Clinton's answer: I did not blog with that woman.

A Cup is a Cup is a Cup

2008-04-23T19:43:00.002-04:00

There is a cup at the top of my stairs. Not a coffee cup, or a tea cup, or anything refined like that. It is an athletic cup. Welcome to baseball season. Let the bongos begin.

It's hot. The weather, not the cup. I think the flannel sheets need to come off the bed soon.......

Something New

2008-04-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

Hello folks. Just added a link that allows you to subscribe to my blog. Not that anyone ever reads this, but for the one or two to randomly search, and those who accidentally end up here, and find something of mild amusement, you can now be reminded......
Happy Earth Day.

WTF????

2008-04-17T09:08:00.003-04:00

Is it just me, or was just about every single car from the seacoast in Exeter this morning? Or did it seem like more cars because of the genius who scheduled road maintenance at 8:00 in the morning RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL? Come on people, this is a small town. We all know when school starts. Let's not schedule road-blocking non-emergency work before 8:30 on a school day. This isn't rocket surgery you know.....

What to do

2008-04-15T21:31:00.002-04:00

Kid needs stuff for baseball. First practice is tomorrow (don't even get me started on the mid-week 3:30 start time....). Town sporting goods store closes at 5:30. It is currently 5:20. You've had a long day and work, and just want to go home. The weekly sitter is not available this evening. You take kid to store to get needed baseball gear. He pitches a fit about neeeeeding a golf club. You say no. Store associate says they do not sell golf equipment. Thank you store associate!! Subject matter not over. Kid demands you take him to another store that is still open so he can get his neeeeeded golf club. Again, you say no. He hits you. In the store, in front of the sales associate. You are in shock! Your kid just hit you! Baseball shoes and pants are required, so you pay for that and start to head out the door. Kid has disappeared. You holler. Another sales associate says she has not seen or heard him. Did he go in the stock room? Hiding in the basketball section? You yell first and middle name. He appears. He runs out the door and attempts to hide outside. You immediately see him. You both safely get to the car, and safely get home. He becomes Amish for the evening, and complains of being bored. You reiterate how UNacceptable hitting is. He pouts, and starts his suck-up routine. You see it for what it is. Ignore it, fix dinner, and continue with your evening as best you can. What the hell else can you do??? Can't hit him for hitting you! What example would that set? A bad one. Kids lose privileges. Thinks it's not fair, yet manages to eat, get clean, and go to bed. Such is a hard life for kids these days. Had you ever done this when you were 8, you wouldn't be able to sit for months. Sheesh.....

Why oh why

2008-04-11T20:34:00.003-04:00

Ok, for the maybe one of you who've read on a somewhat regular basis, you may recall a blog from many moons ago regarding unrequited. It sucks. Hopefully not the blog, but the unrequited itself that sucks. Why are feelings still so strong after so much time? Why are the feelings unrequited? Why am I unable just to "let this go"? Now, it appears, we are buddies. Just buddies. Total beer drinking, platonic buddies. whooopdeedooo. Go away feelings! If you are of absolutely no positive use, just go the f&ck away! If there is no hope - which has been made painfully clear to me there is none - then feelings, seriously go the f&ck away! This sucks.
Oh, and the "Crazy Cat Lady" mugs are even currently out of stock. What's a girl to do???

Smile and Be Honest

2008-04-09T17:44:00.002-04:00

The other night at a jewelry party, the ladies were discussing how to get out of a speeding ticket. Smile and be honest was the most successful theory. That theory was put to use last evening when friend & I were on our way to dinner. The last known speed sign I saw was 40 mph. Flashing blue lights behind me made me think otherwise. After the "license and registration please", the required question was asked, "do you know why I pulled you over?". Putting my new lesson to work, I chuckled and said, "I'm going to go with I missed a speed reduction sign.". She said I actually missed two. She took my license, sat in her car for half the evening, then came back to my car. "The speed limit is 30. Please slow down and have a good evening." Yes, I then thanked and police officer who had pulled me over.

Growl and be honest:
Received a call from a recruiter this evening asking what my current employment situation is like because he has an opportunity. I said, "where", and he said, "Kansas City." I said no thank you as I am located in New England. He asked if I would be willing to commute. Deep breath, then I said "um, that would be a bit far." How was this dude able to dial the phone????

Happy Wednesday.

So, Ya Say It's Your Birthday

2008-04-03T20:22:00.001-04:00

Well, goody two-shoes to you. To the rest of the universe, I say BITE ME!
Enlightenment my ass.

Crabby Tiger Hiddeous Dragon

2008-04-02T20:31:00.002-04:00

So, this is post 100. On the eve of my birth. Whoopdeedoo.
The universe really hates me &/or Murphy has had too much caffeine, and is freakin wide awake. I'm wondering if this evening is so shitty just so that when tomorrow is just a normal ho-hum day, I can say to myself, "self, at least it was better than yesterday." Whatevah.
Andrew has perfected the evil side of being 8. Bugger. Again, good thing he is cute.
Well, litter boxes are clean. Dinner dishes are done. Cats have found their nightly nesting nooks. One ice hockey game and two baseball games on, yet the tv is off. I'm going to my cave. Yes, I'm a heterosexual female. I'm totally PMSing.
Here's to hoping/wishing I wake up tomorrow much wiser and mellow...

The Younger Generation

2008-03-31T18:59:00.002-04:00

"Ooooh! That's SIC!!! You know Mom, 'sic' means cool. Not sick like you are sick." And to what was my enlightened eight year old referring???? Michael Jackson video. Thriller. Is this the true meaning of recycle? He also acknowledged that Sir Michael looked better back before he looked weird. How do you answer the question of an eight year old when asked why someone gets so much surgery? Does he keep me young, or enhance the gray hairs? It's a good thing he's cute. The eight year old that is......

