We're the Knights of the Round Table, We Dance whenever we're able...

This weekend ended up being a very fun one!

Saturday the family & I ventured down to Long Grove, IL for their annual Chocolate Fest. The weather was cold, rainy & dreary...and still we had a lovely day! The town was cute, quaint, and old-fashioned. (VERY reminescent of Mackinac Island!) Lots of great shops, fun festivities, and best of all...a British shop where I purchases HP Sauce, Colemans, chip shop curry, meatpies (yes, we did sing selections from Sweeney Todd!), Ribena, Walnut Whips, Smarties, and best of all, my favourite candies in the entire world, Raisin & Biscuit Yorkies! I could have easily spent a fortune, but I was good. Hubby came home with a new hat from the Irish shop that matches the little Bugs. Very cute father & son ensembles! Kidlet was more than happy & satiated with chocolates from all over the world.

Sunday was spent with friends before we all headed off to see "SPAMALOT". Let me tell ya...over the top & silly & exactly what Monty Python on stage should be! I laughed almost until it hurt! See if while its on tour! You won't regret it!

My favourite song "I'm Not Dead Yet!"

One Very Clever or Three Dull Things

I've been dreadfully slack in writing, mostly because I don't feel that my life has been particularly remarkable. True, we've spent the past few weekends down in Chicago, which have been lovely. We're now members of the Chicago Historical Museum, we've seen Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and ate at my favourite English pub. But all in all, life has been a series of day in, day out routine.

This weekend is hubby's birthday and I don't have anything good to give him. I'm hoping we can go out to dinner, perhaps. On Monday I face the birthday I've been dreading for a few years now. Let's just suffice to say it ends in zero. You can figure out the rest.

And so, for lack of anything better to say, here's a meme from Christine, whom I'm very excited to meet once she moves to Madison! Feel free to join in.

What I was doing 10 years ago: I remember it clearly, actually. I was turning another zero birthday & my dear friends had all chipped in to buy me a plane ticket back to England. Though I'm excited about my impending girl's weekend, I can't help but wish Europe was on the agenda instead.

Five things on my To Do list for today...1. I've done most of my work for the day, so what remains? Let's see... 2. pick up my son 3. buy birthday cards for hubby 4. put laundry away 5. make dinner. See, I told you life was dull.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Travel the world. Set up college funds for my kids. Buy new cars for each of us (preferably hybrids). Build a new house hubby would design. Visit my mom.

Some placesI have lived: 1. Flint, MI 2. London, England 3. Adrian, MI 4. Racine, WI

Jobs that I've had: 1. Renaissance Faire Director. 2. Marketing Assistant. 3. Radio DJ 4. Newspaper reporter 5. Stay at home mom

Five people I want to know more about: anyone who wishes to share!!

Feelin' Like the Go-Gos

Sing along with me...."vacation, all I ever wanted, vacation had to get away..."

That's how I'm feeling right now because some great friends & I are planning our Girl's Weekend Getaway for next month and I can hardly wait!

It's been a roller coaster week attempting to get things organized, but now that it's coming together I can say I'm VERY excited about it! We're heading down to the Hocking Hills of Ohio for some beautifully peaceful views, hopefully some stunning treks to see the natural sights (like the waterfall you see here), some relaxing spa treatments, and lots of laughter!

I think that everyone should get away with their girl friends now and again and I haven't done it in years. This is also the "celebration" of my best friend & I turning 40 and we're getting away on Mother's Day weekend...it's all the makings of a GREAT time. (Keeping fingers crossed, the eternal pessimist in me always is nervous things won't play out as wonderfully as they do in my head.)

Happy Easter!

Here's hoping all of you have a joyous & festive Easter! May you're basket be overflowing with chocolates & may Christ's love shine upon you!

We're having a fairly low key day of movies & games here at home after church. Yesterday was the big family dinner, which was nice. In the afternoon we went to see "The Other Boleyn Girl" which was delightfully accurates & a visual feast! Of course Sandy Powell did the costumes & she IS the costume goddess. Finally, a GOOD period piece!

We also saw THE most amazing chocolate bunny at the mall. 65 lbs of solid chocolate! Can you imagine! It was over $500. I joked it would be your Easter Bunny for Life!

Happy Christmas...er....Easter????

It looks like anything BUT Spring outside right now, as we are welcoming the Easter weekend in with a BLIZZARD! Yeah, can you believe it? So much for springy dresses & bonnets, tulips & daffodils. Snow boots & shovelling hardly make for much of a festive Easter weekend.

