Mark this date down.

Today, November 30th, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., I finished reading a book.

*rounds of applause*

I have only read one other book since the birth of my first son. (It was a comedy. The Men I Didn't Marry. Read it. It was great.)

I rolled my eyes at the mere suggestion of me reading a book about teenage vampires. And then - - I was intrigued. I bought the book. And in one week (good for me) I read it.

Loved it. I want to see the movie but I'm kind of afraid to. I don't want to be disappointed. Part of me wants to finish out the series and then see the movie. Why? I like the visual that Stephenie Meyer has created in *my* mind. I don't want Hollywood to destroy how I visualize the rest of the books. So, with that, tomorrow I shall start:


I guess you can say that I've already started it. (There was a teaser at the end of Twilight.) How thoughtful of them. It worked. I'm ready to read on.

Oh, I've heard bits of the soundtrack to the movie. I definitely want it. Very dark. I love it.

B went to the movies!

That's right fans. I went to the movies tonight. After a day of holiday decorating, I figured it was only appropriate to see Four Christmases.

I laughed my bootie off. Loved it. Of course - - I love no-brainer, predictable comedies. Great cast, fast moving and tears of laughter. I would watch it again. It will likely be one of those holiday faves - - you know, like Christmas Vacation. B's movie review - - very strong A.

I caught a glimpse of some funny stuff before the flick. I was waiting for my peeps to arrive. I got to people watch for a bit. I LOVE to do this. When I caught a glimpse of this - - I had to snap a picture.


Do you see it? The bright white caught my attention at first. That was quickly followed by the tag still attached to her new tennis shoes. Very, very funny! I wish I could see her face when she notices tonight.

*giggle*

Okay. That's all.

Go see Four Christmases.

Get this.

I went to Wal-Mart and bought two strands of lights. Just in case. The whole Wal-Mart thing was, for the most part, uneventful. I was surprised.

So, I got home, added one strand to the tree and saved the other for, I don't know, future use. I decorated the tree with my snowmen ornaments and was quite pleased. Then, I started unloading my other household decorations. What do you think was in the bottom of the decoration box? That's right. My other string of lights. Why did I put it there? Why didn't I keep it with the other two? Duh.

Now I have plenty.

Here is the little elf that helped me:


When I can get a decent picture of my tree, I'll upload it.

Proud to say - - Merry Christmas!!

Seriously?

I should have known today would not go without it's snags.

Missing: one strand of tree lights. See. See? Pre-lit trees. That's where it's at. Manually stringing lights. How neanderthal. Ugh.

I'm headed to Wal-Mart. Heaven help me.

Good Morning!

That's right. I've been up long enough to have a cup of coffee. That's it. I'm about to go pour me another. I scrapped last night, but got home earlier than normal when I scrap at Casa Yoda. I was home by 1:00 a.m. Early, by our standards. And actually, I did very little scrapping. Lots of yapping though. It was a great visit. Good friendship makes my heart sing. I left with a happy, song-filled heart.

What didn't make my heart sing? This:



That happened on my way home. I *knew* it would tump over. I. Knew. It. This is my tool caddy. It went spilling all over the back end of my van. Normally, the third row of seats is up. But they were still folded down from transporting Thanksgiving food over to my parent's house. The thing is, I had just cleaned it out and re-organized it. And now... Ugh. I picked it all up and just crammed it back in there. I'll organize it (again) later.

Today - - I'm about to put up the tree and the other holiday decorations. That's right. The old tree. I wanted a new tree this year. Something about $450 made Mr. B go into the dry heaves. (He said no.) With a little luck, my dream tree will still be available the 26th at half price or something like it. In which case I will resort to being down on my knees begging. So for now, my 7.5 foot tree (not pre-lit, I might add) will be assembled in a while. I've been known to throw branches before. To keep me happy, I just started Christmas Vacation. That will make me laugh.

I've put this off long enough. I shall tackle this beast with a smile.

:-)

I'm off...

