Unfabulousness

Let It Snow.......... or not?

2012-01-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

2 weeks ago, our area was blasted with 5 days of snow and ice.

Ugh. That is my car underneath all of that snow........

Well, I had no snow boots, so I rocked my rain boots for a few days. Until, PB came home with these beauties, in my size!

So I decided to make the best of the snow, and make snow cones! I sent Doodle outside with a bowl. With instructions as to where to get the snow from, no yellow snow here!

She filled it up with snow. We got out mugs, flavored syrup and spoons.

MMMM, Strawberry was the popular choice!

Here is Doodle enjoying hers.

And Lil C enjoying his! They were a hit, and we will make sure to have these every time it snows!

The Jackass Strikes Again..... and again......... and again

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

Shocked aren't you? Although at this rate, why you would be I'm not sure.

A couple of weeks ago, tickets to the Annual Father Daughter Dance went on sale. Doodle decided, under the advisement of her little friend, not to go. Doodle was told her friend wasn't going to the dance, and that HeeHaw, along with Doodle's friend and father would just go do a bowling night instead. Never mind that HeeHaw ignored that this was an ANNUAL tradition for he and Doodle. Never mind that he never bothered to pull Doodle aside and ask her if she really wanted to go, even if her friend didn't go. I knew in my heart of hearts that she wanted go. But, although I was sick to my stomach when I heard this, I knew I had to let her make the decision on her own.

So Friday night, right as I'm getting out of Zumba class, I see there are 4 missed calls from Doodle. I call her back and find out she DOES want to go to the dance, and how should she tell her dad?

I tell her to let HeeHaw know she wants to go, and to go online to get the tickets. She says she wants me to take her dress shopping and get her hair done. I told her I would love to do all of that, but that she needs to tell the jackass that that is what SHE wants. She needed to tell HeeHaw in her own words that she wants her MOTHER to take her, not her stepmother. We hang up and she now has a plan of action. I find it so sad that although Heehaw says he wants to hear what the children have to say and is a caring father, Doodle can’t even tell him that she wants to go to the dance….

The next day, my Doodle stopped by the house to get something (it was her weekend with dad) and she said that they still hadn't gotten the tickets, how she found a dress but HeeHaw wouldn't pay for it. He couldn't afford it. He then proceeds to tell her: "After the cost of the tickets, Doodle's dress, hair and shoes, going out to dinner and how HeeHaw needs a new shirt and tie, that is well over $100, and HeeHaw would rather put that towards her school trip to Washington DC this summer."

Are you freaking kidding me? Your pre-teen daughter is coming to you, asking you to take her, as you have for the last 4 years, and you are telling her that you would rather put that money towards her trip? Having heard this, I send HeeHaw the link to purchase dance tickets, and I tell his Royal Jackass-ness that I will pay for Doodle's dress, hair and accessories if he buys the dance tickets, which only cost $20.

That seems to go over well, and I tell Doodle I will head over to Macy's Sunday morning to try and find the dress she wanted since the dance is now less than a week away. Heehaw didn't want me to take Doodle with me to the store since they were busy ALL of Sunday. (Lettuce Lady was supposed to go to a jewelry party and HeeHaw wanted Doodle to go to, but she didn’t go.)

Since there was no picture of the dress, and nobody put it on hold, I had 3 sales associates helping me try and find it. We finally did, but it's the wrong size, and that was the only one left. Frustrated, I call Doodle and let her know. I tell her we will go shopping once she comes back from the sperm donors house on Wednesday NIGHT, less than 3 full days before the dance, and not to worry. We will find a wonderful dress.

2 hours later, I get a picture message from Doodle. I open it, to find a picture of her in a cute little dress. I asked her all sorts of questions about the dress. Where was it at? How much does it cost? Could HeeHaw pay for it, and swing by my house on his way home since it’s only a block out of his way, and I would give him cash for the dress?

HeeHaw took her shopping after all, most likely to make sure the dress was appropriate for his HIGH standards and to have the control, since he didn't approve of last years dress. But this my friends, is my favorite part. Hold on to your knickers because I'm about to blow you away!

Not only would HeeHaw not let me take Doodle dress shopping, he wouldn't pay for the dress because "he did that before and it didn't work out so well". So, they put the dress on hold, and I was going to have to make another trip out that day to buy the damn dress.

Guess how much it was??? $20. Yep, a whole $20 dollars. And he couldn't pay for his daughters dress? Who the fuck are you? You couldn't pay $20, come by my house, which is on your way home and whole 3 miles from where they bought the dress, to have me pay you back???? He can't pay $20 for the stinking dress but can send LL to a jewelry party to buy something? Anybody else see something wrong with this picture?

HeeHaw needed a new outfit for the dance. Are you kidding me? It’s not a grown up fashion show. I know several dads who wear the same thing every year, even one who wears jeans! HeeHaw seems to have a whole closet full of new clothes since LL arrived on the scene. It’s not about what you wear, it's about the memories you create with your daughter. Doodle doesn’t care what HeeHaw wears. She only cares that her daddy cared enough to take her and spend that special time with her.

Ugh. Seriously? Who has the bad track record of paying or reimbursing for things the kids need? That would be YOU jackass. Lets talk about the $400 some dollars you owe me right now. Still haven't seen a dime of that.

So, PB and I roll on out to the store to get the dress. PB is so mad he could spit nails. He refuses to let me pay for the dress, insisting he pay for it. That is sad. That MY boyfriend paid for Doodle's dress when her father wouldn't.

My current dilemma? Pay for dinner? Jackass Mother Fucker claims he doesn’t have enough money, after getting his new clothes and spending $20 on the tickets, to take Doodle out to dinner as has been their tradition. I want Doodle to have that special experience, but do I have to provide it all?

HeeHaw is a child. He has tarnished this dance for Doodle already, and the dance isn't even here yet. All because he is stupid, petty and self centered. Oh yeah, father of the year material for sure.

Friday Fun 1.27.12

2012-01-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Gurlz Weekend 2012

2012-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went away for the 6th annual Girlfriends Scrapbook retreat.

Let me just say, if you are a crafter, this is the weekend for you! It is 40 some ladies in the same place, at the same time, crafting away for 3 glorious days.

Picture this: having all your meals cooked for you, no cleaning, no men, no children, and being able to leave ALL your crafting supplies out for the E-N-T-I-R-E weekend.

Does that not sound like bliss? Let me assure you, it is. Heaven, on earth. For 3 whole days. That I look forward to ALL YEAR LONG.

I never went to college, but I can imagine this is what it's like.

We play practical jokes.

We stay up late.

We wake up way too early.

We leave each other little presents.

We are sleep deprived.

We laugh until we cry.

We eat excellent food!

We gossip, dish and dis all weekend.

Jealous? Ya, you should be!

And I can't wait for next year!

Lookey what I got!!!

2012-01-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

I follow a LOT of blogs. Some days I spend more time on the computer than I should just taking in all the yummy designs and creativity, or catching up on the latest happenings in my "bloggy friend world". I'm cool like that. Real life friends, blog friends, even imaginary friends. Shhh. Don't tell anyone k?

ANYWAY~ Chelsea over at two twenty one is one of my new found blogs! I found her on Pinterest, and loved, loved, loved what I saw. So of course I had to check out her blog. When I saw this post, I knew right away that I needed to have my free crappy portrait done as well. So, here is what I submitted:

Hi~

My name is Banjo. I have 2 kids, Lil C and Doodle. Divorced, and better for it! A couple of years ago, I met an amazing man named PB, pictured above with his son C-dog, and we have been inseparable ever since. We are not married, but live together, quite happily in sin thank you very much, as a blended unit.

I love a parade, any kind, I collect witches, love to laugh. I am an avid reader, a blogger and I scrapbook whenever I can. I have a love affair with a pirate, which PB indulges, and I get in to every holiday. I have funky socks/earrings/hats/clothing for all of them! I am not afraid to embarrass my children, I love good food and I enjoy a glass of wine, or two, or three........

Would love to have one of your drawings on my wall.......

Thank you!

I attached these photos:

Drum roll please?????

This is what I got back:

Do you LOVE it as much as me????? Hahaha! The Crazy Bunch! That is what we are from now on!! Thank you FreeCrappyPortraits.com. This will be framed and hung on my wall.

Men: Need I say more?

2012-01-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Some interesting facts and observations about the men folk:

This happens all the time, but yesterday was particularly funny. While on the phone with CHB, PB comes marching up to me and starts a conversation. Like he didn't see the phone to my ear, and he didn't hear me talking. And you know what he had to say? ABSOLUTELY nothing of consequence. Nothing that couldn't have waited until I was OFF THE PHONE.

With the recent snowfall here, pics to come later, the SMALL MAN syndrome comes out in full force. Like the jerk off who was tailing me this morning. I was on the main drag here in town, about 4 blocks from my work. I was approaching a stoplight when this red Silverado truck comes barreling down on my bumper. Now, most "observant" drivers would see the light was red, and that I was tapping my brakes. Being safe and all, as there was ice showing through the snow and I had already slid at the previous intersection. So here I am, bracing myself for impact, he is that close, when he jerks the wheel to the left to get in the left turn lane. As he passes on my left he actually has his window rolled down to give me a dirty look. Really? Better safe than sorry I say. And I hope you run your precious red truck in to something. Hopefully that will teach you a lesson. Nobody is invincible from ice jackass.

When it comes to matters of the home, men know all. Or like to think they do. My favorite is when you say you are going to start a project, and not only do they NOT want to help you, the man will hover over you, give you "pointers" (always unwanted) and then tell you that you are doing it wrong, or they would have done it this way...... blah blah blah. How about instead, you offer help or my personal favorite? Stay out of it unless I ask for help!

I know I am missing some good ones here, but this was off the top of my head. What's your "favorite" men-ism?

Why I hate Religion........ part 2

2012-01-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you had a chance to watch the video post from yesterday. If you have been keeping up with the Great Ear Piercing Debacle of 2011, I have some updates for you.

Once HeeHaw found out about the ear piercing, he literally/figuratively and totally flipped a lid. Lil C was upset, and as he continued to talk/text his father, things continued to get worse.

HeeHaw started out with being :disappointed" in me, for taking him to get it done. Well, since we are divorced, I could give two shits if he was disappointed in me or not. Sorry, that ass backwards line of reasoning doesn't work for me. (Although we all know he will keep trying to use that.)

Then it went in to HeeHaw letting Lil C know that he would have to take the earring out once he got back to his house. Lil C tried to reason with him. (chuckling to myself as that is not a possibility). Lil C tried using: "it's not like it's drugs, or a tattoo or something that is bad for me"........ those didn't work

Then Lil C tried the "once the piercings heal I can take the earrings out at your house Dad"..... but those fell on deaf ears as well. Doodle even got in to the mix when unbeknowst to me she texted HeeHaw to let him know she didn't agree with him, and he was being disrespectful to Lil C and she is on Lil C's side this time. WOW. Never saw that one coming.

HeeHaw responded to both children via text letting them know there would be MAJOR consequences when they got home and that this was the end of the discussion until then. MAJOR consequences? Give me a break.

24 hours later Lil C and Doodle are back at HeeHaw's house. This was of course after Lettuce Lady comes to pick up the children and Lil C refuses to go. Lil C said that if HeeHaw was not going to let him keep the earring, he wasn't going to his house until it healed. I told Lil C that he needed to go to his dad's, because not only is that the parenting plan we have in force, but Lil C is not going to get anywhere with HeeHaw by continuing to argue with him.

I checked in with the kids a coupe of hours later, wanting to know what the "MAJOR consequences" were and what had happened.

Per the chitlins, HeeHaw made a flip-flop decision yet again (shocked aren't you). He will allow Lil C to keep the earrings in, except when Lil C goes anywhere with HeeHaw and L.L. ANYWHERE. To the grocery store, to church, to go out to eat, when they have company over. You name it.