If you look at the local news weather predictor here, you'll see I live in the 10-12" pink band. Oh bliss. I love the winter, but it was over! *sigh*

Unrelated, it is indeed a pink day as I had my ultrasound this morning confirming that yes, indeed, I am having a girl this time. She is exactly where she should be growth-wise & everything appears normal & healthy. (Yeah!) They say she weighs 1lb. 1oz. Cool. Now onto finalizing those names....... suggestions, anyone??

Ridin' the Highs & the Lows

Yesterday was nothing but a serious emotional roller coaster. What began as a typical day of dropping baby boy off to the grandparents & heading to the museum spiralled into something else entirely. On my way to get him in the afternoon I was taking a route different from what I typically take, because I wanted to stop & get some elastic to finish a cute pair of PJ bottoms I had made for myself to lounge around in. (They are pink with figure skates on them, if you care.)

So, all of a sudden I stop at a light, and the police car behind me flips on his lights. Instantly all I can think is "Oh shit..." He says, "You've done nothing wrong, I just wanted you to know you're brake light is out." "Oh, ok, thanks, I'll get it fixed right away, there's an auto parts store at the next corner, I can see it from here. I just need to pick up my son up the road." No, that wasn't enough, he had to see my license to verify that the car I was driving was my own. Can you not see the baby seat behind me & my crap in the car? *sigh* I grab my coat to pull out my little wallet I keep my things in since there is no place at the museum to safely put a purse. It's not there! What? I frantically start looking for it...nothing. I explain the situation to him. He proceeds to say "I can't let you go unless you can prove you're you. Is there anyone you can call?" uh...I don't know WHERE my license is, so how the hell is someone else supposed to know? He keeps asking me things like whether or not I know my driver's license number by heart? Uh...no, why would I? Would someone else have it? Well, since I don't have it smart guy, anything is possible. Long story short, I am forced to leave the car on the side of the road (2 blocks, literally, from my in-laws house I must point out) and go to the police station.

Two hours later I've had to call my in-laws to pick up my car & then come pick me up, but not after I've been finger printed & photographed! Can you believe it?! Yes, being pregnant & hormonal I cried. Alot.

My in-laws were surprisingly nice about everything, brought dinner down for the family & quickly drove me home since I HAD to be home by 6pm to go with my cool neighbour to a meeting & job interview.

She & her family are, sadly, moving to NE next month leaving her position open. It seems like a really cool job working for the Parks & Rec. I applied & they were interested. Long story short, they offered me the position last night!!I am the new Director for the Caledonia Parks & Rec commission! I'm terribly excited about it & everyone seems very, very nice. Wish me luck!

So my "normal" day went from the lowest of lows to a fabulous high! Emotional rollercoasters are not nearly as fun as Cedar Point, let me tell you.

My Big Boy!

Last week my little Bug turned ONE Year Old! He's so awesome. I mean, really. He's just a very sweet, snuggly, happy baby. He' continually makes me laugh.

We had a little birthday party for him with friends & family, which was simply delightful. I think he had fun, even if he didn't really know what all was going on. I can't wait to see what sort of little gentleman he'll turn into. Right now, he's quite the flirt!

FYI

At my doctor's appointment on Friday I was told they will double check in a month, but right now all indication is that...

We all do Stupid things in the Winter, right?

In a fit of "I'm sick of being sick" I went & had my hairs chopped yesterday. Literally, chopped. It's a short, choppy mess that I'm totally hating with all passion today. It was supposed to be cute & funky. Instead it makes me look old & crazy.

I wonder if I can hide in the house for the next 3 months?

Lapsing into Insanity

Ok, I know I've been terrible at updating. Truth is, I haven't had time. Honestly. When I'm not working I'm with the baby or sleeping. I'm exhausted 24/7. It doesn't help that right now I'm beyond horrifically sick. I shipped the baby off to the grandparents, hubby off to work & kidlet off to school thinking I could sleep all day. Yeah...right. If only I didn't wake up from my nap feeling worse than before. Pain, nausea, body wracking cough, fever...yeah, I'm a pretty sight today, let me tell ya.

What else has been happening?

We went to see "The Lion King" last week (thank you to the in-laws for the amazing Christmas gift!) It was beyond amazing. I really didn't expect to like it that much, I always thought I just wouldn't buy into the costumes & that they would be distracting. Boy was I pleasantly wrong! The technicality of those costumes was the result of a costume genius (Julie Taymor...who I had already appreciated from her movies like "Titus", which I still contend is one of the best films ever). And the quality of the performances was divine. Some of the strongest voices I've EVER heard.

My other happy news is that kidlet will officially be attending the high school she desperately wanted to get into next year. (St. Catherine's) Of everyone who applied, she had one of the top test scores, earning her all sorts of scholarships (thank God! Prayers ARE answered!) I'm very happy & proud of her.

