Hmmmm

Why do I stay up so late? It only punishes *me*. I think I'll go to bed. I have nothing profound to say today anyway. Maybe I'll be inspired tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Merry Christmas

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:1-14

The Best Gift - - EVER!!

Look at what my parents gave us for Christmas! Just look at them. This picture does not do them justice. They are absolutely gorgeous. They were done by a local artist. His name is Hugh Campbell. The man has an incredible gift. I am awestruck. I know just where they will hang. My two angels - - captured forever by a gifted artist in one of a kind drawings. Wow.

We are so blessed.

Mom and Dad - - Thank you!!

Happy Festivus

I say this with the utmost gratitude in the world. I am back among the living. I have been sick. And I mean sick. I have had the stomach flu and it has been nasty. It was so bad that I actually sought medical help yesterday afternoon. All I can say is thank God for Lomotil and Phenergan. I still stake claim to my no-vomit streak. Clean since September of 1999.

Let's discuss that. I have three fears. More like phobias. (An irrational fear.) One of them is of losing complete control of my surroundings. That includes vomiting. Or others around me vomiting. It freaks me out. Completely. I can hear of someone in Pakistan that might have thrown up and I start to fear that I am next. I am a freak about it. When I get the slightest bit nauseous, I fight it to the bitter end. It's like my mind won't let my body do it. It's beyond weird. It hit me Wednesday around noon. I went to bed. I fought it all night and then all day Thursday. I ate a few chips and half a burger Thursday night. Big mistake. More fighting it off. Horrible night. Crappy day Friday. Then the horrific pain started around noon on Friday. I thought I was going to die. This wasn't just cramps. This was intense stomach pain. I finally told David about 3:00. I called my Mom to see if she'd come over and watch the boys. (Thanks, Mamaw!) David and I headed to the walk-in clinic for the two hour wait. It was horrible. The sweet doctor gave me a shot of phenergan for the nausea and a prescription for lomotil for the other end. He diagnosed be with old fashioned gastroenteritis. I'm feeling SO much better today. I haven't eaten yet. But I did leave the house for about an hour to run some errands. That I'll address next.

This is where the Festivus gods were smiling on me. I've procrastinated to the worst degree this year. But - - my favorite bakery was open and despite my having forgotten to order two buttermilk chess pies to take to Austin, they happened to have two left. Sweet. The Christmas tile I made at Pottery Ranch was ready *and* they were open. I was able to pick that up. The pharmacy downtown was open today and I was able to pick up my hormone. Now I won't have to be a crazy hormonal woman for my family over the holidays. (Lucky family! And no hot flashes!) Elite Physique was open and I was able to buy my hubby a gift certificate for a 90 minute massage from his favorite therapist. A couple of other minor stops and I made it home. All without the urge to stop at a potty. Yay me.

Now to Festivus. If you don't know what that is. Look at Mamaw's blog. She details it pretty well. You have to be a Seinfeld fan to get it. But today is the official day. We are celebrating Christmas with Mamaw and Papaw tonight. No dinner or anything. Not ready to go that far. Just the gift exchange thing. That's always fun. It's about the boys now. I guess that's all for now.

Oh, and the other two fears - - snakes and tornadoes.

Tags

Do tags in your shirts bug you? They bug me. I guess it's the fault of the new tagless stuff. It has spoiled me. I put a sweatshirt on tonight and immediately began to tug and pull at that wretched little piece of fabric that was violating my neck. It was so invasive into my soft sensitive skin. So, I took off my sweatshirt, and used my seam ripper to take that tag right out of there. Bye bye you unwanted reminder of the size I don't want to be anyway. You dig and claw into my neck. So off to the trash you go. That was fun. I think I'll do that again. I see now why Justin finds it so liberating, too. We truly are two peas in a pod.

Tagless - - now that's where it's at folks.

My new cell phone

Did I tell you that my sweet husband got me a PCS cell phone? It's really nice. Before he bought it, he asked me which kind I wanted. I told him it might be nice to have one with a camera on it. He agreed. I said, you know, just in case I run into Matthew McConaughey at Wal-Mart, I'll have the proof I saw him. He said, "yeah, that's just what I was thinking." Only that statement was dripping with disdain. He was thinking more along the lines of if ever I was in an accident or something like that. Yeah, whatever. Only if I run into MM, he'll be sorry he doubted me. He'll be even more sorry since MM is on my list. He'll be jealous too because the chances of him running into a member of someone from his list is not so likely. Ha! (You know, because my chances with MM are so good as they are!!)

We have water!

That was the best shower I've had in ages. Heavenly, to say the least. And the tooth brushing - - also divine. But the best thing around here, with running water, is the toilet flushing. Never, I repeat, never take that for granted. With the risk of grossing you out, I have never been as "regular" as I was yesterday. Seriously. I can go days. I know that's not healthy. But days. Not yesterday though. It was not pretty. And I wasn't the only one. Okay, gross story over. Onward and upward...

Let's see, what have I accomplished today? I mailed my Christmas cards. Finally. I hope my out of town friends receive them on time. I wrapped the gifts we got for two underprivileged little boys. They've since been picked up and hopefully delivered. Last night I delivered the boys' teacher gifts. I've done a couple of loads of laundry. Mopped my kitchen. Helped David clean the fridge out. Actually he did most of the work, I was at the post office and walked in at the tail end of the cleanin'. (That sounded *so* Texan.) Talked to a long lost friend on the phone. Just stuff. Nothing more I want to bore you with.

I do have an idea for an entry, but I don't have time to do it right now. So keep checking back. I've got to gather my thoughts first. Nothing serious. Just something I'm going to do my typical "go off" on.

Oh yeah, one more thing, I mailed my certified letter to eBay today. ****Merry Christmas to your attorneys! You better freakin' take me seriously. I'm tired of the personal phone calls.**** That's not what I said to them. I was quite professional. I just had to get that off of my chest. I'm okay now.

Peace.

No Water - Day One

I hope this is the only day, but I fear that it is not. No water here. No water means no toilets flushing, no hand washing, no dishes to wash (unfortunately they still get dirty), no showers, no teeth brushing... You get the picture? It's only the beginning of gross around here. My father was kind enough to scoop some water out of his swimming pool and bring some over in a couple of five gallon buckets. I know that sounds pitiful, but it comes in handy when a toilet *has* to be flushed. Those porta potties I was making fun of yesterday are beginning to sound a little better. There's that karma thing again, biting me in the butt. There's a good chance that the kids won't have Mom's Day Out tomorrow because there is not any water at the church either. On top of all of that, David is on vacation and has hijacked the computer. He stepped away for a second, so here I am. This week sucks already. It's only Monday. I need a shower. I think I stink. I'm about to take some bottled water into the back yard and brush my teeth.

Bad Drivers, Gothic Chicks and Porta Potties, Oh My!

Well, someone opened up the gate and let the crazies out again. They are easy to find on the weekends. Especially in or around Wal-Mart. First, en route to that joyous of all places, someone had pulled up too far at an intersection. I was trying to turn left and it was a little close, so I was taking it slow. Apparently a little too slow for the individual behind me. He layed on the horn. My church AWANA shirt I was wearing saved him the "bird." Actually, my good conscience saved him the bird. I was hoping he was headed for the same place I was. But no. Either DQ or Lowes. Oh well. Probably better off. He may have had a gun. He already had a bad attitude.

I made it in the store, in desperate need of a potty. Closed. That figures. I'll go to the one in the back in a minute. I can hold it. Off to cosmetics to find me a fingernail file. That's when I bump into Gothic Chick. She thought she'd just use some fingernail polish off of the shelf and then put it back. I *so* came close to saying something to her but what I failed to mention was that she was substantially large. She could have pummelled my butt. I was afraid of her. So instead, I alerted the pharmacy staff and they called store management. By then, Gothic Chick was gone. Oh well. I tried.

I made it to the back of the store and those restrooms were closed too. Uh oh. My bladder is quite full at this point. I better hurry and get my list of things and hurry home. I finished shopping and headed to the front of the store. Did I mention that everyone and their dog were shopping at Wal-Mart at 5:30 tonight? They were. I waited in line. A while. I tried to make small talk with the checker. You know - - brighten her day. I don't think she was game. Anyway, I asked about the bathrooms and she said something about a main water line in the city breaking and both restrooms were closed. It may be 3 - 4 days before the problem is corrected. I knew our water pressure was bad earlier but I didn't realize that the problem was so wide spread. I finished checking out and walked quickly out the door. (I still had to go. Bad.) As I was leaving, the big trucks out front were unloading porta potties. Can you imagine? The crazies and porta potties? Gross!

And the news of the day is...

