30 May 2006

Male PMS


I have discovered that women have nothing over men when it comes to irritability, stress and irrational behavior. Fortunately for my husband, I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and proclaim him another victim of Male PMS. Today I wish to inform the world at large about Irritable Male Syndrome(IMS). It seems that men also suffer from this sort of menopausal condition.
"Irritable Male Syndrome," that state of hypersensitivity, frustration and anger is now used to describe men who suffer from testosterone deficiency. And while the condition may have been around for ages, the diagnosis suggests that men may be just as vulnerable to the complexities of biology as women. "This is very common," said Dr. Philip Aliotta. "Low levels of testosterone manifest in irritability, depression, weak muscles, loss of self-esteem. Men have no interest in the joys of life. Their libido has dropped. Their interest in intimacy is declining. Sexual function diminishes. Work performance suffers. Oftentimes they are misdiagnosed as being depressed."—Jane Kwiatkowski, "Goodbye, testosterone," The Buffalo News, January 28, 2003
I'd like to say "Oh poor thing", but the truth of the matter is...Get Over It! I don't really believe my husband suffers from this so-called Male PMS, I think he's just having a few bad days. But I'll tell ya...I'm ready to scream! Last night he was justrude to everyone, grumpy (VERY unlike him), and proceeded to proclaim "what's the point of relationships or emotions? We all die in the end and are forgotten anyway". *sigh* I swear I'd ram a stick through his brain (or up another orifice) right now if it would do any good.
This behaviour raised its ugly head while we were painting the house. Yes...we are idiots and painting the whole exterior of the house...by hand. (Don't get me started...I don't understand why we can't use a sprayer?) I'd like to think he's just frustrated because he didn't get as much done as he wanted to yesterday. But I just don't know why he's behaving like a spoiled 4-year-old (or more aptly a hormonal teenager). As a woman who really doesn't suffer from PMS...I'm ready to scream.

26 May 2006

A New Job!


Today I start my new job! yeah! I've been unemployed since last fall, so this is particularly exciting! I will be working at this building here...the Wustum Fine Arts Museum! How lucky am I? I get to work in a lovely old house that has been converted into an Art Museum, look at art everyday, be surrounded by Master Artists who come in from all over the world to teach, and I even get to assist with the weddings performed there! I think I'm going to like it here!

25 May 2006


13 Things I Miss About My Dad
My father died a year ago today. I miss his terribly.
Today I honour him.
1. The way he’d tease me
2. Being called “Tailend Charlie” (I'm the youngest of 8 kids)
3. His potato soup (the best in the world!)
4. His good advice (even when it was unsolicited)
5. Thursday nights out to dinner, just he & I, while mom was at bingo.
6. Watching him with mom…they were always in love with each other.
7. The random, surprise cards he’d leave on my pillow or in the mail that had no purpose other than to say “I love ya, kid!”
8. Going out on the boat with him, late in the afternoon, and just enjoying the wildlife together.
9. His oh-so-loud snoring!
10. The embarrassing way he’d walk around in his underwear & undershirt, and not care, because he was just so comfortable with himself.
11. The way he could talk to anyone on the planet, and make them feel special.
12. Watching him transform from being this strong man to a mushy teddybear when he’d play with my daughter.
13. His hugs.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

24 May 2006

The Blue & The Grey

So this past weekend's event went beautifully. All of my stress helped me to create a positively lovely reception (for a extremely grateful couple) that I can say with all sincerity, was picture perfect. There was more than enough food, which everyone enjoyed, there was entertainment (violin music and impromtu dancing), lots of conversation, lovely gifts...everything a good party should be. Don't get me wrong, I worked my butt off...but I think everyone was really happy, and I feel proud of myself to boot. It was also very enjoyable to spend two days living in the past, so to speak. I have to admit I am an anglophile, and know far more about European history than American history. I had never really held the Civil War in much regard, at least not beyond the abolishment of slavery (which really wasn't what it was all about anyhow). I thought of it as the dowdy version of the Victorians. Yet I really learned alot about life & history, about the battles, and the mindset. It's definately an era I would NEVER want to actually return to, yet there is something we should definately learn from the simplicity of the time. I saw children playing, using their imaginations, drawing from the history they had just learned. In a day of Nintendo and GameBoys, I think there is something profound to say about that. I had children awed by showing them a few stitches of embroidery. I had kids (and adults) giddy about learning croquet. Maybe if we simply made the time to do more with children, teach them about history or art or music or dance or anything that expands their creativity...and make it fun...then just maybe we can recapture some of that innocence of life again...in ourselves as well.