The Price of Being a Mom

2008-03-30T18:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Andrew & I ran errands. How exciting for him. Barber shop, hardware store, post office, then BJ's (like Costco's but less pretentious). BJ's was a mad house. When I do make the pilgrimage, I normally go during the week in the evening. Much more civilised time to do bulk junque shopping. Not on a Saturday afternoon with a very active 8 year old.
Today, he went over to a friend's house to play. Thus.....
Going to BJ's on a Saturday afternoon: insanity
Going to BJ's on a Saturday with an 8 year old: complete insanity
Having your kid play at a friend's house for 3.5 hours on a Sunday: Priceless

What month is it?

2008-03-28T08:44:00.002-04:00

Snow. Lots of it. Not enough to delay/close school or anything. Thankfully, after four continuous months - and a day or two of warm temps - the town & ground have it all under control. No lights in the office however..... Anyway, some parts of New Hampster have/will receive about 8 inches. We at the coast have received about 3. It's the wet sticky icky heavy to shovel kind. It's really pretty tho! :)

Brilliant

2008-03-19T21:42:00.003-04:00

During a mad game of Apples to Apples Jr, the quote was:
"If I was a dork, I'd know more about computers."
Okaaaaay.......

Straight from the horses mouth

2008-03-19T15:32:00.003-04:00

Hannah decided she wanted straighten my hair. She did a great job.

We picked up Andrew from school. He saw my hair and said that it looks like Hannah's. Hannah & I both said we like it, and it looks nice. Andrew said that I don't look like his mom, and anyway, my hair will get messy in bed. HUH???

To all of northern New England

2008-03-10T20:28:00.002-04:00

Saw this on a friend's myspace page. Too perfect! :)

Andrew's Sick Day

2008-03-10T10:55:00.002-04:00

Fevers come and go. Being 8 years old and having the talent to control said fever is incredible. Fever started Friday afternoon and continued until late Saturday afternoon. Then fever again Sunday afternoon until Monday morning after all phone calls and emails were sent to the necessary people. I'm working remotely so that I am able to bill a few hours for the day. Taking a break, I go downstairs to see how el sicko is doing.
Me, "Andrew, how are you? What may I bring you?"
Andrew, "Fine. Um. I think I could use some popcorn." (n.b. he's had a sore throat....)
Me, "You've already popped it."
Andrew, "Yes."
Me, "Did you leave the empty box in the pantry?"
Andrew, "Uh. Yeah. Wow! You know everything!!!"
Me, "Yes I do. I'm a Mom. It's a gift."

Life's too short...

2008-03-08T09:51:00.002-05:00

...for many things.
Eating bad cheese.
Having flaky friends.
Making bad decisions.
Drinking bad wine.
Yes, a cliche, but oh so true. As my friend Jenny frequently blogs of Friday Wine Goodness, I listen to her because she is not flaky and loves good wine! :) Last night, as I was rummaging through my wine selection, I realised I should have replenished after the Uber Granny Nanny left. Meager offerings to say the least. Some how, a bottle of Pumpkin spice mead got in there (noticing it as being from a NH winery, I'm assuming I purchased said mystery). Being adventurous and needing wine, I chilled, opened, poured, sipped, gagged, and, yup, threw the rest of the bottle down the drain. Mead, while it just so happens to be a friend's last name (there are no such things as coincidences....), is also a honey wine. WAY too sweet. Maybe the pumpkin and associated spices would have been good during the winter holidays. Not so much on a sleeting March Friday night with a kid on the couch running a 102 fever.
Speaking of short. Spring forward tonight. Shortness of sleep..... On the bright side, sitter tonight so no shortness of fun with friends!! :)

Olfactory Welcome

2008-03-03T18:23:00.002-05:00

After a long day, we walked in the door this evening to an aroma. A smell. A stench. One of the cats (I'm pretty sure I know which one) had crapped on the rug. Thankfully I saw this before anyone stepped in it and spread it around the house. Cleaned the litter boxes. One of the bags had a hole. Put more litter in the box, and the container of litter snagged my sweater. Life is good somewhere, just not here at the moment. I'd give up except my "Living Language" daily saying for the weekend was "Pourquoi renoncer a se battre?" Why give up fighting. Um. Didn't sign up for the fight in the first place? Don't like to fight? Someone else started it?

Whatevah.

The Perils of OCD

2008-03-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

Ok, so self (and friends) diagnosed, yet it still can not be denied. Derek still hasn't shown up. I saved myself 30 bucks.

Happy snowy Marching lion folks.

Things our kids teach us

2008-02-29T16:49:00.003-05:00

Yeah. So. Anyone know the proper way to clean up after a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) breaks? Or more accurately gets broken because your 8 year old is throwing things around his room? I DO!!!!!

According to energystar.gov....
How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
Before Clean-up: Vent the Room
1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces
3. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
5. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.
6. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug:
3. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such
as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments
and powder.
5. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
6. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.
Disposal of Clean-up Materials
7. Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash.
8. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
9. Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Vent the Room During and After Vacuuming
10. For at least the next few times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.
11. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Thank you, Jenny, for the concept of Friday wine goodness! I sure need it today.....

Because it's pink

2008-02-28T08:46:00.002-05:00

Mom is in town being the uber Granny Nanny that she is for Andrew's winter school break. She tells me she brought her winter coat.
Me: "Mom, why did you bring your coat? You know you can use mine!"
Mom: "Thank you, but mine is pink!"
What a chick. :)

Sidenote. When you use the same coffee mug all week, and only rinse it out between cups of coffee each day, and one day you have mint tea instead of coffee. Um. Yeah. Do more than rinse with hot water if you are going to have coffee the next day. Just took a sip of my coffee. Blueberry mint. ACK......

Must be shared

2008-02-25T13:45:00.002-05:00

This is hilarious! I was in tears... Chili Cook-Off
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end.
Note: Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better.
For those of you who have lived in Texas , you know how true this is.They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park.
Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield , IL .
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge 3."
Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN 'S AFTERBURNER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CHILI # 3 - FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting shit-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT .. just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted , and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.

CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted , and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment.**I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 - No Report

Vocab Lesson

2008-02-25T11:16:00.002-05:00

Andrew actually helped me tidy up the living room yesterday. He knocked over a Lincoln Log creation in the process. "Oh man! That was camelflaged!"

Giving Feels Good

2008-02-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

The click to give/donate links on my blog are for real. There are also really cool things to buy if you are in the market for really cool things to buy either for yourself or a worthy friend.
It's the weekend. Finally.

Dear Universe

2008-02-18T19:09:00.003-05:00

This worked for the author of a book I just read, so I have faith (hope) this will work for me also.
If anyone is actually reading this - which I doubt - and you are not in a woe is me mood, then thanks for stopping by and move along to the next blog.
Dear Universe,
Why do you have it out for me? I'm a good person. I moved my son away from the hideousness of the "I'm entitled to everything" of Southern California to wonderful small town New England. This whole "it takes a village" is a fantastic thing. It works. Andrew is flourishing. I found a full time job. I also take on side programming jobs to make ends meet. I have not taken a vacation or even a weekend trip in over a year. I've started drinking more water and less alcohol, eating better, keeping healthier food in the house. A few months ago, I even took in a friend's cat because she couldn't take him where she was moving. My son knows that I love him. I do the best I can at work, and feel I'm doing my best at being a good mom, friend, neighbor, daughter, aunt, (ok, so maybe not the best sister....), that I can be. When my tooth started bothering me, I went to the dentist. Made all the necessary appointments, paid all the necessary co-payments, even went back when the temp crown broke. I'm getting plenty of sleep. When I got sick - the first time - I went to the doc and took all the meds. I do not get sick pay at work, yet I take the time off in an attempt to get healthy. SOOOOO, Universe, why in hell are you making it so damn difficult for me to get and stay healthy? Why are you turning my antique rugs into a litterbox? Why are you making everything so impossible? Knock it off! I've had enough! I'm a good person. Andrew is a good person. He's a great son. I'm a good mom. I have a good job. I'm a good worker. I'm a good friend. Thank you for the friends I have made so far in less than two years here in wonderful New Hampshire. Thank you for the wonderful transition Andrew has made. Thank you for my cozy home. Yes, I am acknowledging and thankful for the good things in my life. NOW! There is no reason for me to be constantly sick. For the cats to act up. For me to have to do everything myself. Some universal assistance would be nice. Help me please! I need to be healthy. I deserve to be healthy. I HAVE to be healthy! Andrew deserves a healthy mom. Andrew & I deserve the best of the best. We've earned it. Universe, please be our friend.
Thank you.
Nancy

They learn so young

2008-02-17T16:35:00.002-05:00

This might be due to the overabundance of phlegm ruminating in my head, but on the way to the market this afternoon, Andrew & I were having a football discussion. I thought it ended, when I thought I heard him say "dammit!". Being at a red light, I turned around and said, "what did you just say?" Andrew, "nothing...". Me, "yes you did. You said a bad word. What did you say?" Andrew, "I did NOT say a bad word! I said (almost unnoticable pause) Tampa Bay!"

Manic Monday Migraines

2008-02-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

So, if someone has migraines due to "hormonal activity", um, shouldn't the migraines go away once the "hormonal activity" has started? Almost ready to take my 3rd Imitrex. Not good times.....
Tomorrow is Tuesday.

Found It!

2008-02-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

Referenced the other day.... Just replace Orthodontist with dentist/endontist......

Everything is Temporary

2008-02-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Temporary crown? Definitely temporary. Just probably not as temp as the dentist expected. what was still on after the breakage yesterday just came off. This is sort of a tooth. Do I get to look forward to a treat from the toothfairy in the morning? :)

Long in the Tooth

2008-02-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

The other day, I saw a comic strip where the dental assistant would add a wing onto the dentist's summer home after each procedure on a patient. I've been bonding with dentists and specialists over the past few months to have a root canal & crown redone. Last week was redo part 3 which happened to be dental coronation part 1. Apparently there will be a 1.5 as my temporary crown just broke. I'm too old for this crap. Yet, much too young for dentures......

Wisdom of an Eight Year Old

2008-02-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Andrew, "You know, Mom.... I'm like the only one who doesn't have a Game Boy!"
Me, "Right. You have books, games, puzzles, and other things."
Andrew, "I used to have ESPN Football, but I lost it."
Me, "I'm sure you will find it."
Andrew (big sigh like I know nothing), "If it's LOST, then I can't FIND it."
Me, "What if you looked for it?"
Andrew (pause), "Good point."

Fantabulous Read!

2008-02-06T21:14:00.001-05:00

Just finished reading "Eat, Pray, Love". Regardless of being a 'religious' person or not, one should make the time to read this book. Elizabeth Gilbert is an excellent writer. I was afraid this might be a preachy book. Not in the least! Very introspective. I loved it so much that I bought copies for my friends because I didn't want to share my copy! Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic!

Crickets!!

2008-02-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, Jenny, I'm using your analogy... ;)
Since I really don't think anyone ever reads this, I'm asking that if anyone actually does, please make some comment so I know that you were here.
I'm actually going to do a test by putting the blog link in my Facebook profile.
We shall see.....

C as in kitten!

C as in Kitten.....

2008-02-04T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm in Telecom, working at a company who makes and sells boots. I deal with a lot of different stuff. Ordering, cancelling, verifying, billing, etc. When I called to have a DSL line disconnected because of a store closing, I'm always given a tracking number. Here ya go.....
I swear to god, when the person on the phone verified my tracking number, she said "O as in ocean, C as in kitten, W as in wave." I said "HOLD ON! C as in KITTEN?????" She was so confused......
Still, I love my job. Confirms how brilliant I actually am! :)

Finally

2008-02-03T20:38:00.000-05:00

Yup. I've had this shelf/bar/quilt display thingy for over a year now. The invoice from the box stated sometime in January 2007. Have I mentioned in the blog just how much I HATE (yes, I said the word HATE) putting things on horsehair and plaster walls? UGH!!!! Alas, I took myself to task yesterday to get this damn thing up on the wall in my bedroom. Some Feng Shui hopeful positive block the plumbing in the wall next to my head thing. Didn't work out as planned. I still HATE horsehair and plaster walls. Still, the thing is up. Found something that has become my mantra to display. Oh yeah, and a display place for a small portion of my large Moose collection! :)

Proof

2008-01-27T16:02:00.001-05:00

Here is the proof that if you let your kid pick out his (or her) own shovel, it will get used!! :)

Yes Ma'am!