I get to scrap twins!! Yes - - my 'lil sister is having twins. She just found out today. How cool is this? They couldn't tell the sex of the babies (I love the plural) because their (again with the plural) legs were crossed. Must be girls because boys like to show their stuff off from the get-go. Probably wishful thinking on my part. Because pink *and* twins. I'd be in scrapbook *and* aunt heaven.

Here are my first pictures to scrap:

Both Babies

Twin A

Twin B

Can't think of a title...

Let's see. What to say?

My head hurts a little tonight. I know why and my mom is *so* going to chew me out for this one because I know better. I slept until 11:00 this morning. (Woo hoo, yay hubby for taking care of the boys and letting me.) We didn't stay up super late last night or anything. I really think it was just my week catching up with me. I stay up late every night and get less than eight hours of sleep, well, every night. My body was beginning to revolt. My throat was hurting, I was achy. Something inside me said to rest. And I did. Unfortunately my migraines don't benefit too much from a disruption in my routine. So, here's to hoping that new medicine I've been taking, that seems to be working, continues to do it's job. I hate it that I'm so much of a night owl. I love the quiet of the house after everyone has gone to bed. (Sometimes with the exception of Justin - - today included. He had a nap. A long one.) It's this time of the day I seem to get completely wrapped up in things of the net. Usually scrapbook stuff.

Nice segue. (Or transition for those of you who don't know what that word means.)

My new obsession. Taking classes online. I'm taking a two week one right now. And loving it. So much that I signed up for another one that starts in January. It's a much longer class and more involved. It's about organization. I know you all think that I'm the queen of organized (Like Monica Geller) but, like her, I'm a closet stuffer. On the surface, I look great. Behind closed doors and under beds, I'm a mess. It's the same with my scrapbooking world. I'm a mess. I'm slowly getting it together. I think this class will help me.

What else?

Oh yeah, I have to sleep on the couch tonight. It's Justin's fault. He was laying down in the bed with David (who had fallen sound asleep) and was just kind of chilling. I think he was hoping Daddy would wake up so they could play x-box or something. I went back to the room and he told me he was wet. Huh? I looked and dang it. My side of the bed was soaking wet. David had just changed his pull up and it had leaked. Since David is sound asleep, I can't change the sheets. I refuse to sleep there, even if it's dry before I go to bed. That's just gross. So, it's "sofa city sweetheart." (Can you name the movie I stole that line from?)

By the way, I wasn't trying to insult anyone with my segue remark. I had to look up the spelling of the word myself. I thought it was spelled "segway." That's how it's pronounced. I think. Anyway, I'm not trying to be a smarty pants or anything. I just liked how it sounded. Plus, it was what I said in my head. Hey, it's my blog. I shouldn't have to justify myself. If you don't like it, or if you are offended, you are more than welcome to never come back to my site again. Oh wait, I didn't mean that. I forgot, I want people to like me. I'm just kidding. Forget I ever even said segue. Pretend I just said transition. Oh, never mind. Merry Christmas. Unless you're Jewish...

I can't win.

Look what I found at HEB!!!

All I can say is that

this is one gigantic

bowl of YUM!

Justin and X-Box

Who says you can't get exercise while playing video games?

Oops!

Franklin. Not Teddy. Duh.

Thanks Yoda. (Kicking my own butt! I even got my copies of his speeches at the fdr website. Oh boy. I *hate* making mistakes.)

West Texas Thunderhead

I wanted to post this for my loved ones that are "camped out" on the equator. It was about a week and a half ago when that cold front blew in. This was taken from our backyard. I was standing at the kitchen sink, doing dishes when I caught the view. I quickly grabbed the camera. I wanted to catch those colors for you. The sun was just about to set and caught the clouds just right. It was breathtaking. I'm glad I saw it when I did. It didn't last long. I hope you like it.

December 7, 1941

I have two grandfathers that fought in this war. One of them passed away earlier this year. Neither of them spoke of it much. My other grandfather that is still living has begun to share a few stories. They fascinate me.

While I never had the honor of defending my country, I will have the honor of sharing the stories about how my grandfathers both did, with my children.

Think me a geek, but today I listened to audio excerpts of President Theodore Roosevelt's address to Congress asking for a declaration of war. It still sends chills up my spine. Below, I included links to copies of his full address to Congress on the 8th as well as his address to the nation on the 9th. Both are powerful speeches. I included quotes from them both.

I told you guys I was patriotic.

Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan

December 8, 1941

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United
States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces
of the Empire of Japan.

On the Declaration of War with Japan

December 9, 1941

I repeat that the United States can accept no result save victory, final and
complete. Not only must the shame of Japanese treachery be wiped out, but the
sources of international brutality, wherever they exist, must be absolutely and
finally broken.

In my Message to the Congress yesterday I said that we "will make very
certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again." In order to
achieve that certainty, we must begin the great task that is before us by
abandoning once and for all the illusion that we can ever again isolate
ourselves from the rest of humanity.

Ode to Eggnog

If I could write poetry, I would put a poem here. But I can't. So I'll just tell you. I really dig the store bought eggnog.

Isn't this the funniest picture? Tee hee hee.

A break in the case?

You're going down eBay. I made a new friend because of the hacker. My new friend had their account hacked, too. He had some great legal suggestions.

Tee hee hee.

If you can't find me, just look under this picture

Yes. That's right. I'm right there under that black cloud. I think that lightening bolt just hit me. Again. What a day. I have the worst luck ever. When my luck shifts, I'm going to Vegas. I wouldn't go now for anything. Maybe just for the fountain show at the Bellagio. Only with my luck, they would have cancelled it. My first order of business today: chip a tooth. Not just any tooth. One in the front. I went by the dentist's office to get an appointment to get it fixed. The cost: $785. That's right. American dollars. Not pesos. Not yen. Cold, hard, American cash. Oye. How did I chip the tooth? Good question. I thought I had something stuck in there. I wish "flicking it" with my tongue. I got it out all right. The whole top part of my freakin' tooth. Now this princess will finally get to get her crown. Only not the kind of crown she wants.

Second on the agenda: not learn from previous mistakes. In our usual chaotic, trying to get out of the house state this morning, I put a cd I was making for a friend on the roof of my car. I loaded the boys in the car (with the full intentions of grabbing the cd before I drove off.) Ummm, yeah.....it didn't go down that way. (Does anybody know about my Netflix nightmare earlier this year? David found one of the dvds. The other - - well, I can only hope that some good Samaritan mailed it back for me.) I did it again. Twice in one year. Will I ever learn. I would have given anything to have seen the look on my face when I realized what I did. However, there was a brief spot of sun shining through that dark cloud because when I retraced my route, I found my cd on the side of the road. Whew. One crisis of the day averted.

Third: Justin had his follow up with Dr. W about his huge, gaping hole in his ear drum. Yep, it's still there. Not healing. At all. He damaged the bone. Who does this? Who does this kind of damage to their eardrum? Ummm, maybe the same kid that one year ago ripped his nostril off with his sippy cup? I digress. Again. Okay. I'm finding my happy place. Breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. Ahhhh.... That's better. Back to Justin. It looks like he will require surgery to repair the damage. The thing is, Dr. W is not real eager to do the surgery on J yet because of the post op requirements. While I agree that he is not going to be the most cooperative patient, I think she wrote him off from the "get - go" and she probably can't be objective anymore. The only reason I've stuck around with her so far is because she's supposed to be the best *and* I'd hate to repeat the stuff we've done with doctor visits so far by selecting a new doctor. David said they tried to do another hearing test on him. Did they not learn their lesson the last time? On a three year old? Are you *kidding* me? Then David said J came out of the room, crying and the lady outside offered him a sticker. As J was moving over to pick one out, the lady operating the hearing test shouted out not to give him one because he didn't do the test. Oh no, she didn't. I know my kid was being a turd but you do *not* do that. It's a good thing I was not there because I would have lost my mind. I'm ready to go kick some ass right now. Uh oh, back to the happy place. We're supposed to schedule another follow up for April. Maybe I'll be in a better mood by then.

I need to go. The one thing I've got going for me today is that Nip Tuck is on tonight and it's a new episode. (The season is nearly over. Blehhhhh....) The dishes are done. The tree has ornaments on it. I have egg nog in the fridge. Life may be getting a little better.

I am Scrooge

Artificial Christmas trees suck.

It doesn't help that two days ago, I had resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going to put my tree up at all because of Cameron. I'm afraid of dealing with him and the tree. I don't need any advice. I don't want to hear that I need to put the tree in a play pen. I don't want to hear that I ought to decorate the top half of the tree. (I'm *way* too type A for that.) Now if you are going to offer up one of those "humane" shock collars for my kids I might take you up on that. So I decided that I'm way too into Christmas *not* to put my tree up. (What would my scrapbook album look like without a tree? How would I explain that?) I buckled under my own pressure and had David help me pull the boxes out of the attic on Saturday.