Ok...there's as much update as I can muster today. My hands hurt now (yes, I'm THAT sick). I'll try to get better & be better about staying in touch. OH! and Happy Valentine's Day!

The Original P.U.G.

Ok, so as I've mentioned before, I love pugs. They crack me up like nothing else can.
So I had to share...


So funny!

The weak week

The high of the week was that I started my new job this week. It'll be good, I'm sure. We get a family membership, which is also nice. And a 25% discount at the cafe & Starbucks...which is just terribly tempting on a daily basis.

The low was that a good friend died this week. Sherwin was this great curmugeoney gentleman, who liked the good things, was highly intelligent, and got inside the head of everyone he met. (Yes, he was a psychoanalyst.) He was also funny as hell (in that wonderfully dry sort of way) and he & I always had a great time talking about life, stupidity in the world, and the good things. He loved his wife dearly. I suppose, in some ways, he reminded me of my own father. Sadly, he too passed away the other morning after a massive heart attack earlier in the week. I'm certain he went arguing the entire way...and for this I can smile. Give 'em hell, Sherwin!

Finally a Moment...

I've been busy. I know, lame excuse, but it's true.
So here's the updates on my/our lives...

*Doctor says my due date is July 27th. (Is that a Leo? Anyone know?)

*6 more weeks or so before they can try to tell me boy or girl.

*I'm feeling fine.

*Hubby is working all weekend at the Home Builder's Show in Milwaukee. I haven't seen him in days.

*I had an interview with the Milwaukee Public Museum yesterday. It seemed to go very well. Keep your fingers crossed, thanks.

*We're going to the Wiscosin Dells next weekend. Belated birthday party for the kidlet's 14th. We're taking 2 of her friends & 3 of ours. Unfortunately, I've been told NO waterslides, NO very hot tubs, NO fun. *sigh* Lazy river for hours, I guess. rah.

*Baby boy is sooooo close to walking. He stood unassisted twice this morning and is cruising everywhere.

*I booked my flight for our girl's weekend getaway in May. Pregnant or not, I'm not missing the opportunity.

*OH! FYI...don't believe VISA when they tell you that if their gift cards are stolen you can get them back. It's a great big giant lie. Tried to get kidlet's back after all of her cash & cards were stolen. They were given all the info, the date it was stolen, everything. And even though she had signed the back (as if anyone ever checks), it had been used, leaving only $16 left. After the $10 fee they were going to charge her for having it stolen, they would have given her 6 whole dollars back. Gee, isn't that kind of them? I swear, if I had a way to find out who stole her purse I'd run them down with the car. All her friends were going to the mall to hit the sales today. She stuck here cleaning her room because she has nothing. I'm soooo mad still.

That's it, in a nutshell. I'll try to write a "real" post this week, but I'll definately have some photos next weekend.

May the Bastards Rot in Hell

So, the upset of the holidays...

The kidlet turned 14 a few days before Christmas. She went to Michigan to visit her dad & extended family. Had a great celebration for both birthday and Christmas...and raked in a load, let me tell you...almost $400 in gift cards & another $170 in cash. So, like any teen, immediately hit the after Christmas sales with her dad.


And promptly had her purse stolen by some bastard at Great Lakes Crossing shopping mall.

I hope this bastard grinch who had the nerve to steal someone's purse during the holidays, let alone a kid's purse gets the serious karma coming to him/her! I hope he/she rots in hell. Seriously, I do. How can you do something so pathetic?

Needless to say, the kidlet is still upset about it. Rightfully so, her birthday AND Christmas were just stolen from her!!

I hate people.

To the Future!

Happy New Year!!

I hope your holiday festivities were joyous & filled with lots of laughter!

I was going to write a "year in review" blog, but 2008 is here, my friends, and so its onward into the future! No looking back but to accept the joys, learn from the sorrow, and make the next step.

My 2007 ended with a mixed bag. Christmas was good, but kidlet was away. New Year's Eve was lovely, but a few friends came down with colds & flus at the last moment and had to stay home. I was let go from my job. But I found out I'm pregnant again!! 2008 will prove to be a tough, but hopefully, really good year. I have my girl's getaway weekend to look forward to (even if I can't drink endless supplies of wine now....sigh), a new baby, and job hunting (not something to look forward to, but at least it means new possibilities. Yes, this is me attempting to NOT be a cynic.)

I hope everyone is healthy, or at least happy!

All is Merry & Bright

To one & all...have a VERY Merry Christmas & a delightful New Year!

(or Hannukah, or Kwanzaa or Ramadan or Solstice or whatever winter holiday you celebrate...)

May your days be filled with love, laughter & peace.

