Sunday, October 31, 2004

All's well that ends well...

Whew! What a whirlwind day!

Woke up, got outta bed, dragged a comb across my head. Found my way downstairs and drank a cup, looking up, I noticed I was late...

Wait. I don't have a downstairs. Pooh. Must be the Beatles...

Anywho...

Here's a recap of my day:

6am up, dishes, laundry, cook breakfast, get us all to church...
after church lunch, more dishes and laundry, clean two pet cages...
7pm get to "Harvest Festival" at church. Was supposed to be there at 6:30, but "Aunt Flo" came to visit and the kids were pissing me off. Plus I didn't know they were going to end it early due to it's being a school night. Have to remember that next year...
Got to car and realized I'd dropped my cell phone somewhere... sprinted back to church from where I'd parked, found guy who found my phone, followed him 'round 'til we found where they guy he'd given it to had taken it... miraculously it was not broken or anything. Sprinted BACK to car and came home...
Got online to do all my prep for tomorrow. Almost done now. Just have to upload my planned workout and nutrition for tomorrow (I post accountablility in one of my groups) then when I post my accountability I can go on to bed. Up again at 5 to make sure dd doesn't oversleep...

Nite y'all!

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Are you a FREAK?

I am. Wanna make somethin' of it?

I'm 69% freak!!

If you want to take the test, it's here:
Are you a freak?

Glory Hallelujah!

Well, Frank finally replaced the broken taillight on the Saturn today... (now that he's gotten a SECOND traffic ticket...)

He also got a new dome light, since the one that was there hung by the wires... now I guess it's worthwhile to get a new headliner. Although there are still plenty of minor things wrong with the car...

One thing is NOT minor: it's getting harder and harder to put it into gear. I think it's the slave cylinder, but don't know if that car takes one. If it's not the slave cylinder, I don't know what it is... but sooner or later it's going to be impossible to put into gear and have to be towed to the repair shop.

Anyone got a job for me? We could really use some money...

Friday, October 29, 2004

MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION

Author unknown. From the internet:

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, none of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION:
Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages
and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually
exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Send this post on to all the Moms you know, in appreciation for everything
they! do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated!

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Progress, not perfection

I must have had a fever last night, cuz I slept for about 12 hours. Didn't work out, and said to hell with my nutrition plan today.

No more 4 or 5am shit. I'm setting my alarm for 6 tomorrow, and plan to work out at 9 when the gym's nursery opens from now on. The baby wants to go with me, and hell... why should I pass up "free" babysitting?

My son was supposed to go with me at 5am, but he punked out on me... and my dh never seems to feel like going since he's been riding his bicycle to and from work until ds gets hooked up with another car...

Gosh, I sure am boring, aren't I? I'm gonna have to do something about that. Not tonight though... Rome wasn't built in a day, after all. Stay tuned, you never know when things will change...

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Ice Cream is Good for the Soul

I got this in my email, and it was too sweet not to share. Watch out... you might just need a tissue for the ending!

Author Unknown

Thank God for Children Saying Grace...

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought
that was a great prayer!

"Really?" my son as ked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had
started this whole thing), " Too bad she never asks God for ice
cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman.

With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

The End.

Sometimes we all need some ice cream.

I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today.

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Neverending day

Had a hard time getting up this morning... didn't get a nap, and try as I might, I can't seem to make it to bed!

Gonna start getting up at 4am to work out at 5am with my son. We'll see how that works out. I keep tweaking my schedule trying to see what will work best for me... all I know is I prefer working out at 5am cuz the gym is largely empty and it's easy to get the freeweights I want (once I track them down since the crew from the night before never puts them back...)

It's also a real steady "die-hard" crowd that shows up at that hour. I miss them! Looking forward to getting back into that particular groove.

Of course, I'll have to make sure I get an afternoon nap once I pick Timmy up from school, but that should work out fine. Time will tell! Wish me luck y'all!