So, that was a long drawn out story to get to Why I hate Religion, part 2:

HeeHaw is SO concerned about what people in his church community think. He wants to impress the people who are ALREADY Christians. God forbid somebody think he is actually a "real" human being, dealing with "real" life issues. Please tell me what an ear piercing has to do with being un-Godly?

Is HeeHaw saying that if you have tattoos you are not welcome in the church? What about recovered alcoholics or drug addicts? Convicted murderers? Or how about the Saturday night drinkers and smokers that come to church on Sunday? Is there a difference? I thought according to the Bible those were ALL examples of sins.

What really pisses me off is this: when HeeHaw was married to me, broke his matrimonial vows on several occasions, drank in excess and came and went in his faith the WHOLE time we were married, but he is considered a good example of Christianity? Am I the only one who sees the issue with this?

The church that HeeHaw and L.L. go to recently asked them to lead the youth groups for the high school kids. I was in shock. This narrow minded man is going to lead young, impressionable kids on the "right" path? While continuing to be two-faced to everyone else? You have got to be kidding me.

This is why religion gets a bad name. In order to be an "acceptable" member of the church community you have to have your butt in church every Sunday, but who cares how you are, or where you are the rest of the week?

HeeHaw can portray his "Christian holiness" to everyone else, using his "Hypocrites Guide to the Universe" to show people how uuber religious he is. They can only see what HeeHaw shows them. I on the other hand, know better. You can't shove your faith down my throat when I know the evilness that lurks behind those eyes. When I continue to see it, hear it and live it from him.

No. I don't want any part of it. I don't have to go to church to believe in God. I choose to keep it real.

Why I hate Religion...........

2012-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is worth your time.

Going back to the original

2012-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Ok I lost a lot of traffic so I am going back to the original web address. Sorry folks. Thanks for your patience.

http://welcometounfabulous-ness.blogspot.com/

Bling-ed out 2012

2012-01-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

It was Friday.

January 6th.

6:15 pm.

Claire's Boutique

Lil C, Doodle, and Alex (Lil C's emotional support) and I, all crammed around the little ear piercing station.

Lil C watched as a 9 month old and a 2 year old got their ears pierced. And a look of horror crossed his face.

The 2 year old was screaming. Her head off. Literally. Lil C turns to me and is like "Mom, is it going to hurt that bad? What if I can only make it through getting one ear pierced?"

I told him the decision was his, and he stuck to his guns.

Here is the "virginal" ear before:

Once in the chair, he had to wait for the tech to ring up the screaming little girls and their mom.

Here comes the gal with her purple marking pen. Lil C is telling her where to put them. I had to remind him that this gal was a "professional" and knew where to put the earrings at.

After his ears are dotted, Lil C gets a "final" chance to review placement before the earrings go in.

Here comes the gun. And a wince.

Left ear, right ear, and we are done.

And one happy boy! Grinning from ear to ear!

The gal shows him how to clean his ears, and what to do to take care of his new "holes".

His little pink bag of goodies.

And the NEW Lil C!

Regrets? Nope. Well not yet anyway.

NEW LINK for ME effective 1/9/12

2012-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

Take note folks:

New web address: http://unfabulousness.blogspot.com/

It will be changed on Monday, so make sure you save this.

Thanks!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day~

2012-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

And I'm feeling............. g-o-o-d.

Oh yes I am. Want to know why? Of course you do.

Lil C and I had a conversation last night.

The result?

I will be taking him to get his ears pierced.

T-O-D-A-Y

And I left the decision completely up to him.

Gave him all the pro's and con's. Gave him some ideas for talking to HeeHaw about it. Lil C made his choice.

You know that HeeHaw is going to have his panties in a bunch about this one. I will post pics of this monumental event as soon as I can.

I know you are all dying to see Lil C's earlobes all blinged out........

Celebrity Wife Swap

2012-01-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

When I saw the preview for this show over the weekend I knew I wanted to see it.

I used to watch Wife Swap all the time. My favorite episode was from Season 3, episode 16. Seriously. But back to the topic at hand.

Last night was the debut of the Celebrity Wife Swap. Did you catch it? Well I did, and let me tell you...... the celebrities "featured" last night were Gary Busy and his fiance Stephanie and Ted and Gayle Haggard.

Now, I know all about Gary Busey. But, I guess I missed the boat on the whole gay masseuse scandal with Ted Haggard.

So, the "wives" swap places. The first thing I notice is that Gary Busey is basically an overgrown kid. Which can be great, being he has a very young son, but for every day? Stephanie has her hands full.

Gayle Haggard blew me away. What a classy woman. WOW. She not only listened to Gary's rantings and off the wall comments, she was super respectful of the differences in their religions.

Stephanie was also great with Ted Haggard and the kids. She was also very respectful of the religious way that the Haggards were raising their children.

Towards the end, I had a great amount of awe and respect for Stephanie. She has to put up with Gary day in and day out. I would need to be drugged or drunk to do that. Honestly. He is a handful.

I can not wait to see who is next! I saw the previews for more episodes and the one I think I am most interested to watch is the Flavor Flav one..... that is going to be interesting!

It's the end of the world as we know it............

2012-01-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Over the past 4 days, HeeHaw and I have been in a war of the words. Shocked aren't you?

Let me back up 2 years:

When HeeHaw and I went to court, with our temporary, proposed and FINAL Parenting Plan, we had been operating under the conditions we brought forth to the courts for a year already.

Shortly after the FINAL draft was checked, double checked, approved by the court, signed, sealed and delivered, HeeHaw wanted to "swap" the days we had. I went along with it, because neither of us were missing out on anything, and the kids were open to it.

There have been a few times that we have verbally, or through email, changed the schedule........ swapping a weekend here and there. Coordinating the summer or winter break schedule.

HeeHaw has asked several times for a change to the schedule, usually depending on which girl was in his life at the time, and what would be most convenient for them.

Most of the time, I went along with the changes. There was only once that I can remember refusing to adopt his newest plan.

So, 2 weeks ago, HeeHaw sent me a proposed schedule change for the remainder of the holiday break, as well as the month of January. I agreed, after several emails back and forth.

The children were headed back to his house on the 30th, to return to me at 6pm on the first on January. When I texted HeeHaw a few days before the 30th to double check what time on Sunday I was to pick them up, the began.

HeeHaw wanted to change the schedule YET AGAIN. At first I was honest to goodness in shock........ but then the clouds parted and I remembered. I had saved all the emails, text messages, changes to the schedule and updated calendars.

I had HIS words, the calendar HE sent me in his own handwriting, and the ENTIRE email trail. I was not rude, degrading, hostile or mean in any of those emails. But, I was firm. Extremely firm.

I was NOT going to back down when I knew I was right. When I had all the facts to back me up. And I was most definitely not going to give up my time with the children because HeeHaw made a mistake, or forgot the schedule that he sent me.

HE was the one who asked ME to change the plan. HE is the one who sent me 6 weeks of a REVISED schedule. So why, please tell me, and I the crazy one?

Well, I let it be known that I would be there Sunday to pick the kids up at 6. Unless he would like to keep the kids until 8, which I offered SEVERAL times. HeeHaw made a huge scene when he came to get the kids, which pissed me off. Poor Doodle is such the peacemaker and HE put her in the middle again.

Fast forward a day, and the emails start to roll in again. Wait for it............

"This will be the last email you will get directly from me. All future talks or emails will be done with Lettuce Lady and you."

Are you fucking kidding me? Who are the parents of these children? Uhm that would be me and you jackass. But to take this ridiculousness to a whole new level? HeeHaw and LL have set up a new email. They would like all future correspondence to go there, because jackass thinks I will be "more civil" that way.

Well, you can bet your ass I am not sending ANYTHING to that new email. If we honestly have to go through this shit all over again, and I have to ONCE AGAIN remind both HeeHaw and LL of who the responsible parties are for these children?

I won't know, nor will I in the foreseeable future, direct all my concerns, emails, schedule changes or life decisions about my children to HeeHaw;s wife. mark my words.

I am done being walked on. I am done being told them I am not good enough as the mother of these children. I am done being told that I am a bitch because I refuse to let HeeHaw walk all over me.

The gloves are off. Well, for the most part. Since I do most of my communicating via email, or text, I can keep records of everything. That means I also have to be careful what I say.

I have this gut feeling that something is coming down the pipeline very soon from HeeHaw. I am not sure if it going to be a change to the Child Support amount, or a change in who has the kids when. I just know that it feels like we are prepping for battle. Ugh.

It's Back.......

2011-12-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

Not sure how many of you remember THIS CONVERSATION with Lil C from last year?

Well, now that you have refreshed your memory, Lil C has decided he wants to get his ears pierced A-G-A-I-N.

Once again we go through the whole thing; what kind of piercing, which ear or both ears, what kind of bling does he want in his ear........

It has been a year since we last had this conversation and I would say I have greatly calmed down about this particular subject.

Lil C decided he wants studs in his ears (thank God) and he is now ready to get them done. The problem? HeeHaw is now not on board.

So, once again, Lil C asks me to talk to HeeHaw on his behalf. Lil C has broached the subject with HeeHaw and was shut down.

I also tried reasoning with HeeHaw, to no avail. Apparently, HeeHaw thinks that an earring, or two, will bring along a "slacker" attitude with Lil C. Seriously? I couldn't make this shit up even if I tried.

So, right now I am waffling back and forth as to whether or not I am just going to take Lil C to have his ears pierced. I am tired of fighting with HeeHaw. And really? What can he do about it after it's done????

Holiday Crafts

2011-12-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

When Lil C was about 8, he made this when he attended a Home Depot Kids Workshop:

Home Depot does a great job putting these workshops on! Seriously, these people are p-a-t-i-e-n-t with the kids! Here is what the website says:

FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.

All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

We used that little Snowman Napkin Holder for several years, until alas, it broke. I was very sad. Our little snowman used to sit proudly on the dinner table for all of December. The year it broke, I put him in the cupboard in the kitchen of things "to fix". Well, he sat there quite sadly for a couple of years. I didn't want to get rid of him, but I didn't know how to fix him.

When I separated from HeeHaw, I had completely forgot about that wooden Snowman. When I heard that the December Kids Workshop was to make this very project again, I cried out in delight!

It took NO arm twisting to get Doodle on board to making me one! She has completed several of these projects and proudly adds her pins to her day-glo Orange Vest.

So, 2 weeks ago, off we went at 9:30 in the morning to the Depot. Of course, I forgot Doodle's vest, and so did she.......... when we arrived, we saw a familiar face. CHB's grand-daughter was there making her own Snowman with her dad.

Doodle working hard on getting the hat just right.

Bella getting ready to paint.

Doodle and Bella painting their Snowman white.

And our completed Snowman Napkin Holder! Isn't he cute!

Here he is at home, all ready for napkins, and to spread holiday cheer.

For more info on these projects go to:

http://www.homeimproverclub.com/kidsworkshops.aspx

On the left hand side click on the upcoming workshops.

Doodle's Room Re-do........ well sort of

2011-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

When my chitlins and I moved in with PB, Doodle took over the extra bedroom. Which many moons ago belonged to PB's son, Cdawg.

Cdawg had the choice before we moved in as to which bedroom he wanted. He chose, and he and Lil C share a room, and Doodle has her own.

Doodle and I have been talking about for months what she wanted to do with her room. She has a really cute bed set, in vibrant turquoise, lime green and white. She has all the matching pieces.

She wants to paint the room. Those very colors. Ouch, those are bright colors.......

We talked about painting in the spring, when we can leave the windows open and air out her room. So, in the meantime, she has been dealing with all the decorations that were on the wall from when she moved in. I didn't want to take anything down, decorate, and then yank it all back down to paint. Until.......... my mom was here and we were talking about this. She really put in to focus that Doodle probably didn't want to wait for her room to be done, but was too polite to say anything.