The Yule in the Log

I have nothing to tell, which is why I haven't. I'd love to say we did this & we did that & the holidays are fabulous, but the reality is I've been broke (see afore mentioned bank issues) therefore I'm waaaaay behind on shopping for gifts, cookies are being made by the family this weekend, and I was informed today that my siblings are, yet again, not getting together for Christmas this year. I'm disappointed. They have yet to meet the baby, nor do most of them seem to care (save Kathy who I talk to regularly). I don't know, I could get all bent out of shape, but when good would that do? It wouldn't change anything. And I have a couple of friends who might back out of New Year's Eve now. I wonder when they're going to tell me?

New Year's is going to be nice this year, I think. I hope. We're hosting a large group of friends, of whom each couple are responsible for bringing one course & appropriate wine. I think it will result in a delicious 8 course meal with good friends & good conversation.

Kidlet heads off to Michigan on her birthday, to spend just over a week with her dad, stepmom & her other new baby brother, Jacob. She turns 14 next Saturday. I can't believe it.

That's that. I hope everyone's holiday plans are coming together well?

Ranting & Raging

Ok, so I wrote my pleasant little post about Gene Wilder, thinking it would calm me down from the stressful week, but here I am, back a few hours later because I cannot control my rage.

I HATE BANKS! I LOATHE & DETEST THEM WITH A PASSIONATE UNKNOWN TO MOST OF MANKIND!!!

I'll spare you the sordid details, but let's just say, don't believe anything you're told, don't think that just because they've always done something one way, they will continue to do so, and most of all, when they say "it's all taken care of" run in fear because it's NEVER true. OH, and just because something is THEIR mistake, don't expect them to own up to it or fix it...instead they'll just keep charging you fees while THEY figure out their computer problems.

My other rant of the day is money related in that I just want what I ordered, is that so much to ask? Freakin' fast food, it isn't difficult, you didn't slave over rare & expensive ingredients to make me meat on a bun, so why can't you ever seem to get it right? McDonald's boasts it helps its employees go to school, could you start already by teaching them how to put the correct salad or burger in a bag, with fries, and more than ONE sauce packet? And when I order a beef & cheddar, I want more than the essence of cheese on it ok? Likewise when I order something without an ingredient, could you please make sure I get it that way?

Why, oh why are we continually at the mercy of idiots? I'll blame the government, perhaps they are only following their leader. ugh.

Because the Candy Man Can

I just finished reading a poinently truthful & delightfully funny book by actor Gene Wilder. His autobiography tells the tale of someone truly grateful for everything that he's been given in life, including life itself.

Born & raised in Milwaukee, he has a natural talent that lead him to the opportunities to study with some of the most amazing people, and perform with some greats, as well. His personal life was bumpy but he was always in pursuit of joy & love, something I think most of us can relate to.

I don't write review here very often for the endless books I read, but this one touched me in the fact that he laid himself out in such a way that could open the door to criticism and instead you get a real understanding of who he is as a man, an actor, a writer, and a husband who isn't always successful, but certainly always strives to do what's best. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys his work. He really IS Willy Wonka...a sweet, somewhat manic man who what's goodness & love.

Sunny Days Sweepin' the Clouds Away...apparently Not

Has anyone else heard about the new DVD release of the original "Sesame Street" shows? Apparently those of us who watched the show back when we were wee ones in 1969 when it started, were horribly scarred for life by such things as Cookie Monster's lack of dietary balance, Oscar's grouchiness, and Big Bird delusional friend Mr. Snuffaluppagus. I had no idea that if I showed these episodes to my children they would end up in therapy or something!

You see, the new DVDs come with a warning that they are adults ONLY: "These early 'Sesame Street' episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today's preschool chid". Are you kidding me?! Clearly today's children don't need to be learning their ABC or 123s and instead should be learning how to get the best crack deal or what to do when mommy gets beat up by her pimp before school. Seriously though, their claim is that Oscar is TOO grumpy (uh, that's why he's called Oscar THE GROUCH, people!) Cookie Monster eats nothing BUT cookies. Uh, again, COOKIE monster. He isn't Cauliflower Monster, or Balanced Diet Monster. Did anyone ever say "Hey, that blue fuzzy guy gets to eat nothing but cookies, I think I'll do the same for my kid!"

Clearly today's child can better relate to Prozac-hopped up Elmo and that wierd new character who thinks she's a fairy or something otherwise inane. I happened to put the show on for a few minutes the other day thinking my 9-month-old son might like the music. In the 14 minutes or so I was able to tolerate the PBS show I did not see a single thing about learning letters or numbers. Just endless amounts of screeching Elmo trying to sing opera, rap & other music that all sounded the same in his 3rd person wail.