I was going to put it up this afternoon while Cameron was napping but the stupid eBay stuff bit me in the backside again. (That's another post for another day. Just keep watching for me on a network news program. I'm bringing those butt monkeys down!) I spent the afternoon dealing with that crap and only got the bottom layer of the tree up.

I was quickly reminded of one of the evils of the tree. This season is accompanied by cold weather. In West Texas, it's cold, DRY weather. My skin is like sand paper. I'm just short of bleeding. (I have a flair for the dramatic. It's not really that bad. I'm just working up your sympathy for me.) I have, however, put lotion on my hands and arms several times today. I'm still miserable. Those fake needles have rubbed my forearms raw. *That* is *not* an exaggeration.

Now I'm stringing the lights on there. I had to take a break. Not my first break tonight. I had a semi-meltdown when I couldn't get a branch to fit in one of the slots earlier in the evening. After I flung it across the room (no joke - - I think I caught hubby off guard with my temper) I had to take a break. I don't remember struggling like this last year. I think I'm just bitter because I really want a 9 foot pre-lit tree. I found one at Sam's for $150. Hubby said, under no uncertain terms, no. Ogre. Rain on my parade. He's practical. (In his defense, I need that kind of leveling out.) He did tell me we could look for one to go on clearance after Christmas. That doesn't do me a lot of good tonight. But I suppose if I find one, I'll be appreciative next year.

Right now, it's 11:15 at night and I still have to finish putting the lights on it. The ornaments will have to wait until tomorrow. So will those dishes that are in the sink. That goes against every fiber of my being. It just occurred to me how much time I'm wasting griping about it all. Finish the freakin' job Beck. Blehhhhh...

Cool 80's Music Quiz

This is hard, but fun. Just click on the picture to take a fun quiz and test your 80's music lyrics knowledge!

Two strikes, dear husband!

He spilled Cameron's leftover slush from the fridge. I was back in the bedroom and heard it happen. I shouldn't have laughed. He wiped it all up with paper towels and "warned me" that the floor might be sticky. Excuse me? You know where the mop is.

Strike one.

He has the most wretched gas ever tonight. It's nasty. He walked over to me typing on the computer and let one go right next to me. Major offense. He has been banished from the bedroom tonight. I told him to keep his stinky butt on the couch. He has been warned NOT to bring those skanky odors into my bedroom. I begrudgingly let him borrow my favorite quilt. It will be washed tomorrow. I will have to sleep with my mp3 player on because the noises emulating from his butt are irritating me. This house isn't big enough to hide from the sound, or the smell. My door will be closed.

Farting in my immediate vicinity - - strike two.

You are treading on thin ice dear husband.

New to Me

Have you ever had someone hate you? I'm not throwing around the word hate. I mean really *hate* you? I have. I do. I have someone that really hates me. (Hard to believe, huh?) But seriously, I have such a person in my life. I ran into said person today. I didn't know that this person's feelings were at such a level. I suspected it. But my feelings were confirmed. He didn't use the words, "I hate you." But his actions and other words he used today pointed at the obvious. The man hates me. The irony - - at one point in my life, he was like a brother to me. We were friends. Or so I thought. Boy was I wrong. I have never felt like I did when I tried to have a conversation with him. He wouldn't even look me in the eye. Why do I care? Because I *do* care what people think of me. Try as I might - - (to act like I couldn't possibly give three craps what people think of me) deep down, I really do care.

The reason I confronted this individual was because there has been some tension. For two years. (Tension is an understatement. But I won't go into the details.) I honestly don't feel like I've been "in the wrong" but because I don't like dissension, I wanted to clear the air and make an attempt to make things right between us. So I apologized for any part I may have had in our rift. That's where he blamed *me* for some of *his* poor decisions in life. At that point, I knew I couldn't and shouldn't argue with him. His mind was made up. His decision to harbor bitterness and hate is entirely his. I did what I felt like I needed to do. I walked away. It's plagued me all day. I'm sure it will for a while.

My relationship with him failed because when push came to shove, I chose family first. I did the right thing. I'm not ashamed or sorry for that. My family is prospering because of it. Again, no regrets. I'd do it again.

I just don't like *anyone* hating me. I guess it's his problem. I know it's his problem.

West Texas Weather

In a word - - crazy. Am I right? Can I get an amen? I mean really...Tuesday I sent my children to Mom's Day Out in shorts. Wednesday we had the windows open in the house. It was a beautiful day. And today - - it SNOWED! Un-freakin'-believable. It is supposed to get down to 19 tonight. 19. It was 81 on Tuesday. If the 19 degrees will kill the mosquitos and these allergy causing substances that are in the air, I can take it.

I've decided to be nice to my hubby. Our bathroom is so stinkin' cold in the mornings. We have a high ceiling in there and one teeny tiny little vent. It does not warm up in there at all. So, I dug out the space heater that still has the timer attached to it. Here's the dillemma - - I can't for the life of me remember how to program that blessed little thing. I so want for that to be on and running when he gets up in the morning. I want him to walk into a nice and toasty bathroom. Every year I forget how to operate this thing. You'd think that one of these times something would click inside this brain of mine and I'd just get it. Oh well. I'm giving it another 20 minutes and then I'm headed to bed myself. It's the thought that counts, right?

I'm sleepy. Ambien is working. I feel like I'm going into my happy place. Yay me. Good night me.

Goodbye Afrin

Okay, it looks like I did it. Again. You people scare me! Okay, okay. I'm off that wretched, sinus membrane destroying poison. Scary stuff. (But who doesn't like the immediate gratification of being able to breathe?) Keep your fingers crossed. I'm 48 hours on the wagon. By the way, that codeine cough syrup that was prescribed for Justin - - didn't phase him in the least. The pharmacist warned us that it was *really* potent. Ha! I've determined that he really is a three year old super hero. It was nothing short of an Olympic gymnastic feat to get it in him and then nothing. I've got to find some kryptonite and see if he responds to it. He's over the cough now, but he pretty much had to tough it out. I however got some stuff with hydrocodone in it. It worked pretty well for me. I wish his doctor would let me give him some ambien so I could get some freakin' rest at night. But alas, my doctor made me promise I wouldn't give my children any. (Yeah right - - like I'd share what I equivocate as the tablet version of pure gold.)

Okay that's all. My dirty bathrooms need cleaning. (And no mixing chemicals this time. Duh...)

Blast from the past and today's obsession

I graduated from high school in 1989. I'll save you the trouble of doing the math. I'm 35. Not far from 36. (Yikes.) In the 80's, Def Leppard was *it* for me. I loved them. I followed an album or two into the 90's and then have stopped there. Of course, I'm still a sucker for my favorite songs from 87 - 89. The high school years. The impressionable years. I mean it, "Pour Some Sugar On Me." High School dances. Good times. But the other day, I caught part of Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story on VH1. I didn't watch it all because frankly, it was a bunch of bad acting, and the only thing that differentiates them from other bands' stories of sex, drugs and rock and roll was that their drummer had a horrible accident that left him without an arm. I won't go into all of that. If you are at all familiar with the band you know about that. Where I am going is this - - they started playing (on the show) the acoustic version of Two Steps Behind and I have fallen in love with that song all over again. I've got it on a cd in my car, another cd in the house, loaded onto the computer and now it's on my mp3 player. I'm about to play it for what seems like the gazillionth time today. I'm loving it. I think it's the acoustic part that is so appealing to me. No fancy drums or anything. It's my new obsession. Forget the Christmas music I ought to be listening to right now. I've got my boys on my mp3 player and they are taking me back to some good times. Great song.

Scrapper's Quiz

Attention Scrapbookers - -

You *have* to take this quiz. It will ask you a few questions and then tell you what kind of scrapper you are based on a paper collection. (i.e. Chatterbox, Bazzill, etc.) It was too funny. The thing was, it hit the nail on the head for me. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing.

Post your comment as to what kind of paper collection it says you are. Big surprise. I was Bazzill. Ha ha ha!!!

One More Thing

Am I post crazy today or what?

I have a confession to make. I'm back on Afrin. I know. I know. I'm a weak, weak, pathetic woman. I added it to the grocery list and my husband caught on. (He's a good man. He offered to do the shopping for me this week.) He told me he wasn't going to support my habit. I told him I didn't need his support or therapy session, just bring me home my freakin' Afrin. He must have been afraid of the demonic voice I said it in because he brought some home. Either he loves me or he's buttering me up for something he needs me to be able to breathe for. I wonder what that could be... (Snicker, snicker.)

