Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Went by the school

yesterday and wandered around. There was a lot of activity so we shouldn't have any trouble doing our thing. There was football practice (why?? they don't play again until September), some ROTC kids, some students in the auditorium practicing something and others just milling around out front. I confirmed with the football coach that they practice on Thursday too. Not sure about the "drama" kids, I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone. That may kill our thought of sneaking into the balcony so the beautiful stained glass windows would be in the background. Football stadium is out due to practice and the fact they are tearing down the gym and the place is a MESS. There were janitors doing their thing and NO ONE tried to stop me as I walked around the inside of the building so we may at least get some photo ops near the trophy cases. There is always plan C..the front yard. The sun was behind the building enough to make a great photograph. There is a large tree out front that we could stand under if it's hot. I feel a bit better after scoping it out.

I then headed to University Sq. Mall (ARG!!!! I HATE malls!!) Went to Payless and found a pair of schools for DS. (of course when I got home and he tried them on-to big. Back there today and hope they have a smaller size) I went into several other stores trying to find a shirt for HSS and a different outfit for myself. VERY depressing. If I had tons of money I could find something I like and that FITS! All the stuff in my size and at the price I'd pay..not so good. Or, if I wanted to wear a Prom dress..we'd be in business. Good thing I still have time to look. Or, I end up wearing the "Mother of the bride" looking outfit.

I told HSS my dismay at not being a skinny bride and he said (after previously telling me several times that it doesn't matter a lick to him-he loves me & did 25 pounds heavier ago)that if I ever get to a weight I feel better at, we can renew our vows and take new pictures. THAT is exactly my problem, the pictures. I know he would love me no matter what, I just hate the thought of pictures of the beige whale forever etched in our wedding photos. ARG!!!

Made it home last night just in time for AI. Still loving Phil (the first guy-cue ball head) but have trouble with his bald head. Yes, I know I've discussed being shallow about peoples appearances but I just can't get past the small ears sticking out of his bald head with those piercing blue eyes. LOVE his voice though. Very much still loving Chris (curly hair-funny). His voice is amazing and doesn't match his appearance either.

Good grief, maybe I am shallow. Sure sounds like it today.

Back to AI...Does anyone watch Prison Break??? There is a character on PB that looks (at least to me) just like the tall contestant on AI..the guy who is very tall, wore a black jacket & white tennis shoes. MY HSS thinks I'm crazy so I'm determined to find pictures of them and put them side by side so I can prove it to him. If you watch PB..imagine the character that just got to Mexico with his PG girlfriend...now STRETCH him taller and make him African American and think of the AI contestant. ANYONE else see it?? Never mind.

DS was supposed to have a dental appointment but then his school went and had a fire yesterday, delaying the FCAT testing. The rescheduled the test for today and I didn't find out in time to cancel the dental appt. I'm going to take him to school and find out what time exactly the testing is and see if he can still go to the dentist and then make it back in time for FCAT. I need to get his watch out of hock from the principles office anyway..long story.

If you didn't vote for CAMI on MM AI...go do it!!

Til later...............

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Shoes

I finally found a pair of shoes for myself. Now to find a pair for the boy.

Not alot to say this morning. I'd really like to go back to bed but must pay the bills. Overcast and cool. Supposed to rain off & on all week. That's ok. Get it out of your system before next week.

Firmed up plans with my friend that is taking pictures for us (HI CARI!!!!). Spoke with the notary and she is still a go. 9 days!!

I went ahead and turned my calendar so I could see the month of March. So much going on I'm going to need a nap when it's over.

Anyone have access to a beach house?? I'd love to lay on the beach for a couple days and let the wind whip through my ears.

Hope you have a great Tuesday. TV-American Idol tonight. Voting finally started for MM Idol. Check out my buddy Cami's LO. It only takes a minute to sign up to vote. (see link in previous post) I actually had to sign up again because I FORGOT my log on info. That's what I get for doing it from work. I didn't write it down in my "log in book".

Til later................

Monday, February 26, 2007

10 days and counting

OMG.

Thought I'd pop on and say good morning. I'm going to Target to return one of the pair of pants before work so can't chat long.

Hope all your favorites won the Oscar last night. I haven't seen any results so don't tell me. We hit the sack at 10pm since there wasn't anything on but the Oscars. I'll catch up soon.

FCAT starts today. Hopefully the DS will do well. This restriction stuff is wearing thin on my nerves.

PRISON BREAK and 24 tonight. Would also be the night for Studio 60 but we all know what happened with that so 'nuff said! I hope you remember to boycott the new show. Three nights of Idol this week. ER is gone until APRIL. What's up with that?? Is it time for Basketball or Hockey playoffs or something?? It's just as well. With all the wedding and reception stuff, not to mention two BIG scrapbooking events I'm going to, who has time for TV??

Don't forget to sign up for the reminders and VOTE for my friend Cami on MM Idol. She posted her 1st LO for her peeps to see and it is AMAZING as always. Very Cool, Very Cami!! I can't wait to scrap with her on the 10th and then I get to spend the weekend with her on the 23-24th. WAHOO. (Cari-I love you too!)

Ok, you need to stop talking to me now. I told you I need to leave soon and there are still bathroom things to be done, Coffee to drink....

Til later..................