22 May 2006

Farewell My Friend

This morning I sold my car.
I know, people buy & sell cars all the time, but this effected me in a way I never expected it to. This car was a friend when I felt alone. It gave me freedom. I had a car given to me by my parents when I was in college, but when it died, my ex-husband had a few vehicles that were mine to drive, as well.
When we divorced, he took the car, leaving me to have to get my own transportation. That's when I purchased my Ford Taurus. It is the only car I've ever purchased on my own. It was liberating to have the knowledge it was all mine (no car payments), at a time I felt I had nothing left. It meant a new found freedom. I drove everywhere, including to a new state, a new life with my daughter, and a new approach to life in general. This car gave me independence. It was a great car, and I replaced a good many things in it to keep it well. But last fall it died. Engine troubles that would amount to over $1600. I'm not employed still, so I can't afford it. Besides, arguments come down to it not being worth investing in, and so when someone randomly came to my door asking if it was for sale, I had to let it go (for a measly few hundred dollars). But emotionally I feel like I'm not only losing a friend, but any chance of freedom I have. I feel that once again I'm dependent upon a man. And even though my new husband is kind and loving, I don't like feeling that way. Even with the car not running, as long as I had it, I had independence & freedom that was mine alone. Now I will have NO car (except his to borrow as I have for months anyway), and it's a difficult reality to face. I know we'll get me a new car one of these days, but for now I can't help but feel the pangs of guilt as I prepare to turn my friend over to someone else.

19 May 2006

But where I belong apparently...

You Belong in London

(ironic since I once lived there...)


You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere.
And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all!

Where I wish I was right Now

Ah, to be on the top of the Raptor...Or Millenium Force...or...I love, love, LOVE Cedar Point! I love Roller Coasters! It's a rush, a thrill like no other I can explain. Sheer fun! It's the pinnacle of proof that summer is here. And going with friends just makes it a perfect sort of day.

Growing up in Michigan, it was just what you did. You never even contemplated going someplace else. Since moving to Wisconsin, everyone goes to Six Flags Great America. It's a nice enough amusment park...a nice SMALL park. Don't get me wrong, my one experience was fun enough (Deja Vu & Raging Bull being the best bets in my opinion), but everything seemed...I don't know...minature. I'm spoiled by "America's Roller Coast"!

And with the stress of the week, I can think of nothing I'd enjoy more right now than to be able to let out a blood curdling scream that only a roller coaster allows you to do (without a visit from the local police department, anyway). To laugh incessantly with my friends (and play MadLibs while waiting in the line), and release all of the stress. *sigh*

17 May 2006

Into the Past


This week I am overwhelmed with the anticipation and preparation of a weekend about to be spent in the 1860s. We, as a family, will be attending the Civil War Days at the Naperville Settlement . We have our clothing (lovely dresses & suit courtesy of Kaufmann's Emporium), and a multitude of accessories & items to occupy our days. My stress comes from the event Saturday evening...an evening engagement party that my event company (A Turn of Events) has been hired to put together. Now, I'm good at party planning, and if it were just a party it would be one thing. But I'm having to cater this event. AH!! I'm so worried right now, and desperately wish I had a partner. *sigh* I think it will turn out lovely...I just hope they will be happy with it. I'd hate to disappoint anyone. I guess I'll be able to relax later...I'm off to prep.

16 May 2006

I Should Have Known...

New & Improved!

HI! Welcome to my new & improved blog. Same old content, whole new look.
I know, it isn't shocking. It isn't even bright & amazing. But I did it all myself, which is a huge accomplishment for someone as computer programming illiterate as I am.

It's proof that 1. You truly can learn anything you set your mind to, and 2. You can find almost anything on the internet! Let me know what you think, please!!