Sunday, October 24, 2004

Tomorrow's another day...

Well, I've been making my "flylady" lists, but not getting much beyond laundry, dishes, and making the beds...

Haven't been getting to the gym or trying to eat clean...

Frankly, I'm not too pleased with myself.

Since no one can change this but me, I'm hoping tomorrow will be a new beginning. Wish me luck y'all!

Saturday, October 23, 2004

Nonpost

Gosh! I almost forgot to post again. Not that I have much to say... but I wanted to say it anyway, LOL. Oh well... can't be "on top" all the time! At least I remembered before I logged off...

Nite y'all. Perhaps I'll have something witty and exciting to say tomorrow. (Don't hold your breath...)

Friday, October 22, 2004

20 more things about me...

Okay. Enough gloom and doom. I decided it's time for another episode of "20 things about me". When I have 100, I'll list it as such, and give it a webpage... I suppose. For now, to start, I'm going to recap the first 20. However, I've done some editing... so they're not EXACTLY the same as they were when I originally stated them last month...

1. I'm my mother's only child
2. My father had other children, but I've never met any of them. (Are you one of them?)
3. I love rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate almost more than life itself
4. The size I prefer to be is a 3-5 (American... not sure what that translates to anywhere else) But right now I'm more like a 12/14
5. My ideal "job" would be writing/producing/directing both films and animated videos to accompany all of my songs.
6. I love to be barefoot...
7. On hot days I prefer not to have BOTH my feet AND my armpits covered. One or the other needs to be bare, LOL
8. I like WB T.V. shows like Smallville, Gilmore Girls and 7th Heaven.
9. I once shaved my head... completely bald.
10. When I was a child I wanted to be a Veterinarian.
11. I am allergic to cats, which is one reason I changed my mind about #10
12. My mother was an awesome artist.
13. My father wrote television screenplays... I have some of them in my possession. Not sure if they were ever used, but they include plots for the "Twilight Zone".
14. My father was a disabled WWII veteran who had no legs from the knees down.
15. I went to a camp when I was young where we were assigned a horse and taught how to care for it. I got to go there two summers in a row (for a week or two each time)
16. My second toe is longer than the first on both of my feet.
17. I cut my nails short on my left hand to press the strings for chords on the guitar, but I keep the nails on my right hand longer for fingerpicking.
18. I haven't written a song in quite a while. The muse has been avoiding me.
: (
19. I like to have fires in my backyard... we have a "dish" to make them in, and they are similar to campfires.
20. I grew up going to Reds games at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati
21. I broke my arm when I was 6 years old, by putting my feet on the handlebars, and both arms straight out (like an airplane) then attempting to coast down a hill.
22. I started smoking at the age of 13, quit when I was 23, started again when I was 28 (like an idiot) and quit again this year on August 12.
23. The only places I have been outside the U.S. are Canada (for 5 minutes as a kid... then got in a fight with my mother and that was the end of that) and Peru.
24. I love to cook, and I'm pretty good at it... but I HATE to clean up afterward.
25. I prefer to wear my hair long.
26. My favorite color is that fluorescent pinkish-orange the sky turns at sunrise and sunset.
27. I prefer antiques to modern furniture.
28. If I were to design my dream home, it would be primarily underground... built into the side of a mountain and made to look like a series of separate cottages and pavilions from the outside that are interconnected from within.
29. I absolutely detest mindless humor.
30. My favorite comedians are Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, Jim Carrey, and Bette Midler. (Does she count as a comedian?)
31. My favorite actors are Goldie Hawn, Mel Gibson, Johnny Depp, and Danny DeVito.
32. I have a very hard time getting motivated to do things for myself, but do a good job when I have been given a task to complete for someone else.
33. My favorite alcoholic drink is a Strawberry Daquiri, followed closely by wine... usually white.
34. I hope to fly a paraglider one day.
35. I've never been much of a dancer.
36. I've always wanted to have a horse.
37. I had braces (on my teeth) twice, but didn't get the job finished properly and never wore a retainer.
38. Out of six children I gave birth to, two were c-section births.
39. If I could visit anywhere in the world, I'd most likely go to England and Israel.
40. I believe people are meant to live tribally, or communally, rather than in separate little apartments or single-family homes.