EDITED**** Note to self, if you do NOT want to know anything about the Oscar winners before you watch the show..DO NOT read Kips blog. ARG, spoiler!!! LOL. It's my own Darn fault. I should have turned off the computer when I said I was going to. WTG-JH!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Weekend musings

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. I haven't accomplished the BIG garage clean out but have done some other things that needed doing. (Sorry about the wonderful sentence structure.)

Got up early yesterday and went to town to get HSS's meds and then went back out to yard sale my brains out. There were three community sales near by and I didn't want to miss them. I didn't realize that two of them would be the kind where you must park your car & walk for miles cause there isn't room for traffic to drive thru the parks. I was worn out by the time I finished. I didn't find any great treasures, mostly more craft stuff. I saw some stuff that I would have bought if I was still selling antiques but since I'm not I actually left them for other folks.

After the sales I took DS shopping for wedding clothes. First I had to tell him about the wedding. He took it well. His exact words were, " Since it's not my wedding, I don't care" What that apparently means is, that he is fine with it and what's the big deal?

He was helpful at the craft store as I tried to pick out "flowers" to make the bouquet and boutonnieres. We must have spent over an hour but finally made a corporate decision. It may look stupid but we will have flowers darn it!

Next we went to Bealls for clothes. I have my mind set on a Red & Black theme to go with the High School. I found him a black shirt that has white & red pin stripes. It is a short sleeve shirt as we decided a boy of his age didn't have to wear long sleeves for an outdoor wedding. I also found an outfit. It fits but it makes me look like a 48 1/2 yr old woman. Don't remind me that I am, in fact, a 48 1/2 yr old woman. I don't FEEL that old so it is distressing when I look in the mirror and see an Old woman staring back at me. I bought the outfit, just in case. We next went to Target to find pants and shoes and a belt for DS. Found pants but no shoes or belt.

By that time we'd been shopping for 6 hours. I really don't like shopping and especially with other people so I was ready to come home. Fell asleep at 8:30pm. Gosh, maybe I AM an old woman.

Tried the shopping thing again this afternoon. I was going to try to do the garage cleaning but the weather was making my head hurt. Decided to try looking for shoes & the belt again. Probably should have done the garage. Finally found a belt and picked up another pair of pants, just in case. The shoe selection at WALMART was horrid. The only reason I was at walmart was because HSS had a huge shopping list and where else can you get Bathroom cleaning supplies, donuts, a belt and lightbulbs all at the same place?? Not to mention I can use my SAMS card there and since it was just paid off...I had $$ to burn, so to speak.

Tried one more time at Pay Less Shoes and still no luck. I can't stand not being able to find what I need. I'm trying not to stress out about it. If he has to wear his Black tennis shoes, so be it. This wedding has already had enough drama just getting to this point. Not much can faze us.

I came home, ate, read the paper and thought about taking a nap. Decided that was to "lazy" so came and got caught up on all my blog friends. Since I was here I decided I'd check in and let you know I was still alive.

OH, I almost forgot..Friday night my friend Nicole and I went to the community "scrapbooking mini crop". Since it wasn't in the newsletter we didn't expect much of a turn out. We were right. No worries. Nicole actually got a LO finished and I stamped & colored 35 wedding cakes. I'm going to use them for the Reception invite. Yep, making my own invites. And decorations. Man, I sure hope I can get some help with the reception clean up. I don't need to do it ALL.

Make it a great week. Oscars tonight. I've got the DVR set, I just like to see the outfits anyway. FCAT starts tomorrow for DS. Hope he does well.

Till later...................

Friday, February 23, 2007

Friday-Friday-Friday

Since I took Monday off this was a short week. There has been some drama at work so that has made it feel longer but hopefully everything will get smoothed out soon. I've asked them to play nice until the end of March..is that to much to ask?? I really don't want people fighting at my reception. I have people I could invite if I wanted that kind of tension!

OK, lets recap last night.......

AI...I guessed who was going home before they announced it. No surprises. They are getting predictable with the way they line the people up.

Grey..excellent. I had read a spoiler that said someone WAS going to die but I really never believed it would be Meredeth. The spoiler said someone would die NEXT week too. HMMMMM. I also saw where they are tapping Addison for a spin off with "Taye Diggs". Since they haven't run that episode yet, I don't think it would be her already. Guess we'll just have to stay tuned.

I haven't watched ER yet so don't tell me anything. We watched CSI instead. I love how they are dragging out the romance between Sarah & Grissom. When he came back from his "teaching" gig, he looked like he wanted to tell her how strongly he really feels but they kept it coolish. I liked last nights ending. Glad to see the beard is coming off. I prefer him clean shaven. Now if we could get Stokes to grow his hair back..I'd be a happy girl.

I have a Mini crop scheduled at my community clubhouse tonight. I'm pretty sure only one other person is going to show up but since I scheduled it for the community I kinda have to go. My scrapyard friends are having a party tonight that I'll be missing. HI GALS!!!!!! Have fun. See ya soon.
I'm planning on working on an album to send to my MIL with wedding/reception photos. I doubt she'll be able to come down in person. I really wish she could but traveling is difficult on her and I don't want to cause her any pain. Hopefully we'll be able to visit soon and share the memories with her in person.

Bought some decorations for the reception last night. They had Valentines stuff 75% off at Michaels. Now if I can just make the stuff look nice & not ex-Valentines tacky I'll be a happy girl. Good thing I'm going with a Red & Black theme.