Ahhh...the breath of fresh air.

Ohhh...the destroyed sinus passages.

Oh well. I can breathe at the moment.

(I know this post is at the top, but it's my third one today. And my final. I'm off to stick my nose in something scrapbook related to read. Even though there's a load of laundry waiting to be folded. Yay me.)

Least Favorite Holiday Decoration

Okay, this will be my sixth Christmas in this house with my husband. This doesn't count the years we dated before we got married. Our neighborhood is *insane* with decorating. I mean it. Of course, we are the Scrooge's and don't ever decorate outside. It's a pain in the arse. I bugged David to death a couple of years ago and he wouldn't do it. So I did. I thought I was going to die. I mean physically die from a fall. I was paralyzed with fear. I tried to talk him into putting lights up this weekend and he adamantly refused. He's the man that's his job. But I digress. Back to the reason for this post. A few streets over, there are some people who use the same cheesy decorations every year. And every year, I hate them a little more. If you decorate with these, I apologize. I don't know why this particular type of decoration sends my body into the holiday dry heaves, but they do. I try to not look. But my eyes are mysteriously drawn to their curved sidewalk lined with these wretched little bags every time I pass their street. Why do I hate them so? The thing is - - I really liked them the first year I saw them.

Here is your challenge. In my Scrooge like nastiness - - what is your least favorite holiday decoration? Do you hate tinsel on trees? Do icicle lights make you feel like you need a therapy session? Do share.

Me and GrandDaddy

Here is a picture of me and GrandDaddy. It was taken on Thanksgiving Day. I have been so blessed in my life to have known all four of my grandparents. I even knew several great-grandparents. GrandDaddy is the last of my living grandparents. I e-mailed him a copy of this picture. (Yes, he is on the net. How cute is that?) He called me this afternoon to tell me that he thought he and I took a great picture together. I tend to agree. I know I will always treasure this picture as well as this memory.

Funny Sign

This is proof as to why it's important to carry your camera with you at all times. David and I were in separate cars on a little side journey on Thanksgiving Day. He had the camera and I didn't. He *thought* he saw this sign but wasn't sure. When we arrived at our destination, he told me about it. Since I was driving the other car, I told him to give me the camera and I'd look for it on the way back. Well, I found it. I *had* to stop and snap a picture of it. It was the funniest thing I'd ever seen. I hope you think it's as funny as I do. It was just outside of Gustine, TX.

I think I beat my addiction.

I've got an addictive personality. My weight should be evidence enough to prove that. Every year, I catch a little cold, get a sinus infection, whatever you want to call it and face the same dilemma each time. Do I go with the immediate gratification of the nose spray or do I suck it up (pardon the pun) and stay stopped up? Since I hate the feeling or fear of not being able to breathe through my nose (or not at all) I go with the nose spray every time. Not *just* regular nose spray. But the *menthol* nose spray. The severe congestion kind. You know? The kind that makes your brain feel like you just took an electric shock? But it works. And it works good. The problem is. It's only supposed to be used twice a day and not for more than three days. HA! I've been working that stuff over for about two weeks now. I tried to quit once but quickly hopped back on the wagon. Or is it off the wagon? Anyway - - I snorted it again. And it felt good. I could breathe. So, Monday night, I decided to kick this beast. It is not the boss of me. And I've been successful this go round. Yay me. But all stinkin' day, I've sneezed and had to blow my nose. I've probably given myself some kind of actual sinus infection from snorting the stuff too much. Will I learn? Probably not. The next time I'm stopped up, I won't be patient enough to wait the three days it will take to clear up. Instead I will drag it out another two weeks and have to kick the habit again. So not only do I have an addictive personality, I don't learn from my mistakes.

Boogers...Yes...Boogers

Gross. I know. Justin has discovered them. He brings them to me. It's DISGUSTING. I hate boogers.

Dirty Clothes Hamper

Cameron has discovered how to play hide and seek in the dirty clothes hamper. It was cute at first. Now it has become down right irritating. He takes the hinged part on top and *slams* it open. It hits the door and it makes the loudest noise. It drives me crazy. It's especially annoying when I'm trying to get ready and I'm running late. (Which if you know me at all - - that's pretty much all the time.) I'll have to admit though. He looks pretty cute when he's "hiding" in there. So, when I get real irritated, I'll have to take a look at this picture and let it remind me of how cute he is.

I know there will be a day when I wish he could fit in there again!

Recovering

Life is getting better. That nightmare of a day is fading into history. I will feel a whole lot better about it when that $200 in listing fees disappears from my eBay account. The help people assured me that I will not be billed for it. But you know... The hardest part of that day was having to deal with all of that while I had a fever. I sat here at the computer, wrapped up in a blanket, with chills, completely achy and crying. (Feel sorry for me yet?) It was terrible! But - - I survived. Really, it could have been *so* much worse. At least it was just my eBay identity that was stolen. So far, it hasn't affected me financially and I haven't seen any other negative repercussions of that day. It forced me to re-examine my whole password thing - - which in retrospect was nothing close to Fort Knox. But now, I have to keep track of all of those. I have to come up with a system for that. Oye. As far as that whole eBay day - - there's four hours of my life I'll *never* get back.

By the way, I am feeling much better. It's awfully early in the season to have bronchitis. I hope this doesn't mean I'll get it again. It has kicked Cameron and I around pretty good. His coughing has been quite a bit worse than mine. Justin has coughed a little, but I'm beginning to think that he is tough like his Daddy.

Now, let's transition to the dorks who are camped out waiting in line (at this moment) for a Play Station 3. (They don't go on sale until midnight tonight. I guess these people want to be at the front of the line.) If you are one of these people, I apologize for the name calling. But - - PLEASE!! I was zipping through the Target parking lot about 10:30 this morning when I saw the line outside of the store. I'm only sorry that they didn't know I was laughing at them. First of all, these were either high schoolers or young adults. So, they should have either been in school or been at work. Secondly, the game with the smaller hard disk is $499 at Wal-Mart. Where are these people getting this kind of money? At this age? At that age, I was struggling to pay my rent and put gas in my car. I sure didn't have money to blow on *upgrading* my video game system. I didn't even have a video game system. I really shouldn't judge because gaming isn't my vice. These same geeks would probably shout "geek" at me if they saw me carting my rolling bag in the scrapbook store in my jammies. Ouch.

Okay, the Colbert Report is on, so I better go. You should catch it sometime. He is hilarious. (He pokes fun at Liberals and Nancy Pelosi. I love that!)

Adios!!

Crappy, Crappy Day

My day went from bad to worse today. And I really mean that. Today, I was the victim of identity theft. It's a good thing I'm an e-mail junkie. I received an e-mail from an eBay member asking me about a listing I had on eBay. The thing is - - I don't have anything listed on eBay. I went to my account and sure enough, there were a crap load of purses listed for sale under my user name. Some poor sucker had already bought one and paid for it. My head started swirling. And not just from the cough syrup I had just taken. I had to try to get my thoughts together and think as straight as I could. I panicked. I called David. I didn't know what else to do. He said to get a hold of their help line and go from there. I spent the next four hours fixing the problem. Some a-hole listed 52 items under my name. While I was on hold with the help line, I manually deleted each listing. As I deleted them, they were adding new ones. I was so freakin' angry. Not only was I exhausted from being sick, but I was exhausted emotionally from panic. I could picture us having to cancel our credit cards and all kinds of stuff. It must have been a good deal on the purses, because three of them sold. I tried to send e-mails out as soon as they sold telling the poor victims not to pay that it was fraudulent. Little did I know that my opponent was sending e-mails, on my behalf, from my account, saying heaven knows what. It could have been so much worse. But I'm still so incredibly pissed off. I feel so freakin' violated. Why can't people just be honest? Where did all of the honest people go? I was beaming about my American pride the other day and someone shoved that "American Pie" back into my face. The thing is, this looks like the work of foreigners. It was in Australian dollars. I'm still proud to be an American. And I'm an honest American.

Now - - I'm going to tape CSI Miami, take my cough medicine, and I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is a brand new day. Hopefully when I wake up in the morning, my abs won't be very sore from coughing so much and my money will still be in my checking account.

When Will He Learn?

If he doesn't want his laundry folded inside out, when will he quit leaving it for me that way? Nine shirts inside out. Seven shirts folded that way. I started correcting them then quickly realized he hadn't changed his ways yet. I've asked him about this before. I thought I'd be nice since he's taken care of the boys all weekend while I've been sick. (And still am.) He said he doesn't care. Since he doesn't and it takes too much time to fix them, then I don't either. My time is more valuable than that. So, I folded the remaining seven inside out. When *will* he learn?

Where's the Love?