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Ungrateful Insensitive Twits

Kids. Ugh.

My 18 year old son really takes the cake. He's been driving his father's car ever since his became unusable, hasn't been saving to get himself into another one, doesn't pay rent, and has the nerve to tell ME to get a job when I say he should give us grocery money.

He bought his gf a membership to Bally's, buys numerous DVD's (whatever strikes his fancy) bought 2 ceiling fans, one of which he hasn't even bothered to put up, and it can't be returned because it was a closeout... sigh.

If I don't start generating some income soon, I'm going to get suicidal. Not that killing myself would help any... there's no life insurance on me. It would just be one less mouth for my overworked and underpaid husband to feed is all.

By my reckoning, the 18 year old should be paying $100/week for room and board and another $50/week for his HUGE share of our car insurance... and actually $50/week wouldn't even cover his share. THAT'S more like ANOTHER $100/week. So he should be giving his dad $3-400 every two weeks when he gets paid. But my husband won't even consider charging him rent. He says if he did he'd just put it in savings for the kid! WHEN WE DON'T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR THE BILLS! Insane.

Before Frank started driving, our car insurance was about $200/month. Now it's over $600/month. My husband said not to bother giving him cash, just buy some groceries. But getting the kid to buy groceries is like pulling teeth!

I just don't know what to do at this point. I'm tired of feeling like jumping off a bridge, though. Any suggestions?

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

OOPS!

I forgot to post yesterday. First time in like two months! Hard to believe.

I've been having some kind of trouble with the email that's routed through my website. Dunno what's going on, but it's annoying!

Not much else to say, other than I've been talking to someone about doing some website work. More about that if and when.

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Getting there...

Well, I'm not 100% yet, but feeling much better than I have all week. Despite being sick, I'm very pleased that I managed to stay on top of the laundry and dishes all week instead of letting everything pile up. I've also gotten good about making the bed... which may seem trivial to those who have never NOT been in the habit of doing so, but it's a big deal to me... in fact, my daughter has been astonished. She keeps asking me "mom, what's wrong with you? Why are you cleaning?" LOL

Now if I can only establish a routine. I want to go beyond what I'm doing now and reach that "Better Homes and Gardens" look some day... and get back to the gym on a regular basis. I really do want to be "fabulous forty" and not "fat forty" next year!

I'm thinking that focusing on the BFL way might not work for me... I may need to tweak it for my own situation. Like I think I'd like to do cardio every morning... and weight training every evening... but I don't know. I hate not being able to get the dumbbells I want/need at the gym when it's crowded... and I don't know when the best time to go would be so that I can always have all my dumbbells. Sigh. Oh to be rich and establish a complete home gym with everything I want/need right there on my own property. Never to have a trainer say "my client will be using these for the next half hour. You may use them after that." Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

The meals are the same. I really need some income to be consistent about eating clean... the EFL meals are awesome, but it's a bit pricey to buy the ingredients IN ADDITION TO what the family will eat...

Okay. Enough ranting about this nonsense. Good night folks, I'm calling it a day.
; )

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Never ends...

Okay, now all of a sudden my computer is giving me a headache. I don't know what's going on, but I keep losing my internet connection for no apparent reason. I'm going to go ahead and send this before it happens again, since I've been trying to post for the last half hour or so at least.
: (

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Under the Weather

I'm still feeling pretty icky, but I made myself clean the poor hamster's cage today. Since none of the kids asked for these pets, I'm taking responsibility for them. Timmy claimed the guinea pig... but the cage is too large and awkward for him to handle by himself. He already broke a piece of it, and I had to duct-tape it back together, LOL

Anyway, I googled "under the weather" and found this great site, Idiomsite which lists the explanations for common statments/phrases. I thought it was pretty neat... hope y'all like it too. I'm afraid I don't have much else to offer right now... just trying not to lie down like I want to because then my head will clog back up again!