Plans

I went to Sprint and handled the issue with the bill. It wasn't too bad.

All I've done today is cooked lunch, cleaned out the recipe book cabinet, cleaned up from lunch and took a teeny-tiny cat nap in the chair while watching cartoons with Cam. I'm going to scrapbook tonight and I'm tired. I need a Red Bull or something.

I keep thinking about the ham that's in my parent's fridge. It would make an awesome sandwich tonight. I love ham. Especially cold. (Warm is gross.)

I think I'll do a load or two of laundry and then I'm outta here.

Peace.

To do list:

Put my big girl panties on and go to Sprint to argue about my bill.

Arrrrggggghhhhh!

Have you ever...

Just for grins and giggles. Copy this list and put it on your blog. If you've done it, bold it.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (and DisneyWorld!)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (not that I'm proud of it, but I have)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

I'm excited!!!

I've made the praline topping for the Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake. I'll make the rest of it tonight. Right now, the kids and I are going out to our buddies house. The kids are gonna play and Mrs. S and I are gonna do a little scrappin'.

Tomorrow morning, I'll make the corn (in the steamer), the green bean casserole and a chocolate cake that is so good you'll want to slap someone. I may slap my brother. He needs it sometimes.

I. Love. Thanksgiving.

Life is good.

(No point counting tomorrow!!)

I got anxious.

I had to go ahead and put my Christmas clothes on.

I feel all tingly and special. I love Christmas!

McComplaint

I got on their website and wrote me a nice complaint letter.

McButtheads.

I. Knew. Better.

Why? Why did I go back there? WHY?

Okay - - before you judge me - - I ordered a meal. I'm still losing weight, so I decided that I could have a cheeseburger. I figure that I won't eat dinner anyway. So there.

Today we ordered three drinks and got four straws. Go figure.

I ordered two kids meals and a value meal for me. Cameron's meal was completely right. Shocker. The other two? Aaaaacccccckkkkk! Justin's was missing his hamburger. Mine was missing my fries. When did I discover this? In my garage.

Shut. Up.

I grabbed my receipt and called. It was a calling center. She gave me some lame excuse about how they must have been busy. I didn't buy into it. But whatever. She told me that she knew that manager "over there" and if I'd go back, she'd call and have it ready. I'd just need to go inside and get it. Great. Now I need to get dressed. (Have I mentioned that I have some chest crud? The cough has progressed today. I had *zero* desire to get out in public.)

I got dressed, loaded the kids back in their seats and drove back over there. I parked the car and went inside. I waited in line behind *the* slowest cashier. Ever. Three people went through the line next to me. I was getting more and more pissed off.

Finally, my turn. I explained my situation. "Oh, you need to go talk to that girl down there."

I stood "down there" for a bit and finally got someone's attention. They certainly weren't looking to be of any help. They got the manager. She said, "What was it that you needed?"

(Inside my head I screamed - - WHAT????? It's not ready?) I could feel my head spinning like in Beetle Juice. I (through gritted teeth) told her what I was missing. I'd already repeated the order twice at the drive through window and another time on the phone. This will make the fourth time I'd said, "Hamburger, no pickles." By Beetle Juice standards, my head should have spun while I was on the phone. I think that on the fourth time, it blows up off of your shoulders.

"What size fries?" she said.

"I don't know. The ones that come with the Value meal." She ordered my hamburger and went and got some fries. She smugly handed me my bag and gave me some half-assed apology.

I wanted to cough all over her.

I got home and we had two cold hamburgers, one hot, two cold fries and one hot. And one extra straw.

I'm not McLovin' it. I'm McHatin'. In a huge way.

McDonald's is now a corporate sponsor of my Rainbow Coaltion of Suck.

It is quite possible - -

- - that I will do bodily harm to my children before the day is over.

I completely get my parents now. I remember being sent outside and told not to come back in.

I'm on the verge of sending them both outside and only permitting entrance for any bleeding, broken bones or needing to go #2.

They don't deserve it, but I'm about to take them to Mickey D's for some lunch. I've got to break up the monotony.