15 May 2006

Wedded Bliss


Inspired by posts from both Niff & Kassi, I too am about to run headlong into the "official" wedding season. It's rather strange & interesting in my life.

See, years ago when I was first married, none of my friends were. One couple came along a few years later, but now, after I've had a child, had a divorce, moved away, and have now remarried, my friends are finally jumping on the bandwagon.

I have had weddings every summer for the past...hmmm...5 or 6 years...usually more than one.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love weddings. I think they are wonderful celebrations, and hopefully, wonderful marriages. It is my goal to make my event planning business a success, so I have to like wedding to help plan/coordinate them. I just am overwhelmed at the amount of them that are happening right now.

I am two this summer to attend. They should both be very nice, though very different. One will be a highly traditional church service. The other will be a lovely outdoor ceremony. I wish each couple nothing but joy.

The third wedding in my life, I'm not actually attending, though it affects me directly. It is the marriage of my ex-husband. I'm not certain what to think or feel about this. Part of me wants to scream "Run! He's a cheat & a liar!" But part of me, the part who has found peace with life and love in a way I never knew was possible for me, wishes him well. He isn't marrying some freak that I'll be terrified for my daughter to be around. He seems to be getting his life in order, possibly for the first time ever. So despite the wierdness of it all, particularly for my kid, I do hope for the same happy future I wish for any other couple.

I hope that's ok. Posted by Picasa

12 May 2006

Happy Mother's Day


To moms and moms-to-be everywhere! Have a wonderful, relaxing, and joyful Mother's Day this weekend.

She Walks in elegance
whose heart is filled with beauty,
like the spring.
Her gentlenss is but a part
Of all the joy her graces bring.
The things she taught me at her knee
Are honesty and faith and love,
No one is lovelier than she
Whose soul is joined with things above.
- Charlotte Carpenter


YOU KNOW YOU'RE A MOM WHEN...
Your feet stick to the kitchen floor...and you don't care.


When the kids are fighting, you threaten to lock them in a room togetherand not let them out until someone's bleeding.

You can't find your cordless phone,so you ask a friend to call you, and you run around the house madly,following the sound until you locate the phone downstairs in the laundry basket.

You spend an entire week wearing sweats.

Your idea of a good day is making it through without a child leaking bodily fluids on you.

Popsicle's become a food staple.

Your favorite television show is a cartoon.

Peanut butter and jelly is eaten at least in one meal a day.

You're willing to kiss your child's boo-boo,regardless of what body part it happens to be on.

Your baby's pacifier falls on the floorand you give it back to her after you suck the dirt off of it because your too busy to wash it off.

Your kids make jokes about farting, burping, pooping, etc.,and you think it's funny.

You're so desperate for adult conversationthat you spill your guts to the telemarketer that calls and HE hangs up on YOU!

Spit is your number one cleaning agent.

You're up each night until 10 PMvacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, loading, unloading,shopping, cooking, driving, flushing, ironing, sweeping, picking up,changing sheets, changing diapers, bathing, helping with homework,paying bills, budgeting, clipping coupons, folding clothes, putting to bed, dragging out of bed, brushing, chasing, buckling, feeding (them, Not you),
PLUS swinging, playing baseball, bike riding,pushing trucks, cuddling dolls, rollerblading, basketball, football, catch, bubbles, sprinklers,slides, nature walks, coloring, crafts, jumping rope, PLUS raking, trimming, planting, edging, mowing,gardening, painting, and walking the dog.

You get up at 5:30 AM and you have no time to eat, sleep, drink or go to the bathroom,
and yet ... you still managed to gain 10 pounds.

In your bathroom there is toothpaste on the light fixtures,water all over the floor, a dog drinking out of the toiletand body hair forming a union to protest unsafe working conditions.

You buy cereal with marshmallows in it.

The closest you get to gourmet cooking is making rice krispie bars.

You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.

You have time to shave only one leg at a time.

You hide in the bathroom to be alone.

Your kid throws up and you catch it.

Someone else's kid throws up at a party.You keep eating.

You consider finger paints to be a controlled substance.