Guess I'll go (woo hoo!) unload the dishwasher and set up dh's coffee for tonight.
; )

Sunday, October 10, 2004

Anybody wanna...

Take this yucky cold from me? Or do my housework?

Didn't think so. Ah, well... a girl has to try though, eh?

On a positive note, I've gotten the laundry done... just need to get kids to put theirs away... and have only one small load of dishes to do at the moment. The rest can wait 'til I feel better.

Ugh!

Friday, October 08, 2004

Blogger ate it

I did post today, but it's gone. Better luck tomorrow?

I can feel the fat growing...

Man, I've got to get a routine going. So far I'm getting there, but I've laid off on the gym & nutrition for a bit. I've GOT to get over perfectionism or I'm never going to get anywhere. Wish me luck!

Progress... not perfection! (Bill Phillips)

Thursday, October 07, 2004

Bunny Lovin'

I just acquired (the the great dismay of my dh and oldest ds) two new bunnies. They're spayed females, and my males are so pleased to have companions! I don't see how anyone can complain, it's not like they'll BREED...

I also got another hamster from the same people who gave us their bunnies. She's sleek and black, doesn't look a thing like her predecessor, and that's a good thing. Change is good. So here's the current rundown:

Male Rabbits: Rocky and Fred
Female Rabbits: Callie and Floppy
Guinea Pig: Lucky (Timmy Claims him and Rocky the Rabbit)
Hamster: Stormy
Cockatiel: Looney

I think as long as I improve with the housework and take care of these blasted animals myself, no one has any excuse to get angry with me. Anyone who wants to donate to their care can click on my paypal or amazon button to the right, in the sidebar.

I'm doing the flylady thing. (Sorry Renee) Hope it works. I'm tired of starting things I don't finish...

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Long, productive Day

Unfortunately, I'm too tired to talk much about it. Sorry y'all... guess you'll have to use your imaginations...

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Confessions of a waster

Or is that wastrel?

Whatever.

I went out today, and had some business to tend to in the western part of Broward County. It was a beautiful day out.

When it came time to head home, I decided I wasn't going to go straight home... the easy way.

I decided I'd enjoy the lovely weather and take a drive... a cruise, if you will.

Those who are rabid about conserving fossil fuels will find this astonishing, but I just drove 'round for the hell of it. Enjoyed it quite a bit, too.

I think I'll do it again tomorrow. Maybe I can even use up a whole tank of gas... just wandering around looking at wildlife and daisies.

Monday, October 04, 2004

Getting to know you (me)

Welcome to the next edition of getting to know your friends.
What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire e-mail onto a new e-mail that you will send. Change all of the answers so they apply to you, then send this to a whole bunch of people you know *INCLUDING* the person that sent it to you. The idea is to learn a lot of little facts about your friends.

I've sent enough of these on by email. I'm posting it in my blog this time. Then I can look back and see how my answers may differ next time... LOL