I'm gonna take DS shopping this weekend for a wedding outfit and then we are going to work on cleaning out the garage. I have one last storage unit I'd like to get rid of and can't until the garage is ready to receive all the crap. I'd love to be able to park INSIDE the garage but not sure I can get things that neatly arranged.

I hope you all have a fun weekend. Second NASCAR weekend so HSS is excited. Play nice and check back, I may get a chance to post over the next two days.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Gals kicked butt

last night on AI. My HSS's favorite is Lakisha (the last girl that Belted out the "Dream Girls" song) She can SANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG!!!! It was amazing to see her go from singing her lungs out to the modest, quiet girl that stood before the judges. WOW!!

Another great night of TV plus the results show for AI. Thank goodness for DVR's.

Days are ticking away. Plans are getting put together.

Got a call from one of my DS teacher's yesterday about another IN CLASS assignment that he "refused" to do. When asked about it later he said he "Doesn't like the class and that's why he doesn't want to do the work". Hmmmmm. ARG!!!!!

BIG food day at work today. The smells are killing me waiting for 11:30. I have to cover the switchboard at lunch time so I don't get a chance to enjoy the "party". Figures.

I hope you are having a great day. Do something nice for someone. It will make both of you feel great.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

American Idol

So the guys started the season last night and I must say, not impressed much. I still like the guy "Christopher" (I think that's his name-he's the funny one with curly hair) and the very last guy..the new dad..sang one of edmund McCain's..one of my favorite songs..anyway...

The gals take the stage tonight and we'll see if they do better.

Not much else happening. Plans are progressing. 15 days and counting. My friend made the MM top 50 in case you missed yesterdays late post. See below and go to the link to sign up to vote. Karate tonight & a party at work tomorrow for Black History Month. FOOD all day. Wahoo. Guess my plans for being a skinny bride are gone. Good thing my HSS loved me even when I was 25 pounds heavier than I am now.

Till later...........

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

SHOUT out to my friend Cami

She was named one of the MM IDOl top 50. If you are a scrapbooker you may know what I'm talking about. If not, it means she beat out TONS of people to be in the top 50 and now WE the public get to vote, kinda like the American Idol (starting tonight BTW). Please follow this link, look for Cami B. and sign up to vote. Believe me, she is AWESOME!!!

You rock my friend!!

http://makingmemories.typepad.com/mmidol/2007/02/top_50.html


Til later................

Feel like I should post

but I don't want anyone to miss the BIG PICTURE from yesterday. Make sure you read Mondays post.

DD****PLEASE SKIP THIS POST and go down to the one from Monday. Mommy needed to vent and I know you don't want to read it.


OK, what happened since Friday??


DS went to his dads for the long weekend. As expected, his dad didn't enforce the restriction to my liking. When I called him on it he said he wasn't going to spend the weekend inside because DS was being punished. OK, I understand ..going outside and getting exercise is one thing as you both need it BUT going to a MOVIE??? Hmmmmm. Yep, great parenting. Thanks for your support. No wonder the boy didn't want to come home yesterday. Our house is the PUNISHMENT house. Oh, and don't give me the speech about how you had a long talk with him about the error of his ways & how he should do better. Yeah, sure dad..now can we go to the Movies cause that will really make me want to do better.

My DD will be mad at me for posting that (and this). She gets upset when I say things about her dad. Well, if he would support the efforts we are trying to use to make her brother understand that punishment is not supposed to be fun...that's why it is called punishment...I wouldn't feel the need to express my anger in a public forum. Freedom of speech remember?

Saturday I redid the scraproom closet. It took most of the day because I spent several hours looking for the storage system that I thought would work best. I finally decided on a wire shelf unit from Lowes. It took longer to put together than I expected and I finally had to recruit my HSS to help but it finally came together. Everything that had been in the closet and MORE went back into the closet since the shelving worked better than what I had in there before. I have a before but not the after picture. I'll add that later.

Sunday, worked in the scraproom again & then brought stuff out into the living room so I could watch the race with HSS. WOW!!!! I really didn't like the finish but man it was exciting!

Attended a CYBER baby shower Sunday night. It was fun but not the same as being there even though the Hostess sent us all a box of "snacks" to enjoy while we "attended". We even played 2 games which I sucked at. Piece of advise..never play a game about Farm animals with three gals from TEXAS.

Monday night shows rocked as always. We watched what could be the LAST -Studio 60. Really made me sad. And MAD at all of you that didn't watch. I can't believe the show they chose to replace it. Guess that just shows the level....sorry...I don't want to insult my friends and loyal readers. I KNOW it's not your fault Studio 60 was "replaced"...I just have no one else to rant to. Last nights show was a perfect example of why we will miss it...really quick-dry humor, funny on so many levels and we enjoyed "Chandler" NOT being "Chandler". So sad.

OK, please check out the post below if you tuned in late yesterday and didn't see the news. I must run..meeting at work and I didn't work yesterday so should make up some hours. Have a great day and if you see my DD, remind her that I love her and am only trying to make her brother turn out as well as she has..despite how she feels about me right now.

Parenting sucks!!

Till later.........................

Monday, February 19, 2007

Look what we did this morning

Yep, that's us
signing our marriage license.
What did you do today??Posted by Picasa

Friday, February 16, 2007

Where do I start?

So much to talk about, so little time.

1st.
I hope you are happy. I kept telling you about Studio 60. I BEGGED you to watch. I told you it was a smart-funny-SMART show. Well as of next week it will be replaced on Monday nights by another show NBC wants to test. It may come back if the new show doesn't do well. Do me a favor...DO NOT watch the new show.. I want 60 back!!