2008-01-26T13:07:00.001-05:00

Sometimes those forwards of forwards of forwards (you get the idea) are worth really sharing!

DAMNITOL Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 full hours.

EMPTYNESTROGEN Suppository that eliminates melancholy and loneliness by reminding you of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out!

ST. MOMMA'S WORT Plant extract that treats mom's depression by rendering preschoolers unconscious for up to two days.

PEPTOBIMBO Liquid silicone drink for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases breast size, decreases intelligence, and prevents conception.

DUMBEROL When taken with Peptobimbo, can cause dangerously low IQ, resulting in enjoyment of country music and pickup trucks.

FLIPITOR Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers.

MENICILLIN Potent anti-boy-otic for older women. Increases resistance to such lethal lines as, 'You make me want to be a better person.'

BUYAGRA Injectable stimulant taken prior to shopping. Increases potency, duration, and credit limit of spending spree.

JACKASSPIRIN Relieves headache caused by a man who can't remember your birthday, anniversary, phone number, or to lift the toilet seat.

ANTI-TALKSIDENT A spray carried in a purse or wallet to be used on anyone too eager to share their life stories with total strangers in elevators.

NAGAMENT When administered to a boyfriend or husband, provides the same irritation level as nagging him, without opening your mouth.

SLOW Down

2008-01-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

Let's see here. What has happened since my last post.
Snow. Probably some snow. Maybe a bit of snow. Oh, and I think it might have snowed. Kids have already used up all their built-in snow days for the school year. They love the snow days, but I betchya they sure won't like going longer in June.
KU basketball is still undefeated. So are the Patriots. Super Bowl is next week. Stupid Mannings (not Danny of course).
Hard drive on laptop crashed. I get to find some place to take it for a possible data recovery. Whoopdeedoo.
Thus, I found out just how slow my desktop is. RAM anyone? Apparently, there are different types.
Three Imitrex migraine. THAT was fun.
Andrew had his first overnight. It was a big success for all! :)
How to get your kid to help shovel snow? Have them pick out their own shovel! Has worked so far! heehee.
Happy Frozen Boogers to all!

First in the Nation

2008-01-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is the first Tuesday in January of a presidential election year. New Hampsterites have the dubious honor of setting the tone for the nation. Caucus schmackus. Primaries are where it's at. As well as poor grammar.....

Whenever your primary is, GO VOTE!

Less than 36 hours

2008-01-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

So, Mom is claiming hearing malfunction. This guest post was supposed to be from Dad. Instead, it is from this unknown, yet knowledgeable person:

The Difference Between Primaries and Caucuses
Guest Author - Kimberly G. Bonnette
The New Year is officially here and the Democratic Party presidential race continues to heat up. What's on the minds of the candidates lately? Political primary and caucus season, of course. Leading up to the party convention this July in Boston, these elections help determine who will receive the party's nomination. But, what is the difference between the primaries held in some states and the caucuses held in others, and what is their purpose?Both primaries and caucuses allow registered voters to influence a political party's nomination process. Every state is assigned a certain number of delegates (based upon population) who will attend the national convention and vote to select the party nominee. When citizens vote for a particular candidate, they are really voting to allocate their state's delegates to each candidate. The Democratic Party stipulates that delegates are apportioned based upon the percentage of votes a candidate receives.In addition to these pledged delegates, the Democratic Party also has unpledged delegates or superdelegates who comprise 15% of the total delegate pool. These superdelegates are high-ranking party and elected officials such as governors, congressional representatives, and DNC members. They may vote to nominate any candidate they choose and are not bound by the state's popular vote.The two main ways of assigning delegates are primaries and caucuses. A primary is simply an election that allows voters to go to the polls and cast their ballot for a candidate, thus determining their percentage of the state's delegates. A caucus is a state convention that provides a public place for party members to gather, hear speeches, and vote for delegates to represent candidates at the national convention. Some states only allow voters to participate in their party's primary while other states have no party restrictions and allow voters to participate in any one primary they choose.So, we have primaries, caucuses, delegates, superdelegates, and a convention, but for what end? Well, prior to the 20th century, candidates were predominately selected by party officials. Primaries and caucuses allow the average citizen to have a hand in determining the party's nominee and in influencing the party's platform. Finally, these early elections encourage candidates to campaign in more locales, which provide more opportunities for them to really hear the concerns of citizens nationwide. So, whether your state has a primary or a caucus, be sure your voice is heard. Vote!

Yes. Regardless. One must get out and vote!!!

Alliteration has to be the only reason

2008-01-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

Wandered through the bookstore today, and a happy bright book caught my attention. "Fun with Physics". Is that possible? Gotta be the alliteration.....

Happy New Year of Frozen Boogers

2008-01-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year a couple of days late. Since no one reads this anyway, doesn't really matter. I slept through the changing of the guards, and woke up quite refreshed and unhungover. Hopefully this means 2008 will, indeed, be cracking and a year of good decisions. So far, out of my control, I've had the following fly into my eyes: face lotion, diet pepsi, icy snowflakes, cheese. Thankfully, I'm very adept at eye drop application.

Today is a balmy 2 degrees. We are expecting a high of 9. These are farenheit degrees folks. Not celcius. Wicked cold. Thus, frozen boogers. Thank you Calvin. :)

Stay warm and happy.