We are out of control with attempting to be politically correct these days. Kids need to stop playing video games from the moment they pop out of the womb & they NEED some healthy doses of imagination, good songs, and books...real books with turning pages & everything. And as for children's programming, I may not be "normal" but I'm not a drug addict for having watched "Scooby Doo" or "Lidsville" or even "Bugs Bunny", and those were far more "adult only" than any episode of "Sesame Street".

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me.

The In-between

Here we are in the in-between, that lull time between Thanksgiving & Christmas/Hannukah/Ramadan/Solstace/Kwanzaa...that time that is either filled with stress, anticipation, or both. 'Tis the Season....

Personally, I have a decent start to my gift shopping, with most of them already wrapped as well. Hopefully this week's payday will help me get a further dent in what is yet to be purchased. Since kidlet's birthday is 3 days before Christmas, that is always the extra pressure of finding the "right" gifts.

Baby Boy has been sick all week...runny nose, drool because of 2 more teeth coming in, and eye AND ear infections to boot. Yeah, he has not been a happy boy. Actually, I can't say that. Despite being obviously unwell, he remains pretty happy & playful & just a bit cuddlier more than usual. He just hates when mama wipes his runny nose.

Hubby has been busy...haven't spent much time together at all. We did get to watch 2 episodes of the 3rd season of Dr. Who last night though, which was nice...and hilarious. I've done nothing but work. I had Thanksgiving day off, but otherwise, it's been work, work, work both at home and at the paid jobs. Blah. And now I've been informed I probably won't be given any days off during the christmas holidays. Grr.

Happy Turkey Day!

I, personally, find it to be a silly holiday…people traveling from all corners of the country to do what? EAT! Sure, I love the turkey & stuffing & cranberries, don’t get me wrong, but that’s all the holiday really is. I hate football passionately, so forget that part of the day…it’s just an annoyance to me to have the TV on. I do enjoy the parades, though the coverage isn’t as good as it used to be. All in all, I find it a misrepresented holiday. And don’t even get me started on “Black Friday”. Shudder You couldn’t pay me to get anywhere near a mall this weekend.
That said, I AM thankful for many things...my friends, my family, anyone who actually reads this blog, my home, heat, food, etc.

But…because I always enjoy knowing the “real” story, here are a few myths about Thanksgiving in the United States.

1. The Pilgrims Held the First Thanksgiving
Uh…technically no. That claims actually goes to San Elizario, Texas, who had their own little celebration in 1598…23 years before the pilgrims…by a Spanish explorer after leading a group of settlers 350 miles. But if you really want to go with that whole east coast Virginia Thanksgiving, it was really the Berkeley Plantation on Dec. 4, 1619…2 years before the pilgrims. The Margaret, not the Mayflower, had brought 38 English settlers to the plantation and had been ordered by the London company that sponsored them to give thanks every year. It was officially recognized by President Kennedy in 1963.

2. Pilgrims ate turkey
Well, no one technically know for sure, we do know they had venison. But no apples, pears or cranberries though. Our idea of Thanksgiving dinner comes from the Victorians, actually. They made it a national holiday in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln issued two Thanksgiving proclamations that we were to have two…one in August, one in November.

3. The First Thanksgiving was because of the great harvest
Actually, the harvest of 1621, wasn't great at all. The barley, wheat, and peas the Pilgrims brought with them from England had failed. Fortunately, the corn did well enough that they were able to double their weekly food rations. The Pilgrims were happy to be alive: The previous winter had wiped out 47 people--almost half their community.

4. The USA invented Thanksgiving
No country does gluttony quite like the United States. The Calorie Control Council, an industry group, says that Americans consume as much as 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving,. That said, humans have been holding harvest festivals for ages. We may wish we invented Thanksgiving, but we didn't. In ancient times, Middle Eastern peoples offered wheat to "The Great Mother" or "Mother of the Wheat." In medieval times, central Europeans celebrated their harvests at Feast of Saint Martin on November 11th. And we can all be thankful our celebrations aren't like those of the Aztecs, who each year would behead a young girl representing Xilonen, the corn goddess.

Well…please enjoy your pumpkin pie & be thankful there will not be any beheadings at your Thanksgiving (hopefully!)

Captain Jack...Kookaburra?

"Kookaburra drinks rum in the old red tree, Marry Marry me says he, Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra or else you'll turn out gay..."
"What are you singing to the baby?"
"That Kookaburra song."
"You do know those aren't the lyrics right?"
"uh...no...?"

Yeah, my husband isn't the most musically inclined.

2 years

Yesterday was Paul & my 2 year wedding anniversary.

We celebrated in a sort of round about way.