2nd.
Teenagers/young adults cause stress. Just in case you didn't know that. Apparently when one calls you, almost freaking out because she is in pain and you don't know if you should send her to the hospital or wait it out & you are freaking because she's your flesh & blood and you are worried but you agree to wait a little while and you tell her to CALL you later...and she starts feeling well enough to go out with her friends-even though you suggested she take it easy and stay home that night....and she thinks that a short text message saying she is feeling better...and that NOT answering the phone the next 6 times you call her...is OK because she knows that she's fine.....!!!

3rd
GREYS

4th
ER

5th
The scrapbook was a hit. Enough said.

6th
I think I'm going to try & redo the scrapbook room closet this weekend. All the stuff is still piled in DS's room. I really want to make it more efficient.

7th
HSS & I celebrate our 2nd anniversary of being back together on Monday the 19th. I'm thinking about taking the day off since DS will be at his dads (no school). The time went so quick!

8th
NASCAR starts this week. YEAH!! My HSS enjoys watching the Brummmm Brummmms go round & round. LOL. I actually enjoy watching with him. If they would quit changing the rules and drivers and such I could figure it out better.

OK, I think that is enough for now. I'm hoping my HSS is feeling up to going on our date this weekend. We are planning to celebrate Valentines & our anniversary by going out to dinner. Maybe even a movie if he feels up to it. Might try one of the local restaurants. They look so quaint.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy. I'm not sure how much I'll post as I have alot I should do. See ya soon!!

Til later.................



Wednesday, February 14, 2007

THANKS for the comments

Since I've had my head up my butt lately, well actually I've been busy getting that scrapbook finished, it has been brought to my attention that people are commenting more. I had noticed that and it made me all fuzzy. DUH that I am, I didn't take the time to comment on that so....


THANK YOU!

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to stroke my fragile ego. LOL!

Seriously, I do love reading your comments and even when I say something that offends a reader (sorry-you know who you are) I'm glad you feel safe enough to call me on it. Keep it up.

Now for some "Shout outs"...

HI to:

Nicolby7
Cami
Loretta
DD
Michele
Cari
Jessie
LisaD
Jenn
Jules

I'll keep writing. Try & stop me ..Grin..

Till later..................

Happy Valentine's Day

Look who was waiting for me when I got back from the bus stop this morning. I walked in the door and a light was on that hadn't been on when I left. Sitting in the middle of the dining room was a chair with a box and a card. Inside the box was this cute guy. You can't tell but he is wearing a T-shirt and jeans and has a Heart Tattoo on his arm. So cute!! My HSS snuck out of bed and placed him for me to find & then went back to sleep. He's still sleeping so I thought I'd jump on & show you my sweet surprise.

I hope you all have a great day filled with love. Even if it isn't with a special someone I hope you realize that you mean something to at least one other person....ME!!!

Here's a close up.

Posted by PicasaTil Later..........................

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Important-please read

Thanks to my mother for sending this to me.

I won't get on my soap box about how if MEN were getting their breasts cut off they would REFUSE to leave the hospital that same day.......oh, guess I kinda stepped on the box after all. Anyway, please read below and sign and forward as you feel called. I've spoken with to many people this week (and it's only Tuesday) that have lost someone to cancer recently. Until we can stop this monster completely this is the least we can do.

Mastectomy Hospital Bill in Congress.

If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important...please take the time and do it really quick!

Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women. Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.

PLEASE Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.

http://www.lifetimetv.com/health/breast_mastectomy_pledge.html

http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php/

This takes about 2 seconds - please sign and pass on! Thanks

*****NOTE...men can and do get breast cancer. They often do not get diognosed early because they do not know it is possible to have this type of cancer. Breast tissue is breast tissue. It doesn't know what "sex" it's on. Encourage your men to get checked. A dead macho guy is a STUPID guy if he dies because he's to embarrassed to talk to his doctor.*************

Perhaps you are shy

and that's why no one (well except for Cami & she's my buddy) posted a comment yesterday. WAH!! I really need a life. Sitting around waiting for people to "Sally Fields" me. Moving on...........

24 was great last night. Gotta say, giant drill bit in my body would not have been my idea of a good time. I was working on the scrapbook and listening/watching the show. My favorite line was when Cloe (spelling??) thanked Jack for saving Mason...well crap, I can't remember it exactly but it reminded me of the original Star Wars movie. Princess Lea tells Hans Solo she loves him as they are lowering him into the cryogenic freeze machine and he says, " I know". My all time favorite line!!!!

So tonight, I finish the scrapbook, watch AI & House.

Tomorrow is Valentines day. I mailed all the cards I'd made and gave the ones I made for work to them yesterday. Oh YEAH........I need one for my HSS!!!! Crap. He's never been a Valentines celebrating sort of guy until last year when it was our first one. My DS is spending the night at his dads since it is Wed so we get the night to our selves. Maybe we'll head to bed early...and SLEEP. Darn I'm tired and can't seem to catch up. This weekend is DS's at his dads & it's a three day weekend. Maybe we'll just wait & really celebrate it then.

What are your plans?

The AC/Heating guy decided he needed to get into the scrapbook closet after all so the boys emptied it out yesterday. FUN!!! The guy is due back this afternoon to see if he can regulate the temps in the extra bedrooms. While the stuff is out of the closet I may take advantage and re-do the shelving situation. It definitely wasn't working before.