Today...

1. I slept on the couch (again) because my husband is still sick.
2. Justin decided that my day should start about 3:30 this morning.
3. I was over an hour late dropping the kids off for Mom's Day Out. (Even with the early start.)
4. I had to go to the gynecologist for my annual exam.
5. Justin got a "red light" at school today. (Again. By the way, that's not good. He had to go to the office. He's only three.)
6. I stepped in gum.
7. I'm achy and my throat hurts. Why did I get that flu shot?
8. My youngest son, Cameron, pee'd on my foot.

So, I ask you, where's the love today?

My Hidden Bliss

Okay, so it was not a good day for the Republicans. But it was not the end of the world. At the end of the day, the democratic process triumphed and that's what it's supposed to be about.

I'm not going to complain today. (I'll save that for another day.) Today I want to talk about how blessed I feel. As I stood in line waiting to vote, I had lots of time to think. I had put the whole thing off until the last minute. Apparently most of the people in my precinct did the same because I waited in line nearly an hour to vote. Again, another story for another day. My own fault. Anyway - - the line was outdoors part of the time and I was able to catch the West Texas sunset. My thoughts immediately went to my family overseas. Not just them, but what they are doing over there and the people that they work with. I began to feel guilty because I was "inconvenienced" for having to wait in line. Inconvenienced. Please. I was late to meet friends for coffee. Coffee. There are people on the other side of the world making a couple of dollars a day, hoping they can feed their families that day and living under dictatorships and I was inconvenienced by having to stand in line for an hour to exercise my right as an American. A free American. An American blessed by God.

I won't continue on because I think you get my drift. The election did not completely turn out the way I desired. But I thank God that I had the opportunity to cast my vote. Voting really made me feel like an American this time. And I'm proud to be an American.

Politics

Okay, I turn into a political crazy person this time of the year. I'm just ready for the nasty ads and the automated voice messages (regardless of the candidate) to stop. They drive me insane!

Thank goodness it's not a Presidential Election. I'm *not* ready for Hillary and the First Gentleman (I guess that's what they'll call him) to take over Washington. It should be abundantly clear to you that I bleed Republican blood. It's not up for debate. It's me. It's how I feel. You are entitled to your own opinion and you are more than welcome to share that opinion on your own blog. But this is mine, so if I may, I will continue. Thank you. Actually, I'm not going to *go off* on anything right now. Well, maybe a little on anyone who votes for Kinky. Are you *kidding* me? Hey, I majored in Psychology. I'm pretty sure what Dr. Freud might say about that cigar Mr. Friedman is always fondling. And putting Willie Nelson in charge of something? You've *got* to be kidding me. Kinky is completely wrong for the job. I do agree that "politicians" can get too "political" at times. But come on? I seriously don't think he'll win. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to crash my car into the hillbillies that have his bumperstickers on their bumpers. I wouldn't do that, you know. But I do think about it. Tee hee hee. I have considered a good thump on their foreheads complete with a "Are you serious?" No, both just scream lawsuit. *Sigh.*

Anyway, back to what's to come on Tuesday. Since I am what I'd label a "conservative" then it should serve as no surprise to you that I choose to watch election returns on Fox News. Ever since Dan Rather nearly broke down in tears on CBS when Al Gore was defeated by George W. Bush - - I have had to boycott the networks biased coverage of the returns. Well, basically their coverage of just about anything newsworthy. But we won't cover that whole issue today. And CNN - - please, the Clinton News Network? No thanks. So, FOX News it is. Here is a link to their site. I really like the way their site is presenting information so far. So, without further ado:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/youdecide2006/races.html?TX

The important thing is to vote. Do your homework and know about the offices for which you need to vote for and get out there and do your thing. It's your responsibility. Be a responsible American and do your part. If you don't, then don't expect me or anyone else listen to you gripe about the results. You earn the ability the day you make your voice heard by voting. VOTE!!!!!

**A note to my liberal friends out there: (I actually have a few!) We're still friends, right?

Product Review

Two thumbs up!! If I had more thumbs, I'd give them more. Wow! This product is nice. I made chili in the crockpot on Friday. I purchased these little gems a while back and kept forgetting that I had them. My mother in law suggested that I store them in the crockpot so that I'd remember I had them. (This was after I found them - - after I had scrubbed the pot - - after I had cooked queso in it.) They work beautifully. I didn't use them for cooking chicken in it last night. I didn't think I'd need to scrub the pot a lot for that. And I was right. But for the chili, it was a great call. I haven't tried the queso with them yet, but I'm betting it will also be a huge success. So, Reynolds company - - Kudos on an excellent product. My time is definitely worth the price I paid for your product. You guys rock!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Okay, my Mom has no idea I even have a blog. But I have to say Happy Birthday to her anyway. Today she turned 59. Wow. Next year will be the big one.

We celebrated by eating dinner at Fuente's. Yummy. Mexican food. Muy bueno! J was kind of a turd but I think he was just real hungry. C was actually on pretty decent behavior. It wasn't a horrific experience. (For those that don't know me real well, I *don't* eat out with my children. I don't like drawing attention to myself. J rolling around on the disgusting restaurant floor is one of those things that draws looks. I don't like that. I used to give those looks. Is karma spelled with a "k?")

Back to Mom. What a great Mom. She is the best. She loves me and she loves my kids. She's an awesome cook. She raised us to love God first, family second and others third. She can be goofy and silly. And she's the only one who is allowed to call me by my full legal name.

Did I mention she's the best?

I love you, Mom.

Does Everything Have to Match?

This is something I need to get over. Especially living in a house full of boys. Do sippy cup lid colors need to match the color of the cups? In the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter. So why does it bother me so much? Do pajama bottoms need to match the tops? If they fit, does it really matter? I should be grateful that I am getting the help around the house and I'm not raising these boys on my own. Why do these little things annoy me so much? I'm sorry, but Nemo pajama tops don't go with Buzz Lightyear pajama bottoms. It irks me. It's me. However, kudos to my sweet husband for the help. I can't complain for that. I just can't help but wonder if my stay in the loony bin will be long and if my therapist will understand that the lid didn't match the cup.

Where Have I Been?

I don't know. Experiencing life I guess. Trying to raise my kids. Trying to keep those Dum-Dum sticks out of my oldest son's ear. Yes, you read right. He stuck it in his ear. Then he fell on it. That poked a hole in his eardrum. A "significant" hole. What's next? Wait - - don't answer that. Time should heal his ear. We hope. He's certainly not a candidate for the post op part of surgery. He couldn't handle five minutes worth of an ear test. What makes anyone think they can put drops and shove cotton in his ear for weeks at a time? Not me. Right now I'm doing my best to keep water out of his ear to avoid infection. Ugh... Little boys. I'd like to avoid the ENT doctor in the future anyway. She doesn't exactly read "kid friendly" if you know what I mean. Did she really think that a nearly three year old that had ruptured his eardrum with a sucker stick was going to come into her office and sit quietly in her lobby and then even more quietly in the exam chair and wait patiently for an hour where there is absolutely nothing for a child to do and wait for a doctor to show up late for an appointment? That, my friend is a fantasy world. This isn't my pretty, princess all dressed up in lace daughter whose little ear might be infected from her new earring. (I don't have one of these precious little daughters but I'm assuming this is the type of patient she was looking for.) This is my rough and tumble, all go, no quit, smelly, loud, dressed in camo, almost three year old. Hear him roar. So -- get us in and out on time. Enough said??????

Busy, busy, busy

I'm busy getting ready for my retreat this weekend.

I'm sleepy. Goodnight.

I knew better...

As mommeyof2 asked me, "What, did you dye your hair blonde or something?" No, but I might as well have. I did something yesterday that I totally know better than to do. I was so proud of myself for actually cleaning house while the boys were at Mom's Day Out. I sprayed Clorox Bathroom Cleaner with Teflon in the shower and then went to work cleaning off the counter and cleaning out my closet. I went to pick up the boys and got home and thought that the floor of the shower still looked bad (I hadn't wiped it down yet.) I thought I'd add a little umph to it with some Clorox Clean-Up. Where was my head? I mixed cleaners. I *so* know better than that. I would take a deep breath, scrub, then take another deep breath. It smelled horrible, which should have been a hint and a half that it was not so good for me. (Are my biology friends shaking their heads yet?) First of all, my shower should have *never, never, never* needed that kind of a cleaning. That's shameful. Secondly, you'd think that I would listen to warnings.