So I bit the bullet, and decided it was time to make Doodle's room fit for a girl. Thanksgiving weekend, while Doodle and Lil C were away, I got to work. I took down all the sports posters and prints, removed the skateboard hanging over the closet, and got to work.

Yes, these photos are from my phone and they were taken at night. My phone has crappy night quality photos too. BUT, I also knew there was going to be little to no chance I am going to take these photos with my camera anytime soon, so here ya go..........

I found these circles on clearance at Kohl's for $8, and they were the perfect colors for her room!

I added one of her many ribbon boards below that with a ton of photos of her.

I took a blank canvas, purchased on clearance for $6, spray painted it a color called Watermelon from Krylon ($4), and mounted two of my favorite photos of her on there, also added the "believe" decal she got at a birthday party, and the final touch was a scarf she knitted herself.

I mounted the photos in photo corners so she can change the photos whenever she wants to......

I added the tissue paper flowers, as well as the wall art above it. It spells out her name, and NO it's not crooked! I took the picture a little sideways.......

The little paper hanging was a gift a few years ago for Doodle's birthday. It came as a kit that she put together, using whatever combination of colors and stickers she wanted.

When she got home, PB and I told Doodle there had been a flood in her room, and that we had to move some stuff around and we hop that she isn't too disappointed with the mess..........

Well, she LOVED her room! I had also put her other ribbon boards, cork boards and other little frames on the wall around her room. I hung up the coordinated curtains as well, completing the transformation. She is now one happy camper and it was all worth it! Even if it means taking everything off the wall in the spring to paint, I will happily to do it. Cause her smile was worth all the effort!

Total transformation completed for $18. Not too shabby at all!

I didn't vanish......... well not completely

2011-12-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Apparently come Thanksgiving day I was done being thankful, since I've fallen off the face of the earth since then?

This years Thanksgiving was different for sure. It was the first time in several years that I wasn't with the entire neighborhood clan.

Our group of ladies didn't get together right after Halloween to start planning the turkey day menu.

There was no running to the store the night before to grab the 3 IMPORTANT ingredients you forgot.

No rushing around Thanksgiving morning to get the car packed up.

I actually sat on my rear end, drank a cup of coffee and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In it's entirety. AND, I put up the Christmas tree, got all the lights on too.

I usually record the parade so that I can watch it later that weekend...........

PB had a wonderful surprise for me this Thanksgiving. As I was setting up the lights on the tree, a car pulls up outside. At first I don't recognize who it is. But as the person opens the door to get out? I screamed, ran outside in my slippers and hugged MY MOM!

PB had been working with her for a couple of weeks to get her here for the holiday! It was a great surprise!

We all got dressed and headed to PB's parents house for the holiday meal. We had a nice time, and enjoyed meeting PB's brother from out of state.

It was just different. Not bad, but not the same. I missed the easy camaraderie with my people. The few (oh who are we kidding?) several bottles of wine, the group dish washing and clean up, the olives on little fingers, going around the table saying what you are thankful for.........

I enjoyed my visit with my mom, and was sad to see her go, even though I know she will be back at Christmas. I had to work the day after Thanksgiving and my mom came to my office so we could eat lunch together. It was fun to gab for a while with no interruptions!

Hope your Turkey day was good. That you ate too much, drank too much, and enjoyed time with your favorite people!

Day 24: I Am Thankful

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Day 24

I Am Thankful: for Good Friends

The ones you can call in the middle of the night because you know they will answer.

The ones that pick you up when you fall. Over and over again.

The ones you laugh with, cry with, break bread with.

The ones who can call your shit EVERYTIME.

The ones who know you inside and out. All your dirty secrets and your greatest triumphs.

To you. These friends of mine. Thank you. You are much appreciated. You warm my heart!

Day 23: I Am Thankful

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Day 23

I Am Thankful: for Doodle

My sweet little girl.

With her perfect little rosebud mouth.

A friend to all. The most giving girl I know.

Generous. Kind. Respectful. Loving. Creative.

Doodle, you are so sweet.

May you never lose your silly side!

I love you Doodle.

Day 22: I Am Thankful

2011-11-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Day 22

I Am Thankful: for Lil C

My first born.

My "little" man.

Ah, how the time has flown by.

You are already a teenager.

Soon you will be driving. God help us all.........

You make me laugh. You make me mad. You make me proud. You melt my heart.

I am thankful for you. I can not imagine my life without you.

I love you Lil C.

Pictured with his current new "love"...... any flavor Mountain Dew.

Day 21: I Am Thankful

2011-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

Day 21

I Am Thankful: for PB

He makes me laugh, all the time!

He sooooo gets me. He knows what buttons to push, when to back off and when to hold me close.

We just fit together.

Like PB&J.

I lurve him.

Day 20: I Am Thankful

2011-11-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Day 20

I Am Thankful: for Email

I can get it at work.

I can get it at home.

On my phone.

I have a "spam" email, a business email, and a personal email.

Here is the BEST thing about email.......

When you get one that makes you mad/sad/happy, you have several choices.

1. Respond right away

2. Review, re-read and plot an answer

3. Draft a reply, then save and edit as more things come to mind that you want to say

Email gives you a chance to really review what someone has said to you.

Especially if they make you mad. Having an email means you wont forget what was said, AND what you want your reply to be.

Email can be toneless, which can make it hard to really understand and feel where the other person is coming from. The same could be said for texting......

However, most of the time we can get a general feel for what the sender is feeling and/or thinking when the email is sent.

Unless it's from HeeHaw. And then all bets are off.

Day 19: I Am Thankful

2011-11-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Day 19:

I Am Thankful: for the Sun

It has been ridiculously cold this week.

Frosty car windows every morning, bundled up to leave the house.

Saturday dawned cold but clear.

The sun was out! Doodle and I got ready and headed to the storage unit.

We brought with us all the Halloween decorations to put back.

Out come all the chairs and misc items stacked in front of the door, blocking everything in back.

This is all the Christmas decorations I have. 6 regular Rubbermaid totes, 1 extra large capacity Rubbermaid tote, 2 small Rubbermaid totes, 4 boxes and a 6.5 foot tree.

Wow. I think I may need to pair down this year.......... what do you think?

How may holiday decorations do you have? I know I can not be alone in having this much.......

Day 18: I Am Thankful

2011-11-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

Day 18

I Am Thankful: for Modern Medicine

For when I have that stress related heart attack?

Today? Or maybe tomorrow?

That with one phone call I can be whisked away to the nearest ER......

Hopefully by the cutest EMT's out there.

And once I am safely delivered there?

I will be given the best care available.

That will re-start my over worked and under paid heart.

And since I will be in the hospital for AT LEAST a week, on a liquid only diet most likely, I will loose those pesky 8 pounds that are currently stuck to my inner thighs and stomach.

I am sure I will get a lot of visitors.... ahem! I had better get a lot of people coming by to see me....... If you know what's good for you!

My room will be filled with beautiful fresh flowers, balloons and get well cards.

I will become addicted to all the daytime tv.... the soaps, Jerry Springer/Montel Williams, QVC.

Once I am released, I am will be nice and calm. Live a healthy and active life.

I will have the patience of Mother Teresa.

My voice box will be altered and I will speak in nice and even tones, never shouting.

If you believe that? I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you.

Day 14,15,16,17: I Am Thankful

2011-11-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

Day 14

I Am Thankful: for Food

That I have enough in my cupboards and in my fridge to feed my family.

Thankful I know where my holiday meal is coming from this year, and that I don't have to stand in line at the food bank and hope there is enough to go around.

Thankful that my children don't know what it means to go hungry.

Day 15

I Am Thankful: for My Girl Scout Troop

These girls rock!

They are generous, funny, kind, and a sister to anyone in need.

I love them!

Day 16

I Am Thankful: Good Neighbors

So when you only have 3 eggs left and you break one of them?

You call your neighbor and she sends her hubby running over with one for me!

Which I handsomely rewarded them for. With still warm from the oven banana bread.

Yummy!

Day 17

I Am Thankful: for the time I had with my Pops.

He was a cool dude. The fact that 77 years separated us meant nothing.

He told me great stories, laughed at my dorky jokes and just loved being with me.

He loved to sing little "ditty's" and play the organ. Which I know have. And cherish.

He could barely see or hear my kids but he LOVED spending time with them.

He loved his M&M's, watching boxing on tv and riding the bus.

I am sad that he is not around for my (someday) grandchildren.........

Day 13: I Am Thankful

2011-11-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

Day 13

I Am Thankful: for cell phones

Those handheld lifelines.

Those pesky things that ring when you are in the quietest place on earth: the library. All of a sudden "Bust A Move" blasts out of your purse and you want to crawl in to a hole and die.......

But in all seriousness, I don't know how I ever lived without one.

I can reach my kids at anytime I need to.

I can email my mom, catch up on Facebook or buy a book right from my hands.

I can call my grandparents out of state.

I can do my banking, make a grocery list, add an important date to my calendar, take a picture and send it to everyone I know.

I love, love, love my Crackberry. Because that is what it is for me.

I love to pick new songs and ring tones for the people in my life.

I can get directions right to my phone without having to print them out.

I can calculate the best tip, or listening to Pandora radio.

I can play games, or record an important moment.

So, to my Blackberry. I salute you. Who cares what other people say? You and I are best buds. If that makes us shallow, so be it.

Day 12: I Am Thankful

2011-11-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Day 12

I Am Thankful: for Creating Keepsakes

For whoever came up with this idea:

Go check it out here.

A whole 2 1/2 days of nothing but yummy goodness for the scrapbooker/card maker.

I registered for my classes back in August.

I anxiously anticipated this event. So much so, that Friday night I had trouble sleeping.

Even though I moaned about getting up at 6am on Saturday, I had excitement coursing through every vein in my body.

I grabbed my friend, we drove to the convention center, and entered the facility with complete awe.

Booth after booth of supplies and ideas. Things to make and take home, to buy, to salivate over.

Every major vendor of scrapbooking supplies is there.

After 2 hours looking at all the booths, which I only got through 3 rows of, it was time to head up to my classes.

3 hour long classes where I was once again inspired, taught new techniques and saw new things to do in my own scrapbook pages.

After I was done, I headed back to the vendor booths for another 2 hours of bliss. Seriously.

You could give your credit card a major workout in there.

I can't wait for next year!!!

I always have so much fun there. Check it out for when it comes close to you. Even if all you do is the vendor fair. It's worth going.

Day 9,10,11: I Am Thankful

2011-11-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

Day 9

I Am Thankful: for The FDA

Yes, those pesky people. That allow me to have food that is regulated, tested and approved. So that I don't get some nasty disease from a person handling my food, or from the food itself.

I know some people may not like them, but honestly think about the job they have. Are they perfect? No. Do they keep us 99.9% of the time free from disease and/or death? Yes.

So, lets thank them. I know I personally appreciate being among the living.

Day 10

I Am Thankful: for the DVR

Yep. Thank you to whatever super genius came up with this one! I am seriously loving on you right now!

I can record my shows when I am away from home, having a party, or just want to go to bed. I can record more than one show at a time, should I want to watch both ABC and NBC at 8:00 pm.

I can fast forward through commercials, I can pause my show when I need to go to the bathroom/answer the phone/or wait for someone to shut their pie hole so I can hear the tv.

I can search for movies, documentaries or music videos on a whim.

So raise your glass for the DVR. It is worth every penny I pay for it!

Day 11

I Am Thankful: for all the Military men and women

Thank you doesn't seem quite accurate if we really break down all that you do.

Please enjoy this song, which pretty much sums it up for me.

Thank you.

Day 8: I Am Thankful

2011-11-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Day 8

I Am Thankful: for My Mom

The 8th is her birthday.