I hope you have a great day. It's supposed to turn cooler starting tomorrow. No wonder so many people are ill.

Till later.............oh, and it is not to late to leave your comments. You really don't want me to beg do you?

Monday, February 12, 2007

Comments

It was brought to my attention Saturday night (Thanks Cari) that only people with blogspot could leave comments.

Well........that explains why so few people leave me comments. I KNEW my ramblings were fabulous so only getting a few comments a day must have been a mistake. LOL!!

I've change it so that anyone can post. I'll leave it that way until it becomes a problem.

Ok, so now you have NO excuse. Lets hear from you. You can go back & leave your thoughts on all your favorite posts. I promise I'll read each one.

Til later.................

Busy weekend recap

I didn't get on line at all during the weekend. I'll try & recap & update you on DS.

Saturday:
Got up at 6:30 and headed out to the "rescheduled" yard sales. Apparently most of the residents of the "rain date" places didn't realize it was being held as there were very few people set up. I did find another community sale but only found 15 packs of Rick Rack, a bag of small Styrofoam balls & a roll of Kraft paper (total $2).
I did find an exciting treasure in my own neighborhood, two 7 ft. spiral Christmas trees for $2 each!! I looked all over for them after Christmas but could only find smaller ones. WAHOO!!
Came back home, changed clothes and headed over to the clubhouse for the pancake breakfast. They do it every other month & it's usually $3. Since it was my first time it was free. All you can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee & fruit cocktail. YUM!! I sat with some sweet older ladies, one who's husband had just died 3 weeks ago. So sad but she was doing pretty good.

Ran back home, jumped in the shower, dressed (I looked good & NO ONE look a picture all day-darn it!), dropped off the car to get an oil change & then waited 30 minutes for DD to come pick me up. She lives only 2 minutes away but takes for ever to get ready.

Went to the KD house on campus for a family event. They had a cookout and gave us tours of the sorority house. It's really nice. After a short visit we all headed over to the bowling alley for a few games. We ended up only playing 1 game since we had 8 people on our "team". The girls had fun and it was nice to meet all DD's sisters.






After the bowling I had to hurry back to pick up my car as the place closed at 5pm and I had people coming over for scrapping at 6:30.




I had agreed to let a guy "clean" my car while it was at the Oil change place. He wanted to DETAIL it but I told him I really didn't have the money or the time. We agreed on a price for doing the outside only and I told him it must be done by 5pm. When I called to tell him I was on my way he said he wasn't quite done but the INSIDE looked amazing. ??? Inside?? Not done??? ARG!!!!


DD drove me over to the place & the guy was scurrying to wipe down the outside. When I walked up he started telling me about all the stuff he had done & showing off his work. (I failed to tell you that he talks 3 miles a minute & didn't really let you get a word in) I finally got my key and told him I really MUST go now & started to hand him his $$. There were dollar bills on the outside of the money "wad" and he asked "How much are you giving me?". The amount we agreed to says I. "OH, I thought you'd give me a tip for all the extra work I did" says dude. !!!!!!!
I wanted to say NO, you crazy man..you did what I told you NOT TO, you are making me late and I'm not paying you another cent.
But I didn't.
I lied and told him that I had stopped at the ATM and gotten exactly what we'd agreed to and I didn't have any more $$. He wasn't happy. What would you have done??

I started racing home and about half way there my cell phone rings. It's my buddy Denise and she says, "How early would be to early to get to your house?" It's about 5:40pm-I'm not home-I still have a ton of prep work to do so I said...where are you now? "Sitting in your driveway" says she. OMG!!! She said she'd wait outside but I called my HSS and he went out & got her & Julie and let them in. BTW, thank goodness they got there early because they helped me get the snacks ready. Matter of fact, Julie made my layer dip look amazing and it tasted great too.
Nicole came in a few minutes later and Cari & Cami arrived a little late but we were all still talking so it didn't matter.
We talked , we scrapped, we laughed, we ate, I made 13 Valentines cards. I had a blast, I hope they did too.


Guess who this is??



The girls left about 1 am and wonderful Julie had even cleaned up the kitchen for me. HSS came walking out of the bedroom (where he had spent the evening) while I was putting the rest of the stuff away. He saw what she had done & said she can come over any time!!!


Sunday I got up early cause I needed to work on the scrapbook for the lady that is retiring. I read Saturdays & Sundays paper and then made envelopes to go with the cards I'd made...yes, I made the envelopes.


I worked on the scrapbook the rest of the day. It is finished except for some embellishments. I'll do that tonight or tomorrow since the party is on Thursday.


As for DS, he is not happy with his punishment. He kept asking the girls Saturday night if they needed any help. He carried bags, went to Nicole's house and brought back tables & chairs, was being so sweet. I don't think he liked that everyone one of the girls said something about his grades. LOL. I heard him crying later and when I went to check on him he said, "I hate being on restriction, I wished I never gotten the bad grades, it isn't worth it". I told him I was sorry he was upset but maybe he was finally realizing the problems he was causing for himself. I told him punishment isn't supposed to be fun.


Yesterday before I started working on the scrapbook I agreed to help him put together a shelf unit for his room. It's been sitting in there for weeks, out of the box, un-made. We got it put together and even used it as a learning experience. I asked him to go get something out of my craft room. He went and then couldn't find what he was looking for (even thought it would have been easy if he had listened to my instructions). I told him that was a perfect example of the problems he was having in school. He doesn't listen and then tries to do things and gets upset when he can't. I told him he should have never gone into the craft room to look for the item if he didn't understand the directions I had given him. I told him he should have asked me to clarify them until he understood.