I coughed all night. Then today, as the day progressed, I started feeling worse and worse. I was convinced that I was coming down with bronchitis. I took Cameron to the doctor today for his bronchitis and mentioned it to Dr. P's nurse. She said that if it's not better tomorrow, I might want to check with my doctor. Well, tomorrow is Saturday. So, I made a quick call to my doctor to just "check in." He wanted me to come in for a chest x-ray. Holy crap! A chest x-ray? All I could think of were my lungs and throat being eaten away by acid. I scrambled quickly (for the second time this week) and went to the clinic. The chest x-rays were clear but he said that didn't mean I didn't have some complications from the cleaning fluids. He gave me a prescription for an albuterol inhaler and sent me on my merry way. Man I feel stupid. My ignorance yesterday cost me $20 for the co-pay and $10 for the meds. Now we are trying to figure out if the culprit on the wicked bad indigestion is the Topamax or the toxic fumes I breathed in yesterday. If I could kick my own butt right now, I would. Big Dummy!

Dang, I used to be smarter than this. Did the kids do this to my brain cells or the husband? Maybe a combination of both?

By the way - - my bathroom sparkles! At least I've got something to show for my ignorance.

Migraine Help On the Way?

For those of you that know me well, you know that I've suffered from migraine headaches for about 13 years. (Not 13 years straight. Off and on. 13 years straight and I'd have to be in a "straight" jacket!) Recently, I've started having trouble with my vision and my regular doctor referred me to a neurologist. I couldn't get in until a week from today. (This was several weeks ago.) I got a call from my neurologist on Wednesday saying that they had a cancellation, could I be there in 45 minutes. After a quick call to Mom and a speed shower, I went to the clinic.

I *loved* the doctor! I waited maybe five minutes in the waiting room, and five minutes in the examining room after the nurse left. Then he spent about 30 minutes with me. He was incredible. I didn’t feel like a crazy person. (Most doctors look at me like I’m a nut job when I mention the word migraine. I think the ones that do have never had one and totally don’t get it.) Anyway, he did a neurological exam and I guess I checked out fine.

Then we discussed treatment options. Wow! I have to say that this area of medicine has really changed. Before, I was told that I couldn’t take Imitrex because of my “reaction.” I described it to him and he said that it was absolutely normal and that when regular doctors prescribe it, they don’t explain (and probably don’t understand) what the medicine will do within 15 seconds of taking the injection. To make a long story short, it worked for me before and I get to use them again. Hooray! Then we discussed prevention. There are three primary medications they use for prevention. I’ve tried two of them and now it’s on to the third. The first two are blood pressure medications and antidepressants. The antidepressant I took made me a complete zombie and I vowed never to put that poison in my body again. He said they have better meds for that now but I liked the sound of the third option the best. It’s called Topamax and is an anti-seizure medication that is used in lower doses for migraine prevention. I have to work my way up to the full dose over three weeks. I’m a little more groggy today than normal but it’s not unbearable. There are a few side effects, two of which I’m noticing after just one dose. One is that soft drinks all taste flat. Strange, huh? I’m going to miss them, but it’s definitely worth the sacrifice. Another is loss of appetite and the craving of sweet things. Well, after two doses, I can say without hesitation that the loss of appetite is due to *everything under the sun* giving me indigestion. The doctor said I’ll probably lose 10 – 12 pounds the first month on the medication. Can’t complain there. He also said I might have some trouble remembering dates, phone numbers and just trivial stuff. I told him that’s what my Palm Pilot was for!

We’ll see. I’m hoping for the best. He said that most migraines are brought on by “holiday stress.” Basically, a change in your routine. So if I sleep late on Saturday, take a nap on Sunday, go on a long weekend or those kind of things it can trigger a headache. The last thing he told me that I found quite interesting was that migraines tend to change every ten years. I told him about my visual problems and he said that those were a “precursor” to a pending headache. Hopefully that will stop now. I also suffer from hand tremors (like my dad and brother have and my grandmother had.) This medication is supposed to help with that.

I’m sure this is *more* than you could ever have wanted to know. But if you’ve got a friend who has trouble with these, you can pass the word along.

I'm Officially A "Real Mommy"

I went to church tonight, went by the pharmacy to pick up some medicine and then came home. I was greeted at the door with a "guess what Justin did tonight." My walls. My beautifully, recently painted (with color I might add) walls. There are now great big black circles on my walls. David had just bathed Justin and was working on Cameron. The bathtub crayons were up high but must have fallen down. Justin retrieved the black one and the living room wall was his canvas. I figure that once you've had your walls colored on, you're an official Mommy! I'm official.

Brain Spasms...

Some of you know that I had my nails put back on. My cuticles looked terrible and with the artificial nails, I can't dig at them. (Did I justify it yet?)

Anyway, I went to get a "fill" today. I went back to my usual place. These guys are ultra competitive with each other. When they haven't seen you in a while, they want to know where you've been going. I usually lie and tell them I had to go somewhere out of town. I know, that's horrible. So much for honesty is the best policy. But they just seem to feed on the "bad job" the other place did. I don't go for that. I just agree that this place is better, but I had no choice. Am I bad to lie about something so petty?

The guy I had today is the guy I usually get there. He's great. He tries to talk to me, but I can rarely understand a word he says. Only today when he wasn't talking, he was smacking his gum. I mean smacking. He had a full-blown, cow chewing his cud, toddler learning to chew smack. SMACK. He even had his little "doctor's mask" on and I could see that jaw muscle working like a freight train. And I could still hear it. You know how I feel about this. Many times, it crossed my mind to say to him, "You really like that gum, don't you?" I nearly had a nervous breakdown. He's lucky he's good at nails and I needed them done.

I think I need therapy.

Ahhhhh....rain!

If you live in Seattle, a day like today would be just another day. Me - - I don't think I'd ever suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I could deal with the rain every day. Perhaps that comes from living in a part of Texas where there has been *no* rain all summer. We have had a good, steady rain all day long. Complete with thunder, too. It's been awesome. I have loved it.

After lunch, I sat down with my book, "The Big Picture. " I am teaching a class on Tuesday night and I wanted to refresh myself. (It's not as much a class as it is a club. We are going to work through the book together.) I stay amazed at her line of thinking. She really simplifies things for you, if you'll let her. I am seriously considering converting to her style of doing albums. Actually, I think I've been doing them similarly for quite some time, I just couldn't figure out how to present them. I quit trying to scrap chronologically for J since he was about 3 months old. (He's about to turn 3 years old.) Stacy, the author, to me is a genius and really - - my new hero.

I read on Stacy's blog the other day that she and her hubby just found out that they are going to adopt a little girl (I think from Korea.) How exciting for them. I think she has four boys, plus her hubby. Talk about a Princess! She will be so pampered. Hmmmmm.... That kind of makes me think a little. How would I do with a girl? What would I do with a girl? I don't know how to do hair!!!!

I better call it a day. I'm rambling. Everyone is in bed but me. This would be about two hours early for me. I think I could use the rest. If anything, I might lay in bed with my mp3 player and watch the lightening. Oooooohhhhh. That sounds good.

Signing off.....

A New Guilty Obsession

Okay, I have a new favorite (and quite off-color I might add) favorite show. It's The Chelsea Handler Show. It comes on E! and is so hilarious. Word of warning though, it is beyond offensive and crude. She's downright nasty. But I *love* it!! Nobody is spared. It brings out that obnoxious laugh I have. You know the loud, annoying, did that just come out of me kind of laugh. New episodes air on Friday nights. Have you seen it?

Very Fond Childhood Memory

How many of you out there remember having a cassette walkman that would record voices? How many of you out there tried to use that little recorder to record your favorite song off of the radio? You know, you called in to the radio station about 8,000 times during their "request hour" and each time you changed your voice a little so that they wouldn't be "on to you." They knew we wanted it, and they knew why. We didn't have the money to buy the record or 8-track of the actual album. So we counted on it being played on the radio. The trouble with that method (one of the few troubles) was that the DJ *always* kept talking during the intro of the song. You're at home with your finger positioned just so on that red record button, waiting for the DJ to shut up and just play the freaking song. And God forbid your little sister came running in the room when you finally were getting a good song, in it's entirity. It was then she came in singing the smurfs song or something completely gay like that.

Does anymore remember having to make your cassette tapes that way? What songs were you recording then? Some of my faves were:

1. Freeze-Frame
2. Centerfold
3. The Tide is High
4. Eye of the Tiger (hubby's fave)
5. Islands in the Stream
6. Keep on Lovin' You

Wow, good times. We also recorded some pretty silly stuff too. Man, I loved my childhood. I had a blast!

Justin's Words (Part 2)

Okay, not what you are thinking. It's not another layout. It's something he said today. Something he was working on wasn't going quite right and he said, "Oh crap." To that I say, "Oh crap!!" I wonder where he heard it. I can just hear the conversation I have with his teacher at Mother's Day Out when I pick him up. I'm pale just thinking about it. He also said butt today. Not that bad, but still. I've got to watch what I say. The little guy is a total sponge. Yikes!