Defestooning

2007-12-30T20:39:00.001-05:00

So, for almost 18 years, I would put up my outside Christmas lights without a thought of weather - it never rains in Southern California. One year doing this gave me my fear of extension ladders because I fell. Another year was even done when I was eight months pregnant. All years were done in mild weather. Last year was the first New England (de)festooning. This year, the lights went up before snow. Taking them down today made me realise that maybe I should plan for foul weather in the takedown. Thankfully, enough snow had thawed that I didn't need boots to take the lights down from the dock. Although, I could have left up the dock lights, and just taken down the icicles over the front porch. Whatevah. The house is finally getting back to some semblance of order.

I've been told that 2008 will be a "cracking year". We shall see Miche. We shall see.....

What a difference eight years makes

2007-12-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

Eight years ago tonight, Mom smuggled a bottle of Moet et Chandon into the hospital. Andrew had entered the world a mere 36 hours before. I dipped his pacifier into the Moet in hopes of him sleeping more than 46 minutes that night. Sounded good in theory.

Eight years later, I purchase the bubblies myself. A bit better, and the kid is a bit older. Unknowingly, the bottle of bubblies I purchased is from 1999. Quite serendipitous. :)

When the day starts with a root canal redo part one, well, you know.........

Merry Christmas Eve.

Nanook

2007-12-23T19:57:00.000-05:00

Dad is a dork. It was actually a warm day today. Upper 30's/lower 40's. Yet, he was cold.....

Resistance is Futile

2007-12-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

Apparently, I have assimilated. Today was "warm". 37. I did not wear a coat. Andrew was not required to wear hat and mittens. Is it the 22 formative years in Kansas City, or the start of the 2nd New England winter? No idea. Love being here. :)

Overheard

2007-12-09T20:09:00.000-05:00

One-sided conversation between Andrew and my mom. Oh, I'm hearing Andrew's side:
"Yeah. Brady? He's starting to get a hang of football."

I did my best to stay on the road... ;)

No Kitty Truce

2007-12-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

There are truces between the felines. Few and far between, but they are there. More often are literal hissy fits. One such battle was this afternoon when I wasn't feeling well. They were going at it with all barrels. Normally, I just let them go. Not today. They were using the couch as a battle ground. I was attempting a nap. On the couch.

Truce

2007-12-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

Three posts in one day?? This HAS to be a record. OMG! ;)

Twice

2007-12-07T19:16:00.000-05:00

Twice now this has happened. Two blogs in one way. Must be the season..... ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xa_maqPRsU

Best carol EVER!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-07T17:37:00.001-05:00

Hope the photo comes out right. The icycles and snowflakes in the spotlight are really pretty.

Irony

2007-12-06T20:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm waking up later because, well, it's just too damm cold to get out of bed. This causes me to get Andrew up later, which causes a later departure, which is delayed even further by the fact we now must bundle in thousands of layers.

Timing

2007-12-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

Turned on my floodlights for my neighbor who insists on raking leaves in the dark.
Went outside to move leaves (no raking in the dark for me) from in front of the garage bay I use for my car.
Supposed to snow tonight, and want driveway clear for possible plowing.
Chat with said neighbor about why her sons aren't helping as they are older and stronger than my son.
She gives typical mom excuses.
She thanks me for turning on my floodlights for her.
My porch light burns out.....
Coming home for lunch tomorrow to change the light unless I'm already home because the snow will not allow me out.

Elves

2007-11-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

All this talk of elves for Christmas. Where are the leaf elves? It would be so nice to wake up one morning, or come home from work one day, and see all the leaves from my yard gone. A girl can dream, right?

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

So much for which to be thankful.
My son.
Being able to breathe - story for later......

Changing of the Guards

2007-11-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm making it officially cold. Going to wash and put away the light-weight robe and am wearing the heavier warmer robe. Sheet change this week will consist of the flannel ones.
Windy and cold. Oil is too expensive to keep the furnace going at a comfortable temp. Gotta stay warm some how. Even the kitties with their fur coats want to snuggle. Yes, this includes Natashaprissypants.

Traffic

2007-11-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

This was sent as an email to my New Hampster friends, yet I feel it makes good blog material. It's my blog, and I can do what I want.

There is a point to this email, and I will get to it in a moment.

I'm driving along wonderfully this evening when all of a sudden the traffic become nuts to butts on the 16 right before exit 2. It's like this all the way to just before the toll. I call a friend who is way too busy to pick up her phone (ok, so she may have not even been home - whatevah!), so I call my Mom who is now 3000 miles away. She is nice enough to answer her phone when she sees my mobile number. I ask her to log onto WMUR and see if there is anything regarding traffic. There is nothing, but then she starts muttering about calling 511. I ask if she's talking about New Hampshire, because just a moment ago, she was muttering about California. Curiosity gets to me. I thank her and hang up. Well, guess what folks?? 511 is a New Hampshire Department of Transportation traffic alert. There are some kinks to work out as the IVR (Integrated Voice Response - you speak into the phone instead of pushing buttons.....) seems to think "Dover" is the same as "Pellam". Now, I can understand "Dover" and "Durham", or perhaps "Pellam" and "Plymouth", but DDDDover and PPPellam???? Nope. So, when the manvoice realises that isn't going to work, he asks me to enter the first three letters of the town about which I'd like to inquire. Annoyed, irritated fingers don't press the correct buttons, so manvoice gives me a third option. A girl likes it when a man gives her options..... ;) Anywhoo - the 3rd option is to press the route number into the keypad and press #. This sort of works and sort of doesn't. I don't get the 4 or the 16 I'd like. So, back to the main menu, and guess what??? Manvoice gives me yet another option! Press another key for urgent road conditions. After hearing all about the booming metropolis of Manchvegas and environs, I give up and hang up the phone. I was at the toll booth anyway, and traffic was starting to move. Now, if manvoice had just reminded me to take exit 7 instead of exit 9.......

And there you have it.

Explosion

2007-11-09T16:03:00.001-05:00

No additional words needed.

Updating

2007-11-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

Hey folks - or folk as I'm not really sure anyone even reads this.....