Feeling better.

But kind of like hungover. I had to go get an injection for a migraine at 8:00 yesterday morning.

That injection does a number on me. If history repeats itself, I should start feeling back to normal around noon or early afternoon today. No headache anymore. Just - - out of it.

I need to do a little straightening around here today. Then, to the store for T-Day shopping. (Nope. I haven't done that yet. Ugh. I hate the shopping part of this. People are crazy in the grocery stores this time of year.)

I updated our family website with some new pictures last night. Go check 'em out.

www.brayfamily.us

An addiction

My name is B - - and I can't put down the book.

This is very much *not* me to get this into a book. I haven't read an entire book since before Justin was born.

I have laid around today and read. That's all. Just read. We didn't go to church this morning because I've had some kind of chest congestion take over my body. When I cough, it hurts SO bad. My chest feels like it's on fire.

Thank goodness I've had a good book to occupy my time.

XOXO,
Mrs. Edward Cullen

(You Twilight people will get that.)

Dang it, Jody!

I'm addicted. I can't put the book down.

When I finish - - will you go with me and see the movie again? I want to see it as soon as I finish reading.

{Chaos.}

Have I ever mentioned that household chaos makes me nuts?

Um. Yeah. It does. Bad.

We are remodeling our master bathroom. Mr. B has taken the "popcorn" stuff off of the ceiling, the carpet has been ripped out and now, the shower has, too. The primer stuff he is using on the ceiling smells HORRIBLE!!! We have a window open and a fan in front of it trying to pull some of the smell out. I don't think we'll be able to sleep in our bedroom tonight.

Taking that popcorn stuff off was a mess. Then - - the ceiling had to be "taped and mudded." After that - - sanding. My house is full of that stuff. It's everywhere.

It just occurred to me that I said "we" above. Mr. B is doing it. I'm sure I'll get to paint a little. But that's about all I'm interested in participating in. And - - I'm not real jazzed about painting. Just need to do my part. (No cutting for me - - just rolling.)

I've been stewing chicken all afternoon. I added the rice a bit ago. It's the makings for some awesome chicken and rice soup. Mr. B had to go get some supplies for the remodel, I added some saltines to his list. You have to have crackers with soup. It's in the rule book.

I plan on sticking the kids in the tub right after supper, then parking their sweet little bottoms in bed. A bath for me (in their bathroom) and then snuggling up with my new book. I temporarily "tabled" The Other Boleyn Girl. I'm having a hard time starting it anyway. I have had several friends *insist* that I read the Twilight series. So - - I got it yesterday. I'm completely captivated. I've only read the first chapter and I already crave more. No television for me tonight. Just me and my book.

I hope you all have had a blessed weekend.

It recently came to my attention...

...that someone ratted me out. I'm not sure if it was directly or indirectly. I think directly.

And that irritates me.

I *hate* it when people say one thing to my face and another to someone else's.

It just brings in a whole loyalty thing.

Meh.

It does not drag me down. Not this time. It's really small potatoes - - considering all of my "girl" drama lately.

It's always good to know who your *real* friends are...

Busy, busy, busy!!

I will post more later.

I'm about to finish the can for Kim and then hopefully catch a quick catnap before tonight. Parent's Night Out at church, baby!!!

Dinner at Outback with Mr. B and then a special treat for us. I can't talk about it here!!!! *insert sheepish grin*

Super fun stuff at the kid's preschool this morning. I'll post a pic or two of that later, too.

I've GOT to go finish that can...

So much to do...

...and I'm so frustrated that I don't know where to start.

My house is OUT OF CONTROL.

Seriously.

Laundry is backing up again. The dishwasher needs unloading and re-loading. Crap needs to be picked up. The floors need to be done. The stuff in the crock pot needs to be put away. (I made an AWESOME roast. It was fabulous.)

And what am I doing? Goofing off.

Oh yeah - - and I gotta finish that small can for K.