You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into cute shapes.Posted by Picasa

05 May 2006

P&P on stage


My husband, Paul, has just landed the role of Col. Fitzwilliam in the UW-Parkside production of "Pride & Prejudice"!! While he's not a student, he auditioned, nonetheless. The show doesn't actually go up until October, but I hope friends (and family) will come see the show! I'm very excited for him! Posted by Picasa

04 May 2006

My First Thursday Thirteen



13 Things I enjoy about Reenacting
1. Spending time with friends.
2. I own authentic clothing of different time periods
3. I get to experience life through someone else’s eyes.
4. Sharing history with people in an entertaining fashion.
5. I force myself to learn something new everyday.
6. Who doesn’t want to play dress up?
7. I have been able to visit unique historical places because of my knowledge.
8. My family & friends are anything but boring!
9. My daughter knows more about history than her teachers.
10. I could easily (and willingly) walk onto a PBS/BBC history reality show
(like Manor House, etc.)
11. My husband looks HOT in period clothing!
12. I actually enjoy wearing corsets!
13. How many people can say they live in the 16th, 17th, 18th AND 21st centuries?!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Mini Me


Without our knowledge, my daughter's school did Spring school pictures a few weeks ago. They happened to be during their spirit week, a week the kids were encouraged to dress up each day. I call this bad planning on the school's part, especially since we parents weren't informed photos would happen.

So, lo & behold, the day photos were actually taken was on that Friday, the culmination of the week, the big day that ended with a big school party. They were encouraged to dress in the styles of the 70s or 80s. Now, I wasn't about to let my kid walk out the door dressed as a hippie or in a side ponytail & legwarmers...how common is that? I was a child of the 80s! I was a punk! I loved the 80s and was determined she'd look great. She did...she won the school-wide costume contest, dressed ala' Souxsie Souix (of Souxsie & the Banshees).

Now my past has come back to haunt me, as I will forever have my 12-year-old daughter's 6th grade picture dressed in a burgandy fishnet shirt, skulls tanktop, ratted out hairs, heavy 80s makeup, and my vintage British flag pin & bracelets. I'd like to say this bothers me, but the truth of the matter is, I love it! I can never deny that she is certainly my daughter! Posted by Picasa

01 May 2006

Irony

Warning! This blog contains political statements & opinions!

Today illegal immigrants (mostly Mexican) across the U.S.A. are staging a protest to attempt to prove the effect they have upon the economy. They are purposely not going to school, work or spending money at "gringo" owned companies. I find this all particularly ironic since today is Labor Day in Mexico (and other countries worldwide)!

Perhaps someone can clarify for me what this solves? To begin with, unless you are 100% Native American, we are ALL immigrants! The point is...YOU'RE ILLEGAL! Perhaps enough English needs to be learned to know what ILLEGAL means?? (As defined by Miriam-Webster's dictionary: "not according to or authorized by law".) Consequently, their thesaurus gives these related words: Synonyms: criminal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful
Related Words: bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous.

Why do people who are not US citizens, who have not made any effort to become US citizens, think they actually have the same rights as anyone else who is?? Come on people! This isn't the 1500s and this isn't the "New World" where anyone can simply arrive and attempt to claim to their piece of land and call it their own. Laws were established, as a citizen we are expected to follow them. Oh, but that's right...you AREN'T a citizen! Yet you expect to be given tax-free paychecks, health care, a USA driver's license, education, and the rights to own property. Hmmm...aren't those the rights to LEGAL citizens? Take the test, learn the common language so you can sing the national anthem (which, by the way, is in English) and have the rights you so desperately want!

I would just like to point out that American citizens do not have the right to legally go to ANY other country in the world to live & work unless they are sent by a US company. We can no longer get work visas elsewhere, especcially not in the European community. So, in this "land of the free" we can't leave. What give you the right to think you can just do as you wish just because you crossed a border into the USA?

Now, I am FAR from being a patriot. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact I don't have alot of respect for our government, and quite honestly would prefer to be in Europe. However, I am a citizen of the USA, and I don't believe that anyone has the right to take advantage of the country's resources or citizens.