The other day I was running errands and saw a surfboard on top of a car. Now, normally, this would be a regular site for me. When I lived in Encinitas. Living in New Hampshire, seeing a surfboard on top of a car in November makes a person go, "huh". I've gotten used to seeing canoes and kayaks on top of cars. When I first moved to San Diego many moons ago, it did take me awhile to get used to seeing Christmas trees sticking out of convertibles. That, and lights strung around palm trees. Each region has its own specialty. I love New England.

A friend of mine from work has found love and is moving to Arizona because of it. She has a cat who needed a home lest he become a kitty snack for one of the dogs. Shadow has joined our family. Natasha isn't so sure about this addition. She no longer rules the roost. Poor prissypants.....

Mom is coming to visit this weekend. She needs her Andrew and autumn fix. I need help with fall clean-up. Win win all around if you ask me.

Mornings are getting brisk. Trees/leaves are becoming quite colorful. Yes, I have to say I have missed the changing of the seasons.

Kansas Jayhawks are undefeated in............... wait for it.............. FOOTBALL. They are also undefeated in Basketball, but that is to be expected, and, they have played a whopping three games so far. But, football? Jayhawks? There must be something about the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant, or the fight song, or the REALLY large coach..... ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgb6PqeW_uM

Tomorrow is Friday. Thank gawd!!!

Guest

2007-10-30T20:04:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen!!! We have a guest blogger today! :)
Mom was asked by a good friend to write this:

Bob Dacey asked me to put my thoughts and feelings about last week in writing, so here it is. I'm sending it to you just in case you are interested.
Last Monday was the worst day of my life.I am just now unpacking the suitcase and the car. Also, sweeping and scrubbing down floors (even garage) and furniture. Not sure how the dust and ash got into the house since we kept it closed tightly unless someone needed to go in or out, which we didn't do often because it was so awful out. I'm headed to Home Depot this week to get a supply of furnace filters. We are encouraged to change them once a month for the next few months.
I'll guess I will begin with last Monday. I was awakened at 6 am by a reverse 911 call (never heard of that till last week), telling us that there was a fire in San Marcos (about 5 miles to the East) and to be ready to evacuate. Evacuate??? How does one do that?? This is all new to me. By 6:45, three neighbors had contacted us to make sure we got the call (our neighbors are wonderful).
I am the type who, if I can't control it, I don't worry about it. So I went merrily on about my business, doing Monday laundry, cleaning, etc., till Lynn from next door came over to tell us that San Elijo Hills was being forcibly evacuated due to the San Marcos fire. That got my attention. SEH is a housing development just on the other side of the big hill/mountain we can see at the East end of our street.
I got out the suitcase, the cat carrier and started thinking of what I had heard people say they wished they had taken with them during the 2003 fires. You remember those! I grabbed wills, income tax stuff, check books, airline tickets, address book, insurance info, tickets to The Jersey Boys which we are going to see next week (I do have my priorities, you know), the animals' food and a case of bottled water. Oh, yes, my notebook of receipts from things we've done to the house and some family pictures. Although, we still have the family, so they were strictly for sentiment. I had car and suitcase packed so that we could get out of here within ten minutes if necessary - providing I could coax the cats out from under the bed. Louis is always up for a ride in the car, so he was no problem.
By now, I had a killer headache and horrible stomachache.
Our neighbors to the west were terrific. Jim suggested we cover the attic vents to the outside with foil. Windblown embers can travel for several miles and use vents to gain access to attics. I supplied the ladder, stapler and flashlight and he supplied the labor. I don't do well with attics. We agreed that we would all stay put unless and until we saw flames over one of our hills. We kept in close touch all day and, I guess, they slept in shifts. We woke up Tuesday morning and were happy to see that we were all alive.
Late Monday afternoon, Dave's cousin called to say they were being evacuated from their retirement park in Valley Center. I invited them to stay with us and they readily agreed. "They" included two adults, two cats and a dog. Louie was the perfect host and now has a new girlfriend. He was sad to see her go home.
As soon as I got off the phone with Billee and began fluffing pillows on the guest beds and making sure everything was ready for them, my aches magically disappeared. It was amazing. I guess I felt there was safety in numbers. Billee and Joanie are delightful ladies and we kept each other laughing. It helped. They were allowed back in their park Thursday morning, so headed home.
Dave could not work out and we could not let the dogs out for any length of time, so they all felt like they were trapped. Dave gets grumpy(er) when he can't exercise. He gets over it, though. He's back at it this week.
San Diego has definitely earned its title of "America's Finest City" during this time. We have heard of very little looting and speedy arrests of the few there were. Volunteers were on the spot with supplies for Qualcomm Stadium and the Del Mar Fairgrounds where the refugees went. There were amazingly few traffic jams and I have heard of no anger issues. Just people helping people. A bit different from New Orleans in their time of terror.
I guess you can call this my first (and possibly only) blog. Hope I didn't bore you too much.
Love, Mom

Thanks Mom!!

My Mensa Child

2007-10-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

Andrew, a friend of mine, her son, and I attended a Harlem Wizard basketball game this afternoon at the High School. It was a fund raiser for the elementary PTO.
First, a group of kids said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Second, said group of kids headed off a rousing rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner".
During the song, I hear what sounds like my son's voice very loudly ask, "Um, what song is this??" Oy.
It's a good thing our kids are cute, right?

Hunh

2007-09-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

Got on a kick this morning to bring the boxes up from the basement that have been sitting in boxes for over a year now down there. The same boxes that were stored in my garage in Encinitas because I didn't have proper bookshelves or picture display space there. Alas, I'm in the mood to dig out the old. Throw away the unnecessary and display the worthy.
Found an interesting newspaper clipping that must have had meaning to me at one point. I'm not so into marriage anymore, but this definitely can pertain to any committed relationship. No idea who wrote it. Probably an Ann Landers type thing.