By the way, he's still awake. He just yawned, so I'm hoping he will crash soon. Maybe if I turn the lights out.

Goodnight...

Justin's Words

I was looking for a way to document Justin's first words. So I took pictures of the actual item and placed his version of the word next to the picture. I think they speak for themselves. It's not anything fancy. Just something I want for him to remember when he is older and has little ones, too. They grow and change so fast!

Scrapbooking on the Q

**UPDATE**
Most of the good stuff is during the day on Tuesday. It doesn't look like there is much on today.

Be ready Monday and Tuesday. It looks like we will have at least one full day of stuff we wish we could buy. Creating Keepsakes is on at 11:00 on the 21st and then two more times on the 22nd. It looks like lots of scrapbook stuff for both days. Stay tuned!

Movie Review Time

Frantic - Harrison Ford thriller from 1988. It was like Han Solo in Paris without the Millennium Falcon. Instead he had a young, hot smuggler helping him find his wife. I kept thinking, this is gonna pick up soon. I was still saying that two hours later when the credits started rolling. There's two hours of my life I'll never have back. But hopefully I can spare you a similar experience. Don't rent it if you haven't seen it. Just because Harrison Ford has some excellent movies out there, it doesn't mean that they all are. This one stunk on ice. I won't give it a failing grade because I did stick with it. I was somewhat curious. I'll give some credit that it did contain HF. So - a solid "D" Tomorrow night, we'll be watching Original Sin with Banderas and Jolie. I'm looking forward to that one. I'll post it's review as soon as I can.

Bobby Update

My brother is not feeling good at all. It is killing me to be so far away from him. You know how fever makes you turn into a nut job? At least it does to me. And that's with my family and loved ones right here. Imagine what it feels like to be that way and living in a third world country! He sent a text message to my Dad and told him he was miserable and for my Dad to be sure to tell me that he loved me. Ouch. Ouch. Please pray that he gets a restful night's sleep and that God gives him some peace.

Go ahead and add Kyndal to your list. She's got some kind of virus that's going around over there. I won't bore you with the details. You can read it all on Bobby's blog. It is www.bobbycox.org. There's no sense in me re-typing all of that information.

My heart is breaking for my family. They are being so obedient to God's call in their lives and it seems like they just keep getting attacked. Is it God telling them it's not the right time, is He testing their obedience, or is Satan trying to get them to quit? Just pray that God's will be done and that His vision would be clear for Bobby and Angie.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and prayers for us. That's the best thing you can do for us. Love us, pray for us and keep being our friends. It's okay to ask how we are. Just be ready to not necessarily hear that we are fine. Sometimes we're not.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Key Lime Pie Blue Bell

I stumbled across this old favorite of mine the other day. I haven't seen it in the stores in so long. When I saw it, I nearly broke my arm ripping the freezer door open. My mouth was drooling and everything. I got home and immediately fixed me a small bowl of it. It is fabulous. So much for losing weight, huh? I hate it that I love food so much. I have a particular weakness for the sweet stuff. Oye...

I highly recommend it. It is to die for. I got it at Wal-Mart. Go get you some.

Kind of a role call - - what is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Talladega Nights Movie Review

Let me preface this post with a disclaimer. I am fully aware that a few of my friends are real into Nascar, this post is not meant to offend you. If you are afraid it might, quit reading now and wait for my next post.

Okay, I *laughed my butt off.* I seriously laughed. This movie made so much fun of the rednecks that eat, sleep and breathe Nascar. Personally, I wouldn't go to a Nascar race even if Starbucks had a free coffee booth. I don't see the thrill of watching cars go around the same track over and over and over and over...you get my drift. I equivocate it to watching paint dry. So, I knew that Will Ferrell would do it up right. He did not disappoint. That scene where he thinks he's on fire and he's running around the track in his whitie tighties while he's praying to Tom Cruise and to Oprah - - priceless.

There were also some pretty stinking funny movie lines that will forever be embedded in my brain. For example: When asked about his success he said, "you know, every morning, I get up and just piss success." It cracked me up.

Then, his kids' names. Walker and Texas Ranger. Too funny.

It was Redneck for sure. There were product endorsements all over the place. Just for being sattirical, I give it an A-. Will Ferrell, however, deserves a strong A. Funny movie.

Please pray for Bobby...

It looks like my brother has Dengue Fever. Please pray for him and his family. You can view further information on his website at:

www.bobbycox.org

Georgia...

I have a scrapbook friend that I met back toward the first of this year. At the time, she told us she is terminal (cancer) and only has about two years. She is only 50 years old. She doesn't have any family to help care for her, just her husband. Another good scrapbook friend has really taken her under her wing and has done anything and everything she can do to help. It's just so hard to watch a friend lose their battle - right in front of your eyes. It's heartbreaking. So, please be in prayer for Georgia and her family. Please pray for peace, love and comfort as she deals with this life altering illness. Pray that she can plug in to a church that will love on her and take care of her. Mostly pray for God's timing. Let us all be open to that. Pray for Georgia!!

Flowers for Mom

Here is my latest project. J brought me some flowers that I had once used in the kitchen. I love daisies. I took advantage of the photo op and got this great shot. I used three of the flowers from the bouquet in the layout. I hope you like it.

The price of frienship...

Should there be a price on it? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Should I support a business that isn't kind to everyone? Just because personalities don't mesh? Should everyone who shops at this store walk on eggshells because one of the owners is hyper-sensitive? I'm growing weary of being told how lucky I am because other businesses wouldn't give me the same perks. What kind of perk is it to be put in the middle of a nasty situation? (And not for the first time!) Is it a perk to be talked about behind your back? Not a perk I'm interested in. I must admit. I've been just as guilty of talking about others. I hate that. It makes me feel like a hypocrite. I'm just ashamed of myself for not standing up for my friends. And by the way, what ever happened to "the customer is always right?" In this particular situation, only *certain* customers are right. The sad thing is, I think I'm a *certain* customer. I'm treated nice. That I know of. There are other days that I feel like I'm not. It depends on owners mood and what she needs from me that day. Ooooooh. I don't like the way that sounded. I feel like I need to smack myself in the head and say, "Helloooooooo??????" Can you say *being used*?

DH pointed out that anytime or any place you get a group of women together, there's going to be trouble. I think he's right. I've seen it happen more often than not. Do men have these problems? Rarely. Why can't we just mind our own business and keep our freakin' mouths shut? They just get us in trouble. It keeps me in trouble.

My solution to the problem. Hmmmm. I don't think I will withdraw all of my business there. Not that I'm a huge customer anymore, anyway. I will however commit to the following:

1. Quit walking on eggshells
2. Stand up for friends being talked about and not join in or initiate such nasty conversations
3. Not be afraid to shop at other locations or online
4. Recognize that I've been used and not allow that to happen anymore
5. Just be *kind.* Treat others the way I'd want to be treated.

If this doesn't work, I'll re-evaluate later.

I'm not an Ogre...really!

Wow, I must sound really mean. I've struck the fear into my friends. I don't mean to offend. It's just my personality. Say it like it is. It, along with my facial expressions, keeps me in trouble. For the record, you are allowed to chew gum around me. I chew gum. And I probably actually smack it sometimes. I, like Yoda, am afraid of dragon breath. So, point it out to me if I'm smacking or popping. I deserve it and will very likely get a good laugh out of it. Just don't litter. I will report you!!! Ha ha ha!!!

Don't Mess With Texas

Busted! I got someone today. When will people learn? No littering. Especially when it's one of my pet peeves. It was a cigarette butt. Don't mess with Texas!

My Day

I changed six poopy diapers today. That doesn't include the wet ones. How was your day?

Favorite Actresses

Thanks for the inspiration K. Here are my favorite actresses and my favorite movie that they are in.

1. Angelina Jolie - Mr. & Mrs. Smith
2. Bonnie Hunt - Return to Me
3. Reese Witherspoon - Sweet Home Alabama
4. Julia Roberts - Stepmom
5. Meg Ryan - When Harry Met Sally
6. Kate Hudson - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
7. Kirsten Dunst - Mona Lisa Smile
8. Michelle Pfeiffer - Up Close and Personal
9. Julia Ormond - Legends of the Fall
10. Julie Andrews - The Sound of Music
11. Ashley Judd - Double Jeopardy
12. Julia Stiles - Save the Last Dance
13. Catherine Zeta Jones - Chicago
14. Nicole Kidman - The Interpreter
15. Annette Bening - The American President
16. Jodie Foster - The Silence of the Lambs
17. Diane Lane - Unfaithful & Under The Tuscan Sun
18. Diane Keaton - Something's Gotta Give
19. Susan Sarandon - Stepmom (I don't like her politically)
20. Sandra Bullock - Miss Congeniality

Late post...