Which, most years, it's also voting day. :)

My mom is cool beans.

She is beautiful.

She is is smart, funny, talented.

She is great at her job, an animal lover and a superb cook.

She has great personal style, and has a gorgeous home.

She is a bargain shopper, an excellent gift wrapper and loves musical theatre.

She gives great advice, good hugs and a wonderful gardener.

She loves her children and grandchildren.

She is my mom. And I love her.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Day 7: I Am Thankful

2011-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Day 7

I Am Thankful: for My Grandma

Today is her birthday.

She is a feisty woman, let me tell you!

At her age, closing in on 90, she still drives EVERYWHERE.

Grandpa about has a heart attack when she gets behind the wheel though.

She is a very aggressive driver for someone her age. She is sharp as a tack, and her eyesight is awesome.........

Which makes her feel very confident and superior behind the wheel.

According to her, no one in this country is a good driver.

She hates sharing the road with truckers, and she is NOT afraid to use her horn.

God help us all.

My mom is afraid to drive with her. Not because she thinks Grandma will hit someone.......... she is afraid someone will commit road rage against Grandma!

Just one of the many reasons why I love her!

Grandma is also one of the best box packers/space savers I have ever seen.

She can take a whole room of clutter and have it down to 3 boxes in no time flat. And nothing gets broken, bent or misplaced.

Seriously......... professional packers ought to take lessons from her.

She is also a SERIOUS coupon-er. Way before Extreme Couponing became popular on TLC.

When we used to live close to them, every Sunday morning we would sit at the kitchen table with her.

She would make her list, clip her coupons while sipping her coffee and we would plan the day's shopping adventure.

9 out of 10 times, she would get her coupon item for free, and in some cases the stores would end up owing her a penny.

I can still remember the looks on the checkers face as the transaction was complete........... utter shock!

So today, I wish my Grandma a happy Birthday! I love you!

Day 6: I Am Thankful

2011-11-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

Day 6

I Am Thankful: for Daylight Savings Time

I love it. I really do.

In the fall I gain an hour of sleep.

In the spring, its stays lighter longer, with the promise of summer on the horizon.

Cute story:

I woke Lil C up for school yesterday. He goes about his normal morning routine.

But as we are getting ready to leave the house (I drive him to school), he says: "Are we late?"

I say NO and he says "Ok good. I was worried I slept in too long because its so light outside!"

For the past month, every morning it has been pitch black when I take him to school.

I know Lil C struggles with the time change more than I do. Because, darker sooner means less time for biking around the hood.........

Oh well. Guess he will have to spend more quality time with dear ole mom.........

Day 5: I Am Thankful

2011-11-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

Day 5

I am Thankful: for a Home

We watched the Pursuit of Happyness last night.

Great, great movie.

Have you seen it? Most people I have.

I have sat down to watch it several times with no success......... I had seen all but the last 30 minutes of the movie.

Well, thanks to the migraine I had the other day, I got to watch it in it's entirety.

Powerful stuff. This is the type of movie you want to watch when you are having a pity party for yourself.

Seriously.

This scene alone makes me loose it every time.

I am thankful I am not Chris. Having to find an "inventive" place to stay for the night.

That my children have a warm bed, in a warm house, to sleep in every night.

That they don't have to share that space with someone else.

That they have a space to call their own.

That I, as their mom, don't have to sleep with one both eyes open because I don't feel safe enough to sleep.

There are a lot of people out there who don't have this luxury.

I have not had to experience that myself. Thank goodness.

I am not sure I could do it.

So, I will forever appreciate that roof over my head. That those 4 walls can keep me safe from the outside world.
I will never take that for granted.

Day 4: I Am Thankful

2011-11-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Day 4

I Am Thankful: for Friday's

Every single one of them!

What's the one thing you look forward to after a long week? FRIDAY

You have 2 nights before you even THINK about work again.

Whether you go away for the weekend, stay in, or have a list of to-do things a mile long, Friday's are always a welcome sight.

Although, here is what I noticed.

As I get older, it's harder and harder for me to stay up too late on a Friday night.

Pathetic and lame? Yes, yes it is.

But the truth just the same.

I make all these plans but most Friday's you can find me relaxing at home. And that is right where I want to be.

So raise your glass, and let's toast Friday together!!!

Day 3: I Am thankful

2011-11-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Day 3

I Am Thankful: for Coffee

The sweet smell of those beans a-perco-latin' in my Mr. Coffee every morning.

The way my heart breathes a huge sigh of relief as that espresso hits my bloodstream.

The way a good strong cup of coffee tastes after a hearty meal.

It is my "non-living" best friend.

Coffee, Coff-ay, Coooo ffffff eeeeee

I like it iced. I like it hot. I like it sweet. I like it full flavored and robust.

I do not like it straight up. Go figure?

I like chocolate covered coffee beans, coffee cake, Espresso biscotti and coffee flavored cookies.

Most mornings, I don't talk to any human beings without having a date with coffee first. It was love at first sight.

It's a weakness, an addiction. But that's ok. I can be weak, and addicted. Cause me and coffee? We aint never gonna break up!

Day 2: I Am Thankful

2011-11-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Day 2:

I Am Thankful for: the Internet.

Goofy? Maybe. Accurate assessment? Most definitely!

Think about it. You can get information on just about any subject, at any time of the day, on any day of the week.

You can access the web from your home or work computer, laptop, cell phone, Kindle........ and the list goes on.

You can search for the year a movie was made, where the closest museum is to you, or a recipe for dinner.

The Internet can be a great ally when your pride is on the line, or you have made a bet with someone. Like what year a song came out, who was the main star in a movie, or what year something was invented.

You can read up on the latest celebrity gossip, get caught up on the world news, and find out the weather forecast.

You can download, upload and share your photos with everyone you know.

But for me? A serial crafter? The Internet is especially awesome! I can spend hours reading blogs, looking at DIY projects, and learning from other people's stories what not to do.

My new favorite Interent site? Pinterest. I swear it's like Crafting Crack. It's a major time suck. But I love it!

I can spend hours looking at other people's boards. Ideas for decorating, paper crafting, wardrobe, recipes, photography........ and the list goes on and on! I have to look everyday because I need my crafty fix. Seriously, the shakes and withdrawals set in when I am away from it too long.

It's my new love. Some might even say it's an obsession. But those people are just jealous! If you want to come and see what it's all about, grab my "follow me" button the right hand side. Trust me, you wont be sorry!

Day 1: I Am Thankful

2011-11-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I might as well jump on the "I am Thankful" bandwagon just like everybody else..........

So here goes!

Day 1:

I am thankful to be employed. Yep. To have a job. With a regular paycheck. And health insurance. Which allows me a roof over my head. Food in the cupboards and in my belly. And all of the things that money can buy.

There are so many people without a job right now. I am glad it's not me. Whether you like your job or not, at least you are better off with it then without.

We all bitch and moan about our job at one time or another. Complain about a customer, a co-worker, a crazy boss. I have done it before, and I am sure I will again!

But, in the current economic situation, I am more thankful than normal to be gainfully employed. And to know that the field I am in will never go away.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lil C decided not to dress up and took PB's nephew around the neighborhood. Here is Gabe......... no Lil C in sight.

Doodle dressed up as a hobo this year......... her idea, her costume choices!

I answered the door in my witch hat of course!

PB was as cute as ever in his mouse ears........ lol!

Too busy running around to get any good pics with my camera, so crappy quality on these because they were taken with my phone.

We ran out of candy about the 730pm mark. We then started passing out all the Hostess treats.......... super ghetto but the kids seemed to like it! We were sitting in the driveway with the fire pit going. After Gabe and Lil C came back, they were too cold, Gabe passed out candy at the door.

8pm, and we were out of everything! Lights out, we stayed in the driveway with the fire pit for a while. It was a very hectic but successful Halloween!

Veneers

2011-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

What a weekend.

Most days, at least that is what I tell myself, I am pretty good about covering up how I feel about Heehaw and his wife.

So good in fact, one of the moms on Doodle’s soccer team actually commented about how well we all get along, and how nice it is that we can all sit together at soccer and be polite with each other.

Ha! My carefully crafted veneer is working! Most people seem to think that I am super ok with my children having another “mom” in their lives.

There has been a tug of war every weekend at soccer. It goes like this: on my weekends, the kids both sit with me during the game, and on Heehaw’s weekend the kids sit with him and L.L.

For the past 3 weekends, Lil C has made it very clear how upset Heehaw was every time Lil C came over to me, sat with me, talked with me. What I found super interesting about this was 2 of those 3 weekends were mine. Petty as it may sound, this is my question: why should Heehaw make either of the children feel like they are in trouble when they sit with me, if it is not his weekend?

I am most certainly not going to get in a pissing match at the field about it, but I have told Lil C that on my weekends he can sit wherever he likes. He can talk to whomever he wants, and if that means he doesn’t hang out with dear ole dad, so be it.

It has gotten to the point where, at yesterday’s game, as I come in from the parking lot to take my place on the sidelines, all I get from my son is a “Hi Mom” and he stays glued to Heehaw’s side. But wait! It gets better! L.L. then says, “Go and hug your mother”. Awesome. I just smiled and kept walking, saying that if he didn’t want to hug me or acknowledge I was there, that was ok.

Inside, I was dying. Poor Lil C is made to feel like he can’t even say hi or hug me when its not my weekend? About 15 minutes later Lil C came over to me and stood next to me for 5 minutes before leaving. Parting with the words “I don’t want dad to get mad I am over here”. I laughed it off, saying how standing next to your mom was such a bad thing, and waved Lil C on his way.

One of the mom’s, who had overheard the entire exchange, came over and hugged me. Which made it worse. I felt like it was bad enough to have all that happen in front of other people, but then to get the pity? Ugh.

On the one hand it makes me glad that other people can see what a douche my ex-husband is. But on the other hand? I wish it would happened when I wasn’t around. All I usually end of feeling, after the initial anger/sadness/bitterness is embarrassment.

About 4 hours later, when the kiddos are dropped off at my house, the barrage continues. Doodle has been offered a trip to the east coast with a teacher from school. I am excited for her! BUT, the next thing I know, she is telling me that she already talked to Heehaw and L.L. about it, they have agreed it would be fun for her AND her brother (I guess siblings are welcome) and then the bomb drops.

Doodle proudly informs me that not only is Heehaw willing to pitch in for the cost, he will go one step further. Heehaw will pay for Lil C if I pay for Doodle.

Several things run through my brain when I hear this:

1. Doodle took this all to Heehaw and L.L. first. Ouch. However irrational that feeling may be, it’s still there.

2. Heehaw wants to pay ½? What happened to the 68% he is supposed to pay? He honestly still thinks that he should only pay 50% of ANY bill.

3. And last but not least: Heehaw wants to pay for this trip but cant help pay for Doodle’s counseling? Girl Scout trips? Lil C’s braces?

Am I being punked? Yes, I think so. I am super glad that no one was around when I got all this news. It would have been hard to conceal my anger under my carefully crafted veneer.

Friday Fun 10.28.11

2011-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that October is almost over? Egads........ where did the month go?

Hope you have a nice weekend. Happy Friday!

Friday Fun 10.21.11

2011-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

Random Recap

2011-10-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm sick. Have been for 5 days now. Friday, when I left the office I went home and went directly to bed. Or tried to. Of course when I want to sleep, even for 30 minutes, everyone and their brother/mother/sister blows up my phone.

Saturday went dress shopping with my friend Debbi. She is getting married in December and I am her maid of honor. We were out and about looking for a dress for me on the cheap. Found one, finally, that fit over my boobs and was very friendly to the budget. Came home and crashed out on the couch.