He is supposed to have all his missing assignments ready to turn in today. I spoke with his Karate teacher after class last Friday and he is supposed to speak with DS tonight. Hopefully it will do some good. I found out he can't test for his next belt until April and they only do it every few months. Hopefully he will be able to test and not have to wait until fall.


The AC/heating man has been here since 8am and I can't wait until he leaves to get ready for work. I figure I worked on that scrapbook for about 5-6 hours yesterday so if I'm late today..so what?? Oh yeah, that reminds me..I got "in trouble" Friday at work and ironically the lady I'm doing the scrapbook is the one that ratted me out. Lets just say they didn't find the humor in spreading "paper dots" all over the floor so the cleaning crew would actually do their job & Vacuum. What ever!


Sorry so long but it was 3 days worth. Consider it a bonus post.
OH, I almost forgot...if you know anyone that is looking for a prime piece of real estate in East Tampa, let me know. A friend of mine is selling 5 acres. Should be for used commercial purposes considering the trend in the area. He is still living in his house on the property so I guess the buyer could too.


No Prison break but a 2 hour 24 tonight. Enjoy!


Till later....................

Friday, February 9, 2007

I didn't get much sleep

last night because of this whole progress report, my DS is going to fail school and it's all my fault, thing.

It is hard enough to deal with this without his father telling me that it is all the teachers fault, I'm being to hard on him, restricting him doesn't do anything but make him feel alone...bla..bla..bla.

As if that isn't enough, my DS told me this morning, when I asked him if he thought I enjoyed punishing him and did he understand why it was happening, he said; "Dad asked me last night if I still loved you since you'd taken all my stuff away".

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What kind of a question is that to ask a kid that is supposed to be learning the consequences of his actions (or lack of actions)? That really shows support and all working toward the same goal doesn't it?

I wrote a long email to him from work yesterday in response to some of his statements to me and if he answered it, he didn't copy it to the home email. Joy, Joy. Something to look forward to when I get to work today.

OH, while you all are agreeing that taking EVERY piece of electronic equipment out of my sons room, telling him that he had to do the 11 missed Science assignments (this weekend)-or all 23 if he couldn't remember which ones he had missed is awful let me tell you what I found when I went through his Book bag, besides the Pre-progress report the science teacher had sent home Friday or the several other things that needed to be signed or his video game player. (They are not allowed on campus. When questioned he said he had it to play on the bus. !!! Guess that explains why he isn't making friends on the bus, his nose is stuck in the video game)


He had FORGED my initials on the reading logs for his Science class.

Yes, you read correctly.

His science teacher had asked me yesterday if I was signing his logs & I said yes, sort of knowing that I hadn't. DS has me sign a reading log (occasionally) so it could have been the science one. NOPE. DS had been doing it for me. I had him get the dictionary and read what Forgery meant, I circled all my initials on the logs and wrote FORGERY and then signed my name, and then I wrote across all of the logs that the teacher was to accept my full signature only in the future.

My DS excuse for signing for me? He had forgotten to get me to sign so he did it. Hmmmmmmmm- 7 times???

I talked to my DS on the way to the bus stop this morning and asked him if he understood why he was being punished and did he think I was being to hard on him. He said that he doesn't think it is fair that he has to be closed up in his room all weekend. He should do chores or something. This from the child that can spend 5 days in his room playing video games without coming out and has to be reminded to do the one chore he's responsible for now. He is also insisting that he doesn't have time to do the assignments during class. EVERY DAY?? Every Class?? Good grief!

If any of you have advise on how to handle the DS and/or his Dad please feel free to comment.

BTW, the jail comment from yesterday was referring to the boy..not me for killing him if that's what you thought. I know I said I favor spanking kids, but he is alittle to old for that.

Or maybe not.

Goodness knows nothing else is working.

Til later.....................

Thursday, February 8, 2007

DS Progress Report Update

I know you are all waiting for the results of DS progress report.


Are you sitting down?


Have you taken your Blood Pressure medication?


Do you have anything sharp nearby that you could hit your jaw on when it drops?


OK....drum roll.................................





3 F's
2 D's
1 C


Enough said.

Visiting hours at the jail are from 6-7pm.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

DD dropped by

my office as promised yesterday. She had gotten her hair cut and had told me it was shoulder length with bangs. You can't tell from this picture but it was longer than shoulder and the "bangs" were basically just cut hair framing her face. I'll post another picture below that shows it better.

I took her to the nearby school cafe because she was starving. All they had left (they were closing) was chicken salad. They made her a huge sandwich and she wolfed it down.

It's a good thing she stopped by because we got out the calendar and I wrote down her schedule (as best she could remember it) for the next few months. I did find out she is going on Spring Break the 9th of March so that really messed up my proposed wedding plans. ARG!!! Oh and speaking of plans, she saw that I had things written down for this Saturday. She sheepishly asked how long the first one was going to last because she had KD parent weekend events she'd forgotten to tell me about. YES, scheduled for this Saturday. OK so now I have a pancake breakfast in the clubouse (I also want to drop by the rescheduled yard sale that was rained out last wekend) then I need to meet her in Tampa for a BBQ and Bowling event and then I have a crop scheduled IN MY HOUSE that evening. No worries. My HSS keeps the house spotless, I'll make the brownies on Thursday night and I'll be back in plenty of time. At least she didn't call me that morning as she could have.