Saturday we went to Abby & Aaron's wedding. This was lovely, and since they actually met at OUR wedding, it was particularly special.

Sunday we went to the Festival of Trees here in town, which was nice, and then out to dinner at Little Europe (mmm...Saurbraten & spaetzel & dumplings).

The actual day of our anniversary I made Shrimp Scampi Newport & we watched the final 2 episodes of Doctor Who (season 2). Yeah...not romantic. Not exciting. I'm a little sad about that, but at least we were together & that's what counts.

I still love him.

A Little Nip

It's cold. Freakin' cold. And now I think I'm getting a cold.

This does not make for Happy Kimba.

However...I have been plannning our Girl's Getaway with the other fabulous chickas & that's really exciting! Let's just say we are going to have one hell of a good time! If only it weren't 6 months away.

And there is hot apple cider. With a bit of spiced rum & a cinnamon stick to punch it up a notch.

Mmmm.

Riddle Me This, Batman...

Ok, so I have a few questions I'd REALLY like answered:

1. What happened to Thanksgiving? I mean, I realize that the holiday serves little purpose other than to gorge oneself on turkey & then let me "menfolk" lie around and watch football for hours on end, but it IS supposedly this big family holiday in American, people. So how come the moment the kids came in from trick-or-treating did I instantly start hearing carols on the radio (24-7, I might add...on 2 different stations) and the mad rush for Christmas began?

2. Someone please explain to me why so many "Christians" call themselves only that, as if it's a badge of honour only they get to wear? Yes, you're Christian, but what are you? Presbyterian? Catholic? Baptist? Lutheran? WHAT? Choose already! I've heard many people say "No, I'm Christian!" Uh...yeah. Let's break that down, shall we? By virtue of the word it means you aren't Jewish or Pagan. You believe in Jesus Christ. So do all of those other religions I just mentioned. So which one are you, already? (And don't even get me started on the pagans who use that word in exactly the same way! ugh...why must I know more about your so-called religious beliefs than you do?)

3. And why do these sort of Christians not allow their children to celebrate Halloween or Santa Claus traditions with the rest of the world? Do they really think that dressing up like a frog for candy or getting a stocking full of toys is really going to lead to their damnation?

4. Why aren't there any Hannukah carols?

5. And since so many people will be getting them as gifts (mostly to themselves) this holiday season, does anyone REALLY need a giant, larger than your couch television?

Eliminated or still in the game?

I feel a mixed bag of emotions right now. Part of me is proud. I felt like a Top Chef contestant last night as I prepared an entire dinner that I'd never made before. Roast duckling with 'ala Orange sauce, a duck reduction gravy, potatoes and a cranberry-orange salad. It was lovely, if I do say so.

However, I feel entirely unappreciated, respected or supported. I never get help anymore with the baby, and thus I'm tired ALL.THE.TIME. I'm working 2 parttime jobs, plus a full time mama job. And still everyone seems to think I'm not doing enough. I just feel like "why do I have to keep proving myself?"

The Me in the Meme

So Kassi indirectly tagged me since I have nothing better to write about, so here are 7 things about me you may not know.

1. I have only broken two things...my right ankle & my left foot. Yet it is my left knee that gives me trouble.

2. I have a few wierd obsessive compulsive manners about me. One of them is that I can't lie on my left side in bed if I have any less than 2 hours until I'm supposed to wake up for the day.

3. I once contemplated running away & never contacting anyone I knew ever again. I got over it in about a week.

4. I can't stand dust. I can stand piles of books & things, but dust, forget it.

5. I wish people didn't have hairs from their neck down.

6. I have no desire to see the western portion of the USA (other than, perhaps, the coastline)

7. When I was litte I wanted to be either Darla (from the Little Rascals) or Cher when I grew up.

Consider yourself tagged, but let me know if you play along so I can learn all about you!

The Halloween Kiss

This just cracked me up. I had to share.

A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that the VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She asks him why he is staring.
He replies: "I have a question to ask, but I don't want to offend you"
She answers, " My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that Iwould find offensive."
"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."
She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that -1) you have to be single and2) you must be Catholic."
The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and Catholic!"
"OK" the nun says. "Pull into the next alley."
The nun fulfils his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush.
But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying.
"My dear child," said the nun, why are you crying?"
"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish."
The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party!"

Happy Halloween!

Yeah! It's Halloween!

I wish I could do something special today. Instead I'm forced to work both jobs. *sigh*

BUT...here are a few photos from the Halloween party last Saturday (that Tab took...thanks) and some from trick-or-treating!!

An Idiot's Guide or Guided by an Idiot?