AND - - I *have* to have the children at their holding facility on time in the morning. They are doing a special day. The teachers are going to be Indians (excuse me, Native Americans) and the kids are going to be the Pilgrims. They will rotate classes and learn about how things *really* were at the first Thanksgiving. I love the idea. It's just that - - I am NOT a morning person. Something about staying up until the wee hours. I'm more of a night owl. Can we just go now and do the tee pee thing?

*stomps foot*

Okay. I'll do a couple of things and be in bed in thirty.

Be there at 8:45 in the morning?

*stamps foot again*

They did not consult with me on this.

Get. Out.

Both boys are in the bathtub. I'm sitting in the hall by the bathroom. Really, making sure nobody drowns and the house isn't flooded.

I didn't believe it when I heard it.

"Mommy, he's tee-teeing on me."

I looked up just in time to see Cameron standing up, taking a whiz on his big brother. And Justin was just letting him do it.

Who does this?

They think that because they can point that thing anywhere that they can use it anywhere.

The freaks.

Time to lighten things up a bit!

I am a clown. Period. I love to laugh and to make people laugh.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.


I'm going to give you five totally random facts about me. In no particular order. Some of you may know them, so of you may not. I challenge you to do it on your blogs, too. Just for fun.

(Be warned. I am me.)

*giggle*

Here goes:

1. I had to have my big toenail (yes, the captain of the toes) removed several years ago. A table fell on my foot in the 3rd or 4th grade. When it grew back, it kept getting ingrown. It hurt like a son of a gun. So - - the doc removed it. It never grew back right. It was a mutant toenail. It started getting ingrown again. So, I finally saw a podiatrist and had him remove it the correct way. He killed the area around the edges so that it would never grow back. Now, it is uglier than ever, but it never hurts. It freaks the pedicure people out.

2. I am *very* afraid of clowns. They seriously freak me out. I hate anything in costume that hides one's face. It's very intimidating to me and makes me very uncomfortable. I find this ironic give that a.) I referred to myself as a clown earlier, and b.) I was my school's mascot my senior year in high school and I wore a costume to pep rallies, football games, etc.

3. I am "in love" with Sean Hannity from Fox News. He is officially on "my list" now. That sexy conservative... Ooh la la. I've always been attracted to smart guys. Intelligent men really do it for me. (Especially Mr. B!) Don't get me wrong - - Matthew McConaughey is still on my list. Not too sure about his brain power, but I do admire those abs and that grin.

4. I have had six operations. Here they are, in order: Appendectomy, TMJ (right side), Bi-lateral breast reduction, removal of tonsils, adenoids and uvula (the hangie down thingy in the back of your throat), Endometrial ablation and a total hysterectomy. I was also put under anesthesia or heavily sedated for removal of my wisdom teeth, in-vitro fertilization (the egg retrieval part) and of course, my recent endoscope and colonoscopy. That's nuts, huh?

5. I really want to get a tattoo. A small one. Preferably on my ankle. I'm thinking a butterfly. I used to think that I wanted a "tramp stamp" on my lower back. I had one picked out and everything. But chunky girls with that - - it just ain't right. Now I just want a little one on my ankle - - I won't mention my passive/agressive reason for wanting that. My peeps know. And believe me, they egg me on about going for it! But don't say sell me out here. You never know who's reading!! *giggle*

Your turn.

For Mom

If I could be *half* the person he was... That would be something.

I really miss him.

Epic Post (Part Deux)

I just want to clarify a few things about my last post.

First of all, thank you all so much for your love and support. It means the world to me.

Some of you know and some of you don't. So this may sound Greek to most of you. Feel free to drop out now. I'm warning you - - this is long.

The past year, I've been wrapped up in a lot of girl drama. A lot. Complete with many highs and many lows. Well, lots of lows.

I had an issue with a certain friend. That friendship went South. Fast. It grew into many shades of ugly. It quickly became issues with other friends. Just other people that it shouldn't have involved at all. The bottom line was this: I did not feel welcome in my own church.