Sunday, went to Doodle's soccer game. Doodle scored her first goal of the season........... unfortunately it was in the other team's goal. :( Super awkward moment at the end of the game too. HeeHaw's parents came. I waited until the end of the game to go over and say hi. As I was leaving, I hugged both kids goodbye, and did the same for the ex in-laws. Super love that it makes HeeHaw mad that I have a good relationship with his folks but super hate that any interaction I have with them in front of HeeHaw is uncomfortable and awkward for them.

It chaps HeeHaw's ass that I have any kind of relationship with "his" friends and/or his family. Because since we are divorced there should be no reason that any of those people would want or like to talk to me...... ha. If he actually looked at most of the friendships he has, I cultivated most of them. I also covered up for his jackass behavior and saved a lot of those friendships. He should stick that in his pipe and smoke it.

Yesterday, went to the dentist. After some major anxiety in the chair, it went better than expected. It is still sore today but is a lot better than it was in the week prior.

Now if I could just get some damn sleep. Up hacking the last 5 nights, trouble sleeping the 5 night before that because of the damn tooth issue............ needless to say I'm cranky, tired, and just generally irritable. Awesome.

Friday Fun 10.14.11

2011-10-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

This week seemed to go pretty dang fast........... Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

Fractured

2011-10-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

This I know to be true:

There is NO pain like dental pain. Seriously. I would rather go through childbirth again then have any dental pain.

The day we left for my mom's house, the entire left side of my mouth hurt. I felt like I had been clenching my teeth for HOURS and my jaw was throbbing.

Made it through the drive down......... barely. Continued on with the pain all weekend, set at a dull throb. Couple more days go by, and the pain worsens e-v-e-r-y night.

It finally reaches intolerable proportions Thursday night.

Friday morning, after I had cried myself to sleep the night before, I call every dentist in town. Wouldn't you know that most of them only work 4 days a week? And those 4 days DON'T include Friday?

Well, I found a Gentle Dentle location here in Mtown that was not only open, but who could squeeze me in at 930am. I drove my sorry butt down there, filled out the mountain of paperwork and waited for someone to see me.

As I got all lowered in to the chair, the waterworks started again. Ugh. I hate crying first of all, but second? In front of other people? Even better.

The dentist takes a look around, they take an xray and 20 minutes later I have a diagnosis. In the same back tooth, I have a fracture AND a huge cavity that is under an already filled cavity. Great.

So, they are going to take the old cavity out, take care of the new cavity and the fracture at the same time. Awesome. But what about right me now????? To say nothing about my blood pressure which is spiking through the roof from dental anxiety, little sleep and being in extreme pain.......... how am I going to make it to the next appointment?

Luckily, they give me a prescription for a little thing called Vicodan. Or which I like to call the happy pill. It makes me forget my mouth hurts.

So far, I have been able to make it all through the day on Ibuprofen alone and only take the happy pill at night. With the added night guard at night to prevent further grinding and clenching of my teeth, this system is working out pretty well.

I am scheduled for the procedure (or as I like to call it, mouth fishing) on the 17th. Wish me luck. I super hate the dentist. I am sure they are nice people and it's not personal. I am just positive that they are going to choke me one of these times with that stupid dental dam. I feel it in my bones.

Are you afraid of the dentist? If so, why?

Friday Fun

2011-10-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Especially this week. More on that later.

Friday Fun

2011-09-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is October 1st already? Holy cow! Where did Septmeber go???

We are off for a visit to my mom's this weekend.

So Happy Friday. Have a great weekend!

From Drab to Fab........

2011-09-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

I got bitten by the crafting bug once again............

PB was away 2 weekends ago for a golf tournament. The chitlins were with their dad. So, I had no kids, no man and the house to myself. Score for me!

I was bound and determined to get all my craft projects done while everyone was out from under foot..... Here was the master list:

Alter frame

Use twine and ampersand

Hang up sconces in front sitting room

Change the decorations by the front door

Fill frames with updated photos

Friday night Moxie and I hit the local Goodwill. Seriously one of my favorite all time stores! I hadn't started any of the craft projects yet, so I thought I would see if they had anything there that would tickle my craft funny bone. I found a great sign, and given some TLC, I knew it would look awesome with what I had in mind. Of course I also looked at the clothes and found a cute sweater and a pair of shoes I couldn't leave without!

Saturday morning dawned bright and I was fired up and ready to go. I laid all my supplies out on the counter and mapped out a plan of action:

I had a few of these laying around......... No, I didn't drink them ALL by myself! I had help! And, I have been saving these for a YEAR! That's right folks. 365 days!

I found this beaut at where else? The Goodwill! Although the tag says $5.99, this particular day all Red tags were 50% off. Score!

See the scratches on the top? I knew it wouldn't matter what condition the frame was in, so it was perfect for what I needed.

Yeah, I needed a few of these. Like 36 to be exact.

I got to work. I fired up the glue gun, and started laying out the corks in a random pattern. 3 hours, some choice swear words and a few glue gun burns later and I finally have it done.

I go straight over to the wall I want to hang it on to see what it will look like. And I am impressed! Now, it is still missing the pictures, the glass needs to be cleaned and the Goodwill sticker taken off.... but all things in good time.

I am excited to continue the craftiness that is pumping through my veins like liquid crack...........

A few more glue sticks, a roll of jute twine (purchased fore $1.64 at Wal-Mart) and a heavy does of patience lead me through this project. I have been seeing a lot of jute twine all over blog land, and Pinterest, and I love the way it looks. So, I thought I would try it out. I found a movie on tv, Clueless (love!) and got to work.

It took me the entire time the movie was playing to get this ampersand wrapped in the twine, but it was so worth it! I was really happy with the end result. What do you think?

Here was the sign I found at the Goodwill. As you can see, there were some scratches on it. For $1.99 though, I knew I could fix it, and it would go with the cork frame. I had some silk flowers on hand in the scrapbook supplies and they were a great color. A few glue dots later, and we were in business.

It turned out great don't ya think?

I hung everything on the wall, just wanting to get the feel for how it would look. I still had some work to do on the frame, but I was pleased with the arrangement. I love that my window is in this display too! I have been carting that thing from house to house for the last few years........ cause I love it.

I finally got the frame cleaned, put the pictures in and removed the price tag. I am SUPER pleased with the end product!

And the wall, in all it's splendor, is complete! I love, love, love it!

When PB came home, he loved it too! Success! I also got the sconces hung in the front room, as well as changed out the decorations by the door and hung up a few more picture frames.

This wall was looking so plain with just the picture in the middle, so I added these sconces I found at Value Village about a month ago for $2.50 each.

These frames I have had for a while. I couldn't figure out where to put them when we moved in, and I finally found a place I like. The front room is really coming together!

All my supplies:

Frame: $2.99

Glue sticks: $2.88

Ampersand: $1.99

Jute Twine: $1.64

Sign: $1.99

Sconces: $5.00

Corks: free

Total: $16.49 for an awesome set of transformations!!!!!

Friday Fun

2011-09-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!

Friday Fun

2011-09-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, thought I would give this a try. Every Friday I will share something funny with all of you. You know the Internet is like crack for me when I am bored.

Happy Friday! This is an ESPECIALLY good Friday for me. No man, no kids and money in my pocket? I am going to have some fun!!!!

Cell phone-a-palooza

2011-09-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ready? Go!

Since I have been absent from bloggy land for a little while, here is the extremely quick recap of the last few weeks. My cell phone has been busy taking pictures.

I have not been pulled over again, thank god! I did take the Wicket Witch license plate off my car, but still have not found the old one to put back on. Tail light is fixed too.

PB and I made a whirlwind trip to Leavenworth. Not a lot of photos. Too much smoke in the air. Controlled forest fires happening that weekend....... had fun though. Did put put with PB, who gave me some great pointers. Being I am not the most patient golfer out there, I still managed to have a good time. Wait, that might be the wine talking?

We stopped at the candy shop before we left town......... I was not adventurous enough to try this hot sauce!

See? We were in Leavenworth! Here we are at the river...... it was hot!

As soon as we got home from Leavenworth, we showered and headed out to the Gallagher concert! He was so funny and we had great seats! 4th row, hence the poncho wearing. No, we did not get hit with any flying fruit....... PB grew up listening to Gallagher and was very excited to see him live. I had a great time!

We have been to the music at the waterfront a few times. Here are some photos from that..........

Moxie and I

Love this picture of PB....... :)

And one of my favorites of PB and I...

Been a busy summer......

3 times in 30 days

2011-08-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that correctly.

I have been pulled over............ 3 times in 30 days.

THAT is a new personal record for me.

It all started on July 28th. I was driving to work, gabbing on the phone with Moxie. No, I wasn't holding the phone. I had it on hands free. I leave the house every morning with just enough time to get to work, give or take 4 minutes.

I see the cop heading towards me. He actually looks down at my front license plate, put his head to the side, as if in thought, and then keep driving. Yeah, that didn't last more than a block before I see him, in my rear view mirror, turn around and head my way. Great. You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you know you are getting pulled over. It sucks.

The officer pulls me over. He walks up to my car and does the whole "Do you know why you are being pulled over?" routine. I reply no and proceeds to let me know I have a rear tail light out. Ok........ and then he tells me I need to have a regular front plate. He actually asks me what the license plate says. Instead of walking around to the front of the car to see for himself.

I give him my license, registration and insurance card. He gives me a warning, tells me to get the regular license plate on the front of my car and away I go. Of course I post all over facebook after I get to work........ The funny thing was, I was actually considering taking the license plate down. I have had it on my car for 2 years, and it is pretty faded now.

Fast forward 2 weeks. I was just leaving work, early, because I had a terrible cold. I'm on the way home, and I get pulled over AGAIN! The cop comes up to my window, and as I roll down my window, I proceed to sneeze, wipe my nose, hack, cough and wheeze all over him.

He was less than impressed.......... again I have to furnish my license, registration and insurance info. Well, since the last time I got pulled over, I cant find my registration. Anywhere. Trust me. I have looked everywhere. I tore the car apart. No luck.

So, here I am, explaining my lack of registration papers. He says ok, tells me about the tail light out, and sends me on my way. No word about the license plate. So, sick as a dog, I go to the auto parts store to get the stupid tail light.

Fast forward once again to yesterday. I'm driving home from work, and I get pulled over. This is starting to get old...... guess who comes to my window? The same cop from 2 weeks ago. Just my luck.

I explain, once again, about not being able to find my registration. Except this time, I let him know that in 6 days I am going to renew the tabs and get a new registration. He asks me about the front plate, I said that since he pulled me over 2 weeks ago, I have been looking for the front license plate EVERYWHERE and I cant find it. I have a legitimate excuse....... I just moved not too long ago.

He tells me I need to go to the license plate stat, pay for my tab renewal AND new license plates because if he sees me again I will get a ticket. Damn. Guess I better get that done huh?

Lil C and the big 1-5

2011-08-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

I am feeling really old.

Lil C just had a birthday.

He turned 15. The big 1-5. A decade and a half. Oi.

He was very specific this year on what he wanted.

He had been bugging me for 2 months before D-day about this bike.

This, my friends, is a Kink 2011 Bike. And unless you have a teenage son? You know nothing about this either! I got schooled, big time, at the bike shop here in Mtown. Apparently I had a lot to learn.......

So, off I go to the shop to pay for it, figure out how to get the thing in the back of my car......... without scratching it up.

The day of his birthday rolls around, and he is presented with the bike. He was very excited!

No pictures of the glorious moment. Since HeeHaw and Lettuce Lady where also present for the bike reveal, I decided against getting their ugly mugs in my son's photo. We can always re-create later if necessary.........

Lil C also wanted to have a co-ed party. I agreed, but I told my hormonally driven boy child that NO girls were allowed to spend the night. They had to leave by 11pm. Period.

Now, when prepping for a teenage party, and a boy at that, I had to be careful. They don't want to play games, have "mommy" hovering over their shoulder, or be told what to do.