1. WHAT TIME DID YOU GO TO BED LAST NIGHT? 11pm
2. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My "stick-toitiveness"
3. PAPER OR PLASTIC? Both. I re-use them for various purposes...
4. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK/MAGAZINE YOU READ? I am currently reading a book called "Siro". Prior to that I read "White Oleander". No magazines lately.
5. A TV SHOW YOU CAN'T STAND TO WATCH? Anything with mindless humor. I like a clever show.
6. WHAT DID YOU EAT FOR LUNCH TODAY? Lunch? Its freakin still breakfast time here!
7. DO YOU LIKE TO BE SURPRISED? always (as long as it is a good surprise....bad surprises are... well... bad... LOL)
8. WHERE DID YOU HAVE YOUR LAST DATE? Date? What's that?
9. WHAT BRAND OF DEODORANT DO YOU USE? Arrid Extra Strength, LOL
10. YOUR FAVORITE STORE TO SHOP? Any store you give me a gift card for, LOL (Otherwise it's all window-shopping anyway)
11. WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER, OR FALL? I can't choose one... I'll take them all!
12. FAVORITE DESSERT? Something rich, decadent, and chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmmmm
13. WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PREFER A CHEF OR A MAID? Maid... no doubt. Then she'd clean up after I cook. I love to cook, just hate to clean. (That's why I'm killing time here at the computer instead of doing my housework!)
14. FAVORITE CANDY? Seattle Chocolates Expresso or Mint Chocolate bar.
15. REGULAR OR DECAF? Regular, baby! In fact, make it hi-test! Vroom!
16. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? Frische's Big Boy (which we don't have in south Florida, but if I buy a Big Mac with nothing on it I can make the tartar sauce and make a passable Big Boy, LOL)
17. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU ADMIRE? Honesty and sincerety in everything, the ability to be firm... yet compassionate, grace and humor.
18. FAVORITE HOLIDAY? I don't have one. I find all holidays to be stressful and they make me nervous. Perhaps I'd fare better if I were not perpetually broke... I do remember enjoying holidays once upon a time, LOL
19. FAVORITE TIME OF DAY? Evening time, when I read a chapter of my book and go to sleep.
20. FRUIT OR FRUIT SMOOTHIE? Fruit smoothie, usually strawberry banana with protein powder and maybe some Creatine in it. If no Creatine, I might put in some Udo's or Flaxseed oil.
21. HOW MANY RINGS ARE YOU WEARING? None. No jewelry at all.
22. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR MEAT PREPARED? Usually medium rare, but it depends on the meat.
23. WHAT WAS THE LAST CARD YOU SENT TO SOMEONE? Real, paper card? Or e-card? The last paper card was probably the one I made for an instructor, Oscar, when he left our school. E-card was probably a thank you card to someone who had sent me one.
24. WHAT RADIO STATION IS ON WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW? None. Just the sound of the clothes dryer going 'round.
25. WHO DO YOU LEAST EXPECT TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Well, since I'm not sending it out, per se...
26. WHO IS THE PERSON YOU EXPECT TO SEND IT BACK FIRST? See question #25
27. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO FILL THIS OUT? I'm not sure. I would know if it had asked me at the beginning what time it was, but it doesn't. It asked me what time I went to bed last night.

Sunday, October 03, 2004

Blogger's a bit dicey today...

The blogger comments aren't working, so please use the Haloscan system... but talk to me! Please! LOL

I also haven't been able to edit anything, much to my chagrin, so if you notice typos or things that my perfectionistic self would ordinarily catch... I've tried. Blogger sucks today.
: (

Florida is relocating...


Just got this from a local in my email. Cute! Posted by Hello

Saturday, October 02, 2004

Sleepy Saturday

Well, we have a new water heater. Yay! If only other problems could be fixed so easily. Well, I'm gonna have a lot to catch up on: laundry, dishes (what else is new?) and EVERYONE needs a shower at this point. Draw straws to see who goes first?

Friday, October 01, 2004

Great news, good news, bad news and worse news.

The great news is that I can get a forbearance on my student loan if I'm still unemployed and underfinanced by the time my payments come due. Since I can't re-enroll and get a deferment (see the "worse" news)

The good news is that we will soon have hot water again.

The bad news is that he couldn't come replace the water heater 'til tomorrow...

and the worse news is that I can't go back to school right now. I went in to discuss it and found that I am not eligible for any grants, only loans. Partly due to my husband's income level, and partly due to the fact that I'd be the only family member in college. I can try again and see what I qualify for in assistance after Frank re-enters school, but if he doesn't do that, then I probably can't. The difference between what I could get loans to cover and what I want to study ranges from $3-5k... certainly more than I can scrape up!