Most of my posts are benign. On the rare occasion they get political. It's that time again. Why? Because our president is The GREATEST Idiot of ALL Time! I simply cannot believe that this man is the so-called "leader of the free world"! Once again he is proclaiming that he'll veto the bill to expand health care to the children of America. Bush said that Congress needs to "stop wasting time and get essential work done on behalf of the American people." Clearly being able to have your children taken care of should they get sick or hurt is unimportant! Ah, but what is this idiots...er, President's take on the essentials that we Americans want to much? He wanted Congress to get busy on passing a permanent extension of a moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access. Further, he chided Congress for failing to approve more money for Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yep...always more important than our children, right?

This time it IS all about YOU

To everyone reading this to whom this post is not intended, sorry.
To the person for whom this post IS intended I have just a few things I need to say, and since this is my journal, I get to vent.

There are two sides to a story...yours AND mine. If you can't be bothered to listen to mine, then don't make it up in your head.
Guess what? Sometimes things happen...cell phones die...people have emergencies come up...crap happens.
Guess what? If you'd taken a moment you'd still have been able to salvage the plans, but you blow up too quickly.
Guess what? Be angry, that's fine! But do you really have to hold a grudge against everyone?

Venting done...with no names named. It is what it is. I said I was sorry.

Another Chapter Forward

Well tomorrow I start my new (second) part-time job at Dinner by Design. I'm looking forward to it. And yet, also have a small sense of dread in the fact that I will be losing many of my evenings with my family. But it's what has to happen, and at least I'll be at a company I think is pretty darn cool. Wish me luck!

Where am I?

I'm in...a place.

I just got back from a wonderful trip. My whole family is healthy & relatively happy. My Halloween party is next weekend. I should be over the moon happy. And yet...there is a funk.


I think part of it is simply stress. Too much to do in too little (or non-existant) time. Costumes to make, food to buy, decorations to make & put up...and now I'm starting a second part-time job. I think I'll like it well enough, but now my evening will be gone. We need the money, so I'm doing my part for my family, but time away from them...and yes, even time away just for me...is tearing me up inside. This week I had 1 1/2 days with my son. I had 2 evenings with my daughter. The husband...forget it. We haven't spent 10 minutes together since we got back from Mackinac.

Kim & I are attempting to plan a "How the Hell Did This Happen?" Girls Getaway weekend for the impending & looming like a vulture over our facing 40 carcasses. We want fun, pretty sites, self-indulgence Spa experiences, cocktails, who generally silliness. Any suggestions of where we can go that won't cost a fortune & is within 10 hours drive time of the midwest?


So, like a rolling fog off the moors...the funk has set in.

Mackinac Island, how I love ya

There is oh so much I could say about the weekend on Mackinac Island, but then Kassi said it all so well over here. Instead, I offer up a photo montage today.

And yes, the last picture, for those who will get it, is in fact "Escanaba in da Moonlight" (haha)

Island O'Guilt

Between being raised Catholic, growing up in a Jewish community, and being a mom, I have my own overload of guilt all the time. This week is no exception.

Hubby & I are heading out for a weekend away, leaving the kids with friends & grandparents. Sure, they'll have a great time probably (hopefully) but I still feel guilty.

On the upside, we're joining some dear friends at Mackinac Island! In 48 hours I'll be eating fudge, horseback riding, and probably freezing my booty off (but that's ok, I have plenty of booty to spare). I can't wait! I knew there are a few people who occasionally read my words here, and if you've never heard of Mackinac Island, let me tell you a little about it.

It's located in that little spot between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, and is only accessible by ferry boat. The island has been maintained as it was during the Victorian age, meaning NO cars of any type. Only horse drawn carriage & bicycles. It's simply lovely, and famous for it's fudge. (yum!) All the fall leaves are peaking with their colours up there right now too. We'll be stopping on our drive there at a winery I found & some of the falls in the U.P.

I hope it's fun!

Is there a TOO far?

How far is too far when it comes to your kids? Is there a jumping off point in making sure your kids are safe? How about when it comes to educating them? I think those are simple answers, in that most parents would do most anything self-sacificing to further their children's intellect and safety. But what about their wants & needs? Is there a too far then? Parent Bloggers has proposed the question...what are your thoughts?

I have to say I am not the sort of parent who will sacrifice anything for my kids wants. Toys, clothing trends, video games, those things come & go. I made a rule when my daughter was born that I would never purchase a video game system for her. If someone gave her one, I wouldn't return it, but I would never buy one for her. Why? Because I'm the meanest mom on the planet! No, not really. It's because I truly believe that kids are losing their sense of imagination & attention spans because of computer & video games. Sure they are good with eye-hand coordination, but kids can't sit still for 10 minutes nor can they just run around outside using their imagination...all because most parents allow their kids to do nothing but play those things. (That said, my daughter does have 2 Gameboys and a Gamecube...all given to her by someone else.) And fashion trends, forget it! I refuse to spend $80 on a pair of shoes that will be outgrown in 6 months. A good knock off will serve the same purpose IF absolutely necessary. I try to encourage my daughter to have her own style instead. (And believe me, she does!)