Great. What kind of options does that leave me with? Ummmmm, none. So I did what any sane, rational person would do. I hit the grocery store.

I bought:

4 bags of chips

1 tub of Red-Vines

3 cases of pop

2 bags of Pretzels

1 large bag of candy

Red Velvet and Chocolate Cupcakes

4 pizzas

3 orders of bread sticks

Yeah. All of that for 11 teenage kids. Most everything was gone by 11 pm that night. Seriously! I think we had 2 half bags of chips, half a bowl of candy and some Red Vines left. WOW.

Being the kind of mom that I am, no explanation needed, I made them all gather for a photo op. By this time, I could only wrangle 7 of the 11 for a photo.

Trying to get them all to hold still, look at the camera and smile was no small task.

I shoved 15 candles in to the cupcake......... look at all that smoke!

We tried another photo op.......... at least we got 6 of them to smile and face the right way!

I even made Lil C use the "Celebrate" plate. Which I used when I was a kid and it was MY birthday.

This year Lil C asked for a bike. I am sure next year he will ask for a car. Donations and booze will be eagerly accepted from now on. I am going to need it.........

It Finally Happened...........

2011-08-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

After more than a year, it happened........

On Saturday I was finally introduced to PB 's mom and dad.

Yes, that's right.

An ENTIRE year has passed, and then some since I met PB.

And I just met the parental units.

Here is how it all went down.

Friday, PB talked to his mom. She invited PB and I out to their campground spot on Saturday.

Of course I jumped at the opportunity!

I dropped the kids off that morning with Nana and Papa for a week of grandparents time. Then I rushed home, showered and changed and PB and I hit the road.

On the outside, I was calm and collected. Inside? A jumbled mess of nervous and anxiety.

PB? Just a nervous as I was.

An hour later, we arrive at their spot........

Both of his parents are SUPER quiet people. Like, wait for the other person to speak quiet.

Which, for those of you who know me, is very hard for me. I will keep talking to overcompensate. Which can be bad.......

In this case, I just kept reminding myself to relax.

Once I got that through my head, all was fine.

We spent a very relaxing afternoon at the campsite. We drove around on the golf cart, touring their little camp village. Which houses over 100 spots. It is a camping community, so people are able to leave their trailers there year round.

They have a clubhouse for kids, one for adults, 2 pools and a ball field.

We cooked dinner, laughed around the campfire and enjoyed each other's company.

When we left, after hugs all around, I felt that a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I truly enjoyed getting to know them, and was happy to have finally met PB's mom, who I had heard so much about.

Apparently, I passed inspection. Or so PB has told me.

Whew! Parental inspection is never easy.

I am glad that initial meet and greet is done. Now I can relax, and just be myself and not worry.........

PIA's People to People Trip

2011-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

CHB's daughter PIA had the opportunity of a lifetime: traveling through Europe. 6 countries, 20 days and with a great organization called People to People. For more info on them, click here.

PIA has decided to blog about her adventure (which I love!).

Check out her blog here.

Twirling.......

2011-08-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

We have had a very W-E-T spring here in Washington. More than half of our spring soccer games were played in the rain.

If it wasn't raining, it was frickin cold, with the wind blowing, or should I say howling, through the fields. The soccer fields where Doodle played are always windy........ which is great if it's a hot day and you need a breeze to cool you off. Not so much fun when the wind is making the rain go sideways.

Most games the parents brought hand warmers, gloves, hats, something warm to drink, blankets and multiple layers of clothing on. Not to mention, rain boots. Cause that's a hot look. Trust me.

Here are some of my favorite pics of Doodle over the spring soccer season. Enjoy.

Love the look on her face here!

Doodle had just kicked the ball out of her zone....... take that!

After kneeling on the side lines.......... Grass Imprint Tattoo!

Doodle and PIA playing each other........ also Doodle's "almost" goal.

And my all time favorites! Twirling on the soccer field in the rain!

Which reminds me of a favorite movie of mine......... You've Got Mail.

The two "B''s

2011-08-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

The current two "B"'s in my life: Big Brother and The Bachelorette.

Let's start with The Bachelorette.

Last night was the finale. Needless to say I was disappointed........

I agree that Ashley's sister was harsh, but I think she had a point. She saw an immediate connection between Ashley and Ben, and not between Ashley and J.P.

I was very sad for Ben. I honestly thought that she had a better connection with him. That could be ABC's clever editing, or it could just be that as the end drew closer, I moved from being on Team J.P. to Team Ben. Ben made her laugh. With J.P. it was always so serious.........

As the show came to a close, there were previews for the "Bachelor Pad". OMG spare me. I think I can find SEVERAL other things to do during that time then sit and watch all the scripted drama.

Big Brother time:

Ok, so if you watched last week's episode's, everyone was against Danielle. They all thought she was the one stirring the pot, turning the newbies against the veterans, and making all kinds of side deals.

When she won HOH, I was doing the happy dance? Wanna know why? That means she could try to get out Rachel or Brandon. I want Rachel gone. She drives me up one wall and back down the other!

I now have PB hooked on this show. Do I feel bad that he now is addicted to BB like tv crack? Uhm, no! Even Doodle watches it with us.......

I can't wait to see what happens this week. I love, love, love me some Big Brother.........

School Board Elections.........and the people who should be disqualified

2011-08-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

A public service announcement to all who live in my town. Good 'ol M-town.

For the love of everything holy, please do NOT throw away your Official Local Voters' Pamphlet. I beg of you.

Instead, turn to page 14, and check out the third candidate running for a School District Board position.

Now, for the back story.

When HeeHaw and I, and our two little cherubs moved to M-town in 2001, we specifically picked a cul-de-sac and family friendly neighborhood.

As we settled in to suburbia, I became involved with the ladies from the neighborhood. We all had kids around the same age, and naturally bonds started to form.

On our little street, branched off from the main drag of our neighborhood, were 3 families. Ours, the Hansen's and Miss Em's family. Everyone else was on the main street, but we all knew each other.

Not too long after HeeHaw and I settled in, there was a change of "wives" at the Hansen household. I knew very little of the wife leaving, but the other ladies in the neighborhood were sad to see her go.

Not even 3 months later, the new girlfriend moves in. By this time summer rolled around, 6 months later, all the families were having backyard bbq's, Friday night get together's and so on.

Over the next 2 years, we became a tight knit community. We hosted neighborhood 4th of July parties, neighborhood Easter Egg hunt's, and all the kids were all invited to each other's birthday parties, sleepovers, etc.

About this time, it was apparent that none of us, CHB, Miss Em, Mrs. Sea, Moxie, wanted to get to know Mr. Hansen's new wife(yes, by now they were married). She had a son, and he split time 1/2 and 1/2 with his father, so he didn't go to the same school's as the other kids.

Whenever we would invite the new Mrs. Hansen to functions, she always declined. So we stopped inviting. This went on for a few years, and you could actually feel the hostility build up between the houses.

In 2007/2008 it reached a boiling point for me. HeeHaw no longer wanted to hang out with CHB and her family, but only wanted to do things with the Hansen's, and another family, the Neumann's. Between these two families, neither of the husband's were men I could relate to.

Mike (Mr. Hansen) and Rich (Mr. Neumann) were two of the most chauvinistic men I had ever met. I can't even tell you how many times I heard "Woman, get me a beer. Woman, I'm hungry, get me a plate. Woman, take care of these kids. Woman, get my friend's something to drink."

Are you barfing yet? Now, for those of you who know me well, you know this didn't sit right with me. I am an independent woman. I work outside the home, I have an opinion, and I am not your slave. These two men? Well, they think every woman ought to be at their beck and call, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen and have dinner on the table when they get home from work.

I told both of these men on several occasions that my name is not now, nor has it even been "woman". If they wanted to continue to call me that I would reciprocate and call them both "ass". Well, push finally came to shove, between HeeHaw and I and I laid it all out on the line.

If he wanted to hang out with these two bastards, have at it. I however, couldn't stomach being around either of them, and most certainly did not want either of my children to think this was the right way to treat a woman.

Although it created a lot of strain on our marriage, HeeHaw continued to hang out with then. I did not. Until 4th of July 2007.

The Hansen's did a huge display of fireworks every year. It would last 45-50 minutes, and the mess left behind was HUGE. The next morning, Mike would hide inside, sleeping off his hang over, and the rest of us in the cul-de-sac of three houses, were out there for 3-4 hours cleaning up the mess. Awesome.

Well, this particular year was no different. The men had too much to drink, there were angry words exchanged, and the next thing you know? They are coming to blows in front of all the kids. I ushered all the kids, theirs, mine and anyone else's in to my house to avoid seeing an altercation.

Everyone went home to their respective houses, and by the next day, the emails started to fly. Mike took this opportunity to remind CHB, Miss Em and myself of how we had excluded his "new" wife from all of our activities, and how we never included their kids in anything we did.

The words flew back and forth, for a few days, with all families copied on each email. It finally got to the point we stopped responding. Then, a few days later......... what is HeeHaw doing? He is over there again all buddy-buddy with Mike and Rich.

The men who called me "woman" and disregarded anything I had to say. The men who talked down to me, accused me of being bitchy, exclusive and never being nice or including their wives in anything the other ladies and I did.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. HeeHaw took the "high" road and sided with those men. Seriously?

Well, a divorce and a few years later, Mike has escalated the problem. Now, his children are not allowed to talk to the "offenders" in the neighborhood. Their 16 year old daughter is not to babysit for our kids, hang out with us, or be seen with us.

Mike has called myself and the other ladies degrading names in front of the kids as well. So much so that CHB's daughter came tearing around the house when she heard it ready to defend her mother's honor.

And now, I beg of you. Please, do not vote for this chauvinistic, egotistical, pathetic excuse of a man. He has no business being involved in YOUR children's education. He is not going to make it better. He is going to make it worse.

He should be disqualified. I am not kidding. He is a terrible example of a good father, or a family man. Consider the pot stirred. Now, go back and read the bio on page 14.

http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/Auditor/Elections/WebLVP.pdf

Do you need a napkin to wipe the bile residue from the corner of your mouth? Thought so.

Big Brother

2011-07-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if you are all aware that I watch Big Brother. I l-o-v-e love LOVE this show. I look forward to it every summer, with as much enthusiasm as the first American Idol episode.

This year, CBS has NOT let me down. With the twists and turns they have brought out this year, I am just as glued to the tv every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday night!

Poor PB. He has never watched this show before. Last night, he ~~glady~~ sat, teeth clenched, on the couch with me to watch it.

For pictures of the cast, go here.

In the first 5 minutes he was so confused. I spent EVERY commercial trying to explain what was happening.

Between the Power of Veto, the Head of Household and the Golden Key, he said, and I quote, "there are so many ways to stay safe in this game how do you ever get people out?"

While PB has a valid point, I couldn't help but get defensive. How dare he knock my favorite summer smut? Does he not know that I LIVE for this drama that plays out on my tv 3 days a week?

That when I posted to my Facebook last week "It's only 5 minutes in to Big Brother and I already want to strangle Rachel..... god she is annoying!" several of my friends responded knowing E-X-A-C-T-L-Y what I was talking about??????

Her laugh is like nails down a chalkboard. She thinks she is the hottest thing ever.......... yeah. NOT. PB said "eewwwww" when he saw her.

Tell me you feel the same? That I am not alone in this obsession with reality tv. Please. I do not want to seek professional help. Or join a support group. I don't have time.......

What's your summer guilty pleasure? It's ok. You can tell me. There is no judgement here. Promise.

Thank You

2011-07-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

What a sweet surprise!!!

Thank you Deirdra from A Storybook World! Go check her out at http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

Hee-Haw-ism's

2011-07-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I shared any of the yummy goodness that comes from Hee-Haw's mouth. So, pad up ladies and germs, cause here comes some of the newest diarrhea of the mouth...........