DS gets his progress report today. Last night at dinner we were discussing what it might contain. I asked him what he thought he was going to get and he said he didn't know. I explained that he could figure it based on the papers & tests he'd been getting back from his teachers. He didn't understand how. I explained that if he was getting "A's" he'd get an A on his report, "B's" would mean a "B" and so on. He wishy washed about his scores so HSS advised him to enjoy his TV, computer & video games because they may be gone soon. LOL!!

OH, I almost forgot. DD informed me she has gotten three parking tickets(on campus) in the last 2 weeks. She wanted my help paying them as she has no money. (SIDEBAR--I bought her a USF parking permit for her birthday recently so there is NO excuse for getting a ticket, let alone 3 in less than 2 weeks). What would you have told her?

I hope you have a great day and I'll leave you with another picture from DD's visit. Funny how she ALWAYS takes a perfect picture. My hair looked really great & I wore makeup (Shocking)yet I look awful in the shot.
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Breast Cancer Stamp

Please read and pass this on. It would be wonderful if 2007 were the year a cure for breast cancer was found!!!!

The notion that we could raise $35 million by buying a book of stamps is powerful! As you may be aware, the US Postal Service recently released its new "Fund the Cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research. The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland. It is important that we take a stand against this disease that affects so many of our Mothers, Sisters and Friends. Instead of the normal 39 cents for a stamp, this one costs 45 cents The additional 6 cents will go to breast cancer research A "normal" book costs $7.80. This one is only $9.00. It takes a few minutes in line at the Post Office and means so much. If all stamps are sold, it will raise an additional $35,000,000 for this vital research. Just as important as the money is our support. What a statement it would make if the stamp out sold the lottery this week. What a statement it would make that we care. I urge you to do two things TODAY:

1. Go out and purchase some of these stamps.
2. E-mail your friends to do the same.

Many of us know women and their families whose lives are turned upside-down by breast cancer. It takes so little to do so much in this drive. ((My future SIL was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December '04.))


We can all afford the $1.20. Please help & pass it on.

Enabling

Scrapbook stuff on QVC today. I'm going to try & be a good girl and stay away from it. Since I have to work it will help..except that I can log on to the QVC site on my work computer. That's how I managed to order the Cropper Hopper storage units I bought last time and still haven't opened.

Not alot more going on.
DS went to Karate last night.
DD is suppose to stop by my office today.
Prison Break and 24 last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hero's on DVR-don't tell me
Studio 60...still a great show...are you watching yet??

Tuesday so AI tonight..House...another great night of TV.

Have a great day and I'll "talk" to ya later.

Monday, February 5, 2007

TAXES and Dungy

Sorry I'm late this morning. Did ya miss me? I tried to finish my taxes yesterday and it kept closing down because of a fault with my Ebay toolbar. I gave up after 4 tries and went to watch the game.

Sidebar........

YEAH COLTS. Great game. I almost had a heart attack in the first 14 seconds of the game but steadied myself and rooted for my "adopted" team. I was still biting my fingers at the end, even with the lead and under 2 minutes left. I'm afraid I've been watching the BUCS for to many years to feel comfortable until the time runs completely out! I told my HSS that Coach Dungy probably felt the same way..LOL!

I must say I am so impressed with Coach Dungy's grace and the way he handles himself. I was very pleased to hear him say that as proud as he is to be the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl, he was more pleased with the way he & Coach Smith showed that Christian coaches can lead a team and win without doing any of the "junk" other coaches do. He's a great role model for everyone.

BTW, who else was disappointed in the commercials? Really subpar this year. The only one I really enjoyed was the Oprah/David Letterman one. I actually laughed out loud at that one. If you didn't find it as funny as I did you must not be a DL watcher and remember the "Oprah count down". The only other one I can remember liking at all was......hmmmmmm...I can't think of another one. Even the Bud commercials weren't as good as in years past. I liked the Dog that got dirty and got to sit on the Bud Wagon.
EDIT: My DS reminded me about the Cat wranglers. That was cute. He said he wished it was a real job. LOL!

OK, back to my taxes. I tried again this morning and it threw me out again. Since I never use the Ebay tool bar I went in & deleted it off my computer and then went back to Turbo tax and it went right through. I got it done and e-filed. I'm getting back $7 less than last year, even with buying the house. Guess it will count more after a full year of paying interest on the loan.

So, taxes are filed-Colts are World Champs-I got to see my neice/nephew in law & their kids-they got home safely-my son is home-my DD got to see the family-my HSS loves me----what more could I need or want?

Til later.......

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Altered Clock

I've been wanting to make an altered clock for awhile. Yesterday I found a clock for $1.50 at a yard sale and decided it would make an interesting project. It took alot longer than it should have because I wanted the "4" to be in the 4 position and that meant an odd blank space. I finally got it to where I'm satisfied. Now I just need my HSS to put it up on the wall for me. I could do it but, he enjoys doing stuff for me so why not let him?
What do you think??

Hope you are having a great weekend. Just a few more hours until the big game. I'm so excited. I sure hope I won't be disappointed when it's over.


GO COLTS!!!


Til later..............