"The Art of Marriage"
A good marriage must be created. In marriage, the little things are the big things....
Never being too old to hold hands.
Remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
Never going to sleep angry.
Having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
Standing together facing the world.
Forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
Speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
Having the capacity to forgive and forget, and then forgetting what you forgave.
Giving each other an atmosphere in which to grow.
Not only MARRYING the right person, but BEING the right partner.

In my ripe old age, and after years of experience, I would change the word 'marriage' to 'relationship', and add mutual respect and passion.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Aim

2007-09-18T18:10:00.001-04:00

Ok, so, granted, the Exeter Town Newsletter is delivered only thrice a week, so there's not much practice, but the bushes? Really? Actually, on top of the hedge is much more convenient that walking half-way down the street. Does this mean I should start tipping the delivery person?

Socks and Sox

2007-09-15T12:31:00.001-04:00

Rainy hellos.

Weather is definitely getting cooler. My poor feet aren't used to the constant need for socks. Still, I love the changing of the seasons. :)

Speaking of socks, or sox, this past week, Andrew & I were fortunate enough to attend a Red Sox game at Fenway. Wonderful friend Lisa was able to procure wicked good seats, and we took the boys. Early birthday present for Brayden, and fun for all.

We even won!

Perception of Boredom

2007-09-09T13:09:00.000-04:00

Andrew, "Mom what are you doing?"
Me, "I'm straightening up the living room."
Andrew, "When are we going bowling?"
Me, "When I'm done in the living room."
Andrew, "What can I do? I'm bored!!"
Me, "You can take your dishes to the kitchen and throw away your tra...."
Andrew, "AAAAAAAAGH! I LIKE BEING BORED!!"

Seasons Change

2007-09-06T20:31:00.000-04:00

We've had a very mild summer as far as New England summers go. San Diego, on the other hand, has had a wicked hot summer. We seem to have switched weather patterns. Recently, even if the thermometer didn't tell me, I'd know it was getting chilly because Natashaprissypants has been cuddly. She only gets this way when it's cold. Cool front is over however. Starting tomorrow, back in the 90's.

Lighter Note

2007-09-04T21:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, folks, on a lighter note. Andrew & I had a great weekend up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. YES, that is actually OOB!!! :)

Unplugged and fresh ice cream! Life is gooooood!!!! :)

Gotta love long weekends!

A'Parent'ly

2007-09-04T07:17:00.000-04:00

Going to rant here. Hey, it's my blog.

Where do people get off thinking that their kids are not their priority?? Even before the moment of conception, there has to be a realisation that for the next 18+ years, you are no longer your first priority. Your kid(s) is/are!! In order to attempt anonymity, I'm going to use fake names. "Betty" is unable to find it necessary to pay her rent, thus she is getting evicted. No biggie for her except that her son "Bobbie" lives with her. He's not comfortable living with his Dad and other sibs, so he has chosen his mother. So now, at this young age, not only must he be the grown-up, he also has to decide where he's going to live. His Dad is probably option number one for sheer sake of geography (the other two choices are out of state) except for the getting along thing. All three choices require a change of school, and school has already started.

When is keeping up your hedonistic lifestyle more important than providing for your child??? Hedonistic lifestyles are fine when it's just you, and you have no other responsibilities. She chose to have these kids. It's all she wanted. Then reality came up and smacked her in the face. I'm about ready to smack her in the face. Show some responsibility moron!!!

And don't even get me started on parents who refuse to pay child support because "it isn't convenient, and I don't have any money left over after paying all my other bills." Um, lugnut, your kid's welfare should be the FIRST check you write. Sheesh.....

Thank you for letting me vent.

Grandma's Man

2007-09-03T10:01:00.000-04:00

My mom has always loved the NY Yankees. Apparently, she tells some sweet, touching story about how her Daddy took her to the minor league games in Kansas City when she was a little girl, and all these guys moved up to the Major Leagues and became Yankees. Lovely story mom! :)

Anyway, so here we are in the middle of Red Sox Nation and Mom is hooting and hollering for the Yankees. Thankfully, I have either deaf or very understanding neighbors..... Andrew even gets into it for about five minutes. Mom brought Andrew home after his SoCal summer and stayed until the first day of school. That evening, I believe the Red Sox and Yankees were battling it out. I was doing something - who knows what - when all of sudden I hear Andrew yell "Mom!! I found Grandma's man!" Totally confused, I inquire, "Grandma's man????" Excitedly as well as full of annoyance for my stupidity, Andrew says, "Yeah! Jeter!" My little genius had found the game, and was watching it. Mom's current favourite Yankee is Derek Jeter. I think it's the green eyes. teehee

** Note to Dad should someone read this and raise eyebrows: Mom assures me that YOU are really her man. :) **

Proof

2007-08-22T18:19:00.001-04:00

Here is the proof that I actually did get a tattoo.

Moose are our friends. :)

A First

2007-08-19T22:31:00.000-04:00

Got my first tattoo this afternoon. Hope to have pics soon. :)

Cliche

2007-08-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

Love really doesn't stink. It can be beautiful.
Unrequited love, however, does suck.....

Thank you Howard Jones:

I love you whether or not you love me.
I love you even if you think that I don’t.
Sometimes I find you doubt my love for you but I don’t mind.
Why should I mind? Why should I mind?

What is love anyway?
Does anybody love anybody anyway?
What is love anyway?
Does anybody love anybody anyway?

Can anybody love anyone so much that they will never fear.
Never worry, never be sad?
The answer is they cannot love this much nobody can. (my note: yes they can)
This is why I don’t mind you doubting.

What is love anyway?
And maybe love is letting people be just what they want to be.
The door always must be left unlocked.
To love when circumstance may lead someone away from you
And not to spend the time just doubting.

What is love anyway?