When asked to help pay for Doodle's snow-shoeing event (that was back in April):

"Well I didn't authorize that trip, so I shouldn't have to share any of the cost" AND "As soon as Doodle tells me that she ACTUALLY wanted to go on this trip, I will CONSIDER paying my share"

When Doodle and I went to Hee-Haw's house to grab some of her gear, and MY duffel bag, for her camping trip last week, we find out that Hee-Haw had thrown away MY duffel bag. Hee-Haw says:

"Well I was sure I wasn't going to use it anymore so I threw it away"

To which I reply, "It wasn't yours to give away" but alas this minor detail is lost on him..........

When asked to share the cost for the camping trip last weekend, I got this stellar response:

"Well, YOU signed her up for it and it was YOUR job to get her there. I don't see why I have to help pay for it"

And my all time favorite, nonsensical, irrational drivel that came from his mouth in the last week? When Hee-Haw and I were discussing all the costs for camps, activities and upcoming purchases of school supplies, he said:

"Since you live with PB now, and you don't pay rent anymore, I don't think I should have to pay a higher percentage of these bills anymore"

I can't tell you how much I enjoy these little talks that Hee-Haw and I have. It brings a tremendous amount of joy to my daily life.

And if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you.

Summer Camp

2011-07-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Summer Camp is here.

We have signed up, paid for and received our camp confirmation packet in the mail.

Now comes the fun part. Packing.

No matter how many times you have reviewed, checked and double checked the packing list, it is a guarantee that once you have shoved your kids out the car door at camp, they will have forgotten something.

Like 2 years ago when CHB forgot The Swimsuit. Awesome.

You know I will not read the list once, or even twice. I will review it 862 times, trying to make sure I have everything.

The laundry marking pen will come in to play, as well as the good 'ole Sharpie pen.

Of course there will be a trip to the store to pick out stationary, buy stamps, and whatever item we need for this year that either didn't come home from camp last year, is too small, or we simply don't like anymore.

Of course there is the packing of the bag, making sure to include a couple of HUGE Ziploc bags for the fiesta camp clothes. That way we avoid ALL of the clean clothes smelling like the campfire circle. Yummy.

Doodle's camp experience may not be complete without forgetting something. It happens every year. Thank goodness I have not been fired as Mom yet..........

HeeHaw is in charge, for the first time in Doodle's life, of picking her up from camp. I emailed him the summer schedule 2 weeks ago, with all the dates through Labor Day.

So you can imagine my frustration when he dropped the kids off last night and had no idea she was headed to camp for 6 days this Sunday. Oi.

Top 5

2011-06-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

You have one. I have one. Your best friend has one.

That list. The one that stays in the back of your head. And it comes to the fore front of your mind when the days gets longer, the weather gets warmer, and the kids get out of school.

Yep. the Summer To Do List, or the Top 5 Must Do Summer Activities.

Here is my Top 5. The things I absolutely MUST do every summer, in order for it to feel like a summer.

1. CAMP: With my kids, with my people. In the woods, by the ocean, it needs to happen. 3 or more days of roasting marshmallows by the campfire, late night spicy beverages, yummy camp food in the paella pan and fiesta camp fashion. Good times.

2. BACKYARD BBQ: There is nothing like actually being able to sit outside, around the bbq or fire pit, with your people, enjoying the longer days. Just talking, laughing and poking fun with each other. Letting the kids run around and play, outside, not inside glued to the tv. Whether it was a planned bbq, or impromptu, both are equally enjoyable!

3. FERRY RIDES: Summer time around my state is a wonderful time to take a ferry ride. We really do have the best of both worlds here. Mountains, water, evergreen trees and once in a while a blue sky!

4. CONCERTS: I try VERY hard to get to at least one a year. The summer is the best time to go to one, for several reasons. Cold beer, sunny days and great music? Who could ask for a better combination?

5. BEACH: At least one or trips to the water every year is in order. Sand in all the places where sand should not be........... awesome. Sunburns, kite flying, sandy cheeks, windblown hair, good food and great conversation.

So, I have given you my top 5. What's on your summer to do list?

Weekend Getaways

2011-06-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

I am planning a romantic getaway for PB and I for next month. (big smiles)

I wanted to go somewhere we have not been together yet. I had a lot of ideas swirling through my head, but had no clear direction.

I thought about hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottage rentals and cabin getaways.

Here was my criteria:

It had to be within 2.5 to 3 hours away

It had to have some kind of amenities near by

We needed a king size bed (PB is too tall for a queen)

So, I hit the Internet. Good 'ole Google and I spent some quality time together.

I was bouncing from site to site with no direction, and not really finding what I was looking for.

Finally, I had a thought. Can you see the light bulb going off above my head?

I just knew there had to be some kind of site that could help me out, cause at this point, I needed it!

Here is what I found:

My state's list of Bed and Breakfasts, with links to each website and the amenities offered

Spa Getaways: All I did was Google "spa getaways Washington State" and it gave a huge list

Romantic Weekend Getaways, and I got another list of places to go and things to do.

Vacation Rental homes, a bit much for one night but fun for a weekend.

So which did I pick?

I went with the Spa Getaway. PB and I will be relaxing in style, in a beautiful location. And no, I can't tell you! It is a surprise..........

Hope this helps you when you get ready to plan a mini vacation.

Mommy Dearest

2011-06-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Something is wrong with the world around us. Everywhere I turn lately, there is another story popping up of a young mother who has killed her child.

Of course, getting the most news coverage right now is the Casey Anthony case. That she could murder her daughter, cover it up and go out like nothing happened, makes me sick. I think there are a few screws loose with this lady. That does not negate the fact that she KILLED her own child, so go ahead and throw the book at her.

Here is an even more disturbing story. I stumbled across this story this morning:

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/124471179.html#13089351093281&if_height=279

How could a mom do this? How could any parent do this to their own flesh and blood? It surprises me that these woman are seriously mentally ill, and nobody is doing anything about it. Could their family, friends, co-workers, neighbors not see it? Obviously, if they were sane, rational women, they would seek the help they needed. So, why does nobody around them see the sickness and try to help?

There have been too many of these events over the last several years, some gaining more national attention then others. Susan Smith, this Florida mom, this mom from New York..........

The saddest thing? Most of these took place in the last year. Did you let that sink in? Really? I know us moms get frustrated with our kids, loose our temper and can rage and scream with the best of them. But here is what separates us from the pack. We would never think of killing our children. Ever.

These women? Are sick. Need help. And it makes me angry that their children have to suffer. AND that we are turning them in to overnight stars, sensationalizing their trials and giving them, in some cases, top billing over other important national issues.

My Midnight Visitor

2011-06-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Let me set the scene for you.

It's 12:11 pm. PB and I are ready for bed.

The cat is outside, and didn't come running when I called her.

So I decide to leave the front door open while I get ready for bed. To be fair, the front door was already open cause PB likes the fresh air........

I go about my business in the bathroom. Then, forgetting the front door is open, I crawl in to bed. At 12:22 am, I remember the front door is open, and I go to close it. Still haven't seen the cat, but figure she can camp on the front porch for the night since she didn't want to come in.

I crawl back in bed, and am just getting comfortable, when PB and I hear this loud crunching coming from the end of the hall, where the cat food dish is. The laundry room is right next to the garage and we keep the door cracked for the cat so she can eat whenever she wants.

Back to the story. This crunching sound we hear is LOUD. PB says he thinks the neighbor cat or something ELSE got in. So, I huff and puff and say "if it's just the cat I'm gonna be irritated I got out of bed"......... I throw on a tee shirt and flip on the hall light.

In the middle of the hallway, back arched and tail in the air, is the cat. I take a step towards the laundry room to see what else is down there, and this ugly pink nose pokes it's head out of the laundry room.

I shriek like a little girl, run and jump on the bed, and scream at PB that there is a possum! IN. THE. HOUSE! OMG. Help! PB gets out of bed, throws some clothes on, and starts down the hall. With a gun in his hand. Oi.

I scream at him "You can't shoot it"! PB puts the gun back, grabs a HUGE golf club, and charges down the hall. The little possum runs under the dryer once it sees PB coming, and the cat takes off, putting faith in PB and I to handle situation.

PB opens the door to the garage, and we decide to erect a barrier in the hall so it will run out to the garage. I grab all the laundry baskets and make a wall of clean laundry in the hall. Before I will let PB swat the intruder out of the laundry room, I make sure I "gear up". I put on my thickest pair of tennis shoes, leap to the other side of the laundry wall, and wait, heart pounding for PB to direct me. Cause truth be told? This is man's work, not mine..........

PB hands me the Swiffer. He tells me to make sure that I direct the possum out to the garage so it doesn't go through the laundry wall. Swiffer in hand, I am ready and waiting in the hall. PB gets the ugly little thing out from behind the dryer. And guess where the little thing runs?

Right. At. Me. And through my laundry wall! Shit! It runs down the hall, and scurries under the bed. Now, not am I totally freaked out, I have woken up Doodle and Lil C. I yell at them to stay in their rooms, it's under control, and race to the bedroom. I am doing the girlie "EEEWWWWW" dance, you know the one. When I see something gross, or I have to deal with some disgusting bodily fluid. Good times.

So, here we are in the bedroom. PB tells me to take the Swiffer and start batting around under the bed. I whack at anything and everything in my way. Until I see it's little tail. I screech again, and keep swatting at it. PB is on the other side of the bed with the golf club to make sure it runs back down the hall towards the garage.

It runs out from under the bed close to PB so he gives it a little shove, and down the hall it goes. And, as we wait, holding our breath, out the garage it goes. I had my finger on the garage door button so as soon as that ugly little varmint ran out I quickly closed the door and shuddered out a sigh of relief.

I am totally AWAKE now. So is PB and so are the children. We get the kids back in to bed, and snuggle down on the couch. I am totally grossed out. I don't even want to put my feet on the carpet because I have a serious case of the hee-bee jee-bee's........

And just so you know? If you see me, running out of the house, plum colored scoop neck tee shirt, a pair of Adidas tennis shoes, showing my butt cheeks (cause who had time to throw on a pair of pants? you're lucky I had a thong on at all....) and a Swiffer in hand? You guessed it. There is a possum in the house.

Cohabitation, Co-Parenting and Co-Mingling

2011-06-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Cohabitation:

Defined as "referring to an arrangement whereby two people decide to live together on a long term or permanent basis in an emotionally and/or sexually intimate relationship. The term is most frequently applied to couples who aren't married."

Yup, that's an accurate depiction of my current living situation. PB and I are not married, (and that is not something I am looking for any time in the near future, thank you very much!)

Now that I am officially "moved in", all my crap, and my children's crap has been boxed, bagged, sealed and un-sealed, and it's in PB's home, the real work begins. How do we make this house a "home"? A safe place for all the kids, for us and for everyone we invite in? After we get through the initial "where is it all going to go" phase, we will need to see what we do to make everyone happy and healthy.

Co-Parenting:

Oi. That is a big thing right? How weird is it to have someone else around or involved when it comes to parenting your children? PB and I have had many talks about this. And I sat down with my kiddos.

It went like this: PB can ask the children to do things around the house, and the children need to obey house rules. If there is a disciplinary decision that needs to be made, I will take care of it. Same goes for PB's son. Not my job to correct his child. The children and PB and I need to all have a mutual respect and understanding of one another. And we are well on our way!

Co-Mingling:

My stuff is touching PB's, PB's stuff is touching mine, and this house is exploding at the seams! It has been a long process, and is still in the works, but we are getting there. I had to get rid of a lot of stuff that I was hanging on to for no reason. Again, referencing the fact that I am a hoarder. And I have a LOT of stuff.

It has been a great lesson for me though to purge. With the help of CHB and Moxie, I was really able to let a lot of knick knacks go. I know I still have a lot, and I am sure I will need to purge more, but I feel like some progress has been made!