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Autism fundraiser

Anyone that scrapbooks knows the name "Ali Edwards". She is an amazing talent and an amazing mom of a little boy with Autism. On her blog she has a link to donate to a foundation created by THE Kevin Bacon. His foundation is going to match the monies raised by the top fundraisers. Please click http://aliedwards.typepad.com for more information.

Surprise visitors & Karate Boy





My mom called yesterday and asked if I was going to be home all day today? I said yes and she told me to be sure I stayed home because "someone" wanted to drop by & see the new house. She finally admitted it was someone from Georgia and that meant my neice Jenna and her family. YEAH!!!! They came mid morning today. My sister came too so she could show them how to get to our house. That turned out to be a joke because my sister hasn't been here since we moved in. She got alittle turned around and had to call for help several times.



These are Jenna's other two kids. We tried to get the baby to stand with his brothers but he was tired and hungry and cranky so no deal. Jenna took alot of pictures that she has promised to email me when she gets home so I hope to get some great ones to scrap.


DS had his third Karate lesson last night. He really seems to be enjoying it. He's at his Dads this weekend. I called him today to see how class had gone. He said good and that he got his sparing stuff last night. I'd asked his dad to get it since I wouldn't be taking DS to class again until Monday.
Guess I'll find out tomorrow how much that is going to set me back.
Better balance the checkbook before then.
I'll leave you with some pictures of the new Karate Kid.Posted by Picasa

Friday, February 2, 2007

Super Bowl Friday & other thoughts

I can't believe the Super Bowl is this weekend. GO COLTS!!!!!!! I will be so happy if Coach Dungy is vindicated by a win. No one deserves it more, in my opinion, than he does. I say that as a Buc fan who was ashamed for the team when they fired him. I say that as a former BEARS fan (loved the Ditka team when the Fridge was running for touchdowns & McMann was the Man!). I will watch the game for the commercials like always but for the first time since the Bucs went..I'll actually care about the Game.


Greys..........good grief!!!! Great show. I can't wait to see what happens next week.

ER....good grief too!!! Can we say DNA? What a mess. Next week...do we see Abby finally agree to marry Luka? She kept referring to him as her husband last night even though she has previously refused to get married.

CSI..on tape......don't tell me!

LOST is back next week!!!!

Don't ya just love SWEEPS?


My DD called me about 11pm last night. First time I've heard from her since the 22nd. I tried not to give her any MOM guilt about not calling & I didn't give her any advise except to PLEASE be smart and go to class and get some sleep!!! DD if you read this, I LOVE YOU!!!!

I tried to get to work early today. I really did. I was going to take DS to the bus stop & leave straight from there. The bus apparently came early so I ended up having to take him to school. Got there at 7am. He informs me he can't be on campus until 7:15. Luckily for him (me) there was someone in the office and I nicely asked if he could wait in there. Yep. Great. Then I headed to Tampa and found out why people hate Morris Bridge Road in the morning. The traffic was backed up almost to Cross Creek. I left my house at 6:50am and got to work at 7:50.

Speaking of work.. We have to park in a lot approximately 1 mile from our office and take a shuttle bus to the building. Depending on your luck that can mean a wait of a few minutes up to 20 minutes for the next bus. We have a parking space at the building that belongs to our boss (yep..they can park here!!!) and she agreed to allow a lucky person to use the space on the days she has to go to another office.

Guess who's day was yesterday?

Guess who didn't know that until 4:40pm yesterday?

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

We are making a scrapbook for a supervisor that is retiring and of course I've been asked to help. We are supposed to be putting it together and doing the decorating today. (Thus the reason for my early arrival) Guess that means I'd better get my work done before we start as I'm leaving at 2:40 to go get my hair done. This three color (read that as Brown, GREY and blond) has got to go.

Hope you have a great weekend. I may check in or not depending on what is happening. I would like to post a few pictures so check back & see if I do.

OH yeah.....check out the post below. I did it late last night so you may have missed it.

Til Later....................

Thursday, February 1, 2007

I made the paper!

I didn't read the paper until I got home and almost fell off the couch. In todays St. Pete Times was an article on the Kidcare meeting. The very first paragraph was my comment about the Trash can (see post below).


OMG!!!!

I still have a job

so far.

I attended the meeting last night about health care for un-insured children in Florida. I finally decided to speak & was the 20th out of 21 folks that did. I told the panel of state Senators & Representatives that I worked for CMS and we hear the stories all day long of how the enrollment process stinks. I told them that we are convinced that there is a Trash Can sitting under the FAX machine the people send their applications to. Since the families are told over & over they didn't receive their paperwork & they must resubmit it...what else can it be???

I did also call the Chairperson of the Committee, a State Senator, "Girl friend" when we were talking as we were walking to our cars (You must say "Girl friend" like you are talking to a "Sister" to appreciate how funny or not that comment was) so I may not be out of the woods yet.

OH yeah, the back of my head was on FOX news at 10am when they showed film from the meeting. In another shot, I missed out because I was sitting in the first seat on the front row and they showed the front row but the other side of the aisle from me. Oh well.


If you know anyone that doesn't have or can't afford health care coverage for their children tell them to apply to the Florida Kid Care program (www.floridakidcare.org) . They are talking about giving back 20+ million dollars because they don't have the enrollment numbers to justify the budget. As a person who works in the state system, I KNOW they need the money. Families just need to be aware the program exists and then has the patience to go through the often frustrating application process.

If you apply and are told they do not have your paperwork...................tell them to look in the above mentioned trash can.

Til Later..............