But how far am I willing to go for my kids' needs? I don't know that I have a limit there. I've had some bad times, have gone without food for a day or two, have slept on couches and in my car (only once), have worn the same clothes for years...but my children have never had to suffer those same fates. I made sure the kidlet never knew the dire straits we were in, always had food, good clothes, toys, and love. LOTS of love.

There is no question to me that needs are limitless. Wants are arbitrary.
How far would you go for your kids?

Off Target Randomness

Surely I am not the only mom on the planet who has this happen to them. You go to the store, you spend a stupid amount of time picking out groceries, all the while dealing with idiots who can't seem to drive a shopping cart let alone a car (or usually an SUV), spending ridiculous amounts of cash, only to find a day or two later when you go to get something out of the 'fridge or cupboard that YOU really want to take for lunch, that someone else...everyone else...had already taken it/eaten it! I did all the work! I WANT my treat, dang it! The sacrifice of a mother & wife is endless.

Am I the only person on the planet who simply LOATHES that damn "Big Girls Don't Cry" song by Fergie? "...I miss you like a child misses its blanket..." what the hell kind of lyrics are those?And why does she get to call herself Fergie? She should at least have to be be Fergie Take 2 or something. And "Her Eyes" by Pat Monahan from Train...what a crapass song that is! And what's with Hinder's song about longing for some other chick when his girlfriend/wife is in the next room. Ass, I tell ya, ass.

Someone needs to do something about this president of ours. NOW. Vetoing child health care. And still no funding to education. Idiot needs to go bye-bye. Please.

I warned you this would be random.

Help Wanted

Are you looking for a new career?!?!
Do you want to work in a casual work environment with friendly people?!?!
We're currently hiring the following full-time positions:
Chef Must be willing to ominipotently know what anyone wants on any given day. Duties will include breakfast, packing lunches, dinner and two snacks, keeping kitchen anally retentively clean, putting away dishes in the dishwasher due to the employer's irritation at having to do this task. Baby bottles must continually be clean & prepped.
Housekeeper Duties to include scrubbing, dusting, sweeping including baseboards, cobwebs, mopping, making all beds, organizing offices, scrubbing toilets, stocking cupboards with stupid necessities like tampons or toilet paper when empty.
Laundress Duties will include at least one load every other day. Must be willing to wash the employer's very few work shirts on demand whenever they are soiled by spit up. Stain removal skills are a plus.
Accountant Must be willing to explain every single purchase made and explain reason for going over the grocery budget. Duties will also include reconciling the checkbook, making budget, paying bills, and filing tax returns. Ability to make money stretch further required.
Errand Boy This is a very important position. Must be willing to run to the grocery store without notice, take vehicles for scheduled maintenances, and any other piddly errands as deemed URGENT! AND NECESSARY! by employer. Hot, muscular body, bedroom eyes and a dashing smile a plus! Shirt NOT required.
Lawn Boy Must have extensive knowledge in flowers, shrubs, and grasses and the ability to make things grow in sandy, nutrient-depleted soil. Again, a hot, muscular body, bedroom eyes and a dashing smile are a DEFINITE plus! Shirt is also NOT required.
Scientist specializing in cloning Must have the ability to clone the employer so that she can be relieved of some of her duties and have time for herself too. Clone will be responsible for making doctor's appointments, remembering birthdays & sending cards to all friends and extended family, making certain the diaper bag actually contains, you know, diapers.

Salary is very competitive and commensurate with what the finest SAHM's are being paid!!!!Apply today!!!!

Feeling better now. I don't know what it was, but now I'm fine. Well, tired...but fine. I feel like my days all sort of blend into one. I'm always busy, but with nothing really worth mentioning. Its a continually spinning wheel with random flashes of interesting things passing by. The routine that becomes life...and you find yourself just sort of wondering where time went.

Oh well. Life isn't bad...it's just rather...routine.

Kidlet started her theatre program. I'm glad she'll have a chance to make friends with similar interests. The kids at her school just don't "get" her, her interests, or her experiences. I'm hoping this will be good for her on many levels.

The baby is crawling! He's so funny! It's really more of an army crawl than an up on his hands & knees crawl, but it doesn't slow him down. He's sooo proud of himself! And he has a tooth! (my little Jack-o-lantern) Again, time just flying by.