There. I said it. I felt like this: in the place where I should feel loved - - I felt despised. And ignored. And just downright, not liked. Granted, I control how I feel. And a lot of it was probably my own paranoia. The bottom line is, the whole situation was eating away at me.

Apologies were made. And for that part, I felt better. But still very confused. Instead of facing that issue head on, I let it distance me. I quit going to church. For the most part. You name the excuse, I used it.

This past weekend, our youth group participated in a Disciple Now. The preaching really spoke to my heart. For the first time - - I felt like I was really able to put the past behind me. I know that apologies were made. But forgiving and forgetting are two totally different things. I don't want to remember with bitterness anymore. And I really, really, really felt like I left it right there in my Savior's lap. Just like He wants me to do. "Cast all your cares upon Him..." I did.

And - - It. Felt. Great.

Here's the thing. The church is full of hypocrites. Judgmental hypocrites. I think it's the very nature of sin. We aren't perfect. By any stretch of the imagination. I am a hypocrite. (I said it, should I join some kind of group now? *giggle* Lame attempt at holding back the tears.) Anyway - - I struggle. I struggle with being who God wants me to be and being true to myself. I struggle with it daily. I want so much for my Heavenly Father to be proud of me.

The realistic side of it is this - - I am a sinner. I gossip when I shouldn't. I use the occasional bad word. I act passive aggressively towards people that irritate me. I'm sarcastic and sometimes crude. I mess up. The part that bugs me is that other people are watching me. I feel like I am the very thing that scares unbelievers away from a relationship with Christ - - or even organized religion as a whole. What sets me apart? Nothing. I can be just as worldly as the next guy. It's so hard to be "in this world" but "not of it." Does that make sense at all? I don't want to be held accountable someday for not being who He called me to be. I don't want to be a stumbling block. I don't want to be the reason that someone never found the saving love that I found in Christ. That's all.

Is there an inner-rebel in me that likes to come out and play occasionally? You betcha. And I imagine I'll keep that up. It's me. It's like my trademark.

Just know that I love. And like everyone else in this world, I want to be loved, too. Warts and all...

Something that hurts. (An epic post.)

I *never* want to hurt anyone. Ever. It's NOT my personality.

And when I have hurt someone - - it crushes me.

I did hurt someone. Recently. She and I had a series of events that "came to a head" this past spring. She apologized and so did I. I meant my apology. But I didn't change. I let it continue to harden me instead of heal me. I questioned every move. Every look. Every situation.

Then, this past weekend, it was like our Father shook me and woke me up. I felt so good about it. I felt good about a lot of things. I felt like I was recovering from what I had become so disillusioned to. I felt a renewed love for being a servant of His.

Then things came crashing down. In a fierce way.

Satan knew where I was weak. And he used it.

I'm not getting onto anyone here. Not in the least.

I'm acknowledging that I am human. I am vulnerable.

I once heard a preacher say that if you haven't run into the devil recently, it's because you are running along beside him. The devil doesn't mess with lukewarm Christians. He loves them. But when you start listening to God, spending time with Him, serving Him - - Satan goes on a rampage.

I want so much for my life to truly reflect who God wants me to be. I want *all* of my relationships to be a reflection of His love for me.

*sigh*

I'm okay. Really, I am. I just felt led (probably so that I could be held accountable) to say this. Here.

McDonald's Drive-Thru

What is wrong with their Southwest location here in Anytown, USA?

Is it *that* hard to remember to give straws out with the beverages? Really? Did they not teach you that in "working the window" school?

Every. Stinkin'. Time. I have to ask for my straw. They tell me it's in the bag. They lie. It's *never* in the bag.

This time - - all I ordered was a Diet DP. That was it. Just a drink. They handed me the cup and said "thanks."

Huh?

Do I really look like I can suck that drink through that hole? (Yoda - - not a word from you.)

I had to ask for my straw then, too.

What gives?

(I'm so dense - - I keep going back. Well, my kids love it. And - - have *you* tasted their fountain drinks? I swear they have some form of crack in them.)