There is much left to be done. Doodle is excited to finally have her own room, and to decorate it, as any pre-teen girl would be! I will post some pics once it's all done...........

Girl Scout Survivor Weekend

2011-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

That title doesn't give you any clues as to what was going to happen, does it?

The night before any Girl Scout trip, I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Checking and double checking permission slips, preparing my binder of leader goodies (health forms, transportation cards, accident forms, itinerary, etc).

Do I have the directions? A camp staff contact in case something goes haywire on the way to camp? Cell phone charger, warm clothes, pen, book, warm coat. Jeez.

We depart from our meeting place at 7:15am. (This was especially great since I didn't go to bed until 12:30 the night before and then was up at 6:00am).

I had one other parent with me, so 2 cars, 8 girls and a carload full of crap. I mean gear.

We had 103 miles to travel. Giggling girls in the back seat, singing along with the radio, taking J-14 and BOP magazine quizzes. Oi.

We arrive at camp, pull up in the wrong part, get out, figure out where we are supposed to be, back in the car, only to unload and do it all over again!

We finally get the whole group together. There are 4 other troops participating in this challenge weekend as well. Girls from 11-14 years old. We all don life jackets, pull the canoes off the shelf in the boathouse, pack a sack lunch, and row across the lake. Now, I am not a huge boater. In fact, I really don't like boats at all. Living in the Pacific NW, I do get on a ferry from time to time, and those are ok. Anything much smaller and anxiety rears its ugly head.

So, I opt out of a canoe, and instead take up an oar and row a Viking boat. Not much better than a canoe, but definitely less tippy. The lessor of the two evils.

Once we arrive on the other side of the lake, on our "deserted island", we haul all the canoes out of the water, split in to groups, learn about emergency shelter building, compass usage and navigation, and of course, knot tying.

My gaggle of girls, unbeknownst to me, are starting to fray around the seams. It is now late in the afternoon, they are hungry, tired and some are suffering from PMS. (BTW, so am I. Boy how I love to camp with Auntie Flow...........). Some granola bars are shoved down their throats as they are instructed to make their own shelter for the nights, using only tarps and rope.

Then, WW3 ensues. There are 5 crates dropped off. They are full of different supplies for each group to make dinner with. You can barter, trade or share your supplies in order to have a fantastic meal. Well, that is all great in principle but really? We got stuck with the shitty crate. The "ha ha, let's see what you can do with this" crate. And boy did the girls have ideas.

The problem? 8 girls, 8 different ideas. 8 different ways to trade food, make a deal or barter what we had. Add to this mix having to cook over the fire, having the ONLY crate of food without meat in it, and overtired girls. Guess what you get? An awful dinner.

While my girls were attempting to come up with a plan, the other mom and I were laughing hysterically. We have been given a set of pup tents to sleep in. They are all nicely bundled in their stuff sacks, and as we take them out, we notice the 2 poles required to put them together are missing. So we get the camp director to swap those out for some other tents.

Well, we get one all put together. The whole time that our great tent debacle is happening, the girls have been building their shelter, arguing about what goes where, and having major disagreements about the food and preparing the food, and the other mom and I are in a fit of giggles.

I mean the deep belly laugh, eyes watering, legs crossed to avoid piddle in the skivvies, bent over at the waist cause your stomach muscles are screaming kind of laugh. We are moving on to constructing our second tent. Wouldn't you know, one of the two poles snaps in half! More hysterical laughter ensues. A roll of duct tape later and my tent finally stands on its own.

The girls come over to us and actually ask if we are drunk, we are laughing that hysterically. No sleep, lots of walking and physical labor, and lack of food apparently makes me loopy. To the point people think I am intoxicated. Good times.

Things finally would down for the night, the girls sing some songs around the campfire and we shove them off to their homemade tent, and we settle down for the night. We awake Sunday morning much more refreshed.

We break down camp, row back across the lake, haul all of our gear to the car, and drive home. I squinted the entire way because my sunglasses fell on the floor of the front passenger seat and I couldn't reach them as I was driving 67 miles per hour.

Here is what I learned:

The show Survivor, not for me. I can camp with the best of the them. I can go without a shower, I can get dirty, and I can build a shelter and a fire. What I can not do? Use a biffy (bathroom in forest for you) for more than one day, deal with ladies on the rag, and go through another dinner like that.

My new diet? Courtesy of Girl Scout Survivor weekend: 1/2 orange and some pretzel sticks for lunch, 5 cucumber slices and 1/2 a hot dog for dinner, and a banana for breakfast Sunday morning. It's no wonder I lost 2 pounds at camp.

Pictures to come later. When I regain the ability to think outside of this weekend, when I move all my stuff!

Hindu Wedding

2011-05-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

My friend Debbi and I were invited to a traditional Hindu wedding this past Saturday. We don't know the bride that well, we are more acquainted with the groom and his parents.

We loaded up the car with cameras, address and GPS, tunes and away we went! The ceremony was taking place about an hour from where we live.

We arrive at the wedding hall, and walk in to a room full of East Indians, immediately feeling out of place. We sign the registry, get a program, and find a seat. We were 2 out of 6 or 7 Caucasian people in attendance!

Here was a view of the alter before the bride and the groom arrived.

The seats are quickly filling up. We are surrounded by the most beautiful sari's I have ever seen, in every color! Oh, if I could have captured it I would have! Aqua, royal blue, pale pink, deep red, forest green, purple and champagne color exploded all around us.

The groom is escorted in first. then he is blessed by each of the females from the bride's family.

Here is Raj, waiting for his bride.

Here is Priya, escorted in by her brothers.

They placed a lei around each others necks.

Her attendants help make sure that the lei is not caught on her beautiful scarf.

One of the grooms attendants carries a satin bag of puffed rice. He places some in the hands of the bride and groom. Who then place it in to the ceremonial fire.

They lead each other around the fire, the bride leading 3 times and the groom leading 4 times.

After a few more rituals, these gorgeous chairs are set out for the bride and groom to sit on and have their pictures taken with their friends and family.

Finally, all the pomp and circumstance is over and the happy couple is free to relax and enjoy!

All in all, Debbi and I had a great time! There were so many differences in this wedding. Things I had no exposure to before. The entire ceremony was in Hindu. People ate, laughed, talked and got up and walked around WHILE the ceremony was taking place.

The ceremony itself was 2 hours and 15 minutes. And it is totally a family affair. All of the wedding party was family.

If you ever get the chance to go to a Hindu wedding, do it! I had so much fun!

Yah, I'm still here.

2011-05-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Under a mountain of stuff left to pack. It feels like every time I walk in the front door, my "stuff" is breeding. It's having reproduction parties while I am at work. Ha! I'm afraid it might swallow me whole one of these afternoons........

I have plenty of boxes. I think. I have lots of bubble wrap and brown paper to wrap precious things in. What I don't have? A lot of time. And as the 31st of May creeps closer and closer and CLOSER my anxiety level is steadily climbing.

This past weekend I spent quite a bit of time at my place Saturday and Sunday. I sold some stuff on Craigslist, hauled out a few bags of trash and recycle, and sent a college student off with some treasures for her first ever apartment, actually a few boxes full!

With the ever present rain we have had, in our dear state of Washington, over the last month, and no that is not an exaggeration, I have not been able to get some of my bigger items out of my place. PB has an uncovered trailer which would be of great use........... if it wasn't down pouring outside every freaking day.

Now, this weekend, when the weather is supposed to be DRY, I am going to be gone on a Girl Scout camping trip. Something we planned WAAAAYYYY back in February. When I didn't know I was moving yet. Nice.

That leaves me down to the wire for next week. Considering I now have exactly 14 days to get my crap out of my place, find a storage unit, sell the rest of my stuff and get it all moved over to PB's. I'm gonna need a miracle to get it all done.

Free time? Yeah, for the next 2 weeks I don't have any. Every night I will be doing something to get ready for this move. Oh joy. I super hate moving.

On another note. Since the weather is on its way to making a turn for the good, like actual sunshine, I have been dragging out my spring clothes. All those cute clothes I bought last spring/summer when I lost all that weight? Most of my tops can no longer fit over my boobs. Hello 10 pounds I have gained! But while I am glad to have my "sisters" back, I am mourning the loss of all those cute clothes..........

I know. Give me a few minutes. I will come up with something else to complain about.

Craigslist

2011-05-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, as before mentioned, there were pictures taken of my "big items" to be listed on Craigslist.

Not sure how many of you are familiar with this process. I have purchased some AWESOME pieces for my home from this very place.

Oh the adventures CHB and I have been on to gather these items!

Back to me............

CHB helped me list all the items I wanted to sell. She uploaded the pictures, put in great descriptions and the price and off in to cyber space it went.

The first 30 minutes my listings were up my phone BLEW UP. No joke.

As mostly a buyer before, I had little to no experience being a seller. HOWEVER, I have come up with some do's and don't's that I think are important:

1. If you are the purchaser, call when you say you are going to call. Seriously. It's a nice courtesy.

2. If you are the seller, keep clear concise records, either email or notepad, of who you have for each item. It can get confusing REALLY fast!

3. I meet people around the corner from my house and have them follow me. That way they don't have my actual address. It's a safety thing you know? Unless you can describe your house without giving them the number.........

4. Ask for cash. Upon delivery. Seriously the shit some people try to pull! I always bring cash as a buyer.

5. When you are listing your items, if you are dead serious about your price, put FIRM on the listing. Then people know you are not going to take less.

6. If you are the buyer, come with the correct amount of cash. Do us sellers look like an ATM? Yah, I don't think so.

7. Take great pictures, and list dimensions of each item. Also, if there are any rips, stains, or tears, be honest. It will save you the trouble of having someone come to purchase your item, only to see it in person and because there is a flaw end up not taking it.

Hopefully this will help you in your future Craigslist adventures!

Unfabulousness

Let It Snow.......... or not?

The Jackass Strikes Again..... and again......... and again

Friday Fun 1.27.12

Gurlz Weekend 2012

Lookey what I got!!!

Men: Need I say more?

Why I hate Religion........ part 2

Why I hate Religion...........

Going back to the original

Bling-ed out 2012

NEW LINK for ME ***effective 1/9/12***

It's a new dawn, it's a new day~

Celebrity Wife Swap

It's the end of the world as we know it............

It's Back.......

Holiday Crafts

Doodle's Room Re-do........ well sort of

I didn't vanish......... well not completely

Day 24: I Am Thankful

Day 23: I Am Thankful

Day 22: I Am Thankful

Day 21: I Am Thankful

Day 20: I Am Thankful

Day 19: I Am Thankful

Day 18: I Am Thankful

Day 14,15,16,17: I Am Thankful

Day 13: I Am Thankful

Day 12: I Am Thankful

Day 9,10,11: I Am Thankful

Day 8: I Am Thankful

Day 7: I Am Thankful

Day 6: I Am Thankful

Day 5: I Am Thankful

Day 4: I Am Thankful

Day 3: I Am thankful

Day 2: I Am Thankful

Day 1: I Am Thankful

Trick or Treat

Veneers

Friday Fun 10.28.11

Friday Fun 10.21.11

Random Recap

Friday Fun 10.14.11

Fractured

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

From Drab to Fab........

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

Cell phone-a-palooza

3 times in 30 days

Lil C and the big 1-5

It Finally Happened...........

PIA's People to People Trip

Twirling.......

The two "B''s

School Board Elections.........and the people who should be disqualified

Big Brother

Thank You

Hee-Haw-ism's

Summer Camp

Top 5

Weekend Getaways

Mommy Dearest

My Midnight Visitor

Cohabitation, Co-Parenting and Co-Mingling

Girl Scout Survivor Weekend

Hindu Wedding

Yah, I'm still here.

Craigslist

NEW LINK for ME effective 1/9/12