Be sure to scroll down and look at a post from the other day. I started it on Saturday but didn't finish it until today. It's called Pet Peeves. I just don't want you to miss it. It's written from the heart!

Favorite Actors

Like the movies, but in no particular order. BTW, I can't even believe that I left Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman off of my movie list. What was I thinking? Anyway, I've listed off my favorite actors. Some are on the list just because they are so funny or I think they are great actors. The rest are either both of the above or just because they are HOT! You figure it out... I also picked my favorite movie that he is in.

Here's the guys...

1. Harrison Ford - The Fugitive
2. Brad Pitt - Legends of the Fall
3. Matthew McConaughey ** okay, he's actually my fave!! - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
4. Matt Damon - Oceans 11
5. Ben Affleck - Pearl Harbor or Armageddon
6. Robert Redford - Up Close and Personal
7. Michael Douglas - A Perfect Murder
8. Cuba Gooding, Jr. - Jerry Maguire
9. Denzel Washington - Man on Fire
10. Ed Harris - Stepmom
11. Heath Ledger - The Patriot
12. Richard Gere - Pretty Woman
13. Rupert Everett - My Best Friend's Wedding
14. Dermot Mulroney - The Wedding Date
15. Robert Duvall - Lonesome Dove
16. Tommy Lee Jones - Lonesome Dove & The Fugitive
17. Josh Hartnett - Pearl Harbor
18. Billy Crystal - City Slickers (both) & When Harry Met Sally
19. Kurt Russell - Backdraft
20. Robert DeNiro - Cape Fear & Meet the Parents
21. Ben Stiller - Meet the Parents
22. Mark Ruffalo - 13 Going on 30
23. Will Ferrell - Kicking & Screaming or Wedding Crashers
24. Tom Hanks - Sleepless in Seattle
25. Sean Connery - First Knight

Aunt B's All-Time Favorite Movies

After careful deliberation, I have narrowed my list down to the top twenty-five favorites. They are in no particular order. Just my faves. It's hard to pick one as the best. So, without much further ado:

1. Tombstone - "I'm your huckleberry."
2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith - They are just *hot* together. I love their chemistry.
3. My Best Friend's Wedding - Dermot Mulroney
4. Vacation with Chevy Chase, the first one, the original. This is where it all started!
5. Top Gun - the volleyball scene ("Playing with the Boys")
6. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Numar - You go Wesley Snipes! I love you Miss Noxema Jackson.
7. Sixteen Candles - "Oh sexy girlfriend...."
8. U-571 - Matthew McConaughey, intense, intense movie!
9. Footloose - Gave us all a Biblical reason for dancing!
10. Grease - This should be on any female, 30 something's list!
11. The Sound of Music - Oh, that scene where Maria is teaching the boys how to dance and the Captain steps in. It sends chills down my spine.
12. The Sixth Sense - Hands down, the best psychological thriller I've ever seen.
13. The Silence of the Lambs - I loved this movie. So, so cleverly done.
14. Under the Tuscan Sun - Diane Lane was fabulous, she made me want to pick up and move to Tuscany. (Dang that married realtor. Why did he have to be married? That would have been an awesome hook-up!)
15. Mona Lisa Smile - I loved Kirsten Dunst in this movie. She did a fabulous job.
16. Stepmom - Julia and Susan - need we say more?
17. Lonesome Dove - Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, great western
18. Return to Me - What a beautiful story, I fell in love with David Duchovny in this one!
19. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - Matthew McConaughey
20. The Pirate Movie - Christopher Atkins & Kristy MacNichol
21. Titanic - Just a good love story
22. Pearl Harbor - fascinating account of the events intertwined with a love story
23. The Notebook - a lifetime of love, a love that stands the tests of time.
24. Sweet Home Alabama - A love that was meant to be, and a past that couldn't stay there
25. When Harry Met Sally - "I'll have what she's having."

Pet Peeves

I have three, yes three, pet peeves that just get under my skin.

1. People who litter. This includes, but is not limited to, people who throw their cigarette butts on the ground. Especially lit ones. We live in hot, dry West Texas and it would not take anything to start a fire. But that's almost beside the point. How is it that these people don't view this as littering? Hello????? A couple of months ago, I saw someone walk out of a pharmacy, look at their receipt and then just throw it on the ground. I nearly lost it. Especially since there was a trash can *right there.* Idiots. I have, however, discovered how to get revenge on said idiots. Did you know that you can report a litterer? You can! Just go to:

www.dontmesswithtexas.org

You will need the date, time, location, make of car, license plate number, what was littered, who littered and then you can post comments. The offender has to have Texas plates. (The geeks who are from out of state get away with it.) The offender will receive a letter stating that they were caught littering and will also be given a Don't Mess With Texas trashbag for their car. I love it. And believe me, I've used it. I've reported *several* offenders. I now keep a notepad and pen handy for just such occasions. I think I feel like it empowers me a little. A chance to fight back! So don't mess with Texas or I'll turn your butt in, too. Pun intended.

2. Cigarette smoke in public places. I don't mean to offend, but I hate it. I hate it that most designated smoking places are at the entrace to that very business or institution. I don't care if you want to defile your own body, but don't drag me or my hyper-sensitive nasal passages with you. It's disgusting and bad for you. And Heaven forbid, I'm sitting in my car at a stop light or at a drive-in somewhere. You're gonna get the "look" from me. If you know me, you know the "look." Chances are, you have received it before for some reason or the other. And if you are my brother, you've been embarassed by being seen with me when I administer the "look." It will likely get my butt kicked someday. Avoid the "look." Quit smoking in public places.

3. Gum smacking. This one sends me into what I can only describe as "body jolting seizures." I can't stand it. Especially those people gifted enough to do that wierd little "pop" thing with their gum where you never even see a bubble. They just keep doing it, over and over. It's inside their mouth and all you hear is this redundant clicking. It drives me *insane.* It was the worst in college when I was trying to take a test. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I could never concentrate when someone was popping or smacking their gum. I would have to wait until the dipwad finished their test before I could start mine. Then hopefully I had enough time to take my test. It didn't matter if I moved across the room or not. Once it existed, I knew it was there and was *so* sensitive to it. This one will get you the "look" everytime. Even if you are family. I don't care. Quit smacking and popping your freaking gum. I have popped DH on the back of the head before and told him to spit his gum out or we were about to have a major problem. He usually agitates me for about a minute more and then quits. I probably look like my head is going to blow off of my shoulders (like in the cartoons) and then just explode. So, dear friends, don't be offended if I wrestle you to the ground and pry gum out of your mouth someday. It's just because I like you and don't wish death upon you. ;-)

New Movie Review

Firewall

Great film. Predictable ending. But it still had some of those edge of your seat moments. I'll see Harrison Ford in just about anything. Quite a thriller. I don't view the time spent viewing as wasted. It was worth the couple of hours. I"m just mad that I wasn't folding clothes while I was watching the movie. You know, kill two birds with one stone?

Mona Lisa Smile

I've seen this one over and over and it has to go on some list that contains my favorites. It gets an A- Great chick flick.

My Noah

Here is the LO I submitted for the blog contest at SU. It was hard to do (emotionally) but I'm glad I did it. You may want to click on the picture to enlarge it so you can read the journaling.

Lasik Rocks!

I totally recommend Angelo Laser Eye Center!

http://www.lasiktx.com/

They treated me *so* well. (It helps that I tested 20/15 in both eyes for my first follow-up visit today!) I am **loving** this no glasses/no contacts thing. It is so cool. I mean really cool. This is one happy, non-contact wearin', loving Dr. Lui, smiling, laser-corrected woman!

Lasik, here I come...

Whew, the clock is ticking and the big moment is getting closer. I have three hours and forty-five minutes until I have to be there. I'm ready. Good-bye you cursed glasses. Be gone from my face. Hello non-blurred peripheral vision. I can now scrapbook with some heart.

Here we go. I'll update when I'm done and can. Say a prayer!

Seinfeld "Puerto Rican Day Parade"

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a Seinfeld maniac. I love the show. I love that they spare no one's feelings. They pick on everybody -- they don't care.

We watched it again yesterday. It still cracks me up. Two lines in particular:

"Mucho Traffico! (said by Kramer)

"Fold your dog's ear back!" (said by Elaine)

Classic, classic episode! It's a must see. But good luck finding it. It is rarely shown in syndication because the PR's were offended. I have no offense to them. I just think the show is funny. Society needs to quit wearing their feelings on their sleeves.