Bwahahaha!!!!!

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban charged with insider trading.

Click on that statement for the story.

*wags my finger at him*

Shame, shame, shame.

*giggle*

Being - - crafty.

In a good way.

I've been decorating a paint can for a friend. It's for a baby shower gift for her SIL. I have to say - - it looks pretty stinkin' good. I'll post a picture of it later. I have to make the mini-can next. (I know that the sound of decorating a paint can sounds rather - um - weird. But my fellow crafters will get that. And you will once you see it.)

I am stopping for today and will finish up tomorrow. Yay me.

Right now I'm moments from retiring to my bedroom for the evening. Mr. B watches Heroes and it comes on at 8:00. I *so* don't watch it. So, I'm thinking of maybe playing a little Mario Kart.

Rather boring post. Sorry.

Something fun...

I have something rather fun planned for today.

Our youth group is doing Disciple Now this weekend. (A weekend that is dedicated to some intense spiritual growth, praise and worship, bonding and fun.)

Enter B on the fun part.

I volunteered to be a driver for their scavenger hunt. I've always loved doing scav hunts. I will have anywhere from 4 to 6 9th and 10th grade girls in my van. I can't wait. I think it will be a blasty-blast.

Be on the lookout - - we might come by your house!!!!

Cancer Sucks.

My friend Brandon (tennis coach at Lake View) did not receive a good report. He is in his 30's and is now diagnosed as terminal. His gastric cancer has spread to his bones.

My heart breaks. Please be in prayer for his wife Jenny and their three kids. They are 12, 4 and 3.

Also, my dad's first cousin, Beverly, is not doing well either. She was diagnosed with colon cancer. She did chemo and radiation. It failed. She is on her second trial through M.D. Anderson in Houston. It's not working. Please pray for her and her husband, Tom. They have four grown children with families of their own.

Brandon and Beverly are both Christians. That part makes my heart sing. Their faith has been quite a testimony. They both know where they are going when they leave this earth. With that said - - I'm sure it doesn't lessen their concern for those they will leave behind.

Again.

Cancer sucks.

I forgot to mention something.

I am a little mad about something. No big thang.

XM jacked up their line-up. They stole, yes stole, my favorite station. Flight 26 - - RIP.

*sniffle*

Stupid merger with Sirius.

I can listen to basketball games though. Lots of NBA channels. I guess you gotta take the bad with the good.

Oh yeah.

That massage kicked some serious arse.

He promised not to hurt me today. And he didn't.

I think strange things when I'm on the table. Today, it caused me to think of a blog topic.

Massages.

I'm curious. Do you get them? Do you go "all nakey" for your massage or are you an "I gotta leave my panties on" girl? Do you prefer men or women to give your massages? Do you not care?

Post a comment and let me know. I'm just curious.

I'm off to guzzle a bottle of water. Gotta go flush those toxins out.

*peace*

(And I mean the peace part. I'm super chillaxed.)

Guess what I just did...

I booked me a massage at noon.

Life. Is. Good.

(I gotta go. I need to shave my legs. I'm sure he has no inclination whatsoever to rub stubble. Ick.)

No deep tissue this time. Just relaxation.

Ahhhh.....

This is hilarious!

New Music Playlist - Again!!

I was in somewhat of an eclectic mood.

You won't hear it unless you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. And I have it set on random. That way, you don't have to hear the same first song *all of the time.*

Enjoy.

Domestic Goddess

That's me. I'm cooking dinner (chicken and dumplin's), I steam cleaned the carpet in the living room and I'm about to attack the kitchen floor with my Hoover Floormate.

Rock on, Me.

I'm playing the Dirty Dancing soundtrack while I clean. It's the expanded version. Love it. I'd forgotten how much I love it. I started out with Otis Redding singing Try a Little Tenderness. Great tune.

Okay, back to work.

They are maniacs.

I just made a monumental mistake.

I took my three year old son and five year old son to Michael's.