Prime

2007-05-17T18:36:00.000-04:00

Saw a movie several weeks ago called "Prime". On the outside, it appears to be your typical chick flick. However, the more I watched, the more subtleties I found. Then, I wondered why it was titled such. My friend who watched it with me and I discussed the many reasons. I now think it is because that is my life. I do not have a prime life so to speak. Everything in my life apparently needs to be primed. It's been raining here. Raining like a buggar. Raining Buddhist monks at times. This makes the grass grow. Can't mow wet grass. Can't see the neighbors or small children with tall grass. Today, was a reasonable day to do more than just think about mowing the lawn. After baseball practice, I actually got into my yard duds and got out the lawn mower. Wouldn't start. Added gas. Wouldn't start. Cursed. Still wouldn't start. Added oil. Wouldn't start. Called Mom, and she suggested there might be an on/off switch. A switch that did not get turned off last fall???? Still, always doing what my mom tells me, I walked around the damn thing and found a bright red button. Not an on/off switch, but, you guessed it, a Prime button. Pushed it three times. It started. Then died. Pushed the button three more times, and it started each and every time after that. Lawn is mowed, and I found an errant small child.

Which Season is it?

2007-05-11T17:29:00.000-04:00

March produced 70 degrees one day and a 3 plow storm the next. April lived up to it's showers reputation causing the worst flooding in a year. Last year was the worst flooding in like 30 years. Basement has kept dry so far. This weekend is the anniversary of last year's horrific Mother's Day floods. We are expecting wonderful weather. The pictures are of proof spring is here. The weather this week has given us a glimpse of summer. Hot. Muggy. The lawn needs to be mowed already, but that will wait until I won't faint doing it. The a/c units also need to be put in the windows and screens to replace the storm doors. Maybe over the long weekend.

Spring has sprung............... somewhere

2007-04-15T14:15:00.000-04:00

Today is April 15th. Tax day normally, but not this year since today is a Sunday. I've already filed and am eagerly awaiting my refund. Just in time to pay property taxes. Oh well. Easy come, easy go.

Andrew & I have been here for a year now. I was all poised to take photos on the one year mark to show the progress. Yeah. I got as far as thinking about it. Getting out my camera, and leaving myself a note. That was two weeks ago. Today, we are enjoying a spring downpour. Of snow. In April. It truly is beautiful. One of those lovely movie, popcorn, hot cocoa January days. Oh wait. It's April. What is occurring this year that could not have happened at this time last year is my car is snuggled in the garage. Safe from the elements. I kept it out this morning during the rain so it could get a free bath. Once it started sleeting/snowing, she went in her house. This year, I also have my FIOS set up, new hard drive in the desktop, sort of a path to that desk. Know where all my coffee/tea/cocoa cups are. Full pantry. A pantry. New sewer line. Lots of blessings and expensive lessons. Over the past 380 days, this house has become our home. We love it here. Just be careful what day you ask Andrew because you might get a different answer. At first, he loved this house because of the stairs. The other day, he told me he liked the Encinitas house better because there weren't any stairs. Wonder where he gets his fickle tendencies. Hunh.

The attached pictures were taken yesterday during a bizarre spring like day. A friend went with us to the park, and documented the fun. Yes, there is one of me because all ya'll keep asking. Hard to have pics of the photographer. Or so I've been told.....

The bulbs are starting to peek through the ground. Hope this weather doesn't scare them away.

Happy Spring to those who have it. :)

Luck of the Irish

2007-03-20T20:01:00.000-04:00

So, it's March. Which in most of the Northern Hemisphere means the beginning of Spring. Not necessarily in Northern New England. The storm started Friday afternoon, and finished Saturday morning. It started as snow, then ended up icy, so all the lawns and snow piles have a lovely crusty sparkling frosting. The six foot icicle dangling from the roof outside my bedroom window went to it's shattering demise this morning. It was pretty cool while it grew. The pictures are of the snow the plow guy cleared from my driveway. "It's gonna be a three plow storm, ma'am." Guess that's how storms are gauged around here. Almost all of the snow from the previous storms had melted during our taunt of spring earlier in the week. This tease of green turned off the safe driving mechanism in people's brains because of all the accidents on Friday afternoon. An ice storm is forecasted for tomorrow night. Lovely.

Happy first day of Spring everyone.

Midnight at the Oasis

2007-01-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

The song popped into my head as soon as my alarm clock went off yesterday. Why? I'm usually sleepting at midnight. I guess you could call this wonderful snow we are getting an oasis. That song is like how old? 1974. 8 years younger than I. For those who are curious - like anyone ever reads this anyway....

Midnight At The Oasis
Lyrics: David Nichtern
Music: David Nichtern
Played by the Jerry with the Great American String Band in 1974.

Midnight at the oasis
Send your camel to bed
Shadows painting our faces
Traces of romance in our head
Heaven's holding a half moon
Shining just for us
Let's slip off to a sand dune Real soon
To kick up a little dust
Oh, Cactus is our friend
He'll point out the way
Come on 'til the evening ends
'Til the evening ends
You don't have to answer
There's no need to speak
I'll be your belly dancer Romancer
And you can be my sheik
I know your daddy's a sultan
A nomad known to all
With fifty girls to attend him
They all send himJump at his beck and call
But you won't need no harem, honey
When I am by your side
And you won't need no camel
Oh no When I take you for a ride
Oh, Cactus is our friend
He'll point out the way
Come on 'til the evening ends
'Til the evening ends
Midnight at the oasis
Send your camel to bed
Shadows painting our faces
Traces of romance in our heads

First Crush

2007-01-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

We all remember our first crush. Whether we were the crushee or the crusher. My dearest son has a crush. On Friday, he was disciplined because he was screaming at a girl, and when she wouldn't pay attention to him, he bopped her over the head with an empty plastic bottle. His story is he wanted to sing her a song. Today, he was spoken to because he kept making monkey noises towards Friday girl. Tonight, I asked him if he thought Ashley was pretty neat. He grinned and said, "yeah." Lee B. in the remotest off chance you happen to be reading this, I do remember the playground in 1st & 2nd grade. You could have serenaded me instead of chasing me around the school yard..... ;)
This evening, Andrew officially lost his first tooth.