They were total buttheads. They wouldn't mind. They ran up and down the aisles. It was like the wild monkeys escaped the zoo and were turned loose in the store. I was embarassed. And pissed.

My name is B - - and I have to rowdy boys who are totally out of control in public.

I hear them fighting now.

I can't wait for school tomorrow.

Commercials on Television - - A Conspiracy

Last night, before bed, Mr. B and I were watching a little television. I'll be the first to admit that I *hate* most commercials. And it's the same ones over and over and over...

So what do I do when the show breaks for a commercial? I change the channel, looking for another show on. Something, anything.

THEY ALL GO TO COMMERCIAL AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME.

I'm sorry I yelled. It's just that it drives me cuh-razy.

The commercials are also louder than the regular show.

Gah.

(I'm okay now. I just needed to say it.)

*smooches*

Very busy day.

Just very, very busy. I have absolutely nothing of interest to report.

I got my hair highlighted today. Big deal. (Well it is to me. I like it better.)

Other than that - - nothing.

Maybe things will pick up tomorrow and I'll have something interesting to post.

I am very tired. I am probably about to go to bed. Yes, it's only 9:00. I'm that tired. The kids are asleep and I'm about to join them in la-la land.

I'm sorry that this was monumentally boring.

Cloud watching

It was so cool!

I want to see this.

I'm thinking...

...that Monday, I should lay down out in the front yard and watch the clouds. I hope we have some. There just seems to be something really relaxing about doing that.

Last night.

So - - last night I scrapbooked over at Casa Yoda. We were all pretty tired and it ended up being a short night. (Considering we regularly crop until 3:00 a.m.) I was home by 1:30. No big thing for me. Kind of the norm, actually.

We rarely discuss politics. Ever. Mostly because a few of us are Red and a few are Blue. We are friends and don't want politics to ever interfere with our friendships. It came up last night, kind of in a joking way. (My McCain/Palin button was still attached to my tool caddy.)

A great discussion ensued. I love to hear heartfelt comments about how "the other side" feels about things. Not in an argumentative or defensive manner. Just "this is how I feel and why" kind of thing.

Nobody tried to sway one side to the other. We are who we are. We are each individuals, with our own lives, ideals and convictions.

I guess my point is this: I am blessed to have a group of friends who can be so diverse and still be friends. This group of women - - I trust with my very life. Each and every one of them would "go to the mats" for me. I love that.

I'm not ignorant enough to think that my belief system is the only right one out there. Each has its flaws. Wouldn't it be great if everyone was willing to give and take a little? On a large scale. To truly "cross the aisles" and really make a difference for our country.

Girls - - thanks for the stimulating conversation. I enjoyed it.

For your weekend entertainment...

Click on the picture to enlarge it. Around these parts, it could also be used at our local mall. Enjoy.

This kid has got talent!

Apple Annie

Beware...

...the Target farter.

He's there. And he's been eating rotten eggs or something. Oh. my. word.

Let me preface my story with this: I know about men farting in public places. They think it's a funny game to play. Fart on one aisle. Then walk to another one and listen to the gasps for air as some unsuspecting person walks down the polluted aisle. I know they do this. I would guess that a few of you have husbands that partake in this male ritual as well. Don't you? I've caught Mr. B playing the game. It's disgusting.

Today, I was a victim of some thirty-something man playing this game in Target. I know it was him. Wherever I saw him, there was a horrific sulfur odor. And a grin on his face. It's not funny Target Farter. You smell.

And to add insult to injury, he was a space invader. Know them? These are the ones that don't acknowledge the "bubble" around every human being. Some bubbles are bigger than others. Me? I like a comfortable space between me and the unknown. He was so freakin' close to me at the register that the clerk greeted us as if we were together. He kind of guffawed and I rolled my eyes. I wanted to say, "No, Stinky isn't with me." I'm sure he saw how "un-funny" I thought he was and decided to store stalk me. He filled my shopping experience with farts. Target is supposed to be a happy place. Especially during the day when the ankle-biters are at their holding facilities. Alas, not today. Stinky put the kibosh on my fun.

Disgusting, vile individuals.

I aim to please...

I turned off the word verification.

Now if I start getting a bunch of spammers, I'll turn it back on.

But for now - - you ask, I give.

*smooches*

ETA: I've seen Mamma Mia 12 times. I love listening to this music.

Teaching you a lesson!

Asked and answered. You now may listen to the Mamma Mia soundtrack. Over and over and over.

Until I can put Christmas music up - - this is what you get.

*insert evil laugh here*

Congratulations, Kimmy!!!!

Way to go, Kim! You finally won!! I'll get your card to you on Sunday.

Thanks to everyone who played with me. I love doing this. Stay tuned. You never know when I might do it again. And for the record - - I love the holidays. Just sayin'.

RAK Give-a-way!!!

I'm almost done cleaning the house. Just need to vacuum the living room. Okay, maybe a little dusting in there. But that's it.

The laundry can wait until tonight or tomorrow afternoon.

A clean house makes me happy. It was probably a good thing that I was in a bad mood when I started. It motivated me and I worked like a maniac.

Ahhhhh....

What does this mean for you?

Another thing that makes me happy is giving things to people. So - - I know it's not much - - but I'm going to do another Random Act of Kindness give-a-way. Up for grabs today is a $10 gift card to Target. Who doesn't love Target? It's not much. But it will be fun.

Here's what you need to do to qualify. Post a comment on this entry. Post as many times as you want. Whatever you want. It just has to be on this entry. (For simplicity's sake.) I will use a number generator for the winning comment number. When will it end? Who knows! Sometime tomorrow. Until then - - post away.

Have fun. And - - happy posting!!!!

I did my part.

I know God is in control.

That is all.

Now I must clean my house. Mr. B told me last night that his parents are coming today. I spent last night watching election returns. I have serious work to do this morning while the kids are gone. I'm turning off my computer. And television.

I am not in a good mood.

(Did I mention that the Spurs got beat by Dallas last night?)

Yesterday was NOT a stellar day for me. Today is with its questions, too.

I'm out now.

Have a blessed day.

Edited to Add: I found out at school this morning that today is Cam's teacher's last day. I walked out of the building crying.

I'm going to go curl up in the fetal position somewhere.

I am not in any mood to talk politics (ad nauseam) tonight. I don't want my television on *any* news channel. Should that nonsense start around here - - I will retreat to my room and read my book.

I am a mommy/wife on the edge today. (Did anyone just think of Donkey on Shrek? It must not be that bad if I can think of that.)

I'll be fine - - it's just started out as one pisser of a day.

Done.

My vote counts. Did it help? I can only hope.

Huh.

I don't have much to say.

I'm just ready for this election to be over with. I'm going to do my part and vote. That's it. I encourage every one of you to vote, too.

If you don't vote, you can't complain!

I'm working on some laundry right now. I took a little break to tell you guys absolutely nothing. So - - it beckons me. Three loads folded. Some of it put away. One load in the dryer to retrieve and then another in the washer. Then, done.

I can't sleep in my bedroom. Still. He's not in any hurry to see the doc about his allergies and resulting cough. Every stinkin' year, around this time, I seem to be couch bound. And I think it sucks. He's hacking away in there. Ugh.

Okay, I better jet. These little jobs don't get done unless I get off of my butt and do them.

November - - Every day.

My NYOBC group is doing this again. I'm so excited. What is it? I'm glad you asked.

Simply put, you document every day during the month of November. Then scrapbook it. Big album, small album - - it doesn't matter. You keep track of groceries bought, miles driven, functions attended, coffees from Starbucks, gas prices, daily routine. Take pictures of stuff, include receipts and journal. It's cool. We did one back in October of 2006. I've looked at mine a few times in the last couple of weeks. I'm so glad I did it then. It's fun to look back. I need to do one every year. Different months, maybe.

So begins another B Family documentary of sorts. And I'm pretty excited about it.